“GIVE THE GIFT OF AFRICA” SALE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JOHANNESBURG or CAPE TOWN or DURBAN - starting from only $869 r/t + tax

With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to buy tickets with our “Give the Gift of Africa” Sale. South African Airways has launched new special published fares from New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to a myriad of destinations in Africa. With their convenient flight schedules via the Johannesburg hub, SAA offers some of the fastest connections to these exciting and adventurous destinations.

Booking/Ticketing Period: December 10 - 22, 2010

Travel Period:January 10 - February 19, 2011

Ticketing:Tickets must be issued within 24-hours after booking

Cancellation Fee:100% non-refundable once ticket is issued

 

About 2AFRIKA, INC.:

2AFRIKA, INC. is one of the world's premier African destination management companies focusing solely on Africa. Headquartered in New York City, New York, we meticulously prepare travel arrangements to more than 18 African countries and Indian Ocean Islands. We are engaged in every aspect of African travel planning including flights, accommodations, transportation, sightseeing tours, adrenaline activities and much more. We are extremely committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable' and 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of our 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!

2AFRIKA, INC. - a proud member of the AFRICA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

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

2AFRIKA, INC. is proud to be a selected member of the Africa Travel Association and its esteemed partners. As a member, we are obliged to adhere to the Africa Travel Associations code of ethics which are outlined as follows:

VISION

To bring the world to Africa and Africa to the world.

MISSION

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) was established as an international travel industry trade association in 1975 to promote travel, tourism and transport to and within Africa, and to strengthen intra-Africa partnerships.

MEMBERS

As the world’s premier travel industry trade association promoting tourism to Africa, ATA provides services to a broad range of members including: tourism, diaspora, culture, and sports ministers, tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, travel trade media, public relations firms, consulting companies, non-profit organizations, businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other organizations engaged in tourism promotion.

GOVERNANCE

While ATA is a global association, it is registered as a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association in the U.S., with its headquarters in New York. ATA is overseen by an International Board of Directors. ATA’s daily operations are run by an Executive Director and a management team, working closely with government, chapter and board representatives worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

Raise awareness of Africa’s rich and diverse tourism opportunities and products
Promote positive news on Africa
Help members increase business through exposure, networking and referral opportunities
Cooperate with public, private and non-profit organization interested in travel and tourism
Present opportunities for ATA members to brand, market and showcase their products and services
Collect, compile and disseminate information
Establish a code of ethical standards and trade practices for ATA members
Represent the collective voices of ATA members in promoting "Destination Africa"
Advocate for Africa as a leading travel destination in various international, regional and local frameworks
Achieve 100% membership of Africa’s tourism ministries
Strengthen African Diaspora relations as a means to promoting tourism to and investment in Africa
Provide travel specialists with a knowledge base of travel and tourism opportunities to Africa
Offer ATA members a variety of continuing education, training, learning and travel opportunities

ATA MEANS BUSINESS!

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!

YOU MUST LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Despite what they say, you MUST leave home without it! It is pointless traveling to Africa with an American Express Card – they detest it and will not accept it . . . if they do, you will probably face hefty transaction fees!

It is the opinion of this company that American Express is standing on 'shaky ground' as their actions have shown to be unscrupulous. Effective immediately, 2AFRIKA, INC., GAY2AFRIKA, INC., nor any other travel related service affiliated with the Kenneth R. Hieber Group of International Travel Services will accept American Express cards for payment of any services what so ever.

Do you remember this question? “How do you stop a rhino from charging?”

Simple answer – “Give it an American Express Card.”

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!

IMPORTANT - 2AFRIKA, INC. NO LONGER ACCEPTS AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS FOR PAYMENT!

2AFRIKA AFRICAN SAFARI SALE ANNOUNCEMENT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thank you to everyone who has taken care of their 2010 African Travel arrangements during our 'Safari Sale' which ends at the close of business today, Friday November 06th, 2009 at 4:00PM!

Sales have skyrocketed during the 'Safari Sale' making it impossible to complete every new reservation and transaction that came in because of the incredible Safari Savings.

Frankly, we have been unable to finalize all of the transactions given the time difference between New York City and Africa and the following decision has been made which I would like to share with you!

“IF YOU DO NOT YET HAVE YOUR CONFIRMATION IN HAND, PLEASE DO NOT BE IN THE LEAST BIT CONCERNED. AS WE RECEIVE YOUR CONFIRMATIONS AND/OR QUOTATIONS, WE WILL PASS THEM ON TO YOU AT THE SAFARI SALE PRICE – PLEASE ACCEPT THIS AS OUR GUARANTEE!

