Archive for April, 2009

Rodrigues – Pointe Venus

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Rodrigues - Pointe Venus

Rodrigues - Pointe Venus

Situated on the north east coast of Rodrigues on a historical site named Mont Vènus, about one km from the capital Port Mathurin. Point Vènus Hotel overlooks Port Mathurin and its harbour and the incredible lagoon surrounding Rodrigues Island. The hotel is built in colonial architecture and set in a lush garden. The hotel offers 45 superior rooms, 6 family apartments accommodating 2 adults & 2 children, 2 junior suites and one senior suite. Each room has the following amenities: Satellite TV, radio and music, individually controlled air-conditioning, safe, mini bar, telephone and hair-dryer.

The main restaurant is open daily for breakfast and dinner. Set in elegant atmosphere the restaurant offers local and European cuisine. There is also a snack bar and a main bar. Sports & leisure: petanque, deep-sea fishing, diving centre, fitness centre and swimming pool. There is also a 150-seated conference room. Minimum stay is 3 nights during peak season (23DEC – 05JAN ).

Itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly from Johannesburg to Mauritius. Proceed through customs and collect your luggage. You will be met and transferred the Blue Lagoon Hotel (dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 2: You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rodrigues. On arrival at the airport, our agents will meet you and arrange the transfer to the Point Venus Hotel where you will stay for 5 nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 7: Today you will be transferred to Rodrigues airport for your scheduled flight to Mauritius. You will be met and transferred to the Blue Lagoon Hotel (dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and fly to back to Mauritius. Check in for your return flight to Johannesburg

Prices include International flights (departure from Johannesburg with Air Mauritius) and flights Mauritius-Rodrigues return, hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, all airport-hotel return transfers.

Not included Meals not indicated, drinks, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance and airport taxes

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

±Euro1400 (superior room, dinner, bed and breakfast)

Specials: Note – Specials cannot be combined.

  • Free night specials: 01FEB-31MAR 2009 & 01MAY-31JUL 2009 & 01SEP-30SEP 2009 & 01DEC-22DEC 2009
    Pay for 5 and stay for 6 nights or pay for 10 and stay for 12 nights on a half board basis.
  • Honeymoon special offer: 06JAN-22DEC 2009
    Minimum stay is 3 nights. 50% discount for the bride & T-Shirt, Pareo, one special dinner and a bottle of sparkling wine, 20 minutes of free massage at O Spa at Pointe Venus Hotel and ½ day free self drive car hire with Rod Tours.
  • All inclusive packages available on request: Daily breakfast buffet & daily dinner (table d’hote menu or buffet) served at Le Dattier restaurant. Daily lunch served at our pool restaurant or picnic lunch in case guests will do a sight seeing tour. Afternoon tea/coffee and pancakes served at le Limonier bar, soft drinks, fruit juice, mineral water from 07h00 to 23h30. Local beer, locally bottled spirits, cocktails from 07h00 to 23h30, house wine. Free access to the pitch and putt golf (9 hols) of Pointe Venus Hotel & Spa. This option extends from time of check in on day of arrival up to 15h00 on day of check out.

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Hiking: The big Adventure

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Reunion Hiking

Reunion Hiking

This itinerary is only for experienced hikers, no children under 8 years and no single hikers. This tour is not accompanied by a guide.

Some hotels have a Christmas and New Year supplement which is not included in any prices quoted.

Itinerary Day 1: Johannesburg – St Denis
Flight from Johannesburg to Saint Denis, the capital of Reunion. Meet and greet and transfer to Saint Gilles Les. Bains. Overnight stay at the Alamanda Hotel (B&B).

Day 2: St Denis – Salazie
Buy food supplies. Transfer to the east coast of the island and visit the cirque of Salazie, famous for its magnificent waterfalls. (Your main baggage stays in Saint Gilles Les Bains). Overnight stay at the Hotel Relais des Cimes (B&B).

