Destination Update WHAT S NEW IN 2018

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1 Destination Update WHAT S NEW IN 2018 >

2 Sanibonani, "hello" in isizulu and welcome to our What s new in 2018 edition! 2018 has really started with a bang! Very exciting news is that we have opened our Rwanda DMC in Kigali. We have already had our first (of many, I am sure) guests travel with us in this small but exquisitely beautiful country. Also new is Akash Baijnath, our new Johannesburg based Regional Sales Manager. Akash comes from a sales travel background and will be a huge asset to A&K East and Southern Africa. It is fitting that his first A&K travel experience will be in Rwanda at the end of February. INTRODUCTION Lots has happened in our destinations since the last update. The Sanctuary Retreats renovation programme is continuing throughout the region. Sanctuary Kichakani is looking stunning and great progress is being made at Sanctuary Stanley s Camp and Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma. Both are launching in April 2018 and I for one am very much looking forward to their new look. Sanctuary Olonana is still on track to open in June With all the talk about Rwanda opening we must not forget about Uganda, still an amazing primate and wildlife safari destination and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp has also been refurbished beautifully. There is so much more, so why don t I leave you alone to jump in. Safari njema John YOUR EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA SALES TEAM John Round-Turner Sales & Marketing Director East and Southern Africa JRTurner@abercrombiekent.co.ke Pippa Strong Sales Manager East and Southern Africa pstrong@abercrombiekent.co.ke Akash Baijnath Sales Manager East and Southern Africa abaijnath@abercrombiekent.co.za 2 < >

3 WHAT S NEW IN 2018 EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA A&K now in Rwanda Page 4 Hotels, Lodges & Camps Page 5 & 6 Excursions & experiences Page 7 Sanctuary Retreats Reinvented Page 8-11 Refreshed properties Page 12 New and unusual itineraries Page 13 News Page 14 A&K Philanthropy Page 15 Contact us Page 16 3 < >

4 A&K OFFICE IN RWANDA Highlights of Rwanda Our must visit areas include the capital, Kigali and the Rwanda Genocide Museum. Akagera National Park s diverse landscape allows for a variety of wildlife viewing including lion, leopard, hyena, jackal and black rhino. Gorilla Trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park however guests can also visit Dian Fossey s grave, Musanze Caves and a Cultural Village. Nyungwe National Park is home to many habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Enjoy kayaking and bird watching along the crystal clear waters of Lake Kivu. We are very excited to announce the opening of our A&K DMC office in Rwanda s capital, Kigali. Named among the 18 places to visit by CNN in 2018, Rwanda is our tenth office across East and Southern Africa and 53rd worldwide. Known as the Land of a thousand Hills, the country is home to more than a third of the world s remaining mountain gorillas in the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park. Conservation is a key goal and Mountain gorilla numbers are increasing with an average of 18 babies born each year. In addition, a wide variety of species have been reintroduced into the national parks making Rwanda a Big Five destination once again. Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries. Plastic bags have been banned since 2008 and on the fourth Saturday of each month, stores are closed and traffic stops as everyone helps clean and tidy their local streets and community. Accommodation Luxury travel has arrived in Rwanda with various high end lodges, camps and hotels opening. The five-star Bisate Lodge opened mid 2017 with great views of the brooding Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno Volcanoes. One&Only Nyungwe, located on the edge of the Nyungwe Forest in the mountainous South West, opened in October 2017 while One&Only Gorilla's Nest, will open in 2018 at the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is set to open August 2019 on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Find the perfect accommodation with our preferred lodges, camps and hotels in Rwanda. Suggested Itineraries Our selection of itineraries include the best areas, logistics, hotel s, lodges and camps as well as combining Rwanda with other East African countries for an extraordinary tracking and safari experience. CONTACT US Abercrombie & Kent Rwanda info@abercrombiekent.rw 4 < >

5 Botswana Qorokwe Camp, Okavango Delta South Africa Tengile River Lodge, Sabi Sand HOTELS, LODGES & CAMPS Zanzibar Constance Aiyana, Pemba Island Qorokwe Camp, which opened in December 2017, is located in the Qorokwe Concession, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. The camp features nine tented suites, one of which is a family unit with its own splash pool. The magnificent main area is the focal point of the camp and overlooks a lagoon. The dining area, lounge, library and bar are built on raised wooden platforms, all connected by walkways. Qorokwe offers game drives, nature walks, boating and mokoro excursions where guests can expect to see lions, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, amongst others. Qorokwe is accessible from Maun on a 20 minutes light shared aircraft flight followed by a 20 minute game drive to camp. Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Tengile River Lodge will open on 1 December Boasting a name that means tranquil, the lodge will feature nine floating suites that look out over the river from the shelter of a cool forest. Following the curve of the river bank, each area in the lodge will offer magnificent river views. The slightly raised, spacious suites will offer sunken lounges, elegant bedrooms and bathrooms that open out onto the forest, creating private spaces in the open air. Guests will be able to enjoy early morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks and bird watching while a beautiful spa and gym area will offer a haven of tranquillity. Access is via daily Airlink flights to Skukuza airstrip, followed by an easy drive to camp. On 1 January 2018, Constance Hotels & Resorts opened the Constance Aiyana on the island of Pemba, in Tanzania s Zanzibar archipelago. Ecologically built with locally sourced materials, Aiyana is in total harmony with Mother Nature. Constance Aiyana features 30 magnificent villas, all facing Pemba islands stunning coastline and dressed in a minimalist luxury décor with a light Zanzibari touch Pemba is accessible from Dar es Salaam, a thirty-minute light aircraft flight from Zanzibar and can be part of a multi-destination safari trip or a stand-alone exotic holiday. 5 < >

6 Tanzania Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp Tanzania Forest Chem Chem, Tarangire HOTELS, LODGES & CAMPS Tanzania Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Tarangire Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp opened in December This extraordinary new escape, based in three set locations across the Serengeti, invites guests to intimately experience the movement of the great migration. An elegant contemporary take on the classic campaign look, the camp offers ten new five-star canvas tents, all of which have been styled with distinction. Each tent features a wooden deck and en suite bathrooms with an authentic bucket shower. From a grand central canopied area the main tent flows into lounges and dining wings with panoramic views. Evenings can be spent gathered by the traditional fire pit while exchanging stories under starry skies and listening to tales of wildlife encounters and bush talk from the passionate guides. Forest Chem Chem, nestled in a pocket of fever trees along the Tarangire River, is launching 1 June The camp, only available for exclusive-use, features two vintage tents and one family tent and can accommodate up to six adults and two children. The camp is ideal for families or friends travelling together offering privacy and flexibility while enjoying a safari at their own pace. In complete exclusivity guests will be able to explore the area on big game safari walks, day or night game drives, an early morning hill climb to watch the sun rise over the concession, stargazing and an interactive cooking experience over an open fire. Lemala Mpingo Ridge, opening July 2018 is situated on a ridge with elevated views across the Tarangire River and valley below. Tarangire is slightly off the main safari circuit and a great place to start a Tanzania Safari experience. Sweeping views of the park from each room and the main areas make this property not only unique but truly special. Each of the 15 spacious tented suites have been carefully positioned to maximize not only the amazing views but also to take advantage of the cooling winds during the hot season. Magnificent granite boulders surround the public areas and guests can enjoy the most spectacular views that Tarangire has to offer from the comfort of bar, lounge or outside seating areas. Other facilities include a spa, curio shop and pool area. 6 < >

7 EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES South Africa New menus at Qunu, Saxon Hotel & Spa Qunu, The Saxon s restaurant named in honour of the small rural town where former President Nelson Mandela was born, offers a modern African table, where local and international flavours meet to inspire unique and vibrant and culinary experiences. The restaurant just launched two new menus, the first including favourites such as; Steak Diane and their traditional Saxon Torte, with the inclusion of delicious new dishes including Wagyu, bone marrow and truffle. They ve also launched a new vegetarian and vegan menu, offering an innovative journey through the freshest and finest botanicals available. East & Southern Africa Rovos Rail 15 Day expedition In July 2019 Rovos Rail will set off on a new 15-day expedition traversing Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. It will be the first time in history that a passenger train will travel the famous east-to -west copper trail on this route. This inaugural voyage sets off on 16 July 2019 from the Tanzanian commercial capital, Dar es Salaam and includes a game visit in the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in Zambia s South Luangwa National Park and a city tour of Lubumbashi (DRC). Thereafter, the train joins the Benguela line to Angola where guests are able to enjoy short walking tours detailing the county s recent history. The journey ends in Lobito in Angola. The voyage is also available in reverse departing from Lobito on 2 August South Africa Cape Point Sidecar Tour, Cape Town Guests are able to discuss their interests and preferences with their guide who will tailor make the day's routing and sightings accordingly. All sidecars are decommissioned military bikes used during World War II, which have been restored and fully refurbished. Guests are supplied with retro leather jackets, helmets, goggles as well as a complimentary bandana. Depending on their interests they will be visiting all the iconic attractions such as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope and the Boulders Penguin Colony. Stop for lunch at a popular local restaurant while enjoying some local wine and refreshments. The day is topped off with a scenic coastal drive back to the hotel. Tanzania Balloon safaris in Ruaha National Park As from 15 June 2018 balloon safaris will be available in Ruaha, Tanzania s largest national park, covering square kilometres in the southern part of the country. 7 < >

