It all began many years ago with the kindness of strangers given freely to a bunch of young and impressionable biologists. That kindness was not forgotten, it brought the youngsters back time and time again so that one day they were no longer young and the strangers were now friends. These friends lived in a remote village in rural Tanzania, a good place, but one lacking in the adequate infrastructure of state – education and medical facilities – that those from relatively wealthy countries expect.

Life in the village is hard: infant mortality is high, as is maternal mortality. Malaria is a constant threat; incomes are uncertain, bound as they are to the fluctuations of nature, and the opportunities for a comprehensive education are limited. History has also had a hard hand on the valley in which this village is found; only one generation has passed since the old men could talk, with experience, of the suffering brought by world war. Put simply, life is vulnerable.

Yet, the atmosphere is not one of despondency, the villagers numb from the attrition of effort, rather it is led by characters with vision who possess a determination to improve the conditions in which they live. About five years ago, fed up with the inadequate water supply to the wells that sustain the village, the senior women (the ‘Mamas’, or ‘they who must be obeyed’) initiated a project along with the local Catholic church to finance and construct a water catchment system from the uplands of the Mafiji Escarpment, and lay a pipe through 11 kilometres of miombo woodland, with its seasonal complement of elephant and buffalo, to the village. After much effort, they were successful and although sometimes the fall of autumn causes the odd problem, now clean water – maji safi – flows from the village pumps.

Such success makes people listen and take note when new plans are proposed. The not so young biologists by this time ran travel companies. From time to time they would bring other friends and guests to the village for an experience of rural life in Tanzania. These people enjoyed the warm welcome of Itete, for that is the name of the village, saw the need and recognised the determination to change.

Then came the idea.

The church is the focal point of life in the village. On special days the congregation numbers in the high hundreds and every morning the soft song of the nuns emanates through the cool air. The current church is a magnificent building built in the 1960s to replace the original large structure of brick, timber and iron, erected in the 1930s, a structure that stood largely empty for so many years next to a pharmacy outside which queues of the sick formed daily.

‘What would it take to turn the old church into a residential medical centre?’ The question kept emerging over a warm beer or two. Fr. Chahali, the village priest, disclosed that this had been thought of for many years, but that the money required had always been lacking; if the money could be raised, then he could lead the construction, having successfully fulfilled a similar role years before in another village in Tanzania. And so the idea was circulated, for widespread support was required if ever it was to bear fruit. The idea was costed and accepted: £50,000 would see the old church deconstructed and re-assembled to become the Itete Medical Centre, a project led by the local community, but supported by friends overseas.

That was in 2009, a time when the world was already running out of money, despite the efforts of the printing presses of the central banks. We steeled ourselves for a long slog, resigned to prizing pennies out of fingers for the next decade or two. How wrong we were.

From the very first fundraising initiative, people who have no direct experience of the village, and often do not even know the fundraisers, have given generously. There have been marathons run in Brighton, curries eaten in Birmingham (tough gig) and horrors re-enacted in Dar es Salaam (happy Halloween guys!), to name but a few. Then, in 2011, we received the wonderful news that the Scouts & Guides of the Hampshire District had committed their mighty fundraising muscle to the project. By August, they will have raised a staggering £30,000.

Since 2009, inflation has hit Tanzania at an alarming rate and the national currency has depreciated greatly. This has meant that the costs of the project have risen despite Fr. Chahali’s excellent management. Unperturbed, we redoubled our efforts with quiz nights and stupidly long walks. Then came the really good news.

Last August an application had been hurriedly put together and submitted to the Guernsey Overseas Aid Development Commission. Last month we were informed that our application had been successful and Project Itete has been awarded a grant of £20,000 for the construction of the Itete Medical Centre.

It is therefore with great joy that I confirm that the Medical Centre is on course for completion by mid August 2012. This year there will be a new medical facility in Itete where expectant mothers can give birth in sterile surroundings in the care of competent professionals; where families can be accommodated as well as patients in safe, single sex environments; where education can be delivered as to how best to combat the threat of malaria, HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. Life in Itete will not be the same again, for many it will be longer.

