Journalist Abby Ellin worked with Cox & Kings' Africa Destination Manager, Megan Bryant, on a story for Seychelles, highlighting many of the points we make for this fabulous destination: it's outside of the cyclone belt, distinctly African, beautifully temperate and far more than a pretty beach... read the Global Traveler article here.
For more on Seychelles, see our website or contact Megan at megan.bryant@coxandkingsusa.com or 1-800-999-1758.
Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles
Wilderness Collection, December 2011 – Abu Camp, located in Botswana’s pristine Okavango Delta, is proud to announce that Shireni, one of the Camp’s leading elephants, gave birth to her third surviving calf, a healthy female, at 10:05 pm on the 17th December. Measuring approximately 90cm at the shoulder and weighing about 242.5 lbs, the new-born stood on her own feet, wobbling, within 20 minutes. The elephant handlers have named her Warona, the SeTswana name meaning ‘For Us’.
Reaching up to her mother, Warona suckled properly for the first time at 7:00 the next morning, 10 hours after the birth, and now takes short naps of 5-10 minutes. Closely watched over by her doting big brother, Abu Junior, the new-born calf is already showing signs of playfulness. Both Warona and Shireni are doing well, along with the other elephants that form the Abu herd. This new member brings the number of the Abu herd to seven elephants.
Shireni was brought to Abu Camp as part of the original ‘Brat Pack Girls’ of young elephants saved from a culling operation in the ‘Sirheni’ area of Kruger National Park. The father is believed to be a wild bull or Mthondo, one of several elephants successfully reintroduced from the Abu herd into the elephant paradise of the Okavango Delta. Earlier this year, the Camp released Gika and her eight-year-old calf Naya together; they are adapting well to their natural home, roaming and mingling with wild elephants and another previously released elephant, Nandipa, who now has two calves of her own. A total of nine elephants have been released from the Abu herd, under the full support of the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
Abu Camp takes its name from the Arabic word meaning ‘all things to do with elephants’. The birth of Warona ends off a thrilling 2011, which saw the opening of the newly refurbished camp, together with exciting new initiatives within Abu Camp’s elephant program. The elephant experience is being supervised by San Diego Zoo Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Mike Chase, together with the support of Wild Horizons, a company with a strong history in high quality elephant interaction activities.
The elephant program is complemented by the reputation of Wilderness Safaris, Africa’s leading ecotourism operator that now manages the camp through its brand, the Wilderness Collection. The cornerstone of this new initiative involves Elephants Without Borders establishing a field research station in the Abu Concession. This happy moment overlaps with an ambitious new program which is devoted to the highest standards in elephant welfare, scientific research and meaningful guest experiences.
Warona will provide hours of fascination and enjoyment to visitors of Abu Camp, allowing them the rare opportunity to interact with a family group of elephants in one of Africa’s best wilderness areas: the Okavango Delta.
Visit Abu Camp on any of our Botswana Private Journeys, or contact Africa Destination Manager Megan Bryant at megan.bryant@coxandkingsusa.com or 1-800-999-1758.
YIPENG LOI KRATHONG &
THE NORTHERN LANTERN FESTIVAL
As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called Loi Krathong - the 'festival of lights'. This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.
The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways. The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk.
Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village and reflect the simplicity of life beyond the palace walls. They typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology. However krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular.
Click here and read more about Thailand and our Southeast Asia Discovery.
2012 EXOTIC EUROPE JOURNEYS ARE HERE!
Europe is in the air at Cox & Kings, with the launch of our 2012 European journeys. Combining the best of this years most popular trips, along with newly planned journeys for the upcoming year, 2012 is the time to explore Europe!
With unique, imaginative programs to many exotic European destinations such as Iceland, Russia and Estonia - and luxury group tours to Croatia, Scandinavia and Turkey, the time is now to secure these incredible journeys. With the destination experts that have over 250 years experience, Cox & Kings allows you to reap the benefits of our in-depth local knowledge and exclusive opportunities.
Start planning your 2012 Exotic European journey today!
Contact your travel professional or Thor Forsberg at: thor.forsberg@coxandkingsusa.com.
Featuring both the oldest and largest private game reserves in South Africa, this journey truly encompasses the most intimate view into the big cat predators of this diverse country.
You will have a chance to see not only the big cats, but also the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) as well as a plethora of common plains game, such as giraffe and zebra, unique nocturnal species like the aardvark and aardwolf, and an habituated meerkat colony at Tswalu.
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey.
COX & KINGS MAILBAG
Thanks for letting us know how we're doing!
Hi Megan,
We made it to Cape Town and are staying at an amazing place about an hour outside of town, on the ocean in a little fishing village, Kommetje in an "intimate hotel" called The Long Beach. There are only 6 huge rooms, we are the only guests now.