8 SANCTUARY RETREATS - UGANDA SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST, UGANDA Sanctuary Gorilla Forest camp has been re-launched after an extensive upgrade and refurbishment. The newly upgraded camp boasts refurbishment and redecoration of the eight private luxury tents, including new tiled roofs and soft furnishings. Each tent has a large stone-walled bathroom with private sections and a freestanding bathtub. There are also yoga kits in all the tents. The main area received a new thatched roof, wooden floors, furniture made from natural materials and local artefacts in the communal areas. A new reception area was created, as well as a camp boutique and office. There s a new kitchen and serving area and additional improvements have been made to facilitate back-of-house. The communal area consists of a comfortable lounge with a well-stocked bar and dining area, with views over the verdant rainforest. The spa features treatments by a specialist therapist that include herbal massages, hydrating facials, foot massages and manicures. Only luxury, eco-friendly products, created with natural ingredients are used. Over and above gorilla tracking guests are able to enjoy a Batwa Tribe experience, birding walks, forest and community walks and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 8 < >

9 SANCTUARY RETREATS - BOTSWANA SANCTUARY STANLEY S CAMP OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA In April 2018, Sanctuary Stanley s Camp will open with ten brand new luxury canvas tents. Located on a 260,000 acre private concession in the Okavango Delta, the redesigned camp has been crafted to evoke the days of explorer Henry Stanley, whom the camp is named after. The classic-style tents have been significantly enlarged and feature the additions of five-star fixtures. Each tent has a deck with views over the dramatic floodplain, allowing prime game viewing from your bedroom with a freshly made cup of tea or coffee to hand. The in-room experience has also been enhanced with the addition of a compact gym, yoga bag, a well-stocked minibar and coffee station. The breezy central tent will feature a new Explorer Lounge, inviting guests to discover more about the Delta ahead of their explorations. There s also a sociable new outdoor bar with the best possible views over the floodplain ensuring every moment of each stay has that incredible wilderness in wide screen. The camp upgrade includes significant structural changes to fit in with the latest environmental requirements while a new solar farm will generate 80% of the camp s electricity. 9 < >

10 SANCTUARY RETREATS - ZAMBIA SANCTUARY SUSSI & CHUMA LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, located in the heart of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, will reopen with an enlightened take on sophisticated safari life in April The twelve treehouses are enriched with Zambian character, from the carefully considered furnishings and fittings to the camp s culture of sincere warmth and genuine hospitality. Follow the high-up wooden walkways that link the treehouses and discover that the flow of the bedrooms has been made breezier through a gentle remodelling. The riverfront treehouses now also feature gym bags, graceful interiors and better en suite privacy. New intimate spaces have been created for private dining while the new outdoor bar overlooks the Zambezi River, offering guests the best view in the house. The extended outdoor decking area also includes a remodelled boma fire pit and dining area. The new Livingstone bar offers an intimate space serving up cocktails and nightcaps and the restaurant has been restyled. There is also an exciting new explorer lounge where guests can learn about the area before they head out to explore the area. 10 < >

11 SANCTUARY RETREATS - KENYA SANCTUARY OLONANA MASAI MARA, KENYA In June 2018 Sanctuary Olonana will re-launch as an exceptional luxury lodge with an impressive showcase of modern design blended with distinct traditional African finishes. Sanctuary Olonana s 14 exceptional new suites, at least 130 square meters (1399 square feet) in size, will flaunt clean lines and organic materials. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors fold open to reveal magnificent Mara River views and the interiors have been finished with elegant nature-inspired furnishings to create an ever-present sense of being connected to the great outdoors. Sumptuous king-sized beds, with overhead fans and a daybed on the deck invite you to relax inside or out, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Three of the new suites feature an extra bedroom, perfect for families. The unfaltering attention to detail extends to fully stocked mini-fridges, specially commissioned African art and glamorous en suites. Refined marble- and slate-accented bathrooms feature a generous tub, double vanity and a rain shower. The soothing interiors of the main lodge are an extension of the surrounding wilderness as a Kenyan Greenheart tree extends through the centre. Dramatic glass doors open out from the lounge to the terrace. Here, faded indigo rugs and elegant Edison-bulb pendant lights gently illuminate the decking without competing with the natural ambiance. The inviting new fire pit is encircled by deckchairs, with each seat promising river views. Dine on the deck of the main lodge and overlook the river s resident hippos. 11 < >

