Cox & Kings, The Americas - Travel Journeys

BABY ELEPHANT BORN AT ABU CAMP – IT’S A GIRL!

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.

Singita's School of Cooking — A Community Project

The Singita School of Cooking community project is located at the staff village that serves Lebombo and Sweni Lodges, in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

The school was launched in 2007 by the Singita Sweni head chef at the time, with the support of one of his sous chefs. They created a chef training concept focused on unemployed young people from local communities. The project was extremely successful and is now headed by Oriel Mbowane previous Sweni Sous Chef.

The third course began last September; 300 young people were interviewed and just 8 candidates were accepted. Students participate in a 2-stage interviewing process and young people with a real thirst to achieve, a passion and a genuine desire for cooking are identified.

Vocational skills training is very much lacking within rural communities in South Africa. Singita and the community place great value on this particular project—the training provides skills that will not only impact a student's future but that of their dependents and their communities too.

After 18 months of training, Singita's vision is for these students to be working at Commis Chef level in a Singita kitchen or at other lodges in the Kruger National Park. The school has successfully trained three groups, totalling 14 young people from local communities, 12 of whom have found employment either at a Singita property or with other organizations.

To date, 150,000 US dollars have been contributed to the Singita School of Cooking by Singita, Singita guests, as well as the South African government, to help make real the dreams of young, talented and motivated members of the communities surrounding Kruger National Park.

Thank you Singita, one of our favorite travel partners, for setting up and managing this worthwhile community program. 

For more information on Singita's lodges, contact our Africa destination expert Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

View our private African safaris featuring Singita properties:

Classic South Africa

Singita Southern Africa

 

E-News, March 2011

We'd like to share these wonderful special offers with you—travel with us this spring or summer!

Jordan Sojourn
• Specially-designed 6-day tour of Jordan's highlights
• Travel May 1 - Sept 30, 2011
• From $2195 per person double

Portrait of Kenya
• $2000 worth of value ads, including free hot air balloon safari
• Book by March 31, 2011
• From $7455 per person double

Boutique South Africa
• Stay at Lion Sands, as seen on "The Bachelor" Feb 28th episode
• Get a complimentary night when you book the 7-night tour
• Book by April 1, travel by Sept 30, 2011
• From $4195 per person double

Splendors of Namibia
• $3120 discount for 2 people traveling together (equates to 2 free nights)
• Travel March 1 - June 14, 2011
• From $6435 per person double

Four Seasons Chiang Rai, Thailand
• Enjoy 2 complimentary nights at the Four Seasons Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Koh Samui when you stay 3 nights in the Golden Triangle Tented Camp
• Includes all meals and house wines, 1 spa treatments per person per stay in Chaing Rai
• Travel April 1 - Sept 30, 2011

India: Lure of the Jungle
• See "Searching for the Bengal Tiger" below
• Reduced price for travel through June 30, 2011
• From $8545 per person double

Call one of our specialists at 1-800-999-1758: Africa: Megan Bryant, Asia: Denise Gogarty, Europe: Janice Decker, India & Beyond: Seema Prakash Latin America: Rachel Robar, Arabia & North Africa: Nicole Beattie.


Cox & Kings' China Family Tour—Take the Kids this Summer
Give your children the opportunity to experience China on this private tour created just for families: Emperors, Warriors, Dumplings & Pandas. Learn about Chinese family life in the ancient Hutongs of Beijing and make kites and fly them at the Great Wall. In Xian, see the Terracotta Warriors up close and visit with the rare Great Pandas in Chengdu. This exceptional journey ends in Shanghai with its modern skyscrapers and an amazing acrobat performance.

From $3700 per adult/$2970 per child under 11 years (based on a family of 3). For more information contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.
 
Searching for the Bengal Tiger—on Safari in India
Cox & Kings' tour Lure of the Jungle follows the trail of the endangered Royal Bengal tiger. Traveling by specially designed 4x4 vehicles, and on elephant back, safaris in the national parks of Bandhavgarh, Kahna and Pench offer an opportunity to search for one of the world's most elusive animals. The new Taj lodges of Mahua Kothi, Banjar Tola and Bagvan offer impeccable service and lush luxury. Read Mahua Kothi naturalist guide Kartikeya's account searching for tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park.

