SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2AFRIKA's Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber and friend, multi Award Winning actress Christine Baranski rounded up an alrealy perfect 'Thanksgiving Celebration' with SOUTH PACIFIC, a musical set on a tropical island in the Pacific during World War II, in which a U.S. Navy nurse falls in love with a local plantation owner.

This classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, the winner of seven 2008 Tony Awards, features one of the most romantic scores of all time.

This epic musical romance centers on a group of American sailors and Navy nurses stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. Arkansas native Nellie Forbush befriends and quickly falls for Emile de Becque, a French expatriate and plantation owner, and Lt. Joe Cable finds himself in a passionate affair with Liat, the young daughter of Bloody Mary, the local grass-skirt peddler. As the war against Japan escalates, reality sets in for both Forbush and Cable, who struggle to reconcile their unconventional love affairs with their long-held prejudices and insecurities.

See it if you can - an incredible production with a remarkably talented cast.

Mamma Mia - what a night it was!

UNLEASH YOUR CLOSETED 'TRAILER-TRASH' FANTASY!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Here at 2AFRIKA, we’re known to always be ahead-of-the-pack as an innovative pioneer! And have we found a new angle on Cape Town for you?

The Grand Daddy in Cape Town is (innovative) and we like that! Its big talking point is its ‘penthouse’ trailer park, where a collection of vintage Airstream caravans nestles beneath the backdrop of Table Mountain. Each of the seven two-sleeper trailer suites have been conceptualized and designed by local artists making for an ‘Experience’ like no other.

Knowing us as you do, we have the best rates available and as always, we’ll share them with you!

Next time in Cape Town, Unleash your closeted inner ‘Trailer-Trash’ fantasy, and let us give you a fun, innovative and unforgettable experience in Cape Town.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

A FOND BUT SAD FAREWELL

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A while ago, a dear South African friend Wenda announced that she was returning home to Johannesburg. Wenda and I have known one another for as long as 2AFRIKA, INC. has been in business and have remained loyal friends for well over a decade.

She went on to become married and had two lovely sons . . . and now her and the boys and husband Simon are leaving the United States and returning to South Africa where Simon will take up his new position as General Manager – Southern Africa for Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Wenda came into Manhattan to say goodbye over lunch. In tow were Tristan and Liam and the four of us had the most wonderful afternoon at South Street Seaport located just around the corner from our office.

Tristan, Liam and I spend an afternoon playing along the boardwalk, catching balls, ‘washing strangers hands for we all know that we must constantly wash our hands to prevent swine flu’, and just having a fine old time running, flying through the air and giving one another great big bear hugs!

Finally, mom Wenda managed to get the three of us to sit still long enough for a farewell-parting photograph – we obliged! This is a shot of me, Tristan and Liam having one last big bear hug before saying goodbye.

Goodbye to you Simon, Wenda, Tristan, and Liam.

May the wind be at your heals and may your new life in Johannesburg be filled with joy and peace, much love and Simon, continued great success with your inborn talent of management in the Travel Industry – I wish you all well and I will miss you sorely.

This Thanksgiving, I give special thanks to have had the privilege of knowing Wenda and Simon and especially for Tristan and Liam for taking me out of the regular rushed routine of a business day and allowing me to be a ‘kid’ for an afternoon. I shall never forget you and I will never forget the big bear hugs we shared at South Street Seaport!

With deep love and affection to the four of you as you leave – the United States has lost a wonderful family – South Africa is receiving a wonderful family – and Virgin Atlantic Airways gets to keep one of the nicest and smartest people I know! You will always remain as a handprint on my heart for this ‘special moment’.

This Thanksgiving 2009, my first as an American Citizen, I give special thanks for ‘YOU’!

Kenneth

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

SECURE FLIGHT - DO IT NOW

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently updated its privacy notice from the notice originally published in the Secure Flight Final Rule. The updated notice more clearly communicates to passengers that failure to provide full Secure Flight Passenger Data may result in denial of transport or denial of authority to enter the boarding area.

Since providing Secure Flight data elements in the Passenger Name Record (PNR) is the best remedy for avoiding a boarding pass restriction that would force a customer to the airport ticket counter, travel agents should include all Secure Flight data elements in every PNR, domestic and international. Required Secure Flight passenger data elements include: passenger full name, date of birth and gender.

2AFRIKA, INC. is mindful of your safety and security at all times and will be following the instructions as set out by the Transportation Security Administration.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

2AFRIKA, INC. CONGRATULATES MFUWE LODGE – ZAMBIA!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MFUWE LODGE – ZAMBIA, one of 2AFRIKA’s preferred Safari Lodges has just been awarded the 2009 BEST SAFARI LODGE IN ZAMBIA Tourism Award!

CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US AT 2AFRIKA, INC. TO ALL AT MFUWE LODGE!

And who was there to receive and inquisitively review the honored award . . . none other than the Elephant family of the year! Mom, family, and baby boy Wellington who has become a national treasure in Zambia and probably the most photographed little fellow in the wild!

Keep up the great work Mfuwe – we’re delighted at your accomplishment and wish you well way into the future.

With warm African wishes from all of us here at 2AFRIKA, INC. in New York City.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

2AFRIKA TANZANIA SAFARI SELECTED BY MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2AFRIKA, INC. featured as "one of the best tour operators, and safari outfitters for every type of personality" in Martha Stewart Weddings!

Our superior 8 day Safari in Tanzania - DUMA, was Martha’s favored choice starting at a mere $1,799.00 per person.

At 2AFRIKA, INC., we can tailor design any number of Safaris to suit each individual couple from Duma to the ultimate luxury in 'Safari', but as always, focusing on our Mission to 'Keep Africa Affordable'!

2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber assists brides-to-be personally when it comes to Honeymoon planning and once the 'perfect Honeymoon has been planned', 2AFRIKA, INC. incorporates a Wedding Registry to which 'guests' may be referred.

Always innovative and creative, Hieber is a specialist in planning African Honeymoons.

For more information, visit MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. directly Toll-Free on 1-866-462-2374.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

LEAVE IT TO AMERICAN EXPRESS – THEY’VE DONE IT AGAIN AND YEP, THEY STINK!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yes – they are up to it AGAIN – the almighty AMERICAN EXPRESS!

Another fee is coming in the New Year for airline passengers and hotel guests — this time from your credit card company!

The message: Pay your American Express bill on time or forfeit the miles or points you 'thought you earned' for making purchases on your card during that month.

To get the rewards back, it is going to cost you.

Good old AMERICAN EXPRESS – glad we can count on you! 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber is PROUD to have 'by choice' CLOSED his American Express account and remains steadfast in his decision to NO LONGER ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS FOR PAYMENT OF SERVICES – 2AFRIKA is no longer (by choice) and American Express Merchant.

Say’s Hieber, “I would rather lose a million dollar sale than accept an American Express Card for payment, pay them a hefty fee, create a job for an American Express employee, and then put up with their intolerable business principals.”

AGAIN – 2AFRIKA, INC. DOES NO LONGER ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS FOR PAYMENT OF ANY SERVICES WHAT SO EVER!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

LONELY PLANET'S 1000 ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES – FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING TRAVEL AUTHORITY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Where ever you go, you want your travels to be 'EXPERIENCES' right?

Then you must own a copy of LONELY PLANET'S 1000 ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES available at a Barnes & Noble store near you or from their online store!

It is a remarkable collection of must-do travel experiences and well worth your investment.

Check out how many African 'EXPERIENCES' there are in LONLEY PLANET'S 1000 ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES – we do them all!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

VISIT PRES. BARACK H. OBAMA’S GRANDMOTHER ON SAFARI WITH 2AFRIKA

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Honoring BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2010, 2AFRIKA has launched a 'Visit Mama Sarah' extension, which with the companies usual modular format of creating Safaris, will be available as an extension to all East African Safaris.

'Visit Mama Sarah' takes travelers to Kenya’s third largest city (after Nairobi and Mombasa) and beyond, to Kogelo, the home of Mama Sarah Obama, grandmother of the current U.S. President Barack H. Obama.

The excursion itinerary is as follows:

DAY ONE

Arrive at Kisumu Airport where you will be received by our Local on-site English-Speaking Representative and transferred to your beach resort on the shore of Lake Victoria.

Overnight at Kiboko Bay Resort (Dinner)

DAY TWO

After breakfast, you depart with a picnic lunch and drive to Alego Kogelo the ancestral home the current U.S. President Barack H. Obama.

There, you meet Mama Sara followed by excursion to a local market where Mama Sarah used to sell vegetables assisted by her grandson Barack Obama. You visit a traditional Luo homestead in Kogelo where a local guide explains the culture and the significance of the layout of the homestead.

Then you visit the Senator Barack Obama Primary and Secondary schools and interact with local people.

Your afternoon drive back to Kisumu includes a stop at the impressive Kit Mikayi, a large rock with three rocks on top making it yet another major tourist site.Late afternoon transfer to your beach resort.

