A fricA
A r o u n d
b y P r i vate J et
Exploring Wondrous Landscapes,
Legendary Wildlife & Vibrant Cultures
Egypt • Rwanda • Tanzania • Madagascar
Zambia • Botswana • South Africa • Namibia • Mali • Morocco
February 26 – March 20, 2010
23 Days • Limited to 68 Travelers
Dear Columbian,
J
oin us for an extraordinary journey around the African
continent, exploring its wondrous landscapes, legendary
wildlife, and vibrant cultures. See an incredible variety of natural
wonders, including the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert
and the largest curtain of water in the world, Victoria Falls.
Encounter, up-close, the legendary animals of classic safari lore,
including Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, Madagascar’s leaping
lemurs, and Tanzania’s thundering masses of migrating herds.
And meet with friendly and welcoming African peoples, such as
the San bushmen of the Kalahari, the Dogon tribe of Mali, and
the Berber of the Atlas Mountains.
Experience a world-class education as you travel with a team
of experts from the Smithsonian, the American Geographical
Society, Notre Dame, and the University of Washington. You will
also meet with curators, families, local experts, and dignitaries
who will open doors and give you a rare insider’s view into their
cultures. You may for example visit a small Zambian village and
meet with community members to gain insights into daily life
there, or bushwalk with an elder San tribesman to discover the
secrets of the Kalahari Desert, or learn to cook a delicious tagine
with a Moroccan chef in a traditional riad home.
Enjoy the ultimate way to travel as you are whisked from one
destination to the next aboard our newly configured private
jet, now limited to only 68 travelers. Relax in the expert care
and guidance of our expedition staff, including a dedicated
physician. Unwind in many world-class accommodations. And
take advantage of a uniquely flexible itinerary that allows you to
easily tailor the trip to your own interests.
We welcome your inquiry and reservation for what promises
to be a rewarding, unique life experience. To learn more about
this private jet voyage, please call the Columbia University
Alumni Travel Study Program at 1-866-325-8664 or email us at
[email protected].
Sincerely,
Luxury
Our programs are classified in three categories:
Value, Superior and Luxury
Susan K. Feagin
Executive Vice President
Columbia University Office of Alumni and Development
A fric A
Aro u n d
b y Pr i vat e J e t
Egypt
Luxor or the Siwa Oasis
...
Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
...
Tanzania
Safari Adventure in the Serengeti Plain
or the Ngorongoro Crater
...
Madagascar
Lemurs & Scenic Wonders
...
Zambia
Helicopter Viewing of Victoria Falls
...
Botswana
Bushwalking with the San of the Kalahari Desert,
or Cruising the Okavango Delta
...
South Africa
Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope
...
Namibia
Flightseeing along the Skeleton Coast,
or Dune Trekking in the Sossusvlei
...
Mali
Tuareg Nomads of Timbuktu,
Dogon Tribe of the Bandiagara Escarpment,
or Bozo People of Djenné
...
Morocco
Tombs, Palaces & Souks of Marrakech
or Berber People of the Atlas Mountains
Explore the African Continent and
•
False Bay, South Africa
Hypostyle Hall, Egypt
To Copenhagen
Marrakech
From Copenhagen,
Denmark
• • Atlas Mountains
Siwa Oasis
MOROCCO
•
• Luxor
EGYPT
T
hroughout this
innovative expedition,
you can enjoy your choice
of places to explore within
each country.
MALI
• Timbuktu
Mopti •
• • Dogon Country
Djenné
AFRICA
Kigali &
Gorilla Trekking
in Volcanoes
National Park
RWANDA
Serengeti Plain
•
•
Ngorongoro• • Kilimanjaro
Crater
TANZANIA
ZAMBIA
•
NAMIBIA
Swakopmund •
Walvis Bay •
Sossusvlei •
•
Flightseeing the
Skeleton Coast
& Namib Desert
Victoria Falls,
Okavango Livingstone
•
Delta
• Kalahari Desert
BOTSWANA
SOUTH
AFRICA
Cape Town &
Cape of Good Hope•
Anjajavy
Peninsula
•
Andasibe
National Park
••
Antananarivo
MADAGASCAR
Go to either the Siwa Oasis
or Luxor in Egypt, the
Serengeti or Ngorongoro
in Tanzania, Anjajavy
Peninsula or Andasibe
National Park in Madagascar,
the Kalahari Desert or
the Okavango Delta of
Botswana, the Namib Desert
or the Sossusvlei in Namibia,
Timbuktu or Dogon
Country or Djenné in Mali,
and Marrakech or the Atlas
Mountains in Morocco.
Enjoy a World-Class Education
Little bee-eaters, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Woman in traditional dress, Mali
Victoria Falls, Zambia
E
nrichment is the key to rewarding exploration. Travel with a team of worldrenowned experts who will share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the special
places we visit. While on the jet, enjoy informative lectures and lively discussions led
by these experts, and browse the jet library for destination-specific books and other
publications. And if you wish, join an expert for a meal or a small group excursion.
MakE a Difference in Africa
Jim Karr is a world traveler and Professor Emeritus of Ecology at the University of
Washington, with specialties in tropical ecology, birds, conservation biology, and
environmental policy. He has a B.Sc. from Iowa State University and a M.Sc. and Ph.D.
from the University of Illinois. He is the author of more than 300 scientific papers and
monographs, and is a popular lecturer on private jet expeditions.
