Got That Friday Africa Feeling?!!!: Go Solo This Valentines, Find A Travel Buddy & Tweet Your Way Back To South Africa...

Yes, it’s Valentines this weekend, but if you’re feeling single and adventurous we’ve got five top tips in our Friday mailer that will make candlelit dinners a thing of the past. And those travel buddy requests keep pouring in so if you can make the same dates check out the requests below.

Don’t forget you can still save 20% on our overland tours – another reason to book a trip to amazing Africa this February!

Today is also the last call for “Wild Tweep” entries and with a FREE safari up for grabs it’s all the more reason to tweet for us on the 26th. Of course, if you haven’t quite made it to the Rainbow Nation as yet, then come join us for the tweet up and quiz the winning Wild Tweep – as South Africa will be your oyster! RSVP @ Twtvite or on Facebook.

We’re also featuring a few extra posts from Cathy May, our "Real Wanderer”: a career gapper, who gave up the city rat race to travel the globe.

And to get you in the mood for Africa – why not check out the hot Kenyan music scene while reading our mailer…Muthoni and Dela providing you with some amazing sounds from the continent's wildlife capital!

So travel buddies at the ready!: First up is Rob Beard who has just booked on the 1st of May Desert Tracker overland trip. Anyone else on that get in touch. :)

And another adventurer is heading off on the Cape Desert Safari departing 17th April. They’ll be in Cape Town from the 10th of April and could meet before hand too!

So was your speed dating a wash out? Try a date with the Great White this Valentines!

Wild Tweep entries: Get the low down from our expert safari judges including Travelcomments.com, PlanYourSafari.com and AfricaFreak.com, as they spell out three reasons to be in it to win it!

If you can’t make the virtual tweet up on the 26th you can also retweet our videos until the end of March, our random winner grabbing a 25% discount off their next overland tour – it’s a sinch! Simply copy and paste the following onto your Twitter page and it could be you!: RT #GoWildOnline with Acacia Africa http://bit.ly/91Qt4Z

And just in case you missed those tweets – here’s a brief selection of the best…

As it's almost valentines, this we had to share: RT @AfricaFreak http://bit.ly/cLJbgm - hilarious parody of the "Top Gun" movie! Must-see:)

RT @AfricanProverbs: When one is in love, a cliff becomes a meadow. ~Ethiopian Proverb

RT @WildEarth: Leopard now live on Safari Channel! http://bit.ly/b394Uy

RT @travelcomments: in today's news - Botswana: Okavango Delta is a finalist for top tourism awards http://bit.ly/13Yjxk #travel...

RT @TrulySAfrican: PDF download - Learn to speak Truly South African http://ow.ly/13Q21 #languages #fun #southafrica #worldcup #holidays...

RT @SpotCoolStuff: The best daypacks for photographers → http://is.gd/7H8EQ #photography #travel

What is most important on safari? u may immediately think the wildlife...Check out PlanYourSafaris to find out more: http://bit.ly/8Zxs7C

RT @Africafreak: 80 Amazing African Wildlife Photos! http://su.pr/2TxJxu

RT @PlanYourSafaris: RT @20sTravel: When Getting Lost is a Good Thing http://wp.me/pAFRW-sc

Real Wanderers: Career Gapper Tweet

Follow Cathy May on the 43-day Kenya To Cape Town overland trip…

All change! - here's to new adventures, travellers and tour leaders http://bit.ly/96cxl7

Still wondering what to do before 5pm kicks in? Feast your eyes on Lake Malawi and Livingstone http://bit.ly/9DtzuG

Why take to the skies in Livingstone? http://bit.ly/bSK88J

Get an insider perspective on Malawi and gen up those bartering skills http://bit.ly/cbAWqw

Zanzibar, it's a kind of magic, innit! A modern day take on Zanizibar with the “Ali T” Spice Tour (Ali G!): http://bit.ly/6W13Bi

For a head on culture shock try Tanzania: http://bit.ly/8gcBxZ

Experience life on the road and get the low down on overlanding from our "career gapper" http://bit.ly/7dL0Dv

Thinking of heading overland on our 43-day Kenya to CT? Feast your eyes on some amazing Africa images:) http://bit.ly/7Cu8ib

Up, up and away! Experience game viewing from a different perspective http://bit.ly/5Snwbq

Roughing it in Tanzania - it's wild camping all the way long drop toilets & a few unexpected visitors! http://bit.ly/7pZsPi

Head for the Mara with Cathy May, our career gareer and get a taster of the game drive online http://bit.ly/6zpgJG

Still undecided on where to head next? Grab a copy of our 2010 brochure online...

