TripAdvisor under investigation ... they SHOULD be!

Since 2005, I have been haunted by KAREN BLIXEN (excuse my ignorance - but I thought she was dead) who posted this on TripAdvisor....


Tanzania is great. 2Afrika is not. After paying in full for my September safari, the company changed the advertised itinerary at the last minute downgrading hotels, adding travel time, and requiring additional border crossings. Several daily itineraries were not accurate, and hotel descriptions were sometimes completely false. Although all accomodations were advertised as luxury lodges, the company moved us to an economy tented camp for one night and billed it as luxury although it was clearly budget and my Lonely Planet travel guide said it was $30-50/night. Caution when booking with 2Afrika.

And then - everyone chimed in .... and I took the brunt of it! Someone posted this (below) and I was immediately held accountable ....

Baroness,

I’d be interested to know the name and location of the economy tented camp where 2Afrika moved you for one night.

Thanks

BTW, you husband’s twin’s son’s horse is buried just a few kilometres from where I live.

Then someone else (between the negative posts) posted this and I was immediately help accountable ...

I most of the americans complain all the time, i am French and i went to tanzania with 2afrika, it was a wonderful trip and the president of the company was all the time there with directions. we have to take into account that a safari means a trip to the third world. i am planning this year another safari with 2africa.

Marie Durand

Miami.

See - you can call yourself GEORGE W. BUSH and post something on TripAdvisor and just 'get away with it' which leaves me with a question and an observation ....

QUESTION - Karen Blixen came to life in October 2005 and posted something derogatory about my company .... now in 2011, it is STILL one of the first listings that you see when you Google 2AFRIKA ...can you imagine the damage that the Baroness has caused over 6-years?

OBSERVATION - people who posted 'other' sarcastic remarks about 2AFRIKA 'appear' to be me ... finally after no activity, for a long time TripAdvisor CLOSED the topic and yet, it still remains at the TOP of the search engines ... why is that? Are we all just obsessed for the want of BAD NEWS or the DESTRUCTION of other people?

I had never intended sharing my voice against TripAdvisor but now, since they are under investigation ... COUNT ON ME TO BE OUTSPOKEN EVERYWHERE I POSSIBLE CAN and Karen ... may your tormented soul rest in peace (you fool)! 

WINE ME, DINE ME, VALENTINE ME

WINE ME, DINE ME, VALENTINE ME is a 12-Day 'special' Valentine’s Day Tour to South Africa and visits Cape Town (5-nights), Johannesburg (3-nights), and the luxurious Kapama Karula Lodge in Kapama Private Game Reserve (3-nights). This private journey commences in Cape Town on Friday, February 10, 2012.

On this exotic and luxurious journey, GAY2AFRIKA’s guests stay at the African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel in Cape Town, the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg and Kapama Karula Luxury Lodge in Kapama Private Game Reserve.

Breakfast is included daily whilst all three meals are included on safari. GAY2AFRIKA’s guests (maximum of 14 to enhance exclusivity and intimacy) will enjoy a private morning sightseeing tour of Cape Town including Table Mountain, a private full day Cape of Good Hope sightseeing tour with lunch, and a private full day Western Cape Winelands sightseeing tour with lunch at Moyo whilst in Cape Town. At each destination, guests enjoy a 'welcome cocktail'.

In Johannesburg, our guests visit Soweto and the Apartheid Museum on a private full day tour and enjoy a full day at leisure for shopping and poolside relaxing. On Safari in the African bushveld two safari game viewing drives are included daily as are all meals, high tea, an early morning elephant back safari and our guests’ choice of a luxurious pampering spa treatment.

GAY2AFRIKA specializes in Tours and Safaris to Africa for the discerning gay and lesbian traveler, and keeps group sizes to a maximum of 14 guests for privacy, exclusivity, and intimacy. A GAY2AFRIKA Tour Manager will accompany our guests throughout the journey to ensure the maximum level of comfort.

On conclusion of the 12-Day 'special',  guests are invited to consider an optional extension to the nearby Victoria Falls for a 3-day – 2-night stay at Sun International’s The Royal Livingstone in Zambia before commencing their homeward bound journey.

GAY2AFRIKA’s exclusive WINE ME, DINE ME, VALENTINE ME tour is the perfect choice for single travelers, couples, and friends of the gay and lesbian community. For more details, contact kenneth@gay2afrika.com or call Toll-Free 1-866-462-2374 during regular office hours.

The Washington Post - This week’s best travel bargains around the globe.

