Destination Update WHAT'S NEW IN 2018 - February 2018
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Destination Update
WHAT’S NEW IN 2018
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Sanibonani, "hello" in isiZulu and welcome to our What’s new in 2018 edition!
INTRODUCTION
2018 has really started with a bang! Very exciting news is that we have opened our Rwanda DMC in
Kigali. We have already had our first (of many, I am sure) guests travel with us in this small but
exquisitely beautiful country. Also new is Akash Baijnath, our new Johannesburg based Regional Sales
Manager. Akash comes from a sales travel background and will be a huge asset to A&K East and
Southern Africa. It is fitting that his first A&K travel experience will be in Rwanda at the end of February.
Lots has happened in our destinations since the last update. The Sanctuary Retreats renovation
programme is continuing throughout the region. Sanctuary Kichakani is looking stunning and great
progress is being made at Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp and Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma. Both are
launching in April 2018 and I for one am very much looking forward to their new look. Sanctuary
Olonana is still on track to open in June 2018. With all the talk about Rwanda opening we must not
forget about Uganda, still an amazing primate and wildlife safari destination and Sanctuary Gorilla
Forest Camp has also been refurbished beautifully.
There is so much more, so why don’t I leave you alone to jump in.
Safari njema
John
YOUR EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA SALES TEAM
John Round-Turner Pippa Strong Akash Baijnath
Sales & Marketing Director Sales Manager Sales Manager
East and Southern Africa East and Southern Africa East and Southern Africa
JRTurner@abercrombiekent.co.ke pstrong@abercrombiekent.co.ke abaijnath@abercrombiekent.co.za
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WHAT’S NEW IN 2018 EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA A&K now in Rwanda Page 4 Hotels, Lodges & Camps Page 5 & 6 Excursions & experiences Page 7 Sanctuary Retreats Reinvented Page 8 - 11 Refreshed properties Page 12 New and unusual itineraries Page 13 News Page 14 A&K Philanthropy Page 15 Contact us Page 16 3 < >
New in 2018 A&K OFFICE IN RWANDA
Highlights of Rwanda
Our must visit areas include the capital, Kigali and the
Rwanda Genocide Museum. Akagera National Park’s
diverse landscape allows for a variety of wildlife viewing
including lion, leopard, hyena, jackal and black rhino. Gorilla
Trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park however guests
can also visit Dian Fossey’s grave, Musanze Caves and a
Cultural Village. Nyungwe National Park is home to many
habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Enjoy
kayaking and bird watching along the crystal clear waters of
Lake Kivu.
Accommodation
Luxury travel has arrived in Rwanda with various high end
lodges, camps and hotels opening. The five-star Bisate
We are very excited to announce the opening of Lodge opened mid 2017 with great views of the brooding
Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno Volcanoes. One&Only
our A&K DMC office in Rwanda’s capital,
Nyungwe, located on the edge of the Nyungwe Forest in
Kigali. Named among the ‘18 places to visit by the mountainous South West, opened in October 2017 while
CNN in 2018’, Rwanda is our tenth office One&Only Gorilla's Nest, will open in 2018 at the
foothills of the Virunga Volcano range. Singita Kwitonda
across East and Southern Africa and 53rd
Lodge is set to open August 2019 on the edge of
worldwide. Volcanoes National Park. Find the perfect accommodation
with our preferred lodges, camps and hotels in Rwanda.
Known as the Land of a thousand Hills, the country is home
to more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain Suggested Itineraries
gorillas in the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Our selection of itineraries include the best areas, logistics,
Mountains in Volcanoes National Park. Conservation is a key hotel’s, lodges and camps as well as combining Rwanda with
goal and Mountain gorilla numbers are increasing with an other East African countries for an extraordinary tracking and
average of 18 babies born each year. In addition, a wide safari experience.
variety of species have been reintroduced into the national
parks making Rwanda a “Big Five” destination once again.
