Packing for Africa Just Got Easier: Bamboosa Product Giveaway

On September 1, 2010, In African Safari Tours, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

BamboosaWe’re so excited to be hosting our very first blog giveaway yet! And we’re even more excited that the product we’re giving away is from Bamboosa—a clothing and accessory company specializing in products created from organically grown bamboo. From BambooBaby products to accessories, bamboo socks to accessories, Bamboo powder soap bars to adult printed tees, and a wide selection of men’s clothing to women’s clothing, environmentally conscious consumers can find all of their travel and everyday needs at Bamboosa.

Bamboosa’s business practices are both socially and environmentally sustainable and they offer some of the best products in their industry. Each of their clothing pieces is breathable and cool, thermal regulating and wicking, absorbent, and fast drying. Not to mention, all clothing items are light for packing, which is a must when traveling to Africa.

We mentioned this giveaway to participants on the “What to Pack for an African Vacation” teleseminar this morning, but this contest is for anyone and everyone who’s interested.

Here are the giveaway details:

Bamboosa

Priya Skirts

Giveaway: One of Bamboosa’s  gorgeous Priya skirts or a $40.00 gift certificate to Bamboosa’s huge selection of online items.

How to enter: Simply by leaving a comment on this post (or on the contest post on the Charleston Style Concierge blog), you have the chance to win the giveaway. At the end of the contest, we will combine all the comments from this blog and from the Charleston Style Concierge blog and use Random.org to choose the winner.

Additional ways to enter: Participants can also gain extra entries by . . .

1. Subscribing to this blog’s RSS feed

2. Subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

3. “Liking” Hills of Africa on Facebook.

****NOTE: After each additional entry, participants must comment again on this post mentioning the additional entries they made.

Dates: Contest begins today, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 and ends next Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at midnight (Eastern Time).

Terms & Conditions: No compensation for commenting or promoting this giveaway will be given in either cash or products unless you are a chosen winner.

Names will only be entered four times maximum per person (if the person chooses to take additional actions specified above to enter the giveaway) and will be chosen randomly–no exceptions. Winners will be contacted via email.

By commenting, you are stating that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of this contest. If you agree to the above terms and conditions, you may begin commenting today!

Winner will be emailed on Thursday, September 9, 2010. No purchase necessary.

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What You Need to Know To Plan the Perfect Trip to Africa

On August 30, 2010, In Accommodations, African Destinations, African Safari Tours, By Sandy Salle
trip to africaAsking a traveler where they want to go and what they want to see in Africa is a loaded question that’s often difficult to realistically answer right off the bat. Some travelers might dream about enjoying 3-days of luxurious wine tasting via horseback followed by a mobile safari through the Serengeti—but if these travelers are bringing their young children, these activities might be difficult or even prohibited to take part in.       

Therefore, it’s important to ask yourself a variety of questions prior to planning your trip, and be sure that you consult with a trusted travel agent who specializes in trips to Africa. These questions include: “What’s my budget?,” “Who am I going with?,” “What do my travel partners and I want to see and do?,” and “What type of accommodations do we want to stay in?”

Each and every answer to these questions has an influence on the answer to the next question. In order to plan the perfect vacation around your specific preferences, here is what you’ll need to know:
What’s your budget? african safari vacation
      

This is a big one and is the very first thing you must consider before planning your trip to Africa. Taking a vacation to Africa is quite an investment—one that is well-worth the money and the time it takes to travel. Nonetheless, you must be realistic about your budget and understand that creating a completely customized itinerary pulls in a variety of financial factors such as flights, transportation within Africa, accommodations, activities, reserve and park fees, tours, and more.

If you want to experience a highly personalized and luxurious vacation, you must have at the very least $5,000 per person in your budget.

After you’ve decided on your budget, it’s time to figure out the fun stuff.
Who are you going with?       

Are you going to Africa with your spouse? Or are you going with your family? Perhaps you’re visiting with a group of friends. Whomever you’re going with, deciding on activities that are appropriate for everyone in your party is a must.

african safari toursFor example, if you are bringing children to Africa, they might be too young to participate in safari tours such as game drives, wine tasting tours, or canoe safaris—and sometimes, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to stay at certain accommodations. Therefore, it’s important to either make prior arrangements for the children while you are on safari, or create an itinerary for the entire family that consists primarily of child-friendly activities.

