What Do Travelers On A Trip To Africa Remember The Most?

On March 1, 2010, In African Family Safari, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

Conservation Projects KenyaAlthough every traveler to Africa comes home with various highlights from their trip, it’s safe to say that some of the most potent memories that visitors return with are the ones comprised of the African people and their eclectic cultures.

One of the most exceptional places in Africa to discover local traditions, lifestyles, and cultures is in Kenya. Thanks to a variety of thriving community projects, you can have a rare and highly-exclusive look into the local communities and lifestyle as you interact with locals, and visit popular community spots.

When you participate in an eco-tourism tour, you’re often guided by a local who is certified and highly-knowledgeable of the area. When these locals are employed, they are able to provide for their family and give back to the economy.

Conservation Projects KenyaBelow are a few projects happening in Kenya today, where you can discover the beauty and joy of what eco-tourism efforts can provide for local communities:

Interact with the Samburu people in a local community near Ol Malo. When you take part in one of Ol Malo’s community tours, you’ll discover the cultural lifestyle of the Samburu people as you interact with local children and learn about the current community projects. One such project, the L’chekuti Children’s Painting Program, is one of the most inspirational and empowering projects occurring in Ol Malo today. Children ages four through ten can come to the Sampiripiri Arts Workshop to paint and socialize with the other kids. Thanks to this program, over 600 children have remained happy and healthy.

Touring these community projects is often the highlight of many travelers who visit Ol Malo.

Conservation Projects KenyaSimultaneously help to protect the wildlife of the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem and The Maasai residents of Mbirikani Group Ranch: The Maasailand Preservation Trust (MPT) is an organization established to create a balance between sustaining the local economy and the local eco-system.

With a population of 10,000 individuals, the Maasai community depends greatly upon their agricultural lifestyle. And when wildlife impedes on the success of this lifestyle, the economy begins to fail and food is scarce. The MPT was established in order to help locals thrive as well as sustain the environment. Through economics, education, and ecology, locals have discovered a balance between their lifestyle and the residential wildlife.

Conservation Efforts KenyaThe Mbirikani Conservation Model is comprised of four key sections:

  • Predator compensation fund: This fund works to provide compensation to farmers who have lost their livestock due to residential predators. The fund gives farmers new livestock, which greatly helps to discourage farmers from killing these predators and endangering their population.
  • Community game scouts: Game scouts are employed to physically prohibit acts against the environment. The game scouts are deployed into the field to help stop poaching, protect the endangered black rhino population, reduce human-wildlife conflict, protect river systems, offer general security, and monitor the operation of the Predator Compensation Fund.
  • Education: One of the MPT’s most influential programs is their education program. They offer the Wildlife Scholarship Program, which helps provide individuals with primary, secondary, and tertiary education. In addition to this scholarship program, MPT has helped provide for the establishments of two primary schools in the Mbirikani Group Ranch, and works to educate over 300 students per year. These educational programs were established with the hope and conviction that students will use this knowledge and understanding to the advantage of the local community, and therefore shape its future.
  • Field research and additive conservation programs: These programs hire Lion Guardians, who are locals employed to monitor lion movements using advanced tracking equipment, and reduce human-wildlife conflict by lending their services to the community. Many times, conflict between humans and wildlife can be reduced by the Lion Guardians’ efforts to find lost livestock, and help build sturdier fences around livestock areas.
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Immerse Yourself in Local Cape Town Culture As You Help Conserve the Local Community

On January 27, 2010, In African Safari Tours, South Africa, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle
AWOL Bike Tours

AWOL Bike Tours

Imagine taking a relaxing stroll through a charming South African village, where the unique African spirit, the scent of authentic cuisine, and the joy of the local community fills the air.

When you take part in an AWOL bicycle township tour, you’re not only experiencing a breathtaking journey through Cape Town’s beautiful township, Masiphumelele, you’re also, simultaneously, giving back to the local community. Famous for their exceptional ability to fuse a rich cultural learning experience with sustainable efforts, AWOL has been awarded the Imvelo Award for their responsible tourism efforts and is also a certified Fair Trade in Tourism organization.