Day 3: Hellburg – Belouve
Early breakfast and hike from Hellburg up to the Belouve forest (primary forest). The hike will take about 2 1/2 hours and is 4.8 km long. (Elevation +- 500m). Overnight stay in the mountain hut (Dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 4: Belouve to Caverne Dufour
Hiking from Belouve to Caverne Dufour. This hike will take approximate 6 1/2 hours and is 10 km long. (Elevation +- 980m). Dinner and overnight at the hut Caverne Dufour (Dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 5: Piton des Neiges – Cilaos
Hiking from Hut Piton des Neiges to Cilaos. This hike will take about 6 1/2 hours and is 16.8 km long. (Elevation +- 591-1860m). Overnight stay at the Hotel Le Vieux Cep (B&B).

Day 6: Cilaos
Day at leisure in Cilaos. Buy food supplies. There are thermal baths in Cilaos. Overnight stay at the Hotel Le Vieux Cep (B&B).

Day 7: Cilaos – Marla
Hike from Cilaos to Marla, this hike takes about 7 hours and is 7 km long. (Elevation +1320 / – 912m). Overnight stay at the hut Marla (dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 8: Marla – Roche Plateau
Hiking from Marla to Roche Plate, this will take about 5 1/2 hours and the length of the hike is 11.7 km (Elevation 720 / 200m). Overnight stay at the hut Roche Plate (dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 9: Roche Plateau – Maido
Hiking from Roche Plateau to Maido, this will take about 5 hours and the length of the hike is 7.5 km. (Elevation +1000m). In the later afternoon transfer to Saint Gilles Les Bains where you will find the luggage you left behind. Overnight stay at the Hotel Allamanda (B&B).

Day 10: St Gilles les Baines
Day at leisure in Saint Gilles Les Bains. Overnight stay at the Alamanda Hotel (B&B).

Day 11: St Gilles les Baines
Day at leisure in Saint Gilles Les Bains. Overnight stay at the Alamanda Hotel (B&B).

Day 12: Self-drive – Pas de Bellecombe
Delivery of car rental to the Hotel and self-drive to the Pas de Bellecombe. Overnight stay at the Volcano Hut (Dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 13: Crater Hike
Hiking around the crater. Duration is about 5 hours and the length of the hike is 4.8 km. (Elevation -700 / + 700m). Overnight stay at the Hotel Geraniums (B&B).

Day 14: Self-drive to St Denis
Self-drive to Saint Denis. Overnight stay at the Hotel Domaine des Jamroses in La Montagne overlooking the city of Saint Denis.

Day 15: Outbound

Drive to the airport and drop off the car. Flight out.

Prices include
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), hotel accommodation for 9 nights bed and breakfast, 5 nights mountain huts (dormitories) dinner, bed and breakfast, car hire (category A) for 4 days with unlimited mileage and insurance, meet and greet on day of arrival and airport-hotel airport-Saint Gilles, Saint Gilles – Hellburg and Maido – Saint Gilles, detailed documentation and IGN Hiking map.

Not included
Visa fee, meals not indicated, drinks, tips, personal expenses, fuel, airport car parking tax, travel insurance, airport taxes, hotel taxes (+/- EUR 1/day/person).

Car insurance includes
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): damage to the car, fire and glass breaking
TPC (Theft Protection Coverage): Theft of car and damage to car
PAI (Personal Accident insurance): covers all passengers in the car within seating capacity; technical assistance.

Car insurance does not cover

Inside damages, damages to the wheels and tyres, personal belongings in the car, loss or theft of equipment (radio, windscreen wipers, antenna, wheel rims), NWR (Non-Waiverable Responsibility). A credit card imprint for NWR is required, this amount will be debited in case of a problem with the car and reimbursed if the car rental company’s insurance states that the hirer is not responsible for the charges.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

±Euro1725

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Mozambique: Pemba – Londo Lodge ****

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Mozambique: Pemba - Londo Lodge

Mozambique: Pemba - Londo Lodge

Free night special: Valid until 30Jun 2009
• Pay for 5 nights and stay for 7.
• Free unlimited home reef diving when you book a minimum 4 night stay. Offer is valid this whole summer and in combination with the pay for 5 nights and stay for 7.

