"GIVE THE GIFT OF AFRICA" SALE

JOHANNESBURG or CAPE TOWN or DURBAN - starting from only $869 r/t + tax

With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to buy tickets with our "Give the Gift of Africa" Sale. South African Airways has launched new special published fares from New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to a myriad of destinations in Africa. With their convenient flight schedules via the Johannesburg hub, SAA offers some of the fastest connections to these exciting and adventurous destinations.

Booking/Ticketing Period: December 10 - 22, 2010
Travel Period: January 10 - February 19, 2011
Ticketing: Tickets must be issued within 24-hours after booking
Cancellation Fee:100% non-refundable once ticket is issued

EARTH HOUR AT SABI SABI

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2010
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sabi Sabi has once again committed to its support of Earth Hour and will be turning off the electric lights at all of our lodges from 8:30PM – 9:30PM on March 27th, 2010. While every evening at Sabi Sabi has an element of Earth Hour to it - romantic dinners lit by the gentle glow of oil lamps, roaring boma fires bathed in the moonlight and brilliant starlight of the African night skies - extra steps will be taken at that hour in solidarity with the worldwide initiative.

"Conserving the environment is a major cornerstone of Sabi Sabi's philosophy. We think that Earth Hour is a wonderful concept that allows everyone to make a positive contribution to the environment," says Group Operations Director, Rod Wyndham. "We have challenged all of our team members to photographically capture the magic of Earth Hour and look forward to sharing those images in a future newsletter."

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

BOTSWANA SAFARI PRICES DROP - 2AFRIKA PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2AFRIKA, INC.
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is pleased to announce that it’s popular 7-Day Safari to Botswana including the Victoria Falls has reduced in price by $100 p/p!

PULA, PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES’s flagship 7-Day Safari to Botswana is priced at $1,449 per person sharing accommodation (+ tax of $195) and includes 6-nights superior accommodation at Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana, 16-meals, 7 invigorating Safari Activities and a full-day trip to the Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and a morning walk in a local village in Namibia, all National Park & Game Reserve entrance fees, Government Taxes and service charges, and round trip transfers upon arrival and departure from the area.

This reduced price is good for daily departures through March 31, 2011!

“Now in its seventh successful year of operation, PULA is indeed one of our most popular safaris to southern Africa,” stated Marion Valderrama, who heads up the company’s Botswana Department, “and we’re constantly receiving rave reports from returning passengers who have fallen-in-love with untamed yet sophisticated Africa.”

Valderrama, originally from South Africa, is in a unique position in the U.S. to talk about her homeland. Having been on more safaris than can be counted, she has an in-depth knowledge on how to maximize one’s Safari Experience. That combined with access to exceptionally well priced air with the services of South African Airways provides Valderrama with the cutting-edge that she needs in today’s marketplace to not simply provide an exceptional Botswana Safari Experience but to also offer the experience at very affordable prices to the U.S. traveler.

“Travelers wanting to take advantage of PULA are encouraged to consider extending their time in Southern Africa and visit other well known destinations such as Cape Town,” said Valderrama who is poised to assist travelers every step-of-the-way.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is a division of the Kenneth R. Hieber Group of Travel Companies and is located in New York City. Frequently endorsed by Arthur Frommer, Budget Travel Online and Lonely Planet Guides, the company has operated in the United States since July 1995 and has created many African Dreams for American travelers. The group is extremely committed to ‘Keeping Africa Affordable’ and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism’ but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of our valued passengers!

Contact:

Kenneth R. Hieber
Founder & President, 2AFRIKA, INC.
Toll-Free: 1-866-462-2374
Phone: 1-212-385-9770

###

SABI SABI WELCOMES FOUR NEW TRAINEE GUIDES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Over the past 30 years, Sabi Sabi has become recognized as a leader in the field of ranger/guide training, with aspiring game rangers clamoring for a chance to take part in the demanding courses. The selection process is intensive for those hoping to qualify and ultimately become one of the reserve’s renowned guides.