Reduced prices when you travel through June 30, 2011. To book, or for more information, contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.


Book early for the best East African lodges
With many lovely boutique properties and private game ranches on the scene, Kenya and Tanzania today offer some of the best game-viewing in Africa, and exquisite safari camps and lodges all in the setting of a truly classic Out of Africa backdrop. Planning in advance for July through October is essential in order to ensure availability of your top accommodation choices and witness East Africa's spectacular migration.

Contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758 to book one of our Cox & Kings Private Journeys such as Classic East Africa: Kenya & Tanzania or Timeless Tanzania, or to customize your travel.


Mongolia's Nadaam Festival
Experience the biggest Mongolian festival of the year—from the grand opening ceremonies at the country's largest Naadam in Ulaanbaatar to the more provincial Naadam festival in the Gobi. The yearly celebrations begin July 11 this year, and bring out a fun, but competitive spirit in Mongolians. Watch expert horse racing, archery, and wrestling—traditional sports very dear to Mongolians of all ages. Food, music, and dancing add to the celebrations of this centuries-old festival.

We are holding a very limited amount of deluxe lodging, including the Three Camel Lodge, and the Ulaanbaatar Hotel, which is situated on the city's central square.

To book this special itinerary, contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758. See also our Mongolia: Untouched Wilderness journey.


Just Back From: Syria
Our Arabia & North Africa product manager Nicole Beattie recently returned from Syria—one of many trips she's made to the country in the past 20 years. Read about her top places to visit. See also our private journeys Syria Through the Ages, Syria & Jordan: Ancient Civilizations, and Lebanon & Syria: Empires Past for more ideas on traveling to Syria.

Contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758 to book your trip.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 80,000 acres and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found here, as well as endangered species such as the mountain gorilla.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 250,000 acres in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak. The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park contains varied natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora, including the giant heather.

Visits to Uganda's UNESCO World Heritage sites may be easily added to our private journey Uganda: Pearl of Africa. To book your trip, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

 

Cox & Kings Website Launches with Improved Features

Our new website is now live! We hope you enjoy using its enhanced features, with more to be added soon.

From every page, you'll have three easy ways to find your next adventure: browse by Destination (such as Africa), Country (such as Kenya ), and by Journey Type within a Country (such as Private Journey).

You'll also be able to order one of our new destination catalogs for you and a friend.

New Cox & Kings Destination Catalogs Are Here!

Three of our favorite destinations are covered in our new catalogs: India, Asia, and Arabia. Look for yours to arrive shortly, or call our catalog hotline 1-888-53-KINGS (54647) to order.

To book your trip to India, please contact Seema Prakash.
To book your trip to Asia, please contact Denise Gogarty.
To book your trip to Arabia, please contact Nicole Beattie.

Hidden Treasures of Jordan one of 5 Unforgettable Honeymoon Destinations

From Destination Wedding Magazine:

Petra, Jordan
This sixth-century B.C. rose-pink city, carved into rock, is an awe-inspiring icon of the ancient world.

Ideal Itinerary: Approach the Eastern Gate via an atmospheric gorge called the Siq, which opens onto Petra’s most famous monument, the breathtakingly elaborate Treasury. Farther on is the eerie amphitheater, containing the ruins of tombs cut into the rock, and El Deir, the monastery.

Top Stay: Luxury tour operator Cox & Kings’ Hidden Treasures of Jordan tour includes three nights at the newly renovated Mövenpick Resort Petra, featuring 183 rooms and suites, plus an ideal location just outside the entrance to the Petra monuments.

Prep Work: The Hidden Treasures of Jordan tour takes in the classical city of Jerash, several significant biblical sites and Petra. Twelve-night journeys from $6,415 per person, based on double occupancy.

