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August 20, 2009

The Hills of Africa team (that would be Sandy and I, with our husbands), enjoyed an amazing week of sailing in the Caribbean, without children but in the company of great friends. Here's a picture of Sandy and I enjoying a stop on the island of Anguilla. It was the last day of their "Carnivale."

It will be hard to top this vacation. We sailed from St. Martin to Anguilla and then to St. Bart's. We explored villages, restaurants, pubs and many private coves and deserted islands. We relaxed, snorkeled, kayaked, swam in the sea at least 3 times a day, hiked and took daily naps on the boat's front trampoline to the sound of the waves and the motion of the sea. The 3 men on the boat, had great fun putting a fishing rod off the back while we sailed, and were surprisingly successful. We feasted on our own, freshly caught fish a few nights. Here is a great shot of the other half of the Hills of Africa team - Mark Salle and Graham Hill. Aren't they cute?

Probably the single thing I love most about sailing is the ease of the vacation. When I wanted to snorkel, we just dropped anchor in a good spot and jumped off the boat. There was no pre arrangement with a snorkel outfitter, there was no giant price tag, nor did it take up half my day. Same with the fishing for the boys. They just had to wait until we were out in the open sea and sailing.

Saint Martin is an island visited my many, many cruise ships and it's cruise ship port, Phillipsburg, can be very crowded during high season. Just the thought of this gives me the heebie-jeebies. No offense to cruising fans. I have a tiny phobia of crowds, so I have never been an avid cruiser (in fact, I have never been on a cruise.) Sailing gives me the advantage of going on a cruise - getting from place to place in a very enjoyable manner, without the crowds. It's about as perfect as it can get.

Our article this week takes us back to the stunning tropical islands of Mozambique. Many clients tell us that they don't need to visit a beach destination while they are in Africa, because we have so many amazing beach destinations in or around the USA. But I would like to counter that a little. The islands off the coast of Mozambique are in the Indian Ocean, which is quite different from the Caribbean Sea. In addition, there is a fantastic culture here. And, one of my favorite aspects - there are no cruise ships that sail here... which means there are NO crowds, no cheesey tourist shops and their culture is pure and not tainted by tourism. When you see a group of men walking down the beach after a long day of fishing, they look at you, smile and wave, and move on with their life. You won't find hawkers and people trying to sell you anything here. Plus, there is a treasure chest of marine life waiting to be explored. I hope this has enticed you just a little, to consider a beach option in Africa.

Enjoy!

Meredith Hill

Mozambique’s Azura Resort: A Unique Fusion of Luxury and Sustainable Tourism

Making a name for itself as a leader in the sustainable tourism movement, Mozambique provides travelers with the luxury and seclusion they desire, while working to preserve the delicate nature of coastal eco-systems and sustain the local economy and community.

Raising the bar for African eco-tourism efforts and luxurious resorts alike, Azura Resort in Mozambique has helped reshape the definition of sustainable tourism. Acclaimed for its ideal location in the stunning Bazaruto Marine National Park on Benguerra Island, Azura offers you the opportunity to enjoy a plethora of exciting, as well as relaxing activities, while immersing yourself in the neighboring eco-systems and local culture. Arguably Mozambique’s finest resort, Azura’s private villas reflect elegance, African spirit, and local cultural characteristics, without compromising the health of the environment.

Azura’s dedication to the prosperity of the local community, environment, and local economy can be seen in everything they do. From the construction of the resort to the exceptional activities offered, Azura is a major player in conservation tourism.

Activities offered by Azura that help sustain the community and environment include guided island tours, water tours, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The resort’s exciting activities are led by highly knowledgeable guides—who are also locals. These guides have the opportunity to use their deep knowledge of the region’s plants, animals, culture, and history when guiding you through pristine beaches, neighboring islands, freshwater lakes, and forests. You benefit tremendously from their knowledge of the land and their ability to show you elements of nature you might not have ever noticed on your own.

