Kusini Weekly Update – March 4th

 

Hikers on St. Helena – one of the most remote islands in the world

New Frontiers are pleased to introduce Guided Journeys – small group trips offering carefully researched journeys led by exceptional guides to more off-the-grid destinations. Two departures to the remote mid-Atlantic island of St Helena will be offered (its first airport will be completed this year), as well as the extraordinary Mahenye cultural festival in Zimbabwe, and a fishing Journey amid the gorgeous scenery of Lesotho, combined with Tiger fishing on the Lower Zambezi. View itineraries on the Agent Zone or email Charlie Harper, head of the new Journeys concept, for more information.

Can’t get your pax to take an extended vacation? Maya Trails has the perfect itinerary for busy executives or couples who want a long weekend away. Their 4-day Antigua and Tikal tour is long on colonial charm and Mayan history while only taking a short break from work – it’s the perfect getaway! It’s worth remembering that Guatemala and Belize are only 2-3 hours’ flight from Atlanta, Miami, Houston and LA – and just 5 hours from New York (insider tip: look for direct flights to GUA on Saturdays)! Contact Adriana to customize an itinerary for your workaholic clients!

VIDEO: Watch a black rhino versus lions in Etosha NP!

Ultimate Safaris’ Ultimate Namibia guaranteed group departure is nearly sold out for 2016 but 2017 dates are confirmed and rates will be available in the next month. Guests stay insider Namib Naukluft Park for optimal Sossusvlei sunrise photo opps, track desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland, visit a remote Himba settlement (exclusive to Ultimate), explore Etosha NP (check out this video!) and visit the AfriCat Foundation! 2016 recommended rack is only R43,660 (about $2,800) in high season! NOW is the time for provisional bookings to secure 2017 space! Click here for the full itinerary and 2017 departure dates.

Interesting conservation news this week from Classic Africa Safaris and Gorilla Doctors. Gorillas and humans are genetically similar and are vulnerable to one another’s diseases. Gorilla tourism puts both species in close proximity on a daily basis. Park rules state that visitors must stay 7m away from gorillas at all times, but that is not always within their control, so park staff and veterinarians monitor the gorillas daily for signs of illness or injury. Listen to this audio interview to learn more about Gorilla Doctors’ approach to gorilla disease prevention and how tourism has been beneficial to the species.

The 2015 class of change agents in the Galapagos

As part of their community outreach and responsible tourism initiatives, Tropic Journeys is excited to sponsor two kids from Santa Cruz Island in The Academy of Agents of Change. The Academy is a place for youth who dream of a better tomorrow for their community. Part classroom, part wilderness arena, and part business forum, the program consists of six modules combining Outward Bound’s Experiential Learning methodologies and Ashoka’s Youth Venture Social Entrepreneurial development techniques. The result is an executable plan for what each person can do to nurture a sustainable, thriving future for the Galapagos Islands.

Albatros Travel is excited to announce that Jennie Camm has joined their team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience with her. In 2001, she left the UK for Kenya where she worked for Governors Camp in the Mara. Jennie then joined Kenya’s Albatros office where she was GM for 3 years before moving to Tanzania in 2005. After marrying Julian in 2006, she started a safari company and was growing it until her return to Albatros this January. Jennie can assist with any Albatros questions or queries and can be contacted on jennie@albatros.co.tz.

Camel caravan en route from the Afar region

Bradt Guides are the most reliable published guides for travel in Africa, and we were happy to come across their ‘Five Reasons to Visit Ethiopia‘ list. Calling journeys within the country a ‘visual treat,’ they are big fans of its incredible scenery, the endemic wildlife and prolific birdlife. Culture, history (religious and otherwise) and ‘geologic wonders’ (think Afar region!) are among their favorites as well. Travel Ethiopia has a variety of suggested itineraries to visit Ethiopia’s highlights or can customize an adventure for your pax.