Destination of the month - Africa

Kenya
Kenya has a sophisticated tourism infrastructure, with two major cities controlling the majority of the tourism trade. Nairobi, the capital, is the safari and hiking hub, situated in the cool Central Highlands, while on the east coast the hot and humid trading port of Mombasa functions as the gateway to the resorts and pristine beaches of the area.

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers an astounding variety of natural beauty and spectacular scenery. The country holds great appeal for active adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and those with an appreciative eye for exquisite beauty - from the majesty of the famous Victoria Falls, to the giant marble-like boulders of the Motopo Hills. Highlights include the verdant mountains of the Eastern Highlands as well as the national parks teeming with wildlife.

Uganda
Uganda is one of the continent's most beautiful countries, boasting a wide variety of scenery, culture and wildlife despite its modest size. Its reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country' is not only accredited to its likeable people, but also to its redevelopment as an eco-friendly environment, with the enlightened management of 10 national parks, and its introduction of eco-tourism projects, adventure sports and unique gorilla-trekking opportunities that have put the country back on the tourist circuit.

Zambia
The big, beautiful country of Zambia is situated in the heart of the African sub-continent, untainted by commercial tourist development, but nevertheless well-equipped to allow visitors to experience the warmth, excitement, challenges and adventures of the real Africa. The country's prime attraction is the spectacular, breathtaking Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Tanzania
The largest country in East Africa, Tanzania boasts the highest mountain on the continent, the exotic spice islands of historical Zanzibar, and the famous Serengeti National Park whose seemingly endless plains stage one of the greatest spectacles of animal behaviour, the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra followed by their predators.

Fly directly to Paradise!

It is easy to run out of adjectives when attempting to describe the natural beauty of the small tropical Indian Ocean island paradise of Mauritius. The volcanic island Republic, covered with lush forest, streams and waterfalls, and fringed with palms, dazzling white sands and teeming coral reefs, lies east of Madagascar just south of the Equator. Mauritius, covering just 720 square miles (1,864 sq km), is the archetypal dream destination for an idyllic holiday, equipped with modern resorts that have been carefully developed to preserve the island's beauty and ecology.

Mark Twain is quoted as having said that 'Mauritius was made first, then heaven was copied from it', and anyone who has experienced the island would no doubt agree with him. Along with its natural beauty Mauritius has a valuable tourist resource in the warmth and friendliness of its multi-cultural population.

Platinum Lounge - Cape Town

South African Airways (SAA) has added a living room concept to its Platinum Lounge in Cape Town, creating a cosy, warm and welcoming lounge where customers can relax and enjoy the facilities on offer. This lounge offers facilities such as a fresh array of light and healthy snacks, fresh cake daily and an assortment of beverages. A smokers' lounge is also available.

High-speed free wifi, and computers for those who are not travelling with theirs, as well as a spectacular view of the runway all promise to make this lounge as popular as SAA’s other lounges. The lounge may be used by customers who are Platinum members of SAA’s frequent flyer programme, Voyager.

"What makes the new lounge so interesting is that we have combined the warm African welcome of the SAAd brand with new innovations such as furniture and accessories by the South African designer Weylandts, creating an inviting, stylish and relaxing space which customers will enjoy spending time in." says Kim Thipe, head of SAA’s marketing.