ADDITIONALLY, IF YOU HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED ANY PLANS FOR THE 'SAFARI SALE' BUT WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INCREDIBLE SAVINGS, BY MERELY REGISTERING WITH US (meaning expressing an interest to benefit from our 'Safari Sale'), SIMPLY CONTACT US RIGHT AWAY BY COMPLETING OUR CONTACT US FORM. BY REGISTERING FOR THE 'SAFARI SALE', WE WILL HONOR ALL 'SAFARI SALE' PRICES FOR YOU DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE WILL NOT GET TO YOU UNTIL THE START OF THE NEXT BUSINESS WEEK!"

It is our Mission to 'Keep Africa Affordable' and by completing the CONTACT US FORM, we will permit you to qualify for the 'Safari Sale' price savings . . . so act with haste . . . we will be taking registrations until 9:00AM (EST) on Monday November 09th, 2009!

We look most forward to being of service to you – to saving you and your family your hard earned dollars – and to assisting you in creating an African Experience of a lifetime.

With warm African wishes to you,


Kenneth R. Hieber
Founder & President
2AFRIKA, INC.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know the world's largest mammal migration takes place in Kasanka National Park, Zambia every year from October until December?

An astounding eight million Straw-coloured Fruit Bats arrive from the Congo to feed on the abundant wild musuku fruits.

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!

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that elephant herds regularly cross the Luangwa River in search of tasty food?

They can be seen leaving the national park at sunset, often visiting village gardens, but return the next morning at sunrise.

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!

SOLAR ECLIPSE - where will you be? If you're smart, Kenya is the destination!

WEDNEDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two central eclipses of the Sun occur during 2010. The first is an annular solar eclipse on Friday January 15 2010, and is visible from a broad track across Africa, and in particular, Kenya.

2AFRIKA, INC., renowned for creating 'lifetime experiences' has several Safaris in Kenya operating during the annular solar eclipse, and you’re invited to join any of our Safaris in our KENYA EXPERIENCE and our EAST AFRICAN EXPLORER which happen to be in Kenya on or before Friday January 15, 2010!

Review our illustrious portfolio, make your selection, sign-up and you’ll experience not only the “Beauty and mystery of Africa” (courtesy of Ms. Roberta Flack) but also one of the Universe’s most spectacular shows!

Contact 2AFRIKA, INC. for more details or visit us online at http://2afrika.com/ to learn more about a natural phenomenon that takes place on the ground as well as in the sky . . . an experience you’ll not want to miss!

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!

2 MADAGASCAR - 2AFRIKA REIGNITES SALES TO THE INDIAN OCEAN HIDEAWAY

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MADAGASCAR IS BACK and our highly acclaimed 1,000 Views Of Madagascar is in position in our Madagascar Collection awaiting the detailed itinerary as well as the 2010 pricing.

1,000 Views Of Madagascar is priced starting at $1,899 p/p + tax of $195 but prices are determined by season and digress by the number of passengers in your party!

RESERVATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR MADAGASCAR 2010.

For more details, Contact Us with an estimate of your departure date and we will advise you on the availability of service as well as the appropriate price by return email.

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!

BACK FROM ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA

Dear Kenneth:

Michael and I are now back home in Canada arriving at 7 pm last night.

I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your work at putting our trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana together.

We had a seamless itinerary with incredibly efficient transfers.

Ilala lodge at Victoria Falls was very beautiful and we would highly recommend it to other travelers. We enjoyed a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River (free drinks and appetizers) and a walk around Victoria falls with a guide (excellent). We added a full day rafting on the Zambezi which was awesome.... again highly recommended.

Our transfer to Botswana was very easy and we LOVED Elephant Valley Camp. Wow!! The food and accommodations were amazing and we had a tent facing the watering hole just in front of the camp. Their pool was also very nice. We did two game drives (in Chobe) and a Boat Cruise on the Chobe river.

The transfer to Pom-Pom Camp was a lot of fun - via Moremi Air - our pilot transferred us in our "private" plane and we even landed twice before making it to Pom-Pom. He even did a low fly by over the Chobe River where there was a HUGE herd of elephants....

Pom-Pom was an absolute surprise.......we were greeted at the camp by 5 women singing a "welcome" song in their own language....all in harmony.....we had a light lunch, a lie by the pool (is was 38 degrees) and then tea, followed by an evening game drive, complete with a sundowner in the park......we saw many lions and birds on this drive.......on our second day there, we had a Mekoro ride and learned a lot about the delta by a very experienced guide.....we had a nice break afterwards and then another awesome evening drive.... Our transfer back to Kasane was smooth (even though our aircraft lost electrical power and the pilot had to hand "pump" down the landing gear) this was Delta Air..... it seemed that Moremi Air had more well maintained and larger aircraft fleet FYI.

