Africa Experiences Celebrating Black Heritage

Africa is famous for its wildlife, yet the continent’s people are as equally fascinating. There are over 2,000 languages spoken and a myriad of cultures, including some of the world’s oldest, that call this beautiful continent home. To explore the diversity of Africa’s culture and heritage is one of the most rewarding experiences.  

We are sharing a video of incredible cultural experiences in Africa, narrated by African Travel, Inc.’s president, Sherwin Banda.

Below are different ways guests on safari can learn how art, nature and culture has helped shape Africa’s black heritage and how each guest can celebrate it in the future: 

Inspiring Change in Kenya: 

• Kenya is a magical mix where both the modern and ancient exist. It is also a place where many family roles have evolved, and people have learned to adapt to changes in modern society. You’ll hear these stories in conversations with your Masai or Samburu guides while on your safari plus enjoy the following experiences.

• See first-hand the progress taken to promote education and wildlife conservation at the Lewa conservancy. The local Samburu are learning to live in harmony with wildlife by eliminating poaching, which was once a normality for their pastoral lifestyle to protect their grazing herds.

• Your stay at the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy provides the opportunity to explore Kenya’s first elephant orphanage, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuaryand learn about the awe-inspiring women of Kenya. Here you can meet some of the Samburu women who proved they are great at taking care of elephants, but also are a living example of how gender equality in the workplace empowers not just women in her community but in her country and the continent.

 South Africa’s Voices: 

• A historic figure for equality and peace, Nelson Mandela paved the way for human rights in South Africa and is one of the most respected black leaders in modern history. We can arrange to meet Christo Brand who can share his experience as friend and guard during Mandela’s infamous 27-year prison stay at Robben Island. Or you can visit the island to see how Nelson Mandela’s South Africa is brought to life in Cape Town and Johannesburg through a collection of soulful encounters with the people and places he touched in his efforts to end apartheid.

• Hear about the fascinating history of South Africa through its artists while exploring the Ellerman House collection and spend some time with artists at Ardmore who create colorful home decor, lively paintings, beautiful jewelry and delicate ceramics that demonstrate Zulu traditions.

Namibia’s Wild Existence

• Namibia is also home to the statuesque Himba people who are one of the last true nomadic tribes on earth. On safari, learn about their fascinating way of life. While based at Hoanib Valley Camp, you can visit one of the remote villages and learn why they live in cone-shaped homes, why Himba womenfamously rub their bodies with a red ochre cream to protect their skins, and how the Himba are able to continue their traditions today.

Rwanda’s Symbol of Hope: 

• For a country that was in turmoil just 25 years ago, today a united Rwanda stands as an extraordinary example of the best of humanity. A guided tourof Kigali Genocide Memorial gives a deeper insight into Rwanda’s darker history. The museum uncovers the history of the divisive colonial experience in Rwanda and background of the horrific genocide against the Tutsi tribe in 1994, which spanned 100 days.

• We recommend a few days in Kigali, perhaps staying at The Retreat, which showcases Rwandan arts, photography and more. Meet local artisans at the Inema Art Centre and revel in colorful dance and musical performances

• With the help of an interpreter, you can visit the Nyamirambo Women’s Center and work with a local weaver who educates you on importance of the craft, where the vibrant colors come from, and helps you make your own earrings or small Agaseke baskets.

2021 Tanzania Travel: Special Savings of $1,000 per couple on Luxury Safari with International Airfare

Elephant at Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania [by Sheena Rosentreter]

With news that Tanzania has reopened to U.S. travelers, I am writing to share with your publication a small group, affordable luxury safari to Tanzania that includes roundtrip airfare, $1000 in savings per couple.

Africa is still a very popular and sought-after destination for 2021 because it lends itself to many outdoor and social distancing experiences.

In a time of travel uncertainty, guests with Lion World Travel are assured enhanced safety and sanitary precautions and small, intimate groups, so guests can travel well and travel confidently. The only crowds that travelers will experience are with the animals.

As one of the top affordable luxury safari operators, Lion World Travel has crafted a scenic safari adventure to the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha on its Classic Tanzania. This safari includes small groups of 4-6 people and no single supplement fees (based on limited availability). While exploring the abundance of wildlife, travelers will encounter herds of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo, a vast array of birdlife, Tarangire's stunning elephant herds and tree-climbing lions.

As an affordable luxury safari, this trip includes one of the best safari lodges in Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, where each room boasts its own rock- enclosed balcony, and completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheater from far below.

Guests will also savor incredible dining experiences such as a picnic lunch in a scenic spot on the floor of Ngorongoro crater and multiple evening sundowners while watching a colorful African sunset.

This safari starts at $3,999 and travelers will save $1000 per couple ($500 off per person) on select dates in March, April and May 2021. In addition to roundtrip international flights from New York (JFK) to Tanzania on Kenya Airways, the safari also includes seven breakfasts, lunches and dinners, game drives, all transports, and a Lion World Travel Representative Meet & Greet upon arrival.

Those who book the safari will directly contribute to supporting local African women’s organizations of single mothers and widows who craft brightly colored triple layer masks. Lion World Travel is supporting these organizations by purchasing their crafted masks as a gift for safari travelers. Through Lion World’s support, local African women are able to make a living and support their families from home.

Affordable Luxury Safari

African Travel Inc. Introduces New Small Group Journeys that Make Travel Matter

Elephant Bedroom Camp game drive featured in African Travel’s Magical Kenya. Photo credit: Elephant Bedroom Camp

GLENDALE, Calif., Oct.21, 2020 – In a world longing for travel, Africa has started to reopen and is in high demand with luxury travelers. The magic of Africa awaits, and with an ever-changing travel atmosphere, travelers can discover the continent in a private bubble with African Travel Inc.’s new small group options to Southern and East Africa.

African Travel’s small group safaris are truly intimate with a maximum of six people per journey and depart with a minimum of four guests. In uncertain times, small group travel is a popular option and is in great demand for like-minded travelers, families and friends wanting to travel together. The diversity of Africa, with its open spaces and biodiversity, makes it a perfect destination for privacy and relaxation.

“We are seeing people looking to travel and we know there is huge pent up demand – especially for Africa,” said Brett Tollman, CEO of The Travel Corporation (TTC). “Our brands such as African Travel, Inc. have crafted trips that are absolutely right for next year and our protocols are the best in the industry. We’re ready to take our guests on the most amazing vacations in 2021.”

Each African Travel journey is jam-packed with special moments and hosted by locals. Since African Travel handcrafts each trip, guests have the flexibility to add on experiences uniquely designed to their needs. The award-winning safari operator is passionate about showing guests the heart of Africa and each safari supports local communities.

“Africa is personal to us and its diversity brings people together,” said Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc. “Now more than ever, Africa needs travel to support its wildlife and local communities. One in ten Africans are employed through tourism. With travel on the mend, travelers are choosing brands like African Travel because of the company’s commitment to sustainability.”

In partnership with the TreadRight Foundation, African Travel is dedicated to supporting the people, wildlife and planet by Making Travel Matter. Their mission is clear, to have a positive impact on the people and communities we visit, to protect wildlife and marine life, and to care for the planet we call home.

African Travel is the longest running U.S. safari operator that focuses on Africa exclusively and is celebrating its parent company The Travel Corporation’s 100th anniversary which grew from a single hotel in South Africa to a family-run collection of 40 award-winning brands around the globe.

“As our company (TTC) turns 100 years old, our commitment to showing guests our roots and authenticity has never changed,” Banda added. “We plan to keep the story of Africa alive for the next 100 years.”

To live the African dream, the NEW small group options below feature:

• Kenya in Style: Each departure highlights the spectacular year-round game viewing in the Maasai Mara. While staying at unique luxurious camps and lodges, guests are treated to Big 5 game viewing, spotting the ‘Samburu Five’, and participating in conservation projects like a lion tracking project at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

• Tanzania Wildlife Odyssey: With the trend to delve deeper into one destination, this epic safari explores Tanzania’s wildlife-rich game reserves including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire while bringing guests to new corners not often visited. On the northern edge of the Serengeti, guests spend time in a Maasai community and enjoy night drives and walking safaris that are unavailable in the neighboring national parks.

• Spotlight on Southern Africa: South Africa remains a popular bucket-list destination, topping many lists for travel desire in 2021. This classic safari has all the South Africa highlights from the top of Table Mountain to the tip of Africa and includes Victoria Falls. Guests enjoy private tours of Cape Town’s coastal delights, land and water safari in Zimbabwe and a visit to a private game reserve that has some of the most endangered and fascinating wildlife.

• Incredible Southern Africa: This safari invites guests to discover Africa like a local in ultra-lux style. Guests explore Africa’s past and present in private tours of Cape Town, including meeting Christo Brand—a former prison guard of Robben Island and personal friend of Nelson Mandela--before safaris near Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls where they’ll see how wildlife is being protected for future generations.

With guests delaying their travel plans until next year, many safaris have limited availability. African Travel’s flexible deposit options allow guests to book their safari with confidence.

To view the small group departures, visit https://africantravelinc.com/safaris/safari-vacation-packages

To book an exciting dream safari for your clients, contact African Travel, Inc. at (800) 421-8907, or visit www.africantravelinc.com.