“Must Have” Kit for overlanders...

Bring a head torch - We’ll be camping in the wilds and we can promise you that eating carrots won’t be as helpful! Book with us and grab a 15% discount on kit from Nomad Travel Stores.  Fancy bush camping? See more of the real Africa and go all out on the Okavango Delta in Botswana...

Check out what bargains Nomad can offer at their stores in London, Bristol, Manchester or Southampton or order online at www.nomadtravel.co.uk

Image copyright®: Ian Britton (http://www.FreeFoto.com)

Check out Madagascar and get ready for our "TWEET UP" on Friday 21 August...

Did you know Madagascar is slashing the single visa fee. Now you take a trip to what is known as the eighth continent for less.  Fancy it? Try our 8-day Madagascar Dhow Sailing adventure. 

The trip starts at Hellville Port, the itinerary taking travellers around the Nosy Be archipelago. When not camping on secluded islands adventurers can opt for forest walks, swimming and diving. Highlights include Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve which is perfect for snorkeling; Nosy Komba, noted for its friendly Lemurs; and Mahalina – with opportunities to explore the mangroves by kayak. 

£650pp. The price includes all highlights, transport, camping equipment, sleeping mat, airport transfers, some meals, and services of skipper, chef, and three crew. Excludes visas, travel insurance, flights, departure taxes, sleeping sheet, snorkel, kayaks and fishing line hire, tips, soft drinks, optional activities and items of a personal nature. Group size (maximum ten). Accommodation: guest house (1-night), camping two person dome tents (6-nights). Departures: year-round, every Saturday. Email us at info@acacia-africa.com

You can also come and join us for a "TWEET UP" on Friday 21 August and find out more about our Madagascar trips.  Feel to quiz us between 10 am - 12 pm (BST). http://twitter.com/AcaciaAfrica

Given up: cooking my own Sunday dinners...

Dear "addicted to Africa" diary...Mother has agreed to serve up regular Sunday roasts - I wonder, are my parents warming to my continual travel bug and are they secretly looking to boost my travel kitty?

I’ve been trying to avoid any invitations for Sunday dinner, as if we broach the subject of Africa I know it’s going to lead to a full-length analysis of my career and its future prospects. Mother doesn’t seem to understand that there’s more to travel than just jetting around the plains in a 4X4 and meeting like-minded people.  

In fact, trying to explain to my parents that travel broadens the mind on lots of fronts, including work, is like navigating a canoe through a crocodile infested river. On my last trip I ended up in Moshi helping a bunch of African children. Some had just been abandoned and others were victims of AIDS.  It was a truly uplifting and unforgettable experience.  

As soon as you arrive the children rush out to greet you like a swarm of bees and you're literally surrounded by a never-ending river of smiles. Whether you were painting, playing cards or just having a kick about with the kids – you couldn’t help but be inspired. It's the kind of place that makes you want to return. It's more than just another African destination to tick off the list - as the people, the project leaders and the children, make the holiday. 

We even packed in three-days of game viewing in the Serengeti (camping in the heart of the park was awesome - a 24-7 safari, the animals even tramp through the site under cover of darkness!) and the Ngorongoro Crater at the end of the tour – now that’s what I call an adventure! Can't wait to get back. Africa - madly, deeply...

Amelia Smith...

Saving up for your next Africa trip...any great ideas on how to generate more cash for Amelia's travel kitty? From the weird to the wonderful we're all ears...

Catch the 5 Hour "Big Five Flash Sale," 14 August, 12pm-5pm...

Catching the Big Five is no mean feat. The term was coined by the big game hunters, these predators being the hardest to hunt on foot. Not a guarantee for safari goers either, they continue to be the main exotic draw when it comes to Africa. 

In the spirit of these "now you see 'em now you don't," elusive African mammals our flash sale will last for only FIVE hours, so you’ll need to get in quick if you want to catch a great deal on the continent. Call or email between 12pm and 5pm and you'll receive a 25% discount on all our overland tours. 

