I have now been travelling in Namibia for a week and I can report how beautiful this country is. It's a geologist's dream for sure. The wilderness is being preserved here and it's not very populated due to the dry /harsh conditions for survival. The Himba people still do live in their ancient tradition and a visit to a village is unforgettable. The landscapes and scenery cannot be described. You will see ancient lakebeds called (salt)pans, magnificient sand dunes with colors from white to deep reds and many different shapes and hights. Except for Mali, this is the only place to see the desert elephants. They are smaller that the African ellies, with longer legs and trunks as they have to travel long distances to find water and reach high for something to eat. There are only about 300 left, but in Namibia they are well protected now. I was fortunate to see them 3 times and with two very tiny babies still fitting under their mommies' tummies. Also the springbok, black-faced impala and the gemsbok aka oryx. The waterholes aEtosha National Park are very busy and full of life.
The way to do this type of safari is to take a flying safari so you can see the contrasts from the air. You will see the pans, the mountains laying flat down from geological uplifts and the shifting sand dunes of course. They got 200 mililiters of rain this season compared to a normal 80, so the green contrasts are stunning. What an amazing experience! I wish I could publish pictures here right now, but I'm at an internet cafe, so it's not possible.
I'm on my way shortly to Phinda and Kruger National Park after the Indaba conference in Durban. I hope to have access soon again to post more.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Kristina is Travelling in Africa during May 2008
I'm again travelling to Africa departing May 1st on NW Airlines via Amsterdam to Johannesburg. I will attend a travel trade conference in Durban, South Africa and visit Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. I will be open for business again on June 5th. While I'm in Africa, I will post to this blog whenever possible.
Here's my itinerary:
1-May dep SEA NW34 at 1:00pm
2-May dep AMS KL591 arrive JNB at 9:10pm
Stay at Aftonio Guest House in Johannesburg
3-May dep JNB SA76 at 1:20pm arrive Windhoek Namibia at 2:20pm, stay at The Elegant B&B, Windhoek
4-May fly on a small charter to Onguma Tented Camp, Etosha NP
5-May fly on to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Kaokoland
6-May fly on to Mowani Mountain Camp, Damaraland
7-May fly via Swakopmund to Wolvedans Dunes Lodge, NamibRand for 2 nights
9-May return to Windhoek, fly SA75 at 12:50pm to JNB and switch to BA6221 at 6pm arrive Durban at 7:10pm
Stay at Protea Umhlanga Hotel in Durban for 3 nights while attending the Indaba Travel Trade show
12-May Road Transfer from Durban to Phinda, Stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge
13-May Stay at CC Africa's Phinda Forest Lodge
14-May fly by charter flight from Phinda to Malelane and Transfer from Malelane to Lukimbi Lodge for 2 nights
16-May Road Transfer from Lukimbi to Mala Mala for 3 nights, Sabi Sands in Kruger NP
19-May Road Transfer from Mala Mala to Idube private concession, Sabi Sands, Kruger NP for 2 nights
21-May Road Transfer by Idube to Exeter Dulini private Lodge, CC Africa
22-May Road Transfer Dulini to Exeter River Lodge, CC Africa, Kruger NP
23-May fly back to Joburg via Federal Air at 1:30pm - arrive at 3pm, stay at Aftonio Guest House again, Tom departs Seattle NW 34 at 1pm
24-May Cullinan Diamond Mine tour; Stay at D'Oreale Grande Hotel with Tom
25-May depart JNB for Maun, Botswana on BP212 at 10:00 am, Stay at Ker & Downey's newly renovated Okuti Camp, Moremi GR, Okavango Delta for 2 nights
27-May embark for 3 nights on a Luxury Mobile Safari with Unchartered Africa Safari Company
30-May stay at Jack's Camp in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in the Kalahari for 3 nights
2-Jun fly back to Johannesburg from Maun and board KL592 at 11:30pm for Amsterdam
3-Jun arrive AMS and change to NW33 arrive SEA at 2:10pm, Arrive Home
Here's my itinerary:
1-May dep SEA NW34 at 1:00pm
2-May dep AMS KL591 arrive JNB at 9:10pm
Stay at Aftonio Guest House in Johannesburg
3-May dep JNB SA76 at 1:20pm arrive Windhoek Namibia at 2:20pm, stay at The Elegant B&B, Windhoek
