Glamping in Guatemala, more gorilla permits in Rwanda and easy entry into Mozambique

Volcan Fuego gives the night sky a warm glow over Antigua and Maya Trails’ new glamping site. Photo: Trek Guatemala

 

Trekkers don’t rough it – tents have queen-sized beds with down duvets and meals are sumptuous and delicious.

Maya Trails: Maya Trails is excited to offer a new way to experience Guatemala at a walker’s pace. Two new trekking options are available – a two day/one night ‘glamping’ experience outside of Antigua with optional nature hikes, and for more intrepid hikers, a four day/three night option that begins in Antigua and ends at Lake Atitlan. The longer trek is rich with natural beauty and meanders along local footpaths and among Mayan villages with locals going about their daily life. Trekkers only need to carry a day pack for their hikes.

Tad couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face after going up for a spin with Will

Albatros Travel: Guests traveling with Albatros Travel can have a real ‘Out of Africa’ experience when staying at Lewa Wilderness in Kenya. As an optional add-on to a stay, travelers can enjoy an an open cockpit biplane safari with pilot Will Craig. Will takes guests above the treetops and weaves through gorges to show off the beauty of Laikipia. The plane can take two passengers who accompany the pilot on a journey over forests, herds of game, and through ravines that are otherwise virtually inaccessible. The experience is a thrilling bit of time travel! Flights are dependent on pilot availability.

It’s impossible not to have fun when traveling with Tex!

Costa Rica Sun Tours: Costa Rica Sun Tours (CRST) boasts some of the best guides in the business. They are natural and experienced talents, and are fun to be with! Meet Tex. Marco Fallas (aka “Tex”) is full of energy with a contagious sense of humor. With 20 years of guiding experience, Marco continues to study every detail of Costa Rica, and has taken many courses, including in ornithology, ecology, history, and most recently, nature photography. With his ready laugh and caring manner, Tex is one of CRST’s most popular tour leaders! Meet more guides here!

Getting into Mozambique is getting easier!

New Frontiers: Effective immediately, tourism visas for Mozambique can now be obtained on arrival. A government-issued notice has confirmed that citizens from countries that require a visa to enter Mozambique (including US citizens and Canadians) will be able to obtain one on arrival at 44 border posts. These include Maputo, Vilanculos, Inhambane, Beira, Pemba and Nampula airports and the Ponto D’ouro border post (for White Pearl). New Frontiers recommends clients carry copies of their booking confirmations as well as their airline tickets. The cost of a 30-day visa is US$50.00.

VIDEO: It’s hard to describe the joy of being part of a turtle release, but this video will give you an idea!

Todos Santos Eco Adventures: Don’t take our word for it – here’s just one guest quote to tempt you to Todos Santos Eco Adventures’ Sea Turtle Camp: “…Spending the night looking for and helping move sea turtle eggs and then falling asleep for a few hours in a tent listening to the waves was only improved by getting to watch baby turtles hatch and then see them released into the ocean…being able to have such a small part in this noble project is very rewarding.” This exclusive experience is offered only 10 nights this year (Aug 25 – Sept 3) and now is the time to book! Click here for more details.

VIDEO: Train safaris don’t get any better than this!

Imvelo Safari Lodges: We’ve mentioned how amazing green season sightings have been in Hwange this year – it’s been cats (in trees!), cats and more cats (and a few dogs, too)! Speaking of cats, we love this video of one of the more exceptional Elephant Express rides of the season! It’s a good nudge to encourage your clients to get moving on their 2018 Zimbabwe safari planning. Imvelo Safari Lodges have released their rates for next year (including Green Season Stay 3/Pay 2 specials!). They can be found in the Travel Trade section of our website.

More gorilla permits in Rwanda equals more money for conservation!

Classic Africa Safaris: Effective April 1st, the number of daily gorilla permits available to trekkers in Rwanda has increased from 80 to 96. Two new groups of gorillas previously only accessible to researchers have been added, so trekking groups will remain at 8 travelers each. A group of US agents will join Gretchen and Classic Africa Safaris next week to explore Uganda and Rwanda, including many of Uganda’s highlights, as well as gorilla trekking in both countries. Visit Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to follow their travels!

The Ultimate guide tribe attending training at //Huab

Ultimate Safaris: Ultimate Safaris hosted their entire guiding tribe at //Huab, with a major focus on naturalist guiding and //Huab itself. Time was spent with their internal guide trainer, the team from EHRA (Elephant Human Relations Aid) and guest lecturers, including Jeff Muntifering from the Minnesota Zoo. Most importantly, a lot of time was spent with SRT (Save the Rhino Trust), focusing on rhino conservation and the practices involved in running a sustainable and effective tourism operation. Guides are taking things to the next level and are ready for a busy year!