The Washington Post - This week’s best travel bargains around the globe. 

With 2Afrika, save $300 and skip the single supplement on an African safari. The six-night Affordable Zimbabwe safari is now $1,599 per person, single or double. Depart June through December. Trip includes two nights at Lokuthula Lodge in Victoria Falls; four nights at the Hide Safari Camp in Hwange National Park, plus six game-viewing excursions; 16 meals; park entrance fees; ground transportation; airport transfers; and taxes. Info: 866-462-2374, www.2afrika.com. 

African Art Museum of Maryland Cultural Tour to South Africa - SOLD OUT

Today, the African Art Museum of Maryland Cultural Tour to South Africa set to depart from the United States on January 30, 2012, sold out!

The African Art Museum of Maryland Cultural Tour to South Africa will enjoy the superior in-flight services of South African Airways to and from the Republic of South Africa. Once there, the group will visit the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg. 

Accommodation is luxurious - in Cape Town, the group will enjoy the gracious hospitality of The Cape Grace, and in Johannesburg, the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel . . . both befitting properties for this celebratory group most of who are visiting the Republic of South Africa for the first time.

The 'accent' is 'cultural' and every aspect of the planning has included elements of fun, history, culture and 'historical importance'. Unquestionably the African Art Museum of Maryland Cultural Tour to South Africa will return to the United States bringing with the true sense of 'ubuntu', a concept that 'I am - because you are', and a true sense of being 'present' as all South Africans express the warmth of genuine hospitality!

South Africa - it's possible . . . if you would  like to learn more about arranging a group to South Africa, visit www.2afrika.com or 'One Voice From Africa' for more information.

Human Rights Day – South Africa

Human Rights Day is commemorated in South Africa on March 21 each year. It commemorates the black South Africans who were killed at Sharpeville in 1960, and those who lost their lives in the struggle against apartheid

Commercial businesses are closed on March 21 in South Africa in respect of Human Rights Day

South African Airways - a Star Alliance partner

South African Airways has launched a special promotional fare from their gateways in New York City (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD) to 9 destinations in Africa. This promotion includes SAA’s exciting and adventurous destinations in Southern Africa, East Africa, West Africa and Africa's Indian Ocean Islands. With convenient schedules from the U.S. and an extensive network throughout Africa, this gives you an excellent opportunity to visit Africa

International Women’s Day 2011

Grace Ethel Hieber

Grace Ethel Hieber

Today, March 08, 2011 marks the 100^th Anniversary of 'International Women’s Day' (1911 – 2011) and all of us here at One Voice From Africa pay respect to this monumental occasion and 'salute and honor' women around the world! Whoever you are and wherever you are, with respect, we applaud you! One Voice From Africa will be aired today in your honor!

I especially pay the utmost of respect to MY mother, Grace Hieber, today – soon to turn 89, she has been a pillar of strength to me my entire life!

Kenya on BudgetTravel.Com REAL DEALS

REAL DEALS on Budget Travel Online reported 2AFRIKA’s 7-day Affordable Kenya Safari as a discounted African safari adventure packed with game drives in Shaba National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Maasai Mara National Reserve. During this ‘special episode’ of One Voice From Africa – the official radio talk show of 2AFRIKA, INC., you’ll learn ‘Everything You Need To Know Before You Go’ on 2AFRIKA’s AFFORDABLE KENYA SAFARI – a scheduled 7-day safari in Kenya starting at $1,699 p/p.

Kenya Safari, 6 Nights, From $1,649

A discounted safari adventure packed with game drives in Shaba National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The most perfect place to end your spectacular Affordable Kenya Safari as featured in Budget Travel online today, Friday, March 04th, 2011 - the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa!

 

 

 

WANT TO SAVE ON SAFARI? ACT NOW!

Entrepreneur magazine has reported, "Travel and Tourism are back, and, by the end of 2011, will be better than ever." 

Indeed it is! 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates jet fuel prices are up 39% from a year ago and 'travel analysts' say that independent travelers will likely bear the brunt of the fare hikes unless they act now. 

Committed to Keeping Africa Affordable, 2AFRIKA recommends that its passengers make their safari reservations as far in advance as possible to avoid predicted price increases!

