From the Kusini family to you - Happy Holidays! The Kusini Collection 2023-12-21 | Happy Holidays and THANK YOU from the global Kusini Family!
Encounters Asia: Female Guide Training Program in Indias National Parks The Kusini Collection 2023-11-22 | Encounters Asia together with Steppes Travel have partnered to organize and fund a 4-5 day training program in Central India for female national park guides. 53 women from 4 different national parks participated on this training program. We are incredibly proud of this amazing work to help empower female guides by enhancing their skills and knowledge to elevate their guiding credentials. Special thanks to Steppes Travel & Madhya Pradesh Forest Department for this partnership and in making this initiative happen.
Webinars: The latest updates from Imvelo Safari Lodges in Hwange The Kusini Collection 2023-08-30 | Join us for the latest updates from @ImveloSafariLodges in Zimbabwe! Gretchen is just back from a memorable FAM in Hwange NP with Imvelo where the elephants impressed (as they always do!), the lions showed off, the rhinos posed for photos and Imvelo's staff made everyone feel like family. Join Tad, Gretchen and Marc as they share the latest on the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative, how tourism continues its positive impact in the communities living on the fringes of Hwange NP, how best to put together an Imvelo circuit and more!
Webinars: Winter adventures in Yellowstone, Grand Tetons & Jackson Hole with Gather Away The Kusini Collection 2023-08-30 | Cool off with Gather Away on this webinar where you can learn about the winter wonderland of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem! From exceptional wildlife viewing (including wolves!) and active adventures such as skiing and fat tire biking to unique experiences such as sleigh rides, gourmet winter picnics and dog sledding, your guests will marvel at the fun on offer in one of America's most wonderful outdoor playgrounds. And with only 2% of visitors arriving during the winter season, they will experience Yellowstone in an exclusive way that few others have.
Kayaking with dolphins The Kusini Collection 2023-06-07 | @todossantosecoadventures2013 held a 'guide celebration' for their team in 2023. They spent 10 days kayaking from Loreto to La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico. One day they were joined by dolphins when they paddled. You can feel the thrill in this video (sound on)!
TOSEA guide celebration essential skills practice The Kusini Collection 2023-06-07 | @todossantosecoadventures2013 held a 'guide celebration' at the end of their busy season for their outstanding team. They spent 10 days kayaking from Loreto to La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico. One of the themes of the trip was skills building which you can see here in action as the guides practice Eskimo rolls in their kayaks.
Webinar: #IAMINPERU webinar - Up-to-the-moment information, facts and stories directly from Peru The Kusini Collection 2023-04-05 | The news out of Peru in 2023 has not been as positive as we would hope. Civil unrest and climate change have dominated headlines, however protests have ceased and government and tourism operations have returned to normal. In this webinar, we dive deeper into the current situation in Peru with Tropic Commercial Manager Maru and some of Tropic's Peru field personnel. They share up-to-the-moment information, facts and stories directly from Peru. As with Tropic's #EcuadorNOW campaign in the wake of the devastating 2016 earthquake, they have crafted a new #IAMINPERUNOW campaign to highlight the beauty Peru has to offer and how visitors and locals alike are currently enjoying the country. You will find photos of friends and visitors enjoying Peru - right NOW, as well as a section on ground operations with the most up-to-date information on current conditions. You can also link through to Tropic's Chaski Hub agent zone (login required) for specials to help you promote Peru.
Webinar snapshot: How to sell Indian tiger safaris with Encounters Asia The Kusini Collection 2023-03-22 | Take a a break to listen to Marc, Amit and Tad as they discuss the safari experience in India and how it compares to and differs from Africa. They share tips on how best to sell an Indian safari and you'll learn about conservation efforts along with Encounters Asia's strong foundation in conservation, as well as how tiger safaris are set up as community-based tourism initiatives by requiring that (government regulated) vehicles, drivers and guides come from local communities.
Webinar snapshot: Tiger safari camps/lodges & suggested itineraries The Kusini Collection 2023-03-22 | Wondering where to stay while on a tiger safari? And how do you piece together wildlife and cultural experiences in India? Marc and Amit from Encounters Asia have you covered in this short webinar.