The first step is the initial interview, where potential candidates are rigorously assessed by the senior safari managers. Sabi Sabi is known the world over for the exceptional caliber of its safari team, and only the very best make it past this first interview. Besides testing their safari knowledge, the managers make sure that the would-be guides are empathic, perceptive, and insightful, and carry that special brand of warmth that is synonymous with everyone who calls Sabi Sabi home.Once past this first step, the top six to eight candidates are invited to join the highly intensive course which takes place at Nkombe Camp, a tented facility situated in a remote section of the Sabi Sabi bushveld. The curriculum is comprehensive. Conservation and the principles of ecology, wild animal behavior and safety procedures in a Big 5 environment, bird identification, the identification and uses of the indigenous plants and trees, and of course, conducting day, night and walking safaris, all form part of the training course. Trainees are also taught the etiquette of interacting with guests from many different cultures around the world. By the time they graduate as qualified rangers, they will have become environmental educators, spreading the message of conservation nationally and internationally.

On the last day of the course, final interviews are conducted, and a select panel of senior managers and staff decides who will fit the profile of a Sabi Sabi field guide.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

DREAM TRIPS - TAKE AN AFFORDABLE SAFARI

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Our sincere thanks to Arthur Frommer’s BUDGET TRAVEL magazine for a great article in their March issue!

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that the collective noun for a group of oxpeckers is a "fling"?

This information comes to the 'world' from the 'wild' by courtesy of The Bushcamp Company - Zambia.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

INTRODUCING KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It is now official that the new Airport for DURBAN (KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) will be operational with effect May 01, 2010.

All arriving and departing flights into the Durban area will route through King Shaka International Airport. On April 30, 2010, the current Durban International Airport will officially close down for services the moment the last departing flight has become airborne.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: SOUTH AFRICA PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To ensure that you have a pleasant and uninterrupted travel experience on South African Airways, we wanted to remind you of the special passport and visa requirements for persons entering South Africa. All non-South African passport holders are required to have at least one, entirely blank (unstamped) visa page in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa. These pages are in addition to the Endorsement/Amendment pages that are found at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa page. South African Airways is required to enforce these visa requirements and unfortunately, customers not processing the proper documentation will be denied boarding at point of origin.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

YOGA SAFARI IN BOTSWANA

With limited space availability, contact Marion Valderrama Toll-Free on 1-888-927-5255

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

INTRODUCTION TO THE ZAMBEZI QUEEN

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2010
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

There can be few natural wonders as synonymous with Africa’s raw wilderness as the great Chobe River. These waters divide Namibia’s Caprivi Strip from Botswana’s Chobe National Park, and its exotic banks boast one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent.

Teeming with life, this National Park sprawls across lush African bush, and is home to the largest populace of elephants in the world – currently estimated at roughly 120,000. Along with the elephants, prides of leopard and lion, huge groups of buffalo, waterbuck, roan, eland, sable, giraffe, and, if you are lucky, one of the rare puku, can also be seen. In the river itself watch out for hippo and crocodile, and keep your binoculars at the ready for spotting a rich selection of bird life.

It is on this great expanse of untamed water an adventure unlike any other awaits. Why join he crowds on land-based game drives when you can experience the thrill of it all from your own private suite aboard a luxury boat? The Zambezi Queen operates in 5-star opulence, and is all about pampering, indulgence, and superior comfort.

Whether you are dining on our third level restaurant watching the animals gather at the water at dusk, game viewing from one of our private boats, or attempting to land your first tiger fish, our professional team will be on hand to meet your every need.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

TSA RULES & REGULATIONS UPDATE FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With heightened security regulations now fully enforced by the TSA, it is important that we collect all pertinent data from our valued passengers to ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey.

At a suitable time, we request that you kindly email us a high-resolution scanned copy of the PERSONAL PAGES of your valid passport to enable us to provide the airlines with the information that they require. The primary information would be the accuracy of your names, your title, your valid passport number, date of issue & expiration, as well as your full date of birth.

We also need to receive your FULL residential address information as well as every possible telephone number and email address to update our files in the event of us having to reach you.

