The Fazendin Portfolio is experiencing email disruption today, March 10th, 2010. If you need to reach us urgently please email:
fazendin.portfolio@gmail.com or contact us at:

Sarah Fazendin Office: +1.303.993.7906

Mallory Corbett Office: +1.602.840.3756

Thanks and we hope to have this fixed soon!

Greetings! As you surely know by now, late last week the Samburu area of Kenya experienced flash flooding that was fairly destructive to many of the camps and lodges in the game reserve. We wanted to point out, if you’re not already, that by watching our online news feed and better yet, connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter, you can stay up-to-the-minute with updates and information on this kind of situation as quickly as we receive news from Africa.

We’re sad to report that due to the damage, Samburu Intrepids will be closed for the next few months while they rebuild the property. You can see the full press release here. If you have clients booked at Samburu Intrepids Camp, please contact Reservations Manager, Tabitha Muchogu on tabitha.muchogu@heritagehotels.co.ke or the Sales Account Manager, Peter Kimani on peter.kimani@heritagehotels.co.ke to re-book your clients elsewhere.

While we usually have much more fun and happy news and information to share, in times of crisis these outlets are your best bet for keeping in touch and getting news and information as quickly as possible.
As always, thanks for reading and have a great week!
The Fazendin Portfolio team

Please see below for an update from Express Travel Group, via Sasaab Lodge in Samburu National Park: Following the floods in Samburu yesterday (4th March 2010), we would like to update all members of the tourism trade that SASAAB is open and fully operational. The lodge is still accessible via Wamba or Kiltaman, and of course by private plane into the Sasaab airstrip (N0038.24 E03723.07). As the bridge has washed away, transfers from Samburu South airstrip will take longer than usual as we will have to drive via Archer’s Post and Kiltaman. This drive is approximately three hours long, and we strongly suggest a charter flight instead.

The Family Room has suffered some damage from the floods, but this is
minimal electrical damage. We will be repairing these in the next few weeks
and in the meantime the room will remain out of action. All our other rooms
(four doubles, and three twins) are looking as lovely as ever, and we are
welcoming new guests (some of which have been relocated from other lodges)
to Sasaab.

The water in the Ewaso Nyiro is the highest it has ever been in recorded
history, and fortunately the Government had contingency plans in place and
was able to spring into action yesterday morning along with civilian helpers
and the British Army so that there were no casualties. As far as we know
there were no animal casualties either – oftentimes the animals know long
before us that there is water on the way! Despite the damage, this has
brought some relief to what was a drought stricken area last year.

And today’s (March 5th) update from KATO:
Further to our circular yesterday on the subject topic, we wish to advise as follows: -

1. The water level in the river has subsided overnight.

2. The bridge connecting Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves is confirmed to be IMPASSABLE. Whereas the bridge itself is intact, the road leading to the bridge on both sides has been washed away. Members wishing to connect between the two Reserves will have to go round to Archers Post Gate.

3. The road network within the Reserves is OK and one can move freely with the Reserves.

4. The following properties are reported as having been affected by the flooding. Please note that the Lodges were affected to varying extents (some more than others) and you will need to re-confirm with them directly regarding any bookings you have over the next week or so: -

i. Samburu Serena

ii. Samburu Ashnil

iii. Samburu Intrepids

iv. Atua Enkop

v. Sentrim Camp

vi. Elephant Watch

The situation continues to be monitored and up developments will be communicated.

We also thank those members who have registered (and continue to register) themselves to receive FREE SMS alerts from the KTF Safety Centre.

Richard Markham with the Express Travel Group sends this update regarding today’s floods in Samburu:

Flooding has occurred in the Samburu area after the river Uaso Nyiro broke its banks following heavy rains in the Mt Kenya and Laikipia regions. The floods came in the early morning hours of today (Thursday 4th March). Rescue and evacuation operation of people within the affected area including tourists are going on and they have already been taken to safer areas.

We are awaiting an update on exactly which properties have suffered what damage and should receive this tomorrow. It sounds as if Samburu Intrepids, Samburu Serena, Samburu Lodge and Larsens have all been badly affected.

For the time being we will not send further clients to Samburu until we know more about accommodation, road damage, game viewing access etc. We shall let you know if this will affect any of your bookings.

We shall keep you advised as and when we are in the picture
Kind regards
Richard

And here is an update from the Ministry:
Kenya – flooding in the Samburu area

. Flooding has occurred in the Samburu area after the river Uaso Nyiro broke
its banks following heavy rains in the Mt Kenya and Laikipia regions. The
floods came in the early morning hours of today (Thursday 4th March).