4-May fly on a small charter to Onguma Tented Camp, Etosha NP
5-May fly on to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Kaokoland
6-May fly on to Mowani Mountain Camp, Damaraland
7-May fly via Swakopmund to Wolvedans Dunes Lodge, NamibRand for 2 nights
9-May return to Windhoek, fly SA75 at 12:50pm to JNB and switch to BA6221 at 6pm arrive Durban at 7:10pm
Stay at Protea Umhlanga Hotel in Durban for 3 nights while attending the Indaba Travel Trade show
12-May Road Transfer from Durban to Phinda, Stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge
13-May Stay at CC Africa's Phinda Forest Lodge
14-May fly by charter flight from Phinda to Malelane and Transfer from Malelane to Lukimbi Lodge for 2 nights
16-May Road Transfer from Lukimbi to Mala Mala for 3 nights, Sabi Sands in Kruger NP
19-May Road Transfer from Mala Mala to Idube private concession, Sabi Sands, Kruger NP for 2 nights
21-May Road Transfer by Idube to Exeter Dulini private Lodge, CC Africa
22-May Road Transfer Dulini to Exeter River Lodge, CC Africa, Kruger NP
23-May fly back to Joburg via Federal Air at 1:30pm - arrive at 3pm, stay at Aftonio Guest House again, Tom departs Seattle NW 34 at 1pm
24-May Cullinan Diamond Mine tour; Stay at D'Oreale Grande Hotel with Tom
25-May depart JNB for Maun, Botswana on BP212 at 10:00 am, Stay at Ker & Downey's newly renovated Okuti Camp, Moremi GR, Okavango Delta for 2 nights
27-May embark for 3 nights on a Luxury Mobile Safari with Unchartered Africa Safari Company
30-May stay at Jack's Camp in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in the Kalahari for 3 nights
2-Jun fly back to Johannesburg from Maun and board KL592 at 11:30pm for Amsterdam
3-Jun arrive AMS and change to NW33 arrive SEA at 2:10pm, Arrive Home
U.S. Ambassador Encourages Resumption of Travel to Kenya
The U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Michael E. Ranneberger, has addressed an open letter to American travelers advising them to visit Kenya after the establishment of the new Grand Coalition government that followed post-election turmoil this past December.
“I can report that there have been positive developments that are opening up the economic climate and making Kenya once again the perfect locale for business and tourism," he wrote. "The country’s rival political camps reached a landmark power-sharing agreement on February 28, and Parliament acted quickly to codify this through a constitutional amendment. President Kibaki and the Honorable Raila Odinga—now prime minister—are working closely together to forge this new coalition of parties in a new spirit of goodwill and unity.”
Approximately 102,000 Americans visited Kenya in 2007.
“I can report that there have been positive developments that are opening up the economic climate and making Kenya once again the perfect locale for business and tourism," he wrote. "The country’s rival political camps reached a landmark power-sharing agreement on February 28, and Parliament acted quickly to codify this through a constitutional amendment. President Kibaki and the Honorable Raila Odinga—now prime minister—are working closely together to forge this new coalition of parties in a new spirit of goodwill and unity.”
Approximately 102,000 Americans visited Kenya in 2007.
Updates from the Friendly Skies
American Airlines, including American Eagle will start charging $25.00 for that second checked bag on May 12. JetBlue is charging $20.00. United, US Airways, Continental, Air Canada, Delta and Northwest are already charging $25 for the second bag. Alaska & Horizon will start charging $25 this summer. Spirit Airlines charge $10 for each bag/no free bag at all. The airlines are raising fares also at the moment up to $110.00 roundtrip. Ticket change fees are also up from $100.00 to $150.00 and calling your airline will also cost you more from now on.
A new rule to compensate passengers who are denied boarding because of an oversell by the airlines goes into effect next month. If you are involuntarily bumped you will/should receive up to $400 if you are rescheduled to arrive at your destination within two hours of your original arrival time or four hours for international flights, and up to $800 if you are not rerouted within that time frame. Look for the airlines to redefine the definition of “denied boarding”.
