ROBBEN ISLAND MUSEUM TWO-WEEK MAINTENANCE CLOSURE – an informational message from 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Robben Island Museum will close for two weeks from between November 01st and 16th, 2008 to carry out essential maintenance and other improvement projects to:

1. Repair and replace tour buses
2. Refurbish vessels
3. And, manage the invasive European rabbit population.

Following an intensive consultation process initiated by the Robben Island Museum, that included the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the State Veterinarian and Cape Nature, immediate action will be taken to avert an ecological crisis on the Island as a result of rabbit overpopulation.

While the precise number of rabbits is unknown, the current population is so large that it threatens to permanently damage the Island’s sensitive vegetation, and poses a serious threat to other fauna species, both alien and indigenous. They also threaten historical buildings and heritage sites on the Island. Unchecked, the large number of rabbits in an environment without much natural water will result in the harrowing death of many rabbits through starvation and thirst over the coming dry season.

After considering all the options available within the regulatory framework, a decision was made to implement a two-pronged approach that aims, firstly, to relieve stress on the Island’s ecosystem through a humane culling program and, secondly, to sustain a small, manageable population of rabbits through a sterilization program over the longer term. The programs will be carried out by Robben Island Museum in partnership with veterinary experts from the SPCA, the State Vet and other qualified practitioners and volunteers.

The decision to cull the animals was a very difficult one; however, there are no other alternatives available to restore ecological balance on Robben Island and to save important heritage sites from further degradation.

With 2AFRIKA, INC., you are always the first to know!

For further information on this informational Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS – Just back from southern Africa

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hello 2AFRIKA

I was very pleased with my trip to Botswana and South Africa in spite of a terrible allergy infection (not within your control).

All of the facilities were very good to excellent. The S.A. Safari Club is like an Oasis (excellent). Godfrey the driver is wonderful - they have a jewel in him and Chobe Safari Lodge was wonderful (excellent accommodation and great service). The Protea Hotel Kruger Gate was good (service indifferent and food not as good as Chobe Safari Lodge or The S.A. Safari Club). You could tell a huge difference in service level - Botswana much more attentive without bothering you. The Protea Hotel Kruger Gate - either not interested or not well trained. This comment goes for the hotel staff and more so the wait staff. The side trip to the Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side was wonderful.

One suggestion is to let people know to pack some extra clothes in their carry on for the flight from Johannesburg to the Victoria Falls since Zimbabweans ship a lot of cargo resulting in very little luggage getting loaded onto the aircraft (say 30 pieces only) no matter when you check in. For my first game drive in a life time we saw a young lion then we saw a leopard in a bare tree who came down while we were watching. We also so a young lioness go hunting for dinner one night - no luck for her. Great luck for us. The Chobe Safari Lodge Activity Center easily substituted game drives for river cruises - they were great - game viewing was so good we even chose not to go to Namibia. Game drivers in Chobe all great.

I would highly recommend not using Harold as a guide. No one that shared our game drives was impressed with him. He was dubbed the race driver of Kruger. Not that he sped - he decided he knew best and not concerned with what his customers wanted pictures of. Harold the game driver is not customer oriented. Harold at Kruger was like on a race track - you will see better - not one for staying around and seeing what might happen in the area when know "x" is in the area. He might even be a little prestigious against giraffe's and zebra's.

On our last game drive we were very lucky and saw all 5 of the ‘Big Five’ long before the end of the game drive. First we saw 3 leopards on the ground - 2 going toward the third one. Then we saw a white rhino on the road coming toward us. Later we saw one lion in the foreground with a lion, lioness and cubs in the background.

Overall I would highly recommend 2AFRIKA to anyone wanting to travel to Africa!

Thank you again for a delightful trip and a wonderful experience.

Do you do trips into Namibia?

For further information on this informational Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS – Just back from Botswana

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2008

NEW YORK, NY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hello Kenneth:

I know it has been such a long time. I have been meaning to contact you for some time now and figured since I have some down time I would do it now. We truly appreciate all the help you provided to make my birthday such a memorable one. Our trip was so amazing, we had so much fun! Africa is exceptionally beautiful and the people made us feel at home. Once again thank you and you will be hearing from us again. Take Care!

Sincerely,

Ella.

For further information on this informational Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS – Just back from South Africa

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2008

NEW YORK, NY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thanks for all the arrangements for our trip to South Africa. We had a wonderful time and I ‘proposed’ in Cape Town. It was a memorable trip and everything went as scheduled.

Thanks again for doing such a great job of arranging everything and making this a trip of a life time for us. I'll be back in Africa and will definitely be using 2AFRIKA and recommending you to friends in the future.

Regards,
Amir.

For further information on this informational Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.