How to Prepare to Go Up In The Air - Nourishing Self Care for Flyers

The following article was kindly written for Hills of Africa Travel by our friend Vicki Heise, Founder of Live Your Healthy Life. Vicki is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and will help you discover the lifestyle choices that work best for you in making gradual, lifelong changes for your healthy life. To contact Vicki please see "Live Your Healthy Life" or call her on 614 735-3375. Thank you Vicki, for helping our clients and all travelers to Prepare for Going Up In The Air.

Congratulations! You’re getting ready to fly away on the trip of your dreams!

As you start planning and making a list of what to take with you, don’t forget to plan for that long plane ride. It can make your flight more enjoyable and make a difference in how you feel after you land.

Common complaints from travelers include swollen ankles, upset stomachs and stiffness. So what can you do to help minimize or eliminate these side effects?

What You Drink Really Does Matter
Air inside planes is extremely dry. A few days before your flight start drinking water to replace alcohol, coffee, tea and soda. These drinks can dry your insides out. Tell the flight attendant “no thank you” to these during the flight - keep drinking water to stay hydrated. Enjoy that cocktail or coffee after you’ve landed. If you have any concerns about the safety of the water on board, buy bottled water after going through the security checkpoint.

Eat Light to Enjoy The Flight
Traveling and not being on your regular schedule can be stressful. So eat light during the flight. Bring easy to pack, nutritious foods with you. Pick your favorites, like unsalted nuts, dried/fresh fruit, cut up veggies, cheese, whole grain crackers/snack bars and dark chocolate. Mix together nuts, dried fruit and dark chocolate chips for a treat! If your stomach starts to growl, dream about the wonderful meals you will be enjoying at your destination.

Tip for Your Tummy
For upset stomachs and to alleviate motion sickness symptoms, consider packing some dried pieces of ginger. You can now find bags of individually wrapped pieces at health food stores and many grocery stores.

Wiggle in Your Seat - Dance in the Aisle
Seriously! Sitting for long periods causes blood to not circulate as well as it should. To avoid the complications this can cause, move. Tighten your back end muscles and release, stretch your legs under the seat and flex your feet, bend your knees and raise your feet up and down off the floor, do anything that you can think of to not stay in the same position. Stand up, walk up and down the aisle, hop, dance, do anything that gets your blood circulating. Do this often, especially on a long flight.

Then sit back and enjoy your flight!

Disclaimer: Be sure to check with your physician before your trip if you have any health issues or concerns. These tips do not replace advise from your health care providers. The content and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be used to diagnose or prescribe forms of treatment.

Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you, a spectacular safari itinerary. Experience the perfect African family safari, or honeymoon safari in the diverse lands of Africa. To learn more about these amazing safari opportunities, contact us today at (877) 845-4802.

An African Safari Different From The Rest

At the southern bank of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe lies the Mana Pools National Park. Famous for its plentiful wildlife, majestic scenery, and unspoiled terrain, this Park is often referred to as Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Riviera. The river is an excellent magnet for a spectrum of wildlife, making a canoe safari a must.

These safaris are an outstanding way to enjoy game viewing from a new perspective. Instead of the traditional bumpy, off-road safari, a canoe safari quietly takes you down the Zambezi River. It’s so smooth you can even hold a cocktail while enjoying the surrounding wildlife and grandiose beauty.

The river is home to spectacular animals different from those observed in the dry arid plains of Africa. A canoe safari down the Zambezi River offers the amazing opportunity to observe wildlife not seen during off-road safaris. The combination of the quiet river, unspoiled nature, and canopying trees, can be matched by no other place on earth.

On your canoe safari in the Mana Pools National Park, you’ll be within feet of:

• Over 380 species of bird.

• An animal known as one of the Big Five—the buffalo.

• A sneaky crocodile lurking on the river bank.

• Elephants bathing with their young.

• Hippos charging in the water with magnificent power.

Build memories that will last a lifetime as you journey down the Zambezi River on a blissful canoe safari. Contact Hills of Africa Travel today at (877) 845-4802, and let us plan something special for you. The magic of Africa awaits you…

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.

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.

Where are you celebrating New Year's Eve?

We all like to celebrate the arrival of a new year, where are you celebrating this year?

I will be on a beach in Hilton Head, celebrating with friends and family.

Last year, our clients James and Jennifer Fox, celebrated in style at Azura in Mozambique whilst on their African safari honeymoon, and Dennis & Michelle Ventry celebrated with full champagne glasses at Kensington Place in Cape Town.

This year, the Heneault family will be celebrating at Makalolo Plains in Hwange National Park, whilst on their African Safari vacation.

Hills of Africa Travel would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy, healthy and abundant 2009!

Live the Magic of Africa - call Hills of Africa Travel today and book your trip of a lifetime.

Traveling to South Africa - How to Get There?

There are so many options for you to think about when planning for your African Safari Vacation.

One of these is flights and how to get there?

Hills of Africa Travel is here to help you plan your trip of a lifetime and we know the best and easiest ways in getting there.

South African Airways currently flies out of New York Kennedy and Washington Dulles to Johannesburg on a daily basis.

Delta Airlines flies out of Atlanta and New York Kennedy to Johannesburg on a daily basis. Here's a little secret - if you want to fly to Cape Town and begin your Africa family safari in the Cape region, you can connect in Dakar to a direct flight to Cape Town. Plus you get to go into the private Delta Airlines lounge and freshen up - magic.

You can also fly through Europe with night flights and a day to spend exploring in one of the European cities, eg. London.

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.