The airline dilemma as I see it: 5 airlines, Aloha, ATA, Eos, Maxjet, Skybus and Nationwide (in South Africa) have gone out of business recently and mergers between the big ones, Delta & Northwest, United and Continental or USAir are looming, fuel costs are sky-rocketing, so expect higher prices and less space available in the crowded skies. The regional airlines are struggling too. With charges for snacks, earphones, alcoholic drinks, the second checked bag, preferable aisle and window seats, look for the airlines to start charging for early boarding to make sure your carry-ons find space in the overhead etc. This is annoying of course especially when getting less legroom, no pillows or blankets or magazines, but who said the airlines should not be allowed to make a profit? I want them to be profitable so they maintain their planes here at home and get us to our destination safely and with our checked luggage and on-time. What happened to the friendly skies? You tell me!
A new rule to compensate passengers who are denied boarding because of an oversell by the airlines goes into effect next month. If you are involuntarily bumped you will/should receive up to $400 if you are rescheduled to arrive at your destination within two hours of your original arrival time or four hours for international flights, and up to $800 if you are not rerouted within that time frame. Look for the airlines to redefine the definition of “denied boarding”.
The airline dilemma as I see it: 5 airlines, Aloha, ATA, Eos, Maxjet, Skybus and Nationwide (in South Africa) have gone out of business recently and mergers between the big ones, Delta & Northwest, United and Continental or USAir are looming, fuel costs are sky-rocketing, so expect higher prices and less space available in the crowded skies. The regional airlines are struggling too. With charges for snacks, earphones, alcoholic drinks, the second checked bag, preferable aisle and window seats, look for the airlines to start charging for early boarding to make sure your carry-ons find space in the overhead etc. This is annoying of course especially when getting less legroom, no pillows or blankets or magazines, but who said the airlines should not be allowed to make a profit? I want them to be profitable so they maintain their planes here at home and get us to our destination safely and with our checked luggage and on-time. What happened to the friendly skies? You tell me!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
New Passport Rules Delayed
ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
CURRENTLY: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
LATER:On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
The Passport Card: U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for this new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card beginning February 1, 2008. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
CURRENTLY: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
LATER:On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
The Passport Card: U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for this new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card beginning February 1, 2008. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
- Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
- State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
- U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
- Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
- Form I-872 American Indian Card
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Airlines now charge $25 for a second bag
Two major airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, have recently announced a new baggage policy that will require consumers traveling in economy class to pay a $25 fee for checking a second bag. This new policy applies for tickets bought after February 4th (US Airways) or after February 26th (United) for traveling within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands or Canada on or after May 5, 2008. Other carriers are expected to follow.
Delta hasn't felt the need so far to tell you that beginning May 1, the fee will go into effect. It doesn't matter whether you booked your flight well before that date; if you're flying after May 1, you're paying for that second piece of luggage. At Delta, the fee affects both domestic and international flights (though business- and first-class and SkyMiles holders won't have to pay).
Northwest Airlines today announced changes to its luggage policies for coach class customers traveling within North America. For coach class travel on or after May 5, 2008, Northwest Airlines is matching several other U.S. network carriers and implementing a $25 charge for the customer’s second checked bag. The fee is applied each way. Coach class customers may continue to check one piece of luggage free of charge. These policies also apply to Northwest Airlink customers flying on Mesaba, Pinnacle or Compass Airlines.
Northwest Airlines’ Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks elite customers, SkyTeam elite customers and passengers booked in full fare classes (Y or B) may still check two bags free of charge. Customers booked in first class can continue to check up to three bags free of charge.
All airlines currently allow one free checked bag, one carry-on and a personal item, such as your purse or laptop computer.
Other changes include an increase to $100 for three or more checked bags. Don’t expect to cheat the system by just buying a bigger suitcase. These airlines also increased the fee for over-weight bags from $50 for each bag that goes over the 50 pound weight limit, to $100 per bag.
American Airlines announced on Thursday it may start charging $25 to check a second bag. American said it filed a notice with the Canadian government indicating it may change its bag fee structure in Canada. That country requires 45 days notice to review such a change.
