AFRICAN safari specialist Bench International is marking 45 years of taking Australians to Africa by introducing more itineraries in Zambia and additional fully escorted tours to several regions during 2014.
There is also a wider choice of holidays in the Indian Ocean withdestinations like Zanzibar, Seychelles, Reunion, Mauritius, Lamu, Mombasa and Mozambique.
Improved access and infrastructure in Zambia has led to new options in the South Luangwa National Park, along the magnificent Zambezi River and a combination of lodges and camps in the Livingstone area with easy access to the Victoria Falls.
Director of product, Fiona Orton said that the “Sultan, Safari and Spice” itinerary was typical of the new escorted small group tours. It is an 18-day package which includes return air fares from Australia, regional air fares, all accommodation and most meals, along with sightseeing excursions and game viewing drives. It visits Oman, Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Other group tours include itineraries in Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana. All are led by a Bench International African expert.
Ms Orton said that consumer demand to add a beach resort extension to a safari holiday had prompted Bench to offer packages at more than 20 three- to five-star properties linked to the Indian Ocean islands and coastline, particularly appealing to the honeymoon market.
She reminded agents that in comparing prices between various African wholesalers this coming year they should remember that at this point Bench International has included in their 2014 brochure newly-introduced VAT taxes in their prices for safaris in Kenya.
The large majority of other African wholesalers went to print before the 16 per cent tax was added by the Kenya Government. The taxes are applied to prices for accommodation, transportation and National Park entry fees, adding several hundred dollars to some itineraries.