AWOL, which means “a world of learning,” is a proud partner of the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), and works closely with BEN to spread their conservation efforts across the local townships. BEN is a nonprofit organization that works to alleviate poverty through the importation and use of gently used bicycles, and works to promote the bicycle’s health benefits and environmental benefits.

How do you benefit from an AWOL tour?

  • Unlike any other tour in Cape Town, the AWOL bicycle township tour is filled with a variety of activities that allow you to completely immerse yourself within the local Xhosa culture.
  • As you stroll through the quaint Masiphymelele township on bicycle (without the confinements of a bus or vehicle), you’ll have the opportunity to observe and interact with the locals in their everyday lives. During your tour, you’ll learn about the Xhosa people’s unique customs and traditions from a highly-knowledgeable and certified local guide.
  • One of the greatest highlights of the bicycle tour is the chance to view a traditional Xhosa dance performed by a Sangoma (African traditional healer). This is one of the most enlightening experiences of the bicycle tour as it incorporates authentic music with traditional dance rituals. And we promise, you’ve never seen or heard anything like it.
  • Enjoy an authentic, home cooked meal in an African home and taste the delectable flavors of local spices and produce. During this lunch, you’ll be able to interact with a local family and participate in the cooking experience if you so choose and you will also be able to view the interior of a traditional Masiphymelele home. Nothing is more satisfying than taking the time to see how traditional African cuisine is prepared and learning first-hand cooking lessons from the locals.
  • See the joyful faces of children at a local pre-school and interact with them for an even deeper insight into the local customs and community lifestyle.

AWOL Bike Tours

AWOL Bike Tours

How does the community benefit from an AWOL tour?

  • AWOL strives to sustain the local economy by assisting locals to start up their own business and by employing locals to become qualified guides. This not only allows the locals to proudly share their knowledge of their cultural and historical heritage with visitors, but it also allows them to be paid for these services.
  • Because the bicycles used in the AWOL bicycle tour are second hand and produce no carbon emissions, they are completely safe for the environment and allow the local community to financially profit from the tours. In addition to helping sustain the local economy, the fact that bicycles produce no gas emissions means a healthier environment and lifestyle for the locals.
  • Locals who offer their cooking expertise to visitors are also compensated for their efforts and have the opportunity to share their natural born skills with visitors.
  • Some of the proceeds from the tour go to a local pre-school that is visited during the tour, which helps to sustain the local education system.
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Great Plains Conservation: Changing the World One Elephant Footprint at a Time

On October 7, 2009, In African Family Safari, African Honeymoon Safari, Botswana, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

With increasing threats to the elephant population in Africa—including hunting, poaching, and habitat loss from human expansion—it’s no wonder we are beginning to see a major decline in elephant numbers. Determined to extinguish, or at least reduce these threats, Great Plains Conservation has established the Elephant Footprint program. This conservation program is focused primarily on one of the last places on earth where elephants are in large numbers, the Selinda Reserve in Botswana. Nearly 9,000 elephants reside in Selinda after each dry season, thanks to Great Plains Conservation’s exceptional efforts to help sustain the local environment.

Elephants in Africa

According to Great Plains Conservation, before they acquired the land, a whopping 75% of Selinda’s territory was used for trophy hunting. Now, elephants are less timid and more comfortable with their surroundings, and lion and other animal populations have increase dramatically.

Elephant at Zarafa Camp, Selinda Reserve in Northern Botswana

Because Selinda is a sanctuary for several endangered animals, including wild dogs, several bird species, leopards, and elephants, it’s a special treat to be able to see these creatures in abundance in their most natural habitat. In addition to a plethora of various animal species, Selinda Reserve is also known for its thriving eco-systems that sustain the delicate wildlife of the area. With 300,000 acres of land, windy rivers, and swamps, Selinda is one of the liveliest regions in Africa. Without the efforts from Great Plains Conservation, this region’s magnificent species and delicate eco-systems would still be under major threat.

