Click the below thumbnail for full details or email us at info@karell.com to find out how you can take advantage of another great safari offer.

From travelandleisure.com:

We know what you’re thinking: with flights and hotels just a click away, it’s never been easier to plan your own trip. But at a moment when your time and money matter more than ever, a trusted expert can take all the hassle out of travel planning—whether you’re looking to snag that seat on a sold-out flight, book that elusive corner room with a view, map out a complicated itinerary, or secure the best guides, upgrades, and (yes!) deals. T+L has evaluated thousands of agents to come up with this highly selective list of the best in the business.

For information on how you can consult with Norman on an African Safari, call 1 800 327 0373 or email info@karell.com

The sequence of adjoining images were all taken right from the deck of Savuti Camp which looks out over the currently flowing Savute Channel – one of the biggest events in Botswana in recent times. What has been even more interesting is how the elephant population has reacted to this rekindled water source.

I was deeply struck by the changes that have come about in both the environment and the elephant behaviour in the Linyanti Concession. In the years when the Channel was dry, from 1983 up until 2008, the onset of the dry season in June brought about a daily influx of elephants to the four artificially pumped waterholes that were situated along the dry river bed. Observation hides were in place at two of the waterholes, to enable up-close visuals with the thirsty elephants.

With the return of water to the Channel last year, this has all changed.  The narrow ribbon of grassland with a dusty river bed where the channel once flowed has now been replaced by soothing, clear water once again. The Channel is now flowing, bank to bank, and currently stretches for 60km, having just past the Chobe Cutline moving ever closer to the Savute Marsh. Hippos, waterbirds, catfish and water lilies have all recolonised the new water, with the Channel now even sharing wildlife affinities with the Okavango Delta.

Just as big a change has taken place with the elephants’ behaviour.

In years gone by, each waterhole would have been surrounded by thirsty, hot and agitated elephants. As there was often not enough water for all, the elephants would have to push, shove, and jostle their way to the head of the line, just to get a chance at a drink. All the water in the waterhole at Savuti Camp used to be consumed by around 11h00 each morning, and then the elephants would just place their trunk over the pipe transporting water to the hole, and drink directly from there.

Smaller elephants, or herds of females with young, would often have to stand for hours waiting for a turn, and if it came at all, it would often be brief, before a bigger bull would force them out of the way. All night, the air would be filled with the sounds of the thirsty elephants as they rumbled and trumpeted at their forced meeting place around the waterhole…

Today, the scene is very different. The Channel winds right past the front of Savuti Camp, and there is even water under the deck of the main area. The old log pile ‘hide’ is now almost in the river itself, and is hardly noticeable amongst the bright green grass.

There are still lots of elephants though, and they still come to drink in front of the camp.  What is so different now though is that their visit to the water is a happier, more relaxed event. From the camp’s main deck in the last week of July we watched a herd of 25 elephants slowly making their way to the water’s edge, some feeding on emergent vegetation as they moved along.  They entered the water, and for half an hour we enjoyed the spectacle of elephants drinking, play-fighting, swimming, standing and walking. They visibly ‘rejoiced’ in the changed conditions.

The experience was the same on all our game drives out of the camp. Instead of stressed herds competing for a few thousand litres of water, these elephants now have a lush, deep waterway from which to drink.

Certainly, none of us knows how long the Savute Channel will keep flowing, but while it does, it is a wonderful place to be: for the wildlife that lives here, and for those of us who are lucky enough to be able to spend time at Savuti Camp.

For more information on Savuti and other camps in Botswana, email land@karell.com or call 1 800 327 0373.

Vamizi Island has just announced a spectacular deal for guests traveling in September and October. Read details below:

Visit Vamizi Island between 1st September and 17th October 2009 and receive 2 nights free when you stay 6 nights or more – applies to new bookings only.

Some of the best fishing to be had in Mozambique occurs from September onwards. It’s a great time to go after Sailfish, Wahoo, Yellow-Fin Tuna, Giant Kingfish, Yellow-Spot Kingfish and the Golden Kingfish.

With Vamizi equaling and often breaking World and African fishing records for Wahoo, Kingfish and Mackerel, there is no better place to test your own skills. Stuart our ocean guru and ‘fish-whisperer’ will be on hand with his in-depth knowledge of the waters around Vamizi and where the biggest and best fish are.

The beauty of fishing at Vamizi is also in its remoteness; there are no other fishing boats in the area, allowing fishermen exclusive rights to the waters.

For more details, email land@karell.com or call 1 800 327 0373

Botswana – The Okavango & Linyanti

• 9 nights accommodation at 3 of Botswana’s most exclusive camps
• Explore the wildlife of the Okavango Delta, one of the richest game viewing areas in all of Africa
• Includes light aircraft transfer from Maun as well as all intercamp flights
• Includes all meals and game activities while on Safari

Namibia – Sossusvlei, Damaraland, & Etosha

• 9 nights accommodation in 3 of Namibia’s unique wildlife and desert areas
• Explore the magnificent dunes of Sossuvlei, the remote deserts of Damaraland, and the rich wildlife of the Etosha Pan.
• Includes light aircraft transfer from Windhoek as well as intercamp flights.
• Includes all meals and game activities while on Safari

$3771.00 p/p

All travel must be completed by the end of June 2009

Email info@karell.com or call 1 800 327 0373 for more details

We’re excited to share with you this breathtaking new property situated in Hout Bay, a mere 30 minutes outside of Cape Town, South Africa. Norman Pieters, chairman of Karell Travel says:

I’m excited about this lodge as it speaks to so many needs that a certain type of traveler has.  We get so many requests from guests who do not want a large hotel or even a city hotel. On the other hand they don’t want a B&B.  They would like to be outside the city but do not wish to have a car and driver, nor do they wish to self drive. I believe this lodge caters to these guests.

Tintswalo also operates Safari lodges and this caters so well to guests who have just traveled on safari or who may be heading out on safari and don’t want the whole “city”  experience.

10 Reasons We Love Tintswalo Atlantic:

• 10 ocean front rooms. 1 two bedroom Presidential Suite
• Complimentary round trip transfers to and from airport.
• Includes all house drinks
• Full Breakfast & high tea included.
• Restaurant serves 3 meals a day. The executive chef will tailor your meals to your requirements.
• The lodge is situated in the Table Mountain National Park and boasts full time naturalist guide on staff.
• Wireless Internet Access
• Complimentary transfers to and from restaurants as well as the Waterfront in Cape Town.
• During the whale season ( Jun – Sep) guests just might see the whales from their balcony.
• Unparalleled ocean views throughout the property

For more information contact Karell’s African Dream Vacations at 1 800 327 0373 or email info@karell.com

“As the Internet continues to alter and mold consumer habits, we wanted to take the first step in empowering luxury consumers in the travel planning process,” says Norman Pieters, Chairman and owner. The concept of Design My Vacation is meant to supplement and facilitate one on one contact between client and agent, rather than replace it.

To learn more about this exciting new feature, please visit Karell.com