Greetings from Africa to Past Clients and Subscribers

The latest World Tourism report from the UN reveals that Africa posted the biggest growth rate in 2006 at 8.1 percent, as the continent is regarded as outside zones of tension and unrest, and also because of the "lure of its natural resources, including wildlife, and appeal as a place for 'authentic' experiences for vacationers".

So now is the time to start planning either your first or next visit to Africa. Our featured destination in this issue is Kafue in Zambia, a country often referred to as “Paradise Lost and Found” as it is untamed Africa at its very best. For a long while, Botswana has been the top choice for travelers on safari in Southern Africa, but it is a destination which needs to be booked well in advance to ensure availability.

One of the main operators of camps in the region, Wilderness Safaris, have
recently expanded operations into Zambia, particularly the spectacular
Kafue National Park. This is a most welcome development as it finally opens up one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa to the traveler, providing easy access and accommodation in a number of small, exclusive camps and lodges in different price categories.

You will find details of these hot new properties here. Beside the Kafue lodges, we also highlight a new traditional style safari tented camp in the Serengeti.

On the home front, our Greenlife offices in Cape Town and Tanzania have both experienced good growth over 2006 and our wonderful reservations staff continue to build solid and lasting relationships with clients, with many of our past travelers having returned to Africa for their third and fourth visits. Read some of their comments here.

Besides working hard at ensuring that Greenlife remains one of the top tour operators in Africa, there are also some lighter moments during our busy working hours. Our Cape Town office, based on the borders of a national park, has a number of wild creatures which visit our gardens, including mongoose, occasional porcupines and a resident baboon troop. Generally, we know in advance when the troop is approaching, but sometimes one or two manage to slip in through an open door and that’s what happened recently when the Alpha male took up position in the kitchen and raided the cookie box. It took the determined efforts of six people to persuade the big boy to leave our offices, but not before he had finished his lunch.

In Tanzania, we had the joy of seeing two of our staff marry in a wonderful wedding ceremony outside the Serengeti. Read all about it below.

Then, of course there was the spectacular comet McNaught, which was clearly visible for over 2 weeks from our Cape Town office, and it is only expected to return in 3007!

Enjoy reading this newsletter and wishing you all the very best in 2007. Warm regards from the Greenlife and www.e-gnu.com teams in Africa.

(PS. If you are interested in supporting efforts to preserve the remaining chacma baboons of the Cape Peninsula, then you can support our local Baboon conservationists by “adopting” one of these threatened creatures for about $150. See details at http://www.keag.org.za/projects/adopt-a-baboon.html )

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An African Wedding

An African wedding is a great event especially when it involves two members of our company. A blend of two traditions one local, and the other Western, makes for a truly special ceremony.

Russ had the pleasure of attending the great occasion when Catharine and Ben got married in Arusha. What a thrilling affair it was, when the best looking guy in Tanzania tied the knot. Well of course he found the most beautiful lady. From the eccentric purple church to the purple theme at the magnificent tropical garden reception, the gorgeous bride had it all prearranged. Then on the day all she needed to do, was to appear as if out of a fairytale. Graceful and regal in her white gown, she was the talk of Tz.

In Africa most celebrations are done with passion and sincerity. The vibrant service and gentle exchange of vows brought joy to all. The town froze for the occasion as the cavalcade passed by, cheering onlookers, everything with a horn sounding out and family and friends singing and chanting compliments to the newly weds. On behalf of the Greenlife family, industry colleges, friends and all our travelling fans, may your life together be as special as you imagined.


Travel Tip: If you have an idea to celebrate any occasion in East Africa, please contact Catharine and her team, first hand experiences count.

Did you know: Getting married in Africa is an affordable option to a wedding in Europe, north America and Australia. Besides the romantic destinations in Africa, a package which includes accommodation before and after, regional flights, the venue, the reception (food, cake, decor, flowers, etc.), a professional photographer and of course the memorable honeymoon costs less than the whole affair back home. Let us take care of all your arrangements including that of your guests.