Londo Lodge is a private Bush & Beach resort in northern Mozambique where guests can fully enjoy an exclusive holiday with the highest standards of luxury, privacy and hospitality set amidst stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The lodge is situated on a peninsula just south of the Quirimbas National Park and overlooks the beautiful Pemba bay, the third largest natural bay in the world. The resort has only 6 private villas to guarantee full privacy. The resort facilities include an eclectic Africa meets Asia restaurant, idyllic sunset beach bar, first floor library and cigar bar, baobab bush outdoor grill area, breathtaking cliff edge swimming pool and massage facilities.

Londo Lodge consists of 6 villas:
- 5 Private Beach View Villas
- 1 Executive Beach View Villa

Each villa has its own unique, distinctive style which is a blend of traditional sub-Sahara African, Moroccan and Indian styles. The villas are built with local timber, bamboo and makuti thatched roofing and feature a king-size bed with English handmade mattresses, exclusive Belgian bed linen, air conditioning, a luxurious bathroom with outdoor shower and a romantic private teak deck with sunset views. All villas have a fan and air-conditioning , king-size, mosquito nets and a hair-dryer. Two of the villas have a bath and a shower (Villa 2 and 7). Villa 5 only has an indoor shower, all other villas have outdoor showers only.

Londo Lodge has an eclectic restaurant that offers the best food in the area. Combining local traditional fish and rice dishes with Asian and EURpean influences turn the restaurant into an authentic culinary experience.
Each villa has a catering service for your personal needs that includes in-villa meals, sunset on-board BBQ’s or delicious picnics on secluded beaches.

Londo Lodge offers a wide variety of activities that give a true Bush & Beach experience to our guests.
Water sport activities:

- excellent snorkelling right off the beaches
- superb reef and wall scuba diving with qualified PADI instructor
- big game fishing
- windsurfing
- fishing trips with local fisherman on request
- water skiing
- sailing
- sunset dhow cruises
- mangrove river trips
- boat trips to the Quirimbas archipelago islands
- canoeing in traditional Cashina’s

Other activities:

- Guided bush & nature walks
- Romantic beach and bush dinners on request
- Pemba Town Tour
- Massage therapies
- Eco tours in the Quirimbas National Park area
- Ibo Island – Ghost Tour

Activity rates:
PADI Diving USD 65 per person per dive
Big game fishing USD 500 – 800 for a full day
USD 300 – 500 for a half day
2Hr sundowner fishing trip USD 200
Whale watching (seasonal) USD 100 per person (min 2 persons)
Water skiing USD 80 per hour
Mangrove river trip USD 50 per person (min 2 persons)

Complimentary activities:

  • Snorkeling
  • Canoeing
  • Dhow trips
  • Sundown cruises
  • Traditional Macua fishing community visit
  • Environmental awareness walks
  • Walking safaris

Please note:

  • Children under 12 subject to management discretion
  • Helicopter transfers are available on special request and extra costs
  • All guests will be required to settle their account of “extras” (beverages, motorized activities, spa treatments) on checking out by credit card or USD cash
  • Only Visa or MasterCard is accepted at the resort.

Itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Flight from Johannesburg International airport to Maputo. Check in for your domestic flight to Pemba in the north. The hotel representative will meet and transfer you in an vehicle to Pemba Beach. From here it is a 15 minute boat transfer to the lodge. Stay at Londo Lodge for 7 nights on a full board basis (as from 11 January 2009 fully inclusive except imported drinks).

Day 8: Boat transfer back to Pemba airport and flight back to Maputo. Check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.

Prices include
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), accommodation on a fully inclusive basis except imported drinks) and airport return transfers.