Dedicated to conserving the environment through low impact, exceptional tourism, and community involvement, Great Plains Conservation is doing everything in their power to make the environment, the economy, and the community sustainable. Their belief is simple: “We believe that ownership is less about laying claim to a vast tract of land like this, than it is about taking care of it and making it better than we found it (Great Plains Conservation).”

Elephant outside the guest tent at Zarafa Camp

Great Plains Conservation is so dedicated to conserving the area that they only accommodate a maximum of 32 guests in their tented camps at all times. They believe this is the solution to having a lower impact on the region’s environment and providing each and every guest with the African safari vacation of a lifetime. With thousands of acres for guest to explore, Selinda’s camps are some of the most exceptional, unique, and intimate in all of Africa.
With the goal to expand conservation protection, Great Plains is working hard to build an elephant safe-haven that spans from the Chobe National Park, to the Moremi, to Namibia, and hopefully, to Angola.

If you’re looking to experience the Botswana family safari or honeymoon safari of a lifetime, Selinda Reserve is the place to go. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you and your loved ones a detailed itinerary that’s customized to fit your every individual preference. Contact us today at 800.940.9344. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .

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Frogging Safari: Discover Africa's Delicate Creatures

On September 30, 2009, In African Safari Tours, South Africa, Spotlight: African Animals, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

Impressionable mediums such as Hollywood and novels have positioned Africa as a continent synonymous with fierce game, adventurous safaris, and stunning wildlife. But Africa embodies much more than its traditional stereotype as a game-viewing safari destination. Although game-drives are the perfect way to observe the Big Five and other large African animals, it’s impossible to immerse yourself in the minute details of the African bush, where vehicles are forbidden.

Teeming with some of the world’s most intriguing flora, peculiar insects, stunning nocturnal creatures, and mysterious wilderness, Africa is abundant with hidden treasures and unspoiled terrain that make walking safaris a must. There are a variety of walking safaris to choose from, depending on your personal preference. Many travelers enjoy the niche-oriented walking safaris such as those that focus specifically on birding, plants, or lions. But one of those most interesting niche-oriented walking safaris is a frogging safari.

Frogging Safaris at The Dunes Country House

It may sound odd, but a frogging safari is a unique way to observe some of Africa’s endangered amphibian species, and is highly adventurous as it does encourage some detective work on your part. One of South Africa’s most reputable places to enjoy a frogging safari is the Dunes Country House in St. Francis Bay, South Africa. Here, extremely knowledgeable safari guide, Warren, who specializes in frogs, educates you on the unique lifestyle, behavior, and habits of frogs and opens your eyes to peculiar frog species that are endemic to the area.

Frogging Safaris at Dunes Country House, St Francis Bay

With nearly 100 species of frog found throughout Southern Africa, approximately 47% of which are only found in the South African region, a frogging safari in St. Francis Bay opens your eyes to some of the world’s most rare and mesmerizing amphibians. The decrease in the African frog population can be correlated with indirect human influences such as pollution and deforestation.

As wildlife preservation supporters, Dunes Country House is diligently working to help preserve the fragile South African wilderness and give every last frog species the power to live on. One of their greatest conservation projects is the alien eradication program, which helps preserve the area’s drying wetlands and a specific frog species known as the Sand Toad. Dunes Country House’s alien eradication program works to remove any non-indigenous vegetation from the area and prevent human destruction of the wetlands.

Frogging Safaris at Dunes Country House

When you partake in an unforgettable frogging safari, you’re getting more than an educational and adventurous experience, you’re contributing to the preservation of the Southern African frogs’ natural habitat. All frogging safari funds go to the alien eradication program, which is helping to expand the wetlands and give life back to the endangered frogs of this fragile region.

frogging

On the Dunes Country House frogging safari with Warren, you’ll . . .

