Archive for category Africa

Goway Offers Okavango Delta Savings

Pristine Botswana, with its policy of low impact tourism and high value conservation programs, is Africa at its finest. It is, however, pricey. For those who’ve yearned to experience the Okavango Delta, Goway is offering savings of up to $1600 on an 8 night itinerary.

“Our itinerary includes 6 nights in two different parts of the Delta and 2 nights in Livingstone. For those with time constraints it’s perfect as a stand alone itinerary and also ideal as an extension to a South Africa vacation.” said Moira Smith General Manager for AFRICAExperts by Goway.

Summer is a special time in Africa. It is the time when there is a kaleidoscope of colour with rich landscapes, an explosion of new life with many species giving birth to their young and a myriad bird species to be seen. These mostly exclusive safari areas continue to offer frequent predator sightings as they take advantage of the glut of inexperienced, younger prey. Dramatic summer skies and a tapestry of green exploding with seasonal abundance provide ideal photographic opportunities of an endless assortment of subjects.

At CA$3860 the special includes 2 nights at Toka Leya in Livingstone, 3 nights at the Linyanti Discoverer Camp, 3 nights at Xigera camp, intercamp air transfers, all meals, camp activities, local drinks and laundry.

Goway Launches Unique Israel Experience

Goway’s 2011 Africa and Middle East travel planner has just been launched. One of the exciting and innovative products featured is Goway’s first small group guaranteed departure program to Israel. “We recognised the demand for a tour which offers all the advantages of a small group, whilst staying in first or deluxe accommodation and seeing all the must see sights” said Moira Smith, General Manager for Goway’s AFRICAExperts.

In addition to the classical tourist sites such as Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Caesarea, Acre and the Sea of Galilee, this 8 day/7night program some exclusive features. These include:

  • Artists sites in Tel-Aviv like The Nachum Gutman Museum and Dani Karavan’s environmental sculpture the “White Square”.
  • The desert in the Negev
  • The ancient city of Tel Be’er Sheva, a World Heritage Unesco Site.
  • A visit to a unique and unusual local spice market to enjoy the rich aroma of Israeli tastes and flavors.

Goway’s Treasures of Israel program starts from CA$1820. This includes 7 nights accommodation, breakfast and dinners, all sight seeing, an English speaking guide and luxury air conditioned vehicle.

Goway’s Tunisia: Sea, Sahara And Souks

One of the best times to visit Tunisia is in the Autumn and Goway has negotiated excellent rates on their popular Tunisia Explorer.

“This all-encompassing experience combines the beach, a safari in the desert, Roman history, culture, and shopping in souks almost unchanged since the 19th Century” said Moira Smith, General Manager Goway AFRICAExperts. “We are now offering this great itinerary for just $1820 including roundtrip flights from Toronto to Tunis” (US$1603 including return flights from New York to Tunis)

The beauty of Tunisia lies in its fine mix of European and Middle Eastern culture with rich history and scenic views. Some of the most famous tourist spots in Tunisia are Carthage, which is known in world history as the metropolis razed by the Romans; Douz, a town located at Sahara’s edge where tourists can enjoy a camel ride and El Jan, one of the world’s most preserved Roman amphitheaters. Tunisia is also where movies such as ‘Star Wars’, ‘The English Patient’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ were filmed.

With its Mediterranean climate and excellent beaches, a beach extension is highly recommended.

G’day to Africa: A Special Travel EXPO Event

Over 25 African travel industry representatives will be travelling to North America late September to join Goway’s G’DAY TO AFRICAevent. Represented countries include South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

“This is the third consecutive year that we are hosting this event and what is unique is the diversity of the products represented’, said Moira Smith, General Manager of AFRICAExperts, “From luxury lodges to luxury rail, from Gorilla Trekking to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, if you’re interested in Africa, this is the event to attend.”