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* Featured Destination: Kafue National Park, ZAMBIA

kafue landscapes | kafue activities | kafue wildlife | kafue lodges

Unique habitats, excellent game viewing and a rare wilderness experience are what make Kafue National Park so special. In many ways, Kafue is remarkably similar to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, when the rivers burst their banks and flood the surrounding plains.

Now that top lodge operator, Wilderness Safaris, has expanded into Zambia, Kafue is finally accessible to the traveler, who will be rewarded with one of the best safari experiences in Africa - wild, umtamed bush, vast plains and riverine forests which are home to an astonishing multitude of antelope and large prides of lion.

Kafue is the third largest park in Africa and twice the size of Yellowstone in the USA. The mighty Kafue River and its tributaries supply water to a variety of habitats – from the Busanga floodplains in the north to the woodlands in the south. The park is one of the best in Africa to see a wide diversity of antelope including red lechwe, puku, roan, eland and sable antelope. The rivers boast an abundance of hippos and lion are often encountered. A unique feature of the Kafue lions is that they often rest and sleep in low overhanging boughs of trees, which is quite a remarkable sight. Other predators include leopard, cheetah, hyena and wild dogs.

Finally the doors have opened on Kafue – be one of the first to visit this truly great wilderness in the comfort of some superb new lodges and camps. Bear in mind when planning your safari that this unique wilderness is only accessible for seven months of the year – between May and November, with camps having to close between December and April due to rains and flooding. The most popular months are July to November, when the waters have receded a bit.

kafue landscapes | kafue activities | kafue wildlife | kafue lodges
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Comments from Past Clients

Repeat Clients

Lacava-Asselta Family, ITALY

Marco Lacava-Asselta has travelled with us before - they have visited South Africa and other parts of Africa - so are regular visitors and they self-drove.
It was nice to have your welcome back message on arriving home.
If you like to have our comment about the way you have organized our safari I can only say CONGATULATIONS for the way you have organized the whole trip. Both the hotels we spent the night are very pleasant especially the Royal in Pilgrims Rest and the two dinners were the best we had!

Peter Edmonds, UK

Peter Edmonds first traveled with us in October 2004 and again in July/August 2006.
The holiday was fantastic and everything went according to plan.
All of the lodges were wonderful, brief reviews of each of them as follows:
Reilly’s Rock: Very different but a special place. Would have 2 full days if we went again. Food again was excellent.
Kosi Forest: Superb location and the new managers couldn’t have been more helpful. The wildlife was fantastic with the highlight being a morning exploring one of the lakes in a canoe with our guide Joseph. Magical!
Thonga Beach: Incredible location and possibly the best accommodation of all the lodges. The beach was breathtaking.
Isibindi Zulu: The highlight of the holiday. The managers were wonderful and the setting was just about perfect with the combination of the Battlefields history and the beauty of the reserve leaving an indelible memory.
We’re certainly fans of South Africa now and fully intend returning time after time. I’ll be in touch next time!

New Clients

George Liatsos, GERMANY

George Liatsos travelled with us during September 2006.
My stay at Kapama Buffalo Camp was excellent. I saw lots of game.
What I enjoyed most though was the Elephant Back safari and the delicious meals at the camp.
I’d like to thank you for the service you provided me. I’ve noticed in you web site you have a large selection of safari tours in a number of Africa countries to choose from and now I know Greenlife is a name I can trust.
I will come back to you when I make my next safari trip.

Louise Krämer, GERMANY

Louise Krämer travelled with us during October 2006.
Ants Nest was SO GREAT – it’s difficult to find the right words for these 5 days there! We were very impressed by Cape Town and the surroundings but Ants Nest will stay not only in our minds as a very good memory, but for sure also in our hearts! The Ant family are fantastic people and they have the most enthusiastic team working there and they all together made our stay unforgettable! We would really love to go back there again!

Nancy Phillips, USA

Nancy Phillips travelled with us during September 2006.
I want to tell you that if I had spent months, even years planning this trip, it wouldn't have gone as perfect without your help. The transitions from airport to hotels went extremely smoothly. Someone was always waiting for us at the airport and hotels for transfers.
I will highly reccomend you for anyone who is considering a trip to SA as I have no complaints, just praise.
Thank you again for all your hard work.

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