  • Begin your excursion at sunset and will be equipped with headlamps, nets, and gum boots.
  • Take a Land Rover to Dunes Country House’s private nature reserve, Thula Moya, where you will find a variety of frog species.
  • Hear the beautiful whistles and songs of the resident male frogs. Each male frog looking for a female mate works hard at their music to be the loudest, because in the end, the loudest frog gets the girl.
  • Learn about the frog species in the area and discover what makes these frogs unique creatures. From the soothing sounds to the vibrant colors and hues of these frogs, you’ll discover the purpose of each frog characteristic.
  • Need to keep an eye open in search of colorful frogs. Frogs range in color to bright reds, yellows, and greens, to brown hues with intricate detailed skin.
  • See a variety of frog species including the painted reed frog, cape sand frog, raucous toad, eastern leopard toad, clicking stream frog, bronze caco, and striped stream frog–to name a few.

When you arrive back at the Dunes Country House, you have the opportunity to purchase a hand-beaded frog statue as a souvenir from local crafters. The proceeds from this purchase will further go to the preservation efforts of the area.

Experience the beauty of Africa on a South African family safari or honeymoon safari vacation. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you a detailed itinerary that is tailored to your every individual preference. Contact us today at 800.940.9344. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true.

Would you enjoy a frogging safari in Southern Africa?

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Feel Good Travel News: Jan Harmsgat Country House

On August 24, 2009, In African Family Safari, African Honeymoon Safari, African Safari Vacation, South Africa, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

Our chef Lena at Jan HarmsgatJan_Harmsgat_kitchen

The area east of Cape Town is known as the Garden Route. The name comes from the burst of flower and fauna that bloom during spring, in an area that is its own floral kingdom. A few hours down the main highway, east of Cape Town is a sleepy town called Swellendam, and 10 minutes beyond that is Jan Harmsgat Country House. The guesthouse, part of a working dairy farm, sits below a vast mountain range that changes color from mauve and green through gunmetal and pink depending on the time of day. A chic grey swimming pool, surrounded by dry stone walls and lavender bushes momentarily put me in mind of a cool country garden in the south of France. There are only five bedrooms, but it has the polish of a much larger establishment.

Most surprising is that head chef, Lena Vergotini, has no formal training in the kitchen and graduated from making jams and preserves to sell on the farm to producing top-notch restaurant food.

“Lena Vergotine, came to our farm with her husband 17 years ago”, remembers Judi Rebstein, owner of Jan Harmsgat. “She had never attended school ever, was thus illiterate and could only speak the local Afrikaans language. She worked as a cleaner for our manager twice a week.”

A few months later, when Jan Harmsgat employed a local farmer’s wife to teach classes to the local women on the farm to make jams and preserves (there is such abundance of it in this fruit growing area), they discovered that Lena had a passion and a talent for cooking. The teacher went on to teach her simple South African traditional recipes and Lena memorized the order in which the lady wrote down the ingredients as she was not able to read and write. In fact, Lena taught herself to read and write in this way. Eventually, Lena learned to speak English by attending classes offered to the staff of Jan Harmsgat.

As luck continued to go in Lena’s favor, a Swiss trained chef had a gap of four months and spent this time in Jan Harmsgat’s kitchen with Lena. He taught Lena the basics of reduction sauces. Since then, Jan Harmsgat has been able to get many other well known chefs to visit and work with Lena. She has been able to get experience working in these top restaurants in Cape Town by invitation of the generous chefs.

“Today, Lena heads our kitchen, she plans the menus, she produces wonderful food and she meets diners at the end of each meal.”

This is a fine example of the progress one person can make when given the opportunity - an opportunity provided by tourism. When you travel, you can change lives.

Hills of Africa Travel is proud to be an active member in the African community, and is always looking for new ways to make a positive impact. To learn more about our efforts and travel itineraries, contact us today at (800) 940-9344.

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Great Plains: The Epitome Of Conservation Tourism

On July 31, 2009, In Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

Great Plains ConservationDid you know?