Webinar: Safaris in India vs Africa with Encounters Asia The Kusini Collection 2023-03-22 | In January, Marc and Tad spent two weeks exploring India with Encounters Asia. From vibrant cities and incredible cultures to beautiful national parks with unique wildlife, the country had them spellbound. Join them, along with Encounters Asia's Managing Director Amit Sankhala, for an informative webinar where we will take a deep dive into how to sell tiger safaris. We'll also explore how to weave authentic cultural encounters into an itinerary and how to enhance your guests' experience by incorporating unique heritage properties into their journey. Africa sellers will need to forget everything they know about safaris and come with an open mind!
Interview with Ultimate Safaris guide Johann Cloete on his upcoming trip to Baja with TOSEA! The Kusini Collection 2023-02-07 | The Kusini global guide exchange continues! The next cross-global guide exchange will originate from the fragile wilderness of Namibia as top Ultimate Safaris @ultimatesafaris2900 guide Johann Cloete is embarking on the journey of a lifetime to Baja California Sur with Todos Santos Eco Adventures@todossantosecoadventures2013 Johann will be trading elephants for whales, rhinos for sea turtles and desert dunes for long beaches and wild surf. Ultimate Safaris is excited to be investing in a once-in-a-lifetime experience for one of its most experienced team members.
Champagne - Namibia style The Kusini Collection 2023-02-02 | Guests at Ultimate Safaris' Onduli Ridge safari camp are treated to a demonstration of sabrage while enjoying sundowners in the Doro !Nawas Conservancy in Damaraland. Cheers!
Interview with TOSEA guide Manuel Rodriguez about his epic Zimbabwe safari w/ Imvelo Safari Lodges The Kusini Collection 2023-01-07 | Tad interviews Manuelito about his incredible two weeks in Zimbabwe on safari in Hwange with @ImveloSafariLodges
Manuelitos final update from Zimbabwes Victoria Falls! The Kusini Collection 2023-01-07 | Manuelito, thank you for spending your summer holiday in Zimbabwe with the @ImveloSafariLodges team! And thank you for sharing your adventures with us. From Baja to Hwange, you are part of the Imvelo family now!Next up, it's time for a Zimbo to visit Baja...
TOSEA guide Manuelitos epic Hwange safari with Imvelo Safari Lodges The Kusini Collection 2023-01-07 | @todossantosecoadventures2013 guide Manuelito is having a pretty epic Hwange safari with @ImveloSafariLodges in Hwange National Park!
Manuelitos final days on safari in Hwange from Imvelos Nehimba Lodge The Kusini Collection 2023-01-07 | As the saying goes, most epic things do come to an end. Manuelito checks in with an update from Nehimba Lodge at the end of his two amazing weeks in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe with @ImveloSafariLodges. Looks like the eles came out to say adios y feliz viaje!
Manuelitos first update from his Hwange safari! The Kusini Collection 2023-01-05 | Elephants in the "look up" blind, cheetah brothers hunting, hippos, giraffe and feeling the love from the @imvelosafarilodgeszim team, Manuelito checks in with an update from Bomani.
Happy Holidays from the Kusini Collection 2022 The Kusini Collection 2022-12-22 | Travel is back!2022 was a great year for travel and it's been so wonderful to see everyone this year - both in North America and around the globe! Wishing you happy holidays wherever you are and looking forward to connecting again in 2023!Best Wishes from Tad, Gretchen & Marc
Webinar: Classic Zambia - Overview The Kusini Collection 2022-10-07 | An overview of Classic Zambia's background, ethos and unique selling points.