Or, if you are going to Africa with a group of friends varying in age and physical endurance, you might want to consider the physical requirements for certain activities you want to take part in such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback safaris, or walking safaris.
What do you want to see and do?       

Do you want to discover ancient architecture, swim with penguins, relax at a luxury spa, or enjoy spectacular game viewing?

Deciding what you want to see and do has a huge influence on the countries and regions you will visit while in Africa.

For example, there is only one place in Africa where you can swim with the penguins and that’s Boulder’s Beach in South Africa. And, wine tasting can’t be enjoyed just anywhere in Africa—you must go to Cape Winelands to take part in the best of wine tasting.

Also, game drives cannot be experienced everywhere in Africa. This is why it’s important that you weigh your activity preferences to determine which ones you are top priority while in Africa.
What type of accommodation do you want to stay in?       

Africa is full of various types of accommodations ranging everywhere from mobile camps to non-mobile camps, rustic lodges to lavish hotels, and extravagant bandas to romantic bush tents. Because each of these accommodations varies dramatically in terms of adventure and comfort, you must gage your personal preferences and consider your comfort zone and desire for extreme exploration.

If you want to sleep in plush beds surrounded by regal interior décor, visit the spa, enjoy fine dining in elegant restaurants, and have luxurious amenities at your disposal, a mobile camp, rustic lodge, or bush camp probably isn’t for you. Rather, you might want to consider extravagant bandas on the water’s edge or a luxurious hotel in Cape Town or the Garden Route, South Africa.

But if you are interested in experiencing the wilderness or are an adventurist at heart, you’ll love the mobile safaris and rustic lodges.
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Guiding Through Chizarira National Park

On August 27, 2010, In Culture, Zimbabwe, By Sandy Salle

Chizarira

Guest post by Mark Homann, professional safari guide

In the early 1990s I guided out of a National Park known as Chizarira in Northern Zimbabwe. The park is dominated by the Zambezi escarpment that takes up its Northern border. It is by no means a well-known wilderness; not then and certainly not now, but it is very beautiful, unique, and wild. It was with this in mind that I guided a group of clients back here in 2009. I have shared many safaris with this particular group so I knew that they would appreciate this majestic place for what it was.

We had a great safari there. The park was in good shape considering that it has seen less than a handful of tourist in the last decade. The animals were there, but not in the massive numbers as I saw in the early 90s. But we did get to walk up on a large herd of buffalo and two elephant bulls.

Two things make this area so special. One is the people. They are known as the Tonga people. They were moved, after some resistance, from the flood plains of the Zambezi River when Lake Kariba was built, to the foot hills of the escarpment where they live today.  We went to visit an old friend and chief of this area who goes by the name of Judas. He showed us great hospitality and showed us around his village and introduced his family (which has grown to 4 wives and a number of kids in the 20 years since I called his valley home).  Life is not easy for these people as they live in one of Africa’s harsher environments—the Zambezi valley is very hot and not very fertile (except by the river, which the Tonga people used as their main source of food and income).tonga people

They also began struggling with the complete collapse of their tourism-based wildlife economy thanks to the onslaught of bad press Zimbabwe has had since 2000 (it’s worth mentioning that the last time a foreign tourist was hurt in Zimbabwe from politically motivated violence was back in the early 1980s!). Today the Tonga people make a living growing millet (which is regularly eaten by elephant) and some vegetables grown on the sides of the spring lines coming out of the escarpment. They are as proud and tough as ever and it’s easy to feel that the Tonga people could outlive us all.

The other aspect to this area is the Zambezi escarpment itself. As a young guide I spent many hours walking through this wild terrain. Made up of very old sandstone and lifted by tectonic movement, the area is awash with natural spring lines, rugged cliff faces, and deep river gorges that cut deep down into the sandstone, creating a wilderness of valleys and gorges. Elephants have negotiated paths through these steep hills that are thousands of years old (their feet have worn paths into the rock itself). I more than once saw a whole herd of elephant 900 feet above us feeding on the steep sides of river gorges in places where we would not tread without safety harnesses.

So Chizarira may not be the ideal place for a safari for the average person, but it is one of the finest wilderness areas for dedicated wilderness explorers.

Chizarira

Elephant trail in the sandstone.

