The Ultimate Stellar Escape, Rift Valley lakes and new flights to VFA

Spend an enchanting night under a billion stars on a Stellar Escape with Ultimate Safaris in Namibia!

What’s happening this week in the Kusini Collection:

 

Namibia’s night skies are the ultimate ‘bush TV!’

Ultimate Safaris: We are beyond excited about the introduction of Ultimate Safaris’ new ‘Stellar Escape!’ This very special sleep out experience is set in an ancient dry riverbed on Ultimate’s private concession in the //Huab Conservancy. In addition to an afternoon walk, sundowners and a sumptuous bush dinner, the evening offers crystal clear skies with nothing between travelers and Namibia’s brilliant stellar display. As guests drift off to sleep, they’ll spot satellites, galaxies and shooting stars with the naked eye! Learn more on the Kusini blog.

Albatros Travel: Exciting news out of East Africa where Albatros Travel reports that plans are underway for the Kenyan government to establish a customs and immigration office at the Sand River Gate on the border with Tanzania. The new facility will ease the movement of cross-border travelers visiting the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem, and will eliminate the need for significantly lengthier border crossings via the Narok-Nairobi or Kisii-Migori-Isebania routes. Stay tuned for updates on construction and opening dates!

Ecuador has the easiest access of any country into the Amazon

Tropic Ecuador: There’s a lot more to Ecuador than the (admittedly wonderful) Galapagos Islands. Whether your travelers are interested in history, culture, adventure or cuisine, Ecuador has something to offer everyone. Tropic Ecuador crafts tailor-made and small group expeditions throughout the country, from an insider’s Quito exploration to unveiling the secrets of the Amazon. View this brief Ecuador Mainland Programs webinar for a taste of what makes the country such a diverse and amazing destination.

Imvelo Safari Lodges: More direct international flights into Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe? How ’bout a direct connection to Cape Town? Done and done! The hope for additional service to VFA’s new international terminal is coming to fruition as both Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have added flights into the hub. Ethiopian Airlines starts direct ADD – VFA service March 26th, followed by the addition of Kenya Airways flights from Nairobi beginning May 18th. Even better, the Kenya Airways flights continue on to Cape Town! It’s never been easier to connect the Mother City with Victoria Falls and a safari with Imvelo Safari Lodges!

Visitors to lovely, wallet-friendly Rukyia Safari Camp will not be disappointed

New Frontiers: With space at a premium at New Frontiers’ preferred safari properties, Christine and Faith recently embarked on a rekkie to northern Kruger and managed to find some new gems that offer authenticity, great value and a good safari experience. The areas visited include Balule, which is part of the Greater Kruger bordering Klaserie and Timbavati, as well as the Timbavati itself. Get the skinny on these carefully curated options on the New Frontiers Agent Zone.

Todos Santos Eco Adventures: Todos Santos Eco Adventures created an annual Christmas Bird Count Circle (CBC). It is a citizen scientist effort that has evolved to become a critical data pool for researchers studying status and ranges of bird populations across the Americas. The only other similar count is the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) run during the June breeding season. Survey results become the combined yardstick by which ornithologists and conservation biologists assess the health and migration status of bird populations across the Americas. The Todos Santos circle has a 15-mile diameter encompassing estuaries, coastline, desert and mountainous areas.

The Haile Resort on Lake Ziway is a lush sanctuary

Travel Ethiopia: Travelers wishing to visit Ethiopia’s beautiful and otherworldly Bale Mountains National Park will have the chance to see a large swath of country on their journey, including descending into the Rift Valley with its lovely lakes. Travel Ethiopia recommends breaking up the drive with an overnight at either Lake Ziway or Lake Hawassa. Haile Resorts have a modern, full-service property at each lake. Both have excellent dining and leisure activity options, and each has a unique feel. Ask Travel Ethiopia which would be best for your clients.