Friday, January 30, 2009

Amazing Botswana: Free Flights!



Hills of Africa Travel is pleased to offer a great 7-night package to Botswana that will simply add to the incredible value of getting international airfare free.

If you book 6 nights or more on an African Bush Camps mobile tented safari, your charter flights are free!!! Botswana is one of the best safari destinations in the world. It offers incredible wildlife, stunning scenery, an exclusiveness found in few other places, and an enormous variety in game viewing. The cost of flying from camp to camp makes it price prohibitive for many, many travelers. Thanks to this deal, it is affordable for lots more people. But you must book by February 28 to take advantage of this deal.

We have put together a lovely itinerary that consists of 7 nights at 3 camps in Botswana, for travel February through end of May. The total package price is $4,550 per person and includes:

• 7 nights accommodation at 3 different camps throughout Botswana;
• All meals and drinks;
• All game-viewing activities;
• All charter flights for transportation between camps;
• Round-trip airfare from Johannesburg to Maun

The only additional cost is international airfare. If you put this together with the South African Airways special, you will be making out like bandits!!!

Talk about a great Valentine's Day gift!!!!

Call (704) 296-2644 or e-mail sandy@hillsofafrica.com to book!

Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized and personalized African Safari Vacations.

A Special Valentines Present - FREE Airfare to Southern Africa



WOW! We have just learned about an amazing deal with South African Airways. Imagine giving your loved one an African Safari Vacation of a lifetime.

South African Airways is offering FREE airfare for travel between January 23rd - March 31st, or October 31st to November 30th 2009.

All you need to do is purchase ONE economy class ticket from New York or Washington to Johannesburg at $1399 (taxes and fees of approximately $375 are additional) and you get ONE FREE ticket so you can take a friend, loved one or companion.

But you must book soon - you must purchase by February 16th to qualify.

For more information call Hills of Africa Travel or visit www.flysaaspecials.com

Find out how you can experience the magic of Africa with Hills of Africa Travel. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802 to learn more about our family safari and honeymoon safari itineraries.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

African Safari Vacation: Adventure Begins with the Big Five




African safari tours are the gateway to an incredible world of culture, spectacular game-viewing, stunning landscape, and thrilling adventures. Although safari travelers thoroughly enjoy the hundreds of exotic birds, peculiar reptiles, and cunning mammals, nothing is more exciting than the sight of one of the Big Five . . .

Once you recognize one of the Big Five stalking its prey or pounding the ground as it walks, your heart starts to pound and adrenaline rushes through your body. You know a creature of magnificent strength, size, and power is in the area. The grounds are quiet and the anticipation rises. Will there be a kill?

The Big Five are some of the largest and most fearsome game famous to Africa, and include the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo.

Lions are an extremely social mammal, traveling in prides with an average of 15 individuals.

Leopards lounge in trees to watch for prey and hide from predators. One of the greatest areas in Africa to spot Leopards is Sabi-Sands game reserve.

Rhinos (Black and White) are among the most popular animals still being poached today. Poachers sell their horns for large sums of money.

Elephants weigh around 12,000 lbs. and are the largest mammal on land. Large numbers of elephant can been seen in the Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Buffalo are usually observed traveling in large herds near water holes and can weigh over 1500 lbs. They have been known to attack and kill unfortunate hunters who moved to close.

The best African safaris to view the Big Five can be found in Kruger National Park, Sabi-Sands game reserve, North-West Province , Moremi National Park, and Mana Pools.

Adventure through the plains of Africa on an authentic family safari or honeymoon safari , and experience a world of true beauty and splendor. Hills of Africa Travel will take care of all your travel details and create a tailored itinerary around your preference. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Why use a Private Safari Guide for your African Safari Vacation?



Our very good friend, and professional African Safari Guide, Mark Homann of Bushspots based in South Carolina, very kindly gave us the answers to this very important question. Mark is a native Zimbabwean, who has worked as a private safari guide for over 15 years, working in some of the very best safari destinations in the world. We would like to thank Mark and Bushspots for taking the time to help us understand why we should use a Private Safari Guide.

