Cynthia Holmes, Author at Benefactours

Why Travelers Are Flocking To Africa

May 17, 2024 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

go to africa — Image courtesy client Elizabeth Miles

We are asking why travelers are flocking to Africa this year and next? As the world slowly returns to a semblance of normalcy, post Covid pandemic, many travelers are setting their sights on Africa, with East and Southern Africa emerging as particularly popular destinations. The global travel landscape has undergone significant transformations in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the majestic Serengeti in Tanzania to the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa, these regions offer a wealth of experiences that are drawing tourists from around the globe. This blog explores the reasons behind this trend and highlights the myriad benefits of visiting East and Southern Africa.

Exploring East and Southern Africa: Post-Pandemic Travel Trends and Benefits

Post-Pandemic Wanderlust

After enduring extended lockdowns and travel restrictions, many people are experiencing an intense desire to explore new horizons. The pandemic highlighted the uncertainty of life and the importance of seizing the moment. For many, the opportunity to travel to Africa represents a chance to fulfill long-held dreams of experiencing its diverse cultures, wildlife, and natural beauty.

Financial Readiness

The pandemic led to significant changes in personal finances for many individuals. Some people saved money due to reduced spending on commuting, dining out, and entertainment during lockdowns. Now, with more disposable income and a renewed appreciation for travel, they are ready to invest in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Africa, with its unique attractions and experiences, presents a compelling option for such investments.

Long-Term Planning

For many travelers, a trip to Africa is not a spontaneous decision but the result of years of planning and saving. The pandemic provided a pause that allowed individuals to reflect on their travel goals and prioritize destinations that offer profound, enriching experiences. East and Southern Africa, with their rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes, are high on the list for those seeking meaningful travel experiences.

Safety and Health

As COVID-19 vaccination rates increased and travel restrictions eased, safety became a crucial consideration for travelers. Countries in East and Southern Africa have implemented robust health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of visitors. This reassurance, combined with the relatively lower population density in many tourist areas, makes these regions appealing to those looking to travel safely.

Benefits of Traveling to East and Southern Africa

Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters

One of the most compelling reasons to visit East and Southern Africa is the opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. From the Great Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Big Five in Kruger National Park, these regions offer some of the world’s most iconic safari experiences. The chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo, in additional to the hundreds of other species, up close is a thrilling and unforgettable adventure.

Rich Cultural Experiences

East and Southern Africa are home to diverse cultures and traditions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant heritage of the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania, explore the historical significance of Robben Island in South Africa, or engage with local communities through various cultural tours. These experiences provide deeper insights into the region’s history, traditions, and way of life.

Stunning Landscapes

The natural beauty of East and Southern Africa is truly awe-inspiring. From the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, the landscapes are incredibly varied and picturesque. Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is another must-see attraction that captivates visitors with its sheer power and beauty.

Adventure Opportunities

For thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts, East and Southern Africa offer a plethora of activities. Hiking, trekking, and climbing are popular in regions like Kenya and Tanzania as well as white water rafting and kayaking in Uganda. Then of course Mountain Gorilla tracking and chimpanzee treks are a chance in a lifetime to see man’s closest relatives up close in the lush forests of Uganda. South Africa’s diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Indian Ocean provide a glimpse into vibrant underwater ecosystems. Adventure tourism is a significant draw for those looking to combine exploration with physical challenges.

Sustainable Tourism

Many destinations in East and Southern Africa are at the forefront of sustainable tourism practices. Conservation efforts, eco-friendly accommodations, and community-based tourism initiatives ensure that travel to these regions has a positive impact on both the environment and local communities. By choosing responsible travel options, visitors can contribute to the preservation of these incredible destinations for future generations.

Conclusion

The surge in travel to East and Southern Africa post-pandemic can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a renewed desire to explore, financial readiness, long-term planning, and safety considerations. The benefits of visiting these regions are vast, ranging from extraordinary wildlife encounters and rich cultural experiences to stunning landscapes and adventure opportunities. As travelers seek meaningful and memorable experiences, East and Southern Africa stand out as destinations that promise to deliver on all fronts. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, the magic of Africa awaits.

