African Horizons Safaris | Africa Travel Specialists

Migration update
The annual Great Migration has finally reached the plains of Ndutu (southern Serengeti) and the calving season is in full flow. Clients and rangers are reporting various sightings of cheetah and lion on a daily basis and the cats are really making the most of this great feast. The wildebeest should stay in around the Ndutu area for the next month or so before heading northwest around the Moru Kopjes.

Madagascar Political Update
At the time of writing, the political crisis in Madagascar seems to have abated. Ousted President Marc Ravalomanana has stepped down, and a new government headed by Andry Rajoelina was formed on March 17 th. Challenged by his rival to hold elections by referendum to assess the people of Madagascar’s will, the new president announced that changes to the constitution were necessary for elections to be held. Andry Rajoelina said that "free and fair" elections would be held within the next two years, to allow the law on political parties and the electoral code to be analyzed. He has also promised a return to "normal life, security and national reconciliation".

There is a general feeling of relief on the streets of Antananarivo and International cruise ships have already started to resume their stopovers in Nosy Be, Diego Suarez and Tamatave. The Malagasy political issues appear to have affected isolated areas of Antananarivo only. We are in constant contact with our local partners and they report that they are moving freely around their areas without concern. We continue to take bookings for Madagascar, and are monitoring the situation constantly to ensure our clients safety

Namibia

New Cape to Namibia route
A great regional experience in Southern Africa is the new Cape Namibia route. It combines a visit to Cape Town in South Africa and its region, continuing on to Windhoek and touring of the Namib Desert. Sightseeing along the route allows for touching dinosaur fossils, diving in kelp forests, watching seals and gannets, visiting the second biggest canyon on Earth, kayaking and much more .
For more information, contact us at 1 877-256-1074.

Upcoming Special Events in South Africa

Johannesburg Art Fair
April 3-5, 2009

Art aficionados should mark this event on their must do list. The event, held at Sandton Convention Centre, is exclusively devoted to African art. The show will host 24 leading galleries featuring photography, furniture, moving images and installations. Visit http://www.joburgartfair.co.za/ for more details

FIFA Confederations Cup
June 14-28, 2009

Eight teams from around the world will battle for the prestigious Confederations Cup title. This event is a prelude to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and will see teams from South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Iraq, New Zealand, Egypt, and the USA. For more information visit, http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/index.html.

South African Airways adds new flights
SAA will be adding new nonstop flights from New York to South Africa starting in May. These new flights will allow for a wide array of same day connections throughout Southern Africa.
We will keep you posted.
Please note that African Horizons offers competitive consolidator rates on SAA flights (in conjunction with our safaris only) so give us a call and save time and money.

For more information and/or assistance

email us at africanhorizons@comcast.net

or better yet, call us toll free at: 1(877) 256-1074

	MARCH – APRIL 09 NEWS
	EAST AFRICA
	Kenya Visa costs reduced by 50% On March 9, the Kenya Minister of Tourism, Najib Balala, announced that Kenya will reduce the cost of tourist visas by 50 percent beginning April 1, 2009 and continuing through all of 2010. Additionally, in recognition of the family travel segment, Kenya will waive visa fees completely for children under 16 years of age. Snake Park closed for renovations Nairobi Snake Park located at the National Museum of Kenya has been closed for renovations. It is expected to re-open to the public by June 2009. Upon its completion, the park will be fully modernized, with new infrastructure, including animal showcases and interactive media equipment. It will be possible to listen to narrations about specific animals at the press of a button. The displays will be redone and the overall outlook of the park buildings will be improved. Tanzania Migration update The annual Great Migration has finally reached the plains of Ndutu (southern Serengeti) and the calving season is in full flow. Clients and rangers are reporting various sightings of cheetah and lion on a daily basis and the cats are really making the most of this great feast. The wildebeest should stay in around the Ndutu area for the next month or so before heading northwest around the Moru Kopjes. Breezes Beach Club closed for renovations The elegant Breezes Beach Club, located on the West coast of Zanzibar Island will be closed for 2 weeks from May 3rd until May 22nd 2009 for renovations.
	SOUTHERN AFRICA
	Madagascar Political Update At the time of writing, the political crisis in Madagascar seems to have abated. Ousted President Marc Ravalomanana has stepped down, and a new government headed by Andry Rajoelina was formed on March 17 th. Challenged by his rival to hold elections by referendum to assess the people of Madagascar’s will, the new president announced that changes to the constitution were necessary for elections to be held. Andry Rajoelina said that "free and fair" elections would be held within the next two years, to allow the law on political parties and the electoral code to be analyzed. He has also promised a return to "normal life, security and national reconciliation". There is a general feeling of relief on the streets of Antananarivo and International cruise ships have already started to resume their stopovers in Nosy Be, Diego Suarez and Tamatave. The Malagasy political issues appear to have affected isolated areas of Antananarivo only. We are in constant contact with our local partners and they report that they are moving freely around their areas without concern. We continue to take bookings for Madagascar, and are monitoring the situation constantly to ensure our clients safety Namibia New Cape to Namibia route A great regional experience in Southern Africa is the new Cape Namibia route. It combines a visit to Cape Town in South Africa and its region, continuing on to Windhoek and touring of the Namib Desert. Sightseeing along the route allows for touching dinosaur fossils, diving in kelp forests, watching seals and gannets, visiting the second biggest canyon on Earth, kayaking and much more . For more information, contact us at 1 877-256-1074.
	Upcoming Special Events in South Africa Johannesburg Art Fair April 3-5, 2009 Art aficionados should mark this event on their must do list. The event, held at Sandton Convention Centre, is exclusively devoted to African art. The show will host 24 leading galleries featuring photography, furniture, moving images and installations. Visit http://www.joburgartfair.co.za/ for more details FIFA Confederations Cup June 14-28, 2009 Eight teams from around the world will battle for the prestigious Confederations Cup title. This event is a prelude to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and will see teams from South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Iraq, New Zealand, Egypt, and the USA. For more information visit, http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/index.html. South African Airways adds new flights SAA will be adding new nonstop flights from New York to South Africa starting in May. These new flights will allow for a wide array of same day connections throughout Southern Africa. We will keep you posted. Please note that African Horizons offers competitive consolidator rates on SAA flights (in conjunction with our safaris only) so give us a call and save time and money. For more information and/or assistance email us at africanhorizons@comcast.net or better yet, call us toll free at: 1(877) 256-1074