Hidden Treasures of Jordan

View the article online

 

E-News, October 2010

Holidays with Friends, Family, and Cox & Kings!

Christmas and New Years’ dates are still available for many of our great destinations:

Asia
• Hotels are booking up fast for Vietnam and Cambodia. See our private journeys Classic Vietnam & Cambodia and The Enchanting Temples of Angkor for ideas. Please contact Denise Gogarty at 1-800-999-1758.

Latin America
• Travel south of the Equator for hot holidays in Peru, Argentina and/or Brazil. Suggested itineraries: Classic Peru, Peru with a View, Peru: A Family Journey, or create a custom designed program to Argentina and Brazil. Please contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.

India
• Available group departure: Grand Tour of North India - Dec 17, 2010-Jan 02, 2011. Read more here. Please contact Dasha Bruner at 1-800-999-1758.

• Special pricing of our private journey Lure of the Jungle from $8585 per person double, now through Jun 30, 2011 (holiday supplement may apply). Please contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758.

Africa
• Small group departures available: Great Namibian Journey - Dec 21-Jan 2, from $6926 per person double occupancy, Great Wilderness Journey to Botswana - Dec 16-26, from $7467 per person double occupancy, Green Desert Expedition to Botswana - Dec 20-27, from $3145 per person double. Please contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.

Arabia & North Africa
• Good availability for our private journey Ancient Roads of Egypt. See all the highlights of Egypt with your personal Egyptologist. Please contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758.

  

Journey to Exotic Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan
Travel along Central Asia's ancient Silk Road in two of our newest tours to Asia: arching blue-tiled mosques, tall minarets constructed of baked mud brick woven into fabulous patterns, vivid hand woven carpets, exotic produce at the bazaars, and a warm and heartfelt reception. Private visits to the art studio of a master Turkmen jeweler, the studio of a master ceramicist, a workshop where hand-crafted paper is made using centuries-old techniques, and the studio of fashion designer Valentina Romanenko.

More details of our Private Journeys Highlights of Central Asia: Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan and Across Uzbekistan. Please contact Denise Gogarty at s1-800-999-1758.




Syria & Jordan—New Tour Added
Travel to Syria has become so popular, we've added a third new journey—Syria & Jordan: Ancient Lands. So many highlights: old and new in the city of Damascus, traditional Aleppo, the fortresses of Crac des Chevaliers and Kerak, the ruins of Palmyra and Jerash, iconic Petra, Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Wadi Rum...and great hotels and resorts! Damascus, Syria was listed in the New York Times' 31 Places to Go in 2010.

From $7965 per person double. See also our Syria Through the Ages and Lebanon & Syria: Empires Past (and even more on this blog site). To find out which Syria journey is right for you, contact Nicole Beattie at 1-800-999-1758.

Special Full Moon Taj Mahal Visits
The Taj Mahal by moonlight is a unique way to experience this iconic marble mausoleum. Upcoming full moon dates in Agra: Nov 21-23, and Dec 19- 23, with viewings available for 2 days before and 2 days after the full moon. Guests are permitted for 30 minutes inside Taj Mahal grounds from 8:30 to midnight, with entry limited to the first Red Sandstone platform at the entrance gate. During full moon nights, we can also arrange to view the Taj Mahal from afar.

Please contact Seema Prakash at 1-800-999-1758 for more information.


Spend New Year’s Eve on Lake Titicaca’s Private Island
With panoramic lake views from every room, solar-powered Casa Andina is a magical place. Spot rare vicuñas, hike to Itapilluni Hill for high-altitude sunsets, kayak around the island, or visit the massage room and steam saunas. Enjoy an afternoon of typical music and dance of the region, as well as a private New Year blessing ceremony with a local shaman. After a savory barbeque dinner, gather around the bonfire to ring in the New Year with a glass of Peruvian brandy. The perfect ending to our Private Journey Classic Peru. To book your trip to Latin America, contact Rachel Robar at 1-800-999-1758.