We do, however, suggest emailing us at info@acacia-africa.com if you ‘re looking to catch the Big Five discount, as we’re expecting a mad rush similar to the charge of the wildebeest on their annual migration.  And, as Africa is one of the most addictive holiday destinations don’t be surprised to see a truck load of happy campers pitching their tents outside our office on the morning of the sale.  

Just to keep you in the picture we'll also have “Andy the great outdoorsman from the veldt" taking time out from the continent and commenting live and direct from Twitter on the day of the sale. He'll also be keeping tabs on the most popular place to catch the Big Five.  We'd love to hear bets from our tweeps too - so come join us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/AcaciaAfrica) between 12 and 5pm on Friday 14 August...

Africa here we go!

Check out the June newsletter for tips on Mt. Kilimanjaro, the latest deals & visa waivers and get ready for the great annual migration - roll on the summer :)

http://tiny.cc/RK7hN

It's hotting up in Morocco...

Take advantage of our huge 25% discount on the Moroccan Expedition. The original, uncut version, you can experience the real Morocco on this 15-day hands-on truck adventure. Offer ends 30 June 2009.
 

Budget destinations: You'll be quids in with South Africa

South Africa's currency has remained relatively static since 2008, with £1 GPB still fetching around 14 Rand. After getting a good deal from Acacia Adventure Holidays we know you’re likely to be swinging from the treetops, however, you can go one better on the 7-day Coast To Cape Town small group safari, as the itinerary covers the Tsitsikamma National Park – the location for the highest bungee jump in the world.  Other highlights include (optional) horse riding in Cinsta, wildlife viewing in the Addo Elephant Park, (optional) ostrich riding in Oudtshroon and a visit to Cape Town’s wineries. Only £445pp (based on two people sharing) + local payment from £278pp. Year round departures.

“Andy the great outdoorsman from the veldt" is crashing on the continent...

This week’s patter comes live and direct from Cinsta (http://www.acacia-africa.com/HolidayDetails.aspx?tc=CTC7&ProductID=2): "Hey this place has got my vote – it’s so laid back it’s horizontal! If you want to venture on horseback across the sands or surf the coast – the choice is yours.  It’s just a short walk from the hostel to the beach.  My top tip climb the dunes with a beer and watch the sunset..."

Dismal date - passed on the nightclub, saved on ludicrous entrance fee and over-inflated London drinks prices…

Dear "addicted to Africa" diary...If I needed the impetus to make a short night of it I certainly found an answer this weekend. Well at least the travel kitty is gloating :) I’m sorry but when your best friend sets you up with a guy that can’t stop taking about cut-price flights to Europe – it’s a sure reason to leave.  I agree, Ibiza must be an amazing place, but five years in a row! Of course, had we been talking about Africa there would have been far too much choice for boredom to set in.

Don’t get me wrong there’s some great nightlife in the capital of Nairobi. On my last city stay our group had an amazing time at “Meet the Carnivore,” where we danced into the early hours, but Europe’s just no contender when it comes to adventure. Great safaris, adrenaline activities, and breathtaking landscapes are simply an Africa must have.  I’m currently eyeing up a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, the ideal place to catch the Big Five. The 30,000 strong wildlife population leave their mark on the volcanic landscape year round and the occasional sighting of a red cloaked Maasai warrior also gives the location ultimate storybook Africa appeal.  I’ll need to pack some woolies and hat – those spectacular early morning game drives can get kind of chilly! Africa you're always on my mind:)

Amelia Smith...

Saving up for your next Africa trip...any great ideas on how to generate more cash for Amelia's travel kitty? From the weird to the wonderful we're all ears...

Acacia's African Summer Sizzlers are here!

Now you can grab a 25% discount on all our overland tours (book before 30 June). If, like our resident addicted to Africa columnist Amelia Smith, you're still saving for that dream trip on the continent, never fear, as our local payment is payable on arrival and the offer is open to all departures up to 01 May 2010. 

Do your bit for Africa: please note our LP stays in the host country you are visiting, directly benefiting the communities we work with.

