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Safari, So Good: Adventurous African Escapes for Our Frugal Followers

May 9, 2003 -- Stunning sights -- and some simple savings -- await you on two separate, but equally life-changing, journeys to this oft-thought out-of-reach continent for just a touch over $100 a day including airfare, hotels and a whole lot more from those good folks at Djoser.

The first is an 17-day/15-night safari through the heart of Kenya's national parks system from only $1,995 out of NYC or $2,195 out of Los Angeles -- that's $100 off their usual fee. (A 22-day trip runs $2,320 from NYC; $2,520 from LA.) Those prices include all flights, lodgings, knowledgeable local guides, transfers and transportation -- in this case an open safari bus. Your lodgings consist of comfortable hotels in the cities and two-man tents out in the parks. You'll stop in five parks teeming with wildlife, visit Lake Victoria and Mt. Kenya and tour Nairobi and a Masai village. You can add on additional days for additional costs as well as a stay in Mombasa and a day at the beach. Single supplements are $175 for the shorter journey and $225 for the longer, but cunningly can be cut in half if you ask to be paired with a roomie and none is found. Not included is the cost of meals (estimated at just under $200), taxes, entrance fees, visas or souvenirs. There are additional fees for different points of departure as well. Departure dates vary month by month, and the $100 reduction is available now through August.

The second sojourn is to South Africa with a 16-day/13-night package starting from $2,095 out of NYC or $2,295 out of LA (those two are with $100 off). Extended 18-, 21- and 23-day trips are available as well. You'll visit Cape Town, Swaziland, Kruger National Park and more with a group no larger than 20 people since Djoser always keeps it small, intimate and manageable. Single supplements start from $200, but again, can be halved if you're not paired with someone. Expect to add on about $250 for meals, plus there are the same additional costs for taxes, entrance fees and visas.

The American dollar can be stretched quite far in both countries once you're on the ground (the biggest cost in both of these packages is the airfare). Both trips will have elements that should be deemed rigorous -- hiking, climbing or what have you -- so these opportunities are not necessarily for the habitually inactive or infirm. Additionally, group activities are not obligatory; you're welcome to strike out on your own, and guides will make appropriate suggestions.

For you New Yorkers curious about what to expect, Djoser will be presenting a slideshow tomorrow, May 10, at an upper west side café at noon. It's a great free way to learn about the trips and the people who run them (we're sure you'll like both!). For more info and the exact location, call 877/356-7376 or e-mail Luke Neal at lukedjoser@att.net.

For everybody else, you can simply visit Djoser online at www.djoserusa.com to read full details of each package and to make reservations.


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