AmaWaterways unveils 2014 Africa Safaris & Wildlife cruise programme

 AmaWaterways has released details of its new 2014 Africa Safaris & Wildlife cruise programme. With the boutique river cruiser, Zambezi Queen, as the central element of each itinerary, there are three combinations taking in eastern and southern Africa:Stars of South Africa, Rivers & Rails of Africa and Golden Trails of East Africa. AmaWaterways is the only river cruise company operating in Africa to offer both river and land-based safari programmes.

Each itinerary includes a four-night stay on the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen, which sails the Chobe River, a waterway forming the border between Botswana and Namibia, and two nights at Victoria Falls. Chic and contemporary, the Zambezi Queen offers deluxe accommodation, fine dining and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, making it an excellent vantage point for game viewing, with hippos and elephants clearly visible from the ship. The four days include game viewing in the Chobe National Park by safari vehicle and by private boat, a perfect opportunity to spot elephant, gazelle, hippo and crocodile at the water’s edge. There’s also a visit to a local village and dinner ashore in a traditional African boma.

Extensions to the cruise include Cape Town, Johannesburg and the Kruger Park on the 13-night Stars of South Africa itinerary; and Cape Town, Johannesburg and the luxury Rovos Rail train on the 12-night Rivers and Rails of Africa tour. Golden Trails of East Africa takes in Johannesburg as well as camps in Kenya and Tanzania, visiting Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, an adventure of 15 nights.

From £6,247 pp for Stars of South Africa, departing March 14^th, 2014, ground arrangements only, including all sightseeing, accommodation and most meals. Flights and visa fees extra,

More info:  0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

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Trans Atlantic Crossing Under sail with Yoga!

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers  is offering guests free daily yoga and meditation classes on three cruises in 2014: the spring and autumn 2014 transatlantic crossing of the line’s flagship, the 227-passenger Royal Clipper, and a Balearics voyage on Star Flyer from Palma departing August 2.

Qualified yoga teacher Christel Vollmer, back on board by popular demand, will be on the two crossings, holding the daily sessions of Astanga yoga, also known as power yoga, on deck in the cool morning air, with a second session just before sunset, including meditation. Christel will also deliver lectures on the philosophy of yoga and advice for practice at home.

For those who want to follow a healthy or vegetarian diet during any of these cruises, Star Clippers’ usual sumptuous breakfast buffets, piled with fresh, seasonal fruits, and magnificent arrays of salads at lunchtime will be available, as well as vegetarian choices at dinner.

The yoga cruises are as follows:

• Royal Clipper with Christel Vollmer, 16 nights from Barbados to Malaga, departing April 12 and arriving April 28, from £1,420 (flights extra).
• Royal Clipper with Christel Vollmer, 16 nights Lisbon to Barbados, departing November 6, from £1,540 for 16 nights; (flights extra).
• Star Flyer with Raphaella Rose, seven nights round-trip Palma, departing August 2, from £1,470 (flights extra).

To book, call 0845 200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk.

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Steppes Travel Gulf of Baja

Baja California Private Charter

90 feet of beautiful mahogany and billowing sails, Besame Mucho  is the epitome of elegant luxury and will take passengers through the crystal waters of the Sea of Cortez that sits between the east coast of Baja California and mainland Mexico.

With private crew and chef, Besame Mucho is beautifully decked out with 6 double cabins and all the mod cons you would expect from a modern yacht…

Spend days in search of whales and dolphins, moor at remote beaches inaccessible from land, and snorkel with the playful sea lions circling the yacht.  And for the more adventurous there are kayaks to hunt for exotic birdlife in the mangroves and fishing rods to catch that evening's dinner!

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