Camilla Manson - Travel Manager

21/08/2024

For something different, take your safari game to the water, with the Chobe Water Villas,, nestled in a special corner of Namibia where two mighty rivers meet.
These luxurious open plan villas jut out over the water, and you will have a perfect view of these wetlands that 80000 elephants call home, along with hippos and buffalo basking in the sun.

13/08/2024

When uninvited guests are more than welcome.
Imagine having these guys rock up at dinner every night - such an incredible experience ❤️

12/08/2024

All about the 'bergs

The magnitude of some of these has to be seen to be believed, along with the iridescent blues.

All photos taken in Antarctica, some from my voyage this year, and others from my voyage in 2020.

05/08/2024

Who's keen to join me snorkelling with orcas?

This is a Winter Whales of Norway expedition voyage with Waterproof Expeditions, taking you through the majestic fjords of northern Norway.

Snorkelling is of course not mandatory; whale watching from the ship and up close in the zodiacs is just as fascinating!

If these photos aren't enough to tempt you, then it's worth taking the time to watch this video, the whole experience looks INCREDIBLE!
https://youtu.be/J6W4Xdbb9kQ

Contact me today for more information :)

23/07/2024

It's Where in the World Wednesday!
Any guesses?

(hint: Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried in the church cemetery)

18/07/2024

The next Antarctic season will be here before we know it, and now I'm FINALLY going to share more from my trip last season!
Starting with the boat :)

It was in fact the last departure of the season, back in March, and I travelled with Albatros Expeditions on their brand new state-of-the-art ship, Ocean Albatros.

The Albatros is an expedition vessel, but has loads of creature comforts including two restaurants, fitness and spa facilities, panorama sauna, pool deck, library, observation lounges, lecture hall, and this may not seem like a big deal, elevators. The first time I travelled to Antarctica it was on a more basic ship, still comfortable, but definitely no pool or gym etc, and no lifts. This shows that not all expedition vessels are created equal, and what may be right for someone else may not suit you at all. (That's where I come in ;) )

The Ocean Albatros has four suite types, and five stateroom types, so there really is something for every budget. All have an unobstructed sea view, and most have their own balcony. There are even more dedicated solo travel cabins without a single supplement.

With one of the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Albatros is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves.

The vessel is part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption. She has more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels, is one of the most environmentally friendly having implemented the Green initiative Program, which ensures both absolute comfort and sustainability for guests.
Can't ask for more than that :)

17/07/2024

It's Where in the World Wednesday!
Any guesses?

(hint: it's the driest non-polar desert in the world)

03/07/2024

Where in the World Wednesday is back - finally!
Any guesses?

(hint: the airport here has the title of being the most remote in the world)

27/06/2024

The Maldives ... it doesn't get any better....

For discerning escape-seekers only

04/06/2024

Bomani Tented Lodge is situated in a private concession of the magnificent Ngamo Plains, on the edge of the remote and unspoilt south eastern corner of Hwange National Park.

Apart from the game drives, we also had the opportunity to enjoy a real life look at village life in rural Matabeleland (15 mins from the lodge), and it was a fascinating experience of typical daily life.

We had the chance to purchase some lovely handicrafts, and also chat to the villagers and children.

Drought has hit them hard, and at the moment they survive on two meals per day, and that will soon be reduced to one meal per day.
Which of course is where Imvelo steps in with the fabulous work they are doing to help alleviate these pressures.

It made such an impact on me that I now sponsor a child from one of the more remote and poorer villages, and a small donation each year will enable her to attend school.
There is a 95% unemployment in Zimbabwe, and education is the key to reducing that rate.

If you would like more information on this lodge, or even helping a child attend school, please let me know :)

01/06/2024

Camelthorn is nestled in a patch of pristine woodland just west of the famous Ngamo Plains, on the edge of Hwange National Park.

What helps to make this place so unique is that Imvelo has partnered with the Ngamo community to set up a rhino sanctuary on their land. It’s home to the famed Cobras, who guard the two rhinos (Thuza and Kusasa) every hour of every day.

More rhinos are being added to the program later this year, which means more Cobras, who are employed and trained from the local communities.

The rhinos are free to roam around the reserve, followed by their team of cobras, and at times you may even find them outside your villa door.

Visitors are welcome to visit their HQ, where they can meet the Cobras and gain an understanding of the scope of this amazing project.

Plus of course you will have the chance to see the other members of the Big 5, and everything in between, on your game drives.

For more information on Camelthorn, contact me today 😊

31/05/2024

So..... Palau is booked!
It's been on my list for some time, and the new non-stop flights from Brisbane had to be a sign, no?

If you would like to know more about Palau, just give me a call :)

31/05/2024

I think it's time to plan the next trip to Africa, I'm missing it already 🐘

(Video taken from inside the hide at Jozibanini camp)

27/05/2024

What an absolute treat Jozi was!

Imvelo Safari Lodges' Jozibanini Camp is situated in one of the most southern and untouched areas of Hwange National Park. It’s small and exclusive, giving you a unique and untamed experience in a truly wild place.

A few highlights to share, but first let me tell you about my night under the stars. I was lulled to sleep by the sounds of the bush, mainly the elephants still drinking at the waterhole, splashing and trumpeting.
Early in the morning I was woken though by a different noise – a lion. Had I dreamt it? Nope, there it was again, definitely a lion!
To be honest I was too nervous to lift my head far from my pillow, comforted by thought that it would have to climb stairs to get to me; the guides in tents on the ground were much easier prey!

