Top 5 Breathtaking National Parks Around the World That Redefine Adventure Travel

Galápagos National Park

From surreal desert landscapes to wildlife-packed savannahs and remote volcanic islands, the world’s most breathtaking national parks offer travellers a front-row seat to nature at its most powerful and pristine. These protected environments not only preserve biodiversity but also deliver unforgettable travel experiences for those seeking adventure, photography, and cultural immersion. According to global travel platform Tripadvisor, the following five destinations rank among the most spectacular national parks in the world. Here is your ultimate guide to these remarkable locations, complete with expert travel tips to help you plan your journey.

1) Galápagos National Park, Ecuador: A Living Laboratory of Evolution

Set in the Pacific Ocean, Galápagos National Park is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on Earth. Famous for inspiring Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is home to extraordinary species found nowhere else.

Ideal for outdoorsy beachgoers and snorkellers, the islands offer close encounters with sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises. A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station provides insight into ongoing conservation efforts. For a more secluded experience, explore the archipelago via a small-ship cruise, allowing access to remote coves and untouched ecosystems.

February is particularly rewarding, as it marks nesting season for many seabirds, adding even more life to this already vibrant destination.

2) Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Witness the Great Migration

Maasai Mara National Reserve

For unparalleled wildlife encounters, Maasai Mara National Reserve stands among Africa’s finest safari destinations. This vast savannah is synonymous with the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.

Animal lovers and photographers will find endless opportunities to capture iconic scenes, from lions stalking prey to cheetahs basking under the African sun. The reserve is named after the indigenous Maasai people, whose culture adds a rich human dimension to the landscape.

To maximise your experience, stay within the reserve at luxury lodges such as Sanctuary Olonana, ensuring early access to game drives. Nearby, Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers one of the best chances to spot endangered rhinos.

Visit between late July and October to witness the migration at its peak.

3) Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland: Glaciers and Otherworldly Landscapes

Vatnajökull National Park

Europe’s largest national park, Vatnajökull National Park, is a land of extremes where fire and ice collide. Towering glaciers, volcanic terrain, and cascading waterfalls create a landscape that feels almost extraterrestrial.

Highlights include the striking Svartifoss Waterfall, framed by basalt columns, and guided explorations into shimmering blue ice caves. Adventurous travellers can hike across glaciers or embark on road trips along Iceland’s famous Ring Road.

The best time to visit is during the summer months from June to August, when the midnight sun provides nearly 24 hours of daylight, allowing for extended exploration.

4) Komodo National Park, Indonesia: Dragons and Deep Blue Seas

Komodo National Park

Few places on Earth rival the raw intrigue of Komodo National Park. This UNESCO-listed destination is home to the legendary Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, roaming freely across rugged islands.

Beyond its terrestrial wonders, the park is a world-class diving destination. Sites like Batu Bolong Reef boast vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life, including manta rays and reef sharks.

Whether trekking to spot dragons or diving beneath crystal-clear waters, the park offers a dual adventure both above and below the surface. The dry season, from April to September, provides the best conditions for exploration.

5) Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan: The Valley of the Moon

Wadi Rum

A desert landscape of cinematic beauty, Wadi Rum Protected Area is a mesmerising expanse of sandstone mountains, vast dunes, and ancient carvings. Often referred to as the Valley of the Moon, its dramatic scenery has featured in numerous films.

Travellers can hike through canyons etched with Nabataean petroglyphs, embark on camel treks, or stay overnight in traditional Bedouin camps under a canopy of stars. The region’s rich history and geological formations make it a must-visit for both culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

While in Jordan, a visit to Petra, the ancient city carved into rose-red rock, perfectly complements the Wadi Rum experience.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring this remarkable desert.

Plan Your Ultimate National Park Adventure

Exploring the world’s most breathtaking national parks is more than just a holiday—it is a journey into the heart of our planet’s natural heritage. Whether you are snorkelling with sea lions in Ecuador, witnessing wildlife migrations in Kenya, hiking glaciers in Iceland, diving in Indonesia, or traversing desert landscapes in Jordan, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Careful planning, respect for local ecosystems, and choosing the right season to travel will ensure you make the most of these extraordinary places.

Galápagos National Park: https://www.galapagos.gob.ec
Maasai Mara National Reserve: https://www.masaimara.ke
Vatnajökull National Park: https://www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is
Komodo National Park: https://www.indonesia.travel
Wadi Rum Protected Area: https://wadirum.jo

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

The Extra Mile: Experiential Incentive Travel Redefines Global Journeys

A New Era of Incentive Travel Experiences

In a world where meaningful travel experiences are increasingly valued over material rewards, SITE has unveiled a compelling new vision for the future of incentive travel. The latest eBook, The Extra Mile in Incentive Travel: Experiential Incentives, marks the seventh edition in the acclaimed series developed in partnership with Radisson Hotels.

This insightful release explores how immersive, authentic and culturally rich experiences are reshaping the way organisations reward performance and inspire teams. It highlights a shift away from traditional luxury towards journeys that create lasting emotional connections and memorable storytelling moments.

Five Global Cities Leading the Way

At the heart of this edition are five diverse and dynamic destinations, each offering a unique canvas for incentive travel planners seeking something extraordinary.