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Quite Possibly Africa’s Greatest Impact on Travelers

On August 25, 2010, In Culture, Uncategorized, By Sandy Salle

zebrasWhat inspires travelers to choose a trip to Africa above any other exotic destination in the entire world? Although it is different for everyone, many individuals would say that one of their lifelong dreams has been to experience an African safari. These adventurers-at-heart might say that from the time they were 10 years-old they’ve imagined blazing through the bush and sprawling plains of Africa with the wind in their hair and the wildlife by their side. But what many travelers don’t realize, prior to their first visit to Africa, is that there is something much greater at work within this glorious continent.

There is something mysterious about Africa that ignites something within. Many would consider the catalyst behind this powerful feeling of bliss to be the pure energy emitted by all living things in Africa.African sunset

Everything from the smell of the first rains to the melting sunsets, the bright colors of the sky to the empowering sounds, and the magnetic wildlife to the intricate eco-systems, all have an indescribable energy that lives and thrives. Africa is a place where you leave with a new outlook on life and on yourself. But, what many travelers to Africa consider to be the beating heart within this palpable energy are the people of this fascinating continent.

The People

The people you come in contact with while in Africa will most likely be the most genuine and hospitable individuals you will ever meet. Their smiles, gentleness, sense of welcoming, laughter, kindness, and joy in providing you with happiness on your trip are so powerful that you cannot help but feel transformed by their energy.

Many first time travelers to Africa are blown away by the gentleness and attentiveness expressed by the natives, including staff members and safari guides. In fact, most individuals say that their needs and desires have never been addressed as promptly, thoroughly, and joyously, as they were in Africa.

African cultureThe Relationships that Form

Every individual you meet in Africa, whether a local, safari guide, staff member, or other traveler, offers another opportunity to build a lasting relationship that lives with you throughout the rest of your life.

As you converse with your private safari guides, who are often with you for days on end, you build a unique relationship with those individuals.

Coming into contact with other travelers is also a highly enriching experience as each individual or group is often from a different part of the world than you. This enhances your cultural experience as you are not only interacting with and learning about African cultures, but you are also speaking with people from Europe, China, Australia, the United States, Canada, and more. Africa’s ability to attract a variety of different people and cultures is what makes it one of the most enriching melting pots of the world.

The MemoriesAfrican safari guide

Interacting with the people you meet in Africa will quite possibly be some of the most inspirational memories that remain with you for the rest of your life. Every experience you have in the bush with your guide, family members, and new-found friends is something each and every one of you can connect with 20 years down the road and share with new generations, family members, and friends.

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The Little Five vs. The Big Five

On August 23, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, By Sandy Salle

Of course everyone on an African safari vacation wants to see the famous Big Five. Who doesn’t? But what many travelers don’t realize is that there is much more to see in various eco-systems of Africa besides lions, elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, and Cape buffaloes.

Often underrated for their size, the Little Five are some of the most interesting and curious creatures to observe in the African wilderness. These five animals consist of the rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, and the ant lion.

See below for a description of each of the Little Five:

Elephant shrew: Growing up to 30 cm in length, the elephant shrew is an adorable little mammal that hops along the ground in search of yummy insects and grub. Their hops are so tremendous that some can reach anywhere between 2 – 3 ft. in one leap! They also have a long tail and nose that enables them to sniff for insects before projecting the insects into their mouths using their tongue.

Living in solitary pairs of two, the elephant shrew isn’t the most social creature in the Africa’s southern region. In fact, the elephant shrew is so against socializing with others that it will mark its territory with a musky odor that is produced by a gland beneath its tail.

But although these creatures may be named after a shrew, they are in fact more closely related to aardvarks and moles.

Rhinoceros beetle: A frightening looking insect, the rhino beetle has a thick coating of pointy armor that makes it an intimidating sight to see in the wild! Growing up to 2.5 inches in length, the rhino beetle is one of the world’s largest species of beetle and actually ranks as one of the world’s strongest creatures—proportionately.  Rhino beetles are so strong that they can lift nearly 850 times their weight.

Equipped with two large horns—hence the name rhinoceros beetle—the rhino beetle will use these horns to dig for food in trees as well as under rotting bark and beneath soil. They’ll also use these horns to defend themselves and fight other male beetles for mates.

Although these insects have a threatening appearance, they are harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting.