If you are unable to scan your passport, you can take a digital photograph of the required information and email it to us that way – and if all else fails, you can photocopy your passport in high resolution and fax it to our secure fax line on 1-954-927-9926. Again, please be reminded that no airline tickets can be issued without this required mandatory information – your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

You should also take a moment to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6-months AFTER your intended return home to the United States and that you have at least 2 consecutive blank pages in your passport for issuing a visa to visit the Republic of South Africa. If you do not have 2 consecutive blank pages, South African Immigration Authorities reserve the right to deport you immediately. NOTE – the Republic of Kenya has implemented the same rule at this time and is it highly probable that Tanzania and other East African countries will soon follow – in summary, the more consecutive blank pages you have in your passport, the better!

We take your travel arrangements very seriously and strive to provide you with a trouble free journey – please assist us by complying with this request at a suitable time. If you have already provided us with this information, kindly disregard this BLOG/EMAIL notification!

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES PROMOTES R/T BUSINESS CLASS TO EUROPE FROM ONLY $2,200.- P/P

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2010
DANIA, FL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Protea Travel Services is pleased to launch a Business Class agreement with AirEuropa.

Effective immediately, $2,200.- will buy you a round trip Business Class ticket from Miami to your choice of Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Venice, Milan, London or Lisbon. $2,200.- Includes all taxes and you’re permitted a stay of up to 1 month. The minimum stay requirement is one Sunday and the period of travel is between April 15 and June 15, 2010.

Once reserved and confirmed, tickets must be issued within 72-hours. Cancellation penalties apply.

For more information, contact Protea Travel Services Toll-Free on 1-888-927-5255 during normal business hours.

Protea Travel Services is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

NORTHEAST U.S. WEATHER ADVISORY

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for most parts of Northeast region of the U.S., effective 6:00PM today through Thursday, February 11, 2010!

At this time, South African Airways is planning to operate flight services to/from Washington, DC-Dulles as scheduled as well as flight services to/from New York City JFK, however, they are encouraging passengers to reconfirm their flights.

If you are travelling to/from or connecting in Washington, DC-Dulles and/or New York City JFK, during the period of this weather advisory, and would like to rebook your flights for alternatives dates, please contact the South African Airways Customer Call Center at 1-800-722-9675.

If you are a Protea Travel Services passenger, a 2AFRIKA, INC. passenger or a GAY2AFRIKA, INC. passenger, please call 1-305-607-8220.This release is as posted by South African Airways North American Sales.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

IF YOU ARE ONLY GOING TO THINK 1 TIME – THINK PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES

Protea Travel Services is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

MARION R. VALDERRAMA APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE KENNETH R. HIEBER GROUP OF TRAVEL COMPANIES

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In New York City yesterday, Marion R. Valderrama, Founder & President of Protea Travel Services accepted her appointment to the Board of Directors of the Kenneth R. Hieber Group of Travel Companies.

“Valderrama, a veteran Travel Specialist, is a valuable asset who brings with her 20+ years of extensive travel knowledge,” said 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber during a press interview, “and I have no doubt that her valuable input will be of great value to the Kenneth R. Hieber Group of Travel Companies.”

Now, the Kenneth R. Hieber Group of Travel Companies is comprised of 2AFRIKA, INC., GAY2AFRIKA, INC., PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES, ANOTHER COUNTRY THROUGH MY EYES, the AFRICA TOURISM BOARD, and the AFRICAN BUSH WALK Company.

Valderrama and Hieber have nurtured a working relationship that has spanned a fifteen-year tenure and this recent appointment is as Hieber put it “The next progressional step to strengthen our business relationship.”

Well known for her strong leadership qualities, Marion remains constantly acknowledged as a ‘Businesswoman of high moral values and integrity’.

Both parties are delighted at this developing business relationship. Between the two of them, they boast 50+ years of invaluable travel experience – that’s experience you can come to rely on in this modern age of on-line booking portals. Both Valderrama and Hieber are ‘hands-on’ professionals who prefer the ‘old-fashioned’ method of ‘talking with their valued passengers’.