Only Continental and Alaska Airline has not announced a similar charge ... yet.
I think the next hurdle will be the "Battle of the Overhead Bin" .... when will the airlines start to charge for priority boarding? Hmmm ..... to be continued!
Delta hasn't felt the need so far to tell you that beginning May 1, the fee will go into effect. It doesn't matter whether you booked your flight well before that date; if you're flying after May 1, you're paying for that second piece of luggage. At Delta, the fee affects both domestic and international flights (though business- and first-class and SkyMiles holders won't have to pay).
Northwest Airlines today announced changes to its luggage policies for coach class customers traveling within North America. For coach class travel on or after May 5, 2008, Northwest Airlines is matching several other U.S. network carriers and implementing a $25 charge for the customer’s second checked bag. The fee is applied each way. Coach class customers may continue to check one piece of luggage free of charge. These policies also apply to Northwest Airlink customers flying on Mesaba, Pinnacle or Compass Airlines.
Northwest Airlines’ Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks elite customers, SkyTeam elite customers and passengers booked in full fare classes (Y or B) may still check two bags free of charge. Customers booked in first class can continue to check up to three bags free of charge.
All airlines currently allow one free checked bag, one carry-on and a personal item, such as your purse or laptop computer.
Other changes include an increase to $100 for three or more checked bags. Don’t expect to cheat the system by just buying a bigger suitcase. These airlines also increased the fee for over-weight bags from $50 for each bag that goes over the 50 pound weight limit, to $100 per bag.
American Airlines announced on Thursday it may start charging $25 to check a second bag. American said it filed a notice with the Canadian government indicating it may change its bag fee structure in Canada. That country requires 45 days notice to review such a change.
Only Continental and Alaska Airline has not announced a similar charge ... yet.
I think the next hurdle will be the "Battle of the Overhead Bin" .... when will the airlines start to charge for priority boarding? Hmmm ..... to be continued!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A New Beginning as Peace is Restored in Kenya!
A New Beginning as Peace is Restored in Kenya!
The New Year did not start well for Kenya. Kenyans found themselves the center of world attention as civil unrest erupted following the disputed elections. But although this was a disastrous start, Kenyans celebrated when the news flashed around the world on 28th February that an agreement had been signed between the two Kenyan political leaders, President Kibaki and Hon Odinga, ending the political impasse and restoring peace and harmony to the country.
The power-sharing agreement brought the two opposing sides together in a coalition government on terms agreeable to all and was the result of the efforts of Kofi Annan who had performed the role of mediator in the preceding weeks. This has provided the political solution to allow the country to recover from the civil unrest and we are confident that it will soon restore Kenya to its position as one of the most stable and successful countries in Africa. Kenyans were delighted to see an end to the political stalemate and tension. The feeling of relief was evident among people everywhere and for the first time in weeks optimism was high as many Kenyans expressed their hopes for a better and brighter future.
Since the ending of the political crisis, things have quickly returned to normal as peace and calm have been restored. The wildlife reserves, safari camps, beach resorts and international airports had all continued operating normally throughout the crisis and the 70,000 tourists who were visiting Kenya were not affected in any way but many visitors had decided to postpone their safaris until they could be assured that peace prevailed.
Now Kenya is able to welcome visitors back with the assurance that once again they can feel confident that they will be safe and secure while on holiday in Kenya.
To welcome guests back, many safari camps, among them all four Porini Camps are offering great value safaris, representing big savings on the usual prices.
Porini offers two great value safaris for travel in June: Staying at the Porini Camps in Selenkay, Amboseli, Laikipia and the Masai Mara.
6 nights / 7 days PORINI WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE US$1850 per person
8 nights / 9 days BIRDS AND BIG GAME SAFARI US$2299 per person
* Accommodation are in spacious and comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms
* Day and Night Game drives in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles
* Highly experienced professional safari guides
* Sundowners at scenic viewing points
* Escorted walks with Maasai guides and visit to Maasai village
* All meals, house wines, local beers, gin & tonics, soft drinks and mineral water
* All internal flights & park/conservancy fees
* Valid for travel in June only
* Valid for bookings confirmed and paid by May 15th 2008
Porini camps are small and exclusive, so there is limited space available. I recommend that you book now if you are looking for a super value safari to some of Africa's finest wildlife reserves, with prices for 7 days starting at $1850 per person inclusive of local flights, transport, all meals and drinks, and a host of activities including escorted walks, sundowners, authentic Maasai village visit, game drives in 4x4 vehicles with our excellent guides and night drives to see the nocturnal animals.
