Bales launches largest Africa programme

In October, Bales Worldwide announced it is launching its largest Africa programme to date for 2008/9, with off-the-beaten-track safari options in Tanzania, as well as luxury adventure camping in Botswana, self-drive itineraries in Namibia and an expanded choice of Zambian walking safaris.

The programme covers holiday options for Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Namibia, Uganda, Mali, South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia. Bales offers two choices of escorted group holidays as well as 13 frequent departures, 17 suggested itineraries as well as tailor made travel options.

Off the beaten track Tanzania
The new nine-day Tanzania’s Southern Treasures frequent departure takes in some of the most remote regions of the country and is priced from £2395 (4,935.51 USD) per person. This area has an isolated landscape with few vehicles and the opportunity to fly between regions eliminating the need for long road journeys.

Highlights include the Selous Game Reserve, an area the size of Switzerland boasting a huge diversity of animals and Ruaha National Park, one of Africa best kept secrets where the flora and fauna of the eastern and southern regions of Africa cross over against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.

Also suggested is a 10-day Western Tanzania itinerary priced from £3395 (6,995.51 USD) per person which includes the landscapes of Katavi and Mahale National Parks with the opportunity to see the largest chimpanzee population in Tanzania, as well as taking in Lake Tanganyika.

Prices start from £1550 (3,196.42 USD) per person for the nine-day Serengeti Safari in Tanzania.  

Walking in Zambia 
Walking Safaris were pioneered by the famous game ranger Norman Carr. From 2008 Bales clients can experience a choice of Norman Carr Walking Safaris, following in his footsteps.

A 12-day suggested itinerary in Zambia is priced from £3995 (8,237.74 USD) per person and includes walking safaris, river cruises and game drives combining Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River and the National Parks of South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi.

Accommodation along the route is a mix of bush camps and luxury lodges. 

Another option is the family-run Robin Pope Safaris. A suggested 14-day itinerary from £4895 (10,094.52 USD) per person encompasses 10 nights in South Luangwa National Park, with five days on a mobile walking safari along the remote Mupamadzi River.

Adventure camping in Botswana
Bales has teamed up with leading safari company, CC Africa, to offer a 12-day Botswana Explorer Safari from £2945 (6,073.73 USD) per person. Limited to just seven guests and accompanied by an expert CC Africa guide, guests will camp in classic domed-style tents at specially selected campsites in the heart of the Botswana’s wilderness.

Self-drive Namibia
Namibia is fast establishing itself as a destination for self-drive safaris. New for 2008, Bales is suggesting two different itineraries for self-driving which provides the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The 10-day Southern Nambian Self-Drive itinerary from £1395 (2,877.08 USD) per person heads west from Windhoek towards the majestic landscapes of the Skeleton Coast. 

The 12-day Northern Namibian Self Drive itinerary is priced from £1575 (3,248.32 USD) per person. This suggested itinerary journeys from the Namibian capital to the dunes of Sossusvlei and then on to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and then north to Cape Cross and the boundaries of the Skeleton Coast Park and the landscapes of Damaraland, before turning towards the game-rich salt pans of Etosha National Park.

Both the northern and southern self-drive itineraries are available in classic or superior standards of accommodation. 

For reservations or further information about the new Africa programme call Bales Worldwide on 0845 057 0600. For further information visit www.balesworldwide.com