Acacia Africa’s “Quadruple Whammy Discounts”: Available Throughout November

WHAMMY No. 1: Save 20% on any of Acacia Africa’s overland itineraries departing before 01 January 2010.

11-day Highlights of Tanzania (SAVE £99pp): Big Five games drives in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are included in the itinerary, a beach break on Zanzibar and guided walk to a local Masai village also featuring on the tour. (ONLY £396pp + local payment from £101pp).

58-day Ultimate African Overlander (SAVE £339pp): Highlights include, gorilla viewing in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a day’s volunteering in Jinja, Big Five safaris in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater and game cruising on Botswana’s Chobe River. (ONLY £1,356pp + local payment from £851pp + gorilla permit from £310pp).

WHAMMY No. 2: Adventures looking to touch down in Africa before 01 April 2010 can save 15% on all Acacia Africa’s overland itineraries.

11-day Cape Desert Safari (SAVE £44pp): indulge in some of the continent’s most evocative landscapes, the Fish River Canyon, the Namib Naukluft National Park and Spitzkoppe featuring on the itinerary. (ONLY £251pp + local payment from £180pp).

WHAMMY No. 3: Looking to experience the continent with a small group of like-minded travellers? Acacia Africa will be discounting several of its accommodated small group safaris departing before 01 January 2010 by 15%.

10-day Delta and Chobe Waterways (SAVE £104pp) includes adrenaline fixes at the Victoria Falls, game cruising on the Chobe River and opportunities to explore the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta by Mokoro (dug out canoe). Accommodation: twin share with ensuite facilities (7-nights), bush camping with basic facilities (2-nights). (ONLY £591pp + local payment from £452pp).

WHAMMY No. 4: Not a happy camper? 10% discounts are also available on several other accommodated small group safaris departing before 01 January 2010.

7-day Coast To Cape Town (SAVE £46pp): includes optional horse riding across the beaches of Cinsta, game drives in the Addo Elephant Park, bungy jumping in Tsitsikamma National Park and opportunities to marvel at the spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations on a visit to the Cango Caves. Accommodation is based in twin share rooms with ensuite facilities. (ONLY £414pp + local payment from £223pp).

Unless otherwise stated all prices include tour highlights as listed in the brochure, transport, roads tolls and taxes, camping (overland)/accommodation and cooking equipment, most meals and services of tour leader and driver (overland no single supplement/small group safaris based on two sharing). Excludes return international flight, visas, departure taxes, transfers and optional payment excursions. Discount excludes local payments and gorilla permits. Booking period from now until 30 November. Discounts cannot be taken in conjunction with any other Acacia Africa discount.

Contact Acacia Africa direct to take advantage of the discount on 020 7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or visit Acacia Africa for further information. ATOL No. 6499, ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED. All prices are subject normal booking conditions and availability.

Andy the great outdoorsman from the Veldt, gets the low down from Africa Addicts on the day of the Big Five Flash Sale

Andy the great outdoorsman from the Veldt, reporting to you live and direct from Acacia’s London office on the day of the Big Five Flash Sale

Andy: It's pure pandemonium here, we’ve had people camping outside the office since 6am - it’s like the annual migration of the wildebeest. The Acacia team are still taking bets on the number one safari destination – oh hang on word has just come in…

Apparently, the Ngorongoro was a hot contender, but the Acacia team says it’s now a mash up between the Mara and Serengeti. Well, there are plenty of wildlife capital fans here so let’s get the low down from some of the UKs Africa overlanding addicts...

Andy: I’m talking with Sarah who’s travelled up here all the way from sunny Manchester – so was it worth the trek to the Big Smoke Sarah?

Sarah: Well Andy, you know my heart truly belongs to the Mara and I’m game for the 58-day African Overlander – saving me £425

Andy: Huge saving and good choice Sarah - in fact, the reserve was our Tuesday Big Five Flash Sale Hot Spot

Andy: So you really are an addict for Africa Sarah – and how are the panic attacks these days – I guess it must have been at least three months since your last trip? That's a long time to be away from the continent if you're truly addicted?

