B. African Adventure

 

This award-winning, long-haul, worldwide tour operator offers a variety of safaris to a number of East African countries. They cover the Serengeti, Zanzibar and Lake Manyara, although the Olduvai Gorge is temporarily off the list for this year. Itineraries are generally of 9-14 days' duration, but extensions of up to a week on Zanzibar Island are available.

 

Bird lovers and those wanting to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro are well catered for by what must surely be one of the most dynamic holiday companies around. The camerawork is head and shoulders above that of its competitors, with this year's brochure featuring an original ten-to-a-page design in glorious multi-colour. The same can't always be said for the writing; the description of places leaves a little to be desired throughout, but nobody's perfect!

 

Prices are quoted for each itinerary and costs for seaside accommodation listed in tables showing seasonal variations. This attractive, easy-to-use brochure concludes with fairly extensive information for visitors, the company's code of conduct and a booking form.

 

C. Explore Gambia

 

This is a colourful, informative and effective sales tool. Clever use of a question-and-answer technique covers essentials such as money, weather, food and concerns like the type of electrical plugs used. A restaurant guide pinpointing the characteristics of 21 establishments precedes an outline of 14 hotels, of excellent standard and variety. Each of these is afforded a double-page spread, over half of which displays photographs showing off the facilities, particularly the swimming pool, which dominates most layouts. This, and the absence of a mention of the beach for a number of hotels, is perhaps a reflection of holidaymaker preferences. Intriguing, considering the country's considerable coastal attractiveness.

 

A number of pages are devoted to birdwatching safaris and excursions. The latter include river trips, such as cruises across the border into Senegal or up local creeks, fishing expeditions and horse trips. Notes on hotel grading, climate, history and the economy will prove very useful.