In Oslo, travellers are welcomed by crisp Nordic air, dramatic fjord landscapes and a design-forward culture that blends nature with innovation.

Bangkok delivers vibrant street life, world-renowned cuisine and an infectious energy that immerses visitors in its rich cultural tapestry.

In Shanghai, cutting-edge architecture meets a passion for sport and spectacle, creating a high-energy urban experience that resonates with modern travellers.

Nairobi offers a rare fusion of urban sophistication and wildlife encounters, where business and adventure exist side by side.

Meanwhile, Istanbul captivates with its layered history, cross-cultural influences and dramatic skyline that bridges continents and centuries.

Each destination has been carefully selected for its ability to inspire curiosity, reward achievement and deliver experiences that extend far beyond the expected.

Designing Incentives That Inspire and Engage

The eBook emphasises the growing importance of experiential travel in motivating teams and fostering deeper engagement. Incentive programmes are no longer simply about luxury accommodation or exclusive access, but about crafting moments that resonate on a personal level.

From curated cultural encounters and local culinary journeys to behind-the-scenes access and immersive activities, these experiences create a sense of discovery that strengthens both individual and collective motivation.

For planners, the message is clear: the most successful incentive travel programmes are those that prioritise authenticity, connection and meaningful engagement.

A Strategic Tool for Modern Travel Planners

Beyond inspiration, The Extra Mile in Incentive Travel: Experiential Incentives serves as a practical guide for industry professionals. It provides valuable insights into destination selection, programme design and emerging traveller expectations, making it an essential resource for anyone involved in corporate travel, events or incentive planning.

By showcasing cities that combine accessibility, infrastructure and cultural depth, the eBook positions itself as both a source of ideas and a strategic planning tool for delivering high-impact travel experiences.

The Future of Incentive Travel

As the global travel landscape continues to evolve, experiential incentives are set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the industry. The latest release from SITE and Radisson Hotels reflects a broader movement towards travel that is purposeful, immersive and deeply rewarding.

For organisations seeking to inspire performance and create unforgettable journeys, the message is simple: go the extra mile, and the rewards will follow.

Discover the eBook

To explore The Extra Mile in Incentive Travel: Experiential Incentives and discover how these global destinations can transform your next incentive programme, visit:

Website: https://www.siteglobal.com
Website: https://www.radissonhotels.com

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Global Regenerative Tourism Leaders Embark on Unique Cross-Continental CEO Exchange - April 2026

Cempedak Island

Cottar’s Safaris (Maasai Mara, Kenya) and Nikoi and Cempedak Islands (Indonesia) will undertake a cross-continental CEO Exchange throughout April 2026, as Louise Cottar, CEO of Cottar’s Safaris, and Andrew Dixon, CEO of Nikoi and Cempedak Islands, embark on a one-month leadership immersion. The initiative is designed to bring fresh perspective to their own businesses, strengthen operational resilience, and identify opportunities to further improve their sustainable tourism practices.

Both organisations are among just twelve properties worldwide recognised and accredited as Long Run Global Ecosphere Retreats®, reflecting their exceptional commitment to the highest sustainability standards across conservation, community, culture and commerce.

In an unusually open leadership exchange, each CEO will step directly into the other’s organisation and operating environment, with Cottar based across Nikoi and Cempedak Islands in Indonesia and Dixon working alongside the Cottar’s Safaris team in the Maasai Mara. By immersing themselves in each other’s day-to-day realities, from conservation and community partnerships to guest experience and operations, the initiative offers a rare opportunity for honest external perspective and shared learning at the highest level of sustainable tourism, with the aim of supporting continued improvement across conservation, community engagement and guest experience.

Louise Cottar, CEO of Cottar’s Safaris, comments, “when sustainability leaders collaborate openly, progress accelerates. This exchange gives us the opportunity to step back, learn from another exceptional ecosystem and return with insights that strengthen the long-term health of our business, the landscapes we operate in and the communities we work alongside, while continuing to evolve our guest experience.”

Andrew Dixon, CEO of Nikoi and Cempedak Islands, adds “while our environments couldn't be more different, moving from small tropical islands to the vast plains of the Maasai Mara, our core challenges in regenerative tourism are remarkably similar. I am eager to see how the Cottar’s Safaris team manages their community and conservation balance first-hand, and I believe this level of radical transparency will uncover new ways to strengthen our own '4C' impact at Nikoi and Cempedak”

The exchange will place each CEO within very different ecological and operational contexts - from East Africa’s wildlife conservancies to Indonesia’s fragile marine ecosystems - offering a fresh perspective on how different environments shape responsible tourism. Lessons from the experience are expected to inform future strategy across both organisations, with both Cottar and Dixon hoping the initiative also highlights the value of more open collaboration between conservation-led tourism businesses.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Elewana Collection Revamps Two Safari Icons in Kenya

Renovations at Elewana Elsa's Kopje 

Refreshed design and elevated dining concepts bring new energy to the legendary Elsa’s Kopje and Elephant Pepper Camp

Elewana Collection, an operator of award-winning boutique lodges and safari camps across Kenya and Tanzania, has unveiled significant renovations and refreshed culinary concepts at two of its iconic Kenyan properties: Elsa’s Kopje Meru, and Elephant Pepper Camp in the Maasai Mara.

