Cox & Kings USA Travel Journeys

Africa Client Night with Wilderness Safaris

Live music was provided by a local Tampa drumming and dance group, Kuumba
Photo: Dan Weisberg

This fall, 2009, Cox & Kings and our partners from Wilderness Safaris hosted an exclusive client night at Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant in our US home base of Tampa. Dave van Smeerdijk, Brandon Kemp, Blessing Munyenyiwa and Tim Farrell from Wilderness Safaris, who operates one of the most eco-friendly and first-class circuits of safari lodges throughout southern Africa, presented their amazing camps and wilderness areas to a host of our local clients and travel agents. We are proud to work so closely with this amazing supplier to bring the best of Africa to our clients.

Cox & Kings raffled off space for one on The Great Wilderness Journey, a 10-night safari through Botswana and Victoria Falls, valued at $7325 per person, and guests enjoyed sangria and tapas while viewing breathtaking scenes on the big screen.

Stay posted for the next Cox & Kings local Tampa event.

View photos of our C&K Africa Client Night:

Discover our Africa journeys on coxandkingsusa.com

Contact: Logan Stine for more... 1-800-999-1758

World Cup 2010 Update: New VIP Packages

World Cup 2010 Update: New VIP All-Inclusive Packages Now Available

On June 11, 2010 the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, where 32 teams from around the world will compete for the coveted title of World Cup champion, including South Africa‚ Äôs national team, Bafana Bafana.

Cox & Kings has created some very special all-inclusive World Cup VIP Packages which include luxury accommodations, guaranteed matches, and unforgettable safari experiences. With private transfers, unparalleled service, knowledgeable staff and world-class accommodation, our dedicated local staff will be at your service from the moment you touch down in South Africa and throughout your stay. 

Every Soccer & Safari package includes Category 1 tickets and VIP services and events. Please note that space on each departure is on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is going quickly, especially now that the "Final Draw" is complete, which determines which national teams are in which of the eight groups and which teams will play each other in the first round of matches! 

Each of our eight packages includes three guaranteed matches, which vary from 12-17 days in length. Our packages fall over various dates between June 14-July 17, 2010 and all include stays in Cape Town, South Africa's oldest city and an idyllic base for the World Cup 2010. Several departures include Round of 16, Quarter and Semi-Finals matches as well as the coveted Finals match in Johannesburg on July 11, 2010. 

Other matches may be added to a customized tour package. We are holding guaranteed space at the brand new Taj Hotel in Cape Town, and can arrange other trips such as cage diving with Great White sharks or a gastronomic food and wine extravaganza through the Cape Winelands.

We are happy to customize any itinerary for your personal interests. A $250 non-refundable planning fee is required to customize a World Cup 2010 package. This cost is fully applicable to the trip costs should you decide to book with us.

Take advantage of our expertise and passion for Africa. Experience the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, and explore more of this fascinating country or sub-Saharan Africa‚ all in luxury and style.

For more information on our VIP World Cup/Safari packages or a custom-tailored trip, contact Megan Bryant or Logan Stine at 1-800-999-1758.

View World Cup journey details on coxandkingsusa.com.

China Winter Special, Peninsula Hotels

Peninsula Hotel Shanghai

China Winter Special, Featuring The Peninsula Hotels

This winter, take advantage of low season prices and discover the two faces of China — from the Imperial Capital of Beijing to the modern cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Stay at elegant Peninsula Hotels in each city.

Peninsula Hotel Beijing

Visit the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace in Beijing. In Shanghai, tour the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Explore the vibrant city of Hong Kong independently.

Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

8 Days & 7 Nights. From $2890 per person, double occupancy. Complimentary bonus night in Beijing with breakfast; additional night in Hong Kong with breakfast, only $65 per person.

Includes internal airfare (Beijing/Shanghai), select meals, English speaking guide for all sightseeing, and all transfers. Private journeys depart daily subject to availability.

Offer good from Jan 13 - Mar 10, 2010.

For more information contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.

View China Winter Special details PDF.

TOP STORIES, December 2009

World Cup 2010 Update: New VIP Packages Available

E-News, December 2009: A Dream African Hideaway — Bilila Lodge

Just Back From: Seychelles, the Island Issue — Megan Bryant

Cycle for Charity: Cox & Kings, 2010 Medscheme Tour de Tuli, Africa

Maharajas' Express dream train journeys in 2010
Visit the Cox & Kings Maharajas' Express site for photos and details.

Cycle for Charity, Africa

Cox & Kings people are supporting the 2010 Medscheme Tour de Tuli, benefiting the Children in the Wilderness program.

