Having run and managed safari lodges, qualified as safari guides, pioneered new expeditions and worked on conservation projects, the Africa team at Steppes Travel are considered to be some of the most experienced Africa experts in the travel industry.

Always with an ear to the ground to be the first to know about what's going on, here are a few new and exciting happenings: from amazing new camps, spectacular and remote wildlife trekking and incredible train journeys to once in a lifetime helicopter experiences for the truly aspirational traveller…

ULTIMATE GREAT APE ENCOUNTERS:  CONGO, RWANDA AND UGANDA - October 2014

Follow in the footsteps of zoologist Dr George McGavin in the BBC's recent series 'Monkey Planet' with Steppes Discovery's definitive primate trip.  Track lowland gorillas in the Congolese rainforest of Nouabali Ndoki, trek the slopes of the Virungas to encounter mountain gorillas and explore Kyambura Gorge to witness the fascinating dynamics of chimpanzee troops.

The ape adventure starts with a small group trip on an epic journey to explore the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, home to the Congo Basin's most iconic denizens, including the Western Lowland Gorilla. Expert led by local leaders this tour offers a privileged insight into primate conservation through meetings with Wildlife Conservation Society researchers.

The following week will be spent between two luxury eco-lodges in Rwanda and Uganda tracking endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Parc National des Volcans and Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. 

ETHIOPIA:  By Helicopter – A Bird's Eye View

From blistering deserts and the harshness of the Danakil Depression, to the impressive Simien and Bale Mountains, suddenly inaccessible areas are within easy reach by private helicopter.   This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a 10 day trip to see all that this enormously varied and fascinating place can offer…

The journey will include the fascinating churches of Lalibela, the Simiens mountain range and an opportunity to visit the Ark of the Covenant at Axum.   From here head to the Danakil Depression, a place of acid lakes, volcanoes and giant salt pans and lastly visit the Tigray region, an amazing area where rock-hewn churches are perched on top of steep hills, only accessible by narrow foot paths which scale up the edge of the hills.

TANZANIA:  Brand New Namiri Plains, Serengeti – Opening 1st July 2014

Namiri means 'big cat' in Swahili, and as this new camp is set in one of East Africa's best cheetah areas the name couldn't be more apt.  Closed to the world for over 20 years to create a safe haven for cheetah breeding and research, today the area has an exceptional population of big cats.

Namiri Plains will consist of 6 traditional safari tents all with beautiful crisp white linen and spacious verandahs overlooking the sweeping plains.  Guests will be able to spend time with the resident cheetah researcher and learn about the important conservation projects.  One particular highlight is the remoteness of Namiri Plains – with the closest neighbour over 45 minutes away other vehicles are an unusual sighting so guests are indulged in a truly remote wilderness experience.

SOUTH AFRICA:  Tanda Tula's Field Camp – Newly opened, March 2014

New and exclusive to Steppes Travel, spend three days learning invaluable survival and bush skills at Tanda Tula's new field camp in the Kruger before being dropped in the middle of the bush armed with nothing but your newly acquired skills to find your own way back…

Nestled in the heart of the Timbavati game reserve, the family run Tanda Tula is the oldest and most established camp in the area and is the only camp to offer walking safaris where you walk from the main camp to an elevated platform camp to enjoy a night or two sleeping under the stars.

TANZANIA:  Rubondo Island Camp – Home of the Chimpanzees

Rubondo Island is a magical, virgin paradise, where elephants stroll along the beach, chimps can be heard playing in the trees and giraffe are dwarfed by ancient trees…

With an area of 456 km2 it is the largest Island National Park in Africa with 80% of the island covered in dense tropical forest.  It has all but been forgotten since Professor Grzimek from the Frankfurt Zoological Society released 17 rescued chips here in the 1960s in an effort to establish a safe haven for them, away from the threats of poaching.  The success of the project can clearly be seen today as the Chimpanzees are indeed very much at home today on Rubondo Island.

