East Africa Report: Nairobi

After a smooth flight from SEA to AMS and on to NBO, I was met on arrival by our Gamewatchers Safaris driver, Paul, and transferred about 10 mins to the Ole Sereni Hotel. The Ole Sereni is the equivalent of an "airport hotel" in Nairobi (Panari would be the other option, but my vote is Ole Sereni). The hotel is housed in what was the interim US Embassy after the 1998 downtown attack and before the embassy moved to the other side of the city. Public areas are nicely decorated and the bar/cafe area was quite chic; the Big Five Restaurant offers buffet and ala carte and has a pleasant outdoor area overlooking Nairobi NP.

I was in a standard room (road view, not park view) and I would highly recommend booking clients into a park view room. The room is a bit tight, but for a transit night, it is just fine. Bathroom is nice with shower, toilet and separate sink area. The writing desk is ideal for laptop (48 hrs of free wi-fi!) and there is safe and mini bar. Security getting into the hotel was quite good, with two different security checks for entering vehicles as well as a metal detector when entering the building. I feel quite secure, plus it is nice not to be downtown, especially when simply jetting back to the airport today to continue on to Entebbe!

My only complaint is that the hallway is quite noisy as it is tiled and not carpeted, so when travelers woke at 4am to leave for the airport, it was a bit loud. Service has been good and my breakfast was tasty - good Dorman's coffee, as well! The swimming pool looked quite clean and welcoming and eating on the verandah with the sun rising over Nairobi NP was lovely. Took me back to my college days in Ongata Rongai!

Stay tuned for further reports as internet access allows - heading to Uganda today!

Great Airfare Specials on SAA!

The “Ultimate Africa Sale” is available for purchase now through Nov. 15^th for departures between Nov. 1^st and Dec. 9^th, 2011, and Jan. 15^th through March 31^st, 2012

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS LAUNCHES THE “ULTIMATE AFRICA” SALE – OFFERING SAA’S BEST AIRFARES TO SOUTH AFRICA, TANZANIA, KENYA, ZAMBIA & MORE!

R/T Fares to Johannesburg, Cape Town & Dakar – From $910* (plus taxes & fees) …

R/T Fares to Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mauritius – From $1,170* (plus taxes & fees)

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Oct. 26, 2011) – South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, announces the “Ultimate Africa Sale,” with fares starting at $910* (plus taxes and fees) round trip, for flights from New York or Washington, DC, to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, East London or Port Elizabeth, in South Africa, or from Washington, DC, to Dakar, Senegal. Flights from New York or Washington, DC, to Nairobi, Kenya; Entebbe, Uganda; Mauritius; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; or Livingstone, Zambia; are being offered as low as $1,170* (plus taxes and fees). The “Ultimate Africa Sale” is available for purchase now through Nov. 15^th for departures between Nov. 1^st and Dec. 9^th, 2011, and Jan. 15^th through March 31^st, 2012. To book, please call 1-800-722-9675, visit www.flysaa.com, or call your travel agent.

“It is approaching summertime in Southern Africa, and the opportunity to purchase fares this low to so many destinations on the continent is hard to come by. With SAA’s extensive network of flights, getting there is more affordable than ever, as well as comfortable and convenient,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways. “With our morning non-stop service from New York, you can be in any of these destinations the following day, enjoying the winelands in Cape Town, safari in Kenya, or the beaches of Mauritius. And with our convenient direct service through Washington, DC, you’ll enjoy the urban sophistication of Johannesburg before embarking on the trip of a lifetime. The choice belongs to travelers with these low fares, which provide the ultimate access to Africa on its most awarded airline.”

South African Airways features daily nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with morning departures from New York JFK and afternoon direct service from Washington Dulles (with a stop in Dakar, Senegal) that offer travel convenience and award-winning service. Travelers in Premium Business Class enjoy 180° fully flat-bed seats, and in Economy Class enjoy the most legroom versus competitors. Every seat on board offers an individual on-demand entertainment system, plush pillow, warm blanket and amenity kit. SAA’s unrivaled network, featuring seamless connections to nearly 20 destinations within South Africa, and more than 25 cities across the rest of the continent, makes the airline the savvy traveler’s “gateway to Africa.” To complement this network, a world of privileges awaits those who join Voyager, South African Airways’ premier mileage program. To sign up, visit www.flysaa.com, and link to the Voyager icon. As a Star Alliance member, South African Airways is able to offer its customers 1,185 destinations in 185 countries and more than 21,200 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 25 cities in the U.S. through code share service with Star Alliance member United Airlines. Members of United’s, US Airways’ and Air Canada’s frequent traveler programs are able to earn and redeem miles on all SAA flights. For more information on South African Airways, please call(800) 722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com, where travelers can sign up to be notified of other great travel deals and vacation packages. For information about South Africa, visit www.southafrica.net.

