What on earth has the last month or so been about!?  Some of us took a short but well earned break to the wilds of Scotland – no news, no work pressure, just loads of space and amazingly good weather.  Only to return to a world where the markets seem to have gone crazy!

If you’re in need of some stress-relief or a break from reality and looking for some wide open spaces of your own then we have a few suggestions…

Niassa is a massive wild area on Mozambique’s northern border with Tanzania.  Twice the size of South Africa’s Kruger National Park and just a touch smaller than Tanzania’s Serengeti. 

A wilderness devoid of crowds and the last refuge of Mozambique's herds of buffalo, sable, roan and elephant.  For instance, a report from 2007 suggests that the reserve is home to 39 distinct packs of wild dog and the lion population is strong – that seriously contests the Selous, Moremi, lower Zambezi, Hwange and Luangwa valleys for these rare canids.

The reserve has one permanent tented camp, but there’s a better way to explore this remote area.  We suggest by canoe and on foot!

This is a new mobile tented safari using 3 spots along the Lugenda River as overnight bases.  Only 6 guests are accommodated and the safari is hosted by a Zimbabwean Professional Guide, a Mozambican tracker and a small team of local villagers. 

We’re offering an introductory discount until mid June 2009 - $1200 per person for a 3 night safari in Niassa.

Ideally combined with a trip to the Mozambique coast on either the Quirimbas or the Bazaruto Archipelagos for a safari-beach break.  Alternatively combined with Tanzania’s Selous and Ruaha for a pure wildlife safari.  Speak to Trish or Jackie about availability.

Namibia’s rough and remote Damaraland region, and particularly the Palmwag Concession is home to one of the strongest populations of free-roaming black rhino left in Africa. 

This hostile wilderness is also a significant refuge for other desert adapted wildlife including elephants which are regularly encountered despite their rarity.

There’s very limited lodge infrastructure and the more interesting reaches are generally well beyond the capability of the most determined hard core 4x4 self-drive campaigns.  This is where specially modified land rovers and seasoned local guides make the real difference and give us access to areas where there’s simply no chance of encountering other visitors. 

The only other people that could possibly be encountered are the nomadic Himba around the one settlement area near Purros.

The simple way to explore the area, its fascinating geology, history, wildlife and local people is to join up with a small group departure over 8 nights which includes 4 nights of wild camping.  These set date trips take place twice a month and cost $2700 excluding flights.  The alternative is to take a privately guided trip for around $350 per night all inclusive.  Speak to Chris about options and availability.

If our wild escapes to the fringes of Namibia and Mozambique sound a bit rough and ready, or if you’d simply like a bit more comfort and style then give Kenya some thought. 

Our Kenyan “Great Escape” focuses on elephants in the shadows of Kilimanjaro, two small camps in the Masai Mara, a private ranch in the Laikipia and Sarara (the place of peace) in the Northern Frontier District.

The best way to cap a safari like this is to take a break to the Lamu Archipelago for some sun, pampering and relaxation.  Speak to Sam or Jackie about prices and availability.

Congo Basin Safaris in 2009:  Following our most recent Gabon trip earlier this year we set up two group departures to Dzanga Sangha Reserve (Central African Republic) and Nouabale Ndoki National Park (Republic of Congo) for next year.  The June 2009 trip is fully booked, we still have 4 places available for the 19-29 January departure.  Check availability with Chris.

Consumer Protection:  The “credit crunch” has dented business confidence across all sectors leaving most of us justifiably jittery.  Here’s a short explanation on how our company is required to satisfy consumer protection requirements.  Through our UK Head Office we’re registered with the Travel Trust Association and licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in accordance with EU regulations.  Where international flights are involved protection is extended via our ATOL.  More details on the web but in a nutshell when a client pays for a safari their funds are held in a trust account (backed by fidelity insurance), we receive the money after they’ve travelled.  So your money and your trip remains safe. 

Discounts in 2009:  With more and more camps, lodges and hotels opening across Africa and presumably a drop in demand over the next year or so we’re expecting things to get much more competitive.  It’s very likely that some safari prices will drop.  In some places (particularly parts of Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya) space gets booked perhaps 9 months in advance.  Don’t get caught out by leaving things too late – get bookings in early and we’ll pass on any subsequent discount.  World Travel Market takes place in November after which we’ll have some idea on discounts and other specials for 2009.

Green season 2008/2009: a gentle reminder to get bookings in for trips running between November and April. Best "green season" places in southern Africa include the Luangwa and Zambezi valleys; Botswana’s Moremi, Okavango, Linyanti, Chobe; Cape Town and the Western Province; Victoria Falls. Best "green season" places in East Africa include the Serengeti, Manyara, Katavi and Mahale in November to mid December during the short rains.  Kenya and Uganda are especially good for birding from October to March.  Remember no crowds, best rates and no single supplements!

Primate safaris for singles:  We’ve set aside an 8 day safari to trek gorillas and chimps in Rwanda/Uganda specifically for singles from 24 April to 1 May 2009.  Permits are available for 6 guests, you’ll save on the single supplements.  Drop a note to Sam or Jackie.

Whilst the Zambezi and Luangwa valley offices are still hard at work on the 2008 season, some of the UK gang are escaping the autumn and busy setting things up for next year.

Jackie’s off to track gorillas and chimps in Uganda.  John’s on foot with a pack of donkeys from Ngorongoro crater to Lake Natron in Tanzania.  Trish with fly-rod at hand is busy plotting her next exploration of the Chobe and Zambezi water systems – probably due to happen in January.  Chris is preparing his trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe at the end of the month. 

Here’s a parting shot from Delene’s office in Mfuwe...a sequence taken last week as a small group of elephants wander past the office into the reception at Mfuwe Lodge...

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