Ellerman House in Cape Town, South Africa

Reputable tour packager Kensington Tours is offering a new 8-night luxury vacation to South Africa. Dubbed “Sophisticated South Africa,” the package is privately guided so there’s no set departure dates. Go when your schedule dictates, not someone else’s.

You’ll spend four nights at Ellerman House in Cape Town. This chic hotel is know for its personalized service, and celebrities like Oprah, Sting, and Bono have all stayed here while traveling in South Africa.

The first part of your journey in Cape Town will take you to Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Simons Town, Boulders Beach (for some playtime with the penguins), and nearby vineyards.

Next you’ll fly to Johannesburg and then connect to Kruger National Park, where you’ll make yourself at home at either Singita Lebombo Lodge or Sweni Lodge. Eight game drives are included, along with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on safari.

Pricing for Sophisticated South Africa has been reduced for departures between January 15–May 31, 2010 and August 1–December 15, 2010. The package is approximately $8,995 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or Kensington Tours.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

“I’ve discovered that for those who try to climb Kili, the mountain is almost always a metaphor. You climb it not just to reach the summit, but to prove something to yourself,” says Richard Wiese, former president of The Explorers Club.  “However, for thoughtful travelers, there is a responsibility to research and choose a company that practices and promotes responsible, sustainable tourism.”

Wiese and Abercrombie & Kent came together to create Mount Kilimanjaro: To the Summit on a Mission. This philanthropic journey gives travelers the chance to explore Tanzania while giving something back as they deliver the third in a series of weather stations to monitor the climate changes affecting Kilimanjaro.

Wiese will point out the changes he has seen on the mountain over the years due to global warming. “People who take a trip like this are looking for more than just adventure and challenge,” adds Wiese. “They want to be involved in a project that is related to understanding how global warming is changing our world. This is important scientific research that is being supported by tourism dollars.”

Abercrombie & Kent was recently recognized as a Partner for Responsible Travel by the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC),  a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote responsible and sustainable connections between travelers and the people of developing mountain regions of the world.

Since much of a climber’s success in summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro depends on the assistance of the porters, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy has pledged ongoing support for IMEC’s Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project, which seeks to improve their working conditions by:
• Providing individual porters with warm, high-quality clothing free of charge.
• Offering free English language, first aid, and HIV/AIDS awareness classes.
• Educating guests about acceptable standards of porter treatment.

Mt. Kilimanjaro: To the Summit on a Mission is scheduled for December 27, 2009 through Jan 8, 2010 with Richard Wiese; thirteen days from $7,795, plus $1,200 donation (tax deductible) required.

For more information, visit Abercrombie & Kent or call 1-(800) 554-7094.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent