ET African Journeys Mama Hope Fund-Raising Trek up Mount Kilimanjaro Features Gourmet Feast by Chef Pierre Thiam at World’s Highest Pop-up Restaurant

African safari and tour provider ET African Journeys has partnered with Mama Hope, a non-profit organization that invests in projects that bring food, security, clean water, education and health care to African communities in need, to offer the Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition, a hike to benefit Moshi, Tanzania’s St. Timothy’s School. Departing on Tuesday, July 30th, this one-of-a-kind trek up Africa’s highest mountain boasts an amenity that no other tour provider offers: a gourmet feast prepared by world-renowned African Chef Pierre Thiam at the world’s highest-altitude pop-up restaurant. Chef Thiam will open the temporary restaurant at a base camp at 12,500 feet above sea level exclusively to celebrate the fund-raising climb. After summiting Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame route, climbers will descend to the base camp restaurant to dine on Chef Thiam’s specially-prepared African regional cuisine, while enjoying views of the surrounding forests and grasslands.

Following the hike, travelers will spend two days volunteering at St. Timothy’s School, a school and children’s home built by Mama Hope and partnering organization, The Tanzania Children Concern, to educate Tanzanian orphans. Mama Hope’s community-centered development approach enabled St. Timothy’s to employ over 600 workers from the local community in the construction of the school.

“We are now focused on funding the construction of a boarding house on the St. Timothy’s compound, which will give the region’s orphans a home as well as an education,” said Mama Hope founder Nyla Rodgers. “This trip is a wonderful way to get Americans to come to Africa and get involved with a very worthy cause.”

“Adventurers who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro don’t typically need much enticing, but this trip offers so much more than the satisfaction of the climb,” added ET African Journeys Vice President of Business Development Gilad Goren, who conceived of the trip concept with Rodgers. “It’s a chance to raise funds for a great cause, volunteer at a school and meet the children they are helping and, as an added perk, enjoy possibly the most unique dining experience of their lives, forgoing trail mix for a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Thiam.”

The Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition is available for $3,500, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Timothy’s School. Price includes lodging, Kilimanjaro climb and gourmet meal. For more information, call 800-662-5406 or visit www.etafricanjourneys.com/mamahope.

Mama Hope works in close partnership with local African organizations to connect them with the resources required to transform their own communities. The organization’s projects are managed for and by partner communities themselves to ensure sustainability. With a mission to fund the completion of schools, health clinics, children’s centers, clean water systems and food security projects.

ET African Journeys is a joint venture by Ethiopian Airlines and Group IST to create exciting, original, thematic, educational and cultural travel programs to Ethiopia and beyond. Working with the most experienced providers in the region, ET African Journeys is able to offer a diverse range of quality tour products at competitive prices to both the individual traveler and the group organizer. Ethiopian Airlines is the only non-stop service between the East Coast of the United States and the East Coast of Africa and is one of the largest and most modern air carriers on the African continent.

1,000 Places to See Before You Die® Author Patricia Schultz to Guide Tour to Ethiopia

Veteran travel journalist and author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die® Patricia Schultz will be a one-time host of ET African Journeys’ popular “Imperial Ethiopia” tour, from April 25 – May 4, 2013.

Schultz accompanies this “one-of-a-kind” tour of destinations featured in her best-selling travel books. The tour features stops in Ethiopian regions rich in old imperial dynasties and ancient royal and religious architecture. A land filled with historical, natural and cultural treasures, Ethiopia has a long-documented history that stretches back to approximately 1000 BC. “Imperial Ethiopia” introduces travelers to the customs and beliefs of ancient and modern Ethiopian society.

“It is surprising to me that with its mix of rich history, gorgeous scenery and beautiful people Ethiopia isn’t positively overrun by tourists,” said Schultz. “Africa’s best kept secret is hiding in plain sight! Stunning UNESCO sites in the north, and the remote and inaccessible Omo Valley to the south, a whole other world of ancient tribes and fragile cultures visited by very few. I’m excited to get to host this tour with ET African Journeys and introduce more people to this incredible part of the world.”