Image taken from (http://bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au/learning/resources/Entomology/internalAnatomy/imagePages/rhinocerousBeetle.html)

Buffalo weaver: Comprised of vibrant orange, black, and white feathers, this tricolored bird is one of Africa’s most beautiful bird species. Although this bird may appear graceful in pictures and at first glance, it’s actually a loud bird t

hat causes quite a ruckus. With large communal nests comprised of thorns and twigs, the buffalo weaver is a social bird species that interacts with others using loud vocal callings and aggressive movements.

Found primarily in the dry savanna and acacia woodland in Eastern Africa, these birds feed on grass seeds, acacia, insects, and fruits.

Image taken by the Honolulu Zoo (http://www.honoluluzoo.org/whiteheaded_buffalo_weaver.htm)

Leopard tortoise: With shells comprised of unique carvings, patterns, and colors, the leopard tortoise is one of the world’s most beautiful reptiles and one of the most interesting. It can live to be 100 years old and can reach up to 18 inches in length and weigh nearly 40 lbs.

While most turtle species produce eggs that incubate for 90 – 120 days, the leopard tortoises’ egg incubation period can last for over a year before the eggs hatch. This lengthy incubation process happens beneath the ground in dry, grassy areas of southern Africa.

Image taken from http://www.leopardtortoise.com/

Antlion: A frightening and bizarre looking insect, the antlion’s name more accurately depicts its larval stage than its adult stage. Named for its large head, jagged jaws, and bristle-covered body, the antlion is a beast compared to most other ants.

When antlions are in their larvae form, they will dig little holes in the sand where they will wait for another insect to fall into their trap before eating them.

In adulthood, the antlion can reach roughly 1.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 3.2 inches in length. During their adult stages, the antlion looks completely different from its larval stage and resembles a dragonfly more than an ant.

Image Taken by Wayne Schmidt (http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/mybetterpictures.htm)

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Is There More to Africa Than Wildlife?

On August 20, 2010, In African Safari Tours, Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, By Sandy Salle

safari toursWhen you think of Africa what are some of the first visions that come to mind? For many, safari tours and the Big Five are some of the first thoughts that arise. Of course, Africa is the ultimate destination for safaris and game viewing, but there is so much more to do in Africa besides exceptional safari experiences.

One of the most fascinating elements about Africa is its extensive diversity. Comprised of 53 countries that range in climate, culture, history, landscape, cuisine, activities, accommodations, and wildlife, Africa is one of the world’s most astonishing and eclectic continents. Attracting everyone from beach addicts to ocean enthusiasts, romantics to spa lovers, and cultural buffs to wine connoisseurs, Africa is a destination for almost everyone.

Although Africa does attract a variety of different people with different interests, needs, desires, and preferences, visitors to Africa do have something in common: the desire to discover and grow.

So, what else is there to do besides game viewing? Tons! See below for an insight into the real Africa:

Cape Town City Tours: Grow, learn, discover, and uncover on a tour through the glowing city of Cape Town, South trip to AfricaAfrica. With a bustling atmosphere filled with architectural fascinations, shopping hubs, gardens, beaches, quaint bistros and cafes, mouth-watering seafood, hiking trails, and the infamous Table Mountain, Cape Town invites all sorts of individuals and various interests.

Cultural Visits: An absolute highlight among visitors to Africa, cultural visits are not only enlightening and rewarding, but they’re also often the gateway to an entirely new perspective on Africa and life in general. Almost all of the most popular destinations in Africa offer exceptional cultural visits that allow travelers to immerse themselves into local cultures and customs. Some of the best cultural tours take visitors to local schools, orphanages, and private homes, while others consist of exciting interactive bush walks or bicycling tours through local villages.

World Heritage Sites: Southern Africa is home to some of the most intriguing World Heritage Sites on earth. From cultural sites such as the Fossil Hominid Sites, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Robben Island, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape to natural sites including Vredefort Dome and the Great St. Lucia Wetland Park, Africa holds captivating secrets of the past in what remains in the present.

Golfing: As one of the top golf destinations in the world, South Africa is speckled with stunning courses that provide the avid golfer with exciting challenges around every corner. Whether looking for a five-day golf safari tour or half a day of golf, South Africa’s renowned courses can accommodate.

tour AfricaEach and every day (and hole for that matter) provides seasoned golfers with new challenges and experiences. For example, Leopard Creek County Club’s sixteenth hole requires balls to pass over hippo-populated waters onto a fresh green while Links at Fancourt is South Africa’s most challenging course, providing visitors with surprising twists, dips, and obstacles.

