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https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/feed <language>en</language> <item> <title>The Ultimate Post-Safari Getaways https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-ultimate-post-safari-getaways%20 <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Jan%202020%20Header.jpg?itok=QXUSKb4B"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Jan%202020%20Header.jpg?itok=QXUSKb4B" width="480" height="251" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">If ocean dips, hammock naps, and lantern-lit meals are the cornerstone of your ideal post-safari getaway, the A2A Safaris® team knows how to plan the ultimate trip to a sunny African shore. Whether you’re craving a private island stay on a deserted oasis where white-sand beaches and scuba diving adventures abound or you’re eager to explore an ancient African city’s ethereal cobbled streets and bazaars, we can help you plan the ultimate respite in Mozambique, Zanzibar, the Seychelles and beyond. Nestled on mainland Mozambique in the coastal town of Vilanculos is Santorini Mozambique, a property situated above the red cliffs of Kingfisher Bay. Positioned at the gateway of the Bazaruto Archipelago—an island chain and national marine reserve—savor unobstructed views of the archipelago while enjoying a stay in what feels like a small Greek village in the heart of a raw African landscape. After a safari holiday, enjoy one of the property’s whitewashed villas surrounded by olive trees and bougainvillea before diving into the Indian Ocean on a snorkeling or scuba excursion to swim with dolphins, whale sharks, and the elusive dugong. Or opt for a stay in a private beach bungalow at the new Kisawa Sanctuary on the nearby island of Benguerra, a nearly 750-acre property set within the island’s sprawling beaches, dunes and pine forests, or at &amp;Beyond Benguerra, a retreat with 13 beachfront cottages and a beach bar fashioned from a traditional dhow sailboat. In neighboring Tanzania, find respite off the northeast coast of Zanzibar on Mnemba Island, an ethereal paradise set near Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. At &amp;Beyond Mnemba Island, twelve rustically chic beachside bandas await, where you can relax and unwind on your own stretch of beachfront nestled near unblemished sands and the casuarina pine forest. After enjoying private, thatched-roof dining and spectacular diving encounters with indigo Napoleon fish and green blocked turtles, take a trip to Stone Town. Steeped in culture and history, this historic African city is rife with winding cobbled streets, bazaars, churches and mosques, forming a multi-cultural mix of architectural influences, including 19th century coral- stone buildings, an old Arab fort, and a diverse collection of Swahili façades. For an even more remote adventure, your itinerary can take you off the east coast of Africa to the Seychelles, a 115-island archipelago in the heart of the Indian Ocean. On North Island, set foot on your own private island where the embrace of lush tropical palms and giant granite peaks shade this 11-villa oasis, a true barefoot-luxury escape. With infinite opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation, a stay here is about the balance of the finer things, from exhilarating adventures like scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, and hiking to holistic spa treatments and intimate experiences like private picnics on deserted beaches. No matter the sunny stretch of shoreline you desire to explore, the A2A Safaris® team will plan the ideal post-safari holiday for you. </div> Fri, 31 Jan 2020 14:38:11 +0000 usatoasafaris 2167 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa Not-to-Miss Specials and Promotions in 2020 https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/not-to-miss-specials-and-promotions-2020 <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/December%202019%20Header.jpg?itok=_rIFKWMf"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/December%202019%20Header.jpg?itok=_rIFKWMf" width="480" height="251" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">From viewing lions and giraffes on an extraordinary hot-air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara in Kenya at Angama Mara to searching for anacondas and pink dolphins on a Delfin Amazon River Cruise in Peru, these are some of the best deals around the globe to make 2020 your best year yet. Botswana: Wilderness Safaris: On an adventure with Wilderness Safaris, you’ll be privy to free flights throughout the country. Stay six nights at Wilderness Safaris camps, and receive three complimentary flights. Stay eight nights or more and receive four complimentary flights. Book before February 29, 2020. The offer is valid for travel before December 31, 2021, and no single supplements are available from January to March 2020. Great Plains Conservation: When you stay four nights, only pay for three nights at these featured camps: Selinda Explorers, Duba Plains Camp, Duba Plains Suite, Duba Explorers, Zarafa Camp, or Zarafa Dhow Suite. Valid travel dates include May 2020, as well as November 2020 to May 2021. African Bushcamps: Take advantage of reduced rates