# # #

The “Ultimate Africa Sale” Fares from New York (JFK) or Washington, DC (Dulles):

Dakar, Senegal (From Washington DC IAD only)	$910* (plus taxes and fees)
Johannesburg	$910* (plus taxes and fees)
Cape Town	$910* (plus taxes and fees)
Durban	$990* (plus taxes and fees)
East London	$990* (plus taxes and fees)
Port Elizabeth	$990* (plus taxes and fees)
Mauritius	$1,170* (plus taxes and fees)
Nairobi, Kenya	$1,180* (plus taxes and fees)
Entebbe, Uganda	$1,180* (plus taxes and fees)
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania	$1,180* (plus taxes and fees)
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe	$1,180* (plus taxes and fees)
Livingstone, Zambia	$1,180* (plus taxes and fees)

*TERMS & CONDITIONS: Fare is round-trip in economy class, includes fuel surcharge and is valid on SAA operated flights from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD). Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Departure taxes and Sept. 11th security fees of up to $240 (depending on itinerary) are additional and payable at time of ticketing. Ticket is non-refundable. $250 change fee applies. Re-routing is not permitted. Offer valid for reservations ticketed on or before November 15, 2011. Valid for departures from the USA between November 1 and December 9, 2011 & January 15 and March 31, 2012. Price is for new bookings only, is subject to availability, may change without notice and is not retroactive.

Green Season in Botswana!

Beat the northern hemisphere's winter blues by heading down to Africa to enjoy warm, sunny summer days in the comfort of some of the best safari camps in the world!

Green Season in Botswana is a time of plenty! Following the first spring rains, the bush comes alive as many of the species give birth to their young. With the explosion of new life, predator sightings are frequent as they take advantage of the glut of easy prey. Fresh, green and lush the bush is dotted with wild flowers. Birding is at its best as by December the migrants have arrived. With 550 colorful, rich and diverse species, Botswana offers some of the best birding in the world. Keen photographers will relish the kaleidoscope of colors, gentle light and dramatic summer skies.

New Frontiers Tours designed the following suggested itineraries around some of the amazing "specials" available during the Green Season. Like all "specials" there are booking terms and conditions, such as minimum stay requirements, and these have been taken into account below. These are just a small sampling of possible safari combinations - please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further suggestions.

5 nights/6 days, Livingstone/Kasane: 2 nts Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma + 3 nts Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero! 01 Nov-19 Dec 11, 06 Jan - 05 Apr 12, 10 Apr - 15 Apr 12. Priced from $1525 per person, min 2 pax.

7 nights/8 days, Maun/Kasane: 2 nts Leroo La Tau + 2 nts Camp Moremi/Camp Okavango/Xugana/Savute Safari Lodge + 3 nts Muchenje Safari Lodge! 01 Nov-30 Nov 11, 01 Dec-15 Dec 11, 10 Feb- 31 Mar 12. Priced from $2,562 per person, min 2 pax.

8 nights/9 days, Maun/Livingstone: 3 nts Nxai Pan + 3 nts Sanctuary Stanley's Camp + 2 nts Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma! 01 Dec-19 Dec 11, 07 Jan-31 Mar 12. Priced from $3,172 per person, min 2 pax.

8 nights/9 days, Maun/Livingstone: 3 nts Tau Pan + 3 nts Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero + 3 nts Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma! 01 Dec-19 Dec 11, 07 Jan-31 Mar 12. Priced from $3,222 per person, min 2 pax.

Prices are NETT and depend on dates and availability.

Introducing Southern Africa Guru, Sally Moon!

New Frontiers Tours is pleased to welcome Sally Moon to our team in Durban! Sally will be assisting our team of consultants with her in-depth Southern Africa product knowledge. With nearly 25 years of experience in the Southern Africa safari business, Sally is certainly one of the region's true experts.