CONTACT US
Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries. Plastic bags have
been banned since 2008 and on the fourth Saturday of each Abercrombie & Kent Rwanda
month, stores are closed and traffic stops as everyone helps + 250 788 310 261
clean and tidy their local streets and community. info@abercrombiekent.rw
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New in 2018 HOTELS, LODGES & CAMPS
Botswana | Qorokwe Camp, Okavango Delta South Africa | Tengile River Lodge, Sabi Sand Zanzibar | Constance Aiyana, Pemba Island
Qorokwe Camp, which opened in December 2017, is located Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Tengile River On 1 January 2018, Constance Hotels & Resorts opened the
in the Qorokwe Concession, bordering the Moremi Game Lodge will open on 1 December 2018. Boasting a name that Constance Aiyana on the island of Pemba, in Tanzania’s
Reserve. The camp features nine tented suites, one of which means tranquil, the lodge will feature nine floating suites that Zanzibar archipelago.
is a family unit with its own splash pool. The magnificent look out over the river from the shelter of a cool forest.
main area is the focal point of the camp and overlooks a Following the curve of the river bank, each area in the lodge Ecologically built with locally sourced materials, Aiyana is in
lagoon. The dining area, lounge, library and bar are built on will offer magnificent river views. The slightly raised, spacious total harmony with Mother Nature. Constance Aiyana
raised wooden platforms, all connected by walkways. suites will offer sunken lounges, elegant bedrooms and features 30 magnificent villas, all facing Pemba islands
bathrooms that open out onto the forest, creating private stunning coastline and dressed in a minimalist luxury décor
Qorokwe offers game drives, nature walks, boating and spaces in the open air. with a light Zanzibari touch
mokoro excursions where guests can expect to see lions,
Pemba is accessible from Dar es Salaam, a thirty-minute
spotted hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards and Guests will be able to enjoy early morning and evening game
light aircraft flight from Zanzibar and can be part of a
elephants, amongst others. Qorokwe is accessible from drives, guided bush walks and bird watching while a beautiful
multi-destination safari trip or a stand-alone exotic holiday.
Maun on a 20 minutes light shared aircraft flight followed by spa and gym area will offer a haven of tranquillity. Access is
a 20 minute game drive to camp. via daily Airlink flights to Skukuza airstrip, followed by an
easy drive to camp.
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New in 2018 HOTELS, LODGES & CAMPS
Tanzania | Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp Tanzania | Forest Chem Chem, Tarangire Tanzania | Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Tarangire
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp opened in December Forest Chem Chem, nestled in a pocket of fever trees along Lemala Mpingo Ridge, opening July 2018 is situated on a
2017. This extraordinary new escape, based in three set the Tarangire River, is launching 1 June 2018. The camp, ridge with elevated views across the Tarangire River and
locations across the Serengeti, invites guests to intimately only available for exclusive-use, features two vintage tents valley below. Tarangire is slightly off the main safari circuit
experience the movement of the great migration. An elegant and one family tent and can accommodate up to six adults and a great place to start a Tanzania Safari experience.
contemporary take on the classic campaign look, the camp and two children.
offers ten new five-star canvas tents, all of which have been Sweeping views of the park from each room and the main
styled with distinction. Each tent features a wooden deck and The camp is ideal for families or friends travelling together areas make this property not only unique but truly special.
en suite bathrooms with an authentic bucket shower. From a offering privacy and flexibility while enjoying a safari at their Each of the 15 spacious tented suites have been carefully
grand central canopied area the main tent flows into lounges own pace. positioned to maximize not only the amazing views but also
and dining wings with panoramic views. to take advantage of the cooling winds during the hot
In complete exclusivity guests will be able to explore the area season. Magnificent granite boulders surround the public
Evenings can be spent gathered by the traditional fire pit on big game safari walks, day or night game drives, an early areas and guests can enjoy the most spectacular views that
while exchanging stories under starry skies and listening to morning hill climb to watch the sun rise over the concession, Tarangire has to offer from the comfort of bar, lounge or
tales of wildlife encounters and bush talk from the passionate stargazing and an interactive cooking experience over an outside seating areas. Other facilities include a spa, curio
guides. open fire. shop and pool area.