Elewana, part of international hospitality group Minor Hotels, is known for its commitment to conservation, community, and classic East African hospitality. The latest enhancements exemplify that ethos, elevating the guest experience while remaining deeply rooted in each property’s natural surroundings, cultural heritage, and distinctive character.

Elsa’s Kopje Meru: A Living Legacy, Reimagined

Perched dramatically above the savannah in Meru National Park, Elewana Elsa’s Kopje is a lodge steeped in history. Named after the orphaned lioness made famous by conservationists George and Joy Adamson in the 1996 film Born Free, the lodge is built into the rocky hillside above the Adamsons’ former camp. Since opening in 1999, Elsa’s Kopje has become an icon of responsible luxury and timeless safari charm.

The latest renovations pay tribute to this legacy while enhancing comfort and design throughout the lodge. All guest suites now feature upgraded furniture, Nero-finished bathroom floors, and reimagined lighting that accentuates the lodge’s organic architecture and expansive views. The expansive Private House has also been elevated with a luxurious new bath and redesigned outdoor shower.

Communal areas reflect the same attention to detail: the main and private pools have been refinished with terrazzo tiles, offering a refreshed setting for relaxation between game drives. A new in-house sundowner space provides the perfect stage for evening G&Ts overlooking Meru’s vast wilderness, with a new outdoor cinema screening the film, Born Free, set to be launched in the area within the month. The spa has been expanded, offering a more spacious retreat for wellness rituals.

“Careful attention has been paid to ensure the refreshed Elsa’s Kopje still holds the heart and soul of what makes it so special,” said Callum Oliver, Operations Manager Kenya at Elewana Collection. “Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the updates enhance the comfort and elegance of the lodge without losing the deep connection to the wilderness and history of Meru.”

The lodge’s updated culinary direction celebrates Kenya’s rich gastronomic traditions, blending comfort and authenticity. From slow-simmered local stews and grilled meats to elevated breakfasts featuring yoghurt parfaits, fresh pastries, and vibrant garden fare, each dish is a reflection of the land and its culture.

Elephant Pepper Camp: Bush Luxury Meets Fire-Cooked Flavour

Nestled in the Mara North Conservancy in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp has long been a favourite for safari purists and those seeking a close-to-nature experience with minimal environmental impact.

The final phase of the camp’s multi-stage renovation is now complete, bringing a full upgrade to guest tents with new furnishings that retain the camp’s rustic elegance while adding modern comfort. The arrival area has been reimagined to enhance the sense of welcome, while the mess and bar tents now feature new furniture for an elevated communal atmosphere.

Crowning the transformation is the debut of ‘Elephant and Pepper’, a bold new culinary concept centred on the primal art of fire cooking. Drawing inspiration from African bushcraft and global smokehouse techniques, the open-flame experience showcases slow-smoked meats, ember-roasted vegetables, and fire-grilled seafood infused with rich local spices and cooked over aromatic acacia wood. Traditional braai equipment ensures authentic preparation, while smoke-infused cocktails and foraged ingredients create a sensory journey that connects guests with the land’s raw power and beauty.

“These renovations are more than just cosmetic upgrades – they’re about deepening the connection between guest and place,” said Kieren Day, Chief Operating Officer of Elewana Collection. “Elsa’s Kopje and Elephant Pepper Camp are two of our most beloved properties, each with a distinctive spirit. These enhancements honour their stories while enriching every aspect of the guest experience.”

TANZANIA'S TOURISM IS BOOMING

In 2023, tourist arrivals to Tanzania increased by 24.3% to a record-breaking 1,808,205, from 1,454,920 tourists in 2022, 922,692 in 2021, and 616,491 in 2020. This increase is consistent with the rise in the number of tourist arrivals.

Europe traditionally accounts for the largest share of arrivals, followed by Asia and the Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. The increase in tourist arrivals in 2023 was attributed to the rebound of travel activity post-COVID. Additionally, it was driven by the continued efforts of the Tanzanian government to promote tourism attractions within and outside the country.

2023 WAS ONE MORE YEAR OF EXCELLENCE

We are delighted to advise you that again in 2023 we have been voted for by the World Travel & MICE Awards, during the Gala Dinner of ITB, as Africa’s best MICE Organiser, Tanzania’s Best MICE Organiser, and Tanzania’s Leading DMC. We thank very much all our Clients, Suppliers and Friends who supported our efforts for excellence and voted for us.

Congratulations also go to our Staff who with diligence contribute in our company’s legacy, been the best DMC-PCO in our Destination, by providing valuable consultancy and superior services to all our customers. A big thank you to all the Team in Tanzania and Kenya.

GREEN iNSPIRATIONS DMC-SHADES OF GREEN SAFARIS

Safari City Road, Golden Suite, Plot #3, Block “F”, 23 Mateves P.O. Box 12554,
23125 Arusha, TZ
Mr Gadi Mbuya CEO +255 27 2970825-7 http://www.greeninspirationsdmc.com

The National Museums of Kenya and CityBlue Hotels ink partnership

The National Musuems of Kenya

The National Musuems of Kenya (NMK) and CityBlue Hotels (CityBlue) (www.CityBlueHotels.com) are proud to announce a new partnership to co-promote tourism and culture in Kenya.

This alliance marks an exciting opportunity for sponsorship, co-branding, co-marketing and other forms of collaboration.