So to all those who have spread the word and raised money over the past three years, on behalf of the people of Itete and the African Space Trust, asante sana.

Thank you.

“This was a once in a lifetime trip which spanned a visit to the Vallée de Mai UNESCO site on Praslin, to the third most beautiful (and shark-infested) beach in the world (again) on Praslin, to the glamour of Denis Island – incredible. “

What was the nicest surprise of the trip?

Seeing the turtles on Turtle Island – didn’t expect that!.

Describe the most amusing character you discovered?

The surly women working in the beachfront restaurant shack in Mahé!

What was the most interesting thing learnt on the trip?

That there’s a UNESCO site on Mahé at the Vallée de Mai and walking through the jungle – beautiful.

What was your favourite wildlife encounter and why?

The beautiful giant turtles on Praslin and Turtle Islands – they’re huge and so beautiful.

Nelson Mandela’s tear ducts are blocked from his years squinting in the dusty limestone quarry on Robben Island, the former leper colony that in the latter half of the 20th century became the home for the political prisoners of South Africa’s apartheid regime. This the guide told us as we toured the island over Easter. The image stuck with me far more than the small cell with its red refuse bucket.

As humans we cry when we are happy and when we are sad, to express both joy and sorrow. Tears are understood without words, they are part of what makes us human. If one cannot cry, it does not mean that emotion is lacking, just that one is unable to share that emotion with those close by, unable to purge that overwhelming feeling and so go on living.  Tear ducts blocked by the dust of a penal quarry seemed to me to be a metaphor for political incarceration, where one still lived, but was unable to share that life with anyone but the convicted.

I guess that Robben Island is classed as a tourist attraction, although that is uncomfortable language when one considers that is was a place of imprisonment for so many years. Yet neither should it be seen as a hair-shirt destination, which when visited can be weighed against time spent in the luxurious destinations of the Western Cape to balance the scales of political correctness. Rather, it should be seen for what it is:  an important – and powerful – aspect of contemporary South Africa. It is a place to remember, to imagine and perhaps to begin to understand; it is also a great spot for wildlife and the boat journey there and back is often exhilarating. It is all these things, comfortably. And if you don’t fancy visiting, then don’t. It’s ok.

To give them credit (which the locals don’t often do) the management have it right when they stress that Robben Island should not be just a negative reminder of a dark past, but also a positive exhortation to acknowledge both what has been overcome and what must never be allowed to reoccur. This message was endorsed by the excellent guides and taken in by the eclectic group of visitors obviously drawn not only from across the world but also from throughout South African society.

I was there with my 16 year old niece. She does not remember the television images of Nelson Mandela’s release or the seemingly never ending violence in the townships of the early nineties. African history has not made it onto her school syllabus and  so she viewed the island with fresh eyes. Her reaction the the unfolding story was one of sadness and incredulity. ‘How could people do this?’ she asked.

Yes, how could they? I thought.

On the boat journey back to Cape Town I watched a middle aged coloured man pull his son close to him and smile as the boy chattered excitedly about the rest of the holiday weekend that lay ahead. As the sun set on the mountains turning the scene glorious, the boy, looking at the continent before him, saw only possibilities.

First the coach for a gentle roll south and then the airport; they all look the same, but it’s the anticipation that will grip you this time. Your aircraft will take you away from whatever the English summer has provided; destination: Africa!
AIR TRAVEL

Day 2

Landing in Entebbe, you will be met by your guide and driven 30 kilometres along the shore of Lake Victoria to the city of Kampala for your first night in Uganda.

RED CHILLI HIDEAWAY – FULL BOARD

Day 3

Up early ready for a 07:00 departure. Travelling in a 4WD minibus with extendable roof, you will spend the day driving north west across Uganda to the Murchison Falls National Park. The journey will take about seven hours. At Murchison, you will stay at the Red Chilli Rest Camp. Get stuck in as it is up to you to pitch your tents. In the afternoon you will go out for your first game drive into the park.

