Peregrine Adventures has launched its 2010-2011 Africa programme, with a series of short trips that can be linked together to form a ‘made-to-measure’ itinerary that goes beyond the game parks to experience the energy and diversity of the world’s oldest inhabited continent.
Working with local community groups, fair-trade local operators and venturing beyond the usual touring routes, the range of adventures combines visits to some of Africa’s best game parks; high quality accommodation and amenities with insights – through the eyes of local leaders - to the history and cultures of the continent.
The eight-day Mozambique Explorer adventure begins with two days in the Parque National do Limpopo which, together with Kruger National Park, forms one of the world’s largest wilderness conservation areas, totalling 3.3 million hectares. The base for guided walks and game drives is Machampane Wilderness Camp, with its luxury tents overlooking the river. It’s a drive through lush hills to the sleepy village of Chidenguele, where the restaurants on the lakeshore prepare some of Mozambique’s freshest seafood.
Dhows have plied their trade from Inhambane since the 11th century, but today the rustic coastal town is emerging as a world-class diving destination – one of a few places on the planet where it’s possible to swim with whale sharks and manta rays. Here, the lodge accommodation is a series of over-water chalets, perfectly positioned to view the resident flocks of flamingos and the spectacular African sunsets. The final stop is the vibrant capital of Maputo – regaining its reputation as the night-life capital of Southern Africa.
The Mozambique Explorer departs from Maputo monthly between May and November and costs $4350 per person, twin share. It has been designed to easily combine with other Peregrine trips through Botswana, Zambia and South Africa.
The 12-day South African Footprints adventure begins with three days at the private Timbavati Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, where walks and game drives offer a good chance of spotting the Big Five. Accommodation is in comfortable chalets at the fair trade-certified Umlani Camp. A visit to Blyde River Canyon includes time in a nearby Shangaan tribal village for a breathtaking dance display. The tour continues to Swaziland and the Mkhaya Game Reserve – a local success story in animal protection through breeding programs.
Contrasting the natural attractions, the tour visits the ‘Battlefields’ – the sites of historic battles between the Boers, British and Zulus that shaped modern-day South Africa. The dramatic Drakensberg Mountains are the setting for two days of optional hiking, horse-riding and fishing before the trip ends in Durban.
The South African Footprints adventure has monthly departures from Johannesburg, year-round, costing $4375 per person, twin share, and can be combined with the nine-day Classic Garden Route tour to travel the length of the South Africa.
The cost of all Peregrine trips includes carbon off-setting the land and domestic air portion of the trip. For further information call your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854 500. Download a .pdf of the new Africa brochure or watch a video of Peregrine’s African adventures at www.peregrineadventures.com