Overnight at Kiboko Bay Resort (Breakfast / Dinner)

DAY THREE

After breakfast, you depart on a City Tour of Kisumu with a visit to the Fish Market, Kisumu Museum, and Dunga Beach where you will experience fishermen arriving with their fresh catch in the morning on the banks of Lake Victoria. You return to your resort for lunch with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before being transferred to Kisumu Airport where upon arrival, our services end.

Prices for this extension digress based on the size of your party so please enquire direct for an appropriate price.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

AIRLINE PRICES SET TO ‘SOAR’ – SO BUY AND PAY NOW!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In an article published in the ASTA SmartBrief entitled AIRLINES WELCOME RETURN OF THEIR PRICING POWER today, it is abundantly clear that airline prices are set to ‘soar’.

During the past couple of months, airlines have gained back some of the pricing power they lost during the economic downturn. Travel-management companies are predicting that airfares will continue to inch up next year. "There's no doubt that prices are firming," said Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare. Seaney explains that domestic and international airfares rapidly declined from November through May. In June, the first domestic airfare increase took place. "For some context, there were 15 hikes in 2008 and 17 hikes in 2007," Seaney said. "We had a very steep bottom at the end of May and sort of a firming over the three or four months."

The forerunner of 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 2AFRIKA, INC. has seen an upswing in prices, which seems to be the new trend. What the airlines will NOT tell you is that if you reserve and pay for your airline ticket NOW for travel in the future, once you have locked in the price and have had the ticket issued, there will be no further charges applied at all.

That said, 2AFRIKA, INC. recommends that its valued passengers make their travel arrangements just as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary additional charges.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

If you are heading toward the ‘Fairest Cape’, we would appreciate your support!

UTHANDO South Africa is frequently asked what one should bring when visiting various community driven projects, and they recommend the following:

Art materials, e.g. paint brushes, paints, pencils
Ballet tights and shoes
Black shoes for boys and girls
Black trousers for boys and girls
Books and comics
Crayons
Coloring in books
Clothes of all sizes and for all ages
Dance clothes and shoes
Educational toys and games
Board Games (e.g. monopoly, snakes and ladders etc.)
Music books
Musical instruments
Non-perishable foods (preferable to purchase onsite at a local supermarket)
Pens and pencils
Puzzles
General school supplies
Skipping ropes
Soccer balls
Socks and underwear for children and the elderly
Sports Equipment
Strings for string instruments (e.g. violin and cello)
Toiletries (soap, towels, shampoo, toothpaste etc. - preferable to purchase onsite at a local supermarket)
Toys
Yarn and knitting materials

2AFRIKA, INC. endorses the honorable efforts of James Fernie and his associates who are making a remarkable difference in the lives of so many and recommends that you communicate with him directly via jamesfernie@uthandosa.org or info@uthandosa.org.

Alternatively, you may click here and use the online forum.

What seems like very little to you and us may make the world of difference to someone you do not know . . . yet!

Anything that you bring will be handed to the director of the particular project being visited and not to the recipients themselves.

Please keep visiting 2AFRIKA, INC. and watch the strengthening alliance between ourselves and Uthando (Love) South Africa!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

2AFRIKA NEWS - Wellington is now a 'standard feature' at Mfuwe Lodge with his mom & family

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Young Wellington has become a standard feature at Mfuwe Lodge now and spends each day roaming the grounds with his family.

These photographs of Wellington and his family were taken on Saturday, November 14, 2009!

ENJOY!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

DID YOU KNOW . . . some tails need no words!

RECENT VISITORS AT MFUWE LODGE - ZAMBIA

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

THE WINELANDS OF SOUTH AFRICA by Terry Kelly

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2AFRIKA ANNOUNCES THE FIRST FINALIST OF THEIR ‘IN THEIR OWN WORDS’ COMPETITION!

CONGRATULATIONS to Terry Kelly, author of THE WINELANDS OF SOUTH AFRICA that goes to print in the January edition of INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NEWS. ITN has covered overseas travel from budget to luxury since 1976, featuring candid accounts and first-hand travel tips from its subscribers, both independent travelers and tour takers.

Terry Kelly is one of twelve final entrants and is in line to win a Safari for two in Kenya in 2011.

To read THE WINELANDS OF SOUTH AFRICA, simply click the image for a larger view.

If you would like more details on our 'In Their Own Words' competition, please communicate with Gerhard Le Roux electronically via gerhard@2afrika.com

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that animal visitors often outnumber human visitors at Mfuwe Lodge? Recent 'guests' include sixteen lions that stayed for two nights, a pack of wild dogs, and the Lodges repeat visitors 'Wonky Tusk' with 'Wellington' her new baby boy?