during the secret special season from January to March 2020. Stay three nights and pay $380 per person per night; stay six or more nights and pay $361 per person per night; stay nine or more nights and pay $342 per person per night. Natural Selection: Reduced rates are available during the summer season from January to March 2020, including rates from $475 to $595 per person with a minimum of a three-night stay. South Africa Singita Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park: Stay a total of five nights at Ebony Lodge and Sweni Lodge and receive one complimentary night and a free flight between the lodges. MalaMala Game Reserve: From January to March 2020, stay four nights at any lodge and receive one night free. Morukuru Family in Madikwe: From November to December 2020, book a four-night stay and receive one night free. Morukuru Beach Lodge in the De Hoop Nature Reserve: From July to September during the 2020 Southern Right whale migration, book a three-night stay and receive one night free. Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge in Madikwe: When you book a three-night stay or longer, receive from 15- to 35-percent off your entire stay. MORE Luxury Lodges & Hotels: When you book three nights at Lion Sands in Sabi Sands (plus three nights at Stanley and Livingstone Hotel in Victoria Falls), receive three nights free at More Quarters in Cape Town. &Beyond Lodges and Camps: When you book one of these lodges or camps for your honeymoon, your partner can enjoy 50-percent off their stay in any &Beyond Property. Tswalu Private Game Reserve: When you stay four nights at the Tswalu Private Game Reserve in Northern Cape, enjoy 50-percent off your last night or stay five nights and only pay for four nights. One&Only Cape Town: When you stay four nights at One&Only Cape Town from May to December 2020, the last night is free—plus, if you book 60 days in advance, you receive an additional 15-percent discount. Cape Grace in Cape Town: When you stay four nights, receive a 20-percent discount on nightly rates. When you stay five nights, receive a 25-percent discount on nightly rates. Leeu Collection in Franschhoek: When you stay at least 2 nights at Leeu Collection from now until April 2020, receive a 15-percent discount on nightly rates. Kenya Asilia Africa: During any experience in 2020, kids travel free (they must be 18 years and younger and only one child per adult and they must share the same room as the adult). Valid travel dates include the following: January to June 2020; November to December 2020; and January to May 2021. No single supplement for single travelers is available. Elewana Collection: When you stay seven nights, you only have to pay for five nights during a stay in the following properties: Tortilis, Elsa’s Kopje, Elephant Pepper, Sand River, Kifaru House, Lewa, Loisaba, and Afrochic Diani. Offer is valid through May 2020. Angama Mara: When you stay four nights, only pay for three nights. The offer is valid over a range of dates in 2020, including: January to June; September; and October to December. Or, when you stay five nights, get a private vehicle and hot air balloon safari for free. Offer valid year-round. Tanzania: Asilia Africa: During any experience in 2020, kids travel free (they must be 18 years and younger and only one child per adult and they must share the same room as the adult). Valid travel dates include the following: January to June 2020; November to December 2020; and January to May 2021. No single supplement for single travelers is available. Elewana Collection: When you stay seven nights, only pay for five nights at properties, including: Tarangire Tree Tops, The Manor at Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti camps. Gibbs Farm: When you stay three nights, only pay for two nights. Valid travel dates include April to May and November to December in 2020. Or when you stay four nights, only pay for two nights. This offer is valid from January to March and September to October in 2020. Singita Serengeti: When you stay four nights, only pay for three nights. Valid travel dates include January to March and September to December in 2020. Or when you stay six nights, only pay for five nights. This offer is valid from all year round except during the festive period. Rwanda: Singita Kwitonda and Singita Serengeti: When you book three nights at Singita Kwitonda or Kataza House and four nights at either Singita Mara River, Faru Faru, Sasakwa, Sabora Plains or Serengeti House in Tanzania, receive 50-perfcent off one night at Kwitonda, one free night in Tanzania, and 50-percent off off the cost of a private vehicle in the Serengeti. Valid travel dates are from January to March and September to December in 2020. Rwanda Tourism Board: Receive a 30-percent discount ($450 value) on one gorilla permit if you visit other Rwanda National Parks like Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park for three days or more during the low season from November to May from 2020 to 2021. Zimbabwe: Singita Pamushana: When you stay seven nights, only pay for six nights. Or when you stay ten nights, only pay for 8 nights. African Bushcamps: Take advantage of reduced rates during the secret special season from January to