• Just 50 years ago there were around 450,000 lions in Africa, today there are only 20,000.

• Lion numbers throughout Africa are plummeting.

• There are only 1,000 tigers left in India.

• Elephant ranges are under threat.

• There are fewer than 750 mountain gorillas anywhere.

• Tropical rainforests are under siege.

• In 50 years there will probably not be a viable fishery in the tropics.

*The above facts were taken directly from the Great Plains’ website.

Extremely dedicated to the conservation of Africa’s unique wildlife, Hills of Africa Travel is proud to partner with some of the greatest conservation tourism companies in all of Africa. As active African conservationists ourselves, we know the affect both natural and human impacts have had on Africa, and we’re dedicated to making a difference. One of our favorite and most admirable tourism companies in Africa is the Great Plains group. Great Plains is “a conservation organization that relies on low impact, high quality tourism, carbon trading, and community upliftment to make conservation sustainable.”

Created from a team of four individuals who are dedicated to the conservation of Africa’s fragile nature, Great Plains is making a huge difference in Africa, the Indian Ocean, and soon, in India. Their efforts in these regions’ threatened habitats can be seen through their numerous, active projects including Elephant Footprint, Conflict Between Human And Wildlife—Lions, Tropical Rainforests & Mountain Gorillas, Fisheries Of The World, and Bengal Tigers (India).

Great Plains’ inspiration to create these highly beneficial projects came from their observations of threats on Africa’s precious wildlife, parks, and forests. Many animals that were once thriving are now highly endangered due to poaching, habitat loss, and hunting. Animals extremely susceptible to these threats include the African wild ass, African wild dog, black rhinoceros, pygmy chimpanzee, cheetah, gorilla, mountain zebra, pygmy hippopotamus, and many more species.

Because of the rapid growth of these threats, we are beginning to see more and more of Africa’s wildlife and nature being valued less and protected less. Great Plains strongly believes that in order for the future of Africa’s natural world to be saved, there must be continuous, proactive conservation efforts across the globe. In order to make an impact, these conservation efforts must be sustainably funded by “low volume, low impact conservation-ecotourism, often combined with carbon credits and even in some instances with a small number of villa or bush-home sales.”

Great Plains’ overall mission is to create a formula that will integrate conservation, communities, and commerce.

Once  a strong model is in place, the community, businesses, tourism companies, and governments can come together to ensure stable and thriving wildernesses across the African continent, surrounding bodies of water, and neighboring continents.

In a nutshell, Great Plains embodies the concept of Conservation Tourism in its purest form: “Take stressed environments and surround them with compassionate protection and intelligent management.”

The fate of Africa’s natural world appears unfortunate, but with the support of eco-tourism companies, you can lend a hand to wildlife conservation in Africa. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you a customized itinerary around your every preference, and experience the sheer magic of Africa. Contact us today at (800) 940-9344.  We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .

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The Madikwe Game Reserve – An Inspirational Success Story

On July 24, 2009, In African Family Safari, African Honeymoon Safari, African Safari Tours, African Safari Vacation, South Africa, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

Royal_MadikweMadikweVistachildren_at_school

The Madikwe Game Reserve is located northwest of Johannesburg. It’s an easy, 3-hour drive from the largest international airport in southern Africa. Alternatively, it’s a quick, 45 minute flight and short game drive to your safari lodge.

The reserve is an incredible success story and an inspiration for conservation projects across South Africa and around the world. The story began in the 1980s when the dry, degraded farmland was expropriated to the local Tswana. Rather than allocate the land to black cattle farmers which would have provided jobs for a few dozen people, it was repaired and turned over to conservation and tourism. Today, lodges in the reserve employ 1,200 people and the support industries create incomes for about 3,000 locals. At the beginning, there was hardly a single wild animal left on it. Thanks to Operation Phoenix, the largest trans location of game to have taken place in the world, by 1998, nearly 10,000 animals had been moved onto Madikwe from all over the continent. The park is now a unique 3-way partnership: the ecology is managed by provincial authorities, the private sector runs lodges, and the people from adjoining local villages provide the workforce AND receive benefits from lease fees and skills training.