Not included
Visa fee, meals not indicated, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal expenses and travel insurance.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

±Euro 3066 with LAM

Specials: Free night special: Valid until 30Jun 2009

  • Pay for 5 nights and stay for 7.
  • Free unlimited home reef diving when you book a minimum 4 night stay. Offer is valid this whole summer and in combination with the pay for 5 nights and stay for 7.

Honeymooners:

  • Special honeymoon rates apply throughout the year. Minimum stay 7 nights.
  • The couple will also receive a complimentary dive, a massage, a bottle of Amarula in their room and a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow with all drinks and snacks included

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Mauritius – Belle Mare Plage *****

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Mauritius - Belle Mare Plage

Mauritius - Belle Mare Plage

Belle Mare Plage, situated along one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, offers an extensive array of amenities and is an ideal location for golfers with its two 18-holes championship golf courses. The resort is situated directly on a 2 km long white sandy beach, set in tropical gardens of almost 15 hectares. Two 18-hole championship golf courses stretch for another 140 hectares. The beach is protected by an offshore coral reef making it ideal for swimming, water sports and snorkelling.

All 255 rooms are comfortably furnished using modern wood and marble and have a terrace or balcony, air conditioning, bathroom comprising separate shower/bath/wc, double vanities, hairdryer, TV/satellite channels, music channels, Internet access, mini bar, individual safe, sitting area and 24/24h room service.

There are 92 Prestige Rooms (45m²): sea facing with terrace or balcony, inter-connecting Prestige rooms are available.

41 Junior Suites Beach front (68m²) and 96 Junior Suites Sea View (68m²): with a large terrace or balcony including a sofa-bed and dining area, bathrooms also have a walk-in dressing room. Inter-connecting Junior Suites are available.

6 Deluxe Suites (96m²) including living room: similarly equipped, the Deluxe Suites also have a separate living room with an extra shower/wc unit and large bath, Inter-connecting Deluxe Suites are available. All rooms and suites enjoy sea view and are located in buildings of either 1 or 2 floors.

20 Villas and Presidential Villa with private pool (375 to 525m²) with 2 or 3 bedrooms and living room: 3 Villas with 2 bedrooms with sea-view (375m²), 14 Villas with 2 bedrooms, some overlooking the golf course 375m²), 3 Villas with 3 bedrooms with spacious private pool and courtyard and a separate dining room (525m²), 1 Presidential Villa with sea view (650m²).
Separate check-in. All private deluxe villas have their own heated swimming pool Guests enjoy privacy but have access to all services and facilities of the hotel.

Personalised service by ‘Villa-Master’ – one per villa – separate service entrance. Upon request, the ‘Villa-Master’ can arrange for in-house breakfast, lunch, dinner, BBQ and other needs. On ground floor Terrace, living/dining room, guests toilet, kitchenette exclusively for service-use, outside bath, private pool (heated) and kiosk overlooking the pool. On first floor: either 1 or 2 bedrooms with separate bathrooms

All rooms consist of sitting area, bathroom with separate shower/bath/wc and double vanities overlooking the bedroom through an in-wall window. They are air-conditioned and equipped with telephone, in-room safe, hair-dryer, TV/DVD/satellite channels, PlayStation 2 (for rental) and mini bar. The bathroom of the bedroom on the ground floor level leads to an outside open air
bath.

Restaurants and Bars:

‘La Citronnelle’ , main restaurant (350 seats), overlooking the beach and pool, serving breakfast and dinner (food court in buffet style). Daily evening themed buffet in a relaxed atmosphere with a few tables in partitioned area for more intimate dining.

‘La Spiaggia’, the beachside restaurant & bar (60 seats), set on a wooden deck area, serving light lunches and snacks during the day. Open for la carte Mediterranean menus at night in a relaxed
atmosphere.