C. Gregory Knight, lecturer for the American Geographical Society and guest lecturer
for The Explorers Club, is Professor of Geography and of International Environmental
Affairs at the Pennsylvania State University. Professor Knight’s research extends
from African cultural ecology and development to water resources and global climate
change. He is a Fellow of the American Geographical Society, has led Penn State
foreign field excursions, and has visited Africa frequently for research and lecturing.
Michael Mace, curator of birds for the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, has worked
for the Zoological Society of San Diego for 35 years and is currently responsible for
the management of the Wild Animal Park’s significant avian collection representing
265 species, including 18 endangered species, and 1,700 birds. He participates in
international conservation field projects and has authored numerous articles and
papers about avian science.
Father Oliver Williams joined the Notre Dame faculty in 1973 and is an Associate
Professor of Management and Director of the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and
Religious Values in Business. A recognized expert on economic and political issues in
South Africa, Father Williams served on the UN Observations Mission to South Africa
for the historic 1994 elections. He chairs the U.S. Board of the United States-South
Africa Leadership Development Program.
Don Wilson, a senior scientist at the Smithsonian, is curator of mammals at
the National Museum of Natural History. He is the author of over 180 scientific
publications and 13 books, including the highly acclaimed Mammal Species of the
World. His fieldwork and research have taken him around the world, and he has
led tours for Smithsonian Journeys to most of the world’s greatest natural history
destinations from Antarctica to Africa.
B
y joining the Around Africa
by Private Jet expedition, you will
automatically support the efforts
of the tour operator, Starquest
Expeditions, to enhance the
environmental, social, economic,
and educational conditions of
places and peoples we visit.
Within Africa, Starquest partners
with organizations and businesses
who share the above-stated goals
and can work with Starquest to
accomplish them. Starquest is also
happy to enable individual travelers
to join such efforts, if they ask. In
the following pages, we describe
the philanthropic activities in each
destination of the itinerary.
Experience the Ultimate in
Convenience, Security, and Service
Private Jet Travel
T
he best way to reach the far corners of the immense African continent in one
itinerary is to fly by private jet. We set our own schedules, so you fly direct and avoid
layovers. We land in remote airports that are closer to hard-to-reach destinations. We
have the flexibility and freedom to adjust the routing at will, if necessary—even while
an expedition is in progress. We avoid busy commercial airports whenever possible,
and always arrange for expedited boarding, luggage handling, and customs and
immigration formalities.
Our newly configured Boeing 757 generously accommodates only 68 travelers in 2-by-2
VIP-style leather seats with ecomfort™ foam support, instead of the standard 233
seats. Enjoy more space and an unsurpassed educational experience onboard the jet
with excellent access to our experts.
Our talented expedition staff is a team of experienced travel experts who attend to
every logistical detail. An expedition physician accompanies us, ready to provide and
coordinate healthcare services whenever and wherever they may be needed. Our flight
crew, including a chef and catering assistant, is specially selected for this expedition.
All staff are chosen for their attention to detail, dedication to safety and security,
and top-notch hospitality. And you will enjoy one of the highest flight attendant-topassenger ratios in the business: 1 to 9.
Accommodations & Cuisine
Unwind in the elegant quarters of South Africa’s Mount Nelson Hotel, a historic icon
The Royal Livingstone, Zambia
enjoyed by such luminaries as Winston Churchill. Immerse yourself in the sumptuous
interiors of the Royal Livingstone in Zambia, for a taste of a bygone era of grandeur.
And delight in many others of the world’s finest and most interesting accommodations.
In addition, many properties host festive banquets for us, featuring the best local
cuisine and traditional cultural performances.
The Sahara Desert, near Timbuktu, Mali
Following Your Passion with a Flexible Itinerary
The possibilities are endless, the experience—matchless.
You may go beyond the main itinerary, enjoying many excursions of your choice
along the way. Whether you want to tour local art galleries, visit a school, or hike
off the beaten path, we will ensure that your travels are thoroughly rewarding and
tailored for you.
In the following pages, we recommend certain sightseeing opportunities throughout
the journey. Most are available at no extra charge; however they are designed for small
groups and so have limited space available. Spaces will be reserved on a first-come,
first-served basis. These recommendations are a mere sampling of what’s possible.
If, for example, you prefer to visit a different stop entirely, we will look into an
alternative destination. For more information and to discuss your ideal Africa
itinerary, please contact us.