The tour includes visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Gondar, travelers will visit the seven churches and six castles built by Emperor Fasilides in the mid-1600s, as well as Debre Birhan Selassie Church and the Falasha Village and Synagogue. The tour next takes travelers to Axum for visits to Stealae Park, St. Mary Zion Church and the Sanctuary Chapel, the reputed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The third UNESCO site on the itinerary is Lalibela, built as a “New Jerusalem” by Emperor Lalibela in response to the Muslim capture of Jerusalem in 1187. Lalibela is the site of twelve majestic rock-hewn churches, which are still used as places of worship today, and the Nakuto Le’ Abe Monastery, a church carved into a cave.

“Imperial Ethiopia with Patricia Schultz” includes round trip airfare from Washington DC to Addis Ababa, 7 nights of accommodations, all inter-country transportation and flights and all meals.

For more information about “Imperial Ethiopia with Patricia Schultz,” visit http://www.etafricanjourneys.com/1000places

Patricia Schultz is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die®. The books have sold close to 4 million copies in the English language market, with 25 translations available around the world. A veteran travel journalist with 25 years of experience, Schultz has written for guides such as Frommer’s and Berlitz and periodicals including The Wall Street Journal and Travel Weekly. She also executive-produced a Travel Channel television show based on 1,000 Places to See Before You Die®.

ET African Journeys is a joint venture by Ethiopian Airlines and Group IST to create exciting, original, thematic, educational and cultural travel programs to Ethiopia and beyond. Working with the most experienced providers in the region, ET African Journeys is able to offer a diverse range of quality tour products at competitive prices to both the individual traveler and the group organizer. Ethiopian Airlines is the only non-stop service between the East Coast of the United States and the East Coast of Africa and is one of the largest and most modern air carriers on the African continent.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Gift of Travel that Gives Back: Travcoa Offers Series of African ‘Hand-to-Hand’ Itineraries that Give Back to Community

From education to cultural awareness and preservation, travel enriches the lives of everyone it touches. This holiday season, Travcoa, the world leader in luxury travel, is presenting a series of African itineraries that belong to the ‘Hand-to-Hand’ portfolio – journeys which showcase the abundance of African hospitality while contributing to communities throughout each journey.

“Our Africa ‘Hand-to-Hand’ journeys contribute to social enterprise-supported projects that fund education, health, self-reliance, and conservation initiatives,” stated Jerre Fuqua. “These trips are ideal for couples and families interested in sharing a meaningful experience as a holiday gift this year.”

Each of the finely-crafted journeys to Africa feature world-class accommodations and support organizations that contribute to community building projects:

Grandeur of Zimbabwe & South Africa Independent Journey – 18 days from $18,995 per person
In Zimbabwe, Singita Pamushana supports the Malilangwe Trust, an organization that feeds 19,000 children per day in adjoining villages. In South Africa, guests visit the inspiring Uthando Project in the townships of Cape Town, and participate in an interactive tour on a range of topics, including the environment and the care and protection of children, women and the elderly.

Travcoa makes a contribution to Uthando’s projects on behalf of each guest. Also, Singita Sabi Sand sponsors the “Growing to Read” program, which enhances early education efforts, and Singita Lebombo supports the School of Cooking, an organization that develops culinary skills in communities bordering Kruger National Park.

Pure Kenya Independent Journey – 11 days from $5,695 per person
This journey visits the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy where guests stay at Saruni Samburu. The lodge uses all guest revenue to cover operating costs of the conservancy and fund community projects. Guests also visit the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rescues orphan elephants and rhinos and reintroduces them to the wild. Travcoa adopts an elephant in each guests’ name.

Grand Safari: Kenya & Tanzania Escorted Journey – 15 days from $10,990 per person
During this journey, guests stay at Governors Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp built the region’s first Bio-Gas Project to help the Maasai people conserve the woodlands, rather than use resources for cooking fuel. Travcoa provides a contribution to this project on behalf of each guest. This journey also visits the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, as well as the Amboseli Elephant Research Project.