Always passionate about travel Sally joined Abercrombie & Kent in London in 1987. This was on the understanding that if she was ever offered a job in Africa she would be on the first plane out!!! Her dream came true and in July 1989 when she left the UK for Johannesburg to join Afro Ventures, a small but highly respected mobile safari operator. One of the pioneers of tourism to Botswana Afro Ventures were soon offering tailor made fly-in safaris as well as camping safaris throughout south and southern Africa.

In 2000 Afro Ventures merged with Conservation Corporation Africa where Sally was Product and then Reservations and Product Director responsible for the tour operating division. When Phillip Lategan, who was originally responsible for Sally joining Afro Ventures, decided to start Journey Beyond in 2002 Sally was an obvious partner. From 2002 – 2010 Sally was a shareholder and Product Director at Journey Beyond. Sally is passionate about product and feels privledged that she has been part of such a dynamic and constantly changing industry that is full of wonderful people.

Seeking a change of scene Sally moved to Durban and has now joined New Frontiers as their southern African product “guru”. Looking to create a unique itinerary for your experienced Africa travelers, an extra-special honeymoon safari or a true adventure safari for those travelers looking to get way off the beaten path? Sally is your gal.

Security Situation in Kenya, 18th October 2011

Following recent incursions across the border into Kenya by Somali bandits, resulting in

the murder of one tourist and the kidnapping of four other foreign nationals in isolated

beach resorts and a refugee camp near the Somali border, the government of Kenya

gave assurances that serious efforts would be made to enhance security along the

border with Somalia to counteract the threat from Somali terrorists and to protect

visitors and Kenyans from further attacks.

The government has now taken action, as promised, to have a stronger military

presence along the land border with Somalia in the remote north-eastern region of

Kenya to stop any further incursions into Kenya by Somali bandits or by the Al Shabab

terrorist group. The Kenya Army has deployed troops along the border and has crossed

into Somalia to ensure that the area all along the border is cleared of any bandits or

suspected terrorists. Kenya is also giving air and ground support to the Somali

government, which is carrying out its own offensive against Al Shabab. At the coast, the

Kenya Navy is co-operating with the international navies present in the Indian Ocean

for counter-piracy exercises, and has naval patrol boats in the Lamu area to intercept

and inspect any boats coming towards Kenya from the Somali coastal waters.

As expected, the Al Shabab terrorist organisation has retaliated by issuing threats which

have been publicised by the international media but security analysts have pointed out

that they appear to lack the capacity for any effective military response. Western

diplomats in Nairobi have praised Kenya for taking prompt and effective action to

enhance security along the land border.

The wildlife parks and reserves in Kenya are all located far away from the border with

Somalia and have never been considered to be under any threat, while the beach

resorts south of Lamu are also considered to be safe in view of their location being at a

greater distance from the border with Somalia.

Visitors can be assured that they will continue to receive the normal friendly welcome

and hospitality for which Kenyans are renowned and that they can travel to Kenya for

safaris and beach holidays in the knowledge that their safety and security remains a

high priority for all of us in Kenya’s tourism sector.

Jake Grieves-Cook

Managing Director

Gamewatchers Safaris

& Porini Camps

On the food and wine trail in South Africa...

New Frontiers Tours offers FIT luxury and boutique-focused tours throughout Southern Africa. One of our specialties is creating itineraries that are unique and expose travelers to a different side of South Africa - something outside of the traditional safari experience. Our food and wine itineraries are an excellent example of a South Africa tour that show your travelers a side of South Africa that they may not otherwise experience. Our food and wine tours include most meals at gourmet restaurants, excellent wine specialist guides and top boutique accommodations. For more information on nett rates and how to confirm this tour for your travelers, please contact New Frontiers Tours or the Kusini Collection.