Webinar: Introducing Classic Zambia (full introductory webinar) The Kusini Collection 2022-10-07 | Join Tyrone and Luke live from Zambia to learn more about Kusini's newest partner, Classic Zambia. On this webinar, we will go over Classic Zambia's background, ethos and the unique selling points of their camps in Lower Zambezi and the Kafue National Park.0:00 Intro 01:20 Classic Zambia History, Background07:10 Why Classic Zambia? Ethos, USPs32:25 Lower Zambezi Camps: Kutali Camp & Chula Camp43:13 Kafue National Park: Musekese Camp & Ntemwa-Busanga Camp50:25 Liuwa Plains - Mobile Safaris52:49 How to sell Classic Zambia, Rates, Specials, Comparisons59:22 Flight Routes1:05 Q&AFor more information, please visit the Kusini Collection website kusinicollection.com/collection/africa-partners/classic-zambia
Webinar: Classic Zambia - Kafue National Park Camps The Kusini Collection 2022-10-07 | A detailed overview of Classic Zambia's camps in the Kafue National Park, Musekese Camp & Ntemwa-Busanga Camp.
Webinar: Classic Zambia Lower Zambezi Camps The Kusini Collection 2022-10-07 | A detailed overview of Classic Zambia's Camps in the Lower Zambezi - Kutali and Chula
Meet the People and Places of Kusini Latin America The Kusini Collection 2022-10-07 | Kusini is a collection of travel companies, but for us, it’s really all about the people – our owners, their teams and their collective personalities. Meet the people and places who make up the Kusini Latin America Collection!
TOSEA guide Manuel Rodriguez arrives in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe! The Kusini Collection 2022-08-09 | Tad checks in with Manuel on his first day in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Webinar: Introducing the Newly Transformed Chilcabamba Lodge, Cotopaxi Ecuador The Kusini Collection 2022-07-29 | Join Tropic GM Jascivan 'Jasci' Carvalho live from Ecuador's Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge, the perfect basecamp to explore Cotopaxi National Park. We will unveil the transformation of this beautiful mountain refuge, now with upgraded facilities, rooms, restaurant, decor and more!
Interview with TOSEA guide Manuel Rodriguez on his upcoming trip to Zimbabwe with Imvelo Safaris The Kusini Collection 2022-07-12 | Tad interviews Todos Santos Eco Adventures head guide Manuel Rodriguez about his upcoming trip to Zimbabwe with Imvelo Safari Lodges! Manuel was the winner of the TOSEA guide competition and his reward is a two week safari in Hwange where he'll be working at Imvelo's four camps!
Webinar: El Camino del Apu Ausangate - Andean trekking adventures with Tropic The Kusini Collection 2022-06-09 | Join Maru from Tropic Peru and Gretchen from the Kusini Collectionto learn about Tropic's new partnership with Andean Lodges of Peru. They are just back from a 3-day adventure with Andean Lodges, so you can hear first-hand perspective of this incredible experience!Tropic's 'Camino del Apu Ausangate ' trek is a breathtaking 5-day lodge-to-lodge trek in the Vilcanota's Cordillera on a route located in close proximity to the highest Sacred Mountain in the Department of Cusco, Ausangate.The 'Apu' is the bearer of life and guardian of one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world. This trek also takes place in the lands of some of the few remining llama and alpaca herding communities left on earth.Andean Lodges is partly owned by the communities of Chilca and Oefina and is the new kid on the block in our Tropic Collection. Members of these communities are our hosts during the trek and share with us their Andean cosmovision and their amazing landscape.
Lion politics in Hwange: Imvelos guide debate which lion pride is the best The Kusini Collection 2022-06-08 | ...
Kusini Reunion Tour - Stop #8: Namibia with Johann from Ultimate Safaris The Kusini Collection 2022-04-06 | Tad chats with one of Ultimate Safaris legendary guides, Johann Cloete from Onduli Ridge camp in Damaraland, Namibia.
Kusini Reunion Tour - Stop #7: Tanzania with Julian and Jen from Albatros Travel The Kusini Collection 2022-04-06 | Gretchen chat with with Julian and Jen Camm from the the Mwiba Game Reserve in Tanzania.
Webinar: The latest, greatest and most exciting updates from Ultimate Safaris in Namibia! The Kusini Collection 2022-03-16 | Join Tad and Ultimate Safaris' marketing and sales director Birgit Mohrmann for a roundup of the what's new and exciting in Namibia - new camps, special sleepout experiences, "dream" cruisers and much more! We'll also cover why you and your guests should visit Namibia RIGHT NOW!