Ostrich family in the Sossusvlei, Namibia
Mount Nelson Hotel, South Africa
Flight Timings for The Boeing 757 Private Jet
DepartArriveHours/Minutes
Copenhagen, Denmark
Luxor, Egypt
5’ 50”
Luxor, Egypt
Kigali, Rwanda
4’ 15”
Kigali, Rwanda
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
1’ 10”
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Antananarivo, Madagascar
3’ 20”
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Livingstone, Zambia
3’ 30”
Livingstone, Zambia
Cape Town, South Africa
3’ 30”
Cape Town, South Africa
Walvis Bay, Namibia
2’ 30”
Walvis Bay, Namibia
Mopti, Mali
7’ 20”
Mopti, Mali
Marrakech, Morocco
2’ 40”
Marrakech, Morocco
Copenhagen, Denmark
5’ 40”
Our Journey Begins
USA / Copenhagen, Denmark
D
Friday & Saturday, February 26 & 27, 2010. epart your hometown independently on
a commercial flight to Copenhagen, Denmark, and arrive the next day. Meet with fellow
travelers and the expedition staff during dinner at our well-appointed Scandinavianstyle hotel. Hilton Copenhagen Airport Hotel
Luxor or The Siwa Oasis, Egypt
F
Sunday & Monday, February 28 & March 1. ly by private jet to Egypt and enjoy your
choice of two different ways to experience this legendary land:
Explore Luxor, on the Nile River, where a treasure trove of monumental achievements
has been admired the world over for thousands of years. Visit the Luxor Museum and
see some of the sepulchral treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Sail on the Nile
River in a felucca, a traditional sailboat, and spend time in the Valley of the Kings
visiting the tombs of divine pharaohs. Stop at the majestic temple of Queen Hatshepsut,
the longest-reigning female pharaoh and one of history’s great leaders. See the Colossi
of Memnon, two enormous statues and all that remains of the mortuary temple of
Amenhotep III. Visit Medinet Habu, the best-preserved temple in the area, and gaze up
at its colorful reliefs detailing the triumphs of Ramses III, considered the last great
pharaoh. Marvel at the Great Hypostyle Hall and temples at Karnak, the largest ancient
religious site in the world, and once described by Egyptians as ‘the most perfect of
places.’ In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable gala welcome dinner at the Temple of
Luxor. Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
Hypostyle Hall
Bas relief at Medinet Habu
Or discover the Siwa Oasis, deep in the Egyptian Sahara. Home to the Berber Siwan
people for thousands of years, this unique environment features numerous salt lakes,
freshwater springs, ancient olive and palm groves, fantastic sandstone hills, the Great
Sand Sea dune field, and temples built by the ancient Greeks. Visit the tombs of Gebel
al-Mawta, the Mountain of the Dead. Seek answers at the Temple of the Oracle just
as Alexander the Great did in 331 B.C. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Amon Ra.
Take a dip in the blue spring water of Cleopatra’s Bath. Explore the thirteenth-century
town of Shali, a labyrinthine cluster of kershef dwellings made of mud, salt, and straw.
And, if you wish, go horseback riding in the desert. Our base for explorations is an
extraordinary kershef eco-lodge, which has hosted such luminaries as Prince Charles
and the Duchess of Cornwall. Spend one night in Siwa and then return to Luxor in
time for the gala welcome dinner. Please note that this excursion is limited to a small
number of travelers and will incur a separate cost. Adrère Amellal Oasis, Western
Sahara Desert & Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
O
Siwa Oasis
ur expedition will support Siwan women who create traditional dresses, scarves, tools,
baskets, and silver jewellery, and who seek training in how to market their goods throughout
Egypt and beyond. Supplies will also be contributed to a local school.
Siwa Oasis
Volcanoes National Park & Kigali, Rwanda
F
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, March 2, 3 & 4. ly by private jet to Rwanda, a land
of rolling hills, lush green mountains, majestic volcanoes, and grassy lowlands. Hidden
deep in the high slopes of this enchanting land are the endangered mountain gorillas,
which the late Dian Fossey famously studied. During a scenic drive into the hills, we
will stop at the Hôtel des Mille Collines, the infamous hotel depicted in the movie Hotel
Rwanda. At Volcanoes National Park, we set out in intimate groups of eight, hiking
up through thick bamboo forests to encounter the gorillas in the wild. You may also
spot some of Rwanda’s 650 bird species. In the evening, celebrate your extraordinary
wildlife encounters over cocktails and visit a gallery of artwork depicting gorillas and
day-to-day Rwandan life in gorilla country. These special works are made by adults and
children who live in villages near the park and participate in the ART for GORILLAS Art
of Conservation program.
In addition to an exciting adventure in the forests of Rwanda, visit the Kigali Memorial
Centre, a meaningful tribute to those who perished in the genocide of 1994, built on a
site where more than 250,000 people are buried. You will have an opportunity to hear
survivors’ stories and learn about how people in Rwanda are creating an environment
for unity and healing. Browse the local markets for handicrafts, including the unique
Rwandan Agaseke basketry. Mountain View Lodge, Volcanoes National Park & Kigali
Serena Hotel, Kigali (A limited number of accommodation upgrades are available near
Volcanoes National Park at Sabinyo Silverback Lodge)
Mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park
Please note: Because the hike at Volcanoes National Park occurs at high altitudes and
is especially arduous and challenging, a doctor’s approval to participate in the hike is
required. A personal porter will be available to each traveler for assistance.
Alternate: Travelers whose health conditions do not permit gorilla trekking and
those who would prefer a more relaxing stay in Rwanda can instead spend more time
in the capital city, Kigali. Meet with Rwandans who live at the SOS Children’s Village
Kigali; then take an exciting helicopter ride over the ancient Nyungwe Rain Forest to
view the source of the Nile, the jagged shoreline of Lake Kivu, and the countless hills
of the Virunga Volcanoes, below which your fellow travelers may be trekking!
Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali
Kigali Memorial Centre
O
ur expedition will provide school supplies and contribute funds to the SOS Children’s
Village Kigali, where 150 orphaned children have a home, attend school, and receive medical
care. Funds will also be contributed to the Art of Conservation program and the Mountain Gorilla
Veterinary Project.
