Untitled Document

July 16, 2009

South Africa, Tonga Beach Lodge Probably the best thing about working in the travel industry is the constant search for the perfect vacation. As a mom of three young kids, right now my focus is on the perfect family vacation. For me, that means a stunning beach that has easy access from roomy accommodations with multiple bedrooms and possibly a kitchen (but I don't want to be doing much work). The destination should be accessed by a direct flight no more than 3 hours in length and if it's an international flight, I want customs to run smoothly. I want decent activities for the kids, dare I say a kids program, but I don't want large crowds or to feel like I have to hurry up to get in line. Good food, great culture, awesome service and nice people are also on the list. You might be asking, where is this destination? I don't think I have found one that offers everything on my wish list, but the Mayan Riviera part of Mexico is pretty close. We have been there a few times and really enjoyed it.

Zambia Wilderness lodge Before children, my perfect vacation search was focused on the perfect honeymoon. I found that one, but it was AFTER I took my own honeymoon. Hands down, I believe the perfect honeymoon destination is in Africa. To be more specific, it's staying in a small, luxury safari camp on the Zambezi River in Zambia. So many honeymooners focus their search on beach destinations. I did myself. I have to say that I found it a bit creepy and certainly annoying that when I arrived at that gorgeous, luxurious, Caribbean resort, with all the elegant bells and whistles, that I was one of many honeymooners. I wanted to feel special because I was on my honeymoon... but here, I was a number, when it came to honeymooners at the same resort.

Zambia So if you are in wedding and honeymoon planning mode, take my advice. You must seriously consider Africa as an option. It offers exceptional, once in a lifetime experiences, romance that cannot be matched in most places, amazing food and décor that will pleasantly surprise you, a total absence from the real world - no cell phones, TVs, computers, etc. For me, the Zambezi River is simply magical. There is something about combining the activities of a regular safari with being on a river. The river gives additional options like canoeing to an island where the staff have set up a surprise picnic lunch. The sunsets are more beautiful on the river too. Then there is the chance to see the water based wildlife like crocodiles, hippos and many, many birds. Best of all, lodges on the Zambezi River are small which means the managers have the time to bend over backwards for their VERY SPECIAL honeymoon clients. I can guarantee, you won't be a number.

This week's e-zine article focuses on the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, possibly one of my favorite places in all of Africa. I hope you enjoy!

Meredith Hill

Lower Zambezi National Park: Immerse Yourself in the Natural World of Zambia

Since the Lower Zambezi National Park's most highly acclaimed activities revolve around the Zambezi River, visitors enjoy additional variety in their game viewing including excellent fishing, river cruising, and canoe safaris. For those looking to gain a fresh perspective on nature, a canoe safari down the Lower Zambezi River is a must.

Highly experienced and licensed guides bring travelers through the winding channels of the Zambezi in their two-seater canoes, providing them with an extremely knowledgeable insight into the natural surroundings of the region.

A canoe safari's ability to fuse relaxation with excitement is indescribable. With currents strong enough to comfortably guide visitors down the river, high concentrations of animals on the River banks, and breath-taking backdrops, it's no wonder travelers who visit the Lower Zambezi National Park are raving about its charming characteristics. Hippos, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, buffalo, and baboons are just a few of the many animals visitors observe on a Zambezi River canoe safari.

Some of the Lower Zambezi National Park's most prestigious camps include the Chiawa Camp and the Old Mondoro.

Chiawa Camp, which was nominated as "Africa's Leading Safari" and "Africa's Leading Safari Lodge" for the World Travel Awards 2008 and 2009, is a must-visit while in Zambia. Rated one of Africa's top ten safari camps by Conde Nast's Best of the Best Series, Chiawa Camp boasts a team of award-winning guides, luxurious accommodations, exciting and relaxing activities, and exceptional safari excursions.

Uncovering some of nature's hidden elements, Chiawa Camp's experienced guides open travelers' eyes to amazing sights that they otherwise might never have noticed. A tiny bee-eater relaxing on a branch, the call of nearby hyenas, the unique vegetation in the area, and a crocodile's jagged back barely peaking through the River's surface, are just a few things Chiawa Lodge's renowned guides introduce to visitors.

Chiawa Camp features . . .

An in-house guide training program to ensure guests experience the highest quality safari excursions with the Zambia's most highly educated guides.
Exceptional service and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure each visitors' needs and wildest desires are met.
Some of the world's greatest canoe safaris. Guests paddle through various winding channels including the Chifungulu Channel, allowing them to soak in the beauty of the Zambezi River. Chiawa Camp's most popular canoe safari is 90-minutes long, where guests paddle downstream from Chiawa Camp to the Sunset Strip. Since guests take a night drive back to the camp at the end of their canoe safari, they are technically experiencing two safari excursions in one!

Old Mondoro is another camp associated with Chiawa Camp and is equally outstanding but differs in its atmosphere. Chiawa Camp is characterized by its luxurious and elegant ambiance, while Old Mondoro is associated with authenticity and its ability to bring visitors closer to the bush than ever before.

The Old Mondoro prides itself on . . .

Its extraordinary ability to provide guests with an authentic safari experience. The camp's remote setting allows visitors to immerse themselves in the true spirit of Zambia. The Old Mondoro's primary focus is on the bush experience and the surrounding wildlife in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Its lantern lit rooms, quiet settings, and unique location in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Unlike all the other camps in the Lower Zambezi, the Old Mondoro is located on lower grounds where vast floodplains and woodlands surround the camp.
Its primary location overlooking winding channels and speckled islands that are highly populated with hippos.

The best times to enjoy Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park are during the months from June to September where fauna and flora flourish and the climate is delightful. Don't miss out on the vacation of a lifetime. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you a detailed itinerary tailored around your every individual preference. Contact us today at 800-940-9344. A world of spectacular beauty and adventure awaits you . . .

Soul Safari - October 19-27, 2009

Experience this once-in-this-lifetime journey to South Africa where you will uncover the innermost secrets of your life's purpose and discover the spiritual pathway to Living the Life Your Soul Intended.

Join author and psychic Ainslie MacLeod on an expedition to uncover your soul's unique purpose in this life. On this 9-day Soul Safari, you'll explore the mysteries of the life plan your soul created before you were even born, and learn to harness your own spirituality to create a happier and more fulfilling future-one of total self-acceptance and endless potential.

Go to www.hillsofafrica.com/Soul_Safari/Soul_Safari.html to learn more.

Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari tours.

We offer spectacular adventures with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.

Hills of Africa Travel is a team of extraordinary travel agents and tour operators who are passionate about sharing the magic of Africa through first-hand knowledge and exemplary customer service. Our expert knowledge, experience, and passion for our customers allow us to create a personalized safari adventure of a lifetime for all travelers.

Whether you're taking a romantic honeymoon safari, a fun-filled family safari, or have always dreamed of experiencing the natural beauty of Africa and its wildlife, our exceptional agents and dedicated tour operators are here to provide you with the perfect African safari vacation.

To manage your subscription, please see the links below.

You may absolutely share this newsletter with people you think will benefit from it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Thanks and enjoy!

The Hills of Africa Travel Newsletter is written by Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle and Hillsofafrica.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: hoainfo@hillsofafrica.com