March 2020. Rates include the following: stay three or more nights and pay $380 per person per night; stay six or more nights and pay $361 per person per night; stay nine or more nights and pay $342 per person per night. Great Plains: When you stay four nights, only pay for three nights. Or when you stay eight nights, only pay for six nights. Take advantage of this offer from March to May and November to December in 2020. Antarctica Antarctica 21: The Best of the South Promotion: With the promotion, clients who reserve one of Antarctica21’s 2020-21 Ushuaia, Cape Horn & the Falklands expeditions will receive a complimentary two-night package at Singular Patagonia, a $1,595 USD value. Oceanwide Expeditions: Receive as much as a 20-percent discount on remaining rooms in various voyages in 2020. Chile and Argentina Quasar Expeditions: Start the season with a 15-percent savings off your overland safaris in September and October 2020. Awasi: Combine all three Awasi lodges in Atacama, Patagonia and Iguazu for a total of 10 nights and receive $140 per night discount and free accommodations in connecting cities (Santiago, Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas). Total savings amount to $2,600. Eolo Lodge in EL Calafate: When you stay four nights, only pay for three nights during travel dates in April and May, plus October 1 to 22 in 2020. Peru Belmond: Take advantage of the benefits of booking more than one hotel in Lima, Cusco and Colca. When you book three Belmond hotels, get a 10-percent discount. When you book four Belmond hotels, get a 15-percent discount. Or when you book five Belmond hotels, get a 20-percent discount. This offer is valid year-round. Inkaterra: When you book three of four Inkaterra hotels in the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes and Cusco, get a 10-percent discount. When you book all four hotels, get a 15-percent discount. Explora Sacred Valley: When you book three, four or five-night program stays in the Sacred Valley, enjoy a 20-percent discount over rack rates. Delfin Amazon River Cruises: Receive as much as a 40-percent discount on various fixed departures in January and February 2020 aboard the Delfin III boat. Galapagos Hotel Silberstein: When you stay three nights, only pay for two nights during travel from now until March 2020. Sea Star Cruise: From bookings made now until March 30th, 2020, enjoy a free night at ILLA Experience hotel. The offer is valid for travels occurring from January to June 2020. Endemic Elite Cruise: Ask for special rates up to Feb 2020 on specific departures. </div> Fri, 27 Dec 2019 18:13:50 +0000 usatoasafaris 2165 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa Why a Luxury Cruise is the Best Way to See Antarctica https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/why-a-luxury-cruise-the-best-way-to-see-antarctica <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/October%202019%20Header%20Final.jpg?itok=QyOPls1Y"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/October%202019%20Header%20Final.jpg?itok=QyOPls1Y" width="480" height="241" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">Surrounded by the Southern Ocean and situated at the ends of the Earth, the Antarctic continent is a deep, narrow shelf made almost entirely of ice. Harboring 5.5 million square miles of ice below its surface, the continent covers a wilderness on land and sea where thousands of penguins walk its jagged mountain ranges and whales and leopard seals swim throughout its bobbing icebergs. While Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent on Earth—a landmass larger than Europe and one-and-a-half times the size of the United States—it nearly doubles in size by winter, when sea ice freezes and the continent’s size is only bested by Asia and Africa. Known as “the world’s last frontier,” the continent was only discovered in 1820. And though explorers and travelers alike are vying to visit this great white landscape, it's vital to go during the Antarctic summer when the weather is at its best. Most travelers to the region begin their voyages by boarding ships in Chile or Argentina to make the chilling voyage across the Drake Passage, a confluence of water where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans clash in a blending of sub-polar and polar waters. When you travel on an A2A Safaris® itinerary, you will arrive in Santiago, Chile, and either brave the Drake Passage like a true explorer of yesteryear on a luxury cruise charter from Ushuaia or opt to skip the crossing and fly directly to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands on a fly-and-sail luxury cruise. Either way, you will be privy to the continent’s most impressive scenery and wildlife while sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs. Whether you’re enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals, or whales, each day aboard the ship offers plenty of Zodiac excursions to the continent with polar experts as your guides. </div> Wed, 30 Oct 2019 12:28:08 +0000 usatoasafaris 2161 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa How to Witness the Great Migration in Tanzania Year-Round https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/how-to-witness-the-great-migration-tanzania-year-round <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/September%202019%20Header.jpg?itok=Z9KfQfdI"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/September%202019%20Header.jpg?itok=Z9KfQfdI" width="480" height="248" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">Often regarded as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” the annual Great Migration in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is one of the world’s most magical wildlife experiences to behold. Over a million wildebeest, zebra, and grazing herbivores roam amidst the Serengeti's forests, rivers and ranges based according to the region’s rainfall patterns and the abundance of fresh foliage. The result: one of the largest animal movements on Earth that attracts travelers from all over the world to witness this spectacle in person. When you travel with A2A Safaris® to Tanzania, we’ll keep you privy to insider tips—like the fact that you can witness the Great Migration almost any time of year. You can track the herd from December to April in the southern plains of the Serengeti ecosystem, where close to half-a-million wildebeest are born. It's a feast for predators during the calving season! After the herds enjoy the nutrient-rich grass of the southern bounds of Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they move northwest to the Grumeti area. By June, the transitional period continues, and the wildebeest are put to their first test—crossing the Grumeti River, home to an abundance of crocodiles. From July to October, the wildebeest keep moving north, where the herds have plenty of food and water. Often seen as the ultimate time to visit, this is when the herds cross the Mara River multiple times, making for an exciting and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Finally, in November, the herds move in several different routes to reach the south and central Serengeti. </div> Mon, 07 Oct 2019 19:43:20 +0000 usatoasafaris 2157 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa Our Favorite Travel Deals in South Africa https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/our-favorite-travel-deals-south-africa <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/August%202019%20Header.jpg?itok=QHsnmnfN"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/August%202019%20Header.jpg?itok=QHsnmnfN" width="480" height="244" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">From an extraordinary journey throughout the rolling dunes of the privately-owned Sabi Sand Game Reserve to a tucked-away stay in a luxurious suite hidden in the riverside forest of Madikwe Game Reserve, these are some of the best deals available in South Africa. Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park with Singita When you stay a total of 5 nights at Ebony Lodge and Sweni Lodge, receive one complimentary night and a free flight between lodges. Complimentary night at MalaMala Game Reserve From January to March 2020, stay four nights at any of their lodges and receive one night free. Morukuru Family Madikwe in the Madikwe Game Reserve From November to December in 2020, book a four-night stay and receive one night free. Morukuru Beach Lodge in the De Hoop Nature Reserve From July to September during the 2020 Southern Right whale migration, book a three-night stay and receive one night free. Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve When you book a three-night stay or longer, receive from 15- to 35-percent off your entire stay. MORE Luxury Lodges & Hotels in Southern Africa When you book a three-night stay at Lion Sands in Sabi Sands—plus three nights at Stanley and Livingstone Hotel in Victoria Falls— receive 3 nights free at More Quarters in Cape Town. &Beyond Lodges and Camps One partner on honeymoon can enjoy 50-percent off their stay in any &Beyond Property. Tswalu Private Game Reserve in Northern Cape When you stay four nights at the Tswalu Private Game Reserve in Northern Cape, enjoy 50-percent off your last night—or stay five nights and only pay for four nights. One&Only Cape Town When you stay four nights at One&Only Cape Town from May to December in 2020, the last night is free; plus, if you book 60 days in advance, you receive an additional 15-percent discount. Cape Grace in West Quay When you stay four nights, receive a 20-percent discount on nightly rates. When you stay five nights, receive a 25-percent discount on nightly rates. Leeu Collection in Franschhoek When you stay at least 2 nights at Leeu Collection in Franschhoek from now until April 2020, receive a 15-percent discount on nightly rates. </div> Fri, 30 Aug 2019 14:08:51 +0000 usatoasafaris 2153 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa Trek to the Lost City of Choquequirao https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/trek-to-the-lost-city-choquequirao <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/ezgif.com-gif-maker.jpg?itok=Glm4cqGK"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/ezgif.com-gif-maker.jpg?itok=Glm4cqGK" width="480" height="249" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">When you book an A2A Safaris® itinerary to Peru, discover the country's best-kept secret—the larger, untouched, and