Untitled Document

November 25, 2009

Give Thanks

We are not trying to confuse you, but this week the introductory message is coming from me (Meredith), instead of Sandy, and next week you will hear from our fabulous new addition, Mark Homann, as we begin a rotating schedule. We hope you don't get dizzy! Just enjoy the variety.

In this week of giving thanks, I would like to express my gratitude to you, our readers, our clients and everyone with whom we work. Thank you for giving us, at Hills of Africa Travel, an opportunity to successfully follow our passions, which is unfortunately, a path not many people take.

In stepping back and looking at the things for which I am most grateful in my life, in addition to the obvious (my kids, my husband, my family) our company, Hills of Africa Travel, is at the top of the list and I probably don't express that enough. I am incredibly proud of the business we have built and I take my hat off to my business partner, sister-in-law, and dear friend Sandy for the outstanding work that she does. We are very lucky to have created an amazing business and I am lucky to have such a great partner. I would also like to thank my colleagues at Hills of Africa Travel who support us so that we can do our best work. Thanks Michelle, Marcia, Carla, Mark, Graham, Michelle S and Britt.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

Meredith Hill

An Exciting Safari Experience Awaits You in Eastern Cape

Even though Cape Town isn’t considered a big-game safari destination, it is one of the most diverse and inspirational regions in all of Africa. Offering travelers a deep insight into centuries of history and culture, as well as an exceptional array of outdoor activities including sun bathing on the beach, whale watching, hiking, shopping, fishing, boating, touring, and more, Cape Town has been attracting visitors for centuries thanks to its vibrant character.

With regions within easy reach of Cape Town that do offer exceptional safari tours, you can experience three or four nights enjoying everything that Cape Town has to offer and combine it with fantastic game-viewing and a spectacular stay in one of Eastern Cape’s luxurious accommodations. And, because of Cape Town’s ease of connecting to game-rich regions in the Garden Route and Eastern Cape, you don’t have to book expensive charter flights. Rather, enjoy a comfortable and inexpensive journey along the Garden Route to your lodge of choice.

Some lodges to consider when visiting the Garden Route and Eastern Cape area include . . .

HillsNek: Designed with an open-air feel, rustic African bush décor, and luxurious amenities, HillsNek provides a comfortable and intimate stay for families and honeymooners alike. When you stay at HillsNek you have unlimited access to personalized day and night drives, guided walks, white rhino monitoring and tracking, and more. During your safari tours you will visit The Bushman’s River, the main water source that sustains life in the area, and witness a congregation of native creatures including the Big Five, antelope, zebra, springbok, giraffe, waterbuck, and not-to-mention over 200 species of bird. If you’re interested in a night drive, HillsNek has one of the best. With frequent sightings of bat eared fox, hyena, and black backed jackal, you’ll develop a whole new perspective on the African bush.

Blaauwbosch Lodge: Famous for its high-concentration of the Big Five, Blaauwbosch is the perfect place to visit for your Eastern Cape safari tours. Comprised of luxurious chalets—all with en-suite bathrooms, verandas, and air-conditioning—this intimate lodge provides you with the perfect view of sprawling mountains and rolling hills. Because Blaauwbosch is a private game reserve, you will experience the ultimate personalized safari tour, without the large tourist crowds. You will also be led by highly-knowledgeable, professional rangers who will provide you with a deep insight into the behavioral traits of the Big Five, how to spot them as they stalk their pray, and more.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve: The Xhosa people call this area of the Eastern Cape Kwandwe, which means “place of the blue crane”—a stunning bird that is abundant in the area. In addition to these beautiful birds, Kwandwe is a sanctuary for a variety of other exotic birds and endangered species such as the Knysna woodpecker and the crowned eagle. Kwandwe is also home to the Big Five and an array of other mammals, as well as various types of vegetation that blanket the land. Included in your stay at Kwandwe are two daily game drives (morning drives and night drives), and interpretive bushwalks. Departing at sunrise, the morning game drives take you past the Great Fish River, where you can witness animals grazing before the heat of the day sets in. And in the afternoon, resident creatures go to the Great Fish River to drink before the sun sets. During breaks from the game drives you will have the opportunity to enjoy a walking safari with certified expert guides. On the walking safari tours you will be able to see hidden details within the African bush that are impossible to witness from a vehicle. Guides will show you animal tracks, teach you about animal callings, and provide you with a vast knowledge about the African bush.

Kariega River Lodge: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, the Kariega River Lodge sits along The Bushman’s River, providing tranquil views of the river and vast green hills. During your stay unwind from safari tours with a quiet reading session by the pool or sip coffee or tea on the sundeck. And, if you want to continue your interaction with wildlife, enjoy an evening of fishing or crabbing in the river. Included in your stay are morning and evening game drives, river cruises, safari walks, mountain biking, canoeing, and fishing. For an additional cost, you can enjoy golf, beaches, and a trip to Grahamstown—a large player in the history of South Africa.

Enhance your stay in Cape Town with a visit to one of the nearby lodges of the Eastern Cape and experience the safari adventure of a lifetime.

How frustrating is it when a prospective traveler phones, asking you to quote on a cruise, and you spend half your day researching his request, get back to him with great options, and he goes and books his cruise online? If this happens to you, I have one very simple reply. You are fishing with the wrong bait. Click here http://safari2success.com/tired-of-tire-kickers-price-shoppers-and-bargain-hunters to read this full article and learn how to eliminate price shoppers from your travel business and attract ideal, high paying clients who value your services and willingly pay for them.

Hills of Africa Travel Recommends

Ride Kenya Safari - AUGUST 23- SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

Trip Name: Kenya Riding Safari
Length of travel: 11 days (August 2010)
Countries Visited: Kenya

Highlights: With access to over 1.4 million acres, including two national parks, Ride Kenya has one of the largest wilderness concessions in Africa today. From the vast dry lake beds of Amboseli to the east, to the majestic Chyulu Hills to the west, Ride Kenya horse safaris traverse a variety of quintessential and game rich East African landscapes. With Mount Kilimanjaro as the back drop, the rides meander amongst 38 species of large mammals, including the Big Five, making Ride Kenya horse safaris an unforgettable experience. Ride Kenya mobile safaris are reminiscent of the safaris of old. Rides tend to cover between 15 to 30 miles per day during which the luxury camp is moved ahead to the next destination.

Detailed description of itinerary (in PDF)

Contact us today, and utilize our detailed destination-planning services and expert advice to send you on a life-altering experience like none other.

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