Thursday, March 26, 2009

A Savvy Navigator for South Africa

Back in October, 2008, I wrote about a friend, Jeff Ward, who had started a new business called Savvy Navigator, LLC, of conducting escorted gay friendly tours to South Africa. Now, Out Traveler has done a story on Jeff's endeavor. Jeff has plenty of travel experience both from his background in the airline industry not to mention travels with his TV producer husband. I'm trilled that Out Traveler is giving him much deserved coverage. Here are some highlights:
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A 12-day trip to South Africa can be a daunting adventure to plan well. Tack on looking for gay nightlife, day trips to the country's famed vineyards, and a few days escape to Zambia's thundering Victoria Falls and well...you'll be a travel expert by the time you get home!
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If, however, you'd rather let a tried-and-true gay traveller take over the heavy lifting, there are a bunch of gay tour operators out there with great Africa packages. Created and run by
Jeffrey Ward, who earned his travel expert stripes as an executive at gay-friendly American Airlines, the Savvy Navigator has put together a fun-looking trip for this May (and other in November).
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Centering around
Cape Town with an optional four-day add-on to Victoria Falls, Savvy Navigator specializes in small groups (no more than 12) and intimate luxury experiences. More than other gay tour operators to the area, Savvy Navigator will focus as much on culinary and cultural luxury as on, say, trips to vineyards and a safari -- both of which are included, too.
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Starting at $5,995 for 12 days, plus $1,995 for the Zambian add-on, plus your own airfare in and out of Africa (domestic flights are included), of course, you'll have to reach deep in these uncertain economic times. With Ward at the helm, though, there doesn't seem to be any doubt you'll have an experience worth every penny.

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