. Rescue and evacuation operation of people within the affected area
including tourists are going on and some have already been taken to safer
areas.

. Relief supplies (food and non food items) are already pre-positioned in
Isiolo for dispatch to the affected area by the Ministry of Special
Programmes.

. Major rescue operation is underway organised by the government through the
National Disaster Operations Centre.

. The national Tourism Crisis Management Committee is coordinating the
management of the crisis at the ministry of tourism led by the acting PS Mrs
Eunice Miima.

. Aircrafts from the Kenya Air Force, the Police, the Kenya Wildlife Service
and the private sector are on the ground with the necessary rescue
equipment. The first two arrived at 10.30 am. The joint training unit
between the Kenya army and the British army were also assisting.

. The Samburu airstrip which is in the affected area is operational.

. The quick response to the crisis was as per the government El-Nino
response plan.

. No report of any casualties has been received.

. Latest reports indicate that the Archers Post Bridge is submerged.

. A team of senior government officials including the Directors of National
Disaster Operation Centre and Tourism is on the ground coordinating the
response activitie

Source Ministry of Tourism

Continually looking for new itinerary concepts – Ulendo Safaris and Nyassa Air Taxi are pleased to launch exciting new Air Safaris linking Malawi’s major attractions with Zambian and Mozambican reserves and tourist hotspots. While air charters have always played an important part in moving guests around the region – our Air Safaris ensure guests enjoy exclusive use of their own aircraft and pilot for the duration of their air adventure. Itineraries link Malawi with Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park before heading to Gorongosa Reserve in Mozambique – the relaxing Bazaruto Archipelago is one example of the new tours being offered. Contact Ulendo’s team for details. Rob info@ulendo.net will be attending ITB from 11th – 14th March on the Malawi Tourism Stand (Hall 20 Stand 101).

As this year’s trade show season is fast approaching, we wanted to share the following information with you so you can schedule and make plans for these exciting travel trade show events.

First, the following of our partners will be attending the ITB show in Berlin. For more information about this show please visit their web site.

Botswana: Footsteps in Africa
Location: ATTA Stand – Hall 20 Stand No 119 (We will only be attending on the Trade Only Days – the 10th, 11th and 12th March)
Contact: Anthony Cavill-Taylor will be attending the show
Appointment Request: Anthony Cavill-Taylor anthony@footsteps-in-africa.com

Mozambique: Mozambique Voyages
Location: Mozambique stand Hall 20, Stand 108
Contact: Martijn Mellaart will be attending the show
Appointment Request: Barbara Kuhn, sales@uitkykholidays.co.za

Kenya: Heritage Hotels
Location: Kenya Stand hall 21.A stand 129
Appointment Request: lynnette.otieno@heritagehotels.co.ke
Contact: George Kariuki will be attending the show

East Africa: Express Travel Group
Location: with Leopard Tours on Tanzania Stand
Contact: Simon Waldock (Europe representative)
Appointment request: Simon etg@safariwise.com

Kenya: Alfajiri Villas and Galdessa Camp
Location: ATTA stand
Contact: Simon Wilson Stephens (UK Rep)
Appointment request: simon@milestones-marketing.com

South Africa: Transfrontier Parks Destinations
Location: Mozambique Pavillion
Contact: Glynn O’Leary
Appointment Request: glynn@tfpd.co.za

Malawi/Zambia: Ulendo Safaris
Location: Malawi Stand (Hall 20 Stand 101)
Contact: Rob McConaghy
Appointment Request: rob@ulendo.net

INDABA
For more information please visit the show web ste.

Mozambique: Mozambique Voyages
Location: Mozambique Stand
Contact: Martijn Mellaart
Appointment Request: Barbara Kuhn, sales@uitkykholidays.co.za

Kenya: Heritage Hotels
Location: ATTA Stand
Contact: George Kariuki
Appointment Request: george.kariuki@heritagehotels.co.ke

East Africa: Express Travel Group
Location: Kenya Tourist Board Stand
Contact: Margie
Appointment Request: margie@expresstravelgroup.co.ke

Zambia: Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp
Location: Zambia Stand
Contact: Debbie Peake and Steve Smith will be attending
Appointment Request: Steve Smith sichaba@botsnet.bw

South Africa: Transfrontier Parks Destinations
Location: Northern Cape and Mozambique Stands
Contact: Glynn O’Leary
Appointment Request: glynn@tfpd.co.za

Zambia: Kafunta Safaris
Location: Zambian National Tourist Board stand
Contact: Wilson Malambo, Anke Cowan
Appointment Request:Anke: kafunta@luangwa.com

Check it out here!

