Kusini Collection

26/08/2024

Interested in making a difference and taking part in a conservation project as it happens?

Make a $25 donation and help us name the new Mlevu rhinos!
As our rhinos get ready for their road trip to Mlevu Sanctuary with , we are inviting you to be part of their naming process!

These names have been suggested by local village Headmen, the area Councillor, one of our senior Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts and the Grade 7 class of Mlevu Primary School!

Donate $25 and vote for your favourite rhino names here.
Donate a larger amount for your vote to be worth more!

https://www.hwangecommunityrhino.com/vote-for-mlevu-rhino-names

22/08/2024

20/08/2024

is proud to present the new Mlevu rhinos!🦏🦏

The rhinos are slowly getting ready to embark on their long, complicated road trip across the country to get to their new home at Mlevu.​

As excitement in the communities builds, we are inviting you to be part of their naming process and contribute to the Initiative!

These names have been suggested by, local village Headmen, the area Councillor, one of our senior Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts and the Grade 7 class of Mlevu Primary School!

Vote for your favourite rhino names and contribute to the Initiative by going to the link in our bio!🦏🔗

31/07/2024

A wonderful family recently experienced Costa Rica with and left us this amazing review!

Here’s what they have to say:

“Finally getting back to you regarding our wonderful adventure in Costa Rica. What made it so very special and fulfilling was our amazing and exceptional Tour guide/driver named Sterling!!

He was great with our teen grandboys and really wanted them and us to see and appreciate that beautiful country.

Sterling is so knowledgeable and a great ambassador for the country.

Our hanging bridge rainforest walk was a real highlight and delight! Sterling found monkey’s, birds, snakes, ants and explained and educated all of us regarding the fascinating critters in a rain forest.

Another amazing detail is that he took so many photos when we were on the zip lines…so we can prove to friends and family that we really did it!!

Sterling was a great driver and found such interesting places to stop, see and eat! All teenage friendly!!
He spotted a sloth in a tree and let the boys take photos from the telescope to show family at home.
Our only regret is that he had to leave us after 3 wonderful days..

Someday I’d like to return and see the cloud forest and the jungle.

Anyway we loved the beach, the warm weather the lovely people and know we made lasting memories for our 14 and 15 year old grand boys!!!

Thanks again it was a very memorable and special trip!!”

31/07/2024

From ’s

Today, as we mark World Ranger Day, it’s a time to recognize the incredible commitment and sacrifice of the courageous individuals who serve as the protectors of our natural landscapes. These outstanding rangers encounter immense challenges and risks in the course of their duties. From June 2023 to May 2024, the global community mourned the loss of 140 rangers from 37 countries.
Each day, Rangers around the World confront threats from poachers, illegal loggers, and other adversaries, working tirelessly to protect biodiversity.

31/07/2024

For World Ranger Day 2024, we’d like to celebrate Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts who will be protecting Mlevu Sanctuary’s two new rhinos! The Cobras scouts are excited to be welcoming two more rhino to Mlevu sanctuary soon.

The rhinos have been identified by the expert team at the Malilangwe Trust. They were located and taken care of thanks to the great team of ecologists, vets and scouts during an exciting and complex operation last week.

Rhino translocations need to be thorough, reactive and carefully planned to avoid anything going wrong. We are grateful to be able to partner with the Malilangwe team (the best experts in this space) and mitigate against any potential challenges.

The effort is really a team one. And on this special World Ranger Day, we’d like to celebrate our Cobras scouts and the hard work they do to protect Hwange’s community rhinos.

Find out more here: https://www.hwangecommunityrhino.com/post/worldrangerday2024

30/07/2024

As the world celebrated International Tiger Day yesterday, aimed to spread awareness about the magnificent wild cat, we at Jamtara and Encounters Asia, too pledge to continue our undying support towards the conservation of the Tiger and our towards supporting the communities living around tiger reserves benefit from eco-tourism brought in by the charismatic beast.

Sharing glimpses of some of our most memorable sightings from the last season at

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25/07/2024

’s Nehimba Lodge is looking better than ever with new furnishings and décor giving a lighter and brighter feel to the much-loved lodge. Fabrics in soft, contemporary colors are complemented by colorful rugs and new lighting for a stylish but homely ambience. Major changes include walk-in mosquito nets in the rooms with fans inside the nets, in time for the hot months ahead, and comfy Morris chairs on room verandas where guests can relax and watch the passing parade of wildlife at the waterhole. New mini bar fridges will also help to keep cold drinks conveniently closeby in the summer!