Sarah: Well, obviously the attacks have subsided now I’m about to book – but I took your advice and I‘ve been regularly tuning into National Geographic, camping out in my living room while listening to Paul Simon & Ladysmith Black Mambazo and plugging myself into the Africa Freak. I've also been following Dan "your man in Africa," on the 43-day Kenya To Cape Town overland tour, reading his daily tweets, plus catching up with his “Around The World Travel Blog”. I have to say that’s been a real life saver.

Andy: And I guess you couldn’t resist a little window shopping at the Nomad Travel Store – as once you book with Acacia you can make savings of to 10%

Sarah: Oh, without a doubt that shopping trip certainly kept me sane

Andy: So you feel like the pressure's off now Sarah?

Sarah: Yes you could say that…err!!...

Andy: Oh wait a moment there’s been a bit of a scuffle near the brochure rack – seems like we’re running out.

Andy: Sit down mate and take it easy...there's still a few hours left to book

Andy: So guys, I’ve just been joined by Tom from Oxfordshire - that’s it deep breaths Tom. He seems to have been pipped at the post when it came to that last brochure.

Tom: No response - still breathing heavily into paper bag

Andy: So Africa is not just a passion for you it’s pretty much an obsession Tom?

Tom: Faint nods from Tom

Andy: And you’ve been like this ever since you witnessed the annual migration? It’s the Mara for you every time then?

Andy: Well, Tom’s smile says it all peeps :) I think at this point I should mention for those of you who are still not aware, including Tom, that you can grab a copy of the brochure online. I'm certain that will be good news for Africa addicts everywhere ☺

Andy: Anyway fellow Africa fans, that’s a thumbs up from Tom and don’t worry if you couldn’t join us here for the Big Five Flash Sale – you can still email us at info@acacia-africa.com or call 020 7706 4700 to book. And remember the Big Five Flash Sale closes at 5pm, so fix yourself up with a date on the African plains, go for the big one and grab that 55% deal in the Kruger.

Andy: Of course if you want to do the gap month adventure then why not try the 43-day Kenya to Cape Town and save 25%

Andy: Meanwhile, we’d be delighted to hear why Africa does it for you and do keep sending in those top tips for the ultimate safari in Africa, but for now it’s over and out…

Andy: This has been Andy, “the great outdoorsman from the Veldt" reporting to you live from Acacia’s Big Five Flash Sale Lancaster Gate, London.”

Catch up with me in Madagascar next week - one of my favourite spots in Africa - and if you want to make the most of what is known as the the eighth continent, watch out for our Madagascar Tweet up next Friday 21 August from 10 am right through to midday. Send your questions in advance to bespoke@tionlondon.co.uk or tweet us on the day at: http://twitter.com/AcaciaAfrica

Live commentary direct from the Acacia office on the Big Five Flash Sale

Don’t forget “Andy the great outdoorsman from the Veldt" will be interviewing campers outside our London office today from 12pm as part of our five hour, Big Five Flash Sale extravaganza. Your chance to hear from people who are totally mad about Africa and get a 25% discount off all out overland tours or a whopping 55% off the 6-day African Insight! Don’t miss Andy or the deal – and remember we’ll be handing out those discounts until 5pm today ☺.

Get ready for tomorrow's five hour Big Five Flash Sale

It’s going to be adventures r’us tomorrow as it’s the Big Five Flash Sale.

You can also catch up with live commentary from “Andy the great outdoorsman from the Veldt,” as he’ll be camping outside the office and interviewing some of the UK’s most avid Africa addicts – hey believe us we’ve already had people making reservations for tents outside our Lancaster Gate office in London.

Our advice to email us at info@acacia-africa.com or call us on +44 20 7706 4700 tomorrow between 12 and 5pm (BST). That’s when the 55% and 25% overland discounts will kick in so get ready for the "Big One" and fix yourself up with a great deal on the continent.