NMK was established by an Act of Parliament, the Museums and Heritage Act 2006, as a multi-disciplinary institution whose role is to collect, preserve, study, document and present Kenya’s past and present cultural and natural heritage. This is for the purposes of enhancing knowledge, appreciation, respect and sustainable utilization of these resources for the benefit of Kenya and the world, for now and posterity.

CityBlue Hotels, Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, operates in Kenya (Mombasa, Nairobi and Lamu with new properties opening soon), Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Ghana. CityBlue also has a collaboration arrangement with more than twenty hotels in South Africa and Mozambique.

Professor Mary Gikungu, Director General of the NMK, stated that, “This arrangement is a step for NMK to engage with the private sector with a group that is established, growing, dynamic and cares, like we do, for the welfare of mankind and the conservation of the biological diversity of the East African region and that of the entire planet. The story of NMK and our cultural heritage will be enhanced by this collaboration”.

Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels, explained at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum 2024 that “NMK manages many Regional Museums, Sites and Monuments of national and international importance alongside priceless collections of Kenya’s living cultural and natural heritage. As an institution that must respond to the growing needs of the society, NMK is striving to contribute in a unique way to the task of national development and we cannot wait to be a partner of NMK on this journey”.

Lonely Planet Best in Travel Destinations 2024 : Cities

Nairobi, Kenya 

Lonely Planet has announced its Best in Travel 2024. To mark the publishers 50th anniversary, the Best in Travel 2024 has expanded from the top 10 best cities, countries, and regions to include best value and best sustainable destinations. 

Over the past 50 years Lonely Planet has printed over 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries and other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travellers. Now in its 19th year Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel is voted for by the publishers global community of staff, local writers, and partners. 

It looks to provide expert insight into lesser-known destinations and new takes on popular places. New cycling trails, train and flight services making destinations more accessible, bids for UNESCO world heritage status and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity have all contributed towards this year’s list. 

Best Cities 

1. Nairobi, Kenya 

2. Paris, France 

3. Montreal, Canada 

4. Mostar, Bosnia 

5. Philadelphia, USA 

6. Manaus. Brazil 

7. Jakarta, Indonesia 

8. Prague, The Czech Republic 

9. Izmir, Turkey 

10. Kansas City, Missouri

1) Nairobi, Kenya 

Kenya’s capital is staking its claim as a global centre of culture, sizzling with unmissable travel experiences. Shrugging off the colonial gaze and embracing its unique rhythms, with a dynamic array of restaurants, food carts and cafes, along with a steady rotation of arts and cultural venues that all fuel a distinct Nairobi cool. Within easy reach, its namesake national park is teeming with wildlife. www.lonelyplanet.com/kenya/nairobi

2) Paris, France 

Paris will stage the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, providing visitors a new way to interact with one of the world’s cities. Cycling time trials will spin through town; beach volleyball and blind football will unfurl beneath the Eiffel Tower; and break-dancers will six-step to DJ beats across the square where Louis XVI’s head rolled in 1793. A city constantly reinventing the wheel with a pharmacy prescribing books, photography exhibitions afloat the Seine, a triangle-shaped glass skyscraper – Paris is showing off innovations outside the sporting arena. 

www.lonelyplanet.com/france/paris and www.parisjetaime.com/eng/ 

3) Montreal, Canada 

One of Canada’s coolest destinations with an all-season calendar of festivals and arts events, changing neighbourhoods packed with diverse cuisine, au courant galleries and quirky shops. This year, new museums, revamped attractions, an ever-vibrant restaurant scene and added transport options provide even more reasons to explore. 

www.lonelyplanet.com/canada/montreal and www.mtl.org/en 

4) Mostar, Bosnia 

The unforgettably scenic, minaretdotted medieval Old Town and infamous bridge now draws visitors for more than a daytrip to its dynamic arts, crafts, and music festivals. With the 20th anniversary of the reconstruction of the Stari Most bridge coming up, there has never been a more jubilant time to go. 

www.lonelyplanet.com/bosnia-andhercegovina/southern-bosnia-andhercegovina/mostar 

5) Philadelphia, USA 

Philadelphia, USA 

At the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers sits the nation’s first World Heritage City, the birthplace of the United States and the ‘City of Brotherly Love.’ But in all that historic high-mindedness what can get lost is modern Philly’s kinetic energy – and tectonically shifting cultural core. Between major new openings and milestone anniversary events, the museums alone warrant a trip in 2024. www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/pennsylvania/philadelphia and www.visitphilly.com

6) Manaus, Brazi

A poetic collision of steamy spectacle and ecotourism adventure awaits in the Amazon region’s largest city. Standing at the strangely unmixing confluence of the blackwater Rio Negro and the khaki-coloured Rio Solimões, surrounded by the world’s largest rainforest, where countless unique and endangered species find their home.

www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil/thenorth/manaus 

7) Jakarta, Indonesia 

Indonesia’s soon-to-be former capital has long been a base camp for international travellers going on to the nation’s wild rainforests and far-flung islands. In 2022, the government announced that it would move to a newly built capital due to Jakarta’s repeated flooding and infuriating traffic. This cosmopolitan city is still the place to indulge in urban comforts before venturing into the nation’s remoter corners. 