To celebrate the fresh new look of Nehimba Lodge, we now have a special offer in place at this lodge (and Jozibanini Camp).

Details of this offer which applies to new bookings is as follows:

Special Offer: Stay 4 / Pay 3
Travel Period: 1 July 2024 to 31 October 2024
Applicable to: Only at Nehimba Lodge and Jozibanini Camp
Children: Will be charged 30% of the adult sharing rate per night
Solo Travellers: We will waive the single supplement

See you in Hwange!

24/07/2024

🔔🚨Breaking News from@imvelosafarilodgeszim

In September 2024, the new CRCI Mlevu Sanctuary is welcoming two rhinos of its own!

We are excited to be building on CRCI’s successes to date with the expansion of the Initiative...and the arrival of two new, white rhinos at Mlevu Sanctuary, the second CRCI sanctuary!

As part of the establishment of the Mlevu Rhino Sanctuary, a new batch of Cobras (our Community Wildlife Protection Unit scouts) has been recruited and trained, high-tech wildlife-proof fencing has been erected, boreholes have been drilled and equipped, a scouts’ base has been set-up (barracks, canteen, operations room) and scrub clearing has opened up even more grazing land for rhino.

We are honoured to have the expert team of ecologists at the Malilangwe Trust to champion the translocation of these magnificent animals to the newly established Mlevu Sanctuary.

Find out more, contribute and follow our journey here - https://www.hwangecommunityrhino.com/post/rhinos-are-arriving-at-mlevu

More news to come soon!

15/07/2024

Family and multigenerational travel continues to grow in popularity so we’ve gathered some Kusini partners to give you some insights on how to best handle these inquiries! From family-friendly lodging and activities designed for both adults and kids to transportation options as well as sales tips and best practices, join us on Wednesday, July 17th at 9am PT/10am MT/11am CT/12pm ET for an informative webinar on featuring and Albatros East Africa. You can register on our link in bio! Be sure to register even if you can’t make it - we will send you a recording to watch at your leisure.

📸photos courtesy of Kusini partners and Morukuru Family

15/07/2024

After months of excitement, we finally welcome the newest addition to the collection...the Oceanview Villas 🌊

09/07/2024

Repost from :

Barra Honda - A Realm of Hidden Wonders

Nestled in western Costa Rica, Barra Honda National Park unveils a captivating subterranean world. Established in 1974, the park safeguards a network of awe-inspiring caves, formed over millions of years by relentless rain sculpting the limestone. These caverns lie beneath the imposing Barra Honda Peak, remnants of ancient Miocene Era islets thrust skyward.
The park’s crown jewel is its labyrinthine cave system, with only half of its estimated chambers explored. Visitors seeking adventure can delve into this hidden realm, marvelling at the dramatic formations sculpted by time and water. The park boasts a welcoming ranger station equipped with restrooms and potable water, open from sunrise to sunset for visitor convenience.
Decades of exploration have revealed 42 caves within the peak, some rediscovered in the mid-20th century. Notably, the Nicoa cave holds remnants of a fascinating past. Artifacts, jewelry, and even human remains dating back to 300 BC hint at a bygone era. Santa Ana, the deepest cave in the complex, boasts an extraordinary display of stalactites and columns, a testament to nature’s artistry. Plunging over 790 feet into the earth, it offers a glimpse into the park’s profound depths.

Beyond the captivating formations, the caves provide sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Colonies of bats flit through the darkness, while blind salamanders and unique fish species, adapted to life in perpetual night, thrive in this hidden ecosystem. Barra Honda National Park offers a glimpse into a remarkable world, where geological marvels and rare creatures coexist in a subterranean wonderland.

08/07/2024

is so excited to win the Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Award again!

“THANK YOU to all of our guests who adventured with us over the last year and shared their experiences with others!”