Lose Yourself At Lewa Conservancy, Kenya

October 20, 2023 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

For those who want their safaris to make a real difference, Lewa Conservancy is just the place!

About Lewa Conservancy

Dubbed Kenya’s golden child, Lewa is quite literally a slice of heaven on earth. Gold and yellow grasslands, endless skies and the peak of Mount Kenya looming make for a stunning backdrop. What began in Northern Kenya in the 1990’s as a protected sanctuary on 65,000 acres of African highlands for the endangered zebra, black and white rhino and elephant has quickly become a leader in global conservation efforts. Now a UNESCO World heritage Site, Lewa is conservation focused safaris and responsible tourism at its finest.

If you are considering a safari or a service trip in 2024 or a bit of both, Lewa is an absolute must-do. Boasting five lodges from family friendly to exclusive luxury, there is literally something for everyone. A quick 45 minute flight in a small engine plane from Nairobi lands at Lewa Downs where you will be met in a safari jeep by local Masai for your short (10 min) drive to the conservancy. Once on property you quickly realize you have landed somewhere unworldly and very special.

Lewa has a down-to-earth vibe of total authenticity rather than the disconnected sanitized safari experience. You will experience immersive safari’s where you will see virtually no one for hours while taking in every animal imaginable including the Big 5! Lewa offers a plethora of activities from traditional game drives in safari jeeps to multi day walking and horseback safaris. In between it all they encourage and organize visits to local Masai communities, the 24 surrounding schools that Lewa Education Program supports, and of course visit the conservancy headquarters to learn about Lewa’s conservation efforts.

Here are the options while at Lewa Conservancy:

Walking Wild
This is a mobile safari designed to allow people to get a more intimate and natural experience of the wildlife and environment of this part of Kenya. Camels are used to carry the luggage and tents are pitched each night as accommodation. All fitness levels welcome and an excellent family adventure!

Safari on Horseback
Each saddle safari is tailor made. You can opt for a lodge based safari or fly camp on the way. Allow your horse to take you confidently alongside the plains game including rhino, zebra, impala, and giraffe for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Every riding level welcome!

Private scenic flights
From the Lewa Wilderness airstrip Lewa offers a selection of scenic flights in a Cessna 206, Cessna 210 and Waco Bi-plane. Each flight is totally unique and individually magical, giving you the best options to experience the wonderful landscape around the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

School and community visits
The Lewa Education Programme works to provide access to quality education that improves people’s access to economic opportunities. We hope it also creates a new generation of environmental stewards. Concretely, Lewa augments its programs in conservation education and student scholarships with innovative school programs that facilitate holistic learning and development.

Traditional game drives
Traditional safari jeeps are fully loaded with warm blankets in the morning and cold sun-downers in the evening. Safari guests will not be disappointed with the intense concentration of wildlife, from the endangered Black Rhinoceros to the rare Grevy’s Zebra and the prolific Impala.A visit to Lewa Conservancy is the perfect addition to your safari and a MUST- DO if visiting Kenya.

More Information
BenefacTours can arrange a Lewa visit as part of your Kenyan adventure or all on its own. Contact us for 2024 pricing and availability.

Written by Jennifer Stodt

Chitwan National Park

November 1, 2022 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

Situated in south central Nepal, Chitwan National Park brings to mind rhinos and tigers.

About Chitwan National Park

The park was named a rhinoceros sanctuary in 1963 and UNESCO ultimately declared Chitwan a World Heritage Site in 1984. So, whether you embark on a Himalayan trek or not, a safari in Chitwan is high on the bucket lists of the world.

Endangered fauna resident in the park are Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Gaur (wild ox) and of course the infamous Bengal Tiger. Other captivating wildlife are Wild Asian Elephants, Four- horned Antelope, Pangolin, Golden Monitor Lizard, Python, Bengal Florican and Giant Hornbill, to name a few. Chitwan houses more than 50 mammal species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles. During the winter months (Northern Hemisphere), migratory birds join the residential birds and create spectacular bird watching opportunities.