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New in 2018 EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES
South Africa | New menus at Qunu, Saxon Hotel & Spa
Qunu, The Saxon’s restaurant named in honour of the small
rural town where former President Nelson Mandela was born,
offers a modern African table, where local and international
flavours meet to inspire unique and vibrant and culinary
experiences.
The restaurant just launched two new menus, the first
including favourites such as; Steak Diane and their traditional
Saxon Torte, with the inclusion of delicious new dishes
including Wagyu, bone marrow and truffle. They’ve also
launched a new vegetarian and vegan menu, offering an
innovative journey through the freshest and finest botanicals
available.
East & Southern Africa | Rovos Rail 15 Day expedition South Africa | Cape Point Sidecar Tour, Cape Town
In July 2019 Rovos Rail will set off on a new 15-day Guests are able to discuss their interests and preferences
expedition traversing Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic with their guide who will tailor make the day's routing and
Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. It will be the first time sightings accordingly. All sidecars are decommissioned
in history that a passenger train will travel the famous east-to military bikes used during World War II, which have been
-west copper trail on this route. restored and fully refurbished. Guests are supplied with retro
leather jackets, helmets, goggles as well as a complimentary
This inaugural voyage sets off on 16 July 2019 from the bandana.
Tanzanian commercial capital, Dar es Salaam and includes a
game visit in the Selous Reserve, a fly-in two-night safari in Depending on their interests they will be visiting all the iconic
Tanzania | Balloon safaris in Ruaha National Park
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park and a city tour of attractions such as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens,
Lubumbashi (DRC). Thereafter, the train joins the Benguela Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope and the
As from 15 June 2018 balloon safaris will be available in
line to Angola where guests are able to enjoy short walking Boulders Penguin Colony. Stop for lunch at a popular local
Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, covering 20 000
tours detailing the county’s recent history. The journey ends restaurant while enjoying some local wine and refreshments.
square kilometres in the southern part of the country.
in Lobito in Angola. The voyage is also available in reverse The day is topped off with a scenic coastal drive back to the
departing from Lobito on 2 August 2019. hotel.
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New in 2018 SANCTUARY RETREATS - UGANDA SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST, UGANDA Sanctuary Gorilla Forest camp has been re-launched after an extensive upgrade and refurbishment. The newly upgraded camp boasts refurbishment and redecoration of the eight private luxury tents, including new tiled roofs and soft furnishings. Each tent has a large stone-walled bathroom with private sections and a free- standing bathtub. There are also yoga kits in all the tents. The main area received a new thatched roof, wooden floors, furniture made from natural materials and local artefacts in the communal areas. A new reception area was created, as well as a camp boutique and office. There’s a new kitchen and serving area and additional improvements have been made to facilitate back-of-house. The communal area consists of a comfortable lounge with a well-stocked bar and dining area, with views over the verdant rainforest. The spa features treatments by a specialist therapist that include herbal massages, hydrating facials, foot massages and manicures. Only luxury, eco-friendly products, created with natural ingredients are used. Over and above gorilla tracking guests are able to enjoy a Batwa Tribe experience, birding walks, forest and community walks and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 8 < >
New in 2018 SANCTUARY RETREATS - BOTSWANA
SANCTUARY STANLEY’S CAMP
OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
In April 2018, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp will open with ten brand new luxury canvas
tents. Located on a 260,000 acre private concession in the Okavango Delta, the
redesigned camp has been crafted to evoke the days of explorer Henry Stanley, whom
the camp is named after.
The classic-style tents have been significantly enlarged and feature the additions of five-star fixtures.
Each tent has a deck with views over the dramatic floodplain, allowing prime game viewing from your
bedroom with a freshly made cup of tea or coffee to hand. The in-room experience has also been
enhanced with the addition of a compact gym, yoga bag, a well-stocked minibar and coffee station. The
breezy central tent will feature a new Explorer Lounge, inviting guests to discover more about the Delta
ahead of their explorations.