24/06/2024

This summer relax into the beauty of ’ Los Colibris Casitas with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, freshwater lagoon and the palm oasis. Https://loscolibris.com

11/06/2024

***Important updates from Peru by **

Discover the new circuit system at Machu Picchu, promoting sustainable tourism for a World Heritage! 🌎🍃

With visitor capacity peaking at 5,600 daily during high season (June 1 - Oct 15), we’ve introduced three unique circuits to preserve this sacred site for future generations:

Circuit 1 (or Panoramic): Explore the upper terraces, iconic treks, and attractions like the Inca Bridge, Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu Mountain.

Circuit 2: Discover Machu Picchu in depth by visiting the Main Plaza, the Sacred Rock and the Temple of the Three Windows. Includes 2 similar subcircuits.

Circuit 3 (or Royal Circuit): Explore the lower area, including the Temple of the Condor and the Inca’s House, with access to Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountain treks.

Though the Intihuatana (Sun Dial) is closed during high season, we are happy to tell you that the Inca Trail will maintain its traditional circuit.

These new measures will undoubtedly help preserve this sacred site and allow us to share it with the world in a respectful and well-planned Tropic-style way. 🏔️🦙✨

04/06/2024

Known as the Phantom of the North, the Great Grey Owl is one of the most remarkable sightings in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. This photo was captured by ’s Paul Brown!

Swipe for some more wildlife photos taken by the Gather Away team or sign up to the Kusini Travel and Trade Hub to access amazing wildlife content from Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons!

Kusini collection.com

01/06/2024

Beautiful morning at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. ’s lovely clients had this view all to themselves. Literally not another person in sight. Great to be in Yellowstone and even better to be there with a Gather Away guide.

28/05/2024

At , we often hear from our guests about how much they love the whole crew at Camp Cecil de la Isla, including the guides, boat captains, chefs, maintenance crew and kitchen staff. We love this photo from guest Jackie Nourse with some of her friends and the Camp Cecil team that took such great care of them!

16/05/2024

INDABA 2024. That’s a wrap!

It was great to spend meaningful time with tour operators and travel advisors and talk all things Africa!

Thank you for meeting with our Kusini Africa partners!
Until next time!

30/04/2024

Join us this Thursday, May 2nd (2pm ET /11 am PT) and see why the team here at Kusini Collection and are so excited about the partnership with the . Tune in to unlock the magic of trekking through Ausangate!

Andean Lodges are pioneers in eco-friendly adventure tourism in Peru’s Cusco region, has officially become part of the Tropic Collection. Joining Tropic Collection not only underscores Andean Lodges’ commitment to environmental protection and community empowerment but also aligns with our vision of promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both local communities and the planet.

30/04/2024

We were lucky to enjoy a two-night stay at Sujan Jawai in Rajasthan. In operation since 2013, it’s a great example of wildlife and communities coexisting - not necessarily in harmony, but certainly successfully. With 15 leopards in the area, guests have a great chance to spot the elusive cat during a stay (along with blue buck, jungle cat - which we saw! - peacocks and many other species). The shepherds in the area revere the leopard and leave them alone, even when they occasionally lose livestock (for which the government reimburses them). They are the reason the leopard thrives. Guests can also hike the spectacular terrain and explore it on the Marwari horses kept in Sujan’s stables.

26/04/2024

Repost from

BIJAGUA: RIVER FUN

CAÑO NEGRO WILDLIFE REFUGE

This tour is one of our naturalist guides’ favorites for viewing river and rainforest wildlife! Located two hours away from Bijagua, the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge and Río Frío combine wetlands and riparian forest are host to waterbirds, iguanas, monkeys, sloths, river turtles and many forest bird species. Enjoy a 3-hour covered river boat safari or opt to canoe downriver and boat back up, in the company of a naturalist guide who will point out wildlife and explain the area’s ecology.
A haven for migratory birds makes this a hotspot for ‘twitchers’ but any wildlife lover will delight in spotting a variety of monkeys, fish including garfish, caiman, crocodile, the endangered Jabiru, and if you are lucky – a tapir!

Length: Full day, morning departures
Includes: Local guide, entrance fees, lunch, gear as needed

25/04/2024

We continue to celebrate ’s 30 years with exciting news: joins the Tropic Collection to promote sustainable tourism in Peru!! 🇵🇪🍃

It is an important milestone that deepens our journey towards more responsible tourism practices. Andean Lodges is a pioneer in eco-adventures in the Cusco region of Peru, with a commitment to environmental protection and community empowerment, in line with our vision of promoting a type of tourism that benefits local communities and the planet.