On a recent trip to South Africa, I visited the Madikwe Game Reserve. I have known about its story for several years, however, I had never personally visited and I was delighted with what I saw. To get a better perspective on the wildlife, Madikwe Game Reserve marks the transition point from the Savannah to the Kalahari desert, resulting in a very broad base of animals. Large mountains create part of its borders and makes for incredible scenery and great contrast. Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) game viewing is excellent. Herds of buffalo and elephant, prides of lion, solitary rhino (black and white), illusive leopard and great antelope roam the reserve untroubled, whilst wildlife fanatics will delight in seeing more rare and unusual species, such as cheetahs, wild dogs, sable antelope, springbok and oryx.

We stayed at the luxurious Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge. We were impressed with everything. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with nothing but gracious hospitality. Local ladies singing on the lawn was our welcome. The lodge can accommodate up to ten guests on an exclusive use basis only.

The stunning main lodge is an open-sided, thatched area with a stylish lounge, magnificent dining room, well appointed library and broad elevated decks from which to view the mighty Savannah beyond. Accommodation is in six rooms: four luxury doubles with divine four-poster beds, one luxury twin and a spacious family suite consisting of a twin and double room. All of the rooms have fabulous en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, elevated sun decks and private plunge pools. The chic décor is dominated by dark wood furniture, snow white linen, scarlet throws and zebra accessories, making the suites stylish sanctuaries in the heat of the midday sun.

The locals I encountered were so friendly and optimistic. Here is an example of what I mean. Simon Seganoe, living in Molatedi (one of the adjoining villages of Madikwe Game Reserve) has seen living standards rise steadily over the past ten years.

“Before Madikwe, people here had no hope and no purpose. But now you can see they have self-esteem, direction, vision and the intention to make something with their lives. The biggest difference has been for the women. Years ago, there were many women who were illiterate, had no bank accounts and depended upon boyfriends, husbands or parents for money. Now, many are self-sufficient.”

We will continue to send the message that directing travel dollars into the right hands can have a big positive outcome. Hills of Africa Travel supports many lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve because of their incredible efforts on the conservation and sustainable tourism front. So, if you are looking for an incredible experience in 2009, one that will have lasting impact on both yourself and those you encounter during your travel, consider calling us at Hills of Africa Travel on 1-800-940-9344.

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Dyer Island Cruises – Saving Penguins One Chick at a Time

On July 22, 2009, In African Family Safari, African Honeymoon Safari, African Safari Tours, African Safari Vacation, South Africa, Spotlight: African Animals, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

Dyer_island_penguin_nestDyer_Island_penguinsDyer_island_penguinchicks

Dyer Island Cruises is a tour operator offering whale watching, Great White shark diving and other exhilarating marine wildlife viewing. They are based in Gansbaai, South Africa, which is approximately 1.5 hours east of Cape Town. Their tours take place in the waters around Dyer Island, a tiny island off the coast, made famous by the whales and sharks. They operate all tours with the highest standard of environmental awareness and much of their aim is to educate.

Dyer Island is home to over 4,000 African penguins, a species struggling with severe endangerment. Typically, the penguins burrow into soft guano (bird manure) to build their nests and protect their chicks. However, during the last 100 years, locals harvested the guano and used it to make fertilizer. While guano harvesting has stopped, the island will need 20 to 30 years of accumulation for there to be sufficient layering. In the meantime, the penguins are struggling to find shelter for their eggs and chicks from predators like seagulls.

Wilfred Chivell, who runs Dyer Island Cruises, is responsible for the launch of a program to install penguin homes, following a lucky visit to the island in the late 1990s. Few people can visit Dyer Island because it is off limits to anyone but researchers and most scientists are barred during sensitive nesting times. On his chance visit, he saw a shocking drop in the penguin population and that the penguins were desperate for shelter. To put it in perspective, the penguin population on Dyer Island has fallen from a peak of 22,655 pairs in 1979 to about 2,000 today.