June is a good time to visit as the parks will be green after the rains and many of the animals will have given birth to coincide with the availability of lush grazing. This is also a time when there are likely to be fewer visitors in the parks before the high season and school holiday period of July, August and September.
Kenya's tourism industry plays a vital role in creating jobs and livelihoods for Kenyans and visitors always receive a warm welcome from the moment they arrive. By choosing a holiday in Kenya in June you will be helping the country to get back to normal so you will find you are especially welcome!
Please call or email me if you need any more information and I will be delighted to assist in arranging your safari or beach holiday in Kenya.
Kristina at 206-297-7179 or toll free 877-297-7179
The New Year did not start well for Kenya. Kenyans found themselves the center of world attention as civil unrest erupted following the disputed elections. But although this was a disastrous start, Kenyans celebrated when the news flashed around the world on 28th February that an agreement had been signed between the two Kenyan political leaders, President Kibaki and Hon Odinga, ending the political impasse and restoring peace and harmony to the country.
The power-sharing agreement brought the two opposing sides together in a coalition government on terms agreeable to all and was the result of the efforts of Kofi Annan who had performed the role of mediator in the preceding weeks. This has provided the political solution to allow the country to recover from the civil unrest and we are confident that it will soon restore Kenya to its position as one of the most stable and successful countries in Africa. Kenyans were delighted to see an end to the political stalemate and tension. The feeling of relief was evident among people everywhere and for the first time in weeks optimism was high as many Kenyans expressed their hopes for a better and brighter future.
Since the ending of the political crisis, things have quickly returned to normal as peace and calm have been restored. The wildlife reserves, safari camps, beach resorts and international airports had all continued operating normally throughout the crisis and the 70,000 tourists who were visiting Kenya were not affected in any way but many visitors had decided to postpone their safaris until they could be assured that peace prevailed.
Now Kenya is able to welcome visitors back with the assurance that once again they can feel confident that they will be safe and secure while on holiday in Kenya.
To welcome guests back, many safari camps, among them all four Porini Camps are offering great value safaris, representing big savings on the usual prices.
Porini offers two great value safaris for travel in June: Staying at the Porini Camps in Selenkay, Amboseli, Laikipia and the Masai Mara.
6 nights / 7 days PORINI WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE US$1850 per person
8 nights / 9 days BIRDS AND BIG GAME SAFARI US$2299 per person
* Accommodation are in spacious and comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms
* Day and Night Game drives in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles
* Highly experienced professional safari guides
* Sundowners at scenic viewing points
* Escorted walks with Maasai guides and visit to Maasai village
* All meals, house wines, local beers, gin & tonics, soft drinks and mineral water
* All internal flights & park/conservancy fees
* Valid for travel in June only
* Valid for bookings confirmed and paid by May 15th 2008
Porini camps are small and exclusive, so there is limited space available. I recommend that you book now if you are looking for a super value safari to some of Africa's finest wildlife reserves, with prices for 7 days starting at $1850 per person inclusive of local flights, transport, all meals and drinks, and a host of activities including escorted walks, sundowners, authentic Maasai village visit, game drives in 4x4 vehicles with our excellent guides and night drives to see the nocturnal animals.
June is a good time to visit as the parks will be green after the rains and many of the animals will have given birth to coincide with the availability of lush grazing. This is also a time when there are likely to be fewer visitors in the parks before the high season and school holiday period of July, August and September.
Kenya's tourism industry plays a vital role in creating jobs and livelihoods for Kenyans and visitors always receive a warm welcome from the moment they arrive. By choosing a holiday in Kenya in June you will be helping the country to get back to normal so you will find you are especially welcome!
Please call or email me if you need any more information and I will be delighted to assist in arranging your safari or beach holiday in Kenya.
Kristina at 206-297-7179 or toll free 877-297-7179
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)