4 NIGHT FOOD AND WINE ITINERARY – CAPE SURROUNDS

DAY 1 WINELANDS LD

We set off this morning and head towards the Cape Winelands – an area characterized not only by superb food and wine, but breathtaking scenery and remarkable architecture. Our first stop is Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa with remarkable examples of Cape Dutch architecture. We stop at Lanzerac Manor and Winery, a fine example of this building style built in 1692, but also famed for its Pinotage – a unique Cape blend created by mixing Pinot Noir and Hermitage grapes. It’s fruity and it ages well. We continue to Paarl, where the imposing Afrikaans Language Monument allows us good views over the little town and Helderberg Mountains, before taking lunch in the delightful setting of Grande Roche at the award winning Bosmans restaurant (voted one of the Top Ten in South Africa).

It is a short drive from here to Grand Dedale, a magnificent restored Cape Dutch Manor House in the pastoral Bovlei Valley. Located on the wine estate Doolhof, a private wine tasting has been arranged with a special emphasis on the signature brands, including the Dark Lady Pinotage and The Minotaur, a blend in which Merlot predominates. Dinner this evening is taken under the expansive porch of this exclusive manor.

DAY 2 WINELANDS BD

A series of encounters with local producers in this culinary hotspot have been arranged today by special arrangement as the farms are not generally open to the public. We visit:

Upland Organic Wine & Brandy Estate, a small certified fruit and wine farm that has been producing world class organic Brandy, Grappa, Port and Cabernet Sauvignon for over a decade. For the past eleven years, Dr Edmund Oettlé and his wife, Elsie, have faithfully implemented organic farming techniques with great success. On your way out, pick-up one of Elsie’s beautiful African themed cards and a bag of Porcini mushrooms, which happen to grow on the farm as well.

Foxenburg Organic Cheese & Olive Estate, situated on the spectacular northern slopes of the Groenberg Mountain, where a herd of Swiss Saanen goats grazes on the certified organic farm pastures. The result is organic goats milk cheeses, from soft fresh Chevre, Chabris and cream cheese to aged-ripened hard cheeses such as Crottin, Shepherd, Caprino Romano and Foxtail. The Estate also produces organic olives and olive oil as well as oyster mushrooms. Estate tours and tastings are available by prior arrangement.

Buffalo Ridge Mozzarella, one of only two farms in the southern hemisphere producing Italian Mozzarella from original Italian water buffalo. The farm is run on natural principles with no pesticides, herbicides or other ecologically harmful substances allowed, and the owner of Buffalo Ridge, Wayne Rademeyer, will give you some insight on how the buffalo are kept and fed and how the Mozzarella is produced.

This afternoon, wine tastings in the valley can be arranged, or optional activities, including horse riding, mountain walks and a visit to the quagga project on Bontebok Game Reserve, where the extinct quagga is being successfully re-introduced through DNA cross breeding with Cape Mountain Zebra, are available.

Dinner this evening at Grand Dedale.

DAY 3 WINELANDS BD

We set off this morning over the Bainskloof Pass, passing fynbos covered slopes, deep valleys and cliffs, before arriving at the historical town of Tulbagh. Lined with historically preserved national monuments, it has perfect examples of thatched Cape architecture. We visit the beautiful Rijk’s Estate, where a tasting has been arranged at Rijk’s Private Cellar, before stopping at a highlight – Moniki Chocolates on Schoonderzicht Farm, where hand crafted Belgian chocolates incorporating tastes as varied as saffron, cardamom, chilli and black pepper are matched with wines by master chocolatier Niki de Wolf.

We stop at Twee Jonge Gezellen, operational since 1710, and the second oldest family-owned wine estate in South Africa, where we taste their exceptional sparkling wines under the Krone label, before heading on through the citrus valleys towards Roberston.

On arrival in Robertson, we check into the delightful Robertson Small Boutique Hotel, a marvellous synergy of historic Victorian architecture and contemporary chic. Amidst perfectly manicured lawn, herb gardens and swimming pools, is Reubens restaurant – a name synonymous with some of the best cuisine South Africa has to offer. The second restaurant after the original Reubens in Franschhoek, this new location is set to place Robertson amidst the forefront of foodies. Time to enjoy this charming hotel before canapés and dinner at Reubens this evening.

DAY 4 WINELANDS BLD

The drive after breakfast this morning takes us down the spectacular Franschhoek Pass overlooking the Valley of the Huguenots, who founded this town 400 years ago, and who’s tree lined avenues and bistros will charm you. We head to Moreson wine estate for a wine tasting before an alfresco lunch under the lemon trees at Bread and Wine restaurant, renowned for its creative flavours, whether it’s roasted pork neck with fennel, pickled peaches and carrots or artichoke risotto.