incredibly secluded sister site of Choquequirao. With only a few tourists arriving at the lost city per day, it will feel as if you have the entire Incan complex all to yourself. Adventurous trekkers begin this challenging journey by first arriving to Cachora, a traditional agricultural town set around 4 hours west of Cusco. Set within a dense cloud forest where three rivers merge and requiring an adventurous 4-day, round-trip pursuit to reach, Choquequirao is accessible by climbing steep paths and along ancient Incan walkways that weave through spectacular scenic passes. Your ultimate reward: arriving at this wondrous, under-the- radar archaeological site, believed to be around three times larger than Machu Picchu. Though Machu Picchu may draw the crowds, Choquequirao is the region’s most intriguing site with its maze of high-quality stonework that indicates it once housed Incan royalty. Hidden under dense tropical foliage and still not entirely cleared (under 40 percent is excavated), the site forms a vast complex of nine areas once used for religious, political, and military functions during the Incan Empire, the largest empire in pre-Columbian America that dominated the region for over a century beginning in the 1400s. Though much of the Choquequirao remains a mystery, the Incan architecture that is currently uncovered reveals finely-built and imposing buildings, each displaying the uniquely-Incan style of adapting natural landscapes into terraces, highways, and mountaintop settlements. Because the site’s stonework has even stood the test of time so well, you’ll have the ultimate inside glimpse into what life was like during the Incan Empire, especially when you climb to the Sunch’u Pata hilltop. Here, you’ll have the best view of Choquequirao and the Apurimac Valley from above to see preserved ritual baths and temples dedicated to three central spirits of the Incas: the sun, moon, and Pachamama, revered by the indigenous people of the Andes Mountains as the ancient goddess of the Earth. </div> Tue, 30 Jul 2019 12:46:48 +0000 usatoasafaris 2140 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa Traverse the Mara on Foot! https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/traverse-the-mara-foot <div class="field-image field-items"><div class="field-item even " rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20copy.jpg?itok=OXP2cg8u"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20copy.jpg?itok=OXP2cg8u" width="480" height="252" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Naboisho-Camp-walking-safari_0.jpg?itok=4KSBjdPp"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Naboisho-Camp-walking-safari_0.jpg?itok=4KSBjdPp" width="480" height="299" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item even " rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/B16A5168.jpg?itok=qNDc5kAc"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/B16A5168.jpg?itok=qNDc5kAc" width="480" height="269" alt="" /></div></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">When you book an A2A Safaris® itinerary to Kenya, join a once-in-a-lifetime walking expedition across the Mara conservancies, a breathtaking area offering you intimate access to the culturally diverse communities of Kenya who work in tandem with conservationists to protect the country’s most iconic wildlife. Sure to be one of the most memorable safari experiences of your life, you’ll walk from 9 to 12 miles per day and stay in a mix of fly-camps, permanent camps, and safari houses, with all of the logistics taken care of so you can focus on enjoying some of Africa’s most stunning landscape as you explore the greater Masai Mara on foot. Traveling from east to northwest—starting in the Naboisho Conservancy, where you will visit conservation projects like a Maasai women beadwork initiative and Kenya Wildlife Trust’s predator hub to meet researchers protecting lion and cheetah across the Greater Mara region—you’ll traverse the wilderness on foot, where you’ll spend time in the Mara North, Lemek and Ol Chorro Conservancies. A journey rooted in conservation, you’ll also visit myriad wildlife and community projects along the way, from the Maa Trust’s team working to build a harmonious balance between conservation and sustainable human development in the Maasai Marato to the Mara Elephant Project, an organization that protects the African elephant population in the Mara by combatting poaching operations, collaring, monitoring and researching elephants, and protecting farmers and elephants across their large dispersal area. </div> Thu, 27 Jun 2019 16:16:57 +0000 usatoasafaris 2122 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa Why You Should Visit Rwanda Now https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/why-you-should-visit-rwanda-now <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/May%202019%20Header.jpg?itok=6BJtX86t"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/May%202019%20Header.jpg?itok=6BJtX86t" width="480" height="264" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">Why You Should Visit Rwanda Now From spotting leopard and lion near Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park to tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the