Masked weaver
Impalas, Serengeti Plain
The Serengeti Plain
or The Ngorongoro Crater,
Tanzania
Maasai tribesman, Ngorongoro Crater
U
Friday & Saturday, March 5 & 6. pon arrival in Kilimanjaro, transfer by private local
aircraft to one of two different areas of your choice. Begin your safari from the moment
you land in the bush with a game drive en route to your lodgings.
Lion, Serengeti
Venture out into the Serengeti, which in the local Maasai language means “extended
place,” an appropriate name for this vast wildlife sanctuary—one of the most complex
and least disturbed ecosystems on Earth. In the southern area of Serengeti National
Park, where the annual migration is expected to pass during our visit, witness the
greatest concentration of plains game in Africa as well as predators of every stripe,
including lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards who stalk the migration. While here,
you may enjoy your choice of accommodations, either a lodge with traditional comforts
and amenities or a safari camp experience in the midst of the bush.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge or Mobile Tented Camp
Or, descend into the grasslands of the Ngorongoro Crater. This natural amphitheater is
one of Africa’s most stunning backdrops from which to observe vast herds of herbivores.
It is the world’s largest unbroken, unflooded caldera, and is home to a permanent
population of about 25,000 animals. You may also see the “big five” (rhinoceros, lion,
leopard, elephant, and buffalo) and perhaps one of the remaining 13 black rhinos. If you
wish, visit a Maasai village in the crater and meet members of this nomadic pastoralist
tribe. Observe their rousing traditional dances and take this rare opportunity to see
their beaded finery up-close. Ngorongoro Sopa
W
Elephants, Ngorongoro Crater
ith assistance from AmericaShare, our expedition will help vulnerable children get an
education, assist women in creating businesses to support their families, and help provide
care for those affected by HIV/AIDS in East Africa. Also, handicrafts made by a local women’s
cooperative will be purchased and given to travelers on this expedition.
Chameleon
Anjajavy
Anjajavy Peninsula or Andasibe National Park
or Antananarivo, Madagascar
O
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, March 7, 8 & 9. ur private jet continues southeast
to Madagascar, a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean that is home to a colorful,
multi-ethnic culture, curious geological formations, and a staggering array of unique
animals and plants, where at least 80 percent of species are found nowhere else on
Earth. Land in the capital, Antananarivo, where you can spend a leisurely evening, and
then enjoy your choice of three ways to explore this remote island in the Indian Ocean:
Take a local flight to spend two relaxing days in the unspoiled Anjajavy Peninsula.
Walk in the deciduous forest abounding with more than 30 distinct lemur species,
including sifaka and brown lemurs. Paddle away in a traditional pirogue through
mangroves. View coastal caves and curious limestone formations, called tsingy.
Enjoy a fine tea service in the hotel’s lovely Oasis garden, filled with aquatic and
climbing plants and palms where you may spot a little scarlet fody or the jewellike malachite kingfisher. And if you wish, embark on a short cruise and (weather
permitting) spend an afternoon fishing for marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and
other big pelagic game in the Mozambique Channel.
Carlton Hotel, Antananarivo and Anjajavy Hotel, Anjajavy Peninsula
Or spend two days in the Andasibe National Park (formerly the Périnet Nature
Reserve), a wet montane forest environment that is home to nine different species of
lemur, from the tiny mouse lemur to the panda-like indri lemur with an unforgettable
call. Spot some of the 100 bird species that thrive here, including various beautiful
vangas, ground rollers, and couas. Visit the Mandraka Reptile & Butterfly Farm. And,
if you wish, explore this park during nocturnal and early morning walks to observe
entirely different ranges of creatures active at these times.
Carlton Hotel, Antananarivo and Vakôna Forest Lodge, Andasibe National Park
Ring tail lemurs
Or, remain in Antananarivo, home to a rich culture of Indonesian, Malaysian, African,
and Arab origins. Stroll through this charming city of red clay houses and steepled
churches clustered on hilltops. Enjoy spectacular views of the city from the Royal Hill
of Ambohimanga and visit the palace of King Andrianampoinimerina, considered
by some historians to be one of the greatest political rulers and military strategists
of all time. Explore the Tsimbazaza Botanical and Zoological Gardens. Learn about
Madagascar’s various tribes at the Museum of Ethnology. Then saunter along the
shores of Lake Anosy in the shade of jacaranda trees and browse a colorful open-air
bazaar brimming with handicrafts including beautiful and delicate Antaimoro paper.
Carlton Hotel, Antananarivo
O
ur expedition will support Mitsinjo Association, dedicated to the protection of lemurs
and wetlands, managing tree nurseries for more than 100 endemic species, training farmers in
sustainable methods, and providing education on HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention.
Comet moth, Mandraka Reptile
& Butterfly Farm
Victoria Falls
Elephants, Zambezi River
Livingstone, Zambia &
The Kalahari Desert or
The Okavango Delta, Botswana
F
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, March 10, 11 & 12. ly by private jet to Livingstone,
Zambia, where you can take a thrilling ride by helicopter over the breathtaking Victoria
Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. See for yourself why the world’s
largest curtain of water is also known in the local Kololo language as mosi-oa-tunya,
‘the smoke that thunders.’ Then visit Simonga Village, meet with community members,
sample some traditional foods and spirits, and observe daily life for many in this
country. In the evening, unwind in high style amidst the splendor of our colonial-style
5-star hotel. The Royal Livingstone
Spend the next two days as you choose, by further exploring Zambia, or by flying to
Botswana to explore the Kalahari Desert or the Okavango Delta:
Giraffe, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Explore Zambia in-depth, at an ‘African pace.’ Embark on a quiet and peaceful sunset
cruise above the falls, and keep an eye out for elephants taking a swim and crocodiles
slithering along the sandbanks. Take a bush drive to see wildlife in the Mosi-oa-Tunya
National Park. Go on a curator-led tour of The Livingstone Museum. Embark on an
elephant-back safari along the Zambezi River. And enjoy the tranquil elegance of our
accommodations, which offers excellent views of the great falls.
