Eco-resorts treks into the UK
Online tour operator specialising in East Africa safaris
enters UK trade arena
Eco-resorts, an online tour operator offering a fabulous range
of eco-friendly safaris has commenced operations in the UK. Until now, Eco-resorts
had only been widely known in the North American market. The company is offering
10% commission to UK travel agents and a range of agent incentives for the travel
trade are currently in the planning stage.
Providing a full range of traditional and quirky safaris from
luxury to budget travel, Eco-resorts ensures that their itineraries are always
innovative and creative, personalised and tailor made, at the same time protecting
the natural and cultural environment of East Africa. Instead of scratching at
the surface of this wonderful habitat, Eco-resorts offers its guests the chance
to explore the real Africa. Itineraries provide a real insight into the natural
beauty of Africa's landscapes, its people and wildlife complete with activities
ranging from mountain climbing, bird-watching, photography, art, boat rides through
crocodile-infested waters and camel trekking.
Eco-resorts offer three different levels of safaris, from luxury
to budget travel: Elephant, Hornbill and Masai.
At the most luxurious end of the scale, Eco-resorts' ELEPHANT
safaris use small, private camps or lodges based in East Africa's more remote
areas. Guests can horseback ride amongst giraffe, desert camel trek, spot the
big boys on a 4WD game drive or take a walk with the local medicine man.
One of the specialist Elephant Safaris is the Art Safari. Master
Art Guide Stuart Morse explores Kenya's different ecosystems through Fine Art
Photography, Field Sketching and painting. New techniques, professional 'tips'
and plenty of practice time ensure this adventure is educational as well as fun.
The trip climaxes with an Art Exhibition of the group's work and creativity.
- Elephant Safaris start at approximately £180 per person,
per night including ensuite accommodation in large rooms and tents, meals and
transportation. The Art Safari departs February 2nd
2002. Other Elephant Safaris include Woman to Woman
Safari (NEW), Eco Exploration Safari, Tanzania's
Northern Circuit and Kenyan Luxury Safari.
'Hornbill Safaris'
Guests on Hornbill safaris stay in lodges or permanent tented camps in East Africa's
National Parks and Reserves. An example of a Hornbill Safari is the Masai
Mara Migration Professional Wildlife Photographer Safari with Gustav W. Verderber,
a professional photographer and environmental interpreter. Designed for the serious
photographer, the group will learn the techniques of professional wildlife photography.
Focusing on Kenya's Masai Mara, this 10-day is scheduled to coincide with the
Mara's annual Wildebeest Migration.
- Hornbill Safaris are priced at approximately £100-£160 per person,
per night including accommodation, meals and transportation in Kenya. The Masai
Mara Migration Professional Wildlife Photographer Safari departs July 27th 2002.
Other Hornbill Safaris include Safari
Introduction, Kilimanjaro Climb, Explore
Kenya Safari, Introduction to Kenya Safari and
Amateur Photography Safari.
'Masai Safaris'
Masai Safaris are designed for the adventurous and budget conscious traveller
with accommodation in local camps or village homes. Guests are expected to help
with the camp or house, perhaps cooking the dinner or helping to set up the camp's
tents.
One of the most popular Masai Safaris is the Volunteer
Vacation Safari, which provides a wonderful introduction to Kenya whilst providing
the opportunity to help some of the abandoned children of the area. Mornings are
spent working at the nearby orphanage while afternoons are free to explore the
wonders of the Watamu area, a United Nations biosphere. Watamu's park has developed
an international reputation for its white-sand, reef-protected beaches and excellent
snorkelling and diving, with over 600 species of fish. Weekend excursions include
a night on Lamu island and a two-night safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya's most
famous game park.
- Masai Safaris are priced at approximately £100 or less
per person, per night and include accommodation, meals and transportation. The
Volunteer Vacation Safari departs on November 17th 2001, February 9th, September
14th, October 12th and November 9th 2002. Other Masai Safaris include Village
Immersion Safari, Adventure Camping in Kenya
and Wilderness Adventure.
Finally, emphasising the tailor-made aspect of the company, Eco-resorts
offers a 'Mix 'n' Match Supreme' which is a classic example of how to combine
different accommodation and budget levels to create a guest's ideal safari. Mixing
two properties from the budget Masai Safari level, two from the mid-range Hornbill
Safari level and one from the luxury Elephant Safari range allows the personal
touch the client may need.
Based in East Africa, but with satellite offices in the UK and
the US, Eco-resorts consists of a small team of dedicated professionals, passionately
promoting the development of East African ecotourism. As well as donating 10%
of its post-tax profits to fund community and conservation projects, Eco-resorts
has also developed a number of projects including 'The Children of the Rising
Sun Orphanage' providing accommodation, food, medicine and education for 28 street
children. In addition, Eco-resorts is involved in other projects such as 'The
Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve', the last remaining tract of coastal lowland forest
in Kenya and a refuge for several endemic birds and mammals. Guests who book with
Eco-resorts help protect East Africa's environment and local cultures from extinction.
For further information on Eco-resorts visit the website at www.eco-resorts.com
For trade enquiries please contact Jane West at IHM Ltd on 01372
470057
For further information please contact: Beth Cooper
Beth Cooper PR
T: 01372 468578
e-mail: bethcooper468578@aol.com
|
ots
to read and discover about ecotourism and the environment 