The Chitwan valley consists of both tropical and subtropical forests. Sal forests cover the majority of the park. The leaves are used locally for plates in festivals and religious offerings. 50 different types of grasses, cover almost all of the remainder. Elephant grass (Saccharum), is known to grow up to 8m in height.

The park consists of a diversity of ecosystems. There is also a range of climatic seasons. The months of October through February offer the most comfortable and enjoyable climate with average temperatures of 25^oC. In late January, local villagers are allowed to cut thatch grasses to meet their needs, which provides a better viewing of wildlife. From March to June temperatures can reach as high as 43^oC. During the monsoon season, June through September, causes rivers to become flooded and roads become impassible.

Public buses, tourist coaches, and airlines service link Chitwan.

Nepal Tours

For Nepal adventures that include Chitwan National Park, below are a few of the many on offer.

Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure – 15 days, for those 18-to-Thirtysomethings, from $1599 CAD ($1176 US approximately). Explore the vibrant streets of urban India, sail along the Ganges, get a glimpse of traditional life in small villages, marvel at Nepal’s mountain views, experience a homestay in rural Nepal, Opt to take a jeep safari through the diverse ecosystem of Chitwan National Park for a chance to witness rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys, and maybe even the elusive bengal tiger.

Nepal Adventure – 10 days, from $1649 CAD ($1213 US approximately). From the colours and magic of Kathmandu’s markets to the serenity of Himalayan trails, this 10-day adventure offers an intriguing blend of well-paced excursions. The rugged foothills of the Annapurna Range will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning views of mountain vistas. Experience Nepal from a different perspective as you explore Chitwan National Park on a 4×4 safari.

Numerous other tours are available, including private customized tours. For more adventures in Nepal or elsewhere,

Visit Alicante Spain

May 11, 2022 By Cynthia Holmes 3 Comments

Visit Alicante, Spain, a 2000 yr old city on the beautiful Costa Blanca coastline of the Mediterranean Sea.

What to see in Alicante

Beaches

Beaches are the main draw to Alicante. Postiguet beach is right in the heart of the city again. This is the main beach of Alicante and can be busy all day long. It is located very near the marina and the promenade (Explanada).

Besides other beaches nearby, there is an 8 km stretch of beach from San Juan to El Campello. The playa is huge and not packed like some beaches. It is lovely to stroll along the promenade or right along the water’s edge. There are multiple high rise apartment buildings along San Juan Playa with stunning views. Many restaurants and bars inhabit the promenade as well.

The main marina is right in the heart of the city, very close to Postiguet beach, hotels and bars, with huge yachts and pleasure craft.

Explanada

Across from the marina is The Explanada, the most popular walkway in the city. The ground is made of marble and it is lined with palms, restaurants, bars and market stalls.

Several restaurants run alongside the explanada, mostly geared to tourists. There are apparently 1400 restaurants and bars in Alicante. Spanish people love to meet friends for a drink or a meal, on a terrace, any time of year.

You must try Paella as Alicante is reputed to have the best in Spain. Traditionally it is cooked over an open fire. Another goody to sample is turron, especially if made in Jijona, a nearby town. Turron is a sweet soft nougat like treat. You can even sample turron ice-cream.

Castle

Besides the beaches, the number one attraction in Alicante is Santa Barbara Castle, built in the 9^th century. There are many routes to the top and the views are magnificent. You can hop on an elevator across from Postiguet beach as well if you don’t care to ascend one of the many paths to the top. Here is a short video with more information on Santa Barbara Castle.

Parks and Plazas

The city has many parks and Gabriel Miro Plaza is one of them. It is a small park, just off the Explanada and happens to be my favourite. Surrounded by interesting buildings like the post office, it is dominated by a lovely fountain and huge and amazing ficus trees that almost completely cover the park.