That was all that was needed to motivate Wilfred. He got to work and in 2005, the first 40 “penguin houses” were transported to the island. The penguin houses are small, fiberglass igloos. Within a few days, adult penguins had inhabited all the penguin houses and were using them for shelter. The penguins just love their new homes. Each year, more houses are added and there are approximately 400 houses now on the island, with hopes to eventually have 2,000. The penguins occupy the new burrows like greased lightning. Anything that provides shelter is better than an open nest.

Wilfred had to jump through major hoops to get his project off the ground as he had to go through various governmental and research bodies to coordinate and to agree to let a private citizen get involved with such an ecologically sensitive place. Persistence pays off. The project has been so successful that researchers are currently taking data so that they can launch similar projects on other islands where there are more penguins desperate for homes.

The project is now run by donations from a trust called Faces of Need. To donate or learn more, please visit http://www.facesofneed.com.

Isn’t this the kind of operator you want to support when you travel?

For more information on Dyer Island Cruises, please visit http://www.whalewatchsa.com.

Hills of Africa Travel believes in the conservation of Africa’s magnificent bio-diversity and works closely with conservation organizations and ecotourism companies to help save Africa’s wildlife and wilderness. Contact us today at (800) 940-9344 to learn more about our conservation efforts and discover how you can take an African family safari or honeymoon safari trip of a lifetime.

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Pamushana: Discover Africa's Hidden Treasure

On June 10, 2009, In African Honeymoon Safari, African Safari Tours, Sustainable Tourism, Zimbabwe, By Sandy Salle

poolFamous for its plentiful wildlife, majestic scenery, and unspoiled terrain, the Singita Pamushana Lodge in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is arguably Zimbabwe’s best-kept secret. Situated beneath a canopy of winding trees, Singita Pamushana brings you closer to African nature than you could ever imagine. Sit outside on your private deck as you watch exotic birds sing from the trees and wild game drink from the nearby lake. You don’t even have to leave your suite to experience the magic of Africa.

The Singita Pamushana Lodge completely embodies its reputation as being one of the most unique places to stay in the world. Built with reflections of nature and African spirit, the tree-like architecture is what makes Singita Pamushana Lodge one of Africa’s most prized gems.

Famous for its sweeping planes, cathedral Mopane forests, and out-of-this-world game-viewing, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is the perfect place to visit while on an African honeymoon safari or family safari.

Singita Pamushana Lodge provides guests with a luxurious, top-notch stay:

  • Boasting six high-end suites and one villa, Singita Pamushana Lodge is the perfect place to enjoy an African safari vacation. Each suite has en-suite facilities, an indoor and outdoor shower, private pool, romantic fireplace, private lounge, and personal game-viewing deck.
  • Enjoy exquisite fine dining at the indoor dining room, or take pleasure in a romantic dinner for two under the velvety, African sky. After dinner, socialize at the bar with a cocktail in hand or visit the private wine cellar. The two heated pools and jacuzzi are also excellent ways to unwind.
  • For those looking to stay in touch with their homeland while on their African safari tour, Singita Pamushana offers high-speed Wifi access, telephone, and satellite television.

Singita Pamushana is Africa’s premiere place to enjoy spectacular activities:

  • Game drives and bush walks in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve are absolutely legendary. While on an African safari tour observe roan, sable antelope, black rhino, lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippopotamus, and so much more.
  • Uncover the history of the San Bushmen on a Rock Art tour or seasonal canoeing safari.
  • Golfing, fishing, and playing tennis are just some of the exceptional activities to enjoy in Malilangwe. While game-fishing, catch bass, bream, catfish, and tiger fish.
  • If you’re in the mood for some serious adventure, the black rhino tracking safari is the perfect activity. It is a rare treat to witness the black rhino in its natural environment, since it is an endangered species.
  • After a long day on an exciting Zimbabwe safari tour, relax at the Singita Pamushana spa. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to embark on your next adventure!