RED CHILLI REST CAMP CAMPING  – FULLY CATERED

Day 4

Collecting your packed breakfast from the restaurant, you will cross the river Nile on a small ferry to the north bank where you will start your morning game drive. All the majestic  creatures of the savanna can be found in the park, so look for elephant, giraffe, buffalo, lion and (if you are lucky) the elusive leopard. In the afternoon you will take a boat trip to the foot of the falls themselves. Once at the foot, you will leave the boat and hike to the top of the falls. This is quite tough and will take around 45 minutes, but it is certainly worth it.

RED CHILLI REST CAMP CAMPING – FULLY CATERED

Day 5

After a final early morning game drive, you will leave the park and meander south along the Albertine Rift Valley to the quiet town of Hoima where you will spend the night.

KONTIKI HOTEL – FULL BOARD

Day 6

Leaving Hoima, you will continue south to the green expanse of Kibale Forest. This scenic drive will be broken by lunch at Fort Portal. Arriving in the forest in the late afternoon, you will enter a completely different world, a mysterious place home to 12 different primate species. the bird life is prolific and you may even catch a glimpse of the rarely seen forest elephant.

CHIMP’S NEST – FULL BOARD

Day 7

This morning you will enter the forest with a ranger to make a hike to the local crater lake. This is a wonderful chance to really encounter the jungle. In the afternoon you will support the local community by taking their guided wetland walk. Look out for the Great blue turaco, one of the most spectacular birds you are ever likely to see.
CHIMP’S NEST – FULL BOARD

Day 8

After a morning visit to a tea plantation where you will be able to assist the tea-pickers and learn about how the highest quality leaves are selected, you will continue onto Queen Elizabeth II National Park, Uganda’s second largest park situated at the base of the Rwenzori Mountain range. Here you will camp overlooking the Kazinga Channel. After a late afternoon gamedrive, return to camp for dinner and fall asleep to the roaring of the lion and the whooping hyeana.

MWEYA PENINSULAR – FULLY CATERED

Day 9

Up early in time to catch the sunrise, you will head out for a long morning gamedrive, searching for as much wildlife as you can see. After lunch, you will take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel for a unique view of the species you saw from the vehicle this morning.
MWEYA PENINSULAR – FULLY CATERED

Day 10

After breakfast, this morning you will proceed to the remote south of the park to try to find the famous tree climbing lions of Ishasha, who have learnt to climb the fig trees in order to escape the heat of the day. In the afternoon, you will continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your destination is the village of Ruhija where you will stay in spacious, furnished tents with spectacular views of the forest.
GORILLA FRIENDS CAMP – FULLY CATERED

Day 11

Staying in the vicinity of the forest, you have the opportunity to either enjoy a walk in a local village or take the waterfall hike in Bwindi forest.
GORILLA FRIENDS CAMP – FULLY CATERED

Day 12

Leaving the forest, today you head to Lake Bunyoni, ‘The Little Place of Birds’. Taking a dugout  canoe to one of the outlying islands, this is one of the most beautiful spots in Uganda. You will stay at Bushara Island Camp, a wonderful place to relax surrounded by nature. It is a sustainable eco-tourism camp managed by the local community.
BUSHARA ISLAND CAMP – FULLY CATERED

Day 13

Lake Bunyoni is bilarzia free and safe for swimming, sailing and canoeing. there are also cultural tours, dance performances and night canoe tours available. Enjoy.

BUSHARA ISLAND CAMP – FULLY CATERED

Day 14

After breakfast, you will return to Kampala, stopping at the Equator. The journey will take about nine hours hours. This being your last night, you will stay at Cassia Lodge, a very comfortable hotel that possesses the best views of Lake Victoria in Kampala.
CASSIA LODGE – FULL BOARD

Day 15

Enjoy a lazy morning and relax by the hotel pool until the time comes for you to return to the airport for your flight home. Webale nyo! Thank you!
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Day 16