www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/jakarta 

8) Prague, Czechia 

A pulsating capital cloaked in a Gothic cityscape, with iconic attractions like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge almost feel too beautiful to be real. In the past decade, visitors arrived in droves, partly spoiling the city’s charms. The Covid-19 lockdown gave the city the chance to hit the reset button, and in 2024, the city promises to alleviate the crowds by promoting slow tourism and attractions away from the city centre. 

www.lonelyplanet.com/czechrepublic/prague and www.prague.eu/en 

9) Izmir, Turkey

A city that prides itself on living the good life, its seaside location, fresh Aegean cuisine, and blend of rediscovered heritage and revitalized contemporary culture merits a turn in the spotlight. A lively old bazaar quarter, a popular annual music and dance festival, new arts and culture venues, a blossoming wine region, and easy access to beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/aegeancoast/izmir and www.visitizmir.org/en 

10) Kansas City, Missouri 

Thanks to the opening of a new state-of-theart airport terminal and the extension of the free-to-ride streetcar line through Kansas City’s urban centre, the ‘Heart of America’ is more firmly on travellers’ maps than ever before. 

www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/greatplains/kansas-city and www.visitkc.com 

* www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel 

* samantha@goshpr.co.uk

Bushtops Safari Camps

Maasai Mara Safari Camp & Spa

Bushtops Safari Camps based in Kenya and Tanzania, East Africa, are owned and managed by Andy and Claudia, the third generation Stuart family, as three camps offering a ‘wild luxury experience under canvas’. 

Mara Bushtops 

Their first camp, Mara Bushtops, opened 17 years ago in a private concession on the fringe of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Park.

It overlooks a natural salt lick which attracts diverse wildlife from miles around and provides sightings in front of the camp’s restaurant and spa. 

This camp is also on the pathway of the annual wildebeest migration. 

Serengeti Bushtops and Roving Bushtops 

Bushtops Safari Camps also have two camps in Tanzania. 

Serengeti Bushtops is located in the northern Serengeti and Roving Bushtops moves seasonally between the central and southern Serengeti, in sync with the famous wildebeest migration. 

Bushtops offers an array of game drives, guided bush walks, cultural encounters and hot air balloon safaris, providing guests with the opportunity to witness the Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat. 

* www.bushtopscamps.com 

* Claire Roadley and claire@umlingo.co.uk

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

giraffe

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club (MKSC) and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy have announced the successful reintroduction of reticulated giraffes back to Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

After 40 years of local extinction, the six giraffes (two males and four females) were translocated into the wild at the Conservancy from Lolomarik Ranch. 

Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy 

The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, a non-profit trust located in Nanyuki, at the foot of Mount Kenya, a UN World Heritage Site, is home to 28 different animal species, some1,200 different animals. The Conservancy works on the ongoing breeding and rewilding of the critically endangered mountain bongo; providing expert care for orphaned, injured, and abandoned animals at the conservancy’s Animal Orphanage; and instilling a passion for conservation among local youth through community education programs. The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, an historic Kenyan manor which was once the private club for Hollywood actor William Holden, today, comprises a large manor hotel with the rooms offering peaks of Mount Kenya and cottages facing a golf course or the indigenous forest. It has been designated to push dedication in conservation efforts – in particular, the breeding and rewilding of endangered mountain bongo in their natural habitat, the forests of Mount Kenya. With a strong focus on supporting community conservation, sustainable natural resource management initiatives are being put in place by MKWC and the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club to build a circular economy on the slopes of Mount Kenya.

Reintroducing the giraffe

The reticulated giraffe is one of the four species of giraffe, with Kenya having three out of four species of giraffe in the Masai, Reticulated, and the Northern (Rothschild/Nubian Giraffe). Giraffe numbers have been declining throughout Africa, and the global population has declined by 30%. The giraffe used to inhabit the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy until 1984, and their 'homecoming' is an indication of the conservation strides that MKWC is making in restoring the beauty of the area, and providing an opportunity for conservation education among the visiting students and guests. Giraffes are the tallest land mammal and their height advantage means that they can utilise part of the plant matters beyond the reach of other wildlife. They also act as seed dispersal agents and pollinators as they feed. 

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club 

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is the only residence located on the Conservancy and this circular economy project will allow guests to appreciate the beauty of the mountain, its forests, extraordinary glades and wildlife, whilst supporting the Conservancy in its development. 

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

Guests will now be also able to observe the giraffes evolving in their natural habitat near to the hotel by trips on foot, by bike, or on horseback situated only a few metres from the hotel. 

Planting trees is one such way that guests can show their support for the Conservancy, with a mature tree producing enough oxygen for 10 people tree each year and providing habitat and food for the giraffes. 

Guests are encouraged to plant as many trees as will equal their carbon footprint, an activity the hotel will organise in the conservancy, together with the local community and with tree saplings bought from the Community Forest Association.

Through this partnership with local communities, to date MKWC has involved 3,000 community members in planting over 35,000 indigenous trees of a variety of species in Mount Kenya Forest. 

Guests who stay at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. 

The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, which was started in the 1960s by Hollywood celebrity William Holden. It is today a countryside manor with a park that is home to more than a hundred of species, including elephants, buffalos, endangered bongos, birds, gazelles, and warthogs. 

