Archive for category Africa

Goway’s AFRICAExperts Host Agents at “The Lion King”

Goway Hosts Agents At Lion King - Click for high resolution

Goway’s AFRICAExperts, in partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board, hosted 15 Toronto travel agents at the Princess of Wales theatre in Toronto to see The Lion King – The Musical.

Based on the 1994 film, it is a heroic coming-of-age story which follows the epic adventures of a young lion cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role as king of the jungle. The show runs until June 12 in Toronto, and will also run in Ottawa 14Jul-7Aug and Montreal 9Aug-4 Sep

In conjunction with Mirvish, Goway’s AFRICAExperts, British Airways and Fairmont Hotels sponsored a sweepstakes for residents of Ontario to win a trip to Kenya. Registration closes on April 29th at thelionking.tocontests.com

Goway’s AFRICAExperts announces new staff appointment

Goway’s AFRICAExperts is pleased to announce the appointment of Leigh Stafford to the reservations department. “Leigh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the department,” commented Moira Smith, AFRICAExperts General Manager. ‘Having lived and travelled extensively in Southern Africa she complements our current team of experts.”

Leigh spent 12 years as a guide in Namibia followed by three years selling Africa in the UK. She is passionate about conservation and the preservation of Africa’s unique and awe inspiring wildlife and spent several years working for conservation and volunteering for wild cat organisations. Africa is the continent that Leigh calls home and she loves sharing her knowledge and passion.

Goway’s AFRICAExperts
announces new staff appointment

Goway Waives Single Traveller Penalties

Goway’s AFRICAExperts has today announced savings of up to $700 for single travellers on their World in one Country South Africa tour.

“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.”

The World in one Country tour allows visitors a glimpse of South African wildlife, scenery, traditional cultures of old as well as the dynamic South Africa of today. From wildlife reserves that teem with birdlife and excite with sightings of the infamous “Big Five” to modern cities, world renowned wine farms, ancient forests and the arresting beauty of rugged coastlines to long stretches of warm waters and golden sands. This tour encompasses a huge slice of South Africa hospitality, culture and sights.

Prices start from CA$3245. Single passengers on the last Sunday departure of the month save up to $700.

Goway’s “Bachelor” Safari Offers Special Value

Millions tuning into “The Bachelor” season finale saw Brad Womack taking full advantage of breathtaking Cape Town.

For the remaining two bachelorettes, one faced disappointment and being “dumped”, but staying at the One&Only should have served as some consolation. With its spectacular location on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and stunning views of Table Mountain, the resort is a destination unto itself.

Episode 9 the previous week showcased Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, including a romantic encounter at the Chalkley Tree House. Chalkley Treehouse is built around a majestic, 500-year-old Leadwood Tree with views across the game-filled plains, just 20 minutes drive from Lion Sands Lodge. The treehouse consists of a wooden platform outfitted with the comforts a guest can expect at a luxurious lodge – a comfortable double bed, crisp linens, mosquito net, comfortable armchairs for game viewing, toilet, vanity table, gowns and slippers.

Guests are driven to the treehouses at dusk and served a champagne picnic dinner. They are then left alone to enjoy the African dusk and absorb the sounds and sights and the beauty of the bushveld night. They have lamps and a spotlight for picking out game in the bush below before turning in to sleep under the stars, safe and sound in their treetop aerie. At dawn, guests are collected by the game ranger who looks after them throughout their visit and taken for a morning game drive that includes a delicious bush breakfast in one of the many bird and animal hides scattered through the reserve.

Travellers wishing to recreate the romantic itinerary of “The Bachelor” can enjoy special exclusive value from Goway Travel. Travellers booking two nights at Lion Sands Lodge enjoy a free third night with a complimentary upgrade to the Treehouse. Similarly clients booking two nights at the One&Only in Cape Town get the third night free.

Egypt Update From Goway’s AFRICAEXPERTS

Goway AFRICAExperts announced today that any passengers travelling to Egypt up to 15 February 2011 will have the option of postponing their trip, transferring to any one of Goway’s many worldwide destinations, or receive a full refund for the land portion. Airline conditions may apply. Any passengers departing from the 16th to the 28th February will have the option of postponing their trip or transferring to an alternate Goway destination. “We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis ” commented Moira Smith, General Manager AFRICAExperts.“The safety or our passengers is paramount and our representatives in Egypt are of course looking after those in destination”.

For more information please call 1-800-245-0920, or email info@africaexperts.com.

Goway’s Small Group Touring in the Middle East

Goway has expanded its offering of Egypt, Jordan and Israel, three countries with amazing contrasts as well as spectacular highlights, in its Middle East Treasures, a 22 day tour from North America.

Highlights in Egypt include the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a Nile Cruise, a visit to Abu Simbel and a visit to the unique scenery of the Sinai Peninsula including the famous St. Catherine’s Monastery. New is a stopover for 2 nights in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh to give passengers a refreshingly different experience.

In Jordan, there is a Jeep tour of Wadi Rum and a full day at Petra plus visits to the Dead Sea, the ancient Roman site of Jerash and a stop in the capital, Amman.

Israel offers Jerusalem including a viewing of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a side trip to Bethlehem, time to float in the Dead Sea, and a visit to the ancient site of Massada, a visit to a Kibbutz, a cruise on Lake Galilee plus Nazareth, Haifa and Tel Aviv.

As always, Goway includes its trademark inclusions such as Exclusive Fun Themes including Food and Wine, Geography and History, Lifestyles and Local Culture, all tipping (except the Tour Director), a quality Travel Companion booklet with a wealth of destination information which is provided before departure, a souvenir group photograph at the end of the tour and a single share option. The maximum size of any group is 20 passengers.