For more information on Travcoa’s Africa ‘Hand-to-Hand’ journeys, to request a brochure, or to make a reservation, please contact a travel agent or a Travcoa Journey Consultant at 1-800-992-2003, email info@travcoa.com or visit www.travcoa.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Zegrahm Expeditions offers Voyage up the West Coast of Africa Visiting 9 Nations

Zegrahm Expeditions, a leader in small ship cruising and overland adventures, is offering a captivating voyage up the West Coast of Africa. Starting in Douala, Cameroon and ending in Dakar, Senegal, the journey visits nine nations and explores the region’s intriguing cultural heritage, storied history, and numerous natural wonders.

In addition, a highlight of the trip is a visit to Greatest Goal Ministries (GGM), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Sierra Leone’s war-affected disabled and amputee community. Trip participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a lively soccer match with the amputees.

“Because of the positive feedback we received from guests on our inaugural Tracing the West Coast of Africa expedition in April 2012, we decided to offer the itinerary again in November 2013,” stated Jon Nicholson, President of Zegrahm Expeditions. “Many of our guests said visiting the GGM clinic and watching the soccer match was the highlight of the trip and was truly inspiring.”

Priced from $13,980 per person, the 18-day Tracing the West Coast of Africa expedition also visits historic ports of call, rich in local culture and colonial architecture, as well as pristine natural areas where guests can search for the abundant animal and bird life that call this region home. Highlights include the lush volcanic islands of São Tomé & Príncipe, the vibrant markets in Benin and Togo, and crossing Africa’s only suspended walkway in Kakum National Forest in Ghana. Guests will also visit Abidjan in Ivory Coast, known as the “Paris of West Africa,” as well as the beautiful beaches of Sierra Leone.

To learn more about the Tracing the West Coast of Africa expedition, to request a brochure, or to make a reservation, please visit www.zeco.com or call 800-628-8747.

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Travcoa Offers a Family Luxury Safari Featuring the Best of Kenya

Travcoa, the world leader in luxury travel, is offering a custom-crafted multi-family luxury safari to East Africa this summer. The exclusive14-day “Kenya: African Family Adventure” will be led by Travcoa Travel Director and professional photographer, Kymri Wilt. This Escorted Journey highlights the breadth and mystery of Kenya’s unspoiled frontier, and Kymri has personally crafted the itinerary and hand-picked luxury lodges and camps which embody the iconic African safari experience. From superb wildlife viewing to enriching cultural interactions, there is something special for all ages to enjoy – a wonderful way for parents and grandparents to share exceptional and inspiring experiences with their children and/or grandchildren.

“There is no greater gift a family can share than the gift of travel,” stated Jerre Fuqua, President of Travcoa. “It’s rare for a family vacation to engage passions and interests across generations – from grandparents to teenagers. But the mere mention of the word ‘Africa’ piques the curiosity of both young and old.”

Departing July 29, 2012, Travcoa’s “Kenya: African Family Adventure” starts at $11,990 per person. Pricing for children under 16 starts at $9,990. Guests will stay in Kenya’s legendary lodges and tented camps in Nanyuki and discover the world-famous Kenyan National Parks of Meru, Amboseli and Masai Mara. Highlights include visiting the Giraffe Center, the Sweetwater Game Reserve, David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara and interacting with Maasai villagers.

For more information about the “Kenya: African Family Adventure” or to request a brochure please contact Travoca at 1-800-992-2003 or go online at www.travcoa.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Africa Point to plant 10,000 trees on Mount Kenya in a web based social networking initiative

Africa Point Ltd will be joined by Capital FM, East African Wildlife Society and other partners, Saturday, November 19, 2011, as they plant 10,000 trees on Mount Kenya through an initiative that encourages the use of web based social networking to help save the mountain’s rapidly receding glacier.

