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Spectacular Serengeti safaris for every budget
For travellers inspired by BBC One’s new nature documentary, Serengeti, wildlife and adventure tour operator Gane and Marshall has highlighted four thrilling safari itineraries, for travellers of varying budgets, to the Serengeti region of northern Tanzania.
Narrated by Star Wars actor, John Boyega, the new six-part TV series focuses on the lives of animals who live in the Serengeti, telling their survival stories in a dramatic way. Episode one, which aired on 4 July, gripped viewers with the story of a heroic young hyena, with further thrilling tales from the Serengeti to come.
The name Serengeti is derived from the Maasai word “serengit”, meaning ‘endless plains’. It’s the perfect name for this magnificent area of almost 6,000 square miles, where both the plains and the herds of game that populate them really can appear limitless. Famous for its annual migration, the Serengeti also offers an excellent safari experience all year round. The big cats – lion, leopard, cheetah – are regular sightings, as are elephant, giraffe, buffalo, plentiful plains game – zebra, eland, impala, waterbuck – and smaller game including baboon, monkey and warthog. Rarer highlights include serval cat, wild dog and black rhino.
The Serengeti has varied zones in which each ecosystem is subtly different. Seronera, in the centre of the park, is famous for its vast savannah grasslands and excellent cheetah sightings, while the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor is the location for dramatic river crossings during the wildebeest migration. Maswa Game Reserve to the south offers a remote part of the park that is rewarding in its game-viewing and in the privacy it affords its guests, while Lobo near the Kenyan border offers a chance to see plentiful game during the dry season.
Tanzania Northern Highlights
Gane and Marshall’s ‘Tanzania Northern Highlights’ itinerary is a comparatively low-cost, seven-day small group safari. Travellers will stay in lodge-based accommodation and visit the world-famous Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater. The time in the Serengeti includes a full-day game drive focused on the Seronera region, which is the heart of the action.
Prices start from £1,685pp, based on two sharing in the ‘Bronze’ category of accommodation. This includes six nights’ lodge accommodation on full-board basis, transportation in a 4×4 vehicle with guaranteed window seat, services of an English-speaking driver & guide, national park entrance fees, all currently applicable Tanzanian taxes and levies. International flights are additional.
Great Migration Fly-in Safari
Newly-introduced, the ‘Great Migration Fly-in Safari’ is an eight-day private safari, designed to get travellers as close to the great migration as possible, from both the Kenyan and Tanzanian sides of the border. It’s intended to be booked July – October to track the migration in the Masai Mara and the northern Serengeti, but can be booked at other times of year as well as the Serengeti camp is mobile, shifting location to track the wildebeest herds. Accommodation is with the luxurious &Beyond brand, including the fabulous Serengeti Under Canvas camp.
The cost of this itinerary is £5,870pp, based on two people sharing accommodation and travelling in peak season (July – October). This includes seven nights’ luxury accommodation, meals on a fully-inclusive basis, game viewing activities, English-speaking safari guides, transfers and regional/domestic flights, all entrance and park fees. International flights are additional.
Tanzania for Two
Gane and Marshall’s ‘Tanzania for Two’ itinerary starts with a fly-in safari to the Tarangire region, where travellers will spend three nights at the fabulous and remote Swala Camp, before journeying to the exclusive Grumeti Reserves in the Western Serengeti for three nights at the stunning Singita Sasakwa. This luxury northern Tanzania safari includes the incredible experience of a Serengeti balloon safari and is ideal for couples and honeymooners.
Prices start from £7,220pp, based on two sharing. This includes six nights’ luxury accommodation on a full-board basis including drinks, game activities, hot-air balloon safari, all transfers, domestic flights. International flights are additional.
Private Serengeti Safari (Mkombe’s House)
Travellers on the exclusive ‘Private Serengeti Safari (Mkombe’s House)’ in the northern Serengeti region will leave relatively busy wildlife watching areas and spend three nights in a private house close to the Mara River. Mkombe’s House is a four-bedroom, self-contained house with private 4×4 safari vehicle and a full complement of staff, including a dedicated guide and an in-house chef, who will prepare sumptuous meals, which can be enjoyed on the terrace with views of the Serengeti. Perfect for families or small groups, this short fly-in safari can be booked as a standalone option or as a component in a longer safari and beach itinerary booked via Gane and Marshall.
There is currently a special offer of ONE FREE NIGHT at Mkombe’s House when travelling outside of the peak migration season (valid November – May with the exception of the Christmas and New Year holidays) on stays of three nights or longer.
Prices start from £3,630 per adult for a group of four or more. Those under the age of 21 stay at a reduced rate of £2,325pp. This includes three (or four, if special offer applicable) nights’ accommodation on a fully-inclusive basis, services of a private guide and vehicle, regional flights, national park fees. International flights are additional.
Sustainable St Albans is gearing up for its annual Sustainability Festival, SustFest24, from June 7 to 16. This community-led event is packed with activities designed to promote environmental sustainability and inspire positive change. Among the many exciting events this year, the Preloved Charity Fashion Show and Sustainable Style workshop stand out, emphasizing eco-friendly fashion choices.