We had a bit of a rush through Zimbabwe border - our rep took our passports and visa fees and went to the front of a long line for us to expedite this transfer. We made it with plenty of time to the Victoria Falls airport and had an uneventful trip home.

We intend on contacting you for future travel to Africa.

Thanks again,

Brian & Michael

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!

AFFORDABLE MOZAMBIQUE FROM 2AFRIKA

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MOZAMBIQUE / BAIXO DO PINDA – NUARRO LUXURY LODGE (8-days/7-nights)

This includes round trip air routed Johannesburg / Pemba / Johannesburg with the services of SA Airlink, 7-nights’ accommodation at Nuarro Luxury Lodge including all meals as well as round trip airport / lodge / airport transfers

November 01 – 11, 2009 = $3,145.00 p/p
November 12 – December 16, 2009 = $3,435.00 p/p
December 17, 2009 – January 09, 2010 = $4,520.00 p/p
January 10 – March 31, 2010 = $3,743.00 p/p

Nuarro is a unique “beach & bush” lodge situated on the beautiful Baixo do Pinda Peninsula in Northern Mozambique. The lodge is situated on a tropical private beach and is surrounded by unspoiled bush with unique biodiversity. Discover hidden coves on the coastline or encounter enchanting traditions, history, & culture - the perfect ingredients for an authentic vacation experience!

Based on a strong concept of ethical and fair trade tourism, Nuarro is a pilot project founded, managed, and built by its owners with true passion for the local environment. Built with local materials, by local people, it incorporates genuine ecological awareness and social responsibilities. Some of Nuarro’s pilot initiatives include:

• Co-ownership of land with the local community
• Unique memorandum of understanding with the community for common benefit
• Safe, potable fresh water supply
• Agricultural, horticultural and small holding projects
• Land and Marine Conservation and introduction of sustainable fishing practices
• Multifunctional Community centre with education, health clinic, hygiene and sanitation programs
• Micro finance to small enterprises with support of local and international NGO´s

Main attractions

Private, sheltered with many places to relax! Facing north, Nuarro stands alongside sand dunes, surrounded by indigenous bush and dotted by secluded beaches. Each chalet has magnificent sea views and unquestionable privacy with its own access to the main beach and a private sundeck.

World-class shore diving

Diving is the passion of the owners/managers of Nuarro who are all PADI Instructors/Dive masters with a combined 30 years of experience in teaching recreational diving. The local bay's combination of dramatic continental-shelf topography, excellent water visibility, coral & fish diversity as well as easy reef access allows for world class on- and offshore diving suitable for all ranges of experience. The closeness of the continental shelf invites easy shore dives to the five pinnacles separated by white sand-falls and populated by abundant fish life and coral diversity. Along the shore more advanced divers can enjoy the “Baixo do Pinda Walls,” with drift, wreck and multilevel dives. Everywhere is a perfect opportunity for underwater photography. Many dive sites are still to be discovered!

The Lodge

Nuarro comprises 12 luxury beachfront chalets (of which 10 have a family option with an upstairs area for twin beds), panoramic restaurant with cocktail bar, centralized activity centre with beach bar and reception area. All buildings are situated over the dunes, overlooking the enchanting Memba Bay.

The buildings were designed by a French architect to allow the sea breeze to pass through, thus providing great indoor climate conditions all year round. The lodge occupies an area close to 10ha with access to the main beach which is 2.5km in length plus many hidden places to relax the day away. Guests facilities include a cozy library, TV, DVD room and internet access.

The Chalets

The chalets are very spacious with a large verandah, hammocks, and sun loungers. They are strategically placed along the dunes and amongst thick vegetation for privacy and minimum environmental impact. Each is decorated with individual touches depending on surroundings, beach entrance, front, and back views. Interior features include extra long king size beds placed on an elevated floor (twins available) with quality linen, lounge area and a cozy bathroom; inside and outside showers, wardrobes, large mosquito nets. All furniture and crafts are locally made.

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!

