In this newsletter:
• 5 Good Reasons to visit Mozambique
• Kayaking Africa Style
• Intrepid Travel and Bundu Safaris Collaborate
• Uyaphi News: We are expanding
• Okavango Delta Safari Special

1) Our Africa travel consultants have the knowledge and expertise in all the products and destinations we offer.

2) We are accredited by SATSA and ATTA.

3) With our offices based in Cape Town, South Africa, should a problem arise, we will be able to respond to the relative issue in the same time zone as you are located. We are contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4) Since all products and services are pre–paid through Uyaphi.com you are never surprised with any additional costs, with this in mind you can budget properly for your Africa safari.

5) We do not charge Visa & Mastercard surcharges.

Uyaphi.com’s service shines bright as the African Sun...

“ ...I wanted to THANK YOU...THANK YOU....THANK YOU for all of your help in organizing, and co-ordinating all of my endless requests and answering my non-stop questions!! You are truly an amazing travel agent and I thank my lucky stars that I had someone like you to make my birthday trip such a memorable experience. Considering all of the planes, transfers and infinite details needed to co-ordinate this trip.....it all went pretty smoothly and we enjoyed every action-packed minute of it!...”

Dianna (Canada)

Much has happened in global markets since our last newsletter. We feel somewhat removed from the mayhem here on the southern tip of Africa; the sun is still shining, Table Mountain stands firm above us and our visiting whales are spotted almost daily cavorting in the waters of the False Bay.

However, the South African Rand has not been as lucky. Emerging markets bear the brunt of the global volatility and our currency has plummeted to its weakest value in 20 years. In previous weeks the Rand lost almost 10% of its value overnight, tumbling from R9.40 to the US dollar to over R11.00, at present the markets have stabled marginally.

This is good news for YOU, our clients. It means that Southern Africa is an even better value-for-money destination than ever before. For years we have been a popular destination due to the beauty of the landscape and our well-developed tourist infrastructure. But now you can enjoy top-end luxury travel at a fraction of the price it would have cost you a few months ago. So, if you have been dreaming of a trip to Africa we urge you to book now and take advantage of this opportunity.

In this newsletter we take a peek at South Africa's nearest neighbour and most popular tropical beach destination, Mozambique. Also this month we explore Africa's sights by kayak, a unique way to glide through tropical waters and get a perspective on things you couldn't do from land. Take a look at the best kayak destinations in Southern and East Africa to be found on Uyaphi.com.

Happy Reading!

Regards,
The Uyaphi.com Team

5 Good Reasons to visit Mozambique

Mozambique is growing in popularity as a leading beach destination on the balmy shores of Africa's Indian Ocean coastline. Palm-fringed beaches have lain undiscovered until fairly recently meaning that you will not have to fight off the hoards to enjoy the laid-back beach lifestyle that this country has to offer. Here are 5 good reasons to visit Mozambique:

1. Excellent Diving
Mozambique is known for its tropical palm fringed beaches. The Quirimbas Islands archipelago in the far north of the country consists of about 27 islands promising an unexplored tourist paradise. The Quirimbas National Park protects most of the islands known for their laid-back lifestyle. There are a number of high-quality diving sites, including phenomenal drop-offs (some up to 400 meters). The abundant fishing waters at St Lazarus Banks are also within easy reach.
Accommodation: Quilalea Island Resort

2. Honeymoon Hideaways
The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the world's most alluring beach locations promising a carefree lifestyle, romantic accommodation nestled on palm fringed beaches, superb seafood that Mozambique is famed for and excellent diving, fishing and swimming in the balmy azure waters. Many of the hotels offer spa treatments in spectacular surroundings.
Accommodation: Azura Mozambique

3. Rare Marine Species
Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos are both protected as National parks. The coral reefs lining the shore are home to many coral varieties and over 2,000 species of fish, whales and dolphin. At Bazaruto you may be lucky to spot the shy and illusive dugong, a highly endangered marine mammal.
Accommodation: Benguerra Lodge

4. Family Friendly Accommodation
The laid back beach lifestyle and friendly locals make Mozambique the perfect destination for the whole family to unwind. Mum can laze on the beach; Dad can try his hand at fishing, while the kids are kept busy swimming, snorkelling and a host of other distractions. Hire a beach house for plenty of space and independence on your family holiday.
Accommodation: Deacra Limitada

5. Vibrant Culture
In the 1970's capital city Maputo was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world - the train station was even built by Eiffel (of the tower fame) in the early 1900s by. Subsequent years of civil war have taken their toll on the fabric of the city but this has not dampened the enthusiasm of the inhabitants. After dark the streets come alive. Enjoy excellent seafood before heading off to a bar throbbing to the beat of jazz and latin music, and an experience that is uniquely African.
Accommodation: Rovuma Carlton Hotel

Kayaking Africa Style

There can be no better way to immerse yourself in the charms of Africa than to glide across the waters in a kayak, at one with the creatures who share this aquatic wonderland. Paddling out will take you to places you wouldn’t otherwise find, whether it’s the balmy waters of Lake Malawi or one of Southern Africa’s coastal destinations. Here is our roundup of some of Africa’s best locations for kayaking:

Malawi
Lake Malawi is one of the most spectacular bodies of water in Africa and a kayak is the best way to explore. Domwe Island offers luxurious yet rustic accommodation and a perfect base to explore the lake and all its creatures.
Accommodation: Domwe Island Lodge

Mumbo Island lies within an exclusive concession area of the Lake Malawi National Park, the first freshwater marine reserve in the world. Kayak in crystal clear waters and enjoy the rainbow-coloured cichlid fish. Diving and snorkelling are also among the best in Lake Malawi.
Accommodation: Mumbo Island Camp


South Africa
Simonstown is an historic naval base lying in Cape Town’s False Bay. Go sea kayaking along the bays and coves and enjoy the kelp forests, dolphins and (if you’re lucky) a visiting whale.
Accommodation: Boulders Beach Lodge

Combine a game-viewing safari with a kayak safari in the Indian Ocean. Thanda Tented Camp is a rustic bush camp situated on the Elephant Coast of South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal province offering kayak safaris as an add-on to their game viewing experiences.
Accommodation: Thanda Tented Camp


Tanzania
Kayak the remote waters of Pemba Island, just north of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania. This cozy comfortable beach lodge boasts a remote location with stunning ocean views and sunsets. Kayaks are available to explore the crystal blue waters and coral reefs of the west coast of Pemba.
Accommodation: Manta Reef Lodge


Madagascar
Madagascar is one of the newest additions to the Uyaphi fold, boasting a full range of seaside activities on offer. Enjoy kayaking around the northern stretches of Madagascar’s coastline on the Turtle Bay Fishing Safari. Or try the charms of travel in a traditional dhow and kayak Madagascar’s islands on the Madagascar Dhow Camping Safari.

Intrepid Travel and Bundu Safaris Collaborate

One of our favourite suppliers of safari packages in Southern Africa, Bundu Safaris has recently announced that it will form a strategic partnership with leading international tour operator Intrepid Travel.

From small beginnings in 1989, Intrepid Travel now operates in over 90 different countries, specialising in value small group tours. The partnership will see Bundu Safaris operate all the company’s small group trips in Southern Africa. This is a major commendation of the quality of the Bundu Safari operation and Uyaphi is proud to be associated with the company.

One of our consultants, Nerissa Lategan, has recently returned from Intrepid Bundu’s ever-popular 4-day Kruger Safari. This was Nerissa’s first visit to the Kruger Park and she thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

Click here to see her travel diary and pics on the Uyaphi Africa Travel blog.

Uyaphi News: We are Expanding

There has been much excitement around the Uyaphi offices this month as our builders put the finishing touches to our new office extension. We decided to capitalise on the charms and value of our new office premises in Muizenberg and applied to extend onto the vacant land at the back of the old house.

The property is bounded by an historic old stone wall and our architects have managed to artfully combine this stonework into our new wing. The space will provide a state-of-the-art office for 14 sales consultants who will be on hand to enthusiastically deal with any enquiries our clients throw our way. Once they move into the new office (by the time you receive this newsletter) they will be even more energised with renewed vigour inspired by their new spacious work area!

The move will mean that Uyaphi is ideally placed to accommodate an expanded sales team. With the value offered by Southern African travel products at current exchange rates, Uyaphi will be ready to capture an increase in enquiries that this is sure to bring.

Click here to view our latest Travel Specials.

Featured Special: Karibu Kalahari Migration Safari Special

Enjoy the full grandeur of the Okavango Delta ... Uyaphi.com customers who book a Karibu Kalahari Migration Safari Special for any departures from November 2008 – March 2009 will receive a FREE scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Plus: a further discount for early booking!

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