Greater Kruger trip report, Ecuador photography tour and wild dogs in Hwange‏

Sunset magic at the Nehimba Seeps near Imvelo Safari Lodges’  Nehimba Lodge in Hwange NP. Photo: Mark Butcher

Paul Bertner is a professional wildlife photographer, explorer and biologist. His macro portraits of reptiles, amphibians and insects have found a global audience in the BBC, the Discovery channel, Scientific American and many other international news outlets. He will be joining Tropic Ecuador’s Galapagos set departure to Floreana and Isabela islands October 23, and will also be available for various daily photo workshops taking place throughout the country. Check the blog for dates and more information, and email Andrea for availability.

The Maya Trails team at the worry doll workshop in San Lorenzo el Cubo

Maya Trails is always looking for new ways to immerse travelers into local culture, thus their new San Lorenzo el Cubo Tour! Travelers will visit a family where they will see a carpentry workshop, as well as learn how to make their own traditional Guatemalan worry doll. Many women in the village earn income by selling the dolls. Guests then tour a school (which benefits from the visit) to learn how educational programs work to break the cycle of poverty. Learn more on the blog.

Join Bryan and Sergio – owners of Todos Santos Eco Adventures – on an amazing journey aboard the MV Westward as they explore the coast of Baja Sur between La Paz and Loreto, April 13-21, 2017. Sergio will be leading the adventures, Bryan will be manning the margaritas, and Captain Bill Bailey will be at the helm of the beautiful MV Westward, built in 1924. Swim with whale sharks, kayak under rugged cliffs and into mangrove-lined lagoons, snorkel in impossibly clear water, and gather to enjoy gourmet meals prepared by Chef Tracie Triolo. Read more about all you’ll see and do here.

Kwita Izina celebrates Rwanda’s mountain gorillas

Last Friday marked the annual Kwita Izina ceremony in Rwanda. This is the 12th year of the event that brings the country’s endangered mountain gorilla population into the conservation spotlight. The ceremony is held to bestow names on all mountain gorillas born in the past year and echoes the Rwandan tradition of naming babies soon after they are born. It is open to the public, and would make a special addition to a gorilla trekking adventure. Contact Phil at Classic Africa Safaris to inquire about next year’s event.

We’re looking forward to the opening of a new ‘treetop walkway’ in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara NP. Albatros Travel says that the 500m walk starts on a short boardwalk leading to a gradual climb onto the aerial walkway. Guests navigate a series of hanging bridges with thick netting on the sides, and reach a height of 18m into the canopy. Each of the 9 hanging bridges end on a viewing deck that is stabilized around tree trunks, giving travelers a stunning birds-eye view of the park.

Tad, Sonya and Lynn in a rare moment of relaxation in South Africa

Tad and Sonya, along with Lynn from New Frontiers, put on their road warrior boots last May to self-drive through South Africa’s Sabi Sands, Thornybush and Timbavati game reserves. They did 14 site inspections in 5 days (whew!), but hey – somebody has to do the heavy lifting! There’s a full trip report up on the Kusini blog including everything from camp evaluations and sightings to dining notes so that you can suss out what might be right for your clients or your next group trip. Contact Sonya with any questions.

We never tire of the wonderful wildlife stories coming from Imvelo Safari Lodges. We are over the moon to hear that Cusp, the alpha female of the Ngamo pack of African wild dog, was recently photographed with 12 healthy puppies. Guests at Bomani and Camelthorn Lodges in Hwange have been treated to daily sightings of the dogs roaming and hunting across the Bomani concession. Cusp is becoming a celebrity dog among wildlife enthusiasts. Learn more about Cusp’s story and see photos of the pups here, and keep your eye on Kusini’s Facebook and Instagram for daily photo updates direct from Tad’s adventures in Zimbabwe!

Ultimate Safaris’ Huab Under Canvas has a gorgeous palette of sundowner color

Ultimate Safaris’ new Huab Under Canvas experience is already proving to be a guest favorite, and extremely good luck on the game viewing front only adds to the love. Every guest thus far has seen the rare desert-adapted rhino, and other sightings have ranged from nocturnal sightings like camp-resident genet, African wildcat and porcupine, to abundant plains game sightings. Sundowner views are expansive and peaceful, while night skies have to be seen to be believed. A stop at Huab is a must for your more intrepid clients.