Imvelo Safari Lodges Dudu Hlabangana: Camelthorn Lodge is a home away from home The Kusini Collection 2022-03-14 | Dudu Hlabangana is one of the camp managers for Imvelo's Camelthorn Lodge, the only safari lodge in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, built on communal land, in partnership with the local community bordering the park.
Swimming with sea lions - Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja California Sur The Kusini Collection 2022-03-03 | Just a short boat ride from any beach campsite on the west side of Isla Espiritu Santo is a permanent sea lion colony occupying the rocky islets known as Los Islotes. As we donned our wetsuits in the boat, a cacophony of lazy sea lions on the shore serenaded us while we watched their brethren dart, twirl and corkscrew under and below our boat. It reminded me of a dog, barking and running to and fro, imploring it’s owner to come and play. Before we jumped into the crystal clear water to join the fun, our guide Bernardo warned us to keep our hands to ourselves as curious/devious sea lions were known to give playful nip to people who tried to touch them. It was good advice! We spent the next hour exploring the beautiful underwater world of these marine acrobats. The younger sea lions we’re definitely curious and seemed to relish showing off their underwater acrobatic skills as they swam circles around us, almost as if to say, “Can you do this move?! I didn’t think so!” Without a doubt, one of the highlights of our stay on Espiritu Santo.
Webinar: Tropic Peru The Kusini Collection 2022-03-03 | Get to know Tropic Peru! With Tropic's regional expansion, your travelers can now count on Tropic-style travel experiences - ones that have a different way of looking at the region, its ecosystems, its cultures and ways of engaging with and helping local communities - in more of South America's special places. And all this comes with more of what Tropic is known for - dedication to the highest levels of comfort, service and attention by highly trained and highly motivated local teams.Join Tropic GM, Jascivan 'Jasci' Carvalho, and Tropic Peru Product Manager Maria 'Maru' Eugenia de Aliaga for a dive into what Tropic Peru is all about. We will look at special travel elements such as Tropic's 'May I Introduce You' and 'Other Side' programs. These are unique ways your travelers can have a true insider's experience, forming a real connection with Peru, its people and its wonderful nature.
Kusini Reunion Tour - Stop #6: Baja California Sur with Bryan & Sergio from TOSEA The Kusini Collection 2022-03-02 | Tad catches up with Bryan and Sergio from Todos Santos Eco Adventures overlooking the Pacific Ocean from Los Colibris Casitas boutique hotel.
Kusini Reunion Tour - Stop #5: Guatemala with Jimmy Rogers from Maya Trails The Kusini Collection 2022-03-02 | Tad visits with Jimmy Rogers, founder/director of Maya Trails, on the shores of Guatemala's Lake Atitlan.
Webinar: (Re)Introducing The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania The Kusini Collection 2022-01-29 | Join Tad and Gretchen from Kusini and Manta GM Juma Bakar and Managing Director Matt Saus live from Pemba Island, to learn more about the Manta upgrades and what it means to be Kwanini!The last few years have been a journey for us all, including the wonderful team at The Manta Resort. They took the disruption of travel as an invitation to approach their operations from a fresh standpoint. In addition to implementing the most responsible protocols and procedures to reassure guests of the best and safest possible environment in which to relax and enjoy their stay, they focused on everything guests love about Manta - privacy, comfort, beauty, conservation and the warmth of Pemba's incredible staff.The entire Manta Resort has undergone a full upgrade. Luxurious touches like private plunge pools, outdoor showers and serene private gardens grace the various room categories, making for an even more immersive and relaxing stay. Important work continues in the Kwanini Marine Conservation Area supporting biodiversity and reef health. We encourage you to send your travelers for an unparalleled experience diving or snorkeling over Manta's fiercely preserved coral reef.