Ocean Visits: The coastline and archipelagos of Africa are bustling with beauty and infinite opportunities for exploration.

Africa’s coastlines and islands are so diverse and spectacular that they’re known for being some of the world’s top beach, scuba diving, and snorkeling destinations in the world. Africa’s waters are also home to whales, the African penguin, sharks, dolphins, and other aquatic creatures, making shark cage diving, whale watching, and swims with the penguins some of Africa’s most exciting ocean activities.

Wine Tours: There is no shortage of wine tours in Cape Winelands, South Africa. With dozens of types of tours to choose from, visitors find their time in Cape Winelands isn’t long enough. Some of the most acclaimed wine tours include wine making, personal wine tasting, VIP wine tasting, one-day village tours, horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking tours.

Fishing: Whether you’re interested in big game saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing, Africa’s rivers, lakes, and deep sea fishingsurrounding ocean are always teeming with adventure and thrilling catches.

Travelers interested in freshwater fishing have the opportunity to observe large land game and other lake dwelling creatures such as a wide variety of birds, hippos, and crocodiles as they enjoy an exciting day of fishing. One of the most popular and aggressive freshwater fish is the tigerfish, which can weigh in anywhere from 10 – 25 lbs.

Deep sea fishing, on the other hand, typically consists of larger and stronger fish depending on the time of year. Sailfish are caught the most as they are found in the area year round, while species of marlin, wahoo, kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish are typically caught between the months of October and March.

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5 Packing Tips for an African Safari Vacation

On August 18, 2010, In Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, By Sandy Salle

Preparing for a vacation to Africa should be exciting, not stressful. But how can you eliminate the stress of packing if you’re unsure of what to pack for a safari? And with all of the packing regulations on charter flights and luggage weight restrictions, how can you avoid the stress of packing that seems nearly impossible to eliminate?

These and other questions will be answered on a special, one-hour teleseminar, What to Pack for an African Safari Vacation. But to give you a little taste of what you can expect on this call, we’ve invited the co-host of this call, Lee Heyward, to guest blog on 5 Packing Tips for an African Safari Vacation.

Below is Lee’s guest post:

Your trip to Africa might require a more minimal and casual wardrobe than you are used to, but it can give you a great opportunity to portray your sense of style in a new and different way.

No matter where you travel you don’t have to loose your sense of style, you just have to be sure your style is practical, appropriate, and comfortable for the activities of your trip.

How to Look and Feel Great in Africa:

Athleta Top

1. Fuse stylish details into your casual clothing.

Your trip to Africa will mostly require casual clothing. Choose casual pieces with stylish details to keep you feeling stylish and chic.

This moisture wicking top from Athleta offers interesting seaming and ruching, a great way to take on a safari in style.

2. Wear natural or wicking fabrics.

Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or silk are very breathable which will help you stay cool and comfortable on your trip. Wicking fabrics are engineered to wick moisture away from your skin.

3. Make your clothes work double duty.

With strict luggage weight limits you need stylish clothing that works double duty. As you pack consider how many ways you can wear something. Remember, you can always do laundry so your item stays fresh

Athleta Top

and comfortable. This structured shirt offers maximum versatility in both function and technology. It is made of a wicking fabric that also contains SPF protection. Use it as a bathing suit cover up, sun protection on a safari, or a chic travel piece on the plane.

4. Choose color wisely.

We are all drawn to certain colors, but your favorite red shirt is not going to work in Africa. The last thing you want is to miss out on a photograph of the one animal you came to see because the color of your shirt distracted it. Choose the colors that you wear wisely. The best color choices for your Africa trip are ones that are found in nature. Think greens, browns, and khaki. If these colors don’t excite you, remember that every color comes in different shades. Hold up different shades of each color to find the one that makes you feel your best.

This wrap is not only the perfect color but offers versatility. Wear it day or night, and pair it with a camisole for a chic safari look.

Athleta Top

5. Leave your animal print at home.

As tempting as it may be to bring along your best safari chic pieces, leave the animal print at home. In Africa your animal print wardrobe looses the chic and just becomes cliché.

