Luxury adventures in Africa

Bales Worldwide is launching its largest Africa programme to date for 2008/9, with off-the-beaten-track safari options in Tanzania, as well as luxury adventure camping in Botswana, self-drive itineraries in Namibia and an expanded choice of Zambian walking safaris.

Prices start from £1550 per person for the nine day Serengeti Safari to Tanzania. The full programme is available as a printed brochure, as well as to read online at Balesworldwide.com.

The programme for 2008/9 covers holiday options for Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Namibia, Uganda, Mali, South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia. Bales offers two choices of escorted group holidays as well as 13 frequent departures, 17 suggested itineraries as well as countless tailor made travel options.

“Bales has been steadily growing its Africa portfolio,” comments Martin Edwards, Africa product manager for Bales Worldwide.

“Our new programme is responding to the changing needs of our clients with the largest range of independent travel options to date and journeys that combine adventure and unique experiences with luxury lodges or tented accommodation,” Edwards added.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TANZANIA

The new nine day Tanzania’s Southern Treasures frequent departure takes in some of the most remote regions of the country and is priced from £2395 per person. This area has an isolated landscape with few vehicles and the opportunity to fly between regions eliminating the need for long road journeys.

Highlights include the Selous Game Reserve, an area the size of Switzerland boasting a huge diversity of animals and Ruaha National Park, one of Africa best kept secrets where the flora and fauna of the eastern and southern regions of Africa cross over against the spectacular backdrop of the Great Rift Valley. Here there is the opportunity to spot the elusive wild dog.

Also suggested is a 10 day Western Tanzania itinerary priced from £3395 per person which includes the landscapes of Katavi and Mahale National Parks with the opportunity to see the largest chimpanzee population in Tanzania, as well as taking in the serene beauty of Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s deepest lake and the world’s second largest expanse of freshwater.

WALKING IN ZAMBIA

Walking Safaris were pioneered by the famous game ranger Norman Carr. From 2008 Bales clients can experience a choice of Norman Carr Walking Safaris, following in his footsteps. A 12 day suggested itinerary in Zambia is priced from £3995 per person and includes walking safaris, river cruises and game drives combining Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River and the National Parks of South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. Accommodation along the route blends spectacular bush camps and luxurious lodges.

Another option is the prestigious family run Robin Pope Safaris. A suggested 14 day itinerary from £4895 per person encompasses 10 nights in South Luangwa National Park, with five days on a mobile walking safari along the remote Mupamadzi River - an unparalleled wilderness experience accompanied by some of the best guides in Africa.

ADVENTURE CAMPING IN BOTSWANA

Bales has teamed up with leading safari company, CC Africa, to offer an exhilarating 12 day Botswana Explorer Safari from £2945 per person. Limited to just seven guests and accompanied by an expert CC Africa guide, guests will camp in classic domed style tents at specially selected campsites in the heart of the Botswana’s wilderness.

SELF DRIVE NAMBIA

Namibia is fast establishing itself as a perfect destination for self-drive safaris. New for 2008, Bales is suggesting two different itineraries for self-driving which provides the freedom to explore this vast country at your own pace. The 10 day Southern Nambian Self-Drive itinerary from £1395 per person heads west from Windhoek towards the majestic landscapes of the Skeleton Coast. Enjoy the colonial splendours of Swakopmund, cruise through the coastal waters in search of seals and dolphins and soak up the ambience of Walvis Bay and then head towards the unique desert landscapes of Sossusvlei, before venturing to the very edge of the Southern Kalahari.

For a contrasting journey, a 12 day Northern Namibian Self Drive itinerary is priced from £1575 per person. This suggested itinerary journeys from the Namibian capital to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and then on to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and then north to Cape Cross and the dramatic boundaries of the Skeleton Coast Park and the haunting landscapes of Damaraland, before turning towards the game rich salt pans of Etosha National Park.

Both the northern and southern self-drive itineraries are available in classic or superior standards of accommodation.

For reservations or further information about the new Africa programme log on to Balesworldwide.com.