Meet Bronwyn Bezuidenhout from New Frontiers Tours in Victoria Falls The Kusini Collection 2022-01-24 | On his FAM trip to Zimbabwe in November 2021, Tad met with with New Frontiers' representative based in Victoria Falls, Bronwyn Bezuidenhout. Bronwyn's role is to support New Frontiers trade partners and their clients visiting the Falls. Learn more about her role in this video and on our website here: kusinicollection.com/blog/return-to-travel-zimbabwe-meet-bronwyn-from-new-frontiers
Webinar: Introducing Encounters Asia - Boutique luxury DMC for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan The Kusini Collection 2022-01-14 | Get to know Encounters Asia, the Kusini Collection's newest partner! This family-operated boutique DMC has 30 years’ experience creating exclusive, luxurious journeys into the incredible nature and vibrant cultures of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. Managing Director Amit Sankhala and Tad Bradley will provide a thorough introduction to Encounters Asia's one-of-a-kind travel experiences, rich conservation history and what makes their destinations special.
Happy Holidays from the Kusini family! The Kusini Collection 2021-12-22 | It's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2021! What started as a challenging year has improved immeasurably, only to find us navigating more bumps in the road. While we don't think the topsy-turvy nature of COVID is going away soon, we are optimistic. With vaccines, availability of testing and amazing scientists and doctors continuing to dedicate their energies to helping us manage to live with the virus, life has returned to a reasonably normal state, and blissfully, travel is back on the books!As we have resumed traveling, seeing our friends, colleagues and partners in person during this latter half of the year has been nothing short of fantastic! To reconnect in the places we love and are so passionate about has been rejuvenating and inspiring. We have also begun limited sales travel and in-person meetings, seeing some of you in your home towns already.The Kusini worldwide reunion tour will continue into 2022! Check out the start of our reunion tour video series below and look for more videos as we connect with our partners (and many of you!) next year, including in Tanzania, Guatemala, Namibia, India and more!Until then, we wish you safe, healthy and happy holidays!Tad & GretchenSVXWFR1BUQCTFAX4
Kusini Reunion Tour - Stop #4: Kenya & Albatros Travel The Kusini Collection 2021-12-22 | Gretchen and Julian from Albatros send holiday greetings from Nairobi, Kenya
Kusini Reunion Tour - Stop #1: Ecuador (+Peru) & Tropic! The Kusini Collection 2021-12-22 | Tad connects with Jasci and Maru live from Machu Picchu, Peru!
Kusini Reunion Tour - Stop #2: Zimbabwe & Imvelo Safari Lodges! The Kusini Collection 2021-12-22 | Tad, Butch from Imvelo and Paul and Julie from Gather Away send holiday greetings from Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe!
Kusini Reunion Tour - Stop #3: South Africa & New Frontiers! The Kusini Collection 2021-12-22 | Tad, Craig, Helen, Chrissie and Pippa send holiday greetings from New Frontiers Tours in South Africa!
Jamtara Wilderness Camp Intro The Kusini Collection 2021-11-15 | Jamtara Wilderness Camp was built to provide an unforgettable experience with sustainability as its cornerstone. Guests enjoy the ancient forests of Pench National Park, one of India's wildlife strongholds and the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.
Black bears surprise each other in Grand Tetons National Park The Kusini Collection 2021-09-30 | Eagle-eyed Paul Brown from Gather Away spotted a black bear on the foothills, giving us the chance to observe it through a scope. We then spotted a second bear, which set us up for an interesting sighting! The bears weren’t aware of each other at first but wait until the end of the video for the moment when they do spot each other – one bear dashes off screen at the sight of the other!