There’s also a sociable new outdoor bar with the best possible views over the floodplain ensuring every
moment of each stay has that incredible wilderness in wide screen. The camp upgrade includes
significant structural changes to fit in with the latest environmental requirements while a new solar farm
will generate 80% of the camp’s electricity.
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New in 2018 SANCTUARY RETREATS - ZAMBIA SANCTUARY SUSSI & CHUMA LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, located in the heart of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, will reopen with an enlightened take on sophisticated safari life in April 2018. The twelve treehouses are enriched with Zambian character, from the carefully considered furnishings and fittings to the camp’s culture of sincere warmth and genuine hospitality. Follow the high-up wooden walkways that link the treehouses and discover that the flow of the bedrooms has been made breezier through a gentle remodelling. The riverfront treehouses now also feature gym bags, graceful interiors and better en suite privacy. New intimate spaces have been created for private dining while the new outdoor bar overlooks the Zambezi River, offering guests the best view in the house. The extended outdoor decking area also includes a remodelled boma fire pit and dining area. The new Livingstone bar offers an intimate space serving up cocktails and nightcaps and the restaurant has been restyled. There is also an exciting new explorer lounge where guests can learn about the area before they head out to explore the area. 10 < >
New in 2018 SANCTUARY RETREATS - KENYA SANCTUARY OLONANA MASAI MARA, KENYA In June 2018 Sanctuary Olonana will re-launch as an exceptional luxury lodge with an impressive showcase of modern design blended with distinct traditional African finishes. Sanctuary Olonana’s 14 exceptional new suites, at least 130 square meters (1399 square feet) in size, will flaunt clean lines and organic materials. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors fold open to reveal magnificent Mara River views and the interiors have been finished with elegant nature-inspired furnishings to create an ever-present sense of being connected to the great outdoors. Sumptuous king-sized beds, with overhead fans and a daybed on the deck invite you to relax inside or out, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Three of the new suites feature an extra bedroom, perfect for families. The unfaltering attention to detail extends to fully stocked mini-fridges, specially commissioned African art and glamorous en suites. Refined marble- and slate-accented bathrooms feature a generous tub, double vanity and a rain shower. The soothing interiors of the main lodge are an extension of the surrounding wilderness as a Kenyan Greenheart tree extends through the centre. Dramatic glass doors open out from the lounge to the terrace. Here, faded indigo rugs and elegant Edison-bulb pendant lights gently illuminate the decking without competing with the natural ambiance. The inviting new fire pit is encircled by deckchairs, with each seat promising river views. Dine on the deck of the main lodge and overlook the river’s resident hippos. 11 < >
New in 2018 REFRESHED PROPERTIES
MOMBO CAMP, MOREMI GAME RESERVE BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE, LAKE KARIBA
The newly rebuilt camp opened at the end of January 2018.
We take a closer look at a few of our
A completely refurbished and upgraded Bumi Hills Safari
The nine large tented suites (including a family room) are favourite newly upgraded properties opened in December 2017. The lodge features ten lake view
elevated above the ground with views over the floodplain rooms and two premium suites, furnished and styled with
from the veranda, pergola and private plunge pool. The new reopening in 2018. contemporary minimalism and African fusion. The main area
interior features a sitting room, separate bedroom and which surrounds the iconic infinity pool is designed to give
bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub LION SANDS RIVER LODGE, SABI SAND the feeling of a beach retreat that combines serenity with
trimmed with copper and brass. The camp’s location – in the A brand new River Lodge is opening on 1 May 2018. style. The bar and dining deck, situated on a ridge below the
Mombo Concession on the northern tip of Chief’s Island Guests can expect a sophisticated interpretation of the pool, offer an uninterrupted view the changing pink-to-red-to-
within Moremi Game Reserve – is known as “the Place of traditional safari lodge, with an emphasis on clean lines, orange skies and sunsets that Lake Kariba is famous for.