The Hills of Africa Travel team is ready to send you on a life-altering experience like no other. Call us today at 1-877-845-4802, or email us at hoainfo@hillsofafrica.com.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

We would like to wish all of our clients, friends, family and travelers to Africa a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Here are some translations for "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" in the African languages:

Afrikaans: Geseënde Kersfees en 'n gelukkige nuwe jaar
Somali: Ciid wanaagsan iyo sanad cusub oo fiican
Swahili: Krismasi Njema / Heri ya krismas
Xhosa: Siniqwenelela Ikrisimesi Emnandi Nonyaka Omtsha Ozele Iintsikelelo
Zulu: Sinifesela uKhisimusi oMuhle noNyaka oMusha oNempumelelo

Hills of Africa Travel offers customized itinerary planning and guidance on travel to Southern Africa. To book your trip of a lifetime, contact us.

Animal Spotlight: The Cheetah

Known as the world's fastest land animal, the cheetah falls at the bottom of the hierarchy of big cats, with the lion first and the leopard second. The cheetah is mostly a solitary animal and does not benefit from pooling of resources when it comes to kills, like the lion prides.

The secret to a cheetah's speed is its supple spine, which coils and uncoils like a spring, catapulting the cat forward. In the cheetah, the hind limbs push sequentially, rather than together, as in slower animals. Thus for about half the time, a running cheetah has all four feet off the ground and is literally flying. In the air, the flying cheetah moves so fast that it uses its tail as a rudder.

Such speed demands a short, enormous surge of energy. On its hunts, the cheetah is well aware of the limits of its built-for-speed body. Most other cats hunt at night and ambush their prey. Cheetahs will hunt at night, but are frequently seen hunting in the early morning or late afternoon. A cheetah stalks its prey until only about 50 yards separate the hunter and the hunted. At this point the cheetah charges, its elongated eyes giving it a wide-angle view as the prey tries to evade with tight turns. Lions give up the chase after 100 yards or so, but cheetahs can run more that three miles, at an average speed of 45 miles per hour. The hunt may end in a sprint that lasts from 20 seconds to 60 seconds.

Here are five fantastic safari destinations to see the cheetah:

1. Kruger National Park
2. Okavango Delta
3. Hwange National Park
4. South Luangwa National Park
5. Madikwe Game Reserve

Another exciting and educating way to spend time with cheetahs, is to visit The Cheetah Outreach program at Spier in Stellenbosch. You can visit for the day and spend time with the cheetahs. Cheetah Outreach is a fantastic program by promoting the survival of the cheetah through environmental education.

Book a trip with Hills of Africa Travel and we will guarantee you Live the Magic of Africa. Contact us today and we can help you plan your trip of a lifetime.

Now is a great time to book a Safari to South Africa

With the strong US dollar to the South African Rand, NOW is a good time to start booking your travel to South Africa. The current exchange rate is 10 ZAR to 1 USD - WOW!

Even if you are only planning to travel in August of 2009, you should consider booking your travel now.

Why?

Because if you book and pre-pay all South African costs, then you are locked in at today's very good exchange rate and we are able to pass on fantastic savings to you.

Imagine all the amazing experiences you could have:

• Walk to the top of Table Mountain and have a picnic whilst taking in the beautiful scenery below you
• Take a wine tour and taste some of the best South African wines in the Winelands
  
• Go on safari and watch lions lazing under trees, and sit back whilst watching a huge herd of elephant walk right past you
• Stay at Birkenhead House in Hermanus where you will see amazing whale sightings from your own balcony
• Take a tour along the famed Cape Point Peninsula where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, see some of the most breathtaking scenery
  
• See African penguins
  

Hills of Africa Travel customizes all of our safari vacations to South Africa and will create a trip of a lifetime. Call us today and we will make certain you Live the Magic of Africa.

Amazing Sightings on Safari

Imagine what memories this family returned with? Our friend and professional private guide, Mark Homann, took this clip whilst private guiding in Zimbabwe.

Click HERE to see an amazing sighting on video.

Safaris are memories. You adventure into the bush to see The Big Five up close and personal. You want to Live the Magic of Africa.

Hills of Africa Travel creates memories of a lifetime. Call us today and we will plan a memory filled vacation with The Big Five up close and personal.

Hills of Africa Travel is so proud of our new consultants

Hills of Africa Travel is so pleased to announce that we have two new consultants. Actually one new and one we've never wanted to share with you because she's so brilliant.

Michelle Potuzak joined Hills of Africa Travel in January 2008. We absolutely love her and we haven't told you about her because we didn't want to share our secret. But she's too wonderful not to share. Michelle is so excited to be sharing her love of animals, safari, Cape Town and Africa with you.


We have just added Marcia Sandry to our growing company and we are so excited that she's decided to come work with us. Marcia is so looking forward to sharing the Magic of Africa with you.

So come visit us at Hills of Africa Travel and we look forward to giving you an Africa trip of a lifetime. We can't wait for you to Live the Magic of Africa.

Hills of Africa Travel wants you to Live the Magic of Africa

Hills of Africa Travel wants you to Live the Magic of Africa, so we pride ourselves in keeping you up to date on travel information.


Please note that with immediate effect ALL persons entering Zambia from Zimbabwe will be required to present themselves to a health officer (near the entrance boom at Victoria Falls Border) where they will be asked to wash their hands in a treated solution (this is flowing from a tap on a container) and then to walk through a treated mat (much the same as with the foot & mouth control when entering Botswana). This entire process will only take a couple of minutes, however if there are large volumes of border crossers, the process may take longer.


We can't wait for you to Live the Magic of Africa. Hills of Africa Travel creates customized trip of a lifetime travel to Africa.