Kusini Weekly Update – April 13th

Majestic felines in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park

Classic Africa Safaris: What to do in the evening while on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park? Classic Africa Safaris reminds us that night drives are on offer in QENP from Mweya Safari Lodge. A sundowner followed by an early dinner gets guests primed for nighttime adventure. From 7 – 11pm they depart with their Classic guide and a UWA park ranger to see what animals are lurking in the dark. There is an additional cost ($30 per vehicle) for this activity, so plan to book for your travelers in advance or advise them of costs. Contact Phil with questions.

Bomani Tented Lodge, situated on a private reserve adjacent to Hwange’s game-rich Ngamo Plain

Imvelo Safari Lodges: We have two last-minute openings on Imvelo Safari Lodges’ post-INDABA FAM, May 10-16. The trip includes overnights at Zambezi Sands and Gorges near Vic Falls, and Camelthorn, Bomani (2 nights!) and Nehimba in Hwange National Park. Participants will enjoy Imvelo’s owner-run lodges, beloved for their understated luxury, excellent guides and exclusive, remote locations. Zimbabwe is hot – and with long-haul flights to VFA starting soon, demand will only grow. Now’s the time to visit! Contact Hayley immediately if you have interest in joining the trip.

Albatros Travel East Africa: Albatros Travel East Africa continues to be excited about the value available for Kenya travelers. Deals abound, including a number of free night specials at high-quality camps and lodges throughout the country (some valid all the way up to festive season dates in December!). Just a sampling – Lewa House and The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille have stay 4/pay 3 on offer until mid-December, and Karen Blixen Camp and Sanctuary Olonana have stay 3/pay 2 offers for various dates. Click here for details, dates and rates or contact Caroline for a Kenya safari quote featuring one of these offers.

Victoria House on Ambergis Caye is the perfect tropical getaway

Maya Trails: Have pax looking for an exotic getaway but short on time? Maya Trails has a selection of 4 and 5-day (think long weekend!) trips to Belize and Guatemala that will hit the spot. Just 20 minutes’ flight from Belize City, Ambergris Caye is the country’s most famous island, and is a playground for myriad water sports (kayaking, snorkeling, SCUBA diving and more), as well as great restaurants and nightlife. There’s also plenty of hammock time as well. Contact Adriana to learn more about a ‘Beach & Relax’ weekend for your pax.

New Frontiers: With the value of the dollar so strong against the rand, arrivals to South Africa are on the increase across the board, including for families. New Frontiers has recommendations and creative ideas for family travel in South Africa, including a roundup of kid-friendly restaurants in the Cape Town area on the Agent Zone. Whether your little pax prefer playing in the sand or making their own pizzas, there are suggestions for every appetite while taking Mom and Dad into consideration. Need ideas for or have questions about family travel in South Africa? Contact Faith for answers.

Posing for the camera: one of the new residents at Ecuador’s Sacha Lodge

Tropic Journeys in Nature: Tropic Journeys reports that Ecuador’s Sacha Lodge has some new residents in its Pilchicocha Lagoon – a pair of giant river otters! They are seen almost daily, foraging happily around the lodge. The arrival of the otters at Sacha Lodge speaks volumes about the health of the surrounding rain forest; they are an apex predator, which are usually among the first animals to disappear from an unhealthy ecosystem. Contact Andrea to make Sacha Lodge a stop for your pax on an Amazon jungle adventure.