12 MOMBO CAMP, MOREMI GAME RESERVE The newly rebuilt camp opened at the end of January The nine large tented suites (including a family room) are elevated above the ground with views over the floodplain from the veranda, pergola and private plunge pool. The new interior features a sitting room, separate bedroom and bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub trimmed with copper and brass. The camp s location in the Mombo Concession on the northern tip of Chief s Island within Moremi Game Reserve is known as the Place of Plenty as it is considered one of the best areas for wildlife in Africa. The area boasts enormous concentrations of plains game and predators which begin virtually on Mombo s decks, the surrounding floodplains teeming with game year round. We take a closer look at a few of our favourite newly upgraded properties reopening in LION SANDS RIVER LODGE, SABI SAND A brand new River Lodge is opening on 1 May Guests can expect a sophisticated interpretation of the traditional safari lodge, with an emphasis on clean lines, optimised natural light and contemporary décor. Guest accommodation is being refreshed and will now include eight Luxury Rooms, six Superior Luxury Rooms and four River Suites, each with its own plunge pool. One of the River Suites will comprise two bedrooms - perfect for families. Living spaces will include a safari lounge and bar, barista s station with artisanal coffees and a gallery showcasing the works of renowned local artists. Lodge facilities will include a Spa, main swimming pool area, a Memory Lab, where guests will be able to print their photographs on canvas and a fire pit for sociable nocturnal gatherings beneath the stars. REFRESHED PROPERTIES BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE, LAKE KARIBA A completely refurbished and upgraded Bumi Hills Safari opened in December The lodge features ten lake view rooms and two premium suites, furnished and styled with contemporary minimalism and African fusion. The main area which surrounds the iconic infinity pool is designed to give the feeling of a beach retreat that combines serenity with style. The bar and dining deck, situated on a ridge below the pool, offer an uninterrupted view the changing pink-to-red-toorange skies and sunsets that Lake Kariba is famous for. The spa and gym at the lodge provide a place for guests to relax and rejuvenate, where safari-goers can unwind. OPENING OFFER: Book three nights at Lion Sands River Lodge and get one night free at More Quarters in Cape Town. Valid for travel from 1 May 2018 to 17 December 2019 (excluding peak periods) SINGITA PAMUSHANA LODGE, ZIMBABWE The lodge will reopen mid May 2018 with the addition of two new two bedroom suites, extending the lodges offering to eight suites and the private-use, five bedroomed villa. The two bedroom suites can accommodate up to four adults and will be charged on a per unit rate. Each suite features two en suite bedrooms, a shared living area, private pool and viewing deck overlooking the Malilangwe Dam. 12 < >

13 UNUSUAL ITINERARIES SOUTHERN AFRICA Secluded South Africa 3 Nights Phinda Private Game Reserve 3 Nights Cape Town 3 Nights Southern Kalahari Remote Botswana 3 Nights Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 2 Nights Okavango Delta Private concession 4 Nights Selinda Canoeing trail Remote Island Explorations in Mozambique 3 Nights Ibo Island 2 Nights Mobile Island Dhow Safari Namibia s road less travelled 1 Night Windhoek 3 Nights Namib Desert 3 Nights Kaokaland 3 Nights Skeleton Coast 1 Night Windhoek Take a look at a few of our newest itineraries featuring off the beaten track parks and experiences, offering guests a far more exclusive safari. Click on the name of the itinerary for more information. EAST AFRICA Kenyan Splendour 3 Nights Chyulu Hills 2 Nights Meru National Park 3 Nights Masai Mara National Reserve Tanzania s Safari Delights 3 Nights Serengeti National Park 3 Nights Mahale National Park 2 Nights Ruaha National Park Off the beaten track Zambia 3 Nights Liuwa Plains 3 Nights Lower Zambezi National Park Secrets of Zimbabwe 3 Nights Gonarezhou National Park 3 Nights Lake Kariba 3 Nights Mana Pools 2 Nights Victoria Falls Highlights of Rwanda 1 Night Kigali 3 Nights Volcanoes National Park 2 Nights Lake Kivu 3 Nights Nyungwe National Park Uganda - The Nile & Wildlife Safari 2 Nights Murchison Falls National Park 3 Nights Kidepo National Park 2 Nights Jinja 13 < >

