Kusini Weekly Update – February 19th

The Namibian desert is alive with wildflowers after recent rains

Ultimate Safaris: The rains throughout Africa have been unusual this year, one highlight being the last several weeks in Namibia. Ultimate Safaris reports that rains have transformed the desert landscape into a lush carpet of green dotted with wildflowers. Rivers are running where they are usually dry and a few areas are inaccessible due to flooding. The people and animals are celebrating the bounty of water! Also – a Sorris Sorris Lodge trip report is coming soon! Some of the Ultimate team spent last weekend at the lodge and are excited to share their experience!

New Frontiers: We’ve reached the final installment of New Frontiers’ “Off the Grid” series featuring the multi award-winning Bushman’s Kloof, and for those who have been paying attention, it’s the last chance to win $1000! Even if you’re not eligible, the OTG series is worth exploring for great insider info on lesser-known properties and destinations, which are all excellent options to extend pax beyond the tried-and-true Cape to Kruger circuit. Read the final installment here, or review the whole series on the Agent Zone to find a hidden gem that’s just right for your pax.

Tropic Journeys: Tropic Journeys is very excited to announce that Silvia Fiallos has joined the team as the new operations manager! Well respected in the industry and with nearly two decades working in tourism in Ecuador, she’ll be managing operations for Tropic on both the DMC and lodge front (Huaorani, Chilcabamba and Floreana Lava Lodge). On a health related note, Quito tourism released a statement that the city is Zika-free as the mosquito which transmits the disease cannot reproduce above 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). Quito, and much of the Ecuadorian highlands, sits at over 9,000ft. Read more recent Tropic news here.

Painted Dog Conservation treating a snared female after being alerted by Imvelo guides

Imvelo Safari Lodges: Good work by Imvelo Safari Lodges guides at Bomani Tented Lodge and the team at Painted Dog Conservation. In December, guides noticed that one of the females in a pack of wild dogs had a snare around her neck. They immediately alerted the team at Painted Dog Conservation and the group traveled to the area to help. After 4 days of tracking the pack was found, the female was darted and the snare was successfully removed. She has been spotted by Imvelo guides since and appears to be healing well! Read the whole story on Imvelo’s Facebook page.

Classic Africa Safaris: In other staff-related news, Classic Africa Safaris is excited to welcome Hilda Komugisha as their new Office Manager. She holds a Bachelors of Tourism Management and has over ten years’ experience in the industry. Hilda will gladly answer any on-the-ground queries and should be regarded as the first point of contact if you or any clients need to contact CAS in case of emergency for both Uganda and Rwanda. Contact her at gm at classicafricasafaris dot travel. With this change, Mandy Charnley will now handle all queries, quotes and reservations for Rwanda exclusively. Phil Ward continues to be the initial contact for Uganda safari quotes.