Plenty” as it is considered one of the best areas for wildlife optimised natural light and contemporary décor. Guest The spa and gym at the lodge provide a place for guests to
in Africa. The area boasts enormous concentrations of accommodation is being refreshed and will now include eight relax and rejuvenate, where safari-goers can unwind.
plains game and predators which begin virtually on Mombo’s Luxury Rooms, six Superior Luxury Rooms and four River
decks, the surrounding floodplains teeming with game year Suites, each with its own plunge pool. One of the River
round. Suites will comprise two bedrooms - perfect for families.
Living spaces will include a safari lounge and bar, barista’s
station with artisanal coffees and a gallery showcasing the
works of renowned local artists. Lodge facilities will include a
Spa, main swimming pool area, a ‘Memory Lab’, where
guests will be able to print their photographs on canvas and
a fire pit for sociable nocturnal gatherings beneath the stars.
OPENING OFFER: Book three nights at Lion Sands
River Lodge and get one night free at More Quarters in
Cape Town. Valid for travel from 1 May 2018 to 17
December 2019 (excluding peak periods)
SINGITA PAMUSHANA LODGE , ZIMBABWE
The lodge will reopen mid May 2018 with the addition of two
new two bedroom suites, extending the lodges’ offering to
eight suites and the private-use, five bedroomed villa. The
two bedroom suites can accommodate up to four adults and
will be charged on a per unit rate. Each suite features two en
suite bedrooms, a shared living area, private pool and
viewing deck overlooking the Malilangwe Dam.
12 < >New in 2018 UNUSUAL ITINERARIES
SOUTHERN AFRICA
Take a look at a few of our
Secluded South Africa
newest itineraries featuring off
3 Nights Phinda Private Game Reserve
3 Nights Cape Town the beaten track parks and
3 Nights Southern Kalahari experiences, offering guests a far
more exclusive safari.
Remote Botswana
3 Nights Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Click on the name of the
2 Nights Okavango Delta Private concession
4 Nights Selinda Canoeing trail itinerary for more information.
EAST AFRICA
Remote Island Explorations in Mozambique
3 Nights Ibo Island Kenyan Splendour
2 Nights Mobile Island Dhow Safari 3 Nights Chyulu Hills
2 Nights Meru National Park
3 Nights Masai Mara National Reserve
Namibia’s road less travelled
1 Night Windhoek
3 Nights Namib Desert Tanzania’s Safari Delights
3 Nights Kaokaland 3 Nights Serengeti National Park
3 Nights Skeleton Coast 3 Nights Mahale National Park
1 Night Windhoek 2 Nights Ruaha National Park
Off the beaten track Zambia Highlights of Rwanda
3 Nights Liuwa Plains 1 Night Kigali
3 Nights Lower Zambezi National Park 3 Nights Volcanoes National Park
2 Nights Lake Kivu
3 Nights Nyungwe National Park
Secrets of Zimbabwe
3 Nights Gonarezhou National Park
3 Nights Lake Kariba Uganda - The Nile & Wildlife Safari
3 Nights Mana Pools 2 Nights Murchison Falls National Park
2 Nights Victoria Falls 3 Nights Kidepo National Park
2 Nights Jinja
13 < >New in 2018 NEWS
FLIGHTS CAPE TOWN UPDATE
Singapore Airlines daily flights to Cape Town We would like to assure our agents and guests that Cape
As from 26 March 2018, Singapore Airlines will fly daily to Town and the Western Cape are open for business and
Cape Town via Johannesburg. This is an increase from its ready to welcome visitors to the beautiful city and
current four flights per week, and accommodates the growing province. While international tourists only add 1% to the
demand for Cape Town as a business and leisure tourism population of the Western Cape on average, they help
destination. The flights will be operated by a 253-seat A350- support 300,000 jobs across the province. The city needs
900, with 42 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy tourism now more than ever, as they aim to keep the
and 187 in economy. economy growing and creating jobs during this challenging
drought. The City of Cape Town has also gone to great
Kenya Airways direct flights between Cape Town and lengths to ensure Cape Town remains a world-class
Nairobi destination and we look forward to letting guests experience
Kenya Airways will be expanding its service to Cape Town, the A&K way in the region.
with its first nonstop Nairobi - Cape Town flight scheduled for
6 June 2018. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft will operate the
nonstop sector three times a week.
