Thursday, January 10, 2013

Meet fellow travelers, lecturers, and expedition leaders at a welcome dinner at our fine hotel. (Please note that most travelers from the U.S. will need to take a flight departing January 9 in order to arrive in time for the welcome dinner.) 

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Friday & Saturday, January 11 & 12

Fly by private jet to Luxor and head to the Luxor Museum to view its stunning collection of statues, figures, bas-reliefs, and mummies. Spend the next morning in the Valley of the Kings, where we visit the tombs of divine pharaohs, including King Tutankhamun. Stop at the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the longest reigning female pharaoh and one of history’s great leaders. See the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues that are all that remain of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, who commissioned many of the monuments and temples in Luxor. Visit Medinet Habu, the best-preserved mortuary temple in the area; and gaze up at colorful reliefs detailing the triumphs of Ramses III, considered by many to be the last great pharaoh. Sail the Nile River in a felucca, a traditional sailboat. Then visit the Great Hypostyle Hall and temples at Karnak, the largest ancient religious site in the world, described by the ancient Egyptians as “the most perfect of places.” In the evening, enjoy a gala dinner. 

Alternative: Instead of exploring Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, visit the colossal twin temples of Abu Simbel. Originally carved out of a mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari, the complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968 to avoid being submerged after the construction of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile River.

Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor 

Sunday - Tuesday, January 13-15

Hidden deep in the high slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes are the endangered mountain gorillas, which the late Dian Fossey famously studied. Go on a thrilling trek through bamboo forests for a chance to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. Set out in quiet intimate groups of eight, and along the way, try to spot some of Rwanda’s 650 bird species. 

In Kigali, visit the Kigali Memorial Center, a meaningful tribute to those who perished in the genocide of 1994. Hear survivors’ stories and learn about how people in Rwanda are creating an environment for unity and healing. View the Hôtel des Mille Collines (depicted in the film Hotel Rwanda) and unique handicrafts such as fine Rwandan agaseke basketry.

Note: Because hiking at Volcanoes National Park occurs at high altitudes (7,000- 10,000 feet) and is especially arduous and challenging, a doctor’s approval to participate is required. A porter will be available to each traveler for assistance. 

Alternative: Travelers whose health conditions do not permit gorilla trekking and those who would prefer a more relaxing stay in Rwanda can instead spend more time in Kigali. Take a helicopter ride over the lush green Virunga Volcanoes, home of the mountain gorillas; and visit the Akilah Institute for Women, an inspiring vocational training and leadership program.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Volcanoes National Park and Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali (A limited number of accommodation upgrades are available near Volcanoes National Park at Virunga Lodge and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge); Alternative: Kigali Serena Hotel

Wednesday & Thursday, January 16 & 17

Depart Rwanda in the morning and fly by private jet to Tanzania, where no other country on Earth has more land devoted to national parks and game reserves. We land in Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will transfer to private local aircraft to venture into your choice of two different areas of Tanzania. 

Take a short flight to the Serengeti National Park, site of the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on Earth. Begin your safari from the moment you land in the bush with a game drive en route to your lodgings. Later, venture deep into the southern edge of the park, where the annual migration is expected to pass during our visit, and be surrounded by the beauty of the land and the staggering concentration of animals. Africa’s densest “big cat” predator populations (lions, cheetahs, and leopards) thrive here. Wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, impala, and giraffe also abound, and although these animals are protected from human hunters, they may not be spared by the “big cats,” as we may witness while exploring this area. 

Or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to observe the permanent population of about 25,000 animals in the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Along with wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra, you may also see the “big five” (rhinoceroses, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo). Spend your nights here at a lodge perched on the crater’s rim. 

Bilila Lodge or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Friday - Sunday, January 18-20

Our private jet continues southeast to Madagascar, home to a colorful, multi-ethnic culture; curious geological formations; and a staggering array of unique animals and plants. Land in the capital, Antananarivo, where you can spend a leisurely evening, and the next day enjoy your choice of one of three ways to explore this remote island in the Indian Ocean.

Take a local flight to spend two relaxing days in the unspoiled Anjajavy Peninsula. Walk in the deciduous forest that is a habitat for several rare and endangered species, including baobab trees endemic to the area. The forest also abounds with more than 30 distinct lemur species. Travel by 4x4 vehicles to visit a nearby fishing village and view coastal caves and curious limestone formations, called tsingy. Enjoy a variety of water sports at our hotel, and afternoon tea in the superbly landscaped gardens, where you may see the resident lemurs at play.

Or spend two days in the Andasibe National Park (formerly the Périnet Nature Reserve), a wet montane forest environment that is home to nine different species of lemur. Spot some of the 100 bird species that thrive here, including various beautiful vangas, ground rollers, and couas. Visit the Mandraka Reptile & Butterfly Farm. And, if you wish, explore this park during nocturnal and early morning walks to observe entirely different ranges of creatures active at these times. 

Or, take a local flight to Montagne d’Ambre National Park, located on the northernmost tip of the island and one of the most biologically diverse places in all of Madagascar. Hike the broad easy trails to see waterfalls, crater lakes, lush forests, and a variety of lemurs, including the fork-marked lemur. Enjoy a festive dinner and folklore performance in the charming town of Antsiranana, formerly known as Diego Suarez. 

Carlton Hotel, Antananarivo and Anjajavy Hotel, Anjajavy Peninsula; Alternative 1: Carlton Hotel, Antananarivo and Andasibe Lodge, Andasibe National Park; Alternative 2: Carlton Hotel, Antananarivo and Domaine de Fontenay, Montagne d’Ambre National Park

Monday - Wednesday, January 21-23

Fly by private jet to Livingstone, Zambia, and visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. See for yourself why the world’s largest curtain of water is also known in the local Kololo language as mosi-oa-tunya, ‘the smoke that thunders.’ In the evening, embark on a peaceful sunset cruise above the falls, and keep an eye out for elephants taking a swim and crocodiles basking along the sandbanks of the Zambezi River. 

Spend the next two days as you choose by remaining in Zambia or by flying by private light aircraft to Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Kalahari Desert. 

Fly to the largest inland delta system in the world—the wetland paradise of the Okavango Delta. Take early morning and late afternoon game drives for a chance to see herds of giraffe, wildebeests, elephants, and zebras. Birding is also superb here. After the excitement of seeing such abundant wildlife, relax on the stargazing deck at your luxury camp. Please note that space on this excursion is limited.

Or fly to Botswana’s Kalahari Desert at the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan. Go trekking with San bushmen—members of one of the longest surviving cultures in the world—who will share with you their ancient knowledge of plants, animal behavior, and survival skills. Then board 4x4 vehicles and explore the Kalahari’s grasslands and the Salt Pan’s curious moonlike terrain, looking for the flora and fauna that are uniquely adapted to life here. At our luxury camp, examine a fine collection of San artifacts and fossils, and enjoy cocktails as the sun sets on the landscape’s shimmering expanse. Please note that space on this excursion is limited. 

Or, explore the Livingstone area further: take a thrilling ride by helicopter over Victoria Falls; and visit a local village, meeting with community members, sampling traditional foods and spirits, and observing daily life for many in this country. Then unwind in high style amidst the splendor of our colonial-style 5-star hotel, which offers excellent views of the great falls. 

The Royal Livingstone, Vumbura Plains or Chief’s Camp, Okavango Delta (A limited number of accommodation upgrades are available at Mombo Camp and Little Mombo.); Alternative: Jack’s Camp, Kalahari Desert ;  Alternative 2: The Royal Livingstone

Thursday - Saturday, January 24-26

Our private jet takes us to Cape Town, South Africa’s most beautiful city, boasting a vibrant mix of African, French, Dutch, and Eastern cultures. Explore Cape Town’s beloved landmark, Table Mountain, which soars more than 2/3 of a mile above sea level and can be seen by sailors 40 miles out in the waters around the Cape. Ride a cable car up to the top, and hike the wooden walkways to see the mountain ablaze with flowers and plants that are endemic to this area. 

Set out on an excursion around the Cape of Good Hope by helicopter to the site near where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and marvel at the rare flora and fauna of this vast nature reserve, including the exotic sugarbushes (proteas), the keystone species of the region. Or, instead of a helicopter tour of the Cape, ride a ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other political leaders were imprisoned. Explore the site, now a museum whose guides are former political prisoners. After returning from the island, visit Cape Town’s District 6 Museum, a fascinating memorial to a vibrant inner-city community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, laborers, and immigrants that was destroyed in the 1960s in the name of racial purity. If you wish, browse the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a working port and shopping environment that is unequalled in Africa, where more than 400 shops and galleries offer handmade crafts from a variety of African cultures. 

Then, travel outside the city to the Cape area’s famous Stellenbosch or Franschhoek winelands. Visit a local wine estate, meeting with the winemakers, sampling award-winning vintages, and enjoying a fine lunch. You may also visit the area’s art galleries. In the evening, enjoy dinner in your choice of selected Cape Town restaurants.

Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town

Sunday & Monday, January 27 & 28

Our private jet lands in Walvis Bay, and we take a thrilling flightseeing tour by local aircraft over Namibia’s legendary Skeleton Coast. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of one of the most unusual and unforgettable spectacles on Earth—where Namibia’s desert dunes, among the highest in the world, meet the roaring Atlantic surf, one of the most treacherous bodies of water in the world. Shrouded in sea mist, countless shipwrecks and whale bones are washed up on this vast stretch of sand, serving as haunting reminders of a long and perilous maritime history. 

Enjoy your choice of options here: journey through the ancient canyons of the Moon Valley in the Namib Desert with an expert guide and see the famous Welwitschia mirabilis, a rare and curious plant that is several hundred years old. With luck, we may see animals that gather along the linear oases of desert rivers that crisscross the Namib. Or, travel by four-by-four vehicles through the desolate landscape, and search for the fascinating creatures that live here—fish moths, the White Lady Spider, the Palmato Gecko, the Desert Sidewinder, the Aporasaura Sand Diving Lizard, and the Damara tern. Before departing for Senegal, we cruise the avian paradise of Walvis Bay Lagoon to see flamingos, penguins, and pelicans. We also hope to see bottlenose and heavyside dolphins and Cape fur seals, which are known to cavort around boats. 

Alternative: Or instead of exploring Walvis Bay and The Namib Desert, fly by private aircraft deep into the Sossusvlei Desert, the oldest desert in the world, with semi-arid to true desert conditions existing here for the last 80 million years. Enjoy guided drives and walks among the dunes, many soaring as high as 1,000 feet. Listen for the muted “roar” of sand grains spilling over the surface of the dunes and train your eye to spot some of the elusive creatures who can survive on the moisture from fog that rolls in from the Atlantic Ocean. See the desert environment take on a breathtaking spectrum of colors, from sunrise to sunset, and enjoy the stars, which appear most brilliant in the Sossusvlei’s clear and cloudless sky. (Please note that this excursion includes an overnight stay at a luxury property, is limited to a small number of travelers, and will incur a separate cost.)

Swakopmund Hotel; Alternative: Little Kulala, Sossusvlei Desert

Tuesday - Thursday, January 29-31

Fly by private jet to Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, and travel overland to the beach town of Saly, our base for exploring the area. In the villages of Soudiane and Keur Simbara we have the opportunity to witness firsthand the outstanding work being done by Tostan, an award-winning human rights organization. Village residents will welcome us and share their experiences of participating in Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program, and village youth will also honor us with traditional dances. In the evening, we return to Saly and are treated to a private performance by a renowned griot, or bard, who will recount local stories through songs while playing a stringed instrument known as the kora.

On Thursday, return to Dakar and enjoy an optional morning visit to the Soumbedioune craft market to see Senegalese artisans at work making sculptures and painting on glass, a specialty of the area. Then we tour the city, viewing Parliament Square and the Presidential Palace. Tonight we have a festive dinner by the pool with local entertainment.

La Mantin Beach Hotel, Saly and Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar

Friday & Saturday, February 1 & 2

Our private jet returns to London, where we celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner. The next morning, after breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your independent commercial flight home.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

The expedition price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. The expedition price includes all private jet flights, meals, accommodations, educational program, and philanthropic contributions. Commercial airfare to and from the first and last destination is not included. Please see the Terms & Conditions for details. For your protection and peace of mind, all payments are secured in a bank escrow account that is fully insured by the U.S. Federal Government.

Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane
London, England

Opened in early 2011, this property is set back from Park Lane and Hyde Park and a short walk from Mayfair, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge. This five-star hotel features immaculate rooms, impeccable service, a state-of-the-art gym and one of the city’s favorite restaurants. Richly wood-paneled guest rooms include LCD televisions, wired and wireless Internet access, and some rooms feature fireplaces and private terraces. Views range from charming streetscapes to Hyde Park treetops. Nearby attractions include Buckingham Palace, Churchill’s WWII bunker and the Wellington Arch.

Sonesta St. George Hotel
Luxor, Egypt

This stylish, seven-story hotel on the riverfront combines marble, laser-cut hieroglyphics, royal cartouches and etched images of Ramses and Tutankhamen in its common areas. Recreation includes an elaborate pool and a luxurious spa with gym, sauna and hammam (Arabic steam bath). Guest rooms offer Internet access, hair dryer, mini-bar, and in-room safe.

Kigali Serena Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda

The Kigali Serena Hotel is located in the commercial heart of Rwanda. It has 148 rooms, all air conditioned, a restaurant, bar, and a café. Other amenities include a pool, gym, beauty salon, and gift shop. Each room has a mini bar, coffee/tea-making facilities, hairdryer, and an in-room safe. Laundry service and 24 hour room service are both available.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Recently opened in January 2009, this property features special details such as a wood-burning fireplace, hot water bottles for the beds on cold nights, and shoe/boot cleaning after gorilla trekking. Each chalet is on its own path in a peaceful setting with volcanoes in the background.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers cottages, each one situated within the rolling hills, including the main lodge. Each cottage is made of stone with terra-cotta roofs. The main lodge consists of a reception area, bar, dining room, library, and shop. Each cottage has at least one private veranda, a living room with a fireplace, one bedroom, one dressing room, and a large modern bathroom. A hair dryer is included and laundry service is also available. Thick walls help maintain the warmth from the fireplace. This property is available for an additional charge.

Virunga Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Set in a spectacular location overlooking the Virunga volcanoes and shimmering lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, the Virunga Lodge offers comfortable bandas with modern amenities. This lodge has a strong commitment to eco-principles, and bandas are lit by solar panels, lanterns, and candles for consistent and adequate lighting throughout our stay. Laundry service, massages, spirits, and wines are complimentary at this fine property. This property is available for an additional charge.

Bilila Lodge
Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

This lodge is located within the Serengeti National Park and offers comfort styled to fit in with its safari environment. This lodge, which opened in June 2009, features 74 rooms, including two private villas, and combines the intimacy of a lodge and the facilities expected of a much larger hotel, such as an infinity pool, a restaurant with an open kitchen serving a mix of African and international cuisine, a lounge, a bar, a wine cellar, an authentic boma where guests can enjoy moonlit barbecues, a library, a fitness center, an art gallery, and gift shop. The property recently opened its Anantara Spa. Guest rooms offer en suite bathrooms, over 50 satellite TV and radio channels, mini bar, in-room safe, Internet access, hair dryer, and a teak deck for relaxing while watching game (personal telescope included).

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Tanzania

Perched high on the rim of the crater and divided into three camps, the stilted, handcrafted mud and thatch suites at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge are elegantly decorated with hand-crafted woods, brick chimneys and fireplaces, carved Zanzibari doors, Oriental rugs on wood floors, chandeliers crafted by Masai women, leather armchairs, and four-poster beds with electric blankets. En-suite bathrooms with hair dryer, with a centerpiece of fresh roses, feature spacious showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views. Each camp has its own sitting and dining areas, with private butlers to provide warm, personal service to each guest. Internet access is available in common areas.

Hotel Carlton
Antananarivo, Madagascar

One of the finest hotel properties in the city, this hotel overlooks Lake Anosy. Air-conditioned guest rooms feature warm colors with Malagasy accents. Each room has a view of the lake or the outdoor pool – Tana’s largest. Leisure facilities also include tennis and a fitness club with whirlpool, sauna, massage and Turkish bath. Guestrooms, including suites, are equipped with magnetic card system, air-conditioning, mini-bar, direct dial telephone, cable TV, coffee and tea making facilities, wireless Internet, hairdryer, and individual safety boxes.

Anjajavy l’Hôtel
Anjajavy Peninsula, Madagascar

The Anjajavy l’Hôtel is set at the end of a peninsula over a bay, making for a very peaceful ocean retreat. The hotel is surrounded by a national reserve, perfect for afternoon walks and observing the beautiful flora and fauna. The two-story villas, each one overlooking the sea, are made entirely of rosewood and are covered in palm leaves, giving them a look of paradise. The hotel main area includes a restaurant, a bar, a pool, and a jogging trail. Villas consist of two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a sitting area. Each villa comes equipped with air conditioning, hairdryer, coffee/tea-making facilities, mini bar, and a safe deposit box. Laundry service is available.

Andasibe Hotel
Andasibe National Park, Madagascar

Andasibe Hotel is the newest property in the area and offers comfortable and spacious bungalows. The rooms are all ensuite with hot running water, toilet, telephone, satellite TV, air conditioning, mini bar, safe, living area and a private terrace. The restaurant offers varied menus including typical Malagasy flavors or Asian cuisine. There is a small treatment room for massages, which is a great reward after a day of walking in the forest. As well as exploring Andasibe National Park nearby, you can explore the small private forest, which the hotel backs on to. In the heat of the day you can relax beside the hotel's swimming pool or head out onto the little river and enjoy some kayaking.

Domaine de Fontenay
Montagne d’Ambre National Park, Madagascar

Domaine de Fontenay is a comfortable, country lodge set in beautiful grounds close to Montagne d’Ambre, a lush rainforest national park in northern Madagascar. Characterized by warm hospitality, excellent food and well-run excursions, Domaine de Fontenay is one of the nicest places to stay in Madagascar. The food is very good and served in an elegant dining room with a fireplace designed by Gustave Eiffel. Domaine de Fontenay has a private reserve of about 300 hectares where day and night walks are offered. Almost adjoining the national park itself, this is a nice way to introduce yourself to the flora and fauna of the area. There is also a tennis court and lovely gardens patrolled by Galileo, an ancient Aldabra tortoise.

The Royal Livingstone
Livingstone, Zambia

Every detail of this five-star luxury hotel captures the opulence and elegance of a bygone era, while echoing the stunning diversity of the African bush. Set in a lush riverine belt and perched almost on the lip of The Falls, this hotel provides a secluded haven. Guests will hear the deafening roar of The Falls and see the mist rising up into the heavens. All guestrooms are luxuriously furnished with antique and ethnic decor, and have satellite TVs, mini bars, and en-suite bathroom facilities, and hairdryers.

Vumbura Plains Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana

This luxury camp lies on the edge of a large floodplain, on a private concession with a variety of habitats and a great diversity of wildlife. The camp comprises two separate satellite camps; each with its own raised dining, lounge and bar area tucked beneath a canopy of shady, indigenous trees. Each large tent is set on wooden decks and has a bedroom, lounge, full en-suite bathroom, and outdoor plunge pool and sala - a comfortable area to lie and relax.

Mombo/Little Mombo Camps
Okavango Delta, Botswana

Mombo/Little Mombo Camps boast the best big-game viewing in Africa with its enormous concentrations of plains game and predators. This camp is located in the Mombo Concession on the northern tip of Chief’s Island within the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Game viewing is done by 4x4 vehicle with the likelihood of seeing big cats, including lion, leopard and cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, large herds of buffalo, elephant, white rhino, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra. This luxury camp was built 6 ½ feet off the ground and comprises of twelve spacious tents. Game wander freely through camp while allowing for guests’ safety. Bathrooms are en-suite, with both indoor and outdoor showers. Mombo Camp’s main living and dining areas are under thatch, but a boma makes for a delicious dinner under the stars. There is also a plunge pool in which to relax and the property keeps guest mini-bars fully stocked (included in upgrade cost). The Mombo Camps are available for an additional charge.

Jack’s Camp
Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Located on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Jack’s Camp’s hub is a romantic canvas pavilion where elegant meals are served at a long communal dining table. Ten roomy and stylish tents each have Persian carpets, en-suite bathrooms with brass sinks and wood-paneled showers, and private veranda with expansive views of the rolling grasslands of the Kalahari. The camp offers game drives, “quad-bike” excursions onto the Salt Pans, and walking safaris with local San Bushman trackers.

Mount Nelson Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa

The Mount Nelson Hotel is the most iconic luxury hotel in Cape Town situated within a sprawling lush garden estate in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural centre and close to the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and some of Cape Town’s best beaches. It is an elegant oasis in a world where privacy is the new luxury and pleasure is all about peace and serenity. More than 200 luxurious rooms and suites offer a choice of spectacular views of Table Mountain or the verdant hotel gardens. Guestrooms at the Mount Nelson Hotel are individually furnished and provided with fully appointed private bathrooms. All rooms and suites are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning units, luxurious 100% cotton linen, high speed internet access, and hairdryers.

Swakopmund Hotel
Swakopmund, Namibia

This four-star resort hotel combines architectural beauty with first-world comfort. The hotel is located at the gateway to the Skeleton Coast and earned its stars within months of opening. Meticulously renovated and restored to its former glory, the historic Old Station Building came to life again in 1994. This luxury resort caters for all your needs. From the 90 spacious rooms and two sumptuous Presidential suites to the warm and inviting Platform One Restaurant, the hotel combines traditional Namibian hospitality with excellent service. All rooms are bright and spacious, decorated in a Victorian style, and most have a pleasant view of the pool terrace. All rooms have mini-bars, individual air-conditioning, TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, bathrooms with bath, shower and toilet, direct-dialling telephones, and hairdryers.

Little Kulala
Sossusvlei Desert, Namibia

Set amongst ancient camel thorn trees on the dry Auab riverbed, Little Kulala has climate-controlled villas and an elegant entertainment area that includes al fresco fine dining as a highlight. The main lodge features a lounge, bar, dining area, and swimming pool with breathtaking 360 degree desert landscapes. Laundry service is available. New additions include a wine cellar with a unique ‘desert sand’ floor, a library, and a luxurious ‘siesta portico’ incorporated into the swimming pool area. The stylish thatched villas merge impeccably into the timeless desert landscape, with exquisite fittings and fixtures, including innovative bleached decks each with a private plunge pool. The extensive use of neutral colors, gorgeous textures and natural light reproduce the soothing pastel tones of the desert. Each villa has a rooftop ‘skybed’ for romantic stargazing, with both indoor and outdoor showers. Guests who choose this alternate will incur an additional cost.

La Mantin Beach Hotel
Saly, Senegal

Located on the seafront with direct access to beach and marina, La Mantin Beach Hotel offers a world of well-being in beautiful Saly. Built in traditional African-style, the grounds are composed of traditional huts, well-appointed and decorated in Senegalese tradition. Guest rooms feature a terrace, in-room safe, air conditioning, mini-bar, satellite television, and hair dryer.

Radisson Blu Hotel
Dakar, Senegal

Located on the majestic Cape Verde Peninsula, this hotel is tucked away in the Fann Corniche, an area that houses exclusive villas and international embassies, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar offers close proximity to beautiful beaches and the bustling city center, and features superior amenities and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms include high-speed, wireless Internet, LCD television, mini bar, work desk and individual climate control.

Alex de Voogt

Alex de Voogt is curator of African Ethnology at the American Museum of Natural History. He has published on topics as diverse as seventh century Islam, Nubian architecture, and the history of writing systems. In addition, he is a leading expert on the history of board games both in Africa and beyond. Dr. deVoogt has traveled for his research to the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, South and East Asia as well as Africa. In 2004, he was director of a research expedition to the Maldive Islands and recently he joined an archaeology mission in northern Sudan.

Lance Miller

Lance Miller is a scientist in the Behavioral Biology Division of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. He focuses his research efforts determining animal management techniques that increase animal welfare and the reproductive success of endangered species. Dr. Miller is a former research manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Through his time at Disney and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, he has studied many species including African elephants, black rhinoceroses, bonobos, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and Somali wild asses.

Leo Spitzer

Leo Spitzer is the Vernon Professor of History Emeritus at Dartmouth and Visiting Professor, Oral History Center, Columbia University. His research interests range from nationalism and decolonization in Africa and Latin America to issues of historical memory, refugeehood, and representations of trauma in photography, film and video. At Dartmouth he taught courses on the History of Modern South Africa as well as seminars on Witnessing and Testimony in History, Literature and Law. A former Chair of the History Department at Dartmouth, he has been the recipient of John Simon Guggenheim and Ford Foundation awards and fellowships, and was a National Humanities Center Distinguished Lecturer.

Boeing 757

We offer educational expeditions that use custom-designed Boeing 757 private jets. With their long-range capabilities and 99 percent reliability rate for operating without mechanical delays, our jets are ideally suited for visiting an incredible variety of far-flung destinations around the world in one expedition.    We make use of our flying time with engaging lectures by distinguished experts, and some fascinating flightseeing. And we fly only during the day, so that you may have a proper night’s rest in some of the world’s finest hotels. Our VIP-configured jet seats only 78 travelers, so you can enjoy more comfortable seating, more dedicated services and amenities, and unparalleled access to expedition lecturers and staff.

Our specially-outfitted Boeing 757 private jet for 78 travelers offers many special comforts and amenities:

Generously seats 78 passengers in 2x2 configuration instead of the standard 233 seats.

Elegant and plush VIP-class leather seating with 45-degree recline, and ergonomic ecomfort™ foam that reduces pressure and stress. Onboard education system with 24 flat-screen monitors for onboard seminars and destination-specific movies and documentaries, and a library of destination-specific books and other publications.

Award-winning meal service inspired by the cuisines of the destinations featured in our itinerary.

Noise-canceling headsets, in-seat power outlets and plenty of storage space for laptops, digital cameras, and other personal devices.

A specially-trained flight crew of 3 pilots, an expedition chef, a catering officer, two engineers, a dedicated luggage handler, and eight flight attendants, offering one of the highest crew-to-traveler ratios in the business: 1 to 5.

Operated and maintained by the award-winning Thomson Airways, formerly First Choice Airways, based in England.