Goway will host special events in the USA (New York, 20Sep) and Canada (Toronto, 22 and 24Sep and Vancouver, 26Sep) from 6-9pm. Attendees can enjoy lectures by visiting experts, and at each venue there are door prizes to be won, including two round trip tickets to South Africa at each venue!

Registration is FREE with advance registration at Goway.com/venues or by calling 800 245 0920.

Goway’s AFRICAExperts offers the “Ultimate Fam Trip”

For the third year running, Goway’s AFRICAExperts is offering an exclusive opportunity for 18 North American Travel Agents to win a place on the Ultimate Fam trip to South Africa. This year Goway has partnered with South African Tourism, and three exciting itineraries are offered showcasing the best of South Africa.

Participants will experience the cultural, safari, cosmopolitan and multi-dimensional aspects of South Africa. All accommodations are deluxe, most meals are included as is all sightseeing, return airfare from New York, a welcome and farewell party and an “Amazing Race” in Cape Town.

The nominal cost for these trips (value $8,000) is only USD $699 and agents can earn the full cost back on their return. To qualify agents need to have made one booking with Goway AFRICAExperts and have completed the South African Tourism FUNDI course before they travel. Every additional booking earns an extra entry and if land is combined with an international air ticket on South African Airways, that counts as two entries.

For full details see our Ultimate Fam Trip page.

Savings with Goway’s AFRICAExperts

Travel by night, see Africa during the day… that’s the pattern followed by visitors to South Africa who ride the Shongololo Express, a unique South African cruise-train that carries its own fleet of mini vans which are used to take passengers on daily guided sightseeing drives. Travellers booking with Goway’s AFRICAExpertson the 17-day ‘Good Hope’ departure on 8Nov 2011 enjoy 2 free nights at the deluxe Taj Hotel in Cape Town, plus a special themed dinner. Prices start from $5938CAD per person.

“The Shongololo Express already offers excellent value for money considering it includes accommodation, sightseeing and two meals a day,” commented Moira Smith, General Manager AFRICAExperts. “Combined with two free nights at the deluxe Taj Hotel, this deal represents outstanding value”

The train operates two 17-day trips. The Good Hope, starting in Johannesburg and ending in Cape Town, or vice versa, which is a comprehensive tour of South Africa that includes all of the great sights including Kruger National Park, Zululand, the Drakensberg Mountains, Klein Karoo, the winelands and the spectacular Garden Route.

Six countries are visited on the Southern Cross route that starts in Johannesburg and ends at Victoria Falls, or vice versa. The route passes through Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana and includes visits to Kruger National Park, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and Chobe National Park in Botswana.

The Shongololo Express uses classic 1950’s carriages with accommodation in four two-person categories: Emerald, Commodore and Gold cabins have ensuite facilities, Ivory cabins have shared facilities. Breakfast and dinner, prepared on board, are served daily in the restaurant carriage, with lunches at guests’ own expense during daytime excursions.

After travelling through the night, the air conditioned touring vehicles are off-loaded each morning and guests may choose from several included day trips daily, conducted by an experienced guide, or elect for exciting optional tours that can be booked and paid for on board the train.

Goway Reports Unprecedented Growth to Africa

Goway AFRICAExperts is seeing unprecedented growth in travel to East and Southern Africa. “Both South Africa Tourism and the Kenya Tourism Board have reported double digit percentage growth in passenger arrivals from North America, and our experience mirrors this,” said Moira Smith General Manager AFRICAExperts by Goway. In line with this trend, the company’s flagship Holiday of a Lifetime Magic of Africaseries has limited seats left on their three fall departures. “I strongly recommend that agents book their clients early to avoid disappointment,” continued Smith.

Goway’s 21-day Magic of Africa tour to South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls starts at CA$10,299. This inclusive small group touring experience offers special meals, unique touring, world class accommodations, fun themes and an experienced Goway Tour director who ensures that everything runs smoothly.

Goway AFRICAExperts Offers Savings for Singles and Families

Goway’s AFRICAExperts is now waiving the single supplement for travellers staying at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, representing a savings of $500 per night. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is located in the world renowned Sabi Sands private game reserve, deep in the bushveld, overlooking a waterhole and an open plain.