This information comes to the 'world' from the 'wild' by courtesy of The Bushcamp Company - Zambia

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION PROTECTS THE NATION’S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS TO ENSURE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT FOR TRAVELERS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In keeping with our commitment to 'Keep Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism', but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of our valued passengers, 2AFRIKA, INC. announces that effective Monday, November 16, 2009, our 'Reservations Form' will change to meet the requirements requested by the TSA (U.S. Transportation Security Administration).

In advance, we thank our passengers for their patience and cooperation whilst we request additional mandatory information – your security and safety is of primary importance to us.

2AFRIKA WELCOMES ‘WELLIE’ TO MFUWE LODGE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009
NEW YORK, NY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

'WELLINGTON HAS ARRIVED'

To paraphrase the old children’s favorite . . . ‘Wellie’ the elephant packed his trunk and trundled off to . . . Mfuwe Lodge!

‘Wellie’ . . . or to give him his full name, ‘Wellington’, is the latest offspring of Mfuwe Lodge’s favorite elephant, ‘Wonky Tusk.’ Wonky Tusk has been a regular guest at Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia for a number of years, visiting every October and November to feast on the fallen fruits from the large ‘Wild Mango’ (Cordyla africana) tree in the lodge grounds. The fact that a safari lodge happens to surround this delicious food store is of no concern to her.

Why walk an extra few feet to go around the lodge when there are some nice steps and a tiled reception lobby to saunter through each day? Her family’s annual dining habits have been the focus of many a photograph, newsworthy article, and even a children’s book, but now the arrival of Wonky’s new baby ‘boy’ opens a new chapter!

At about 5.30AM on Halloween morning, a huge ‘elephant’ commotion came from the dense bush opposite the Mfuwe Lodge viewing deck. Trumpets and squeals preceded visions of many heavy, grey bodies rushing back and forth among the trees. Only once the racket settled down somewhat, spectators reported sighting a tiny, baby elephant in the company of old ‘Wonky Tusk.’

Speculation about her possible expectant state had been rife for a few weeks and “I told you so!” rang through the Lodge.

Amidst much delight, less than 48 hours after the ‘elephant’ commotion, Wonky and her family appeared at the lodge, accompanied by the bouncing baby boy, still not too confident of walking without tripping over his trunk.

In common with the rest of his family he made himself instantly at home, showing little interest or concern over all the clicking camera shutters and a considerable amount of “oohing and aahing”! Even the arrival of new guests from the airport did little to bother him or his proud mom. Wellie was totally focused on trying to negotiate climbing the Lodge steps, which first attempt proved to be a total failure.

In the week since his first visit, Wellie has returned every day, with mum, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and other family members in tow. Stair climbing has been mastered with the aid of a helpful trunk or two and a couple of gentle kicks from somewhat overlarge feet. Climbing down the steps is still somewhat comical, requiring a rather undignified use of an ample behind.

It looks as though Wellington (so named because of his arrival at the start of the rainy season, when rubber boots become fashionable footwear and the fact that the original Wellington also had a big nose), is now part of the Mfuwe Lodge family.

So remember, when checking in at Mfuwe Lodge reception, keep looking over your shoulder, you may not be the only guest with a heavy trunk!

2AFRIKA, INC. will keep you posted on this young fellows growing years!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

2AFRIKA Honors All Those Who Have Served – Veterans Day, November 11, 2009

We are grateful for your service, honored by your commitment and humbled by your ultimate sacrifice.

Each one of you will be forever in our debt and will remain forever like a handprint on our hearts including my own personal Veteran, Lionel Walmer Hieber (September 13, 1917 – May 05, 1994).

Kenneth R. Hieber
Founder & President
2AFRIKA

2AFRIKA CELEBRATES THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Thursday, November 09, 1989, jubilant East and West Berliners began tearing down the Berlin Wall, which had symbolized the Iron Curtain for 28 years

2AFRIKA, INC. and its associated partners celebrate the 20th Anniversary of this monumental occasion!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

2AFRIKA, INC., AMERICAN AIRLINES, KENYA AIRWAYS, form an alliance to introduce even greater Safari Savings to Africa!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Airlines, Kenya Airways, and 2AFRIKA, INC. have formed a strong alliance to bring you even greater Safari Savings to Africa!

Keep informed as the lower ‘air-inclusive’ prices start rolling out this week – you’ll be glad you did!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!