The Animal Orphanage here takes care of orphaned, abandoned and injured wildlife, with the aim of releasing them back into their natural habitat once they are back to optimal health and fully recovered. 

* www.fairmont.com/mount-kenya-safari and www.mountkenyawildlifeconservancy.org 

* Roberta Tanase at r@bspokeassociates.com

Minor Hotels Celebrates Success in 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Minor Hotels, the parent company behind the Anantara, Elewana Collection, Tivoli and NH Collection hotel brands, is delighted to announce a total of 18 accolades awarded to its hotels and resorts worldwide in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler US and UK Readers’ Choice Awards – the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry, as voted by the publications’ audiences.

In the 2023 awards, more than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the US and UK shared their recent travel knowledge of the hotels, cruises, airlines and other industry players at the very top of their game. Leading this year’s great results for Minor Hotels are three Elewana Collection camps in Kenya and Tanzania, which have been recognised in the prestigious global list that celebrates the most beloved and cherished travel experiences in the world. In the Best 50 Resorts in the World, Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru was named #7, Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge #13 and Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara #29, all representing an outstanding achievement for the luxury boutique safari experience brand.

The group’s rapidly expanding portfolio of luxury hotels in Europe achieved successes across numerous categories, with exceptional results for the group’s two Anantara properties in Italy. Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel in the 13th century cliffside Capuchin convent was named #2 among Italy’s leading hotels, while Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel was voted #3 in Rome. In the Rest of Europe category, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam achieved #18, while #28 spot went to the Belle Époque masterpiece that is Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel in Hungary. NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderon debuted at #6 in the Spain category, and Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel on the iconic Promenade des Anglais was ranked at #11 in the South of France and Monaco category.

In Asia, in Minor Hotels’ home market of Thailand, wellness-centric retreat Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort was voted the #9 resort, while in the broader Asia category, Anantara Hoi An Resort in Vietnam took home the #8 spot – a strong showing following the launch of The Vietage by Anantara, the luxury train experience connecting two of the brand’s resorts in Vietnam.

Elewana Collection dominated the listings in the Rest of Africa category, winning the top #1 spot for the romantic Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru in Kenya, #4 for Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge in Tanzania and #5 for Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara, also in Kenya.

In the highly contested Best Resorts in the Middle East category, two Minor Hotels properties were named in the top ten: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the UAE at #7 and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in the mountains in Oman at #10.

The very competitive Indian Ocean category saw Niyama Private Islands Maldives return at #13 and Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas posted at #18.

“We are deeply grateful to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler for their continuous support and recognition of our brands,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International. “This is a testament to the team’s dedication to exceptional customer service and a well-deserved recognition of their spirit of innovation when it comes to creating and delivering outstanding travel experiences in our hotels and resorts across the world. As we look forward to a brighter future for global hospitality, Minor Hotels remains committed to leading the way with our award-winning brands that inspire, delight and connect travellers around the world.”

Full rankings are as follows:

Best 50 Resorts in the World

Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara, Kenya (29)
Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, Tanzania (13)
Elewana Elsa's Kopje Meru, Kenya (7)

Hotels

Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel: Hotels – Italy (2)
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel: Europe – Hotels – Rome (3)
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam: Hotels – Rest of Europe (18)
NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderon: Hotels – Spain (6)
Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel: Hotels – Rest of Europe (26)
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel: Hotels – South of France & Monaco (11)

Resorts

Elewana Collection Elsa’s Kopje Meru: Resorts – Rest of Africa (1)
Elewana Collection Arusha Coffee Lodge: Resorts – Rest of Africa (4)
Elewana Collection Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara: Resorts – Rest of Africa (5)
Anantara Hoi An Resort: Resorts – Rest of Asia (8)
Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort: Resorts – Thailand (9)
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara: Resorts – Middle East (7)
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort: Resorts – Middle East (10)
Niyama Private Islands Maldives: Resorts – Indian Ocean (13)
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas: Resorts – Indian Ocean (18)
*Marion Walsh Hedouin, MINOR HOTELS |VP PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

E mwalsh@minor.com

‘Trees for Days’ initiative launches to support community and the environment

G Adventures has announced the launch of its new Trees for Days initiative, bringing the empowerment of local communities and protection of the environment and closer together to enact powerful change through travel and tourism.

Announced in Cusco, Peru on World Tourism Day, during the inaugural GX Summit – the first world community tourism summit – Trees for Days asserts G adventures’ commitment to preserving communities and the environment around the world. Moving forward, for every day a traveller is on a G Adventures trip, one tree will be grown, helping to both mitigate carbon emissions and increase support in 17 local communities around the world. The tree-planting projects are in locations that have been severely impacted by climate change through deforestation, or that are currently under threat. By supporting the development of sustainable tourism enterprises within these communities, the travel industry can help protect the environment, as well as create additional income streams for local people, most often benefiting and empowering marginalised Indigenous populations, women, and youth.

In partnership with G Adventures’ non-profit partner Planeterra, which uses community tourism to change lives, and Reforest, which actively supports tree planting and forest conservation work around the world, it is estimated that more than one and a half million trees will be planted each year. Travellers will be able to log into their G Adventures account and keep tabs on their tree grove in terms of how many trees they’ve grown and where they’ve planted their roots.

