Mozambique islands, Post Office Bay hike and why Pemba

Amakoro Songa Kinigi Lodge will be the most sustainable luxury nature resort in Rwanda. Photo courtesy Amakoro.

What’s happening this week in the Kusini Collection:

Both islands are historically fascinating and culturally rich

New Frontiers: How well do you know northern Mozambique? After a recent visit, Sally from New Frontiers created a useful guide highlighting the differences between Ibo Island and Ilha de Mozambique (along with a great trip report!). Both of these beautiful, historic islands are worthy of a visit, but as most travelers will only select one, you’ll be able to use this guide to determine which of the islands best fits your client’s interests and style, as the islands differ in many respects. Both will fascinate guests and offer a glimpse of Mozambique’s history, along with some lovely toes-in-the-sand relaxation.

Las Lagunas’ private nature reserve begs to be explored

Maya Trails: Do you have high-end clients looking to visit Guatemala’s Peten region? Maya Trails is excited to share a luxury option that will please the most discerning travelers. Las Lagunas is a private lakeside retreat with gorgeous rooms that include niceties such as large rain showers (with L’Occitane products), private hot tubs, breathtaking views, and more. The infinity pool and onsite gourmet restaurant make it so guests never want to leave, but Peten beckons – Tikal and Yaxha are just over an hour away, not to mention the the temptation of the 300 acre reserve Las Lagunas is situated on. Best of all, they have a helipad to whisk guests to hard-to-reach sites like El Mirador. Learn more in this Forbes article, or contact Adriana for availability.

Guests at The Manta Resort can totally disconnect

The Manta Resort: Tanzania’s Pemba Island is an unspoiled tropical paradise. Pemba has few resorts and few tourists. It’s the perfect off-the-beaten-path getaway where visitors can relax and recharge among beachy beauty. Africa Geographic let its readers in on the secret that is Pemba, and why the island is such a great alternative to over-developed Zanzibar in this article. Whether your clients are looking to dive, see dolphins, stroll beautiful beaches or just chill out, The Manta Resort is Pemba’s best option. Guests can escape to a world filled with sunshine, fresh air, natural food, a comfortable bed, and friendly company.

The hike allows guests to bird watch and learn about the Island’s vegetation

Tropic Ecuador: The wooden barrel at Post Office Bay on Floreana Island in the Galapagos is very likely the Islands’ most famous man-made site. In use since the 1700’s, the site was only accessible by ship until recently. With technical assistance from Tropic Ecuador, the local community has developed a tourism experience by adapting the trail coming from the highlands of Floreana down to Post Office Bay. The full-day activity includes a 2.5 hour hike, snorkeling, and a boat trip back to Puerto Velasco where adventurers can retire to the tranquil Floreana Lava Lodge to relax. Contact Andrea with questions.

Combining Nehimba and Zam Sands makes for a fantastic safari!

Imvelo Safari Lodges: Nehimba Lodge, situated on Imvelo Safari Lodges’ private concession in northern Hwange, now has 9 tented rooms in total. 2 family suites, 5 doubles and 2 twins all overlook the lodge waterhole so guests can enjoy the wonderful views of wildlife coming down to drink. Zambezi Sands has added 2 new luxury tents, taking the total to 10 spacious, beautifully appointed tented rooms overlooking the Zambezi River. 7 of the rooms are twins and 3 are doubles. The 2 camps pair well together, combining Hwange and Zambezi NP’s for an outstanding safari experience! Note: the KAZA UniVisa is currently unavailable for travelers visiting Zimbabwe and Zambia.

One of the beautiful double rooms at Amakoro Songa Lodge in Rwanda

Classic Africa Safaris: We continue to see beautiful new product opening in Rwanda. The latest is the Amakoro Kinigi Songa Lodge in Rwanda. The new luxury option near Volcanoes National Park is perfect for your gorilla trekking clients. Classic Africa Safaris tells us that the eco-friendly lodge is intent on  becoming the leading luxury accommodation of choice for environmentally conscious travelers. With two rooms in the main lodge (with bar, lounge and balcony) and two separate cottages, the lodge can sleep up to 8. It’s a great alternative to Jack Hanna’s cottage (which is still closed) and is perfect for small groups, families or couples traveling together. Email Mandy with questions.