Getting eye-level with volcanoes, toe-level with elephants and sleeping under the stars

Costa Rica Sun Tours gives guests the chance to check out spectacular wildlife and volcano views from The Nest at Arenal Observatory Lodge and spa

 

What’s happening this week in the Kusini Collection:

 

There’s nothing like sleeping under the vast expanse of a Namibian sky

Ultimate Safaris: Ultimate Safaris unquestionably leads the way on experience innovation in Namibia. Their newest offering is a multi-day naturalist guided walking adventure called //Huab Trails, based out of //Huab Under Canvas. //Huab Trails embraces the ever-growing desire by guests to be physically active when on holiday, and to experience more of the natural world on foot. It is an optional element of a three night stay at //Huab Under Canvas as part of an guided or fly-in safari. When //Huab Trails is requested, the first and third nights will be spent at //Huab Under Canvas, with the middle night at //Huab Trails and Ultimate’s Stellar Escape, sleeping out under the stars. Get the full details on this special new experience here.

We love Manta…and so do all of the guests!

The Manta Resort: It’s easy for us to keep raving about The Manta Resort and all that is offers, but from time to time, we think its worth sharing reviews of actual travelers. Here is an excerpt from a recent Trip Advisor review: “A vacation at The Manta Resort… has to be experienced and felt… it was the perfect dream vacation. The location is great, the area was beautiful, the food was delicious… above all, Manta impresses with its unique family and sustainability atmosphere… (Manta) is more than just a hotel, it’s a philosophy… management has always been keen to work in harmony with the nature and culture of the people living there… (It) is absolutely worth the trip, we can recommend it without any reservations.”

The CBC is a great opportunity for twitchers and novices alike!

Todos Santos Eco Adventures: Todos Santos Eco Adventures will again be a key player in the third annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for Todos Santos, and the 118th for the National Audubon Society. The CBC is a citizen science effort that has become hugely important for researchers studying bird populations across the Americas. The only other similar yardstick is the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), run during June in the breeding season. These surveys are used by ornithologists and conservation biologists to assess the health and distribution of bird populations across the Americas. Guests are invited to join the effort and we encourage planning ahead for future years, as the activity has already become popular for visitors.

The Nest gives guests the chance to be eye-level with the rainforest wildlife

Costa Rica Sun Tours: Costa Rica Sun Tours’ partner, the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, recently opened The Nest! A 92 ft. observation tower for viewing canopy birds and other wildlife. Nestled in the center of the rainforest, The Nest offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. As you ascend the 146 stairs to the top, keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife moving through the trees. Once on top, you will be treated to an incredible panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, Cerro Chato, and the Tilarán Mountain Range. With a telescope, you may even find some aquatic birds in the areas surrounding the lake. This experience can easily be added to any itinerary featuring the Arenal Observatory Lodge.

Imvelo’s look-up blinds give the chance for once-in-a- lifetime photos

Imvelo Safari Lodges: Internationally renowned photographer  Olwen Evans recently visited Imvelo Safari Lodges, knowing that Imvelo’s two underground hides in Hwange are among the best hides in Africa to capture once-in-a-lifetime wildlife photographic moments! Olwen’s main focus during her time in Hwange was to capture imagery and footage from the different hides and she was well rewarded!  Guests at Jozibanini, Camelthorn and Bomani can spend days or full moon evenings in the hide watching wildlife come down to drink, and super keen folks can even overnight in the blind! It’s an incredible experience not available anywhere
else in the National Park! Learn more on the blog.

It may look like Namibia, but it’s South Africa’s Northern Cape

New Frontiers: If your clients are looking for something a bit different in South Africa, get them off-the-beaten-path in the dramatically beautiful Northern Cape. Highlights include the immense Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the rocky expanses of Augrabies, the wide open spaces of the Great Karoo, the Cederberg Mountains and the idyllic West Coast. Best of all, visitors will have many of these special places largely to themselves. New Frontiers has done all of the homework – visit the Agent Zone to learn about their discoveries in the Northern Cape.

San Marcos is a fabulous base from which to explore Quito

Tropic Ecuador: Colorful, vibrant Quito is seeing a flurry of new openings! Tropic Ecuador tells us about three new boutique hotels, including the sleek and modern EB Hotel (not far from the airport), the historic Illa Experience Hotel in the San Marcos neighborhood, and the lovely and traditional Hotel Mama Cuchara, also in San Marcos. Along with these great options comes Elements, a new pop-up restaurant in the Cumbaya neighborhood. Elements will host rotating star chefs and will provide a culinary experience like no other in Quito! It’s a great farewell dinner stop conveniently en route to a late flight. For more information, contact Andrea.

The migration is special, but the calving season is pure magic!

Albatros Travel: An incredible opportunity to experience the calving season of the wildebeest migration is on offer from Albatros Travel on their Tanzania Trails set departure. Guests booking into the Feb 3rd departure we will visit some of Tanzania’s classic highlights – Tarangire, the Crater and Serengeti – with the Serengeti portion based in the Ndutu area – the perfect location at that time of year to experience this amazing wildlife spectacle. This particular departure is at a fantastic price – it’s an opportunity not to be missed! Contact Jennie for the full itinerary and pricing or to book.

Kyaninga’s uber-fresh, delicious goat cheese helps with child development

Classic Africa Safaris: Uganda’s Fort Portal area is stunningly beautiful, and Kyaninga Lodge gives guests the chance to explore a bit with guided (or self-directed) walks around the lodge and its crater lake (guests can take a dip, too!). Classic Africa Safaris recommends an extra night to relax and enjoy the surroundings. One new option for those with time is to visit Kyaninga Dairy, started by the lodge’s owners in conjunction with the community. Not only do they produce fabulous goat cheese (they consulted with Neil’s Yard Creamery in London to get started!), the effort funds the Kyaninga Child Development Centre. Learn more about this wonderful project (and a bonus recipe!) on our blog.