An African Safari Vacation is all about seeing and learning about Africa's Wildlife and the environment they live in. By the time you entrust yourself into the hands of your guide, you will have traveled far and invested a great deal. You are stepping into a world that is so alien to you; you may as well be visiting Antarctica.

A safari guide's role is to manage your experience and to be responsible for your safety at all times. This involves a lot more than getting you in the right place at the right time. Your guide should be an interpreter unraveling the many mysteries that surround you. This is no easy feat and involves a life time of passion, observation and understanding. Now the guiding industry is a tough business to grow old in. A young guide must forgo many of the joys of modern life, work long hours for many months at a stretch far away from the bright lights of civilization for little financial reward. To gain the necessary 10 to 15 years of experience needed to be a Private Safari Guide there is one single quality that makes this small group of guides stand out within our industry, this is an unwavering passion and enthusiasm for sharing Africa's wildlife and wild places with you the guest.

A lot of African Safari Camps and Lodges have very good resident guides and a private safari guide is not always necessary. Whom ever is fortunate enough to guide you, it is important to remember, they work for you, the more you help the guide to understand your interest the easier it is for them to show you the Magic of Africa.

Many people have formed life long friendships with their guides and travel on an Africa family safari every year. It's always hard to say goodbye to your guide, but remember that memories are important, and your safari guide hopefully gave you memories to last a lifetime.

Why not make this year your year to take a trip of a lifetime?

Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African vacations. We offer spectacular adventures with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime. Call us on 1-877-845-4802 to talk with an African Vacation Specialist.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Animal Spotlight: Spotted Hyena




Scavengers. Carnivores. Hunters. The relentless spotted hyena will stop at nothing to snag a meal, even if that means stealing it from a cheetah. Usually hunters of the night, these aggressive creatures have the ability to kill wildebeest, antelope, zebra, buffalo, and any leftovers another predator might have abandoned in the brush. The aggressive spotted hyena have also been known to kill humans, but don’t worry, safari rides are perfectly safe!

Spotted hyena have excellent sight and hearing, and can run for long distances without tiring. When these animals hunt, they chase their prey until it’s exhausted at which point they devour the catch.

Among the three species of hyena, the spotted hyena is the largest and can be found throughout much of Africa’s desert terrain. They live in clans of approximately 30-40 members, with some reaching up to 80 members.

Peculiar Facts:

• They really do laugh! Spotted hyenas of course aren’t laughing because something is funny—it’s simply the sound they make.

• Unlike many other species of game, there is no alpha male leading the spotted hyena clan—it’s the alpha female that leads the clan. The other females are also superior to all males in the clan.

Spotted Hyena milk is made up of nearly four times more protein than cow milk.

Spotted hyena can be seen on African safari tours throughout much of the continent along with other fascinating game, such as leopard, lion, and zebra. An African safari vacation is sure to excite the entire family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Find out how you can Live the Magic of Africa with Hills of Africa Travel. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802 to learn more about our family safari and honeymoon safari itineraries.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Cape Winelands: Every Wine Lover's Dream




Experiencing South Africa’s world-renowned Cape Winelands is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should be at the top of every wine lover’s travel list. Nestled throughout the region are wine farms and estates full of rich history and wine culture. Many of these farms and estates date back hundreds of years ago and are still thriving today.

The capital of the Winelands, Stellenbosch, is considered the country’s most famous wine route. Here, you can visit wine and fruit farms, wine cellars, and museums full of the Winelands’ cultural heritage. The summer is the region’s harvest season and is an excellent time to enjoy a morning stroll through the vineyards, picking grapes and other berries. After berry picking, tickle your taste buds with wine tastings, while enjoying the beauty and magnificence of the sprawling vineyards in the background.

Franschhoek is another famous region in the Winelands, known for being the gourmet capital of the Cape and is another excellent place to enjoy exceptional wines. A spectrum of legendary restaurants can be found throughout Franschhoek. The region’s French roots explain the large abundance of delicious French cuisine found throughout many of the award-winning restaurants in this region.

Wine tasting, cellar touring, fine dining, and farm touring are a must when in the Winelands, as it boasts some of the best wines and food in the world. Indulge your senses with a variety of crisp white wines and the full bodied reds of Cape Winelands on a personal wine tour with Hills of Africa Travel.