Acacia Adventure Holidays 19-day South West Safari starts with a true adrenaline rush. Travellers can dangle off the Victoria Falls or swing from the Bakota Gorge Tarzan style. Action is also guaranteed at Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure playground and in the Namib Naukluft National Park – the ideal location for sandboarding. Only £409pp (save £136pp) + local payment from £283pp (no single supplement) including all tour highlights as listed in the brochure, transport, roads tolls and taxes, camping and cooking equipment, most meals and services of tour leader and driver. Excludes return international flight, visas, departure taxes, transfers and optional payment excursions. (Full tour price £545pp less 25% discount of £136pp). All prices are subject to availability.

Make more of the game drive

Of course there are plenty of options to get involved in community tourism – but now you can get involved on the conservation side and make more of the game drive.  Check out our Anti-Poaching Voluntour (http://www.acacia-africa.com/HolidayDetails.aspx?tc=APV5&ProductID=7)

Happy campers: Glastonbury on safari...

If you’re looking for the best campsite for camaraderie, then head to the Ngorongoro Crater (http://www.acacia-africa.com/HolidayDetails.aspx?tc=EAE21&ProductID=1).  According to our adventurers, with up to 200-tents perched on the rim of the crater it’s a sure fire way to meet like-minded travellers.

Wanna' set sail on the ocean?

The Guardian is suggesting our 8-day Madagascar Dhow Sailing adventure - and remember it's visa free until the end of 2009!... 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/jun/13/philippines-boat-tour-beach-safari?page=3

Follow the locals in Kenya...

Fancy chomping on some home-grown delicacies in the wildlife capital? DJ Wave, one of our Crazy About Kenya partners has some great advice…"Drink Pure Kenyan tea, and coffee at The Java House in Nairobi! Eat chapati, and ugali! And most of all, get your chops round some Nyama Choma (translation: do, do a goat roast).”

Bye bye tube – from now on I’ll be cycling to the office…

Dear "addicted to Africa" diary...Ugh, could it be any worse!!! The recent run of great weather only served to make me feel more depressed about the long wait until my next overland trip.  I know there’s been a lot of talk about “stay-cations,” but I’ m sorry a weekend in Brighton doesn’t quite cut it when you’ve been darting around the Maasai Mara in search of the Big Five.  We caught the best of the wildlife in the mornings as the reserve's predators are early birds, and they’re always in search of a hearty breakfast once the sun is up. I only missed the elusive leopard off my check list – another excuse for a return visit. 

I'm afraid it's a thumbs down for England. Instead I’ve decided to cycle into the office and save on the tube fare.  More cash for the travel kitty… Africa here we come! 

Amelia Smith...

Saving up for your next Africa trip...any great ideas on how to generate more cash for Amelia's travel kitty? From the weird to the wonderful we're all ears...

Image copyright®: Ian Britton (http://www.FreeFoto.com)

Go Mad Over The Masai Mara: Ben Williams

“On our second game drive the unexpected proves to be spectacular. Hanging out by a muddy pond, warthogs grunt and squeal, their long hair and stout bodies making them look like aging rock stars. We move across the dry and dusty plains in search of our prey, a group of hippos, wallowing in the water. As if by way of a greeting for our eager eyed group, they pop their heads above the water. 

After taking in their playful camaraderie we move further downstream, our catch for the day a group of graceful cheetahs springing on a herd of wildebeests - their well engineered tactics taking down one of the calves. We’re told by our driver that it’s rare to see a kill on a game drive, but it’s doubly rare to see cheetahs catching their prey. I smile to myself, as while it might be a return visit to catch the Big Nine, I can certainly attest to a tremendous morning’s safari.” Check out our 18-day Mountain Gorillas To The Mara (http://www.acacia-africa.com/HolidayDetails.aspx?tc=MGM18&ProductID=1)

Discount from Nomad Travel...

“Must Have” Kit: Fast drying, antibacterial towel - especially in the winter season, as it’s hard for towels to dry overnight due to the morning dew and rain. Did you know if you book with us, you can also grab a 15% discount on kit and equipment from Nomad Travel. Please contact Acacia for your discount code. Check out what bargains a Nomad can offer at their stores in London, Bristol, Manchester or Southampton or order online at http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk

What would give up to get back to Africa?...

We’re looking for everything from the obvious to the outlandish. Whether it’s opting for regular Sunday dinners with the parents, living off “Sainsbury’s Basics,” ditching the penthouse apartment and crashing on your mate’s floor, chillin’ at home instead of going out on the town or cutting back on the electric bill and doing nights by candlelight – we want to hear from you...

Go Crazy For Kenya...

Did you know: Kenya has slashed its visa cost for UK nationals by 50%, from US$50 (£35) to US$25 (£18); fees will be waived completely for children under 16. The reduction, which came into effect on 01 April 2009, will run until the end of 2010 - yet another reason to head to the wildlife capital...

Dip into the top ten game parks and catch up with our talented Kenyan partners at: http://www.crazyaboutkenya.com

 

Amelia Smith: single, twenty-something globetrotter

Amelia Smith is a single, twenty-something globetrotter caught between the city rat race and her Africa travel bug.  Her rented "shoebox-like" apartment costs way over the odds and the travel kitty is suffering from long periods of drought, especially in the recession. 

Her parent’s insistence that her regular furloughs on the African continent aren’t good for her career prospects continually drives her round the bend - her latest voluntour experience meeting with an all too familiar glazed expression from her mother. Tired of the humdrum monotony of office life; the appalling British weather; and meeting guys who have never travelled further than Europe, or who don’t understand the thrill of camping – her thoughts constantly return to Africa. 

Amelia is fixated on booking the perfect itinerary and determined to make huge concessions so that she can jump on the next available flight.  Struggling to cope with her Africa addiction, she feels the only way to get through life is to diarise her weekly ramblings – all in the hope of retaining her sanity until she touches back down on the continent. Catch her up with her here every Thursday…

Acacia's African Summer Sizzlers

Deal: Acacia's African Summer Sizzlers in June: Save 25% off the tour price of all our 'Overland' tours

(Save £186pp) Safari through four different countries on the African continent and save 25% on the 25-day South West Safari. Big Five game viewing in the Kruger, remote bush camping in the Okavango Delta and a guided walk through the dunes in the Namib Naukluft National Park is included in the itinerary.  Only £559pp + local payment from £415pp (no single supplement) including all tour highlights as listed in the brochure, transport, roads tolls and taxes, camping and cooking equipment, most meals and services of tour leader and driver. Excludes return international flight, visas, departure taxes, transfers and optional payment excursions. Available departures 11 June and 25 June.  Acacia's African Summer Sizzler discount is available on all overland tours booked before 30 June with travel before 01 May 2010. All prices are subject to availability.  (Full tour price £745pp less 25% discount of £186pp)

Check out our online brochure at: (http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/acacia_adventure_holidays/Acacia-Adventure-Holidays-2009Sterling/2008111901/) 

Get Tweeting For Africa...

OK, so hippos don't tweet, but give us some poetic license as after all, this is Africa! Anyway, here's a message for any twitterers out there or fellow "tweeps." Acacia is kicking off a new phase of tweeting at (http://twitter.com/AcaciaAfrica) – Check out our new widgets and come tweet with us...



 

"Native Noise": look out for our handy phrases – fancy adding to our online dictionary?...



 

Got any good "Wonga Widgets"? – we’ll give you the deals, but we'd love to hear from you about any budget friendly haunts in Africa...



 

"AfriFest Widget": cool festivals, budget gigs and out there events – we’ll give you the low down, but feel free to tweet or re-tweet us...

 



“Dig It Twips": check out our handy hints for adventurers and add a few of your own...



 

"Love Africa!": real experiences in Africa - come and tweet yours and spread the love by re-tweeting ours...

Of course, if you're not thinking of twittering - you can always share here or check out our our facebook ® page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Acacia-Adventure-Holidays/10768937199

Where to pitch your tent in Africa?...

Most people dream about travelling to an exotic continent like Africa, and the main issue for adventurers is usually "where" to pitch the tent.  The choices are endless, but we can promise once you’ve set foot on either the plains of the Mara or the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll be hooked.  Our new blog, “Africa: Stuck On You” has been created as a virtual guide filled with daily tips, case studies and deals – helping you to pinpoint your dream spot on the continent.