Nature escapes said to boost creativity & social-connectedness

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - April 19th, 2017 - Acacia Africa’s recently released 32 page travel catalogue is filled with a wide array of affordable wildlife destinations that are ‘on trend’. New for 2017, the specialist’s collection includes six fresh accommodated overland escapes and a nature fueled small group tour, which includes three walking safaris. 

A bonus for any ‘wo-mads’ (female nomads) opting for an African safari, Florence Williams, science journalist and author of The Nature Fix (published, February 2017), claims time spent in the great outdoors not only makes you happier and less stressed, but also more creative and "socially connected” - a plus for adventurers of the fairer sex hoping to reap rewards from their holiday in both their professional and personal lives.

Arno Delport, Sales & Marketing Manager at Acacia Africa, comments, “Our new accommodated overland tours combine comfort and value for money with an added “wow” factor. No single supplement, the itineraries are attractive to the growing number of solo nomads opting for our tours. Based on current bookings for 2017, more than half of overlanders are single with women taking the lead when it comes to going it alone.” 

South Africa is still an appealing destination for UK travellers, its weak Rand allowing for cheaper safaris: a four day overland camping experience in the Kruger priced from only £315pp (no single supplement). For that reason, Acacia says, it could be time to explore more of the Rainbow Nation by venturing into the country’s smaller and even more affordable parks and reserves.  

The new 12 day Coast Lesotho & Cape Town accommodated overland tour, covers the 28,000 hectare Mountain Zebra National Park. Once reduced to just four stallions and one mare, its zebra population now stands at around 700. A conservation success story, the endangered black rhino, lion and cheetah also reside in the park. 

Due to its smaller size, Addo is on a par with the Kruger for viewing elephants en masse, its large herds numbering more than 600. Adjoining the coast, the park is home to the Big Seven including, the great white shark and the southern right whale, and released into the wilds this January, Sylvester the lion, who achieved international fame after escaping twice from the Karoo National Park. Where overlanding comes into its own, Acacia Africa visit both malaria free parks using their all purpose trucks. Ideal for that picture perfect Instagram moment, the elevated seating and large slide down windows allow for 360-degree vistas. From £715pp (no single supplement) + Adventure Pass from £70pp including transport, 11 nights twin share accommodation, most meals and services of a tour leader/driver.  Starts Durban - ends Cape Town. 

Also on trend Acacia’s new 12 day Delta & Chobe Waterways accommodated small group tour features walking safaris in the 3,200 hectare Polokwane Game Reserve. Its main attraction is the amount of ground one can cover on foot in a single afternoon - white rhino, and some very rare game, like the sable and tsessebe antelope often encountered by safari goers. From £1,200pp (two sharing) + Safari Pass from £950pp including transport accommodation (10 nights twin share rooms with en suite facilities, one night twin share pre-erected tent with en-suite) most meals and services of a tour leader/driver. Starts Johannesburg - ends Johannesburg. 

Lesotho is Instagram envy all the way (Acacia’s tours recently featured on Bravo’s list of 22 Essential Places to Take a Selfie Before You Die), but say’s Delport, “it’s the country’s cultural kick that will boost its popularity with travellers, as more of us are seeking out deeper and more meaningful connections on our travels.” The new 40 day Southern African Adventurer accommodated overland tour includes optional horseback adventures with the Basotho herdsmen in Malealea and village visits near the Sani Pass: the gateway to Lesotho. Swaziland, the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, is also big on experiences, mountain bike safaris in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary another major highlight on the itinerary. From £3,285pp (no single supplement) + Adventure Pass from £570pp including transport, accommodation (37 nights twin share accommodation, one night pre-erected en suite tented camp (Delta); one night bush camping at Spitzkoppe, equipment supplied), most meals and services of a tour leader/driver. Starts Cape Town - ends Cape Town. 

The trip covers an additional five countries including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Set to be a popular with travellers this year:

•Namibia featured on the Huffington Post’s 2017 list of “17 Epic Places You Never Thought To Travel To, But Should,” and it secured second place on Lonely Planet’s Best Value travel list - its currency pegged to the South African Rand. 

•Featured on Planet Earth II, the Buffalo versus lion pack scene in Botswana’s Okavango Delta was a definite highlight with lovers of raw, untamed Africa - the nature documentary series pulling in more viewers (aged 16-34 years) than the X Factor. Prince Harry’s recent endeavours also put the spotlight back on the country, the royal celebrity championing a campaign to protect endangered rhinos in Botswana. 

•The reintroduction of the KAZA univisa between Zimbabwe and Zambia has boosted the popularity of the neighbouring countries as travellers are now able to combine activities on both sides of the falls more easily.

Acacia Africa’s new catalogue also includes the new four day Kruger safari, seven day Kruger, Swaziland & Beach, and 46 day Southern Africa Explorer accommodated overland tours.

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All the above tours operate year round and exclude return flight. Acacia Africa’s camping and accommodated overland tours are targeted at the 18-39 market, while the safari specialist’s small group safaris are open to all travellers from eight years. 

Acacia Africa (020 7706 4700) SATSA membership No. 1931, ATTA membership no. 20151, ATOL No. 6499 and ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED. 

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