“Just Go…”

The Acacia Africa team

Real Wanderers: Looking is For Free

Malawi wasn’t top of the list in terms of destinations, but going rural and getting off the beaten track is the best way to get the inside track on the real Africa. Click through to Cathy's blog, as she also hands out a few surpising tips when it comes to batering for local curios – handy advice when it comes to making last minute decisions for the backpack.

Next Up: Tragedy strikes at the Victoria Falls, but there’s just something about those elephants...

Real Wanderers: Zanzibar, A Kind Of Magic, Innit…

Sure, ask any adventurer who has been to Zanizibar and they’ll tell you that the main draw is still sun, sea and sand; oh, and not forgetting the excellent diving opportunities around the Northern beaches J. Cathy had time to pack in a visit to Freddie Mercury’s birthplace and the Spice Tour led by Ali T - a huge Ali G fan! A chance to get to know the island from a modern day “rapp-a-like”, perspective…this is one excursion not to be missed!

Next Up: Cathy gives us her take on Malawi and a few pit sops on the way to the adventure capital of Livingstone

Real Wanderers: Life As An Overlander

You’d be right if you’re expecting long journeys on an overlanding jaunt, as Africa is a vast continent. But from Cathy’s point of view getting from A-B on a planned itinerary certainly makes for some fascinating hassle free drives, and the changing landscape en route is jaw dropping. National Geographic for real, here’s the low down on what to expect from campsites to cuisine!

Next Up: Get ready to brave Dar Es Salaam – a location where any driver will require superhuman hazard awareness skills!

Real Wanderers: Photos From Kenya & Tanzania

Here’s a great selection of pix from Cathy’s trip so far, covering everything from wildlife to overland camaraderie. Head on over to Cathy’s Flickr page and feast your eyes on some amazing photography.

Next Up: It’s time to switch trucks at the Victoria Falls and meet some new fellow overlanders – and as for those long drives (part and parcel of the overlanding experience) they’re worth it for the breathtaking backdrops you see along the way!

Real Wanderers: Up, Up & Away!

Would you like to experience game viewing from a different perspective? Why not head for the skies and go gliding over the Serengeti by hot air balloon. According to Cathy, it’s a great way to appreciate the vastness of the Serengeti and chomping on champagne breakfast under a very apt Acacia tree offered a little taste of luxury on an otherwise budget led overland tour. Certainly worth it as an optional extra!

Next Up: Catch a glimpse of Kenya & Tanzania on Camera...

Real Wanderers: Roughing it in Tanzania

According to Cathy, no one game park is the same and getting off the tourist track in Tanzania meant wild camping all the way including, long drop toilets and a few unexpected visitors from the animal kingdom. You might see toothpaste in a whole new light after this experience and lion fanatics will be on a winner, but remember to bring a powerful zoom lense if you want to catch the wildlife

Next Up: Champagne breakfast anyone?!!! Cathy samples the high life and takes a sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti…

Real Wanderers: The Mara – Simba & Friends

The bumpy roads in Nairobi are certainly worth enduring, the first pit stop on the 43-day Kenya To Cape Town overland tour – the Maasai Mara. One of the best places for wildlife viewing Cathy encountered a wide range of animals from zebras to elephants – her top tips to watch out for the vultures and have your Big Five check list at the ready. Of course, if you’re still deciding on that dream overland trip you can also game drive online with Crazy About Kenya a hip and happening project featuring some of Kenya’s hugely talented musicians and artists.

Next Up: Catch up with Cathy as she boards the Acacia truck, her home for the next six weeks, and get a taster of Tanzania...