‘Deer Hunter’ restaurant and bar (80 seats) is located at the Legend golf club house and enjoys a superb view of the 9th, 15th and 18th hole’ greens and fairways and overlooking ‘Java Deer’ scenery. It is open for lunch and a carte dinner, and offers exclusive European and Thai cuisine combined with a Mauritian flavour, in a fine dining ambience. A half-board menu is available every day for dinner (reservations required due to limited seats capacity). Continental breakfast is also available for early golfers. ‘Blue Penny Cafè (45 seats), an exclusive air-conditioned a carte restaurant offering gastronomic cuisine, located in the main building with an exclusive wine and cigars list.

Facilities
Four swimming pools with sun loungers, located by the Prestige rooms, the Junior Suites and the main building.

A fitness centre with gymnasium, body-building equipment, sauna, cold plunge pool, hammam, air-conditioned squash courts and open air jacuzzi.

Shiseido beauty pavilion offering a wide range of massage and body treatments.

A range of boutiques located in the main building and in the shopping arcade “Palm Beach Boutiques’ opposite the hotel’s main entrance. Also pro-shops at both golf clubs, tennis club and fitness centre. These boutiques offer a variety of casual and beachwear clothes, beach accessories, sportswear, knitwear, carpets, spices, handicraft products and souvenirs as well as jewellery.

Daily entertainment sports programme, nightly live band and shows/cabarets

A ‘Kakoo Club’ for children aged between 4 and 12 years with games room and a playground. Indoor and outdoor activities are organised daily under supervision. Dinner in buffet style available
for children. Babysitting facilities are available on request (payable). Special evening for teenagers (depending upon number).

The Clubhouse of the “Legend’ 18-hole championship golf course including a Golf Academy with Marc Farry-Hugh Baiocchi method. A second Clubhouse is located 5 minutes away (free shuttle) at the ‘Links’ 18-hole championship golf course.

A fully air-conditioned conference room hosting up to 100 persons (theatre style) featuring overhead and slide projectors Sony, giant TV/video facilities, clip boards, microphones and lectern. A separate terrace is available for tea/coffee breaks.

Please note:

  • Children’s extra beds (maximum 1 in Prestige, Junior Suite and 2 in Deluxe Suite) are available.
  • Meal plan: All clients are entitled to breakfast at La Citronelle Restaurant. Breakfast orders in room: Continental breakfast will be served with a tray charge.
  • Dinner: Clients booked on half board basis are entitled to dinner buffet at La Citronelle Restaurant or table d’hote  menu at Deer Hunter Restaurant (upon reservation).
  • Check in / out time policy: Check-in 14h00; check-out 12h00
  • Unlimited golf for all guests staying at Belle Mare Plague – this applies to both golf courses.

Itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Depart from Johannesburg International Airport for your flight to Mauritius. On arrival at the airport, our agents will meet you and transfer you to Belle Mare Plage where you will be staying for 7 nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to Johannesburg.

Prices include

International flights (departure from Johannesburg with Air Mauritius), hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, all airport-hotel transfers.

Not included

Meals not indicated, drinks, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, any visa fees,and airport taxes.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

±Euro1800 (dinner, bed and breakfast, prestige room)

Specials

  • Upgrade: Valid 1 Mar to 6 Apr 2009 (last departure date from hotel). Pay for a Prestige room and get an upgrade to a Junior Suite.
  • Special offer Villas: Valid 1 May – 20 Oct 200. Pay for a Villa on a bed and breakfast basis and receive the half board supplement for free during the whole stay of your holiday. This offer can be combined with other special offers.
  • Children’s special: valid 1 May – 20 Oct 2009.Applicable for child under 12 years in extra bed: free or charge on same basis as adults are booked (one child in extra bed)
  • Summer offer: valid 1 May – 20 Oct 2009. Pay for 6 and stay for 7 nights OR Pay for 9 and stay for 11 nights
  • Honeymoon & Wedding Anniversaries Special offers:
    Applicable to all room categories – except villas: valid 1 May – 20 Oct 2009.
    50% discount for the spouse on half board basis.
    Applicable to all room categories – except villas: valid 7 Feb – 30 Apr & 21 Oct – 22 Dec 2009
    30% discount for the spouse on half board basis. Marriage certificate to be produced upon request. Stay should not be more than 9 months after date of wedding.
  • Wedding Anniversaries special offer. Applicable to the 10th and subsequent anniversaries at 5 years interval. Stay must not be more than 6 months prior or after dates anniversary.
  • Honeymoon and Wedding Anniversary gifts: In room upon arrival: orchid flowers, one bottle of wine and canapés. Special turndown: flower petals & candles in room & bathroom (on arrival day). During stay: one seafood candlelit dinner excluding drinks & photo souvenir. Departure: gifts in room at turndown (one day prior to departure). Guest will be entitled to the above gifts if they spend a minimum of 5 paying nights at the hotel.
  • Special offers cannot be combined.