The Royal Livingstone
Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, Kalahari Desert
San
Bushmen, Kalahari Desert
Meerkats
Or fly by private light aircraft into Botswana’s Kalahari Desert at the edge of the
Makgadikgadi Salt Pan. Go trekking with San bushmen—members of one of the
longest surviving cultures in the world—who will share with you their ancient
knowledge of plants, animal behavior, and survival skills such as fire-making and
animal tracking. Then board 4x4 vehicles and explore the Kalahari’s grasslands
and the Salt Pan’s curious moonlike terrain of mineral-encrusted soil, created when
ancient lakes and recent rains dried up and left behind salt and other evaporite. Look
for the flora and fauna that are uniquely adapted to life here, including meerkats
and baobab trees. At our luxury camp, examine a fine collection of San artifacts and
fossils, and enjoy cocktails as the sun sets on the desert’s shimmering expanse. Please
note that space on this excursion is limited. Jack’s Camp, Kalahari Desert
Or, transfer by private light aircraft to the largest inland delta system in the world—
the wetland paradise of the Okavango Delta. Take early morning and late afternoon
game drives for a chance to see white rhinos, herds of giraffe, wildebeests, elephants,
and zebras. Practice your photography skills in this hot spot for carnivores and
their prey. Birding is also superb here. After the excitement of seeing such abundant
wildlife, set out on a water safari, cruising the delta at the gentle pace of a poled
mokoro, or dugout canoe (subject to water levels). In the evening, relax on the stargazing deck or in your private sala plunge pool at our luxury camp. Please note that
space on this excursion is limited. Vumbura Plains, Okavango Delta
Hippo, Okavango Delta
O
ur expedition will support efforts to provide Simonga Village with running water, a
school, a medical clinic, and protection for vegetable patches from local elephants. Support
will also go to Botswana’s Women Against Rape project, which offers post-traumatic stress
counseling and other services for abused women and children.
Aerial view of the Okavango Delta
Marabou stork
Table Mountain
Table Mountain cable car
Cape Town & The Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
O
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Saturday & Sunday, March 13 & 14. ur private jet takes us to Cape Town, South
Africa’s first major European settlement and its most beautiful city. It boasts a vibrant
mix of African, French, Dutch, and Eastern cultures, and one of the most diverse floral
kingdoms on Earth. Set out on an excursion around the Cape of Good Hope by helicopter
to the site where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and marvel at the rare flora
and fauna of this vast nature reserve including the exotic sugarbushes (proteas), the
keystone species of the region. Or, instead of a helicopter tour of the Cape, ride a ferry
to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other political leaders were imprisoned.
Visit the museum, meet with an ex-prisoner, and see some of the island’s wildlife. After
returning from the island, visit Cape Town’s District 6 Museum, a fascinating memorial
to a vibrant inner-city community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, laborers, and
immigrants that was destroyed in the name of racial purity.
Then explore Cape Town’s beloved landmark, Table Mountain, which soars more than 2/3
of a mile above sea level and can be seen by sailors 40 miles out in the waters around the
Cape. Ride a cable car up to the top, and hike the wooden walkways to see the mountain
ablaze with innumerable flowers and plants that are endemic to this area. Or, if you wish,
browse the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a working port and shopping environment that
is unequalled in Africa, where more than 400 shops and galleries offer handmade crafts
from a variety of African cultures. Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
O
Wola Nani papier-mâché bowls
ur expedition will support many projects around Cape Town, including Abalimi Bezekhaya
for sustainable food production in urban areas, the Khumbulani Centre providing daycare for
children affected by AIDS, and Neighbourhood Old Age Homes providing much needed
support for the elderly.
Flamingos, Walvis Bay Lagoon
Skeleton Coast
Swakopmund, Walvis Bay & The Namib Desert
or The Sossusvlei Desert, Namibia
W
Monday & Tuesday, March 15 & 16.
edged between the Kalahari Desert and the
South Atlantic Ocean, Namibia is a spectacular land of swirling desert dunes, deep-red
clay pans, dramatic seascapes, gentle bushwalking terrain, and limitless sunshine.
Few other places can compare with the sheer magnitude and variety of this fascinating
country. Our private jet lands in Walvis Bay. Take a thrilling flightseeing tour by local
aircraft over Namibia’s legendary Skeleton Coast. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of one of the
most unusual and unforgettable spectacles on Earth—Namibia’s desert dunes, among
the highest in the world, meet the roaring Atlantic surf, one of the most treacherous
bodies of water in the world. Shrouded in sea mist, countless shipwrecks and whale
bones are washed up on this vast stretch of sand south of Walvis Bay, serving as
haunting reminders of a long and perilous maritime history.
