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August 6, 2009

Have you ever put salt on a piece of fruit like a strawberry, an apple, or even watermelon? If you have never done it before, this will seem very odd. But if you have, you will appreciate how the salt has a way of magnifying the sweetness of the fruit, and the taste is surprisingly good. It's the contrast between salt and sweet that brings a balance to your taste buds. Try it.

So what does this have to do with travel to Africa? Well, this month, we focus our e-zine articles on the country of Mozambique. One of the things I love about Mozambique is the absolute contrast in travel it offers our clients and their itineraries. The most popular travel destinations in Mozambique are not on the mainland, but rather on the tiny islands that dot its Indian Ocean coastline. Picture sugar white, powdery beaches and crystal clear waters showcasing every possible shade of turquoise and blue, and you will conjure up an image of some of Mozambique's best tourism assets. Under the water is where the adventure begins. It offers some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing in the world.

Most people think safari when they think Africa. Mozambique and its incredible beach destinations, add another fabulous dimension to the travel experience in Africa. With its close proximity to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, it's really easy to get there, and won't kill an entire day in your itinerary. When you combine an amazing safari, with a fabulous tropical getaway, you have the perfect balance in your vacation, and the contrast between the two, magnifies the enjoyment of each.

I hope you enjoy reading and learning about Mozambique, one of the lesser known treasures of travel to Africa.

Meredith Hill

Bazaruto Archipelago: Mozambique's Remote Paradise

Almost all exotic islands around the world—well-known by seasoned travelers—boast stunning backdrops, crystal blue water, and sprawling beaches, but none can compare to Mozambique's prized gem, the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Whether you're a sun worshiper, beach lover, water sports enthusiast, scuba diver, bird watcher, or adventurist, Bazaruto Archipelago is paradise on earth. It's the ideal destination for travelers with an appetite for both exciting and relaxing activities, pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations, a cultural learning experience, and a tourism-free atmosphere.

Celebrating a unique mixture of African spirit, tropical ambiance, and breath-taking landscapes, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a cluster of five, untouched islands off the coast of Mozambique. Completely embodying the term "untouched," these islands are free from commercial and tourism institutions.

Just how free from tourism are they? There are no roads . . . no shops . . . and no tourist attractions. The unspoiled nature of these islands is what provides you with a sense of complete clarity and an authentic insight into the local culture, and Mozambique's natural world.

While visiting the islands of Bazaruto Archipelago, enjoy . . .

Exceptional Scuba Diving: Home to some of the world's most stunning and lively reefs and aquatic creatures, the Bazaruto Archipelago is every scuba diver's dream. Unfortunately, for many areas of the world our coral reefs have been stripped of life and color because of human activity and global warming, but luckily for the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, the coral in these waters continues to live on.

Whether you're a beginner diver or an experienced diver, the Bazaruto Archipelago's surrounding ocean is characterized by its varying depths and currents, making it possible for every level of diver to enjoy.

One of the most popular dive sites is Two Mile Reef—a shallow reef teeming with colorful fish, turtles, black-tip reef sharks, and moray eels. For more advanced divers, Cabo San Sebastio hosts a variety of reef fish as well as manta rays and whale sharks.

For those who snorkel, the shallow reefs lining the islands provide exceptional snorkeling experiences and a plethora of reef fish and turtles.

Exciting Island Tours: Mozambique safari tours take you through an expansive variety of eco-systems including dunes, grasslands, fresh water lakes, and the vast ocean. Here, you'll see colorful birds, crocodiles, flamingos, breath-taking views, and much more. With over 164 species of bird, it's no wonder the Bazaruto Archipelago is celebrated for its spectacular birding. Frequently spotted birds include Green coucals, green pigeons, purple banded and black sunbirds, olive bee-eaters, paradise fly-catchers, and crab plovers.

In addition to island drives, cultural island tours are another great activity to enjoy while visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago. Depending on which cultural tour you choose to take part in, locals teach you about the abundant fauna and flora indigenous to the area, point out some of the most interesting natural aspects of the islands, and enlighten you with an insight into their local history. While visiting local villages, learn about the Benguerra Cashew nut trees that line the island and how the villagers harvest the nuts and husk to create delightful liquor that is unique to the area.

Horseback Riding: Famous for its sprawling and untouched pink beaches, aqua blue water, and vast grasslands, the Bazaruto Archipelago is arguably Africa's best place to enjoy horseback riding. As you ride through indescribable landscapes with nothing but the sounds of the ocean and wind in the background, you'll have the opportunity take in all of your surroundings and observe some of nature's most prized gems.

From the very beginning of this safari to the very end, you'll experience the most thrilling and life-altering experience you could ever imagine. Whether you're an experienced rider or new ride, you won't want to miss this unforgettable horseback safari.

Excellent Fishing: As one of the world's most famous big game fishing hubs, the Bazaruto Archipelago is famous for its ability to entice fishing enthusiasts to take part in some challenging and exciting deep sea fishing and fly fishing excursions. The deep Mozambique Channel is home to marlin, sailfish, king mackerel, bonito, travelly, and queen mackerel, making fishing in the Mozambique Channel not only challenging but exhilarating.

In addition to the rare opportunities you can experience in the Bazaruto Archipelago, the islands offer a handful of exceptional accommodations that radiate luxurious, soothing, and inspirational atmospheres. The lodges on the islands are designed for you to retreat to after a long day enjoying the Bazaruto Archipelago's phenomenal nature. Some of our favorite lodges include Indigo Bay, Benguerra Lodge, Marlin Beach Lodge, and Azura Retreat, among many others.

Whether you're looking to enjoy a vacation full of diving, fishing, horseback riding, beach lounging, touring, or a combination of them all, Hills of Africa Travel can create completely tailored itineraries and find you the perfect accommodations to fit your specific preferences.

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.

Recently, Hills of Africa was featured in "Postcard from Threshold Visions", a newsletter from Christopher Duggan. Here is the article:

Your Honeymoon = Trip of a Lifetime?

Threshold Visoins Marriage is an adventure, why not begin it with one?!

We all know that Africa is the place to see the most amazing wildlife on Earth. An African safari is something we all dream about. But there is so much more! There is something magical about the combination of the landscape, the culture and being so far from home that really takes you away. Each time I've been to Africa, I've made 3 amazing trips, I've come home changed from the inside out. Africa stirs something deep inside you. And after spending months preparing for your wedding day, a honeymoon in Africa is the perfect way to continue that magic for just the two of you to share together.

My friends, Sandy Salle and Meredith Hill of the Hills of Africa, are passionate about bringing people to Africa for a truly life changing experience. Africa is an experience in and of itself, but they way Sandy and Meredith bring it to you is like no other.

Find out from them how easy it is to travel to Africa, how safe it is and let them show you the wonders of this fabulous destination far beyond the wildlife and safaris. There is so much to discover in Africa.

Click to read an Interview with Sandy and Meredith

Click HERE to to read about why Africa is the best choice to create an unforgettable honeymoon!!

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.

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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