On many of Azura’s guided tours, a biologist / environmentalist accompanies Azura’s community guide and provides you with a rich background in the region’s fascinating fauna, flora, and topography as you travel across a variety of differing eco-systems and villages. Many of Azura’s island tours have optional sub-tours with proceeds going directly to the resort’s Rainbow Fund, which supports social and environmental projects throughout the local areas. By choosing these additional sub-tours, you don’t only gain an even deeper insight into the local culture and community, but you also give back to it.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are two other highly-acclaimed activities provided by Azura. These activities don’t only provide amazing opportunities to view the preserved reefs and marine animals of the Bazaruto Archipelago’s neighboring waters, but they’re also highly enlightening and educational experiences.

In addition to its exceptional activities, Azura’s celebrated reputation has also been shaped by its superior accommodations. Choose from a variety of hand-built, Mozambique style villas including luxury beach villas, infinity beach villas, the villa amizade, and the presidential villa. Each villa is nestled within the resort’s sprawling gardens, which provides you with a feeling of privacy, seclusion, and pure relaxation. Whether you’re looking to take an evening stroll, or soak in the sun, the beach is just a few footsteps away.

Because of its delicate and fascinating ability to fuse sustainable efforts with sheer luxury and comfort, Azura Resort radiates a strong sense of community, joy, and dedication to guests. This unique ambiance is the pure product of local efforts. Without the local community, Azura wouldn’t even exist.

During construction of the resort, Azura creators Gabriel and his family provided a handful of locals with the essential skills and training required to build the resort. Employing locals to build was a sure way for Azura to put money back into the local economy, as oppose to hiring outside contractors to build the resort. With these newly acquired building skills, the islanders could then participate in the nearby building industry and contribute even more to the local economy.

But Azura Resort is by no means your traditional eco-tourism company. Rather, it has truly redefined sustainable tourism through a strong dedication to the community, luxurious accommodations, exceptional activities, and superior customer service. With a primary focus on the local community and the preservation of the environment, Azura’s principal contributors and shareholders are locals who work to sustain the local economy, the people, and Mozambique’s intricate and fragile eco-systems.

In addition to the hands that built Azura, the materials that went into building the resort were also created from locals or shipped in by locals. During construction, the local builders were able to use only one cement mixer and one truck to get their job done efficiently. Local dhows contributed to the economy by bringing in wood and other materials from sustainable resources. In a conscious effort to keep locals in business, Azura’s creators employed islanders to craft doors, window frames, and other furnishings that contribute to the immense beauty of this resort.

Before construction, careful steps were taken to ensure Azura’s carbon footprint would be minimal while still maintaining a high-end resort status. With incremental steps, Azura’s sustainable efforts within the resort have contributed greatly to the overall positive impact on the community and local economy.

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 from Hills of Africa was featured in the Charlotte Observer, N.C., Business Insider Column. Here is the article:

Mar. 5--BYE TO BONDS; SHE'D RATHER TRAVEL TO AFRICA: Meredith Hill, head of asset-backed bond research at Banc of America Securities, announced last week she was calling it quits. But her new career choice is a shock to some.

Hill, 30, plans to start Hill's of Africa Travel Inc., which will specialize in organizing trips to southern Africa. The idea came from her visits to Zimbabwe, her husband's homeland.

"I've had lots of sleepless nights coming to this decision, but I just want to pursue my passion," Hill said. "I'm not going into this with the grand illusion that I'm going to make much money at this. But that's not my motivation. I want to do what I love."

Hill, who sends out daily reports about assets bonds -- securities whose payments come from consumer loans -- has worked at Banc of America Securities for three years. Prior to that, she worked in the asset backed research group at Merrill Lynch & Co.

In a resignation note attached to her daily asset-backed research report, Hill told readers that she spends her free time "reading travel magazines or books, in a constant search for something new, different and exciting, or for just plain good value." She'll also plan exotic trips to places other than Africa.

Hill's last day at Banc of America Securities is Thursday.

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