Volcanoes Safaris, our in-country partner in Uganda and Rwanda recently added a new eco lodge to the Volcanoes Collection. The new lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, is located in western Uganda on the border of the Kyambura Gorge and Queen Elizabeth National Park offering incredible views with the peaks of Rwenzori Mountains in the background. The lodge was carefully constructed to ensure practical ecotourism initiatives were in place and that the lodge could help further conservation efforts and work with the local communities.

Ecuador

Mainland Ecuador is often just a stopping point before travelers embark on a Galápagos cruise. However, mainland Ecuador travel, with the colonial capital of Quito, lush cloud forest of Mindo, and tropical rain forests in the East should not be overlooked. October and November is typically the off season in Ecuador, meaning travelers can avoid the crowds and take advantage of reduced rates. Further, travelers can avoid the rainy season, which begins in December in most regions of the country.

As part of our new Tanzania safari options, we work with Nasikia Luxury Camps to offer our clients an affordable Tanzania Safari that includes all the highlights. Nasikia Camps are mobile and semi-permanent luxury camps situated in the prime wildlife viewing areas of Tanzania. The tents utilize high quality canvas and have comfortable beds and hot showers, allowing you to experience the sights and sounds of Africa while still enjoying comfortable accommodations. There are 2 camp options, Nasikia Luxury Mobile Camp and Nasikia Central Camp.

Inside the tents will be a desk, chair, storage chest (with extra blankets), matting, luggage racks, bedside tables and beds. Travelers can choose from double, single, triple and family tents, each with beds that are fully netted to protect from mosquitoes and insects. Each tent has its own bathroom with running water, a toilet, and a shower. The tents have an extensive solar lighting system as well as a patio area. The camp grounds have a separate lounge tent and dining tent. Chefs prepare delicious bush cuisine using fresh produce from Tanzania. Breakfast is buffet style, lunch at the camp is 2 courses, or a lunchbox for those that will be on game drives, and dinner is 3 courses.

The Red Pepper House

The Red Pepper House is located on Lamu Island in Kenya. Lamu was declared a World Heritage Site, and the thousand year old Swahili culture has been preserved there. The Red Pepper house consists of five nyumbas (houses) offering guests an idyllic isolated location. Located a short distance from Lamu town, the eco lodge sits between a beautiful beach and lush forest. Each nyumba has a sea view and a private butler to assist with any needs and lead on any excursions if necessary. Houses consists of a bedroom and bathroom, a living area, a veranda, a private enclosure with beach sand and an open air African shower, and an outside private space on the beach. The Red Pepper House blends in with the surroundings with a makuti thatched roof and was constructed with techniques inherited from their Swahili ancestors. The majority of the hotel is very open, allowing guest to enjoy the tropical breeze and climate.

The Acacia nyumba is a larger, spacious suite which also includes a study room. Meals range from authentic Swahili cuisine to meals from the Mediterranean. The light, healthy cuisine consists of fresh, organic ingredients. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served whenever you choose and appetizers are offered all day next to the pool. Activities at The Red Pepper House include bird watching, dhow trips (Arabian influenced boats), fishing, snorkeling, and visiting Lamu town. The staff at The Red Pepper House are very accommodating and will even prepare a private dinner for you on the beach with a menu of your choice.

The temperate at Lamu Island ranges from 26-34 degrees, with the coolest months from April to September and the hottest months from February to March. Frequent rain occurs in May and June. The ideal time to go snorkeling is from October to April. November to April is great for dolphin watching. The best time for fly fishing is from November to March, while the best time for deep-sea fishing is from August to May.

Shompole Eco Lodge

Shompole eco lodge is located in Southern Kenya on the Tanzania border near Lake Natron, overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Much of the incredible landscape was shaped by volcanic movement. The lodge, situated on a private conservancy, is surrounded by 140,000 acres of Shompole Group Ranch, including a diverse area for wildlife and a buffer zone for human settlement. The lodge was constructed to enhance the natural beauty of the area with flowing water, smooth white walls, and mostly open air.