Guatemala luxury webinar, Namibia mobile safaris and last-minute migration offers in the Mara

Just reading about New Frontiers’ new foodie tour will make you hungry!

 

Journeys Under Canvas are designed to take guests back to the root of safari

Ultimate Safaris: Ultimate Safaris’ new Journeys Under Canvas will appeal to those who want to really connect with nature, and are designed to place an emphasis on the experiential aspect of safari. Their first exclusive-use Under Canvas area is located in a desert-adapted black rhino area in Damaraland’s //Huab Conservancy and was secured with a forward-thinking agreement with the community. Ultimate has hired two rhino rangers and equipped them with eco-friendly gear (mountain bikes!) to help track and protect the rhinos. Luxury mobile camping has never had a smaller footprint or looked so good. Contact Sonya for more information about this special new experience.

New Frontiers: We know what we’re doing next time we’re in Cape Town – New Frontiers has introduced a new Foodie Tour! Visiting Woodstock (home to the 22nd best restaurant on earth!), Bo Kaap and Bree Street, pax will have an ‘in’ on locals’ culinary secrets. They’ll be sipping morning coffee and afternoon microbrews, as well as noshing on bean-to-bar chocolate, biltong, curries and cheeses. It’s a tour every connoisseur will savor! Full details are on the Agent Zone, or better yet, check it out on their new app which is the best place to keep tabs on the latest news, so be sure to download it. This new tour does not replace New Frontiers’ ultra-popular Cape Town Eats’ tour, rather it’s an addition to meet the growing demand for foodie tours in the Mother City!

The picture-perfect view from the villa at Casa Palopo

Maya Trails: Guatemala was featured in Conde Nast Traveler in April, and the story highlighted some of the exclusive experiences often overlooked by luxury travelers. From Central America’s only Relais & Châteaux property, Casa Palopó, to archaeologist-led helicopter tours of Guatemala’s remote Mayan ruins, it’s a destination that delivers the experiential luxury in spades. Maya Trails designs journeys that tick all the boxes – elegant and atmospheric accommodation, accessible adventure, exclusivity, insider access and more! On Wednesday, June 29th, Maya Trails will share their expertise on how to plan the ultimate Guatemalan luxury journey. Register now for the webinar!

Imvelo Safari Lodges: We’re big fans of shoulder season travel. The green season in Hwange NP, Zimbabwe, offers lush surroundings, unstressed animals, and a riot of birdlife for your twitcher pax. It’s also dreamy lighting and dramatic skies for avid photographers. Imvelo Safari Lodges is offering a green season stay 3/pay 2 special at Gorges Lodge and Bomani Tented Lodge, valid for travel from December 1st 2016 – February 28th, 2017. The rack rate for six nights split evenly between Gorges and Bomani is only $1,778 pp sharing! This offer can be combined with Imvelo’s other fantastic stay/pay specials at Camelthorn, Nehimba and Zambezi Sands. Visit the Kusini blog for details and a sample itinerary, or contact Sjaan to book.

There’s still time to see the migration in action in the Mara

Albatros Travel: It’s not too late to book accommodation in the Masai Mara for the 2016 migration season. Albatros Travel has not only found space, they’ve collected some excellent specials. From classic favorites like Governors to new-school Mahali Mzuri, there’s a range of places for everyone’s taste, and offers to get pax out the door and on a plane. Visit the Kusini Blog for a roundup of specials, or contact Caroline for availability and to book.

Classic Africa Safaris: Classic Africa Safaris is happy to report the ongoing benevolence of UWA, who will once again be discounting gorilla and chimp permits for November 2016 and April, May, and November 2017. Gorilla permits are $450 ($150 savings) and chimp permits $100 ($50 savings). The gorilla habituation trekking experience is also available during these months, allowing travelers to have two very intimate and very different gorilla encounters. Savvy agents can take advantage of off-season accommodation rates in these months as well! Contact Phil for permit availability.

Tropic Ecuador: Tropic Ecuador is pleased to share the news that they have been awarded Rainforest Alliance re-certification. Tour operators that feature the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal meet comprehensive sustainability standards for tourism. Tropic is one of only a few companies that are certified in Ecuador. Consumers continue to demand more eco-friendly tourism products, and Rainforest Alliance intends their certification to give consumers the opportunity to be proactive in choosing products and companies that make a positive difference.