SAA Vacations® Introduces Jack Hanna-Branded Safari Packages

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- South African Airways Vacations® has introduced Jack Hanna Safaris, a new brand of packages designed by the wildlife expert and host of Jack Hanna's Into the Wild  television series.  Developed in partnership with the Mantis Collection, the packages will take enthusiasts through the same itinerary Jack himself experienced throughout travels in 2010 that were chronicled in this season's episodes of Into the Wild.  During stays at Shamwari Private Game Reserve outside Port Elizabeth and Sanbona in the Western Cape, Jack embarked on a detailed and intensive exploration of these regions and its wildlife, and takes viewers behind the scenes and in-depth into their habitat, providing a view not generally available to the public.  Wildlife enthusiasts are now invited to experience the same adventures through Jack Hanna's eyes, starting at $2,979* per person, including international and African domestic flights on South African Airways, Africa's most awarded airline.  With a 3-night stay at either Shamwari or Sanbona - travelers will experience the following exclusive benefits:

• Exclusive use of a safari Landrover with a private "Jack Hanna" guide for game drives
• White Rhino Tracking on foot
• Cheetah Tracking on foot
• Leopard telemetric tracking plus equipment demonstration (Shamwari Program)
• White lion and cheetah telemetric tracking plus equipment demonstration (Sanbona Program)
• Exclusive involvement in the Ranger training program
• Your ranger will be one of the staff members that was involved with Jack Hanna during his filming visit
• Also included: meals, transfers and meet and greet from SAA Vacations professional

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110131/FL39032 )

(Logo:   http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100622/FL24751LOGO )

"The wonderful people at Shamwari, Sanbona and SAA Vacations have re-created these one-of-a-kind adventures for the Jack Hanna Safaris program," said Jack Hanna.  "Prepare to be impressed!  I've been to Africa more than 30 times. Believe me, this is the safari you want to book!"

To book the signature Jack Hanna Safari packages, call SAA Vacations 24/7 at 1-855-FLY-SAAV.  For more information, visit http://www.flysaavacations.com/south-africa-travel/jack-hanna-safaris/.

About Jack Hanna

Animal expert Jungle Jack Hanna's hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer. After twelve years hosting Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures, he launched his latest syndicated TV series, Jack Hanna's Into the Wild. In 2008, Into the Wild received an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Series, and Jack was nominated for Best Host of a Children's Series.  Recognized around the country as America's favorite zookeeper, Jack has made countless television appearances since 1983 on shows such as Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman, Larry King Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Maury Show, Fox News Programs, and CNN News Programs.  For more information, visit www.jackhanna.com

About Jack Hanna's Into the Wild

Jack Hanna's Into the Wild, sponsored by Nationwide Insurance and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is a nationally syndicated E.I. series takes viewers on excursions around the world through the eyes of America's most beloved animal adventurer and his family. More than just a collection of animal escapades, Into the Wild provides insight into the protection and conservation of some of our planet's most precious and endangered species. Into the Wild is unscripted; action packed, and was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Series in 2008. The adventures continue as Into the Wild begins its fourth season in September 2010. For more information, please check out www.jhitw.com.

About SAA Vacations

A division of South African Airways (SAA), the national airline of South Africa and Africa's most awarded airline, SAA Vacations^® is highly regarded for its wide array of affordable luxury packages to Africa, and utilizes SAA's extensive route network to create packages for travel throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as East Africa, which will be rolled out in late January. The program is managed and fulfilled by Destination Southern Africa (DSA), which was founded in 2001 and offers an extensive portfolio of tour programs with a variety of hotels, game lodges and safari companies throughout Southern Africa.  DSA was one of three tour operators in the U.S. that was officially appointed by MATCH to develop and sell travel packages for soccer fans visiting South Africa for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, making it a partner with extensive knowledge and know-how in planning the perfect African vacation.

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy. Price includes fuel surcharge and taxes are additional.  Taxes may vary due to currency fluctuation.  Low add-on fares from 26 cities in the U.S.

SOURCE South African Airways Vacations