14 NEWS FLIGHTS Singapore Airlines daily flights to Cape Town As from 26 March 2018, Singapore Airlines will fly daily to Cape Town via Johannesburg. This is an increase from its current four flights per week, and accommodates the growing demand for Cape Town as a business and leisure tourism destination. The flights will be operated by a 253-seat A , with 42 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy and 187 in economy. Kenya Airways direct flights between Cape Town and Nairobi Kenya Airways will be expanding its service to Cape Town, with its first nonstop Nairobi - Cape Town flight scheduled for 6 June The Boeing aircraft will operate the nonstop sector three times a week. Kenya Airways direct flights between JFK and Nairobi On 30 October 2018, Kenyan Airways will launch direct flights between Nairobi (NBO) and New York s JFK Airport in one of the carrier s Boeing Dreamliner aircraft. KQ2 will depart Nairobi (NBO) at 22:25 and will arrive in New York (JFK) at 6:25 (+1). KQ3 will depart New York (JFK) at 00:25 and will arrive in Nairobi (NBO) at 9:55 (+1). New flight connecting the Serengeti and Kigali Auric Air has announced its new route from the Serengeti to Kigali available with immediate effect. Guests are able to enjoy a relaxed breakfast with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti and take the flight to Kigali at 9:15 depart from Kigali at 10:55 and arrive in the Serengeti as early as 13:55. CAPE TOWN UPDATE We would like to assure our agents and guests that Cape Town and the Western Cape are open for business and ready to welcome visitors to the beautiful city and province. While international tourists only add 1% to the population of the Western Cape on average, they help support 300,000 jobs across the province. The city needs tourism now more than ever, as they aim to keep the economy growing and creating jobs during this challenging drought. The City of Cape Town has also gone to great lengths to ensure Cape Town remains a world-class destination and we look forward to letting guests experience the A&K way in the region. AWARDS Abercrombie & Kent has already been honoured with an award this year Travvy Awards from the readers of TravelPulse, Vacation Agent and Agent@Home. A&K won gold in two categories: Best Escorted Tour Operator Luxury Best Escorted Tour Operator Africa We were also recognized with two Silver awards: Best Escorted Tour Operator, Overall Best Tour Guides 14 < >

15 A&K PHILANTHROPY Kenya Safe Water for Schools Initiative Late last year AKP delivered 91 water purification filters to 11 schools in the Masai Mara, bringing clean drinking water to more than 7,000 young students! We are excited to share a new video that shows the impact of the program and demonstrates the commitment we have to the communities where our guests travel. With our community of supporters, AKP is hoping to expand this project throughout the Masai Mara, and eventually other locations where children are affected by the global water crisis. Please visit our website akphilanthropy.org for more info on these or any of our other projects. The A&K brand is intimately associated with philanthropic values and our guests have come to expect they will have a chance to experience our educational, medical, enterprise, and conservation projects while traveling with A&K. AKP now manages 34 projects in 18 countries, impacting lives and transforming our guests travel experience. AKP Giving ecards AKP Giving ecards work like conventional gift cards, but with one meaningful exception, recipients spend Giving ecards by choosing AKP projects to support with the gifted donation funds. We have already received great feedback about the program and they are extremely popular gifts with philanthropic-minded guests, agents, family & friends. Learn more about how the program works by visiting the AKP website. Botswana Dipetsana Women s Bike Shop receives a new Container The Dipetsana Women s Bike Shop in Kasane, Botswana recently celebrated a major business milestone. After selling all of the bikes in their start-up stock, funded by AKP, the women were able to pay for their first restock shipment with money strategically set aside from sales. In November 2017 the community enthusiastically gathered together to celebrate the opening of the restock container. The opening ceremony program included a police-escorted 12 kilometre bike ride through Kasane, speeches from community stakeholders, refreshments and entertainment. Our bike shop programs are sustainable and successful because we create structure and support for women to run their own enterprises. All AKP bike shops in Africa follow the same model. When a sale is made, the women set aside a fixed percentage for salaries, shop maintenance, payment of restock shipments, and even to invest back into their communities. 15 < >

16 CONTACT US KENYA Tel: TANZANIA Tel: /8 SOUTHERN AFRICA Tel: RWANDA Tel: info@abercrombiekent.rw UGANDA Tel: uganda@abercrombiekent.co.ke 16 <