Preloved Charity Fashion Show
The Preloved Charity Fashion Show will take place on June 7 at the Alban Arena. This fashion show is a unique event that combines style with sustainability, showcasing outfits created entirely from second-hand and upcycled clothing. By highlighting the beauty and creativity that can come from preloved items, the show aims to challenge the fast fashion industry and promote a culture of reuse and recycling. This event not only supports local charities but also demonstrates that sustainable fashion can be both stylish and accessible.
The fashion show will feature local models and designers, bringing a community feel to the runway. Attendees can expect an evening of high fashion, innovative designs, and inspiring stories behind the outfits. Tickets for the event are available for £10 and can be purchased here (Sustainable St Albans) (Sustainable St Albans).
Sustainable Style Workshop
On June 10, the Sustainable Style workshop will provide practical tips for creating a sustainable wardrobe. This interactive session will cover various aspects of eco-friendly fashion, including how to choose sustainable fabrics, the benefits of buying second-hand, and techniques for upcycling old clothes. Participants will learn how to reduce their carbon footprint through mindful fashion choices and sustainable practices.
The workshop will be led by experts in sustainable fashion who will share their insights and experiences. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that can help transform your wardrobe into a more sustainable one. Tickets for the Sustainable Style workshop can be found here (Sustainable St Albans).
The Impact of Fast Fashion
The fast fashion industry is notorious for its significant environmental impact. It is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and produces a vast amount of waste, with around 85% of textiles ending up in landfills each year. Fast fashion also consumes massive amounts of water; it takes about 2,700 liters of water to make one cotton shirt, which is equivalent to what one person drinks in two and a half years.
Why Sustainable Fashion Matters
Sustainable fashion aims to minimize the negative environmental and social impacts associated with the fashion industry. By choosing eco-friendly materials, supporting ethical brands, and embracing second-hand shopping, consumers can play a vital role in reducing the demand for fast fashion. Sustainable fashion helps conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote more ethical labor practices.
Join SustFest24
SustFest24 is a perfect platform to learn about and engage in sustainability practices. The Preloved Charity Fashion Show and Sustainable Style workshop are just two of the many events designed to inspire and educate the community. By participating in these events, you can contribute to a more sustainable future and enjoy a variety of activities focused on environmental conservation.
For more information and to view the full schedule of events, visit the Sustainable St Albans website. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this incredible festival and make a positive impact on the environment.
Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating sustainability with style at SustFest24!
Milton Keynes’ much-anticipated landmark visitor destination, Unity Place, has now opened all of its remaining facilities and is officially fully open. Located directly opposite MK Station Square, Unity Place is more than just a venue; it’s a vibrant community hub set to redefine the urban experience in the heart of the city.
A Culinary Haven: Diverse Dining Options Under One Roof
Unity Place offers an unparalleled shopping and dining experience. At the heart of this destination is the Urban Food Market, featuring an eclectic mix of street food vendors that cater to every palate. Here, you can indulge in rustic Italian delights at Raffaele Pizza, savor Taiwanese rice boxes and bao buns from Bian Dang, or enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine at Cantina Carnitas. For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit. Celebrity chef Dipna Anand brings authentic Punjabi and South Indian cuisine to your table, with signature dishes such as tandoori lamb chops, paneer tikka, and lamb shish.
Convenience Meets Quality: Shopping Essentials at Unity Place
Unity Place isn’t just about food. It’s designed to cater to all your needs under one roof. The Corner Store offers everyday essentials, while Baker’s Room tempts with freshly made bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee. Even grooming is covered, thanks to the high-end barbershop ROK, perfect for a stylish fresh trim.
Work and Play at Unity Place: The Ideal Balance
For those blending work and leisure, Unity Place provides an innovative solution. Partnering with co-working provider x+why, it offers flexible working spaces perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The ground floor houses the public Santander Work Café, which includes co-working desks, bookable meeting rooms, and a branch for everyday banking needs. With over 60,000 sq. ft. of contemporary office space, Unity Place ensures a productive environment with breakout spaces, private offices, enterprise suites, and mission rooms.
Sip and Savor at Unity Place: A Destination for Drinks
Unity Place is also a haven for those who enjoy a good drink. The rooftop bar, Unity Sky Lounge, offers stunning panoramic views of the city alongside a fantastic selection of food and beverages. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or starting your evening, this is the perfect spot to relax. Additionally, Dipna Anand’s bar provides a cozy atmosphere for a pre-dinner cocktail or mocktail, while the fully stocked Unity Bar boasts an extensive drinks list to satisfy any preference.
Why Visit Unity Place?
Unity Place is more than just a visitor destination; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you should make it your next stop:
- Variety: With a wide range of dining options, there’s something for everyone.
- Convenience: Everything you need, from food to shopping to workspaces, is available under one roof.
- Community: It’s a vibrant hub that fosters community and connection.
- Quality: High-end amenities ensure a premium experience.
- Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop bar.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Unity Place is set to become a cornerstone of Milton Keynes. Come and experience it for yourself – the future of urban living is here.
