Cherri and Richard at North Island

Conde Nast Traveler announced their 2012 Gold List and Africa, as usual, is well represented.  Check out their favorites (and ours too!):

South Africa

  • Cape Grace, Cape Town
  • Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
  • Bushman’s Kloof, Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape
  • The Saxon, Johannesburg
  • Londolozi, Sabi Sand Game Reserve

East Africa

  • Singita Grumeti, Tanzania
  • Shompole, Kenya
  • Azura at Gabriel’s, Mozambique

Northern Africa

  • La Mamounia, Marrakesh, Morocco
  • Mena House Oberoi, Cairo, Egypt

Seychelles

  • North Island
  • Maia

 

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Here is an update from one of our Egyptian operators….

“As you know we had several groups in Cairo at the time the revolution began and while the uncertainty of the situation made their tours slightly stressful it certainly didn’t affect what they were able to see and do. I’m also certain if you asked the tour members they would say that the absence of almost any other tourists made for a great experience.

I would like to have people know that during the time of the revolution and since then there have been no incidences where tourists have been harmed or even hassled by the Egyptian people. In fact, travelers who are coming are met with thanks by the local people. Since so many Egyptian households depend on tourism to support their families, everyone is doing their best to make certain that anyone coming to Egypt is appreciated for their effort and that they are extended every possible opportunity to enjoy the country.

Security is not an issue for tourists visiting Cairo. All sites are open and afford an opportunity to visit sites absent of the normal crowds. Upper Egypt is now and always has been completely secure and we are beginning to see an increase in tourism in Luxor and Red Sea Resorts.

All in all, things are improving daily and travel in Egypt is not only safe but can afford travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience devoid of crowds. And as alway we will welcome them to Egypt and do everything possible to assure that their experience is the best possible.”

Cherri’s Advise: “Go NOW.  Avoid the crowds, see a ‘private’ Egypt without the pressures of large groups of tourists.  Also, help the new democracy get on its feet by supporting tourism, its main industry, and get great deals and upgrades!”

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Hello Explorers,

I just returned from the most fabulous trip to Morocco, a country of scents, sounds, textures and magical memories!   Here I attended the “Pure” travel show.   “Pure” covered the world but I ran into a number of our friends from Africa who are launching new product or updating the old.  My main purpose in visiting was however to renew our information on Morocco itself.  Here are a few of my new (or still) favorites…

Elizabeth

Riad Fes: A beautiful riad in the heart of the Fes medina (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is known for the finest service and best restaurant in all of Fes.  The rooms are spacious and luxurious as you can imagine being a Relais Chateau.

La Mamounia: The beautifully renovated La Mamounia in Marrakech is to die for!  After 3 years of renovations it is stunning with its beautiful fabrics, intricate craftsmanship, tile work etc. If it’s not in the budget to stay there at least have a meal there and saunter through this magnificent property.

 Kasbah du Toubkal: Just one hour from Marrakech, this fabulous Kasbah is situated at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Enjoy hiking to the nearby Berber villages or just relax on the rooftop terrace drinking mint tea and taking in the magnificent surroundings.

EXPLORE can organize the most amazing trip for you to Morocco – explore the labyrinth of souks of Fes or Marrakech, ride camels deep into the desert to watch the sun rise (or set), or hike in the High Atlas Mountains and visit the local villages to learn of the fascinating Berber culture.

Contact us for more information:   www.exploreafrica.net

       

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