AFFORDABLE MOZAMBIQUE FROM 2AFRIKA

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MOZAMBIQUE / PEMBA – LONDO LODGE (8-days/7-nights)

This includes round trip air routed Johannesburg / Pemba / Johannesburg with the services of SA Airlink, 7-nights’ accommodation at Londo Lodge in a ocean view villa including all meals as well as round trip airport / lodge / airport transfers

Free unlimited home reef diving valid through December 13, 2009

November 01 – 11, 2009 = $3,583.00 p/p
November 12 – December 13, 2009 = $3,872.00 p/p
December 14, 2009 – January 31, 2010 = $5,332.00 p/p

Londo Lodge is a private Bush & Beach resort in northern Mozambique where guests can fully enjoy an exclusive vacation with the highest standards of luxury, privacy, and hospitality set amidst stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The lodge is situated on a peninsula just south of the Quirimbas National Park and overlooks the beautiful Pemba bay, the third largest natural bay in the world. The resort has only six private villas to guarantee full privacy. The resort facilities include an eclectic Africa meets Asia restaurant, idyllic sunset beach bar, first floor library and cigar bar, baobab bush outdoor grill area, breathtaking cliff edge swimming pool and massage facilities.

Each villa has its own unique, distinctive style, which is a blend of traditional sub-Sahara African, Moroccan, and Indian styles. The villas are built with local timber, bamboo and makuti thatched roofing and feature a king-size bed with English handmade mattresses, exclusive Belgian bed linen, air conditioning, a luxurious bathroom with outdoor shower, and a romantic private teak deck with sunset views. All villas have a fan and air-conditioning, king-size, mosquito nets and a hair-dryer. Two of the villas have a bath and a shower (Villa 2 and 7). Villa 5 only has an indoor shower; all other villas have outdoor showers only.

Londo Lodge has an eclectic restaurant that offers the best food in the area. Combining local traditional fish and rice dishes with Asian and European influences turn the restaurant into an authentic culinary experience.

Each villa has a catering service for your personal needs that includes in-villa meals, sunset on-board BBQ's or delicious picnics on secluded beaches.

Londo Lodge offers a wide variety of activities that give a true Bush & Beach experience

Water sport activities:

- excellent snorkeling right off the beaches
- superb reef and wall scuba diving with qualified PADI instructor
- big game fishing
- windsurfing
- fishing trips with local fisherman on request
- water skiing
- sailing
- sunset dhow cruises
- mangrove river trips
- boat trips to the Quirimbas archipelago islands
- canoeing in traditional Cashina's

Other activities:

- Guided bush & nature walks
- Romantic beach and bush dinners on request
- Pemba Town Tour
- Massage therapies
- Eco tours in the Quirimbas National Park area
- Ibo Island - Ghost Tour

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!

KEEP AFRICA AFFORDABLE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2AFRIKA, INC. is without doubt an American Dream come true.

Born from an insatiable desire to Keep Africa Affordable, 2AFRIKA, INC. opened doors to the American traveler in the summer of 1995. From humble beginnings, the Company evolved into a multi-million dollar corporation in just a little over a decade.

Despite the negative connotation associated with the 'dot.com' era, 2AFRIKA, INC. is a full service Tour Operator / Travel Agency serving passengers from a global audience as well as from North America.

Our World Headquarters is located at 111 John Street in New York City, just a few minutes from Wall Street and you’re invited to stop by (appointments preferred) whenever you are in Manhattan.

Now known as 2AFRIKA, INC., the company is manned by talented and experienced people who, like the Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber, were either born on the Continent or have visited Africa frequently for onsite training. Hieber sets the pace that drives the company and strives constantly to Keep Africa Affordable.

Others have tried in vain to clone the 2AFRIKA, INC. business model – it cannot be done. With Associates whose roots originate in Africa, we’re the only true African tour operator who can boldly claim that our passengers can rest assured that they will be dealt with by natives of the Continent whose tenure there exceeds a half-Century. That’s the type of knowledge that you need and its precisely the knowledge that we generously share.

Keeping Africa Affordable

2AFRIKA, INC. is one of the world's premier African destination management companies focusing solely on Africa. Headquartered in New York City, New York, we meticulously prepare travel arrangements to more than 18 African countries and Indian Ocean Islands. We are engaged in every aspect of African travel planning including flights, accommodations, transportation, sightseeing tours, adrenaline activities and much more. We are extremely committed to ‘Keeping Africa Affordable’ and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism’ but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of our valued passengers!

'Roots'

Our earliest roots trace back to December 1977 when our Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber joined the tourism and hospitality industry. Native to Africa, Hieber ultimately conceived and founded South African based 'The Travel Consultant' in 1984 specializing in retail corporate and leisure travel internationally. That company later became 2AFRIKA, INC. and incorporated in the United States in 1994. Our subsequent acquisitions and positioning in the global marketplace have resulted in an African owned and operated destination management company fully focused on its original founding mission statement – Keep Africa Affordable.

The scope of our skills

Together with our diverse and highly skilled African and United States workforce, our destination management skills include but are not limited to overland safaris, family safaris, culinary safaris, fully escorted safaris, private safaris, African honeymoons, inspirational & healing safaris, city breaks, luxury rail safaris, resort & spa breaks, self-drive safaris, Diaspora cultural journeys and Rainbow safaris.