New Frontiers Escapes Virtual Wine Tasting #4 - the rest of Stellenbosch The Kusini Collection 2021-02-13 | Join us for our 4th New Frontiers Escapes virtual wine tasting with NFE guide and Cape Wine Master Harry Melck! Following on from the previous session which focused on the Greater Simonsberg area of Stellenbosch, this time we’ll be exploring four other sub-routes of the Stellenbosch region.Extending to the south all the way down to Somerset West we have the ‘Stellenbosch Berg’ and the ‘Helderberg’ sub routes which are influenced by the majestic and beautiful Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains. Moving east we find the ‘Stellenbosch Valley’ and the ‘Bottelary Hills’ sub routes with their diverse soils, rolling hills and sea breeze influences which help create exceptional terroir driven wines.For this session Harry will share information about the styles of wines that found in these sub-routes and what makes this landscape so special for the production of world class wines. This knowledge will be wrapped in stories about the best venues to visit and some of the unique relationships we have managed to build with various property owners and winemakers such as Ken Forrester, Reyneke Wines, Hartenberg Wines, Joostenberg, Rust-en-Vrede, Waterford and the list goes on.The aim is to leave this session with a few tidbits of knowledge that will show you dig deeper when asked the simple question ‘I’d like to see Stellenbosch’. We will highlight the variety Stellenbosch offers as a wine touring region and give you a deeper knowledge and confidence to talk about its various touring routes with your clients. Few wine regions offer the wide range of options to personalize a day to your client’s specific passions like Stellenbosch.As before, you don't have to drink the same bottle, or even varietal as Harry, but should you want to try, Harry will be drinking wines from Ken Forrester. Also, readily available are the Joostenberg wines which Harry will also be discussing.
New Frontiers Escapes Virtual Wine Tasting #3 - Muratie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch The Kusini Collection 2021-02-13 | Join us for our 3rd New Frontiers Escapes virtual wine tasting with NFE guide and Cape Wine Master Harry Melck! Harry will take us on a virtual tasting tour of Muratie Wine Estate, found in the Greater Simonsberg area of Stellenbosch.Stellenbosch is regarded as the heartland of South Africa’s wine and is now the most internationally and locally recognised region. When one thinks of Stellenbosch, many pictures emerge... beautiful landscapes, historic buildings, oak-lined streets, bustling restaurants and, of course, wine. It is also home to the biggest proportion of fine and internationally recognised wines.Stellenbosch is the second oldest town and in 1971, it became the first wine region to establish a wine route as an organised network of wineries for visitors. Today, it is an epicurean mix of world class wines, gastronomic delights, decades of history, stories and culture all interwoven into its unique architecture and natural beauty.The Stellenbosch region is made up of a wide variety of climates, soils, altitudes and aspects due to several mountain ranges and its close proximity to the ocean. The region is best known for its Bordeaux style wines, but also has a strong affinity to producing world class Pinotage, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay.For this virtual tasting tour Harry will share stories about Muratie, one of the oldest and most traditional wine estates found in the Greater Simonsberg area of Stellenbosch.The Greater Simonsberg is one of the five sub-routes found in Stellenbosh and is home to some of the most recognisable and sought-after wine farms such as Kanonkop, Warwick, L’Avenir, Tokara, Delaire Graaff and Muratie.As before, you don't have to drink the same bottle or even varietal as Harry. But should you want to try, Harry will be drinking the Ansela van de Caab Bordeaux blend from Muratie.Finally, to add a little fun to the event, we are asking everyone to wear stripes of some sort!
New Frontiers Escapes Virtual Wine Tasting Event #2 - Constantia The Kusini Collection 2021-02-13 | Join us for our 2nd New Frontiers Escapes virtual wine tasting with NFE guide and Cape wine master Harry Melck! Harry will take us on a virtual tasting tour of the historic Constantia valley, the cradle of winemaking in the Cape.This is the heart of wine in South Africa and was the original area granted to Simon van der Stel, the first Governer of the Cape, in 1685. It is from here that the other wine regions were established (e.g. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl). The wines of Constantia have been recognised internationally for over 300 years and were drunk by the likes of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Napoleon Bonaparte.Constantia is within the Cape Town district and in very close proximity to the ocean. The vines are nestled in some of the most prime real estate in South Africa and climb up Table Mountain to get access to altitude and the cool sea breezes. This makes it perfect for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and some of the other Bordeaux varieties.As before, you don't have to drink the same bottle or even varietal as Harry. But should you want to try, Harry will be drinking Sauvignon blanc from Buitenverwachting, Steenberg or Groot Constantia.Finally, to add a little fun to the event, we are asking everyone to wear a silly hat of some sort! Silly hats and wine just go well together, at least after you've had a few glasses . . .