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Madagascar Ile Sainte Marie: Princesse Bora Hotel & Spa ***+

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Madagascar Ile Sainte Marie

Madagascar Ile Sainte Marie

20% reduction on accommodation rates valid 1 -30 May 2009.
From April to June stay at Princesse Bora Lodge and enjoy one free Spa treatment per day per person.

A short transfer from the airport by traditional oxcart (cars or rickshaws are available for the less adventurous!) The hotel offers an excellent restaurant specialising in seafood and French cuisine.

All 20 rooms have a safe, private veranda and the bungalows are tastefully decorated and spacious with en-suite bathrooms. The nine Comfort Villas (35m2) are for one couple and only have a fan. No twin or additional beds for children or adults. There are six Luxury Villas (55m2) that have a fan and air-conditioning and accommodate up to 2 adults and two children (one large, suspended double bed, two small single beds in a mezzanine). Princesse Bora has five Executive Beach Villas (90m2) with large bedrooms and king-size beds, large bathrooms, a sunken bath, shower and air-conditioning. All villas have private beach access with private verandas. Maximum one child can share the Executive Beach Villa with two adults.

Hotel facilities include a bar and a dive centre. Fishing boat and equipment available. Princesse Bora’s restaurant is renowned for its excellent cuisine. Whale safaris are offered by boat. Scientists studying whales stay at Princesse Bora during the whale season and offer guests a chance to participate in their research, which can be a thrilling highlight.

Swimming in the sea from the beach only possible at high tide but there is a magnificent rim flow pool to relax in and from the wooden, spacious jetty with loungers you will be able to swim even at low tide.

The newly opened Jungle Spa offers a variety of relaxing and stimulating massages with Malagasy essential oils. Located in a tropical setting it has a traditional feel with Malagasy pirogues used as baths.

Free activities: snorkelling, kayaking, mountain biking and the Olympic size pool (25 metres).

Please note

  • Minimum stay throughout the year is two nights. During peak season the minimum stay is 5 nights (22 Dec – 7 Jan).
  • Christmas and New Year’s supplements are included in our quotations.
  • Only Ariary, foreign currency, traveller’s checks and Visa Credit card is accepted.

Sample itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo, lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Relais des Plateaux Hotel for the night (B&B).

Day 2: Transfer to the airport and fly to Ile Sainte Marie. A representative of the hotel will meet you on arrival. Transfer to Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa, where you will be staying for five nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 7: Transfer to the airport and fly back to Antananarivo. You will be met by our agents who will transfer you to Relais des Plateaux Hotel for the night (B&B).

Day 8: Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport. Check in for your flight to Johannesburg

Prices include

International (departure from Johannesburg with Air Madagascar) and internal Malagasy flights, all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers.

Not included

Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fees.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

  • ±Euro1600 (Comfort Villa, dinner, bed and breakfast)

Specials

  • Price reduction: 20% reduction on accommodation rates valid 1 -30 May 2009.
  • Free Spa treatment: From April to June stay at Princesse Bora Lodge and enjoy one free Spa treatment per day per person.
  • Whale excursion special: (Minimum stay is three nights
    From 1 Jul to 30 Sep the rates include two free whale expeditions per person per stay).These excursions are together with scientists and you might have to help.

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