Adventure through the plains of Zimbabwe on an authentic African family safari or honeymoon safari, and experience a world of true beauty and splendor. Hills of Africa Travel will take care of all your travel details and create a tailored itinerary around your preference. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802.

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Witness Endangered Species in Their Natural Habitat on an African Safari Tour

On June 1, 2009, In African Honeymoon Safari, African Safari Tours, Rwanda, South Africa, Spotlight: African Animals, Sustainable Tourism, Uganda, By Sandy Salle

cheetah yawningRwandaGorillas_ARivest12

Did you know nearly 20% of mammal species currently are endangered or threatened? Several factors have contributed to the decreasing populations of certain mammal species, including poaching and environmental factors.

With a rapid increase in endangered species in Africa, Hills of Africa Travel is dedicated to the conservation of these decreasing populations. We work closely with African reserves, parks, lodges, hotels, camps, and eco-tourism companies committed to the conservation of wildlife in Africa.

One of our most respected eco-tourism companies is Wilderness Safaris. Devoted to saving the environment, as well as the community, Wilderness Safaris created the Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust, which was established 20 years ago. According to the Wilderness Wildlife Trust website, the Trust “has supported a wide variety of wildlife management, research and education projects in southern Africa. These projects address the needs of existing wildlife populations, seek solutions to save endangered species, and provide education and training for local people and their communities.”

Some of the Wilderness Safaris’ ongoing and upcoming projects include: the Hwange Anti-Poaching Project, Botswana Rhino Ecology Project, Makuleke Large Mammal Reintroduction Project, and many other projects with similar causes.

Observing the endangered species of Africa in their natural environment on African safari tours is one of the most rewarding and rare experiences one could have because years from now, these creatures may be vanished from the earth forever.

Some endangered species in Africa include:

• The African Wild Ass: These gorgeous creatures are critically endangered largely because of habitat loss and hunting. They greatly resemble their relatives, the zebra and the horse.

• The African Wild Dog: The African wild dog population has dramatically decreased, primarily because they are shot by farmers. African wild dogs are killed because they are known to frequently feed on livestock. It is now illegal to kill an African wild dog.

• The Black Rhinoceros: Killed primarily by poachers for their horns, the black rhinoceros is critically endangered. Horns are frequently sold in the black market for more than $20,000 each!

• The Bonobo (Pygmy Chimpanzee): The bonobo is slightly smaller than the chimpanzee and can be found in the tropical and subtropical Central African forests. The main threats to their existence include habitat loss and hunting.

• The Cheetah: This creature, found in Sub-Saharan Africa, is the world’s fastest land animal and can run more than 60 mph. High infant mortality, decreased food sources, and habitat loss are large factors that have caused this species to be endangered.

• The Gorilla: Famous for being the largest primate, the gorilla is often killed for bush meat trade and trophy poaching. The gorilla’s habitat is also steadily decreasing from forest clearing. These stunning creatures can be seen on an African family safari or honeymoon safari in the hills of Uganda and Rwanda.

• The Mountain Zebra: Threatened by hunting and habitat loss, the mountain zebra is one of South Africa’s most endangered species. The few mountain zebras left can be found on mountainous slopes and plateaus, feeding on grass, bark, fruit, and leaves.

• Pygmy Hippopotamus: Found in the marshlands and forests of West Africa, the pygmy hippo is smaller than other species of hippo and lives mostly on land—unlike their hippo relatives who spend much of their time in the water. They are endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

It’s a rare treat to witness these endangered species, as well as other endangered species on an African family safari or honeymoon safari. Their fate appears unfortunate, but with the support of eco-tourism companies, you can lend a hand to wildlife conservation in Africa. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you a customized itinerary around your every preference, and experience the sheer magic of Africa. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802.  We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .

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