AWARDS
Kenya Airways direct flights between JFK and Nairobi
On 30 October 2018, Kenyan Airways will launch direct Abercrombie & Kent has already been honoured
flights between Nairobi (NBO) and New York’s JFK Airport with an award this year.
in one of the carrier’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
KQ2 will depart Nairobi (NBO) at 22:25 and will arrive in 2018 Travvy Awards from the readers of TravelPulse,
New York (JFK) at 6:25 (+1). Vacation Agent and Agent@Home.
KQ3 will depart New York (JFK) at 00:25 and will arrive in
Nairobi (NBO) at 9:55 (+1). A&K won gold in two categories:
Best Escorted Tour Operator – Luxury
New flight connecting the Serengeti and Kigali
Auric Air has announced its new route from the Serengeti to
Best Escorted Tour Operator – Africa
Kigali available with immediate effect. Guests are able to
enjoy a relaxed breakfast with an early morning game drive We were also recognized with two Silver awards:
in the Serengeti and take the flight to Kigali at 9:15 depart Best Escorted Tour Operator, Overall
from Kigali at 10:55 and arrive in the Serengeti as early as Best Tour Guides
13:55.
14 < >New in 2018 A&K PHILANTHROPY
Kenya | Safe Water for Schools Initiative
Late last year AKP delivered 91 water purification filters to 11
schools in the Masai Mara, bringing clean drinking water to
more than 7,000 young students! We are excited to share a
new video that shows the impact of the program and
demonstrates the commitment we have to the communities
where our guests travel. With our community of supporters,
AKP is hoping to expand this project throughout the Masai
Mara, and eventually other locations where children are
affected by the global water crisis. Please visit our website
akphilanthropy.org for more info on these or any of our
other projects.
The A&K brand is intimately associated with Botswana | Dipetsana Women’s Bike Shop receives a
new Container
philanthropic values and our guests have come to The Dipetsana Women’s Bike Shop in Kasane, Botswana
expect they will have a chance to experience our recently celebrated a major business milestone. After selling
educational, medical, enterprise, and conservation all of the bikes in their start-up stock, funded by AKP, the
women were able to pay for their first restock shipment with
projects while traveling with A&K. AKP now money strategically set aside from sales. In November 2017
manages 34 projects in 18 countries, impacting the community enthusiastically gathered together to
lives and transforming our guests’ travel celebrate the opening of the restock container. The opening
ceremony program included a police-escorted 12 kilometre
experience. bike ride through Kasane, speeches from community
stakeholders, refreshments and entertainment.
AKP | Giving eCards
AKP Giving eCards work like conventional gift cards, but with Our bike shop programs are sustainable and successful
one meaningful exception, recipients “spend” Giving eCards because we create structure and support for women to run
by choosing AKP projects to support with the gifted donation their own enterprises. All AKP bike shops in Africa follow the
funds. We have already received great feedback about the same model. When a sale is made, the women set aside a
program and they are extremely popular gifts with fixed percentage for salaries, shop maintenance, payment of
philanthropic-minded guests, agents, family & friends. restock shipments, and even to invest back into their
Learn more about how the program works by visiting the communities.
AKP website.
15 < >CONTACT US
KENYA TANZANIA
Tel: +254 20 6950 000 Tel: +255 27 250 8347/8
Email: info@abercrombiekent.co.ke Email: info@abercrombiekent.co.tz
SOUTHERN AFRICA RWANDA UGANDA
Tel: +27 11 438 4500 Tel: + 250 788 310 261 Tel: +256 776 852 090
Email: akjnb@abercrombiekent.co.za Email: info@abercrombiekent.rw Email: uganda@abercrombiekent.co.ke
www.akdmc.com
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