“That way,” they add “passengers instantly feel an elevated level of comfort, for they know that we are there for them 24/7 and they [the passengers] are not left to the mercy of modern day computerization."

Protea Travel Services is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

WASHINGTON, DC WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area, effective 10:00AM on Friday, February 5 until 10:00PM on Saturday, February 6!

At this time, South African Airways is planning to operate flight services to/from Washington, DC-Dulles as scheduled, however, they are encouraging passengers to reconfirm their flights.

If you are travelling to/from or connecting in Washington, DC-Dulles during the period of this weather advisory, and would like to rebook your flights for alternatives dates, please contact the South African Airways Customer Call Center at 1-800-722-9675.

If you are a Protea Travel Services passenger, a 2AFRIKA, INC. passenger or a GAY2AFRIKA, INC. passenger, please call 1-305-607-8220.

This release is as posted by South African Airways North American Sales

Protea Travel Services is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that leopards have very long tails that act as counterbalances when running, jumping or climbing trees?

This information comes to the 'world' from the 'wild' by courtesy of The Bushcamp Company - Zambia.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

NEW PREMIUM BUSINESS CLASS FARES FROM $4,999*

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

South African Airways and PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES have introduced new lower advance purchase fares in Premium Business Class from selected cities in the U.S. to South Africa.

South African Airways’ Premium Business Class is the flat-out choice for discerning business class passengers. Their award-winning Premium Business Class features a 180-degree lie-flat seat that has been rated by SkyTrax as the most comfortable business class seat in the sky. Premium Business Class passengers enjoy on-demand audio and visual entertainment, gourmet meals, and a wine cellar that features some of South Africa’s finest vintages.

South African Airways’ Premium Business Class flatbeds are featured on their international fleet of Airbus A340 aircraft, including their flights from New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to Johannesburg. It is no wonder that South African Airways has been awarded the, “Best Airline to Africa”, based on comfort and quality by leading travel publications, such as, Global Traveler, Business Traveler and Executive Travel magazines.

New York (JFK) - $4,999*
Washington, D.C. (IAD) - $4,999*
Boston (BOS) - $4,999*
Chicago (ORD) - $5,099*
Houston (IAH) - $5,129*
Denver (DEN) - $5,299*
Los Angeles (LAX) - $5,529*
San Francisco (SFO) - $5,529*

*Fuel surcharges, government taxes, departure fees and September 11th Security Fee of approximately $550 are additional and payable prior to departure. Tickets must be purchased before February 28, 2010. Tickets must be purchased 30 days before traveling. Travel has to commence on or before June 5, 2010. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Cancellations/Penalties for travel before June 4 and after July 11: 25% penalty for cancellation/no-show/refund; for travel on or after June 4 through July 11: ticket is non-refundable for cancellation/no-show/refund. Changes incur $175 change fee for reissue and subject to availability. Upgrade to higher fare permitted based on availability.

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that baby hippos are usually born on land or in shallow water, but suckle underwater? They remain with their mothers for up to eight years.

This information comes to the 'world' from the 'wild' by courtesy of The Bushcamp Company - Zambia.

Protea Travel Services is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

PROTEA TRAVEL SERVICES TAKES YOU PLACES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010
DANIA, FL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, Protea Travel Services President, Marion Valderrama announced a new fare deal to Dakar - Senegal made available via South African Airways.

Valderrama told the media that for a limited time, Johannesburg and Dakar were 'common-rated' and she urged West Africa bound travelers to reserve their flights as soon as possible.

In conjunction with Protea Travel Services preferred African Tour Operator, 2AFRIKA, INC. based out of New York City, Valderrama is now offering packages to individuals and groups who wish to explore the mystery of West Africa.

Marions tenure in the Travel Industry commenced over 2 decades ago in South Africa and as always, she remains dedicated to her vocation and indeed, a testament to the trade.

For further information, Valderrama can be reached Toll-Free on 1-888-927-5255 or via mvalderram@aol.com