Terms and conditions: Big Five Flash Sale: Friday 14 August. Discounts available: 12-5pm (BST). 55% discount on the 6-day African Insight and 25% discount available on all other overland tours. Scheduled departures up to 31 December 2009. All prices subject to availability. Discount cannot be combined with any other promotion currently being offered by Acacia Adventure Holidays. Normal local payment(s) apply, subject to normal booking conditions. Promotional Code Big5@25_Aug09


Contact Acacia Adventure Holidays on 020 7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or visit Acacia Africa for further information. ATOL No. 6499 and ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED.

Big Five Flash Sale Hot Spot “Masai Mara Game Reserve”

The Big Five Sale: As an alternative to the annual migration mid October is always a good time to visit the Mara, as with zebras and wildebeest a plenty there will always be a few lions and cheetahs on the prowl. Home to all of the Big Five, the lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant, the reserve has an extraordinary density of animals including many varieties of plains game.

Acacia's Guide to the "Big Five Flash Sale Hot Spots"...

Go overland and get ready for our “Big Five Flash Sale Hot Spots.” Our guide will feature the best places to catch these “now you see ‘em, now you don’t” mammals. The sale will run from 12-5pm (BST) on Friday 14 August. Save up to 55% on the 6-day African Insight and 25% off all other overland tours.

The six-day African Insight features game viewing and night drives in the Kruger, river cruising in the Chobe National Park and an adrenaline fuelled day at the Victoria Falls. A bite size itinerary, the tour perfect for adventurers who are looking to get a taster of the overland experience.

Only £133pp + local payment from £112pp including all tour highlights, transport, accommodation, road tolls and taxes, most meals, camping and cooking equipment, services or driver/tour leader. Excludes, visas, travel insurance, departure taxes, airport transfers and optional activities. (Full tour price excluding local payment £295pp less 55% discount of £162pp).

Terms and conditions: Scheduled departures up to 31 December 2009. All prices subject to availability. Discount cannot be combined with any other promotion currently being offered by Acacia Adventure Holidays. Normal local payment(s) apply, subject to normal booking conditions. Promotional Code Big5@25_Aug09

Madagascar Tweet up (Friday 21 August): everything you need to know about the eighth continent

Get ready for our Madagascar “tweet up on Friday 21^st August. The Acacia team will be ready to answer any of your questions from 10-12pm BST. Of course you can always send your questions to us in advance and we’ll tweet back on the day. With visas waived for any adventurers staying less than 30-days and travelling up to the 31 December – now is the ideal time to book. Catch us on Twitter live.

Also don’t forget our Big Five Flash Sale which will last for five hours only between 12 and 5pm on 14 August. We'll be discounting all our overland departures before May 2010, by 25%.

Terms and conditions: Big Five Flash Sale: Friday 14 August. Discounts available: 12-5pm (BST), subject to availability. Discount cannot be combined with any other promotion currently being offered by Acacia Adventure Holidays. Normal local payment(s) apply, subject to normal booking conditions. Promotional Code Big5@25_Aug09

Given up: cigarettes...

Dear “Addicted to Africa Diary”....Aside from the nicotine hangovers, every packet is making heavy dents in the travel kitty and if I decide to head to the adventure capital of Livingstone I’ll have plenty more cash for a few optional adventures – my next feat to swing Tarzan style off the Bakota Gorge!

I’m there already!!!  A note on Acacia’s “Big Five Sale” has just landed in my inbox – and the excitement is building.  Apparently, the five-hour sale will begin on the August 14^th and last for exactly five hours.  I could email, or alternatively camp outside the Acacia office – that could be a cunning plan, as it’s going to be first past the post.  I guess a brief camping jaunt will also get me in the mood for my next overland trip and I don’t want to miss out on the 25% deal. I’m close to a decision and thinking of combining a small group safari with an overland trip.  Booking on one of the new Southern Circuits you can travel full circle round Africa and I’ll get the best of both worlds – two experiences in one holiday. The Wild Coast backpacker haven of Cinsta looks awesome. Horse riding on the sands and surfing the South African coast.  Africa I’m yours…

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...