Tropic Ecuador FAMs, Uganda’s best kept secret and to self drive or not?

The view from Uganda’s Clouds Lodge never fails to impress!

Adventure through the Andes with Tropic Ecuador and Tad on a pre-TMLA FAM

Tropic Ecuador: This year’s TMLA will take place in Guayaquil, and Tropic Ecuador has crafted two special FAM trips to coincide with the conference (show attendance not required). Qualified operators can choose a 4 day pre-TMLA trip Sept 9-13: The Volcanoes Avenue (hosted by Tad – US$150pp) or a 5 day post-TMLA adventure Sept 16-20: Galapagos: Land, Sea and Underwater Adventures (hosted by Jascivan – US$500pp). This is your chance to explore Ecuador Tropic style! Tropic will welcome you to unique properties from the highlands to the islands. Get your boots dirty and your soul refreshed on one or both of these adventures! Each FAM is limited in capacity and first-come first-served, so contact us quickly if you wish to participate.

Baker’s Lodge not only has a perfect setting, the food and service are outstanding, too!

Classic Africa Safaris: What is Uganda’s ‘Best Kept Secret?’ According to Vogue, it’s some of the wonderful lodges and camps dotted throughout the country. It seems they’ve been discovered! From the ethereal Clouds Lodge floating above Bwindi NP to Baker’s Lodge perched on the edge of the Nile River, Vogue has done an admirable job in assembling a list of some of our favorite Uganda haunts. Classic Africa Safaris has been sending their travelers to these wonderful and unique properties for years, and can work with you to determine which camps and lodges are the best fit for your travelers.

Camelthorn Lodge is open all year for great game viewing during any season

Imvelo Safari Lodges: Hwange National Park is a special place to visit in the green season. Many herbivores ‘drop’ their young, migrant bird species are present, and the lush vegetation, gorgeous flowers and butterflies make for stunning photography. This green season has been nothing short of sensational for guests at Imvelo Safari Lodges, as game viewing has been off the charts (check out Imvelo’s Facebook page for proof!). Visit the blog for details on which properties are open in green season. Also, remember that Imvelo is adding beds as of August 1st (including a new family suite at Bomani!), meaning more available space in peak season!

Guests on TOSEA’s Volunteer Adventure Week can have fun and make a difference!

Todos Santos Eco Adventures: Bryan and Sergio Jauregui built Todos Santos Eco Adventures with mindfulness – respecting the local communities and environments alike. So it’s no wonder they’ve created strong relationships with local organizations that share the same values. Through these connections, your guests can have a fun and impactful getaway to Baja California Sur. Join sea turtle camp with Asupmatoma, teaching English at the Palapa Society, and support health improvement projects with SINADES. (did we mention the surfing, whale sharks, cooking class, hiking, and relaxing, too?) This six day itinerary is perfect for any traveler or group looking to have a great time and make a meaningful difference. Contact Bryan or Sonya for details!

CRST ensures smooth sailing for travelers arriving in Guanacaste

Costa Rica Sun Tours: The last thing you want is your guest to feel lost on arrival to a new destination. You can count on Costa Rica Sun Tours to be there awaiting them at Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste, but the question becomes: where? After clearing customs and baggage claim, head to the exit sign (they will see ‘Welcome to CR’ and a sloth picture), exit the building and guests will find their driver with a welcome board with their name waiting for them on the sidewalk. In the event they get lost, guests should go to the Café Britt shop and wait at the tables. An emergency number is also provided. Importantly, guests should not ride in cars or take advice from people that do not have their name. Read on for more tips about the airport.

Ultimate guide Francois ‘turned on the sound’ for agents on the FAM

Ultimate Safaris: Some people traveling to Namibia are drawn to the self-drive option – often trying to save a few bucks. Birgit Bekker from Ultimate Safaris put it best in a recent conversation. “A self-drive is like watching a great movie with the sound on mute. You can appreciate the beauty, have a sense of the characters, and appreciate the action, but….having a guide is like turning the sound on, suddenly it all comes together, all of your senses are engaged.” Following 10 inspiring days on the road with Ultimate Safaris guide-extraordinaire, Francois //Gowaseb, Sonya couldn’t agree more!