For Families, children under 12 stay free when sharing with their parents.

“Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge’s layout and facilities means it is uniquely placed to offer exceptional experiences for both singles and families”, commented Moira Smith General Manager AFRICAExperts. “Sabi Sabi’s unique Elefun Centre for children under 14 offers a safe, fun and educational haven, ensuring the children have a great time, and the parents have peace of mind”.

Sabi Sabi is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife – including over 200 mammal and 300 bird species. Morning and evening safaris are enjoyed in open Land Rovers where close encounters with the Big 5 are a regular occurrence.

There is ample space to relax, unwind and savour the tranquility of the bush. The two swimming pools and enormous covered viewing decks overhanging the Msuthlu River are an invitation to cool off in the filtered water or sit in comfort while spotting game at the nearby pan. An exquisitely furnished lounge, atrium and intimate bar area are perfect meeting places for friends old and new. As an extra indulgence, the new Amani Spa at Bush Lodge offers the ultimate African spa experience.

Goway Waives Single Traveler Penalties

Goway’s AFRICAExperts has today announced additional savings for single travellers.

“Typically, single travellers may pay up to double the twin share rates for vacations,” commented Moira Smith, AFRICAExperts General Manager, “and our offer is a great getaway for travellers that prefer to travel alone and meet new friends from around the world.”

Recognising the trend for travellers that prefer to travel alone, Goway’s AFRICAExperts have negotiated excellent deals where singles pay the twin share rate only on select hotels, lodges and tours. This can translate into significant savings.

Single travellers on Goway’s best selling South African World in One Country tour save up to $700 if they travel on the last Sunday of the month departure.

On Goway’s flagship HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME experience, the Magic of Africa program, a twin share guarantee is offered. If travellers are prepared to share with someone of the same sex they save up to $2799. And if there isn’t another single travellers, they enjoy a single room at the twin share rate.

Some of the South African lodges where singles pay as twin share include Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, Leopard Hills, Kings Camp and Madikwe Hills

In Botswana these include Chobe Game Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge.

The Romance of Rail Travel by Goway

Goway Travel, a leading North American Travel Wholesaler, encourages travelers to experience the romance of rail travel through legendary and unique journeys throughout a range of exotic destinations. The selection of journeys include the longest rail journey in the world, a journey aboard an Orient-Express train, and one of the world renowned trains which journeys through Southern Africa.

“Goway offers a wide range of travel experiences throughout the South Pacific, Asia, Africa and Latin America” commented Emma Cottis, Product and Marketing Manager of Goway Travel, “and rail travel is truly an exceptional experience. You experience landscapes, fine dining and unique accommodations that most people miss by flying between destinations”

In fact many of the rail journeys are built into some of Goway’s most popular travel itineraries. In Australia, Goway’s “Holiday of a Lifetime”, the Waltzing Matilda, includes an optional journey between Alice Springs and Adelaide aboard The Ghan. The ultimate journey through the heart of the continent is also available connecting right through to Darwin. Travelers can enjoy two nights and marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the Red Centre, then north to Katherine and the tropical splendor of Darwin.

In Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Express journey is more than just a connection between cities, including excursions to destinations such as the River Kwai. The tropical weather encourages passengers to stroll to the Observation carriage at the rear of the train to enjoy the scenery and a cool breeze. A subtle balance of Eastern culture and cuisine and Western comforts whilst traveling in style and experiencing the many and mystical wonders of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The style and splendor of the E&O, with its elegant compartments, delicious cuisine and superb service, combined with the adventure of a journey through the heart of Asia, provide a unique travel experience.

With interiors created by a leading interior architectural design company, The Blue Train rivals many a five-star hotel in terms of elegance, grace, comfort and style. This Southern African travel experience offers journeys throughout South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and can be customized into any journey planned by Goway’s AfricaExperts.