The indigenous communities of Chillca and Osefina decided to improve their livelihoods by sharing their culture and traditional way of life, and were keen to get involved in tourism and trekking experiences. This was the spark that started Andean Lodges, a hiking experience between four tambo-type lodges, where llamas and alpacas from nearby communities serve as “porters,” and where the Chillca and Osefina people welcome visitors and show their knowledge of these lands.

Local people of these highlands are guardians of some of the last llama and alpaca herding cultures in the Cusco region. Therefore, their paths not only follow the impressive Ausangate route, among pristine ecosystems, but are also connected with ancestral traditions and local indigenous knowledge.

We are pleased to invite travellers from all around the world to experience the magic of the Andes, through the sustainable community-based adventures offered by Andean Lodges, Tropic style! 🛫🏕️🦙🏔️✨

Be sure to join us May 2nd at 13:00 pm Lima/CDT for a webinar to learn more about Andean Lodges.

You can register here: https://n9.cl/yp86c


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22/04/2024

Rewind a few days to our time in Pench Tiger Park at where we saw many different species including tiger and leopard. Look closely - there are two leopards here! The flora of the park is very different from Kanha making for a varied safari experience and the luxurious Jamtara wilderness Camp is a wonderful place to be spoiled!

17/04/2024

Kusini is back in India! Follow us for more updates and incredible wildlife sightings from Gretchen as we explore the tiger parks in Madya Pradesh with and Encounters Asia. Here’s an epic shot where we got to spend a few minutes with this beautiful tiger up close before she continued to the thickets! What an incredible day!

03/04/2024

🚨Breaking News from !

“This year we are excited to extend southward our ‘a la Tropic way’, opening the Tropic Chile office! 🇨🇱✨

From cosmopolitan Santiago to brilliant wine country retreats, the pastel hues of Atacama to the wilds of Patagonia, we’re here to help your guests experience Chile in a totally unique way - immersing them in destinations with local people, based on mutual respect.

For more than a year, we have been working on our product developing, with locals in Patagonia and Aysén to bring something special that portrays this unique destination. Your travelers can expect the Tropic-style travel experiences including meeting local artisans on our ‘May I Introduce You’ programs, exploring the ‘Other Side of Chile’, and meeting the crafters and makers in our urban adventures. It’s a different way of looking at the region, its ecosystems, its cultures and ways of engaging with and helping local communities. And all this comes with a passion for delivering the highest levels of comfort, service and attention by Tropic’s talented, enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable local team.

Celebrate with us our 30 years experiencing the Chile Tropic style: getting to the heart and soul of one of South America’s most wonderful destinations! 🛫🌎🌿”

27/03/2024

Repost from:

Onduli Enclave, the private villa addition to Onduli Ridge!

This is a venue that allows guests the luxury of being at one with nature, whilst enjoying the ambience of Namibia’s most exclusive and luxurious villa experience.

Enclave is the perfect destination whether you’re looking to enjoy a romantic getaway with your loved one or create cherished memories with family and friends!

Who would you stay here with?

📍Onduli Enclave
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20/03/2024

An East African Team Building Session from Albatros East Africa.

“Finally!! We have managed to coordinate it that the Kenya and Tanzania office have a long overdue get-together! The last time this happened was in Kenya pre-Covid and the time before that was in Amboseli.

On this occasion, it was time that Tanzania hosted the Kenya team and show off their patch. They certainly didn’t disappoint! The Kenya team left on Friday morning, arriving into the Tanzania office in the mid-afternoon for a show around and a catch-up. This was followed by a Nyama Choma dinner in Arusha town, with a few drinks and plenty of laughter leading some (most!) to continue out into the nightclubs of Arusha!

The next morning we set off to Tarangire National Park, where Honeyguide Tarangire very kindly hosted the entire team. There was a game drive competition between the vehicles, and the victors just so happened to have Jennie Camm in the car?!?!

One of Albatros’s key selling points as a DMC is that we have an office in each country, allowing us to arrange cross-border safaris seamlessly. In order to keep communication smooth, it is important that both offices work well together and there is no better way than making that happen than by some regular catch-ups over a few sundowners!”

Check out the link in our bio to see the entire Albatros East Africa newsletter for more updates!