Land in the UK with many memories and even more photographs!
END OF TRIP

Day 1

First the coach for a gentle roll south and then the airport; they all look the same, but it’s the anticipation that will grip you this time. Your aircraft will take you away from whatever the English summer has provided; destination: Africa!
AIR TRAVEL

Day 2

Landing in Nairobi, you will transfer to your safari vehicle to be driven from the city to Selenkay Conservancy. the journey is 102 miles and will take approximately 4 hours. You will arrive in time for a late lunch, during which you will receive your firsts briefing.  In the afternoon you will go out for your first game drive to explore the Conservancy. Look out for the Bigs Cats, elephants and all the other charismatic animals of the savanna like giraffe, zebra and multitudinous antelope. In the evening return to camp for your first African dinner.

SELENKAY ADVENTURE CAMP – FULL BOARD

Day 3

after an early breakfast you will set out for a full day spent with the Big Cat Research Programme. You will work with the Lion Guardians who assist the lion researchers. You will track lion and learn more about the local population and they challenges they face. Picnic lunches will be provided. In the evening, return to camp for dinner; this will be your first night drive, so look out for leopard!

SELENKAY ADVENTURE CAMP – FULL BOARD

Day 4

Another early start, after which you will transfer to the famous Amboseli Elephant Research Project for a lecture on the local elephant population and its sustainable conservation. Returning to camp for lunch, in the afternoon you will go out for an afternoon game drive to put what you have learned into practice observing the elephant you encounter.

SELENKAY ADVENTURE CAMP – FULL BOARD

Day 5

 
This morning it is time to leave the vehicles and to explore the conservancy on foot with your local Maasai guides. Your guides have an amazing knowledge and like nothing better than sharing this. So look out for the small things and build your knowledge of the savanna ecosystem. In the afternoon you will visit a local Maasai village before enjoying a final night drive.
SELENKAY ADVENTURE CAMP – FULL BOARD

Day 6

Time to move. After breakfast you will take to the road once more and travel to Tsavo West National Park. Picnic lunches will be provided. In the afternoon you will set out to explore your new environment, comparing it to the Selenkay Conservancy. You will also visit Mzima Springs, the main water source for the city of Mombasa.

VOI WILDLIFE LODGE – FULL BOARD

Day 7

Today you will spend the full day in Tsavo East National Park, true wilderness at its finest. Picnic lunch will be provided and you will return to the lodge for dinner.
VOI WILDLIFE LODGE – FULL BOARD

Day 8

This morning you will swap the bush for the classroom, visiting a local school to experience the similarities and the differences of school life in the UK and Kenya. Driving back to the lodge for lunch, the afternoon is left free for you to relax a little and take stock of your experience to date.

VOI WILDLIFE LODGE – FULL BOARD

Day 9

Another swap, but today it is the savanna for the sea shore. Leaving Tsavo, you will drive for three hours to Mombasa Town. From there you will proceed to Diani and the Indian Ocean Beach Club, your home for the next three nights.
INDIAN OCEAN BEACH CLUB – HALF BOARD

Day 10 & 11

After a long week in the savanna, this is your chance to relax and explore the Swahili Coast, washing away the dust of the bush with the Indian Ocean.
INDIAN OCEAN BEACH CLUB – HALF BOARD

Day 12

After an early breakfast, you will transfer back to Mombasa where you will board your air conditioned bus for your six hour drive back to Nairobi. There you will stay for your final night at the PanAfric Hotel
PANAFRIC HOTEL – BREAKFAST & OVERNIGHT STAY

Day 13

This is not just a travel day. After breakfast, you will visit the Nairobi elephant Orphanage to see how rescued elephants are nutured before being returned to the wild. After a final lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight home.

Day 14

Today you will land back in the UK with some great photos and many great memories that will stay with you for ever, and remember, Africa has many more corners for you to explore in the future.
AIR TRAVEL

THE DETAILS

Price: £ 2,350 per person (not including international flights)

INCLUDES: 

• 4 nights adventure camping
• all park and conservancy fees
• Selenkay day and night game drives
• Tsavo game drives in customised mini-vans
• all meals as indicated
• all visits as indicated
• 3 nights at Voi Wildlife Lodge
• 3 nights at Indian Ocean Beach Club
• all transfers
• 1 night Sarova Panafric

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

International flights, visa fees, soft and alcoholic drinks; tips & gratuities; non-included activities; transport to and from non-included activities

We arrived at the stunning luxury resort of Raffles. You would think that its hillside location would be its biggest attraction as the views from the open air Reception verandah are breathtaking. However there is so much more than just views here.