We offer private wine tours that cater to any individual preferences. Whether you’re interested in the history of the wine, taste of the wine, or sheer beauty of the land, we will tailor your itinerary to your liking.

Learn how you can explore the magic of Cape Winelands and spoil yourself with the joys of world-renowned wines and spectacular adventures. Hills of Africa Travel will provide you with an itinerary tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802.

Monday, January 19, 2009

10 Reasons why Tswalu, Kalahari is a Must-See



Enjoy personalized services and luxurious accommodations at Tswalu in Kalahari, the largest private game reserve in South Africa, situated in the Northern Cape Province. This once in a lifetime trip combines luxury, adventure, and tranquility for all who visit. It’s not just a vacation—it’s a life altering experience…

1. The Kalahari offers some of the most stunning game viewing in Africa. Take an exhilarating safari through this captivating reserve and observe endangered species, leopard, lion, wildebeest, rhino, zebra, python, and so much more.

2. Use your photography skills to create a photo layout comparable to ones seen in National Geographic Magazine.

3. After your morning safari, relax in Tswalu’s tranquil pool—frozen drink in hand, or take a trip to the nearby prehistoric beaches.

4. For a new spin on the traditional vehicle safari, take a ride on horseback along Kalahari’s many trails and observe the region’s game, wildlife nests, and stunning scenery.

5. Taking a break from all the adventures Kalahari has to offer is simple at Tswalu’s Sanctuary Spa. Among their many spa treatments, you can treat yourself to a revitalizing massage in the privacy of your own suite. You’ll awake the next morning refreshed and prepared to take on your next adventure.

6. Tswalu’s dune dinning is a magnificent way to enjoy delicious cuisine under the sparkling stars and among the beauty of nature. Sharing a bottle of wine and exciting stories from the day is a great way to unwind before retreating back to your suite for a wonderful night’s sleep.

7. Tswalu cleverly combines luxurious accommodations with Kalahari culture and materials. Enjoy a shower inside your suite or outside when the day is beginning to cool. Internet and satellite TV are easily accessible for when you want to get back in touch with friends and family at home. The combination of high-end accommodations and cultural surroundings is sure to create a magical experience for the entire family.

8. The prestigious Tswalu, Kalahari was awarded National Geographic Adventure Magazine’s Top 50 Eco-Lodges 2009 and US Conde’ Nast Traveler 2007 World Savers Award, among many other awards. It must be worth experiencing!

9. For golf lovers, Sishen Golf Course winds through a Camelthorn forest, offering a truly unique experience for players. This legendary 18-hole golf course is one of the best in Africa.

10. Each season in the Kalahari boasts different climates which attract various spectrum of game, categorizing Kalahari as a year-round destination. During the rainy season, Zebra and Wildebeest migrate to the grassy areas where water has rejuvenated vegetation while the salt pans of the region fill with water, providing an excellent haven for flamingo to breed.

Find out how you can experience the delightful wonders of Kalahari on an African safari vacation with Hills of Africa Travel. Call us today at (877) 845-4802 and let us create for you a tailored itinerary around your every personal preference.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Walk With The Lions - Up Very Close & Personal in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Zambia



At Victoria Falls and now also in Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, you have the opportunity to experience to Walk with the Lions.

This is an amazing and thrilling opportunity for you to interact with 2 or 3 lion cubs for a period of about 90 minutes as they walk through the bush. You will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about their behavior and social habits.

The lions that you will be walking with range in age from 3 to 16 months old.

The Lion Walk is a very safe activity and is supervised and managed by an experienced and qualified team who have been working with lions for over 20 years.

Not too long ago, over 250,000 lions roamed the African continent. Today, there are only about 20,000 and the numbers are continuing to decrease. The Lion Encounter is an organization that "adopts" orphaned lion cubs and helps them to be reintroduced into the wild.

By taking a "Walk with the Lions" you are directly contributing towards the survival of the "King of the Beasts.

Here's what our clients, Jim Cumiskey and Warren Wagner, had to say about their experience:

"The entire time I was walking with those beautiful creatures just made me feel like I was part of a National Geographic special. Seeing those animals up close and personal like that was absolutely amazing."