Our rooms are awesome. Huge! One wall is all windows that looks out over the ocean and opens to a garden patio with a swimming pool. Our bathroom is to die for! Huge. The open shower will hold about 10 people and we have a soaking tub with the best assortment of bath products you can imagine - bath milks, salts, oils, bubbles. Crista and I are in heaven. There is a decanter of sherry in each room and the best candy! It is like my mom's homemade divinity! We are in love with this place. Thank you! You really know what we like!
Jenny
We love hearing from you! Please write us at: tours@coxandkingsusa.com.
NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: NANCY CIPRA
Born in Denver, Nancy Cipra has a BA in Anthropology and a passion for travel. She took her first trip to China on a cruise in 1985. She loved it so much, that she returned the very next year for a month long land tour. Unable to shake the travel bug within herself, Nancy has traveled to over 90 countries worldwide. From working on cruise ships to developing private land tours, traveling has always allowed Nancy to reconnect with herself and make it her life-long career. Nancy is proud to be your Asia Specialist at Cox & Kings, The Americas.
Contact Nancy Cipra at: nancy.cipra@coxandkingsusa.com.
Places Lived: Denver, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles and cruise ships
Favorite Travel Spot: Vietnam and Burma
Best Vacation: Two-weeks in Rome and Poisitano with my family
Favorite Drink/Food: Chicken curry (spicy!) with jasmine rice and a Tiger beer
Always wanted to try: Hang gliding
If I were stuck on an island, I would bring (3 things): Diet Dr. Pepper, lots of books, my camera
From the lavish hospitality of princely India, to the opulence of the Mughal empire, the colonial legacy of the British Raj, and the vibrant life of modern India, this journey takes you through Indian history.
Discover the splendors of north India as she reveals her wonders and secrets. Travel across a landscape fed by the sacred Ganges, laden with sumptuous palaces, dotted with ancient temples, guarded by massive forts, and graced with the unparalleled magnificence of the Taj Mahal.
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey.
E-News, July 2011: Cox & Kings Shines in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Award 2011
Wonders of Georgia Discovery Tour on Concierge.com
Private Journeys to Turkey — Introductory Special Offer
Travel Advisor of the Month: Susan Fetterly
Singita's School of Cooking — A Community Project
Maharajas' Express dream train journeys through India
Visit the Cox & Kings Maharajas' Express site for photos and details.
View details about guest lecturers scheduled for select 2011 journeys.
COX & KINGS, THE AMERICAS SHINES IN
TRAVEL + LEISURE’S WORLD’S BEST AWARD
2011 READERS’ SURVEY
Cox & Kings, The Americas, is proud to announce its status as one of the world's best Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2011 readers' survey. Cox & Kings ranked as the top sixth tour operator as polled by Travel + Leisure readers for its 16th annual survey, which is considered an essential index of the places travelers want to go and the best companies to take them there. Cox & Kings' top rank in Travel + Leisure's prestigious survey distinguishes the brand's top-notch travel excursions as premier product, providing unsurpassed customer satisfaction and authentic travel experiences.
Read more here.
COX & KINGS MAILBAG
Thanks for letting us know how we're doing!
Megan,
Luby and I had the time of our lives!!!!
The trip FAR exceeded anything I could have imagined. Seeing the animals on safari was incredible and each of our trackers and guides were outstanding. The four hotels just were beyond fabulous! The time with Trevor in CapeTown and Wine country was great. He was so kind and attentive and so knowledgeable too. We were surprised when Derek met us in JoBurg to escort us to the airport for our plane ride home. We were not expecting that but it was very helpful! Megan, thank you so much!!!! Your planning and arrangements for our trip were wonderful. I sure hope I can return again to this wonderful country!
Fondly, Mary
We love hearing from you! Please write us at tours@coxandkingsusa.com.
BOUTIQUE SOUTH AFRICA
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS - Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, Cape Town - From $4,195 PER PERSON*
Cape Town has experienced nearly a month of sunny weather in their typically dreary, winter season, while much of South Africa is seeing record lows and snow. With the recently erratic and unusual weather patterns around the world, good travel times are becoming more and more unpredictable. October should be a great time to travel this year with warmer weather and super pricing that may not be available next year as travel around the globe increases.
Let us share the good value of our Boutique South Africa private journey with you this season.
Call your travel advisor to reserve your journey today or contact Graeme Watson at graeme.watson@coxandkingsusa.com.
NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: GRAEME WATSON
Graeme Watson was born and bred in Durban, South Africa and has had a love for travel from an early age. He remembers going into travel agencies when he was as young as 10 years old and collecting brochures and planning itineraries! This love was firmly cemented when he got a job working on a cruise liner based in Mombasa, Kenya and would frequently visit exotic island paradises such as Zanzibar, The Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Maldives and the Comores. He has travelled extensively in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands and was running his own travel business in London, England before moving to Los Angeles earlier this year.