About Lee

Lee Heyward is a style coach and owner of Charleston Style Concierge, LLC, a company which specializes in teaching women how to achieve easy and effortless style. Lee works with clients one-on-one, virtually, and hosts monthly seminars. Lee believes anyone can have great style with a little knowledge and an open mind. Charleston Style Concierge is located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Register here for this free, upcoming teleseminar What to Pack for an African Safari Vacation, happening Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 1pm EST.

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Find Bliss on the Edge of Tanzania’s Ruaha River

On August 16, 2010, In Accommodations, African Safari Tours, Tanzania, By Sandy Salle

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

There is no rush to do anything at Tanzania’s Amara Simbazi boutique camp—there is only the feeling of pure harmony. Whether you’re watching the sunset behind the thick African bush from the tranquil infinity pool or finding peace on the Ruaha River’s edge, Amara Simbazi somehow defies the constraints of time.

As you enter this blissful retreat, located in the Selous Game Reserve, you’ll immediately recognize a feeling of balance that’s ignited by the soothing interior colors and textures that emulate Tanzania’s energetic, natural surroundings. Each of the camp’s 12 luxurious tented camps is designed to provide you with maximum comfort, while enabling the outdoors to permeate through to the inside.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

Perfect for romantic safari honeymoons, family reunions or getaways, and group trips, Amara Simbazi is the ideal accommodations for any traveler looking to explore Tanzania’s exotic wilderness. It is, however, important to note that if you are taking a family vacation, children must be a minimum of 6-years in age.

While visiting this boutique camp enjoy fine dining, opulent spa treatments, and exciting bush-based activities.

Here are just a few things you can expect to partake in while visiting Amara Simbazi:

Explore the Wilderness on Safari: Whether you want to experience a game drive, walking safari, or birding safari, Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa’s premier safari tour destinations. As a World Heritage Site and Tanzania’s largest and most plentiful game reserve, Selous is comprised of an eclectic variety of bustling eco-systems that each offer a new perspective on wildlife.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

With hundreds of species of birds including the African fish eagle, goliath herons, Egyptian geese, waders, vultures, and warblers, Selous Game Reserve’s waterways are teeming with some of Africa’s most celebrated bird species. With the help of your knowledgeable safari guide and a pair of great binoculars, you can get even closer to these species than you ever imagined.

Game drives are also a great way to view birds but are more famous for viewing large game such as lions, leopards and elephants. And before you head out for your refreshing morning game drive, enjoy a delightful bush breakfast amongst the residential wildlife.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

Walking safaris are another excellent way to view Tanzania’s large game, but they’re also perfect for discovering hidden wildlife such as the little five. You’ll also get to utilize some detective skills as you scan the ground for animal tracks and go in search of animals on the move.

Boating Adventures: Venture across the Ruaha River in search of giant hippos, fierce crocodiles, and aquatic birds. On these safari tours, you’ll find excitement around every bend of the river while enjoying chilled refreshments and refreshing snacks.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/activities.html)

Sensual Spa Treatments: Whether you want to experience a rejuvenating spa treatment in the privacy of your

tented camp or outdoors amongst the sounds and aromas of the wildlife, Amara Simbazi’s signature spa treatments allow you to restore balance, eliminate physical stresses, and revitalize the senses. Perfect for experiencing after exciting safari tours, Simbazi’s spa treatments are designed to leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

Did you find this post informative? Let us know in our comments section.

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Measuring and Reducing Tanzania’s Carbon Footprint

On August 13, 2010, In Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania, By Sandy Salle

Carbon TanzaniaWhat if there were an organization that rose to the occasion to help companies and communities dramatically reduce their carbon footprints? A company with the hope and conviction that with a joint effort and a passion for the earth and its fragile eco-systems, we could create a healthier, more sustainable living environment for all. This company is Carbon Tanzania.

Dedicated to protecting the wildlife and rehabilitating the habitat of Tanzania and the earth as a whole, Carbon Tanzania has established a program and several branch projects that enable local Tanzanian communities to thrive and businesses to seek and implement effective strategies to dramatically reduce these harmful emissions.

Below is a breakdown of how Carbon Tanzania helps local Tanzanian communities and how it helps companies:

Local Communities: Employing large quantities of local villagers to maintain and plant tree seedlings, Carbon Tanzania helps communities establish effective economic and environmentally sustainable practices. When these locals are employed, Carbon Tanzania provides them with training sessions and project baseline scenarios that enable the locals to establish highly valuable skills that can be used for additional personal success in the future.