The trees to be planted at Gathiuro and Hombe parts of Mount Kenya will be the first instalment of a total of 100,000 trees that will be planted by Africa point and partners within five years.

According to Africa Point managing director Andrew Muigai, global warming has seen glaciers on Mount Kenya receding at an alarming rate and scientists predict they could be wiped out soon if urgent measures are not taken.

“Research compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) shows that seven out of 18 glaciers present atop Mount Kenya in 1900 had disappeared by 1986 and the remaining 11 glaciers had lost between 60 per cent and 92 per cent of their area, said Mr Muigai.

Muigai said the use of social media networking sites is rapidly gaining acceptance as a part of internet marketing strategies in many businesses worldwide, and this can be replicated in the environmental conservation arena.

“Everywhere we turn, we see the constant reference to social media. It is a wonderful tool to spread information to many people, in a very short time,” he said.

Africa Point believes this tree planting campaign will in the long run help reverse the adverse effects of global warming on the snow caps of Mount Kenya.

The event takes place Saturday, November 19, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Gathioro and Hombe parts of Mount Kenya.

To learn more about the Save Mount Kenya Campaign and to participate, visit http://www.africapoint.com/savemountkenya.php. To learn more about Africa Point visit the company website – http://www.africapoint.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Adventure Center Donates $10 to UNICEF’s “Horn of Africa” Program for Each Africa Booking Made by Oct. 31

A guide eases the mokoro over flat water at sunset in the Okavango Delta © 2011 Eric Leiberman/news-photos-features.com

Adventure Center travelers navigate the diverse landscape of Southern Africa, from South Africa to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe on its 22-Day “Deserts, Rivers & Wildlife” small-group tour – and give back to the African community while they do it.

For each booking made before Oct. 31 on any of Adventure Center’s diverse array of Africa tours, including those in Egypt and Morocco, the company will donate $10 to UNICEF’s “Horn of Africa” program. As the tour makes its way from Cape Town to Livingstone, to its final stop at the renowned Victoria Falls, it takes in the semi-arid Kalahari Desert, the impressive Okavango River, and Augrables Falls National Park, home to the mighty Orange River and a remarkable gorge.

Other highlights are the Namib Desert, which forms part of Africa’s largest game reserve, Naukluft National Park; Etosha National Park, a reserve and game sanctuary that houses blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant and kubu; and a visit with the semi-nomadic Himba tribesmen. Pricing for the seven 2011 departures range from $4,889 to $5,039 per person; dates and pricing for 2012 departures will be available this fall.

After a drive along the Atlantic seaboard and a cable car ride up the flat-topped Table Mountain, the group visits the historic town of Calvinia, nestled at the foot of the Hantam Mountains, and then travels through vibrant wine farms on the way to Augrabies Falls National Park. After admiring the “place of big noises,” as the falls were named by the Trek Boers, the trip spends two days each in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where game drives allow for glimpses of the black mane lion, and the world’s second largest canyon, Fish River Canyon.

Other stops include seeing the changing colors of the world’s highest sand dunes in Sesriem; spending time in Swakopmund, a seaside resort in northwestern Namibia; enjoying the spectacular mountaintop views in Damaraland; visiting the Himba tribe; and taking a game drive through Etosha National Park, home to thousands of African animals. Travelers can swim in the famous “river pool” of the Okavango River before crossing into Botswana for a game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. The tour ends in Livingtstone with a visit to the dramatic Victoria Falls.

An array of optional tours and activities allow guests to customize their South African adventure. In Swakopmund, there is the aerial view of the German colonial town from a hot air balloon or activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving and kayaking. Bird walks, game drives and mokoro (canoe) excursions are all available during the two-day stay near the Okavango River. Adrenaline-infused options in Livingstone include white water rafting, bungee jumping, rhino walks, elephant back safaris, visits to Victoria Falls and airplane or helicopter flights.

