Exploring the Tuli Block, canoeing on Lake Manyara and sustainable shoes in Ethiopia

Luxury mobile camping at its best: the boma/dining area at Ultimate Safaris’ Huab Under Canvas camp

New Frontiers: The team at New Frontiers has been out and about exploring Mashatu and the Tuli Block in Botswana. With the Tented Camp (ages 12+) and Lodge, everyone from hard-core adventurers to families can be catered for in this private reserve. Twice daily game drives are offered (max 6 pax/vehicle), as well as more active pursuits like mountain biking, walking safaris and horseback safaris (experienced riders only) that can be pre-booked at additional cost. Combine with Mala Mala/Nottens or Kirkman’s Camp in Sabi Sands using the Wed/Sun direct charter. Read Faith’s full trip report to learn more.

Albatros Travel: Lake Manyara is often bypassed on Northern Circuit itineraries by clients who are anxious to get to the Crater or Serengeti, but the park has much to offer. It is home to tree-climbing lions (which can be found elsewhere, but Manyara is known for them), as well as an incredible array of bird life, including thousands of pink-hued flamingos. Albatros Travel is excited to offer canoe safaris where pax will not only see the famous flamingos, they can get close to giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and other animals grazing on the shoreline. Contact Juliet for details and to book.

Maya Trails: Clients only have a 4-5 days for an exotic getaway? Guatemala is a great destination for those busy C-suite executives who can only escape the boardroom for a long weekend. With the 2nd highest per capita ownership of helicopters in the world, Maya Trails can craft an action-packed luxury long weekend, saving lots of time with heli-hops between Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Tikal, or even more remote Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle. Learn more about this and other luxury travel experiences in our webinar on Luxury and Experiential Travel in Guatemala on Wednesday, June 29th at 10am PT/12pm CT/1pm ET. Register now for the webinar!

Classic Africa Safaris: Gorilla trekking can be strenuous, and setting expectations for your clients is critical. While reasonable fitness is a must for most, there are options for less able-bodied guests to experience the magic of trekking. Classic Africa Safaris reminds us that both Rwanda and Uganda have options for travelers to be carried in a litter to see the gorillas. Prices and configurations vary by lodge and country, and whenever possible, litters should be requested and reserved at the time permits are booked. Get the full scoop on the Kusini blog, or contact Hilda or Mandy with specific questions about Uganda or Rwanda, respectively.

Sunrise around the breakfast campfire at Jozi, the most remote camp in Hwange

Imvelo Safari Lodges: “Rustic. Remote and untouched. Off-the-beaten-track.” These words are like manna from heaven for some travelers, and they describe Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Jozibanini Camp perfectly. For pax that want to get back to the wild, Jozi is the spot. It’s an excellent 2-3 night adventure add-on to Bomani, Camelthorn or Nehimba, and an unforgettable experience. The camp is accessed via a full day safari, or for those anxious to get there, by light aircraft into a nearby airstrip. Jozibanini was shortlisted in the WAA Innovation Awards in the Conserve Africa category, and was also recently profiled by the passionate people on Safaritalk. Contact Sjaan with questions or to book.

Travel Ethiopia: Woman-owned and operated, Travel Ethiopia enjoys connecting interested travelers with other local female entrepreneurs such as Bethlehem Tilahun, founder of soleRebels. This company crafts shoes made from recycled tires, leather from free-range animals and cloth hand-woven by Ethiopian artisans. soleRebels provides skilled workers meaningful and well-paying employment while bringing Ethiopian craftsmanship to the international market. Contact Samrawit on how to enrich your Ethiopian itineraries with a visit to soleRebels and/or other cottage craft organizations.

Decor at The Delight is playful and funky

Ultimate Safaris: Ultimate Safaris checks in with property updates from good ol Swakopmund – The Strand Hotel and The Delight. The Strand sits right on the beach promenade near the Atlantic’s crashing waves in one of the best locations in town. With three restaurants and a small craft beer brewery (who isn’t brewing these days?), there’s lots to please guests’ palates. Quirky and fun, The Delight is an Ultimate favorite. Centrally located and a great value, Ultimate likes it so much that they moved most of their Ultimate Namibia tours into The Delight for 2017.

Stay tuned for an exciting new client announcement next week! Hint: it’s a great family-friendly and active traveler destination only a short flight away. Land activities include: yoga, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, cooking classes, sea turtle camp, and more! Sea activities include: surfing, snorkeling, kayaking based from a beachside tented camp, SUP, whale watching, swimming with whale sharks and sea lions, and again – more! Add to this their unique accommodations and exceptionally genuine welcome and you’ll be planning your own holiday! Can you guess where?