The way we see it is 'Just Dream – We’ll do the Rest'

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!

AFRICA SAFARI - 2AFRIKA's preferred Okavango Delta Lodge

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE MIRACLE OF WATER - A scheduled 5 day Safari in Botswana - the Okavango Delta visits 2AFRIKA's preferred Okavango Delta Lodge - MOREMI CROSSING!

Let the photographs inspire you . . . yours from only $1,799 p/p for 5-days!

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!

What is KEEP IT AMERICAN?
Who is THE TRAVEL CONSULTANT?

AFRICA SAFARI WITH 2AFRIKA

“Dream on a dime”

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!

What is KEEP IT AMERICAN?
Who is THE TRAVEL CONSULTANT?

AFRICA SAFARI WITH 2AFRIKA

“Wilds of Kenya”

“Wild Tanzania”

“The week's best travel bargains around the globe, by land, sea and air”

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!

What is KEEP IT AMERICAN?
Who is THE TRAVEL CONSULTANT?

EVER COME ACROSS PHOTOS THAT YOU JUST CANNOT KEEP TO YOURSELF - they are too great not to share

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Look at these fantastic shots which define East Africa sent in by a 2AFRIKA, Inc. passenger as part of "In Their Own Words" competition!

We do hope that you feel the thrill as much as we 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!

What is KEEP IT AMERICAN?
Who is THE TRAVEL CONSULTANT?

AFRICAN SAFARI CONCERNS BECOME PRESCIOUS MEMORIES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Here is a list of the things that worried me most before I took my first African safari:

A)Coming down with malaria, sleeping sickness, typhoid fever, and pretty much every other disease for which I had, and had not, been inoculated

B)Finding that our lodges in no way resembled the 'touched-up' photos on the websites. I feared everything from shabby rooms and broken-down generators, to holey mosquito netting around our beds

C)Having to eat bad, strange food while my supply of Imodium dwindled

D)Being attacked by rampaging elephants, hungry lions, enraged rhinos – you name it – while stranded in our disabled vehicle, under the broiling African sun

E)Getting stuck with miserable boring people while stranded in above vehicle

Was I being a bit neurotic?

My companion thought so.

Tom seemed mostly concerned about missing out on one or more of 'the big five'.

Maybe that’s just how a guy thinks.

Here is what we DID experience on our trip to Kenya and Tanzania:

On our first day we had a relaxing afternoon and fine poolside dinner under the setting Nairobi sun. Wow – we’re really here!! It was surprisingly cool and pleasant.

After a good night’s sleep we met our traveling companions, and split up into three safari vehicles bound for the Maasai Mara. Our fellow travelers hailed from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, New Zealand, and Belgium. What a terrific group!

Our guides in Kenya and Tanzania were wonderful. Geevon and Amari were not just punctual, courteous and friendly. They were great drivers, and amazingly well-informed about the local flora and fauna.

They were also mysterious. On our game drives, they were in constant radio contact with other guides. Eavesdropping was fruitless, although one of our friends did speak a smidgen of Swahili.

We all knew something was up when our driver would take a quick detour, and we’d go flying and bouncing over the sandy, rutted tracks. We were rewarded by a group of young male lions enjoying a juicy cape buffalo, leopards in trees with their kills, baby cheetahs chirping for their missing mom, white AND black rhino sightings and the ever-popular mating lions. We saw 'the big five' many times over – and so much more. Tom was a happy man.

After an early morning game drive, or at the end of the day, it was delightful to return to our lodge. Even by American standards, they were never disappointing – and sometimes downright luxurious. We enjoyed lovely spacious rooms, sparkling swimming pools, and stunning natural scenery. How impressive to be sipping a cocktail while viewing a panorama of Mt Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro crater or the Serengeti plains. The food was varied, plentiful and delicious, the hotel staff always gracious and smiling.

The nights and early mornings were often punctuated by the sounds, and occasional sights, of animals moving about. While at the Hemingway Bar viewing area at Amboseli Lodge, we were treated to the sight of the very rare Kenyan pussycat mingling with the mongooses. We always felt safe though – even neurotic me.

And yes, some of the roads are horrible, and sometimes vehicles have flat tires or mechanical issues (ours did once – and we all got out and pushed while Amari popped the clutch), but it’s all part of the adventure………and a great adventure it was.

PS. I still have a full packet of Imodium in my medicine cabinet!

Judy Gilbert

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!

What is KEEP IT AMERICAN?
Who is THE TRAVEL CONSULTANT?