Real Wanderers: Karibu! Welcome To Africa

If hot showers and working light switches are something you feel you could never live without, then hold on tight as Nairobi might be a bit of a culture shock. Then again, if you’ve never stayed in a hostel, you might be surprised by the welcoming facilities and the added creature comforts, not forgetting the numerous good friends you’ll meet along the way:)!!!

Up Next: What are friends for if not to enjoy the experience of travel! On our Friday slot you can head off with Cathy on her first independent travel stint and make the most of Kiberia, a local slum that is home to one million people…

Images courtesy of the Wildebeest Camp Hostel, Nairobi

Real Wanderers: Nairobi – Please Drive Carefully

Driving in Nairobi brings a whole new meaning to getting behind the wheel; in fact jay walking animals would be small fry compared to navigating major roundabouts without headlights at night!!! Time to go overland?:)

Next Up: Living without the luxuries becomes a reality, but it's a promising start for hostel life...

Cityscape image courtesy of Magical Kenya

Matatu (local bus) image courtesy of Tim Kiarie

Real Wanderers: My First African Experience

After raiding the airline freebie bag a surreal conversation ensues with a humanitarian fundraiser from Rwanda. Sadly, the English amongst us might fall short when it comes to culture – “pass me the fish and chips please, but don’t quiz me on the origins of Greenwich Meantime:)” A meaningful start to an amazing trip in Africa!

Next up: Hit the road with Cathy as she gets accustomed to a whole new kind of driving in Nairobi central…

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

From Norwich to Nairobi…

Once we hit the rat race, it’s not easy leaving life as we know it behind - and it’s an even bigger step when there’s no corporate company sabbatical acting as a career comfort blanket.

At 33, Cathy May was nervous about her decision to take a break from her city lifestyle. Formerly a high flyer in the PR business and co-founder of a PR company, she was now embarking on a nine-month travelling stint and leaving friends and family behind.

However, when the going gets tough there are always breakfast buffets to cure those last minute nerves and don’t worry, as being late for check in is not necessarily a bad thing!!!:)

Next up: Follow Cathy and relive her first African experience – even before she touches down in Nairobi central! An eye opener for all…

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

Real Wanderers - Live & Online...

Our new logo encapsulates the heartbeat of Africa with the blazing African sun and the famous Acacia tree. The vivd yellows and reds are vibrant African colours that mirror our team and the tours we offer.

The catchy new slogan, "Extraordinary Adventures Everyday" is made up of three distinct words that invoke excitement, imagination and tantalizing travel...

Extraordinary - beyond the ordinary, opposite of normal

Adventures - exciting activity, journey

Everyday - day after day...

It's not simply a tour, it's a way of life.

We'll be sharing some more interesting insights from "Real Wanderers" so check back with us on FB for regular updates from Monday 11 January...

First up is Cathy May from Reading in the UK - a career breaker who took the plunge...

Real Wanderers: If you’re thinking of taking a career break why not follow Cathy from Reading.

At 33, Cathy set off on a nine month travelling stint, a world away from her time co-running a successful PR agency in London.

She felt her hectic lifestyle had taken its toll and was desperate to recharge her batteries so Cathy took the leap, even renting out her house and moving back in with her parents while she planned the trip.

She wanted to include Africa on her travels (omitted by many backpackers, especially women) and chose to kick off her round-the-world trip with an organised Acacia Africa overland tour.

Even if you’re not working for a large company that might offer a sabbatical, Cathy told us, “it’s worth the trip.”

Nearly three months into her travels, she agreed it was one of the best decisions she had ever made.

Why?

* The unfamiliar can give you a whole new perspective, whether you're visiting under privileged communities in Kenya, scrambling up sand dunes at dawn in Namibia or spotting whales and dolphins in South Africa.

* For her future employers, Cathy believes that a career break is an enhancement to anyone's CV. “I already know that I will return to home and be more than ready for my next challenge!”

Watch out for our regular updates on Cathy's 43-day Kenya to Cape Town overland tour – the first installment detailing her antics at Heathrow including, how breakfast buffets can help cure nerves and advice on getting an upgrade. Business Class anyone?!!!...