Frank my butler! collected me in his buggy and whisked me off to the contemporary luxurious villa, which was home for the night! He was just adorable and if there was room in my suitcase, believe me he would have been in it! Each villa has its own large decked area with a shaded day bed and plunge pool with equally amazing views. Indoors was just as luxurious. Cocktails before, delicious locally caught lobster & crab for dinner with some of Raffles lovely staff. Now I’m not able to convince even myself this is hard work!

We said goodbye to Raffles far too quickly and set off on a beautiful journey across Praslin through the Unesco world heritage site of Vallee de Mer, we saw the famous coco de mer in the tall trees, both the male and female species, the shapes are particularly suited to those with a warped sense of humour! It isn’t known as the Garden of Eden for nothing.

Our next stop was Constance Lemuria, which boasts the only golf course on Seychelles, stretching 18 stunning holes, it commands respect even from those with the smallest handicap . We came across a flurry of excitement as we were being shown the different beaches and their incredible views and found ourselves in the middle of a turtle release programme.  The baby turtles had been scooped up as they hatched and were being brought back and released into the sea at the optimum time for their survival. Delicious dinner & wine was followed with shisha pipe tasting of burnt apple pie; I think I’ll stick to after dinner mints in future!

Our whirlwind inspection then took us to the quaint private island of Denis which is extra special and if only I had been with Brad Pitt and not 7 other travel consultants my experience could have been so very different!. A grass airstrip, secluded sea front villas stretching out onto sand like talcum powder, Denis is just perfect for those who really want to escape to paradise or a wine cellar for a few days! As we waved goodbye to Bessie and the staff, the only consolation was the shiny brand new private charter plane with its rich smelling ivory white leather seats, waiting to whisk us back to Mahe. With JK or is it OJ in co pilot seat we knew we were in safe hands!

Just a short boat crossing to Hilton Labriz Resort on Silhouette Island and it brought back childhood memories of Robinson Crusoe, with its mountainous backdrop surrounded by thick vegetation. The Manager, Michael welcomed us with his soft Scottish accent  & drove  us in our buggy past the tiny village school before dropping us at our private beachfront villas.The Indian Ocean lapping just a few yards away from my balcony, a quick shower under the stars and we were enjoying the fabulous Labriz cuisine and hospitality in the restaurant set between the inland lakes and granite rock formations.

Exhausted though inspired and captivated by the totally different feel and luxury of each of the islands I sadly bid farewell after a whistlestop tour of the Masons International departure lounge, now time to board the aircraft.

Farewell Seychelles…….there is no doubt I will be back one day, I am hooked on these stunning islands. The big problem will be which ones to choose!

200kgs of muscle, stomach and a face marked by an ancient acceptance of what may be sat in the bush, chewing. Clad in a hair coat of absolute black, the peeling away of the screen of leaves by the bill hook of the tracker, who now crouched two metres from him, making the suppressed bass cough of greeting, left him unperturbed. Although the sun was bright, it could only superficially penetrate the undergrowth and so the silverback appeared to merge with its background, until where it ended and the forest began was unclear. Respectfully observing the goliath from my precarious position balanced atop a braced vine, I concluded that never again would I dismiss the idea of a forest deity.

We had been walking, well, moving; the actual form of locomotion had been more erratic, veering between stumbles and slides to lunges and plodding, for four hours. Climbing inclines that made our calves scream and our lungs call for the union rep. A landscape reminiscent of Switzerland in summer had given way to the densest of montane forests and a world of no horizons. Oh the things one does for family. My friends and I were in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, and we were there to visit our distant relatives, the gorillas.