Hills of Africa Travel is committed to giving you a trip of a lifetime. Contact us and we will help you plan your Africa family safari or African honeymoon safari.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

South African Airways announces new nonstop service from New York/JFK to South Africa



Hills of Africa Travel is so excited that South African Airways has a new Daytime Flight beginning May 1st 2009.

South African Airways has announced that they are offering a new daily non-stop service from New York-JFK Airport to Johannesburg, South Africa starting May 1, 2009. By adjusting their flight schedule, the new daytime departure from New York-JFK will arrive in Johannesburg the next morning and provide convenient same-day online connections for you to begin your South Africa family safaris, or take an Africa family safari to Botswana. You can even begin your African safari honeymoon in Mozambique by taking this non-stop day flight.

Here are the daily SAA flight schedules from New York JFK to South Africa, Johannesburg and on the return from Johannesburg to New York JFK:

SA #204
Depart JFK: 11.35am
Arrive JNB: 8.45am the following day
Non-stop

SA #203
Depart JNB: 7.05pm
Arrive JFK: 7.40am the following day
brief 1 hour stop in Dakar

Here are the flight schedules from Washington Dulles to Johannesburg and returning from Johannesburg to Washington Dulles:

SA #208
Depart IAD: 5.40pm
Arrive DKR: 5.55am the following day
Leave DKR: 6.55am
Arrive JNB: 5.20pm

SA #207
Depart JNB: 5.25pm
Arrive DKR: 12.o5am the following day
Leave DKR: 1.05am
Arrive IAD: 6.00am

Let Hills of Africa Travel plan your dream safari. Contact us today, and utilize our detailed destination planning services and expert advice to send you on a life-altering experience like no other.

Monday, January 12, 2009

10 Reasons why Victoria Falls must be on your "To Visit List"



Experience what it must have been like for David Livingstone to discover Victoria Falls over 100 years ago. Hills of Africa Travel can bring this rare opportunity to life.
  1. Victoria Falls is one of 7 Natural Wonders of the World that everyone should see at least once in their lives
  2. The incredible Victoria Falls, locally known as Mosi oa Tunya or "The Smoke that Thunders" has the largest curtain of falling water on earth, more than twice the size of Niagara Falls
  3. It's the "Adrenalin Capital of the World" with activities to blow you away such a white water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling and gorge swinging
  4. You can take an amazing Walk with the Lions - orphaned young lions are adopted and trained for re-entry into the wild
  5. Experience living on the wild side on Livingstone Island - an island perched right on the very edge of the Falls and is as close as you can get to seeing the water catapulting over the Falls
  6. Imagine yourself riding an elephant - this is an unforgettable experience. You will get to ride, learn about and interact with these amazing and truly magnificent creatures.
  7. Take a sunset cruise or "booze" cruise along the Upper Zambezi River and marvel at the beauty, witness game coming down to drink in the evening and learn about the area from our guides
  8. Visiting a local village is a must do activity - you will get to interact with the village people in a working village and gain an insight into their daily lifestyle. One of our groups even arranged a football match between them.
  9. Shopping for locally made crafts, stone carvings at the traditional craft markets
  10. It's a 365-day a year destination with amazing weather


Hills of Africa Travel is a travel agent for South African safari, we will plan your African Safari Vacation and let you experience the Magic of Africa. Contact us today and we will customize your family safari trip to South Africa.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Join Hills of Africa Travel for a trip down memory lane in Victoria Falls




David Livingstone said "A sight so wonderful that angels must have gazed down on it in flight". That's Victoria Falls.

Our friend and guide, Russell Gammon, who is an exceptional historian with a special interest for African heritage, is passionate about The Victoria Falls and Africa. Russell conducts the popular "Mists of Time" heritage tour in Victoria Falls.

Whilst with Russell, you will explore the origins of the waterfall and the people who have lived in the land anointed by its mists. You will come to understand their traditions and culture and how the environment shaped these aspects of their heritage.