Time to explore the town this afternoon, a perfect walking location with plenty of small boutique shops before we check into Le Quartier Francais, an oasis of calm and reflection, with two exceptional restaurants on site. Dinner this evening is a highlight and has been booked for you at The Tasting Room, for a romantic, 5 course gourmet experience.

Overnight at Le Quartier Francais.

DAY 5 WINELANDS BL

A magnificent drive awaits today, taking the back roads through provincial farming areas and along the breathtaking Hemel and Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth valley). It is here that two remarkable estates are found: Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson, both of which produce wines influenced by the cooler coastal temperatures. Time for tastings at both, before arriving in Hermanus, a prime spot for whale watching in season (May-November). We continue to the nearby little town of Stanford, a small farming community, where a small local restaurant, Mariana’s, seats a few tables in Mariana and Peter’s house and serves organic fresh grown garden produce with incredible flavours – it has become an institution!

We return to Cape Town this afternoon, arriving late afternoon.

Price per person based on a minimum of 2 pax (Please contact New Frontiers Tours for NETT rates specific to your company):

R24, 419 pp sharing (16 Jan – 30 Apr 2011) GROSS

R23, 655 pp sharing (01 May – 30 Sep 2011) GROSS

Price includes:

• Private vehicle and guide throughout
• Meals as specified above (meals include all service fees and gratuities, but exclude drinks which need to be settled directly)
• Wine tastings
• 2 nights at Grand Dedale in a luxury loft
• 1 night at the Robertson Small Hotel in a stable suite
• 1 nights at Le Quarteir Francais in an Auberge Room
• 5 course tasting menu at The Tasting Room (excl wines)

Price excludes:

• Flights
• Drinks at meals
• Guide gratuities

Special Offers from the Porini Camps

The Porini Camps in Kenya are offering several new specials on multi-night bookings. Combine the Porini Amboseli Camp in the Selenkay Conservancy (near Amboseli), Porini Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta and one of our two camps in the Mara - Porini Lion Camp or Porini Mara Camp for a diverse and unique circuit in Kenya. Walking, night drives and open vehicles are available at the Porini Camps. For more information contact the Kusini Collection or info@gamewatchers.co.ke.

1) Porini Rhino Camp - Book 2 nights and get 3rd night free-of-charge : Valid for NEW BOOKINGS that confirm with a deposit by 31st October 2011 and for stays between 01st October 2011 to 20th December 2011. (Park & Conservancy fees are payable for the 3rd night, that is, US $ 70.00 PPPN at Porini Rhino Camp) N/B: This cannot be combined with any other discount or offer

2) All 4 Porini Camps - Book 4 nights or more at any combination of the Porini Camps and get 10% discount off contract rates : Valid for NEW BOOKINGS with a combination of the Porini Camps that confirm with a deposit by 31st October 2011 and for stays between 01st October 2011 to 20th December 2011. *This is a significant savings as the 10% reduction is off the entire Porini portion of the package, including park/conservancy fees AND internal flights.

3) All 4 Porini Camps - Book 5 nights or more at any combination of the Porini Camps and get 25% discount on per night nett rate from the STO rates : Valid for NEW BOOKINGS with a combination of the Porini Camps that confirm with a deposit by 31st October 2011 and for stays between 01st October 2011 to 20th December 2011. *Discount not applicable to the park/conservancy fees. For a full ground package (includes airstrip transfers, FB, drinks, all game drives & activities) this is an amazing value at a rate from US $ 315.00 per night (plus park/conservancy fees) in the Mara and US $ 251.00 per night (plus park/conservancy fees) at Porini Amboseli.

4) All 4 Porini Camps - We are also offering an excellent special offer at the Porini Camps for exclusive use of vehicle for NEW BOOKINGS that confirm by 31st October 2011 and travel between 01st October 2011 – 15th December 2011: Book exclusive use of vehicle at any of the Porini Camps at a very special rate of US $ 180.00 per vehicle per day nett (saving off US $ 195.00 per vehicle per day) and rack rate of US $ 225.00 per vehicle per day for bookings that confirm by 31st October 2011. This is ideal for photographers, bird watchers and anyone that wants to have complete flexibility on number and time of game drives.