OPERATION SAFARI - Unforgettable African Wildlife Trips

ALL-INCLUSIVE EPIC
Tanzania and Kenya

One of the few affordable, soup-to-nuts safaris, the 12-night Grand Combo: Kenya and Tanzania tour from 2Afrika includes 17 game drives within the Ngorongoro Crater and in Serengeti and Maasai Mara national parks, overnights at upscale lodges, plus airfare from New York, Boston, or Washington, D.C.—all for a very attractive price. 2afrika.com, from $4,669 per person.

As featured on Budget Travel on February 28, 2011

One Voice From Africa – thrilled to welcome Mario Frangoulis to the show

Great show this evening on One Voice From Africa – thank you all for listening in! "Have You Heard" featured new and enticing trips to Cape Town and the Western Cape which you cannot afford to miss.

Botswana was the topic of conversation this evening brought to you by Botswana Tourism and National Geographic Entertainment. Botswana of course the location for the just-released "The Last Lions" by filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert and told by Jeremy Irons. Cause An Uproarand help prevent these magnificent creatures from extinction.

Ed Ewert popped in for "Behind The Lens" this evening and he shared some really valuable information with our listeners. Great tips, great presenter, great friend, Ed will leave to Zimbabwe in May with a group of photographers and we’ll be bringing you live coverage of his trip.

Zimbabwe of course formerly known as Rhodesia and the birthplace of an 'incredible' voice from Africa, Mario Frangoulis who is set to perform with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Dallas this March 9^th. Mario is going to talk with us on One Voice From Africa in March so be sure to tune in to that episode – and look for his music wherever you are! You can find him in the Apple iTunes store, Amazon.com and many other outlets. Visit Mario’swebsite to learn more.

Ard Matthews and the guys from Just Jinjir performed 'What He Means' and 'Sugarman' and the beautiful and very talented Natalie Gamsu performed 'The Click Song'. Natalie has just released her second album MISFIT – you can order your copy by clicking here.

Michael Gonzalez-Wallace joins us tomorrow with his segment 'Fit To Travel' and invites listeners to call in and ask him questions. He will give his first caller an autographed copy of Super Body Super Brain and 2 DVD’s.

Remember the New York Times Travel Show at the Jacob Javits Center this coming weekend. South African Tourism will be there and I will be joining them and delivering a talk on 'food and wine' – whatever you do, do not miss the Frommer’s – Arthur and his daughter Pauline are presenters on Saturday. Talking of the Frommer’s, 2AFRIKA is pleased to be featured in Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine (March issue) out in bookstores and newsstands shortly.

That wraps up this evenings episode of One Voice From Africa – follow along on Twitter and become friends on Face Book of either One Voice From Africa OR 2AFRIKA.

Safaris in Botswana on One Voice From Africa

“Have You Heard?” starts at the top of the first hour. This week, we’re focusing on safaris in Botswana. Learn how you can enjoy a safari in the country where “The Last Lions” was filmed. Ed Ewert presents “Behind The Lens” and teaches you how to take great photographs on safari in Africa. This episode of One Voice From Africa is brought to you by Botswana Tourism and National Geographic Entertainment.

2AFRIKA relocates to new office space

Effective immediately, 2AFRIKA, INC. has relocated its United States office to:

444 Washington Blvd., Suite 2518
Jersey City, NJ

07310

The Toll-Free telephone number remains 1-866-462-2374 and the 1-212-385-9770 number routes to the new numbers, which are:

Phone: 1-201-360-0558
Fax: 1-201-365-9553

After-Hours: 1-917-470-9996

The move enables 2AFRIKA’s President, Kenneth Hieber, to be able to feature ONE VOICE FROM AFRICA during the ‘Prime Time’ hours of 7 – 10PM EST.

2AFRIKA extends its gratitude to all of its valued past, present and future passengers for their patience during this transition which ought to complete its final stage(s) this week ending February 4^th, 2011.

AFFORDABLE OKAVANGO DELTA - A scheduled 7 day Safari in the Okavango Delta

2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

SECURE FLIGHT: TSA to Reject Reservations without SFPD

Collecting Secure Flight data is required with ALL air reservations. Please note that the Transportation Secure Agency's (TSA) Secure Flight rule has been in place for all domestic reservations since Aug. 15, 2009, and for all international reservations since Oct. 31, 2009. For reservations with travel dates on or after Nov. 1, 2010, TSA has announced that it will "no longer accept passenger reservations that do not contain full Secure Flight Passenger Data." Unless otherwise directed by an airline, Secure Flight elements must be in the PNR at least 72 hours prior to travel or if the reservation is made within 72 hours of travel, then Secure Flight elements must be included at the time of booking.

2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'