You will follow the tale through the arrival of the first European explorers and then the years of colonization and finally liberation. This tour de force will give you a breathtaking insight to the sweeping history of Africa and how it has shaped the destiny of a continent.

Russell will guide you on a visit to the world renowned Victoria Falls and explore the geological pre-history of the area that created this amazing spectacle. You will then have the privilege to visit Monde Village for a taste of how the people of Africa live their daily lives which has largely remained unchanged for millennia. From here the tour goes on to "The Lookout" overlooking the Falls and the Gorges for refreshments and a presentation on the life of David Livingstone and the impact his life had on the course of African history.

We can't wait to introduce our friend and amazing guide Russell Gammon to you. Call Hills of Africa Travel to arrange a private guided tour of Victoria Falls and we will make your dreams come true.

Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized South Africa family safaris, honeymoon safari, Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa. Contact us today to Live the Magic of Africa.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Looking for a Fantastic Book to Read


If you're looking for a fun book to read, please consider "Tatenda".

This short stories book was written by one of my relatives, Anne Moore. The book is based on Anne's exceptional lifestyle and shows her passion for the people and wildlife of Zimbabwe. Anne worked as a Game Warden in various Zimbabwe National Parks for 24 years. Tatenda is a collection of reminiscences of her experiences amongst the animals, the management, staff, the bush, rivers and tourists of her time working for Zimbabwe National Parks.

Key Selling Points:
  • A highly enjoyable memory free of politics, blood and war;
  • Attractive and affordable reading
  • An easy, most enjoyable and entertaining read;
  • Particular interest among those who enjoy the experiences of wildlife in Africa and its bush
You can purchase this book through the following stores:

Books of Zimbabwe
Amazon
Sable Publishing House

For every book purchased, a donation of 25 pence will be given to Tatenda's upkeep. Tatenda is an orphaned rhino at Imire Safari Ranch in Zimbabwe.

Enjoy this video of Tatenda, the baby rhino - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgS7ucSHuJk

Hills of Africa Travel would like to share the Magic of Africa with you. Hills of Africa Travel specializes in planning family safaris, honeymoons and vacations to Southern Africa. Call us today to plan your trip of a lifetime.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Victoria Falls is the Adrenalin Capital of The World



Picture Niagara Falls twice as tall and twice as wide, and you still won't be prepared for the spectacle of Victoria Falls. The locals refer to Victoria Falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders. The mighty Zambezi River hurls itself off the top of a 300-foot cliff into a gorge below—becoming one of the most fantastic sights of the natural world. Nothing can compare to the sight of the roaring water, the white mist dancing in the air, and a shimmering rainbow of light above the land. The spray from the falls can be seen up to 50 miles away.

Experience an adrenaline rush of a lifetime at Victoria Falls

• Known as one of the world's best areas for white-knuckle activities, such as white-water rafting - you can take a full day or a half day's rafting trip - it is sure to change your life forever. Spectacular rapids and warm water, make it a "Must Do" activity. (The above video is courtesy of our favorite activity company, Shearwater Adventures in Victoria Falls).
• Seek adventure on the highest commercial bungee jump in the world off the bridge that crosses the Zambezi River, connecting Zimbabwe with Zambia. 364 feet of pure adrenalin rush.
Gorge Swing - imagine a giant swing high above the water ... now imagine a 230 feet free fall before you begin swinging. Stop imagining and try it out.
Flying Fox - imagine taking a running jump into thin air over the gorge, soaring horizontally through the air over the raging Zambezi waters below you - yes, keep seeing yourself doing it.
Zip Line or Foofie Slide - You're going to travel at a speed of 50 miles an hour, hurtling 1,395 feet across the gorge, whilst suspended 364 feet above the breathtaking beauty of the Zambezi water below!
• Take the Flight of Angels in a small, four-seat airplane, helicopter or microlight above the falls. Enjoy the rare opportunity to observe the rapids from a bird’s-eye view as you fly through the mist and enchantment of the Falls.

Yes, you can do it!

Hills of Africa Travel can bring your imagination to life, call us to plan your adrenalin activities in Victoria Falls and Live the Magic of Africa. We plan each itinerary to your desires and we guarantee a trip of a lifetime.