I fell back to sleep pretty quickly – that may not have been the case had I known that there were actually two lions, a male and a female, and their tracks went right next to our platform 😊

Another highlight was the elephant hide. Never have I ever been so close to these giants. They played, they drank, they pushed and they shoved. Such a thrill.

And last but not least, the shower. Maybe not the most luxurious of bathrooms, but washing off the dust and the heat in the outdoors, just as the twilight colours were painting the sky, was an experience not to be missed.

26/05/2024

I was lucky enough to experience this for myself last year, travelling with Crooked Compass; it's a stunning part of the world

20/05/2024

Recently I shared the good work that Imvelo Safari Lodges are doing in Zimbabwe, and now I'm excited to showcase the properties themselves!

First up we have Nehimba Lodge, remotely nestled away on a huge private concession in the northern part of Hwange National Park, where it combines comfort, elegance and African charm.
Their nine spacious canvas-under-thatch tents are built on teak decks as is the common guest area, and all overlook the magnificent lodge pan (waterhole), which is frequented by large numbers of elephants, particularly in the dry season.

If you would like more information on this or the other fabulous Imvelo lodges, please don't hesitate to get in touch :)

14/05/2024

I'm going to showcase the four Imvelo Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe over the coming days, but I first want to talk about the patriarch of Imvelo, Mr Mark 'Butch" Butcher.

You've all heard me bang on before about sustainable and ethical tourism, and Butch is a great example of what that can mean.

His years of dedicated community and conservation work have seen some remarkable projects take place, initiatives that not only employ local people, but have ripple effects throughout the area.

There are simply too many to list, however I will outline some below, and please take the time to read the figures attached to this post (these are just for 2023), as you will see just how much he and Imvelo have done. The figures are staggering. And in a country where there is an unemployment rate of 95%, every little bit helps.

So when you travel to Zimbabwe and stay at an Imvelo property, you are doing your part to help provide a better future for this once tumultuous country, and her beautiful people.

And ethical tourism does not get any better than that.

- Supplies villages, livestock and wildlife with reliable sources of clean water (200 million litres for wildlife in 2023)

- Encourages children to make the daily and often long walk to school by providing meals (450,000 in 2023)

- The Ngamo clinic and free dental and eye care to rural villages (over 43000 patients in 2023)

Butch is a humble and modest man, and will brush off any praise; he is however, the first to admit, that he needs help with taking a selfie 😊

12/05/2024

One of my favourite animal interactions was when I was on safari with Chobe Bakwena Lodge in Chobe NP, Botswana.
This elephant came up to say hello, gave a bow and went on his way. Such a gentleman!

12/05/2024

It's true what they say, all good things must come to an end, and unfortunately this recent trip to Africa with Prestige Safaris & Prestige Collection and Imvelo Safari Lodges is no exception.

I have lots of photos and info to share, including the good work that Butch, the founder of Imvelo, does behind the scenes to help the people and wildlife of Zimbabwe. More to come on that soon, but suffice it to say this humble man is a living legend.

And I'm not really sure why as I have an infinite number of elephant photos to choose from, but this is one of my favourites.

15/04/2024

Do you have a dream destination you want to tick off?
I can help!

Many thanks to Prestige Safaris & Prestige Collection and Moditlo River Lodge for working with me and designing a trip of a lifetime to make dreams come true for this client :)

18/03/2024

Hola from Ushuaia!

It will probably be radio silence from me for the next three weeks, as we set sail to explore Antarctica and South Georgia.

When I get back though I will have so much content to share that you will need a break to catch your breath!

(Pic from the last time I was at the end of the world, weather is too miserable this time 😀 )

06/03/2024

It's Where in the World Wednesday!
Any guesses?

(hint: it's still Wednesday here, and at an altitude of 2850m, this is the second highest capital city in the world)

01/03/2024

Ultra-Luxury Cruising is coming to Australia!

On 20th April 2024, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive in Sydney, for the start of two-years of discovery in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the South Pacific region.

Now is the time to plan your voyage of discovery to enjoy unique helicopter excursions, state-of-the-art submersible, unrivaled wellness facilities and world-class dining and bar experiences.

Contact me today for more information, and follow this link for the brochure 🙂
https://issuu.com/scenic10/docs/scenic_eclipse_australia_indonesia_and_pacific_20?fr=sZjBkZDQ3Nzg3Mjg

29/02/2024

Couldn't agree more - don't fear the Drake!
It's an absolute highlight of your Antarctic adventure, and I can't wait to cross it again in a couple of weeks :)

If you would like to know more about travelling to Antarctica, give me a call today 🐧

27/02/2024

It's Where in the World Wednesday!
Any guesses?

(hint: it's not Venice)

22/02/2024

Interesting, it even shows the remarkable pause in travel over the last few years, which is not surprising.
No surprises also with last year's top dog.
Although I'm guessing Indonesia is predominantly Bali, and not the 1700 or so other islands.

21/02/2024

Now this is livin' Barry!

Discover an experience unlike any other aboard the Ritz-Carlton fleet of superyachts.

Contact me today if you would like more information :)