River Boat Safaris
The Mantis Collection has announced a new collaboration with Zambezi Queen and three smaller safari boats. The three smaller, recently refurbished, boats that will sail the Chobe River have been renamed the Chobe Princesses. As part of the ZQ Collection, the Chobe Princesses will explore nearly 30 miles of African wilderness, boarding in the Chobe Game Reserve. Guests will get the opportunity to see herds of elephant, lions, rhino and buffalo.
As a plus, travelers can get even closer to the wildlife using the small tender boats on both the large Zambezi Queen and the Chobe Princesses. To complete the outdoor adventure, it is also possible to fish on the Chobe River for Tiger fish. After a day of fishing and wildlife watching, guests can enjoy their air-conditioned stateroom or the revamped entertainment deck.
The Vineyard Experience
From now until July 31, travelers can take advantage of an ultimate South African package from Virgin Limited Edition. The seven-night package includes a four-night stay on Ulusaba Private Game Reserve and a three-night stay at Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard. At Ulusaba guests will get a chance to see all “big five” animals in Africa with twice-daily game drives and safari walks. All drinks and meals are included, as well as accommodations and private airstrip transfers.
After four days on the reserve, guests will spend three nights relaxing in the wine lands and private vineyards of Mount Rochelle. Daily breakfast, a selection of complimentary drinks, local taxes and twice-daily transfers to Franschhoek village are included in the stay.
The Wilderness Experience
Travelers can get the ultimate safari experience at Encounter Mara in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, which has recently joined the Asilia Africa portfolio.
Known for the migration of 5,000 wildebeest and 1,000 zebra, as well as large elephant herds, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy is an ideal place to experience solitude in the wilderness. Encounter Mara consists of 10 permanent tents, but guests won’t be “roughing it” with en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and bush showers. Private verandahs give guests a view of the savannah and a salt lick that attracts multiple types of animals throughout the day. Adding to the experience, game drives, safari walks and night drives will be led by local Maasai guides.
Lodge Updates
The lodge industry in Africa is changing. Minor Hotel Group (MHG) will add six camps to its Kenya portfolio as a result of the acquisition of the Cheli & Peacock Group of Companies by the Elewana Collection. The Cheli & Peacock Group represents six safari lodges and camps in Kenya, including Elsa's Kopje, Elephant Pepper Camp, Joy's Camp, Tortillis Camp, Kitich Camp and Lewa Safari Camp. The merger under the Elewana Collection forms a circuit of 14 properties in Northern Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar. When booking, agents will see a seamless experience across the three regions.
The Cheli & Peacock Safaris tour operator will continue to act independently of the Elewana Collection.