With just over 840 mountain gorillas estimated to exist still in the highland forests of central Africa, gorilla trekking has become the prime reason to visit Uganda for people keen to experience a shared moment with the charismatic animals, while it is still possible. Habit loss due to deforestation and vulnerability to poaching in the conflict areas of the Congo mean that the long term survival of this keystone species is far from assured.

The tourist dollar (or $500 to be exact, the cost of each permit) supports the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s conservation of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and minimises the potential impact of tourism by limiting the number of people allowed to enter the forest. Contact with the gorillas is strictly limited: only eight permits are issued per day for each habituated group and contact time with the animals is restricted to one hour. If during that hour, the group leaves the contact, then you cannot follow; the gorillas are in charge.

The entire trekking operation is extremely well organised. Trekkers assemble at the HQ for a briefing at 08h00, during which the physical permits are issued and the Warden introduces the trekkers to the ecology of the gorilla and the rules of the trek. He introduces the potential of hiring porters, not only to relieve some of the rigours of the trail, but also to contribute to the local economy, providing an income, which, in turn, reduces the local temptation to poach in the forest. He also mentions with a smile the existence of ‘the African helicopter’, a $300 dollar service that sees the porters become bearers who will carrier the weak in litters either off the mountain, or, depending on negotiation, onward to the gorillas. Stanley would have been proud.

After the briefing the trekkers are split into walking groups and introduced to their guides, smart figures in green fatigues bearing with pride the red and yellow cords of their position. Then you are off, accessing the forest via the point nearest your target family group’s last known position, on a vector to join the trackers who have been following the trail of cold nests and distressed foliage since dawn.

We found our family just after two in the afternoon, following a lunch taken crouched in a low clearing. We heard the trackers approach, first in the broken crackle of Swahili on the guide’s personal radio and then through the trees. Distant whoops made us strain our ears, a silent tableau listening for the rustle of disturbed grass that would mark the arrival of the gorillas.

Naturally, the gorillas avoided us and so there was more climbing to be overcome and foliage to be avoided until the final, delicious, moment of first contact. After taking an initial few shots, I slung my camera over my shoulder and breathed deeply, trying to imbibe every second, every ounce, and every facet of the encounter. I think the silverback half smiled, seeing the dreamy look on my face, before reaching up to denude a branch of its leaves, stuffing the foliage into his open mouth with thick fingers; unaware that this forage had dislodged his four year old son from his former perch above his father’s head.

If you have made it this far, you can probably guess that I enjoyed my gorilla trekking and would return like a shot given half the chance. It is definitely worth the $500. But the best discovery of my trip was that Uganda has so much else to experience and stands tall as a distinctive African destination in its own right.

Although located on the pleasing shores of Lake Victoria, the setting that along with its seven hills gives Kampala its character, Uganda has no coastline and so one is not distracted by the oceans, but can concentrate solely on the terrestrial. And what a terrain it is. In the north, great stretches of savanna offer safaris for the connoisseur (who really doesn’t like other tourists); while in the west, Murchison Falls churns the White Nile into mist. The Ruwenzori Mountains wear their ices caps proudly, offering strenuous treks that make the Kilimanjaro climb seem a schoolboy’s warm up.   All of this leading through misty hills, mountain lakes and papyrus filled valleys to the forests of the border region and the gorillas.

Oh, and one last thing: brush up on your history before you come. Uganda came late to the ‘great game’ of African colonialism, mainly because the area contained established kingdoms that were doing all right without the involvement of pith helmets and bibles. These kingdoms possessed long histories, elaborate administrative structures and distinct cultures, much of which remains strong today, once one looks beneath the damp duvet of 21st century global anti-culture. The people of Uganda are proud, but welcoming and benefit from one of the better education systems in sub-sahara Africa. With English being the main language, you are able to truly engage with the Ugandans you encounter, often with the most surprising results.

I will remember for a long time the look on my friend Lesley’s face as she paused on the trek and waited for us laggards with her porter, John, by her side. She looked bemused.

“Everything OK?” I asked.