picturesque cloud forests of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda enchants with its majestic wilds and unmatched wildlife. Located in East Africa—bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—this landlocked country is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” thanks to its mountainous landscape where a temperate climate makes year-round explorations a delight. Rising beyond its infamous genocide nearly 25 years ago, Rwanda is a country renewed. Now regarded as the Singapore of Africa, Rwanda is now the continent’s most progressive country, with new infrastructure promising a prosperous future and tourism forming a main pillar of the economy. While travelers are amazed by the sophisticated architecture and contemporary art scene in the capital of Kigali and are mesmerized by the pristine inland beaches of Lake Kivu, the most exceptional natural beauty is tucked within the country’s northwest volcanoes, where more than half of the world’s approximately 800 remaining endangered mountain gorillas live in an ethereal high-altitude cloud forest. When you book an A2A Safaris® itinerary to Rwanda, join a tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, a dramatic chain of seven active and dormant volcanoes that form a natural border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to create one of the lushest parks in Africa. Sure to be one of the most memorable wildlife viewing experiences of your life, come face-to-face with these gentle giants during a ranger-led trek deep into the jungle canopy, the same land where Dian Fossey studied the species in the 1970s and 1980s as detailed in the book Gorillas in the Mist. About 350 mountain gorillas reside here, with 12 habituated groups accessible to tourists. Hikes can vary from 30 minutes to several hours, a worthy pursuit within the park’s verdant forest, where hanging vines cover the trees and no signs of trails exist. Once you reach your designated family of mountain gorillas, you have around an hour to view them in their natural habitat, as infants eat leaves near their mothers and silverbacks beat their chests to let out a rippling roar. For the ultimate Rwandan safari, complement your gorilla tracking adventure with a journey to Akagera National Park, a wilderness area set in eastern Rwanda near the border of Tanzania. One of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories, the park recently welcomed the opening of Magashi Camp, launched by Wilderness Safaris in partnership with conservation non-profit African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board. On a life-changing journey to this remote region in Rwanda, you’ll learn how conservation efforts preserve the country’s last protected savannah ecosystem, home to threatened species like the East African black rhino and the rare shoebill stork, as well as iconic species like lion, leopard, and zebra. </div> Tue, 28 May 2019 11:02:52 +0000 usatoasafaris 2116 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa Discover the Wild Beauty of Namibia https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/discover-the-wild-beauty-namibia <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Apr%202019%20Header_Final.jpg?itok=iy_-Ockp"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Apr%202019%20Header_Final.jpg?itok=iy_-Ockp" width="480" height="251" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">From learning cultural traditions of the semi-nomadic Himba tribe to glimpsing the striking horns of a lone Oryx in an endless sea of rolling sand dunes, Namibia enchants as one of Africa’s most extreme destinations. The Namib, the world’s oldest desert, marks this otherworldly country, creating one of the rawest and most rugged destinations on the planet. And though hard to reach, once you’re in this country’s mesmerizing wilds you’ll quickly be captivated by its rugged natural beauty. But Namibia isn’t your typical safari—and probably not your first. Nature drives here are more about exploring landscapes where crashing ocean waves merge with a cascade of sand dunes and dead-tree valleys. And though the Skeleton Coast can’t be missed, there’s no place more alluring than an adventure at Serra Cafema, a luxurious camp set in the lunar-like wilds of northwestern Namibia near the border of Angola. With eight chalets set on the banks of the Kunene River, a stay at Serra Cafema is all about the elements. Natural wood interiors mark canvas tents that offer elevated decks perfect for relaxing with a sundowner while viewing the Namibian wilderness. As one of the most remote camps in southern Africa, life here revolves around the Kunene River, the only permanent source of water in the region. A winding oasis surrounded by the Namib Desert, the river provides nourishment for wildlife like Nile crocodiles, gemsbok, springbok and Hartmann's mountain zebra. Cocooned in this rugged terrain, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a true digital detox, where meditating to the sound of the river’s bubbling waters provides the ultimate soundtrack. Whether you walk, boat, or quad-bike the land, you’ll be in the heartland of one of the driest deserts in the world and the native homeland of the Himba