The small group adventure tour operator has already planted over one million trees after backdating the planting of trees for every day a traveller has joined a trip since 1 January, 2023. Soon, travellers will be able to contribute beyond the end date of their G Adventures trip by continuing to purchase trees in a region of their choice whenever they travel, via their G Adventures account.

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, says the vision for the Trees for Days project is to increase the positive impact customers have when travelling with G Adventures, while at the same time supporting communities impacted by climate change.

“As the pioneers of community tourism, supporting local communities is at the core of our DNA. With the increasing urgency to help our planet, I’m thrilled to be announcing our Trees for Days initiative in partnership with Planeterra and Reforest. Our non-profit partner, Planeterra has been instrumental in sourcing the community based tree planting projects, and Reforest - which we invested in last year - is providing the technology platform.

“Our travellers care about making a difference when they travel - and they do that simply by booking a tour with G Adventures. Together, we will address how community tourism can play an important role in helping the planet heal, while uplifting local communities, through reforestation and positive local impact,” says Poon Tip.

Jamie Sweeting, president of Planeterra, says the Trees for Days initiative is a win-win solution for all parties involved.

“The planting of trees not only contributes to the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but it helps promote healthier landscapes and ecosystems such as wetlands, grasslands, and forests, and provides crucial habitats, food, and shelter for wildlife, thus helping to maintain biodiversity.

“Beyond that, helping local environments grow and flourish means they become more resilient to extreme weather events, which protects - and even helps develop - local communities and their sources of income, especially in rural areas. More trees also means cleaner air, and a reduction in the effects of extreme heat,” says Sweeting.

Daniel Walsh, founder of Reforest, added that the Trees for Days programme is a great example of a corporate reforestation program that is not only looking to do some real good for climate, nature and local communities, but will also give customers a very engaging and personalised way to connect with that impact.

“Travellers increasingly want to feel like they are leaving a positive footprint, so a key benefit of this program is that they can feel that sense of ownership of the trees planted for them,” says Walsh.

The 17 projects being supported by the Trees for Days initiative are as follows: 

• Acción Andina Argentina (Argentina)
• Acción Andina Bolivia (Bolivia)
• Acción Andina Peru (Peru)
• Ambadandegama Reforestation Initiative (Sri Lanka)
• Ankilahila 1 Reforestation (Madagascar)Mount Kenya Landscape Restoration (Kenya)
• Indrawati Reforestation (Nepal)
• Argan and Caper Tree Growing (Morocco)
• Kilimanjaro Reforestation (Tanzania)
• La Tigra Agroforestry (Honduras)
• Mahelmudi Reforestation (Nepal)
• Maskarat Nursery: El Khair Women’s Coop (Morocco)
• Nakaseke Community Reforestation (Uganda)
• Soa Zara Reforestation (Madagascar)
• Tana Delta Reforestation (Kenya)
• Thailand Reforestation (Thailand)
• Zalala Titi Reforestation (Mozambique)

For more information, please visit www.gadventures.com/community-tourism/trees-for-days.
* Rachel Jones, Director rachel@thisishelm.com.au

Go2Africa has marked its 25th anniversary

African-based travel company Go2Africa has marked its 25th anniversary by releasing data showing how safari vacations have surged in popularity in recent years. Its annual safari trends report finds the top safari destinations in 2022 to be Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, collectively accounting for a remarkable 68% of all safari related trips. 

The report also highlights Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Namibia as being increasingly popular among intrepid travellers. 

As for particular interests the report finds visitors looking to : 

 the Big Five (26.5%) 

 Kruger National Park (16.7%) 

 Victoria Falls (14.6%) 

 The Great Migration )13.6%), and 

 Meeting Locals (10%) 

Go2Africa's has enjoyed 25 years of delivering tailor-made safari experiences with a focus on these having a positive impact and supporting a sustainable future for the continent. The company works with local organisations and helps to preserve Africa's extraordinary ecosystems The full Go2Africa safari trends report : https://www.go2africa.com/africantravel-blog/annual-african-safaritravel-report-2022. 

 www.go2africa.com 

 Matthew Fraser at matthew@modo25.com

Great Plains Wild Life Safari

Mara Nyika Camp 

The private tented Mara Nyika Camp has opened for the 2023 season with the new Sambuk Suite at Mara Nyika, with the services of a private guide, vehicle and butler. 

This Relais and Châteaux camp hosts 14 guests sharing rooms beside a small stream on the side of the 50,000-acre Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya. 

Activities available include morning and night drives and the option of experiencing a hot air balloon ride across the Maasai Mara. 

Mara Nyika camp also offers guests the chance to learn about the Maasai culture with a visit to the Great Plains Foundation’s female-empowerment initiatives.

www.greatplainsconservation.com/safari/safa ri-in-kenya-mara-nyika-camp/ 

The Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains 

Mara Plains Camp, another Relais and Châteaux accredited Great Plains camp, has reopened following a soft refurbishment with fresh décor and upgraded guest suite entrances including wooden Zanzibari doors. 

The Jahazi Suite has been upgraded and is an exclusive-use villa residence consisting of a two-bedroom suite, shared lounge and dining area including the services of a private vehicle and guide.


Activities include day drives and night drives within the Maasai Mara and private Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

Mara Plains Camp is located in the private 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. 

Maasai Mara offers access to a total of nearly 100,000 acres of private conservancy land and the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration. 