There are many plazas, fountains, and monuments in the centre of the city. One of the most popular is Plaza de los Luceros with a monumental fountain in the center built in 1930. This is where most parades and processions start from. Just a few blocks away is The Central Market. Nearly 300 stalls offer almost anything you could eat. It is open 6 days a week until 2pm. There are several florists in the square just behind the market.

Architecture and Archaeology

Some examples of the beautiful architecture of Alicante including Medieval, Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and others. The old town offers a very interesting mix. If you get a chance to pop in for 5 minutes to Santa Maria Basilica or St Nicholas cathedral, they are both beautiful and I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Those interested in archaeology, be sure to pay a visit to the Museum of Archaeology. It won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2004 and is very impressive.

Attached to the main city hall building are some Roman ruins. There are also other places to see roman ruins as well scattered around the city. Lucentum is an archaeological site in the city and was the original name of Alicante.

Fiestas

Spanish love their fiestas! The most important festival, the Hogueras takes place in the weeks before St John the Baptist day on 24^th of June. Several processions take place as well as fireworks and firecrackers at all hours of the day and night during this time. Loud music and parties go until 430 am for a week or so. it all culminates with huge statues in every neighbourhood, about 90, being set on fire at midnight on St John the Baptist day.

For a city of only 330,000 inhabitants, Alicante offers great beaches, restaurants, nightlife, history and culture. Here is a video about what you can see when you Visit Alicante.

Need To Know To Book A Safari

April 25, 2022 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

You May Ask What Do I Need To Know To Book A Safari

So you know you want to have the adventure of an African safari and you are not sure how to get started.

Sometimes, clients tell us they want to do an African safari and are not sure about what they want to see or do, other than wildlife viewing. Or they have Africa on their bucket list and they simply want to make it happen, especially after the last few years.

Here are some tips on things you need to know to book a safari in Africa. Then you will ultimately experience what you really want to see and do in Africa.

What part of Africa do you want to visit?

East Africa and Southern Africa are the regions with the huge numbers of wildlife. For example, people say they want to see the Big 5 of Africa, of course. They are lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Many parks boast all of these big mammals, and many more species, although there is never a guarantee on what you will encounter.

What are your favourite animals? For instance, if you are wanting to witness the Great Migration, head to Kenya or Tanzania in East Africa. The Great Wildebeest Migration occurs every year when 2 million additional animals migrate between the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. These are wildebeests, zebras and gazelles. So. you will want to consider time of year and weather patterns when choosing.

Some people say they want to include Victoria Falls in their holiday, so in that case you would concentrate on southern Africa.

Every game park and reserve has its own special features, like having an abundance of certain animals or hosting rare animals not found elsewhere.

Here are a couple of examples:

Botswana Tours boasts the famous Okavango Delta. Seasonal flooding makes it the world’s largest inland delta. Birding is spectacular here, not to mention the multitudes of other wildlife species, including the Big 5.
Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is regarded as a natural wonder of the world and has been declared a World Heritage Site. It is the largest intact crater in the world, being 610 meters deep, 16 kilometers across. Spend a day here and I bet you will lose count of the wildlife species you spot.

These are just a few game parks but you see they can vary greatly.

2. What activities are you interested in?

Do you want to simply ride in a safari vehicle and observe and film wildlife? Don’t get me wrong, nothing is better; however, you may want to add on something a bit more active as well. Consider these:

A Gorilla tracking experience. There are only 900 mountain gorillas on the planet and Uganda has half of them so there or Rwanda are the obvious choices. Gorilla tracking is one of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife adventures. I highly recommend it.
Savour the savanna from a hot air balloon over the Serengeti or Masai Mara.
Mountain trekking or climbing. Mount Kilimanjaro treks is Africa’s highest mountain and treks will take 7 to 10 days, depending on route. Mount Kenya is for more skilled climbers and is Africa’s 2nd highest.
Kayaking or white-water rafting on the Nile or Zambezi Rivers.
Or perhaps you would like to chillout on a beach in Zanzibar tours or Mozambique after your safari.

