Untitled Document

August 27, 2009

For most people, summer begins and ends with the school calendar... not the lunar calendar, even when you are an adult. That being said, summer ended for us this week as my kids went back to school on Tuesday. I am silently shouting "Yipee!" (Did I say that?)

I think my love for travel stems from an underlying love to explore new places. The beginning of the school year was no different for me as a kid. I loved the smell of new books, the feel of brand new shoes and the stiff cotton blouse and heavy wool jumper (I wore a uniform). I loved the excitement of going back, starting fresh and seeing old and new faces.

I guess you could say, I am a bit of a pioneer when it comes to travel. Don't get the wrong impression... I don't want to blaze trails. I am just not into roughing. However, I do love to be the first to know about "up and coming" destinations. This is why I am so excited for this week's article about Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. It's a very newly developed part of Mozambique that offers the safari goer a real life safari destination in this gem of a country. It puts Mozambique on the map for more than a great beach destination. I really hope you enjoy.

Enjoy!

Meredith Hill

Gorongosa National Park: Experience the Ultimate, All-Encompassing Walking Safari

Comprised of diverse eco-systems, and a unique cultural and historical heritage, Gorongosa National Park has positioned itself as Mozambique’s ultimate walking safari destination. Situated among the Lower Zambezi and delta systems, Gorongosa is saturated with exotic wildlife that thrives thanks to these powerful, neighboring water sources.

Famous for its rainforest, roaring waterfalls, mysterious caverns, rivers, grassy floodplains, woodlands, Albida forests, and sprawling pans, the Gorongosa is the premier destination for those looking to gain a broad insight into some of the world’s most fascinating eco-systems. Since Gorongosa’s natural world is defined by its complex eco-systems, having the best guides on your walking safari through the National Park is an absolute must.

One such safari provider, Explore Gorongosa, is an eco-tourism company that prides itself on its expert guides and their ability to combine all the social, historical, cultural, and ecological elements of the region into their guided tours. Because of the area’s deeply rooted history and its affect on Mozambique’s natural world, no other destination in Africa provides a more well-rounded insight into a specific region quite like Gorongosa National Park. This historical heritage is arguably the strongest element that sets Gorongosa apart from other popular walking safari destinations.

Incorporating the history of the land and its affects on the region’s fragile bio-diversity, the exceptional walking safaris offered by Explore Gorongosa provide an all-encompassing and highly educational experience for all visitors. On these walking safaris, you’ll learn how the region’s history of ancient civilizations, Arabs, and gold, ivory, and slave traders, tribal conflicts, and restoration projects, has shaped Gorongosa into the exciting place it is today. In addition, you’ll be able to see the direct affects this history had on the wildlife population and how conservation efforts over the past several years have transformed the area into one of Africa’s most stunning destinations.

In addition to employing the most knowledgeable locals in the area as certified guides, Explore Gorongosa accommodates guests in semi-mobile, luxury tents. Housing up to eight guests, Explore Gorongosa’s accommodations offers an intimate atmosphere and safari experience for all its visitors. Since each walking safari incorporates the minute details of nature, as well as larger details, Explore Gorongosa only provides private safari tours to ensure you experience the entire detective aspect of a walking safari.

Since there are no set safari itineraries, you can choose to enjoy whichever aspect of Gorongosa National Park you wish. Whether you’re looking to experience a theme-based walking safari—such as a birding safari, or an all-encompassing walking safari, Explore Gorongosa will cater to your every individual preference.

Exclusive walking safari excursions:

If you’re interested in a more niche-oriented safari excursion that combines your favorite interests, some detective work, surprise, excitement, and inspiration, Explore Gorongosa provides a series of special interest safari excursions throughout the year. In the coming year, choose from individual expeditions such as birding, species re-introduction, photography, artistic, anthropological, Gorongosa Mountain, and lion studying.

All encompassing walking safaris:

As you journey through the varying terrain of the Gorongosa on an Explore Gorongosa walking safari, you’ll learn to listen for the distinct callings of Mozambique’s wildlife, search for animal markings, and track paths of residential lions and elephants with the invaluable expertise of Gorongosa’s certified local guides. These highly knowledgeable guides introduce you to the hidden elements of Gorongosa’s indigenous wildlife that ranges from larger game to intricate wildlife hidden beneath rocks and inside crevasses.

Fascinating birdlife including the green-headed oriole, African fish eagle, Egyptian geese, a wide variety of crane species, and much more can be seen during your comprehensive tour through the Mozambique bush. Many of the larger species of animal spotted are Nile crocodiles, lions, hippos, antelopes, and elephants.