Rubondo Island Camp, which opened last year, is the only luxury camp on Rubondo Island in Lake Victoria.  The eight luxurious private cottages lie on a stretch of white sandy beach – all built by hand in traditional styles.  Forest walks, game-watching, birding, canoe trips, trekking through wild chimpanzee territory and catch and release fishing are a few of the activities on offer…

KENYA:  Mara Bush Houses, Masai Mara– Wildlife at your doorstep

This is the chance to live out in the bush in your own private house, fully catered with experienced staff, chef, driver and an exceptional guide.  Each day is entirely flexible with a huge variety of activities on your doorstep:  game drives by day or night, bush walks, visits to local villages and the rhino sanctuary and the chance to roll up your sleeves and get involved in community projects.  And of course for more chilled days there is an amazing pool and barbeque back at the house...

There are three 3-bedroomed houses, Acacia House, Mara House and Topi House and the exclusivity and remoteness make them ideal for couples or families who are looking for that home from home experience.

BOTSWANA: The Dhow Suites - Opening May 2014:  A MASSIVE and exquisite two bedroom suite with its own staff, helicopter transfer and an unusual water based entrance! 

Located in the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Camp is a luxurious private haven with four large old-style safari tents with copper bath and plunge pool - yet also one of the 'greenest' camps on the planet.  The camp operates its own 'solar farm' and game drive vehicles operate on a mix of vegetable oil and diesel, a completely new initiative in the safari industry.

An exciting addition this year will be two super luxurious and exclusive Dhow Suites, just a short distance from Main Camp, yet operating entirely separately with their own chef and staff.  With an East African coastal feel the suites will be similar in style to the main camp – but at 220sq feet spread over two levels, they will be even grander and more luxurious…

Furthermore, guests will be able to fly in by helicopter to where a copper lined dhow will transfer them directly to camp.  And Swarovski HD binoculars, a professional Canon camera and lens kit will be just a few extra luxuries available during their stay.

FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO ZIMBABWE:  By Rovos Train and Matusadona Houseboat – New July 2014   

From July 2014, the train journey from South Africa to Zimbabwe will include an extra night in Hwange making this luxurious rail and boat experience a 4 day adventure.  Advantages of the longer itinerary include a day's game drive at Hwange National Park and a full day at Victoria Falls – and up until September the price will remain unchanged, so now is the time to go!

The train journey begins in Pretoria winding its way south through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand before travelling west alongside the Magaliesberg Mountains.  It then travels north the following day through Botswana's capital, Gaborone, crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and continues on to the Zimbabwe. 

After a game drive in wildlife-rich Hwange National Park and a day at the majestic Victoria Falls, the journey continues on to Kariba aboard the luxury four cabin safari cruise, the Matusadona.  Waking up to herds of elephants coming down to drink or the sounds of hippos grunting and lions roaring, this is the most magical wildlife experience.

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For further press information please contact:

Frangelica Flook frangelica.flook@cedartreepr.com

Henrietta Quicke henrietta.quicke@cedartreepr.com

T:  020 7978 4534, M:  07747 606 898

Note to Editors:

Steppes Travel:  Specialist tour operator Steppes Travel designs innovative tailor-made itineraries for 'off the beaten track' trips. With over two decades' experience in the industry, Steppes Travel fields a team of creative, knowledgeable and responsible experts committed to providing ethical, pioneering journeys all over the world.

Steppes Discovery:  Exceptional wildlife holidays focusing on conservation with sustainable and responsible travel at the forefront of their mind.By joining forces with local research projects on an Indian tiger safari or whilst gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, or supporting carefully chosen wildlife charities in the Galapagos Islands, Steppes Discovery is able to give privileged insight into the natural world while supporting conservation and local communities worldwide.

The Traveller:  Recognised as one of the UK's leading specialists in cultural tours and historical and archaeological small group holidays, The Traveller prides itself on offering a diverse range of small group tours led by renowned experts, and their pioneering reputation.