community. Perhaps one of the highlights of a stay here, when the Himba are near camp, you’ll have the chance to learn firsthand about their cultural traditions like the custom of Himba women rubbing their bodies with otjize—a mixture of butter fat and red ochre—that’s believed to protect their skin against the harsh climate while both honoring and symbolizing their communion with Earth. </div> Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:38:11 +0000 usatoasafaris 2108 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa The Wonders of Patagonia https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-wonders-patagonia <div class="field-image" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Eblast%20Header_2-min.jpg?itok=4PrzHZ4R"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Eblast%20Header_2-min.jpg?itok=4PrzHZ4R" width="480" height="276" alt="" /></div><div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded">7 of Patagonia’s Most Incredible Natural Wonders From icy fjords and glimmering glaciers to boundless temperate forests and towering jagged peaks, Patagonia mesmerizes as South America’s most rugged frontier. Located at the southern tip of the continent and split between Chile to the west and Argentina to the east, the area’s striking natural formations are born from the rugged Andes Mountains, the longest mountain range in the world. Though planning a trip to this vast and remote wilderness may seem intimidating, the A2A Safaris team will grant you intimate access to the region’s top luxury lodges, each within range of Patagonia’s most incredible sites. Whether trekking through the region’s plentiful national parks or kayaking its myriad glacial lakes, a transformational journey to the wilds of Patagonia is sure to bring friends and families together in one of the most pristine natural lands in the world. For inspiration to plan your next trip, discover our favorite wonders in Patagonia. Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina Set within the southern realms of Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier is the most spectacular of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Measuring over 18 miles long and three miles wide, it’s one of the only glaciers in the world continuing to advance. Moving around one meter per day, watch as icebergs calve and crash into Lake Argentino from its face. Marble Caves, Puerto Río Tranquilo, Chile The iridescent Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake may be Patagonia’s best kept secret. Located near Puerto Río Tranquilo in Chile, kayak or boat through this series of sculpted caves as the sun reflects myriad shades of blue on the yellow and white twisted marble, a surface slowing carved thanks to 6,000 years of lake currents lapping against its surface. Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Argentina Set within the Nahuel Huapí National Park in Bariloche, Argentina, Cerro Catedral is a utopia for snow-sport enthusiasts. As the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, its 34 lifts are open year-round. Before skiing or snowboarding to the bottom, enjoy stunning views of Nahuel Huapi and Gutiérrez lakes and Mount Tronador in the distance. Los Torres, Torres del Paine, Chile Set within Torres del Paine National Park is a trifecta of striking granite formations within the Torres del Paine massif. As one of the most spectacular sights in all of Patagonia, the base of the three jagged peaks are accessible by a challenging 11-mile day hike. At the summit, find an icy glacial lake at the base of the towers, providing the perfect contrast to the pale gray slopes. Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina Due to its location at off the southernmost tip of mainland South America, Tierra del Fuego is often frequented prior to journeys to Antarctica. But venturing to this remote archipelago in Ushuaia, Argentina, has its perks, as it’s nearly overflowing with mountainous terrain rife with snowy peaks and lush forests beckoning to be explored. But perhaps the most alluring aspect of the area is its access to incredible flora or fauna like the penguin colony at Martillo Island. Mount Fitz Roy, El Chalten, Argentina Standing over 11,0000 feet on the horizon, this sheer granite peak is one of the most illustrious natural spectacles in all of Patagonia. Located in Los Glaciares National Park near El Chalten, Argentina, Mount Fitz Roy is surrounded by a range of smaller spires and is often considered one of the hardest peaks to climb on Earth. Day trekkers to the park can see the peak in its glory during a hike to the mountain’s base, where an azure pool awaits. Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine, Chile In the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is Grey Glacier, a nearly 12-mile wide natural ice formation floating in a lake of the same name. Set just west of the Cordillera del Paine, the glacier harbors its own nunatak, a land mass splitting the glacier in two, creating an island in the middle of the glacier where you can roam. </div> Thu, 28 Mar 2019 18:47:20 +0000 usatoasafaris 2102 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africa

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