By establishing these reforestation projects and employing the native Tanzanians, Carbon Tanzania hopes to ensure a long term solution to environmental and community finance issues.

Companies: Consider all of the combined carbon emissions produced by businesses around the world. Off the top of your head, it might not seem to be that much, but when you factor in staff vehicle fuel consumption, outside deliveries, employee (and sometimes client) air travel, electricity costs, paper usage, and office cleaning materials, the estimations often expand dramatically.

Carbon Tanzania offers all types of businesses, camps, lodges, and safari providers, the opportunity to have a Greenhouse Gas Audit performed on their company. The results of this audit enable companies to establish a visual on their emissions, implement effective emission reduction strategies, and reduce their carbon footprint.

A Greenhouse Gas Audit can detect a company’s global and local impact and it can also detect an individual’s personal impact on the environment.

In addition to helping local communities and eco-systems thrive, as well as helping companies to reduce their carbon emissions, Carbon Tanzania also partners with local organizations that are interested in managing natural resources, helping communities become sustainable, and developing reforestation projects.

To learn more about the positive impact Carbon Tanzania is producing, visit their website at http://www.carbontanzania.com.

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How Do You Perceive Africa? The Truth May Surprise You

On August 11, 2010, In Accommodations, African Safari Tours, By Sandy Salle

A common fear and misconception that many travelers have about Africa is that it will be completely non-westernized, anti-west, and / or uncivilized—quite the contrary. Many times, as soon as once-skeptical travelers return from their first trip to Africa, many boast about their feelings of belonging, trust, and sheer joy while visiting and interacting with the locals. Highlights from these trips almost always include the hospitable and friendly people, the delectable cuisine, and the wonderfully organized tours and activities.

But to give you a better idea for how Africa really is, we’ve highlighted some aspects of Africa that have been main traveler concerns for decades:

The Misconception: The people will be anti-west or uncivilized.

The Reality: The interaction visitors to Africa have with the locals is considered by many to be a life changing experience. As a travel company that has sent thousands of people to Africa, we’ve heard dozens upon dozens of wonderful stories and joyful moments our clients have had in Africa. But an element that has had one of the greatest impacts on our clients has been the people of Africa.

Many travelers compare their accommodation settings to being in the comfort of their own home with friends and family. The staff, often comprised of locals, is not only attentive to your every individual need and desire, but they are also extremely friendly and hospitable. Not to mention, they are delighted to learn just as much about you as you are to learn more about them and their culture.

The Misconception: I won’t be able to converse with anyone and that makes me very nervous.

The Reality: Visiting a country where everyone speaks a language that is foreign to you can be very unnerving. You worry about not being able to find transportation, interacting with locals, and purchasing items. These fears are completely understandable. However, you’ll quickly realize that everyone you interact with in Africa speaks English. From your safari guides to street merchants, restaurant staff to accommodation staff, transportation professionals to tour guides, you’ll never have a problem with communication when you travel smart.

The Misconception: I can’t eat the food or drink the water for fear of disease. And I also don’t want to eat bland British-based food or strange, exotic meals that I have no idea what they’re made of or where they came from.

The Reality: There are most definitely areas in Africa where you should not eat the food or drink the water; however, you will not be visiting any of those places on a luxury family vacation or honeymoon.

The accommodations you will be visiting have access to filtered water and sensational fresh food. In addition to the cuisine at your accommodations, you can also visit a variety of fine-dining establishments, quaint bistros, and casual seaside cafes for delectable local fare.

In terms of the types of food to enjoy in Africa, there is a wide variety. Often, first-time travelers to Africa are either under the impression that the food will be completely British-based or bizarre meats and delicacies. Both of those assumptions are completely false. In fact, visitors to Africa often have the choice between more traditional African dishes or westernized dishes for the more conservative eater.

For many travelers to Africa, who are unfamiliar with traditional southern African cuisine, there is a concern about whether or not they will be able to enjoy the food on their trip. But, if you enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, spicy stews, sensational wines, meats—such as lamb, chicken, beef, ostrich, pork—and freshly caught seafood, you’re going to be in heaven with the food in Africa. And, if you want to try something a little more adventurous, there are delicious meats primarily served only in Africa, which include springbok, kudu, and crocodile.

With a variety of westernized dishes and traditional African dishes, visitors to Africa are guaranteed to find meals that fit their liking.

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