GREECE and Cyprus specialist Argo Holidays has used its links in Africa to expand into Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The move – designed to boost winter business for Argo – follows its first foray into the continent in 1998 when it featured just South Africa.
The Southern Africa brochure goes on sale this week.
“We wanted to expand into a new destination in order to grow our numbers for winter,” said Argo managing director Mathilde Robert. “Southern Africa was an obvious choice because the Argo group, of which we are part, has well-established offices in this part of the world.”
The operator is looking to double the carryings of 1998 to 2,000.
The programme includes city stays in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town with extensions into Sun City;, train journeys to Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Pretoria on Rovos Rail and the Blue Train; and a range of three to 17-day tours departing the major South Africa cities.
Safari breaks to Kruger Park and Sabi Sabi and self-drive tours are available.
Argo has also included a tailor-made section – Southern Africa by Design.
The Seychelles and Mauritius are featured, with coach and mini-bus tours for up to 12 people, while weddings can be arranged in Cape Amalinda in Zimbabwe.
“Southern Africa is an up-and-coming destination which offers a wealth of different options,” said Robert. “Our customers are always looking for something different.”
Prices lead in at ú699 for six nights at the Holiday Inn Garden Court in Cape Town, including return flights.