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December 10, 2009

As I sit here writing the introduction to this week's newsletter, I am completely filled with gratitude for all that this year has brought to me, my family and Hills of Africa Travel. We have had a phenomenal year and I am so grateful to each and every one of you for helping us to make it so memorable.

This past weekend we celebrated with an "Africa" party in Charleston with good friends, fellow travelers, travel agents, those looking to learn about Africa and even some who kept asking "what is it about Africa?". The party was co-hosted by Red Triangle, Sumer LLC and Hills of Africa Travel - women business owners who have a passion and love for Africa. It was so much fun to share our love of Africa, its beauty, its history, its animals, its people. Thank you to Michelle, Cokie, Annie and Brittany for everything you did to make the party such a success.

This week, we share with you a powerful and moving museum, The Apartheid Museum which illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. A museum where no blame is laid, instead a very interesting, factual, moving experience. I had tears streaming down my face when I walked through The Apartheid Museum, and I highly recommend you take the time to visit and experience what Apartheid South Africa was really like. The museum gives us an opportunity to see how South Africa has come to terms with its past and how all South Africans are working together to create the new South Africa.

Hugs,

Sandy Salle

Never Underestimate the Value of Your Expertise

When something becomes so innate to your travel planning, it can be easy to overlook the immense value of your expertise. Today, I share a story that I hope inspires you to appreciate even the most obvious advice you give to your clients. Click here to read full story: http://safari2success.com/never-underestimate-the-value-of-your-expertise

The Apartheid Museum: South Africa’s Story—From Oppression to Freedom

Opening its doors in 2001, The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa is a place where visitors, as well as locals, can go to discover what really happened during the tyrannical time of apartheid in South African history. Photos, installations, exhibitions, artifacts, and films make up the core of this museum and provide each visitor with a true understanding of the effects apartheid had on South Africa—from the very beginning to the end.

Apartheid Museum A brief historical background: When the all-white National Party was elected into South African government in 1946, their apartheid policy was put into effect. Essentially, apartheid worked to make 20 million South African citizens second class. Not only were these citizens humiliated by their newly appointed “ranking” in society, they were also abused and put to work. The apartheid laws were built from a racial classification foundation that grouped people into one of four different groups. These groups were native, colored, Asian, or white. Those who were classified as second class were controlled by the government in every aspect of their life, including social, economic, and property restrictions.

In 1994, after nearly 50 years of resilience and bravery, South Africans received their freedom when Nelson Mandela—once a prisoner—became president.

What you’ll experience at The Apartheid Museum: As you first enter the grounds of The Apartheid Museum, the first thing you’ll see is The Pillars of the Constitution. These pillars, which stand for South Africa’s recent historical freedom, spotlight the seven core values sewn throughout South Africa’s new constitution. These values are: democracy, equality, reconciliation, diversity, responsibility, respect, and freedom. Drafted between 1994 and 1996, the constitution was created by South Africa’s first completely democratic parliament and ensures complete equality for all.

Once past the sprawling courtyards of the museum, you’ll enter the museum in the appropriate entrance, based on your race group. This subjective classification is a way to briefly immerse visitors into the effects apartheid had on emotions.

As you walk through the entrance, you’ll see walls lined with authentic identity documents that were used during apartheid to classify each person. Continuing through the museum, you will see 22 exhibits, which, combined, take you through an epic story of oppression, bravery, rebellion, and freedom.

What you’ll take with you from The Apartheid Museum:Because South Africa’s liberation from a tyrant government was so recent, it’s resonance in the hearts of citizens is still palpable and strong, and is reflected throughout the entire museum. When you witness the combination of each vehicle of expression throughout the museum, you will see the emotional effects this time in history had on South Africans, and leave with the hope and conviction that the fall of apartheid is the beginning to a new South Africa.

Additional Information: The Apartheid Museum offers tours for visitors, but must be booked in advance. To view more information on the museum, as well as its admission fees and hours of operation, visit their website at http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/.

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.

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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