Then venture into the immense dunes of the Namib Desert with an expert guide and see
the famous Welwitschia mirabilis, a rare and curious plant that has survived here for
hundreds of years. With luck, we may see animals that gather along the linear oases of
desert rivers that crisscross the Namib. At the upper slopes of mountains, you may see
the broccoli-like kokerboom, also called quiver tree, because bushmen use its hollow
stems to store arrows. Later in the day, you may enjoy hiking along the Swakopmund
riverbed. Before departing for Mali, we cruise the avian paradise of Walvis Bay Lagoon
to see flamingos, penguins, and pelicans. Look to the water as well for bottlenose
and heavyside dolphins and Cape fur seals, which are known to cavort around boats.
You will also have a chance to stroll along the palm-lined streets of Swakopmund, a
charming German-colonial town with immaculate Bavarian-style buildings and wellkept gardens. Swakopmund Hotel, Namibia
Alternate: Or instead of exploring Walvis Bay and The Namib Desert, fly by private
aircraft deep into the Sossusvlei Desert, the oldest desert in the world, with semi-arid to
true desert conditions existing here for the last 80 million years. Enjoy guided drives
and walks among the dunes, many soaring as high as 1,000 feet. Listen for the muted
roar of sand grains spilling over the surface of the dunes and train your eye to spot
some of the elusive creatures who can survive on the moisture from fog that rolls in
from the Atlantic Ocean. See the desert environment take on a breathtaking spectrum
of colors, from sunrise to sunset, and enjoy the stars, which appear most brilliant in
the Sossusvlei’s clear and cloudless sky. Please note that this excursion includes an
overnight stay at a luxury property, is limited to a small number of travelers, and will
incur a separate cost. Little Kulala, Sossusvlei Desert
O
ur expedition will support Elephant Human Relations Aid, a program that is dedicated to
managing water sources shared by local peoples and desert elephants.
Quiver tree, Namib Desert
Sossusvlei Desert
Dogon dancers, Mopti
Bandiagara escarpment, Dogon country
Mopti & Timbuktu or Dogon Country
or Djenné, Mali
O
Wednesday & Thursday, March 17 & 18. ur private jet takes us over the Atlantic to
Mopti, Mali. Located at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers, this busy port town
was once the outpost of desert kings and continues to be a major gathering center of
the region. Board a traditional flat-bottomed pirogue and cruise the Niger to observe
daily life on the river where Bambara, Fulani, and Bozo fishermen and merchants ply
the waters in boats laden with fish, salt, and produce. Later, marvel at a “stilt dance”
performed by colorfully-dressed Dogon dancers who move deftly on stilts up to 15 feet
high. Relais Kanaga, Mopti
The next morning, choose to explore one of three remote and rarely-visited sites before
departing for Morocco:
Visit Ireli Village at the Bandiagara escarpment of Dogon country, where the Dogon
people live inside distinctive cave-dwellings—ingenious networks of thatched-roof
living spaces, work areas, and ceremonial centers. Observe the fascinating lifestyle of
these people whose tightly-knit social structure and intensely cooperative behavior
enable them to maintain age-old traditions while adapting to life in a modern world.
Grand Mosque, Djenné
Or head to Djenné, the oldest-known city in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was founded by
the Bozo people in 250 B.C. and is home to outstanding examples of old-world Muslim
architecture. To this day, Djenné builders are revered as great artists and magicians.
Admire the beautiful symmetry of the Grand Mosque, the largest mud mosque in the
world, stroll along streets lined with traditional mud-brick homes, and visit an open-air
market by the Grand Mosque, where Malians have traded for centuries.
Or fly to Timbuktu by private local air. This fabled city enjoyed its golden years
under the Askia dynasty during the fifteenth century, and was a major stop along the
prosperous trans-Saharan route and the Great Ink Road of Africa. Timbuktu’s medievalperiod mud-brick library is one of 120 that spanned West and East Africa, most of them
now lost to the desert sands. Examine ancient maps and illuminated manuscripts,
marvel at magnificent mosques, visit a Tuareg nomad camp deep in the desert, and if
you wish, join them for a camel ride into the desert.
Tuareg nomad camp, Sahara Desert
O
ur expedition will provide supplies and contribute funds to a school at Ireli Village in
Dogon Country. Also, handicrafts made by local artisans will be purchased and given to travelers
on this expedition.
Atlas Mountains
Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech
Marrakech or The Atlas Mountains, Morocco
W
Thursday (continued) & Friday, March 18 & 19.
e land in Marrakech, located in
an oasis of palm and olive groves and steeped in ancient Berber tradition. Enjoy your
choice of two ways to explore Morocco:
In the city of Marrakech, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the tombs of the Saadian kings,
and the sumptuous palace housing the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts. Enjoy
the myriad diversions of the bustling Djemaa el Fna: a jumble of colorful souks, where
snake charmers, acrobats, and storytellers delight the passersby. Then browse local art
galleries and handicraft centers or participate in an exclusive cooking workshop at a
local riad (a traditional palace or house with an interior garden), where a local chef will
teach you the secrets of creating a Moroccan tagine. In the evening, celebrate our grand
adventure at a gala farewell dinner with traditional music, dancers, and henna artists.
La Mamounia or Sofitel Marrakech
Or, instead of exploring Marrakech, spend a day in the spectacular scenery of the Atlas
Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. Berber tribes live throughout
this rugged land, where farming is central to day-to-day life. Visit a Berber village
and share tea with a village chief and his family who will also treat us to a delicious
traditional picnic lunch. In the evening, rejoin the group in Marrakech for the gala
farewell dinner. La Mamounia or Sofitel Marrakech
Our expedition will help fund the operation of a preschool for Berber children in Tallatast
Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts, Marrakech
village in the Atlas Mountains. Also, handicrafts made by local artisans will be purchased and
given to travelers on this expedition.