He is very happy and proud to be able to promote travel to his home continent by working as one of the Africa Specialists for Cox and Kings, The Americas.
Contact Graeme at graeme.watson@coxandkingsusa.com.
Places Lived: Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, London, England and Los Angeles, USA
Favorite Travel Spot: La Digue in The Seychelles
Best Vacation: Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi while visiting Victoria Falls
Favorite Drink/Food: Savanna Cider from South Africa and Lasagne
Always wanted to try: Trekking with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda
If I were stuck on an island, I would bring (3 things): Solar powered laptop with satellite internet, Swiss army knife, water filtration device
DUBROVNIK - DALMATIAN DREAM
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS - Roundtrip Dubrovnik - From $2,040 PER PERSON*
Dubrovnik, described by Byron as "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a city of a unique political history, of world-famous cultural heritage and beauty. Our tour includes a wine, olive oil and oyster tour to Peljesac peninsula and options for kayaking and bike riding on the many islands near Dubrovnik.
• A private gourmet dinner in a lighthouse, surrounded by magnificent
Dalmatian scenery
• A visit to a family farm in the olive oil and wine region of Peljesac
• Oyster harvesting and tasting
Click here to read more about Dubrovnik - Dalmation Dream
Call your travel advisor to reserve your journey today or contact Thor Forsberg at thor.forsberg@coxandkingsusa.com.
MAHARAJAS' EXPRESS: ROYAL INDIA
13 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS - Delhi to Bombay - From $10,040 PER PERSON*
Relive India's days of romance and nostalgia aboard the newly launched Maharajas' Express deluxe train. Your journey begins in the Imperial city of Delhi, home to the former British Viceroy. The first stop is Agra where you can gaze upon the romantic Taj Mahal. Your journey then takes you to one of the well-known hunting grounds of the erstwhile princes, Ranthambore, now a national park famous for its Bengal tiger preservation efforts.
On to Jaipur, quintessential India, where forts and palaces, maharajas and snake charmers, history, color and pageantry combine to project Jaipur as the dream image of India. Bikaner is the next stop on your romantic journey through Rajasthan. This medieval city was once a major stop on the cross-desert caravan trade route. On to the desert region of Rajasthan and the principality of Jodhpur, home to some of the finest architectural wonders of the desert region.
Your next stop is the magical city of Udaipur, an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. Your rail journey continues to Vadodara, the princely capital formerly known as Baroda, ruled by the Gaekwads who were so rich at one time, they had a carpet woven of diamonds and pearls and cannons cast of gold.
Your romantic journey ends in the cosmopolitan city of Bombay, where modern skyscrapers and gracious colonial buildings coexist!
Click here to read more about Maharajas' Express: Royal India.
Call your travel advisor to reserve your journey today or contact Seema Prakash at seema.prakash@coxandkingsusa.com.
*Fares are in U.S. dollars and are per person based on double occupancy. Offers are subject to availability, and may be higher for desired travel dates. New bookings only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Please visit our website for further restrictions that may apply to your booking.
Susan Fetterly, Journeys Peak Travel (Signature Travel Network)
With over 30 years as a Travel Professional, Susan Fetterly currently works as an independent with Journeys Peak Travel, part of Signature Travel Network.
Her training in this field has been enhanced by many certifications through Wellesley College in MA with ICTA (Certified Travel Industry Executive, Certified Travel Counselor, and Destination Specialist for Africa, Western Europe, South Pacific, Pacific Rim, to name a few). Other designations she holds are: Premier Aussie Specialist with Tourism Australia, as well as Luxury New Zealand and Kiwi Specialist with Tourism New Zealand. She'll soon be completing the India Specialist with ICTA/Cox & Kings.
Susan specializes in customized complex itineraries for Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia which normally include land arrangements and cruises, tours, rail, and luxury properties. These itineraries include the personalized needs and interests of each client so that their time is maximized and their experience is most memorable.
Her travels include cruises with Regent Seven Seas and Lindblad. Favorite trips have been to East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania), South Africa (including Victoria Falls, and Kruger National Park), The Luxury Lodges of New Zealand, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, Tahiti, Fiji, Italy, France, Ireland, and may other destinations.
Notes Susan: "I truly enjoy the challenging aspects of my work, and I love working with my great clients who have been with me for many years. It is a pleasure to work with Cox & Kings who provide excellent service for my valued clients!"
Susan is pictured atop Mount Tarawera, North Island, New Zealand.
E-News, July 2011: Cox & Kings Shines in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Award 2011
Wonders of Georgia Discovery Tour on Concierge.com
Private Journeys to Turkey — Introductory Special Offer
Travel Advisor of the Month: Susan Fetterly
Singita's School of Cooking — A Community Project
Maharajas' Express dream train journeys through India
Visit the Cox & Kings Maharajas' Express site for photos and details.
View details about guest lecturers scheduled for select 2011 journeys.