In contrast to ecological tours, community tours allow you to discover inspirational elements of the local culture and take a deeper look into how culture has been shaped by Mozambique’s history. You’ll also be able to tour the newly built school and hospital in the Vinho community and observe the positive effects it has had on the locals.

As you observe Mozambique’s bio-diversity, you’ll learn about the direct correlation between the region’s empowering history and its wildlife population, as well as the numerous conservation efforts that helped save this region’s species.

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.

Hills of Africa was featured in the JustLuxe website article written by Christy Stewart. Here is the article: http://www.justluxe.com/travel/tour/feature-244093.php

Luxury Tours: Planning a trip to Africa can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. Thoughts of fierce felines and sun-drenched safaris can quickly turn to questions and concerns regarding one's travel plans and safety. When planning a trip to Africa, one's best bet is to rely on the experience and expertise of a seasoned travel professional. That's where Hills of Africa Travel comes in.

Specializing in customized African safari tours, Hills of Africa Travel offers the discerning traveler an array of invaluable resources. From honeymoon to family safaris, the company provides a unique experience from beginning to end.

Based in the United States, Hills of Africa Travel has been providing clients with superior service since 2000. As the company's directors, Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle's passion for Africa is conveyed through their dedication and determination to provide clients with an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

"Our mission is to change lives, one journey at a time...every time. We know that when we apply our passion to creating our clients' itineraries, we definitely change their lives when they travel," says Meredith Hill, president of Hills of Africa Travel.

In addition to changing the lives of its clients, Hills of Africa Travel strives to leave a lasting footprint on the African community.

"The amazing thing is that there is another side to the mission. We intend to change the lives of the locals in Africa, too," says Hill.

To ensure client satisfaction, Hills of Africa Travel utilizes local experts and tour operators who possess a vast knowledge of the African culture. Each itinerary is custom-tailored to fit individual needs and, unlike other tour companies, no two itineraries are alike.

According to Hill, the company's relatively small size is what sets them apart from the rest. While other leading tour operators generally offer cookie-cutter itineraries and partner up with specific properties based on volume discounts, Hills of Africa Travel goes against the grain.

"We are small -- and proud of it. We have no intention of being 'big,'" Hill says. "Being small gives us many luxuries that benefit the client. For one, we are able to custom design every single itinerary for our clients."

Though the company may be small in size, its scope seems endless. Hills of Africa Travel has locations in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Victoria Falls and has contacts spanning southern and East Africa. From the moment a client steps foot on African soil, he or she is welcomed by a member of the team and attended to as though he or she is family.

Like many discerning travelers, Africa was not Hill's first destination of choice. As a self-proclaimed travel snob, Hill assumed Africa was "dark, dangerous, dusty, full of poverty" and couldn't possibly offer the luxury travel experiences she desired. However, after making a trip to meet her boyfriend's family, she was hooked.

"What I found was the most perfect travel experience ever. There was scenery so incredible it made me want to cry. It was as if the colors were brighter, the smells stronger and the sounds more beautiful. There was the wildlife -- so magnetic, powerful. I could sit, for hours, in complete silence, just watching -- never had an experience like it," says Hill.

"I was blown away by the level of sophistication, the awesome and novel décor, the amazing food and the warm and charming sense of personalities. Then there were the people. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms, big smiles and an element of warm hospitality I have not found anywhere else in the world. This is the Africa I know today."

Hill has been drawn to Africa ever since and describes its energy as being pure and clean.

"It is food for our soul. It is an amazing, magnetic and peaceful experience. I always return from my trips there with a newfound energy and zest for life," says Hill.

The friendly, personalized service continues well after the client returns home. In an ongoing effort to provide clients with the best service possible, a follow-up call is made to the client to discuss the details of the trip.

Africa truly offers something for everyone and with Hills of Africa Travel in your corner, you're sure to experience all of the magic this amazing country has to offer. Any reservations one might have about traveling within Africa are put to rest as Hill's team of experts is there for you every step of the way.

Soul Safari

While Hills of Africa Travel prides itself on creating customized itineraries, when the chance to work with acclaimed author and psychic, Ainslie MacLeod, presented itself, they knew this was an opportunity not to be missed. MacLeod's book, The Instruction: Living the Life Your Soul Intended, has been well-received by critics and has even been featured on Oprah.

On October 19, 2009, 32 lucky soul searchers will have the opportunity to join MacLeod and the Hills of Africa Travel team for nine days on a spiritual journey through South Africa. Together, MacLeod and Hills of Africa Travel will guide you through a quest to decode the purpose of the soul and achieve newfound clarity, all under a captivating African backdrop.

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