Cox & Kings is taking the challenge to better the lives of Africa’s children. Next August, some of our Cox & Kings staff will participate in the sixth annual Tour de Wilderness/Tour de Tuli Mapungubwe Route — a 186-mile mountain bike tour, to benefit the Children in the Wilderness program. We will traverse the Tuli Trans-frontier park, passing through parts of Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Calling All Cyclists and Sponsors:
If you would like to sponsor or donate to this cause, click the link listed below and take 5 minutes to make a huge difference in the lives of many children.

Sponsor Children in the Wilderness

We also invite avid cyclists and adventure enthusiasts to ride in this charitable event. Entries are open, but space is limited. If you are interested in participating in this 4-day journey, please click this link and register directly on the Tour de Wilderness website (follow the Medscheme Tour de Tuli 2010 link at the top).

The 2010 Medscheme Tour de Tuli departs on August 3 and 4, with a minimum entry sponsorship of ZAR 12,900 (approximately $1750 per cyclist). This includes 4 nights’ accommodation in pre-erected mobile camps, full board and lots of support from gracious volunteers. More information can be found on the website.

Register for Tour de Tuli 2010

For assistance or to combine this with pre- or post-tour arrangements in Africa, please contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

About Children in the Wilderness:

Children in the Wilderness is an environmental and life skills educational program that focuses on the next generation of rural decision makers. It is one of the few programs aimed at bridging the divide that exists between communities and wildlife.

The organization hosts rural children that live alongside Africa’s parks and reserves and teaches them the importance of conservation. It exposes children to their wildlife heritage, builds and strengthens their capabilities to cope with life's challenges and educates them with the life skills necessary to actualize their greatest potential.

Won't you join us in supporting this enriching program and cycle or sponsor our participation in 2010. If you would like to be involved in another capacity, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Megan Bryant
Africa & Indian Ocean Islands

1-800-999-1758

You may make a donation on our page, or directly here:

E-News, December 2009

 A Dream African Hideaway — Bilila Lodge Kempinski

Kempinski Hotels has opened a most amazing lodge, right in the middle of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park: Bilila Lodge Kempinski. With spectacular views of wildlife roaming over miles of bush, an active water hole and magical sunsets of the African savannah, it offers guests a taste of Africa in its purest state.

Bilila Lodge's spacious rooms, suites and villas are individually decorated with handpicked local and regional artwork and richly textured materials collected from all over Africa. The infinity pool and Anantara Spa provide for supreme relaxation after an exciting game drive. An elegant restaurant offers top Pan-African and international cuisine in a modern African setting.

To experience this lavish Kempinski addition to the safari world, please contact Logan Stine at 1-800-999-1758.

 The King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Thailand

Hang out with the players and make friends with the elephants as Anantara Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai plays host to the King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament. A blessing ceremony by monks, a parade of traditional dancers, costumed hilltribe villagers, elephant spirit men, colorfully decorated pachyderms and each country's teams, will kick off the weeklong competition. Proceeds from the event go to a Thai elephant welfare organization. Tournament dates are Mar 14-23, 2010.

This spectator event may be added to our Private Travel Journey Thailand Land of Smiles or Northern Thailand & Krabi. Please contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.

 Antiquarian Book Fair, India

A Mecca for book connoisseurs, publishers and students, the antiquarian book fairs held in Calcutta and Delhi are unique experiences for lovers of books. Delhi's mega book fair offers a glimpse into the multilingual publishing industry and what’s new and old in book publishing from around the world. Calcutta’s annual book extravaganza showcases the best of not only Indian publishers, but also booksellers, writers and bibliophiles from all corners of the globe. A visit to the Taj Mahal is included in this Private Travel Journey.

From $3995 per person double. Jan 26-Feb 7, 2010; 10 days, 9 nights. For more information please contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.

Syria — Through the Ages

This modern, efficient country is a storehouse of wondrous monuments from successive empires of the past. Visit the beautiful ruined cities of Palmyra and Bosra, the crusader's fortress of Crac des Chevalier, and the Qalaat Salahuddin castle, once inhabited by the Knights Templar. In Syria's ancient (but very much living) cities of Damascus and Aleppo, stay at luxuriously restored palaces — each in the heart of the old quarter.

Private Travel Journey Syria Through the Ages. From $4165 per person double. Contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758 for more information.

 India Festival Departure in 2010—Limited Space Available

Take in the spectacular Jaipur Elephant Festival and the Khajuraho Dance Festival on this tour of India's Splendor. From $8315 per person double. Departs the U.S. Feb 20, 2010; 16 days, 14 nights.

For more information on India's Splendor, please contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.

Seychelles Inner Islands — More than a Pretty Beach

It is easy to spend two weeks or more exploring Seychelles. Staying on Mahé, Praslin or one of the several private Inner Islands affords easy access by boat, small plane or helicopter to the other islands. On Mahé, visit the lively capital of Victoria with her fish markets, or trek up to Mission Lodge for a bird’s eye view. Praslin offers the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai, a prehistoric jungle home to the rare Coco de Mer palm and fruit, found only here. La Digue Island is home to Anse Source D’Argent, a pristine beach lined with profound granite boulders, along with colonial buildings, tortoises and great local cuisine.

For more information please contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

Just Back From: Seychelles Island Hopping

Megan Bryant, our Indian Ocean Product Manager recently spent several days island hopping in the Seychelles. To learn more about where to go now in this region, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Guatemala

Antigua
A former capital of Guatemala, Antigua was founded in the early 16th C. Surrounded by volcanoes, the city was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins.

Tikal National Park
In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization. The ceremonial center contains superb temples and palaces, and public squares.

Archaeological Park & Ruins of Quirigua
The ruins of Quirigua contain some outstanding 8th C monuments and an impressive series of carved stelae and sculpted calendars which are considered an essential source for the study of Mayan civilization.

Select UNESCO World Heritage sites are featured on our Private Travel Journey Classic Guatemala: Antigua & Tikal, and Guatemala & Honduras: Mayan Treasures. To book your customized trip to Guatemala, contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.

Just Back From: Seychelles

December — the Island Issue
– by Megan Bryant

DECEMBER 2009

December is always the island issue. This idea is ringing in my head this winter as I see more and more gleaming island magazine articles while even Florida becomes cooler. 

On a routine stroll through the bookstore recently, I stumbled across the travel magazines. Naturally, so many December issues were bedaubed with bright blue water and exotic palms, featuring myriad tropical and island destinations, from the Caribbean to Thailand.

I was impressed to see that AFAR Magazine had the words “SEYCHELLES Real Life in Paradise” plastered on its cover atop an image of a local boy climbing a palm tree. What could be more fitting for a publication that touts experiential travel than to write about a locale so teeming with culture and pulse!

The Republic of Seychelles is located about 1000 miles off the east coast of Africa, seven degrees south of the Equator and in the warm, blue Indian Ocean. It’s a long haul, averaging about 20 hours in flight from the US. It’s expensive, with all things priced in Euros. But it’s just about perfect with temperatures in the 80s year-round, little to no risk of cyclones or other natural disasters and an unparalleled exclusivity, privacy and closeness to the local life with a variety of islands and settings with which to become one. It is an experience, and it is far more than a beach vacation.

I returned to Seychelles in September 2009 with the partnership of Qatar Airways and the fabulous company of 7 top North American travel professionals. We visited such a variety of islands and habitats and experienced everything from sand cays to granitic mountain jungles; from local Creole cuisine to free-roaming tortoises; from completely un-peopled, prehistoric beaches to lively Saturday markets in Victoria.

What follows are some of my thoughts and highlights of my experience in Seychelles, one of my favorite destinations.

Mahé Island:  Best of Ebb and Flow 

Mahé offers the best of both worlds with bustle and tranquility. We enjoyed a lively Saturday morning market visit in Victoria, the tiny capital, where we bought vanilla, crafts, textiles and exotic fruits and watched fish market vendors chop and sling their catches to the local Seychellois shoppers. 

Mahé is the largest and most populated Seychelles island, and it has great draws. Culture, for one, is prevalent on Mahé. Seychellois life abounds with a distinctly African feel. Natural beauty is accessible, with boulders of granite lining the beaches and rising up high into the mountains, as portrayed in the most iconic Seychelles photographs. And while life can seem busy from the street, there is certainly repose in the sequestered hideaways hugging the pristine coastline.

Maia Luxury Resort & Spa was my group’s favorite. Having seen every 4- and 5-star hotel on Mahé, I would have to agree. With a Balinese ethos and style, and fabulous spa to match, Maia is a restful haven of only 30 great-big-beautiful villas. One restaurant and one bar in fact equate to several dining options, from a private beach dinner to wine cellar canapés, villa dining or lively barbeque. The setting is unimaginable and every opportunity is special and unmatched by the typical chain hotel. Thatched retreats, with every possible amenity — private pools, open-air baths, butlers and outdoor kitchens — slope up the mountainside with most amazing views. It’s all about serenity.

We all agreed that the common thread among the staff was passion! Our hosts felt every word they said. The sommelier, Sebastian, was elated to share very special wines with us that were not for sale, only for friends. It was like a family, and every guest is a part of it.