Goway prides itself on having the very best professional tour directors, and this is not just another tour but one of the HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME series. Prices are from CA$8999 per person from Toronto. Prices from other Canadian cities are available on request.

Goway Focuses on Family

Goway’s AFRICAExperts is expanding their range of family-focused experiences and now offers an 11-day overland family tour. The Cape Wildlife Family Adventures tour starts in Cape Town and includes attractions such as the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach and its penguin colony, the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the Cape Winelands, with a visit to the Cheetah Outreach Facility at Spier. Time spent in Oudshoorn includes visits to Cango Wildlife Ranch, the Cango Caves and Safari Ostrich Farm. The Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden in Kynsna, the Addo Elephant Park and Tsitsikamma Forest highlight the Eastern Cape. Prices start from $3131CA for adults and just $1489CA for children.

With multi-generational travel on the increase Goway has recognized the need for child-friendly family experiences that the whole family can enjoy. They have identified properties and safari lodges that offer specialized game drives for children, expert baby sitters and educational experiences. Shamwari in the Eastern Cape, Shiduli near Hoedspruit, and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Western Cape are all uniquely equipped to cater for families of all ages. Sun City in the Bushveld of South Africa’s North West Province offers fun and entertainment for young and old. These include Chirp Parties for the teens, Kamp Kwena Fort for younger children, the Valley of the Waves (the only subtropical water adventure park in Africa), the adventure playground and Animal World.

Lonely Planet Names Namibia a Best-Value Destination

Lonely Planets’ “Best in Travel 2011” has listed Namibia in its top ten best-value destinations for the upcoming year. Goway’s AFRICAExperts General Manager, Moira Smith, agrees “Namibia offers excellent accommodation options at really affordable prices. And the dollar goes a long way when you’re in destination”.

Rich in culture and history with a variety of different regions all offering their own unique attractions, it’s not surprising that Namibia has become a much sought after destination. It is an intriguing land of extreme contrasts – home to the highest dunes in the world, the oldest desert in the world and the second largest canyon in the world

An interesting and unique way to experience Nambia is on the Shongololo Express’ Dune Adventure. The concept is unique and is akin to ‘cruising on wheels’. The train travels at night, and in the morning, Shongololo’s knowledgeable multi-lingual guides offload their customized air-conditioned Mercedes vehicles and guests spend the day exploring the area. In 2011, only two trips are being operated in June and the 12 day journey starts at CA$3302. This includes accommodation, transfers, sightseeing, dinner and breakfast.

Travellers with specific interests can choose either the 7-day Southern Namibia or the 7-day Northern Namibia circuit. Combined they form the 15-day Classic Namibia which includes the Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha National Park and Windhoek. Prices start from CA$5510 and include most meals, all transportation and sightseeing with a qualified driver/guide. Namibia is a vast country so for travellers with limited vacation time, Goway’s AFRICAExperts have designed the 7-day Best of Namibia Flying Safari priced from CA$5125.

Goway’s AFRICAExperts Announces New Staff Appointment

Amber Cammish - Click for High Resolution

Goway’s AFRICAExperts is pleased to announce the appointment of Amber Cammish to the reservations department. “Amber brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the department,” commented Moira Smith, AFRICAExperts General Manager. “Having travelled extensively to our key destinations, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East, she complements our current team of experts”.

Amber spent 5 years in the Middle East and North Africa as a tour leader and the last 2 years in Canada selling Africa. Her experience extends from leading overland journeys through the Middle East to relaxing in luxury riads in the medinas of Morocco. During her tour leading career she was based in Egypt which she considers her second home. It was a great base to explore the region as well as lending the opportunity for extended travels to East Africa. Her passion is all things Africa; the people, the culture and history and of course its’ natural beauty.

Amber is based in the Vancouver office and can be reached to amber@goway.com or 1-888-469-2988 Ext. 6318.

Middle East Demand Grows, Quotes Goway Travel

Goway Travel has reported that Tel Aviv, Israel’s hip coastal city, has been included in a new list of Lonely Planet’s Top Ten Cities in the World.

Hailed for its arts and music scene and relaxed culture, Tel Aviv was featured as the third-best city on the list behind New York City and Tangier. According to Lonely Planet editors, “Tel Aviv is a truly diverse 21st-century Mediterranean hub. Due to its university and museums, Tel Aviv is also the greenhouse for Israel’s growing art, film and music scenes.”

“Increased interest in Israel has been noticeable in the past few years” commented Product & Marketing Manager Emma Cottis of Goway Travel. “The contrasting experiences are drawing visitors – either on pilgrimage or as mainstream tourists – en masse to the country. Tel Aviv is the perfect starting place to then explore Nazareth and Galilee in the North, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and of course the Dead Sea and Massada. Israel can be perfectly combined with other Middle East countries, specifically it’s compact neighbour, Jordan.”

Goway’s programs to the Middle East include their signature fully-escorted 22 day Middle East Treasures (visiting Egypt, Jordan and Israel) which sold out well in advance for the fall departures in 2010. For the 2011/12 season, the company has increased the schedule to 8 departures.

In response to demand, Goway’s AFRICAExperts has also expanded their FIT offerings in Jordan to include shorter modular trips and extension ideas that can be combined to create a customized experience. In Israel, enhanced product offerings include a resort stay in Eilat in the South, which overlooks Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea The recognition of Tel Aviv, and in fact Israel as a whole, comes in a year that has set an all-time high in travel to Israel.

Tel Aviv has been the recipient of several awards this year, including “One of the World’s Top Ten Beach Cities” by NationalGeographic.com and the “Third Best City in Africa and the Middle East” by Travel + Leisure.