Elephants on safari, village-scale art in Guatemala and 2018 Rwanda/Uganda rates

The faithful gather to celebrate Timkat in Gondar

You don’t have to be a twitcher to appreciate Pemba’s glorious bird life

The Manta Resort: The islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago are known as the ‘spice islands,’ with 70% of the world’s cloves coming from Pemba Island, home of The Manta Resort. When you are ready to spend some time off the water, a visit to a spice farm will have you experiencing the true tastes and smells of Pemba Island. Follow this with a walk through the ancient Ngezi rainforest, a protected reserve home to endemic bird species including the Pemba sunbird, green pigeon, and scops owl to name a few. It is also home to vervet and black colobus monkeys. Be sure to keep a keen eye out for the endemic Pemba flying fox! Contact us for more details.

Night skies over Tropic’s Floreana Lava Lodge in Galapagos

Tropic Ecuador: When the New York Times goes to the Galapagos, they choose Floreana Lava Lodge! Journalist Allison Amend visited Tropic Ecuador’s Lava Lodge and was charmed by Floreana Islands’ strange history, the interesting and welcoming local characters and, of course, the fantastic Galapagos wildlife. She noted that choosing a land-based travel option to the Islands allowed her to experience “…if only for a few days, what it might be like to be real Galapagueña.” Contact Tropic to learn more about what makes land-based visits to the Galapagos so special!

Hwange’s 46,000-strong elephant population always impresses!

Imvelo Safari Lodges: Imvelo Safari Lodges offers a variety of unique ways to view and experience elephants on safari. Hwange is best known for its elephants, and it is home to a major portion of the largest remaining population of elephant in Africa. June is the start of ‘elephant season,’ as rain-filled waterholes dry up and the herds move toward permanent sources of water. Imvelo guests can see elephants on game drives, from the Elephant Express rail car, atop the seat of a mountain bike, while walking and from a sunken hide! Read more (and see Imvelo’s incredible 2017 special) on our blog.

View of One & Only Nyungwe House main lodge area

Classic Africa Safaris: Classic Africa Safaris has completed compilation of their 2018 rates and sample itineraries for Uganda and Rwanda. For inspiration and ideas for a Uganda safari for your clients, view these sample itineraries. Phil can provide pricing and availability upon request. For Rwanda, standard itineraries and pricing can be found here, including for the new Bisate Lodge and the soon-to-open One & Only Nyungwe House. Contact Mandy with any Rwanda questions.

Travelers visiting Ethiopia during Timket will be treated to an intimate look at the country’s ancient culture

Travel Ethiopia: For everyone that was excited to read about Travel Ethiopia’s special 10-day group departure from Jan 16 – 25, 2018 for the Timket festival (Ethiopian epiphany), we must apologize for a link mishap in our recent enews. We know you want all the details on visits to stunning hand-hewn rock churches, viewing beautiful medieval art, plying the still waters of Lake Tana and taking in the country’s breathtaking landscapes that are part of the trip. Pricing starts at from US$2,597.00pp sharing and the maximum group size is 10, so don’t delay! Email Samrawit for the full itinerary, current availability and to book.

CRST’s thorough pre-departure info even reminds travelers to disconnect!

Costa Rica Sun Tours: After nearly 30 years in the business, the team at Costa Rica Sun Tours has answered every question imaginable. And, with the travel advisor in mind, have created an immensely helpful tool to keep at your fingertips: Costa Rica Pre-Departure Information. Just jump to the first page and skim the table of contents to see what we are talking about…from packing tips and documents required, to tipping guidelines and distance charts and maps. This is a great resource to save!

Prototype design in Santa Catarina Palopo. Photo courtesy The Guardian.

Maya Trails: An ambitious painting project designed to boost tourism and community spirit has launched in Guatemala’s lakeside village of Santa Catarina Palopó. The community intends to turn itself into a monumental piece of artwork, with the intention of creating a new source of tourism income for residents. There are 800 houses that make up the village’s ‘canvas,’ and enough paint for 100 so far, so an ‘adopt-a-house’ program has launched. Groups of up to five visitors who pledge $500 will be assigned a house and can help the family paint it. Hotels in the area, including Maya Trails’ favorite Casa Palopó, will offer discounts to volunteers.