Morocco / Copenhagen, Denmark
T
Saturday, March 20. his morning we board our private jet and fly to Copenhagen,
where travelers connect with commercial flights home.
.....
Cost Per Person
Double Occupancy: $62,950 • Single Occupancy Supplement: $9,525
The double and single rates are guaranteed. In addition, for your protection and peace of mind, all
payments are secured in a bank escrow account that is fully insured by the U.S. Federal Government.
Commercial airfare to and from Copenhagen is not included.
Souk, Marrakech
Ar o u n d Afr i c a by Pr i vat e J e t • T e r m s & Co n d it i o n s
Tour Price: The tour price is $62,950 per person (based on double occupancy). The single
supplement is $9,525. These prices are guaranteed.
What Is Included: All hotel accommodations, group transportation, excursions, and
other group activities as detailed in the itinerary, beginning with your arrival at Hotel
Copenhagen Airport in Copenhagen, Denmark, on February 27, 2010, through departure
from Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, Denmark, on March 20, 2010 • Transportation on a
private Boeing 757 and local aircraft according to the itinerary • All meals, beginning
with dinner on February 27, 2010, and ending with lunch aboard the jet on March 20,
2010 • Complete program of special events and activities, including extensive program
of customized options at most destinations • Enrichment program including lectures by
a team of experts • Services of professional staff, including an expedition physician, to
assist you throughout the trip • Cost of philanthropic efforts as described in the brochure
• Bottled water throughout the program (during sightseeing, at scheduled meals, and in
your room) • All beverages, including liquor, aboard the private jet • Liquor during special
events and cocktail parties on land • House wine and/or beer at lunch and dinner, and
coffee, tea, milk, and soft drinks at all scheduled meals on land • Baggage handling during
the expedition • Tips or gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters, and waitstaff • Amenities
package • The cost of shipping expedition luggage and amenities to households within
the United States • $100,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance for covered reasons
• Minimal accident/sickness/baggage insurance (details about optional and additional
insurance for purchase, including trip cancellation insurance, will be mailed to you after
registration).
What Is Not Included: Commercial airfare from your home city to Copenhagen, Denmark,
and from Copenhagen, Denmark, to your home city • Individual airport transfers at
beginning and end of trip • Optional and additional accident/baggage/cancellation
insurance • Passport and visa fees • The cost of shipping expedition luggage and amenities
to international households • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, fax, and
Internet charges • All beverages not mentioned above as included • Hotel minibar charges
• Meals not scheduled by Starquest Expeditions • Inoculation and medication costs of any
kind. Any tips or gratuities not specifically mentioned as included in the total expedition
price will be at your discretion.
Airfare: We are happy to assist you in reserving commercial flights from your home city to
Copenhagen, Denmark, and from Copenhagen, Denmark, to your home city, in the class
of service that you prefer. We can also arrange individual airport transfers and pre- or posttrip hotel accommodations. Ask for details.
Reservations: To reserve your place on the Around Africa by Private Jet expedition,
complete the reservation form and return it with your $2,500 per-person deposit. Make
checks payable to “Starquest Expeditions Corp. Escrow AFR -10.” Or you may charge
your deposit to VISA, MasterCard, or American Express. Mail to Columbia Alumni Travel
Study Program: 245 Mill Street, Second Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830.
Single/Shared Accommodations & Suite Upgrades: A limited number of single rooms are
available at extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. We will assist persons requesting
a roommate. Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is not available. In this
case, the single rate will be charged. Suite rooms are available in some destinations; more
information about them, including their extra costs, will be sent to you approximately 4
months before departure.
Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this brochure are subject to
modification and change by the Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study
Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions. Every reasonable effort will be made
to operate the program as planned; however, should unforeseen world events and
conditions require our itinerary to be altered, we reserve the right to do so for the safety
and best interest of the group.
International Flights: The operation of these flights is subject to the foreign governments
involved granting landing rights for the flight. If the air carrier cannot obtain these rights
for any particular flight leg of the expedition, that flight leg will be canceled and alternative
arrangements may be made, at the discretion of Columbia University, the Columbia
Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions.
Health Requirements: This is an active program, which requires you to make a realistic
assessment of your health. Prior to traveling, we recommend that you visit your personal
physician for a check-up, so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type
of journey as described in the trip brochure. All participants are expected to be in active
good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural
differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and
airports, to board the aircraft, and are part of many excursions. Please note: To go to
certain destinations or participate in certain activities, such as visiting a high-altitude area
(7,500 feet above sea level and higher), you will need to obtain your physician’s approval.
A form will be sent to you for your physician to sign. An alternate destination or activity
can be arranged, if your physician recommends it. Any physical condition requiring
special attention, diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is
made. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick,
arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at the
discretion of our tour staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility
of the traveler. If you would like to forego some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate
and relax, please feel free to do so at any time. Malaria and other diseases are present
in some of the countries featured in this itinerary; proof of yellow fever inoculation is
required. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you
will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control.