“Yes”, she said. “Although I don’t know where our conversation is going to end up,” meaning that between her and John. “ We started with football and now we are onto space travel!”

I can’t promise space travel in Uganda, but I can promise surprises.

Oh yes and two UNESCO world heritage sites to visit too!

Flying into Mahe, my first glimpse was out of the aircraft window, the sun was predictably shining and I couldn’t help but make an instant comparison with the hazy, flat, sandy Arabian desert like environment I had just 4 hours earlier departed from to the clear, hilly,, bright, lush green islands we were flying over. What a great contrasting combination these two destinations make! We were met by the smiling friendly staff of Mason’s and whisked away to visit the first of many beautiful hotels that this trip would offer,

The Banyan Tree with its breathtaking views across the Indian Ocean,  What struck me here was the tranquility of the place, nothing it would appear is too much trouble, comfort, luxury and attention to detail are the key ingredients and if I wanted to escape the world for a while then Banyan Tree could definitely hit the spot.

Kempinski Hotel on Mahe island was our overnight host hotel,  just recently opened on a stunning beach it has a young, contemporary feel to it. Tuesday morning and the sun was invitingly warm, however there was no chance of adding even one more freckle to my collection  today, we were off bright and early.

Four Seasons Resort with its Creole style villas set on stilts overlooking the most breathtaking views. The infinity edge plunge pool was screaming jump in. No chance – Freddy our driver was waiting to whisk us off to the next luxury resort, the schedule was too tight for a dip. The very opulent Maia Luxury Resort & Spa is perfect for couples whose desire is to relax and be pampered in total privacy.

Constance Ephelia is a very different 5* experience. As we whizzed around the resort in our buggies, the huge granite rock face which has been adapted and designed to become a climbing wall caught my imagination and I pictured those boys in our family scrambling up it, each hoping to be the first to reach the top. I wonder whether Pete’s years in his clampons at Uni would finally pay off! No time for climbing for us though, quick lunch at the Ephelia Grill and then off to catch the Cat Cocos Ferry to Praslin Island… Check us out next week to hear about Praslin.

I looked across at my fellow travellers, Jane and Mehdi as a flute of champagne was gently placed in front of me and I lower myself into the seat which quite incredibly lengthens and reclines to horizontal position. A selection of magazines even W H Smith would be proud of, a menu choice to die for – freshly prepared by the on-board chef, mmmm I think I’ll take the fresh tuna please!  Another glass of champagne this time accompanied with a delicious mini kebab to awaken my tastebuds, also prepared by the on-board chef.

Etihad Business Class: Manchester to Abu Dhabi, I think I love you!  And is that yet another glass of champagne I see heading my way?

Heading out to the Seychelles via Abu Dhabi and returning through Dubai to check out 22 new hotels in 8 days for the African Space 2012 portfolio was a job I happily agreed to when it fell on my desk.

Abu Dhabi airport 6am and surprisingly chilly! Not for long though, the sun came blazing through the hazy sky and the temperature did as it does in the Middle East soared upwards. Not too crazy hot though, a pleasant 25 degrees and off we headed to the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and grand it is, gold and grand in a land where only big counts!

Following a tour of the city we headed to the Fairmont Bab Al Baar for breakfast and a hotel tour. Incredible panoramic views of the Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi and the mosque are best taken from the 7th floor suites. Filled to capacity with World Opthalmology Conference delegates we left them in search of new insight and headed off to the Emirates Palace Hotel. Here was to be a rare taste of a couple of hours to relax in the sunshine. The sea was chilly, unlike it’s name Arabian Gulf would lead you to think, however the pool was like a warm bath, blissfully welcome after waking from an hours nap on my sun bed as the sun headed out of sight.

Dinner at the Lebanese Restaurant went way beyond my expectations and I could be found still eating long after I should have- the food was just too delicious. The Chocolate Gallery is a must for all those chocolate lovers out there.

Farewell Abu Dhabi – Seychelles is beckoning.

Stay tuned for the next installments as we reach Mahe Island Seychelles.