Exclusive offer to Southern Africa—Botswana & Victoria Falls
Enjoy a 15% savings on our 12-day Botswana, Victoria Falls, Cape Town package. Spend 3 nights at the Cape Grace Hotel (including free upgrade to Table Mt. Luxury Room), and 2 nights each at: Jacana Camp, Okavango Delta, Tubu Tree Camp, Okavango Delta, DumaTau Camp, Linyanti/Chobe, and Toka Leya, Victoria Falls.

From $6975 per person double occupancy. Travel Nov 15, 2010-Mar 31 (excluding Dec 23-31, 2010). To book this special itinerary, contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.



UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Kenya

Lake Turkana National Parks
The three National Parks serve as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and are major breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile and hippopotamus. The Lake Turkana ecosystem with its diverse bird life and desert environment offers an exceptional area to observe plant and animal communities.

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
The extinct volcano of Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa and one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. There are 12 remnant glaciers on the mountain, all receding rapidly and four secondary peaks that sit at the head of glacial valleys.

Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
The Mijikenda Kaya Forests are several residual forest sites along coastal Kenya containing the remains of numerous fortified villages, known as kayas, of the Mijikenda people.

Lamu Old Town
Located on Lamu island off the coast of Kenya, the town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Lamu Old Town demonstrates several hundred years of cultural influences from Europe, Arabia and India coming together with Swahili techniques.

Visits to any of Kenya's UNESCO World Heritage sites may be added to any Private Travel Journey to East Africa. To book your trip, contact Logan Stine at 1-800-999-1758.

North Island successfully re-introduces the endangered bird: Seychelles White-Eye.

Photographer (above images): Andrew Howard

In July 2007 North Island, Seychelles was the recipient of 25 Seychelles White-eyes, a bird species that at the time was regarded by the IUCN as Critically Endangered with a global population of some 350 birds. 

The introduction of the Seychelles White-eye to North Island has helped the recovery of the species overall, with approximately 400 White-eyes total today. This increase has been mirrored on North Island where the birds have bred successfully each year since introduction. 

In May 2008 at least 15 fledglings were confirmed as additions to the founding population and nine of these were later ringed by the Environmental Team to monitor their development and population trends. The team was thrilled when Andre LaBiche from ICS (Island Conservation Society), a partner in this conservation endeavor, recently visited the island to follow up on the latest crop of youngsters. He was able to ring no fewer than 19 birds born on the island since reintroduction.

It is estimated that about 40 young birds live on the island now. Added to the founder population, this amounts to over 60+ birds, making the introduction of the Seychelles White-eye to North Island an unqualified success.

North Island's 11 private villas are fully inclusive, from Euro €1835 per person per night (double occupancy). For more details see North Island, Seychelles, or contact Megan Bryant at 1-800-999-1758.


   

Cox & Kings Indian Ocean Journeys.

Cox & Kings Indian Ocean Online Brochure.

More on the Seychelles White-eye (Wikipedia).

Cox & Kings Jordan journey featured as one of T+L's World's Top Adventure Trips

TRAVEL+LEISURE™ Magazine recently surveyed the field to create the ultimate directory of adventure trips around the globe. We're honored that our Jordan Safari journey was selected — where travelers visit Petra and the Dead Sea — staying at an eco-lodge supported by the king of Jordan.

View the full T+L article and play the slideshow that appears in the March 2010 issue.

Explore our journeys through Jordan on coxandkingsusa.com:

Hidden Treasures of Jordan

Jordan: Legends in Stone

Highlights of Jordan

Jordan Journey, Press Release

Discover the wilder side of Jordan: Hidden Treasures of Jordan.

From nature to people, this exciting private tour is designed for those who are looking for the undiscovered and touched sides of Jordan. The adventure features stays at two new eco-lodges, including the Feynan Lodge. Visits to nature reserves and deserts to see amazing sites and wildlife with naturalists are all a part of this exciting journey.

View the recent press release.

View complete Hidden Treasures of Jordan details on coxandkingsusa.com.

Read about a recent adventure: Just Back From Jordan.