Leaving an expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund,
and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an expedition. Columbia
University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent Travel Study Services,
LLC (hereafter known as TSS), and are Starquest Expeditions reserve the right to cancel
any trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically unfeasible to
operate. If the Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent
TSS, or Starquest Expeditions cancel an expedition prior to departure, you will receive
a full refund of monies paid. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier’s refund
policy. Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS,
and Starquest Expeditions will not be responsible for any refund for nonrefundable airline
tickets, or for any airline tickets purchased by the passenger directly from an airline or
travel agent. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance; applications will
be sent to you upon registration.
Responsibility: Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program,
and its agent TSS, are sponsoring organizations for this expeditions and have chosen
Starquest Expeditions, a qualified professional tour operator, to organize and administer
the Around Africa by Private Jet expedition. Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni
Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions act only as agents for any
transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected
with this tour (“other providers”), and the other providers are solely responsible and liable
for providing their respective services. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers shall
constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not
responsible for any act, omission or event during the time tour participants are not aboard
their conveyance. Columbia University, the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its
agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or
loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by
an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any
aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider, and (B) any
loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws,
regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government
or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion,
terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s)
beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against Columbia University, the
Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions for any
such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for the expedition, the participant
certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability
that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. Columbia University, the
Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions reserve
the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant
on an expedition and reserves the right without notice to withdraw any part or all of the
trip and to make such changes as may be necessary. Columbia University, the Columbia
Alumni Travel Study Program, its agent TSS, and Starquest Expeditions shall not be liable
for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket
to or from the departure city of the Around Africa by Private Jet expedition. Baggage and
personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Insurance: Trip cancellation, health, and accident insurance are available for purchase;
we will send you more information upon registration. These important protections
can save you money if you are forced to cancel or alter your trip. Insurance premium
payments are subject to the policies of the insurance carrier and are generally not refundable.
Starquest Expeditions is a Registered Seller of Travel in Washington (#602-320-265), a
California Seller of Travel (#2071584-30), an accredited member of the Better Business
Bureau, and is endorsed by IATAN, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (#5075585). Starquest’s Dunn & Bradstreet D-U-N-S number is 17-084-7961.
Baggage: On the private jet, each passenger is limited to 100 pounds of baggage in 2
bags each weighing 50 pounds or less. For INTERNATIONAL flights, the air carrier’s liability
is limited to the actual value of the baggage but not more than 1,000 Special Drawing
Rights, approximately $1,250 per passenger, unless a higher value is declared at the time
of check-in and an appropriate excess valuation charge is paid.
Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program:
245 Mill Street, Second Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: 1-866-325-8664 • Fax: 203-724-0844
Email:[email protected]
www.alumni.columbia.edu/attend
Additional Deposits & Final Payment: A second deposit of $15,000 per person is due
July 27, 2009. Final payment is due November 25, 2009. The second deposit and final
payment are payable by check or wire transfer only, made out to Starquest Expeditions’
secure escrow account.
Cancellation & Refunds: All cancellations must be in writing and will become effective
as of the date of the postmark or e-mail receipt. Deposits and any payments are fully
refundable, less a cancellation fee:
If your notice is received…
You will receive a refund of all deposits less a…
On or before July 27, 2009 $1,000 per-person cancellation fee.
From July 28 to September 25, 2009 $5,000 per-person cancellation fee.
From September 26 to November 25, 2009 $15,000 per-person cancellation fee.
After November 25, 2009 No refund.
Form
RReservation
e s e r vat i o n F
orm
z
Around Africa by Private Jet
z
February 26 – March 20, 2010
Please reserve _________ place(s) on Around Africa by Private Jet priced at $62,950 per person, double occupancy.
Name
Date and Year of Birth School/Degree/Year
Name Date and Year of Birth School/Degree/Year
Address (Please do not list a P.O. box.)
City, State, Zip Code
(
) Home phone (
Work phone )
(
E-mail
Accommodations:
❏ I prefer single accommodations where available
for an additional $9,525.
❏ I plan to share accommodations with:
(
)
Cell phone
)
Fax UNI I.D.
❏ Please arrange a share for me. I am a ❏ non-smoker ❏ smoker.
If a share cannot be arranged, I agree to pay the
single supplement of $9,525.
Information about all suite upgrades and optional programs will
be sent to you eight to nine months before departure.
PAYMENT:
❏ Enclosed is my deposit check for $
OR
($2,500 per person). Please make checks payable to “AFR-10 Escrow.”
❏ Please charge my deposit of $
($2,500 per person) to
❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard ❏ American Express.
/
Account Number
/
/
/
Expiration Date
My credit card billing address, if different from above.
❏Please send me information about trip cancellation, health, and accident insurance.
I understand that pre-existing health conditions require prompt enrollment in the trip insurance package.
I/We have read and accept the Terms and Conditions for the trip (each traveler must sign).
Signature
Date
Signature
Date
Mail or fax to Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program: 245 Mill Street, Second Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: 1-866-325-8664 • Fax: 203-724-0844 • [email protected] • www.alumni.columbia.edu/attend
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
A.M.S. 98230
Alumni Travel Study Program
245 Mill Street, Second Floor
Greenwich, CT 06830
A fric A
A r o u n d
b y P r i vate J et
Exploring Wondrous Land scapes,
Legendar y Wildlife & Vibrant Cultures
Egypt • Rwanda • Tanzania • Madagascar
Zambia • Botswana • South Africa • Namibia • Mali • Morocco
February 26 – March 20, 2010
23 Days • Limited to 68 Travelers