3. What is your budget?

Do you want a private tour or would you like to join a small group? There are many choices. Sometimes, a private safari with just you and one or more travel companions can actually be cheaper than joining a small group tour.

While on safari, meals are normally included, and sometimes drinks as well.

For accommodations, choose from a variety of options from basic camping to luxury lodges with your own plunge pool. Tented camps give the feel of being quite authentic and are very popular. Many lodges have swimming pools, bars, gift shops and may offer additional activities like walking safaris or even helicopter excursions.

In addition to the cost of the safari, you will need flights, insurance, possibly visas, vaccinations, money for gratuities, extra meals and drinks that may not be included.

I hope this gives you some food for thought. Here is a video recap.

Happy travels!

Covid 19 Safety Protocols

April 15, 2022 By Cynthia Holmes

Covid 19 Safety Protocols – Updated 15 April, 2022

BenefacTours’ vendors comply with World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Protocols to adhere to Covid 19 safety. Travellers are assured that hotels, restaurants, and transport providers have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols.

Example of a few of our vendors’ Covid policies

And Beyond – &BEYOND is committed to monitoring and amending our approach to travel during these uncertain times by providing guests with both flexibility and security during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Annexure replaces any previous releases and is applicable from 01 August 2021 and remains in place until such time as the restrictions impacting outbound travel from guests home country and/ or inbound travel to the destinations in their respective itineraries (in particular those countries where &BEYOND operates) and / or restrictions on operations as a result of government lockdowns are lifted. Once these conditions are lifted, any booking yet to travel or made under the auspices of this Annexure are subject to &BEYOND‘s standard terms and conditions.
And Beyond Travel in times of uncertainty

Explore – We’ll offer you a refund if your trip is cancelled. Transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure. Cash refund if you’re required to self-isolate prior to travel due to a positive COVID-19 test or trace alert (such as the NHS track and trace) and are therefore unable to travel.
https://www.explore.co.uk/book-with-confidence

Exodus Travels – We are dedicated to creating incredible adventures, that are run responsibly, so as the world reopens, our guests can continue to book and travel with confidence. We will refund you if we have to cancel the trip for any reason. Transfer your trip free of charge up to 21 days before departure.* https://www.exodustravels.com/ca/your-stress-free-travel-experience
https://www.exodustravels.com/ca/book-with-confidence

G Adventures – We are thrilled to have run over 3,000 tours since restarting tour operations! As we continue to see more destinations open up to travellers, we have been able to run select tours in these destinations. However, we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend some of our G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures tours through to the end of May based on the current situations in those specific destinations, along with some operational challenges. The safety and security of our travellers, along with that of our staff and partners, continues to be our top priority, and this is a precautionary measure to continue to protect our travel community at this time. We will continue to reevaluate all of our tours going forward, doing the utmost to find ways to run them. Please know how eager we are to be able to share our big, beautiful world again. Updated march 23, 2022.
https://www.gadventures.com/coronavirus-travel-faq/

Goway Travel – book with confidence at a time when they’re ready, such as our updated Flexible Deposit policy, info on Travel Insurance including a Cancel-For-Any-Reason option, and information on our long-term membership and financial involvement in travel consumer protection commitments such as USTOA which requires a US$1million pledge to protect travellers and travel agents. https://www.goway.com/goway-travel/our-policies/

Intrepid Travel – We require all travellers and tour leaders to be fully vaccinated, and we also follow recommendations from the World Health Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols. All our itineraries undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and audit and our leaders and operators complete ongoing COVID-19 health and safety training and adhere to COVID-19 standards. In addition, the hotels, transport providers and other suppliers that we use must meet enhanced COVID-19 standards.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/ca/covid19

Trafalgar – The wellbeing of our guests is our top priority. As part of this commitment, all guests traveling with Trafalgar through at least December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. You’re free to change or postpone your Trafalgar holiday. Last updated 4 January, 2022.
https://www.trafalgar.com/en-ca/resources/coronavirus-travel-update