(NOTE: Discussions are underway for a future safari for TravelJourno members. Further details will be available in the near future. This will be a very limited trip and open only to those who can guarantee placement.)

AFRICA. The very name conjures images of exotic wildlife, and mysterious destinations like Zanzibar, Nairobi, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. It's a place of dreams where time is suspended; a place where the past stands in contrast and defiance with the modern world. Like an ancient talisman, Africa beckons the traveler with a tantalizing blend of mystery, discovery and adventure.

But dreams of Africa can be vastly different from the sometimes harsh realities of travel. A trip to Africa to see wildlife and experience the savannas and jungles is neither easy nor one to be embark upon on without significant advance planning.

Where to go? How to get there? Where to stay? For the first-time visitor, these can be difficult and perplexing questions. But, a visit to Africa doesn't have to be a daunting ordeal. One of the easiest way to experience the exotic charms of Africa is offered by Wildlife Safari. As one of Africa's most experienced luxury safari operators, they offer a number of unique African adventures.

One of their newest offerings is a 13-day adventure called the "Tanzania Explorer Safari" which features a tour of Zanzibar, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Intermingled with days in the wild experiencing exotic wildlife and nights at the luxurious Zanzibar Serena Inn is a tour of Stone Town and a spice tour that will show you how cloves are grown and harvested.

Departures are every Sunday, guaranteed with a minimum of two passengers. The land cost is $3,495 per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare is extra.

KENYA SAFARI

They also offer an affordable Kenya safari which is perfect for the first-time visitor who wants luxury at a reasonable price. After arriving in Nairobi, the tour takes you to straight to the Samburu wildlife sanctuary. Accommodations are at the Samburu Serena Lodge, a wonderful hotel built on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro river.

Here you will be treated to two days of game viewing in this wildlife sanctuary that is home to many rare and unusual species including the beisa oryx, gerenuk and reticulated giraffe.

Next you drive south through Isiolo and the Mount Kenya forests to Mountain Lodge. From this "tree hotel," nestled deep within the forest, you will have a rare opportunity to see big game at a waterhole illuminated by flood lights from the safety of your private balcony.

For the more adventurous, an underground bunker will put you 'up-close and personal' with big game. The thrill of seeing big game, like leopards, lions, rhino, buffalo and elephants in their natural environment at night, is like no other you will ever experience.

From here you continue to The Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru. "Several old bull buffalo wallowed around the lake shore while flamingos created a wave of pink and pelicans added a dash of white," commented a recent visitor.

OPEN PLAINS

On the sixth day, you drive along the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, the world famous flamingo sanctuary and home to the endangered black rhino and Rothschild giraffe.

The Mara Serena Lodge, built on the summit of a hill overlooking the vast plains is your home for two days of game viewing in the Masai Mara Game Reserve where vast herds of wildebeest and zebra wander across the open plains stalked by lion, leopard and cheetah. Guests are also treated to an unusual breakfast at the "Hippo Pools" before returning to Nairobi for a final night at the Nairobi Serena Hotel.

The entire package includes:

* Round-trip airfare on Swissair to Nairobi
* Luxury accommodations with private bathrooms
* Full breakfast in Nairobi with all meals on safari
* Ground transport by custom "safari cruisers" with WINDOW SEATS throughout the safari
* Services of experienced driver/guide throughout
* Safari briefing and breakfast in Nairobi.
* All National Park fees, government taxes and charges
* All airport transfers and airport porterage in Africa
* Services of a Wildlife Safari tour manager in Kenya
* Escorted nature walk in Samburu and Mount Kenya
* Breakfast with the hippos in the Masai Mara
* Guidebooks, stamped postcards and safari hat
* Day rooms in Zurich on the way to Kenya
* Overnight rooms in Zurich on the return

Prices, which includes land transportation, accommodations, and airfare are:

From, Boston or New York: $2,699
From Washington, DC, Miami or Chicago: $2,799
From Los Angeles: $2,899
(Also: $250 single room supplement and $100 US and Kenya departure taxes)

Other tours include:

CAIRO TO CAPE TOWN - 33 days, The ultimate luxury journey from Cairo to Cape Town by aircraft, train, vehicle and ship visiting South Africa, Bootswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya and Egypt

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