Archive for November, 2010

Fleewinter Zips into Zanzibar

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Independent UK operator Fleewinter has launched a brand new programme to the spice islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, its (less-developed) sister island to the north.  The new offering also includes bolt-on safaris to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

 

Each area of Zanzibar has its own charm, and Fleewinter offers stays on the east coast (Ras Nungwi, Mnemba, Kiwengwa and Paje), the south west (Kizimkaze) and Stone Town on the west coast.

 

There is a wide choice of accommodation including beach resorts, boutique hotels and private beach villas, for those who prefer to be on their own.  There are a total of 13 properties to choose from on Zanzibar and one on Pemba, the renowned Fundu Lagoon.        

 

For example, one of the newest properties on Zanzibar, Raha Lodge (Raha means happiness in Swahili) is right on Jambiani beach in the south east of the island. The four-bedroomed villa which comes with two staff is perfect for a large family or small group, with rooms costing from just £70 per night (B&B, 2 sharing a room). 

 

There are also plenty of things to do for those who get itchy feet lying on a beach or in a hammock; including scuba diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, dhow boat trips, dolphin watching and fishing excursions.

 

Other popular activities include tours of the capital, Stone Town, Spice Tours and visits to discover the flora and fauna of Jozani Forest in the centre of the island.

 

From the UK, Zanzibar is reached via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam, and Fleewinter has developed a safari programme for those who wish to enjoy the Tanzanian, Kenyan or Rwandan wildlife before chilling in the Spice Islands.

 

There is a choice of 4 safari camps in Kenya, 5 in Tanzania and one in Rwanda.

 

Sample package:  A one week stay, departing 17 January 2011, including 3 nights at Kicheche Mara Camp, Kenya (all-inclusive safari) followed by 4 nights at Sultan Sands, Zanzibar, on a half-board basis, including return flights to Nairobi and transfers would cost from £2130 per person (2 people sharing a room).  Call 020 7112 0019 (www.fleewinter.com).

 

Fleewinter specialises in offering a concierge-style service with international and regional flights, car-hire, private chauffeurs, restaurant/concert/sporting bookings and baby-sitting all available on request.  Booking through Fleewinter is the same price (or cheaper) than booking direct and its AITO membership means 100% financial protection.  In addition to Zanzibar, Fleewinter also offers holidays to Cape Town and the Garden Route, Bali, Barbados, the Maldives, Morocco, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Thailand and Tobago.

 

Christmas in Cape Town – 7 nights from £1850 pp

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Escape the freezing cold temperatures for a break in the Cape Town sunshine this Christmas with Fleewinter.  There is a wide choice of accommodation including Big Bay Penthouse, a stylish two bedroomed apartment (sleeps 4) in the Bloubergstrand region of the city.

 

The apartment has shared use of a swimming pool and commands undisturbed views of Table Mountain and the beach (which is just a short stroll away) from the private sun terrace.

 

The price of a one-week stay, from 19 December, is from £1850 pp (2 sharing, or £1690 pp if 4 share), including flights with Virgin, transfers and 7 nights’ accommodation.

 

Fleewinter can also organise whale-watching excursions or wine land visits.  Call 020 7112 0019 (www.fleewinter.com).     

 

New Year in Marrakech – 4 nights from £265 pp

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Why not enjoy a New Year’s Eve with a difference this year in exotic Marrakech?  The vibrant city is only three hours from the UK yet it feels like another world. Fleewinter has a wide choice of accommodation including Dar Jaguar, an ancient riad which has been completely restored as a stylish, private guesthouse.

 

It is situated in the heart of the old medina in Marrakech, neighbouring the Place des Epices (spice market) and less than five minutes’ walk from the Jemaa el Fna Square, which bursts into life at dusk every evening when the musicians, fire eaters, snake charmers and food vendors arrive.

 

The price of a four night break on a B&B basis over New Year is from £265 pp (2 sharing), including airport transfers (flights not included but low cost operators Easyjet and Ryanair both fly to Marrakech).  Call 020 7112 0019 (www.fleewinter.com).