The tour package includes 20 nights’ lodge, chalet and small hotel/guest house accommodation; 21 breakfasts; professional tour guide; game drives, activities and park fees as specified in the itinerary; airport transfers: pick-up at Cape Town Airport, drop-off at Livingstone Airport; and transport throughout. International air, optional activities, drinks, meals not indicated within the itinerary, gratuities and visas are extra. A meal package including 13 buffet-style dinners can be pre-purchased for $449. Group size ranges from four to 16 participants.

Booking information, brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Adventure Center’s visitor-friendly web site, www.adventurecenter.com; or by phone: U.S. (800) 228-8747; Canada (866) 338-8735. Canadian travel agents needing bulk orders of brochures can order them at www.hippoexpress.com in Canada while U.S. agents should call Adventure Center.

Adventure Center has provided world-class, affordably priced adventure travel experiences with one-on-one advice for more than 35 years. Adventure Center’s Travel Specialists have personally traveled to more than 130 countries and offer knowledgeable guidance to guests in selecting an “adventure of a lifetime.”

See also:

BOTSWANA-ZIMBABWE CAMPING SAFARI PROVES TO BE WILD EXPERIENCE

 
For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Real Life Adventure Travel Helps Demystify the Tented Camping Safari Experience in East Africa

A tented safari in East Africa (photo courtesy of Real Life Adventure Travel).

The annual peak season for the safari industry in Tanzania, East Africa kicks off now, and East Africa safari expert Real Life Adventure Travel releases their “anatomy of a tented camp” to help demystify the under canvas safari experience for travelers.

“The idea of sleeping in a tent in Africa is one that remains shrouded in uncertainty and mystery for many travelers,” said Robin Felix, North American representative for Real Life Adventure Travel. “Our focus is on authentic safari experiences, and one of the most romantic elements of this style of safari is spending the nights under canvas. Here you can listen to the sounds of the African night all around you, and feel completely connected to your surroundings while enjoying exceptionally comfortable accommodations.”

Key elements of the tented camping safari experience in East Africa include;

• The Tent: Typically 8 x 10 or larger in size, the tents may include a writing desk, armoire, suitcase rack and of course the bed. Our favorite décor includes local crafts and hand made carpets, pillow cases and more.
• The bathrooms: Attached at the back of the tent, the bathrooms in a mobile tented camp include a wash basin, flush toilet and shower. Depending on how mobile the safari experience is, showers may be lovely hot “bucket” showers which are filled on request by the camp staff, or in more permanent situations there will be hot running water.
• The bed: Typically king sized and plush, these beds are a welcome sight at the end of a long day on safari. Hot water bottles slipped between the sheets before you retire for the night keep you warm in cooler months.
• The veranda: From the shaded veranda of your tent, lounge in the safari chairs as you sip your morning coffee, or as you review your photographs from the day while enjoying a local Kilimanjaro-brand beer.
• The staff: This is perhaps the most important, defining element of the tented camp. The staff is always on hand to draw your hot shower, wash your clothes, make up your bed for the evening and bring your hot coffee as the sun rises in the morning. Also, in the evenings around the camp fire the staff often recounts stories of growing up in Africa, sharing their love of the land and insight into their lives and communities. This is one of the best ways to learn about the real Africa.

You can visit Real Life Adventure Travel’s blog for a portfolio of great images of tented camps, real traveler tented camp experiences and more.

Real Life Adventure Travel is a Tanzanian-owned safari company specializing in custom crafted safari experiences that highlight the unique and colorful cultures of the destination.

The company is currently organizing a charity safari for early 2012. To participate in this “Adventures for Hope” safari contact Robin Felix at robin@reallifeadventuretravel.com for an information packet, the safari itinerary and fundraising details.

For more information or to inquire about a safari in East Africa, contact Real Life Adventure Travel at info@reallifeadventuretravel.com or visit http://www.reallifeadventuretravel.com.

See also:

BOTSWANA-ZIMBABWE CAMPING SAFARI PROVES TO BE WILD EXPERIENCE

For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin