Creative Holidays beats the Africa drum!

Following on the success if its first hugely successful Africa program last year, Creative Holidays yesterday launched its new Creative Experiences Africa product for 2007, with the  new brochure showcasing an extensive range of holiday options in a variety of styles to suit all budgets.

The Mole took the opportunity chat with Andrew Yell, General Manager, Sales, Product and Marketing, Creative Holidays who told The Mole, “We were so pleased with the overwhelming response to our African range this year that we knew that we were offering the right programmes, which feature independent touring, group touring, private lodge accommodation, city hotels, sightseeing and transfers, family journeys, self-drive holidays and rail journeys to fascinating countries including South Africa, Victoria Falls, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius and East Africa.

He added, “We focused on value, product range and a variety of holiday styles because we were determined to change the mistaken view that Africa is solely an expensive destination, so we launched a program to make Africa more affordable and more accessible to a wider range of Australian travelers”.

“For 2007 we have included a range of new and exclusive options to agents and their clients, with new independent touring itineraries this year including our Bush Camps in Kruger, offering a really authentic bush safari experience, Kruger and Canyon, combining the magic of Kruger with the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest in the world, and Walking with Elephants, an amazing and totally unforgettable experience in Addo Elephant National Park, one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories.

“We have also expanded our camping program to include the seven-night Bushman & Delta Safari visiting Etosha National Park and tracking with the bush people of the Kalahari Desert, priced from $981 per person, twin share, land only and also new is the three-night Dunes & Coast trip perfect for clients with limited time, which includes a trip to the famous red sand sea of Sossusvlei and a night in the coastal town of Swakopmund, priced from $463 per person, twin share, land only”.

[Pictured right: Andrew Yell’s Sydney based “African tribe” get together suitably attired, overlooking Sydney Harbour.]

“We saw substantial growth last year in Africa, with South Africa in particular becoming more popular in the mainstream market and people who may not have considered travelling to South Africa five years ago now seeing it as a viable holiday option.

“Kenya and Tanzania have also increased in popularity, and Botswana is experiencing steady growth, where we have some excellent holidays and rates, but we are seeing people paying more for the exclusivity and remoteness of some of the loveliest camps in Africa.”

“The great thing is that many of our products are exclusive to Creative, which means consultants can offer their clients something different and unique and we also use small, more authentic lodges and bush camps in Kruger, unlike many other operators”.

“Agents trying to prepare itineraries for clients will know that it can be a difficult destination to work out, so at Creative we have packaged itineraries together to make it easier to combine and perfect your client’s trip”.

“As well as our range of brochured product we are also happy to tailor- make itineraries according to a client’s specific budget and timetable from our wide selection of product”.

Agents calling us about our new Africa product will also reach a specialised reservations division, ensuring knowledgeable consultants are on hand to offer expert advice and recommendations”.

Andrew gave The Mole a small selection of the unique holidays available through Creative Holidays in 2007:

For the first time traveller:

Stunning Southern Africa – 11 nights from $2485 per person, twin share, land only.

This journey covers three countries over 12 days and includes Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park, Botswana. You can choose the level of accommodation, either 3.5 or 4.5 stars, and you’ll have access to the local knowledge and expertise of our local guides in Africa, ensuring an unforgettable trip. Price includes: accommodation, meals as per itinerary, transfers, sightseeing and game drives as per itinerary.

For culture and wildlife:

Best of Kenya & Tanzania – 12 nights from $4892 per person, twin share, land only.

This safari explores East Africa from the wide open plains of the Masai Mara to the amazing wildlife sanctuary of the Ngorongoro Crater. It also takes in the Samburu Game Reserve, Aberdare Mountains, Lake Nakuru, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park and Lake Manyara. Price includes: lodge accommodation with en suite (Serena Lodges where available), all meals and transfers as per itinerary, transport by road using mini buses in Kenya and 4WD in Tanzania, English speaking driver/guide, game drives and park fees.

For families

Sun City & Safari – 5 night family journey from $1199 twin share, per adult. Up to two children (2-11 years) sharing with two adults from $158 each

This ideal family holiday combines two of South Africa’s biggest attractions. Spend three nights in Sun City, an ideal family destination which features a water theme park and adventure playground for the kids and golfing and fine dining for the adults, followed by an exciting two-night safari in Pilanesberg National Park where the whole family can enjoy the wildlife. Price includes: accommodation in a family room with private facilities, transfers as specified, meals for adults as per itinerary, game drives in Pilanesburg for the adults (children pay direct).

For relaxation and indulgence:

Legends Mauritius Resort (4 star) – priced from $190 per person, per night, twin share in a Superior Room. Special bonus nights available for Creative Holidays customers, stay 6 pay 5, or stay 9 pay 7 (conditions apply)

Located around a dreamy cove this luxury resort is based around the concept of Feng Shui, and lies in the centre of the fishing village of Grand Gaube, in the north-east corner of Mauritius. With three bars and five restaurants boasting delicious local and international cuisine, included sports and water activities like windsurfing, glass bottom boat trips, water skiing and tennis and a beautiful spa offering divine massages, you can be sure this will be an experience you’ll remember forever. Price includes breakfast and dinner daily.

For further information please visit www.creativeholidays.com

Report by The Mole in deepest Africa (well actually Sydney) – watch out for that lion!