Footsteps in Africa website
Our website has undergone a transformation and you are all invited to use our website as a information source, all rates on the website are rack. We have liberally used images to illustrate the splendor of the respective camps / lodges.
Website: www.footsteps-in-africa.com

Fly Camps in 2010
Please note that all Fly camp bookings now need to be a minimum of 4 guests. All reservations already made will be honored; new reservations will be subjected to the chance.
The change has been necessitated by factors beyond our control.

Mapula Lodge – Change in ownership
Mapula Lodge has changed hands and has been acquired by a prominent businessman from Gaborone, Botswana. No changes to the rates will be made in 2010, however several improvements and upgrades will be made to Mapula Lodge including the overall guest experience – more about this in a separate press release.

Oddballs’ Upgrade!
Oddballs’ has been upgraded and each and every tent now boasts rustic en-suite facilities! Oddballs’ offers an extraordinary value-for-money experience in the Okavango Delta.

Activities (walks & mokoro excursions) are conducted by your own professional guide (a maximum of two guests per guide), a man of the swamp, born and bred in the area.
New images will soon be available.

Land & Water Camps
Please remember we have 3 Fantastic Land & Water camp combination:

• Santawani & Oddballs’ = Common rated
• Sankuyo Bush Camp & Oddballs’ Enclave = Common rated
• Delta Camp and Mapula Lodge.

New E-Brochures
New E-Brochures for Sankuyo Bush Camp, Santawani and Oddballs’ Enclave are now available. Please do remember that ALL E-brochures can be modified to have your logo and your contact details – this service is FREE.

Detailed Itineraries
We have just released detailed Rack rate itineraries for the trade; these itineraries highlight several combination and are ideal to place on a website or to send out as a mail merge.
Contact us for your copy.

Great Photographic Safari with Pat & Rodger de la Harpe
Renowned wildlife photographers Roger and Pat de la Harpe will show your guests how to capture the landscape and inhabitants of the Kalahari, Okavango and Linyanti – on their premium Photo Safari destination. The weeklong photographic safari takes participants to remote areas where game is plentiful and while most of the day is spent taking pictures and evaluating photos, there’s also time for sundowners at the watering hole and dinner under the stars. Africa Imagery is offering the trade 20% commission.
Dates: 15-22 March 2010 and 3-10 May 2010.

For more information go to www.africaimagery.com

Greetings! This week The Fazendin Portfolio team is heading off to opposite ends of the country (including meetings with many of you!) As always we have lots of news to share and can’t wait to catch up with our friends in the African travel industry. Thanks for reading and have a great week!
The Fazendin Portfolio team

IT HAS COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT THE FIRST TWO LINKS IN THE NEWSLETTER WERE NOT WORKING… PLEASE SEE BELOW.

Introducing Mozambique Voyages

As the travel industry recovers from what some consider to be the most challenging year ever in 2009, now more than ever travel professionals are realizing the importance of destination specializing and creating value for travelers through providing the most accurate and up-to-date information and access to destinations around the globe. Today, new tour operator Mozambique Voyages launches to provide travelers an unprecedented level of access and specialization for travel to Mozambique.

View the full press release here.

Zantas Air Charters in Tanzania

Established in 1995 with only one C206 (6 seater) airplane, the professional team at Zantas Air have pushed hard in offering the best in private air charter services around East Africa. Today Zantas Air proudly owns two modern Grand Caravans (14 seater) and an updated C206, all in immaculate condition – the oldest manufactured in the year 2000. Services are offered from both Dar and Arusha.

Zantas Air is one of the only companies that operate the newest fleet of aircrafts with top-class equipment in Tanzania and maintenance is one of the finest – safety is of utmost importance and dealt with extreme seriousness. All aircraft are maintained in Nairobi and comply with all ICAO, CESSNA and TCAA directives. Zantas Air also offers prices that are the most competitive rates for air charter around the country.

For more information please visit www.zantasair.com.

Download Detailed Charter Rates here.

It would appear that Ulendo’s eMail service providers have misplaced their satellite! While they’re looking for it we’ve been unable to send or receive emails. To top things off Malawi Telecoms seem to be having problems with the telephone exchanges and services are erratic to say the least!

TEMPORARY CONTACT DETAILS
We apologise for the problems being experienced in communicating with Ulendo in Lilongwe. Please note the following temporary eMail and telephone contact details. Our service providers are working on restoring normal communications and we apologise for the inconvenience.

eMail
ulendo.flights@gmail.com
ulendo.tours@gmail.com
ulendoexplorer@gmail.com

Cell Phones
+265888207896
+265999334598

Skype
ulendo.safaris