Through the Building Bridges project, Great Plains has so far built three safe footbridges in the Maasai Mara connecting communities to schools, clinics and markets, with another one planned in the next month. 

Other Impact Through Education initiatives include Mobile School Eye Clinics, Teachers Sponsorship and School Meals. 

www.greatplainsconservation.com/safari/m ara-plains-camp-luxury-kenya-safari/ 

Mara Expedition Camp 

Mara Expedition Camp is located on private land adjoining the Olare Motogrogi Conservancy and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. 

This expedition style camp is many people’s favourite, for its clean simplicity but stylish design. Following its opening in 2020, the camp has introduced a new 2-bedroom family tent.

www.greatplainsconservation.com/safari/mar a-expedition-camp-kenya-safari/

Mara Toto Camp 

Located along the banks of the Ntiakitiak River on the border of the Maasai Mara, the Explorer-Collection Mara Toto Camp is a ‘hideaway in the forest’, designed for total guest privacy. 

 

 www.greatplainsconservation.com 

 Charlotte Rous at charlotte@charlotterous.co.uk

The Social House Nairobi

The Social House in Kenya’s capital Nairobi is a city with an off-beat design, visible throughout its 83 bedrooms, four restaurants and seven event spaces.

The city is also often used as a starting point for safari trips elsewhere in Kenya. The Social House has Copper, an urban brasserie with dishes cooked over an open fire grill. 

From the Social House, guests can discover a vibrant colourful city. 

The 120-square-kilometre Nairobi National Park, a halfhour drive from the hotel, has black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded to date. 

There is also the chance to explore the local coffee farms and tea plantations, visit the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. 

Nairobi also has many live music venues and clubs focussing on Afro-fusion sounds along with galleries and buzzing local street markets. 

www.thesocialhouse.ke 

Journey into the wild with ToursbyLocals

The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

ToursbyLocals offers private tours by local guides, including for a range of African safaris. These take in all major national parks and reserves throughout Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, Nairobi and Botswana including :

Gorilla Trekking at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, covers 160 km² of rainforest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. 

ToursbyLocals offers gorilla trekking in the park with Isaac observing the Gorillas. 

Gorilla Guardians Village offers the chance to meet local people, with Isaac ToursByLocals offers the five-day tour Trekking at Volcanoes National Park.

www.visitrwanda.com/destinations/volcanoes-national-park/

The Addo Elephant National Park, South African

Local guide Sithembiso offers tours of the Addo Elephant National Park, which is also home to the Big 5.

The park has the world's densest elephant population, lions, buffalo, the highly elusive black Rhino, along with antelope species and birds.

ToursByLocals offers eight-hour tour Addo guided Big Safaris.

www.addoelephantpark.info

The Wildebeests migration, Kenya

The Wildebeests migration, Kenya

The Great Migration is the movement of a million-plus wildebeest from the Serengeti in Tanzania into the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. 

The Governors’ Camps in the Masai Mara Game Reserve are, allowing travellers to experience the migration. 

ToursByLocals offers a 3 Nights Exclusive Wildebeest Migration Safari. 

www.maasaimara.com

Top 5 World Destinations for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Arenal Volcano National Park

These were the national parks that had travellers’ jaws dropping and camera rolls bursting.

1. Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
If waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife and volcanoes are your thing, then Arenal Volcano National Park will take your breath away. One of the world’s most active volcanoes burps tufts of smoke in the background as you make your way through forests and old lava... more
Don't miss
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Typical lunch and Arenal Volcano Hike
North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour
Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica
All 305 things to do

2. Jim Corbett National Park, India
Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Corbett has long been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers. The oldest national park in India, Corbett, has over 400 different species of flora and over 550 different species of fauna. The park is best known as... more
Don't miss
Best Wilderness Experience through Jim Corbett Experience
2 Nights Stay at Dhikala Zone in Jim Corbett National Park
Nainital Jim Corbett 4 Days Tour Package From Delhi
All 52 things to do

Serengeti National Park

3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Maasai call the plains of Serengeti National Park "the place where the land moves on forever"—so prepare to be astonished by its vastness. And here, you can witness the famous Serengeti annual migration, the largest and longest overland migration on earth. more
Don't miss
Miracle Experience | Hot Air Balloon Safari & Breakfast in Serengeti
Full-Day Private Serengeti Safari from Mwanza
3-Day Classic Serengeti Safari
All 23 things to do

4. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Maybe your local zoo has lions, leopards, zebras or elephants. Maybe they even have wildebeest. But we bet they don't have 1.3 million wildebeest—never mind 1.3 million wildebeest in migration, with predators in hot pursuit. It's one of the most awesome sights... more
Don't miss
Masai Mara Full Day Tour from Nairobi, Naivasha or Nakuru
3 days masai mara safari from Nairobi
Maasai Mara Safari!!
All 99 things to do

Kruger National Park

5. Kruger National Park, South Africa
The largest game reserve in South Africa, Kruger National Park is basically a synonym for the word "safari." Home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, nearly 150 mammals, multiple archaeological sites, and a stunningly diversity of trees and flowers, Kruger... more
Don't miss
Kruger National Park Full Day Safari for 1-10 clients
Aerial Cable Trail in Hazyview
Full-Day Panorama Tour from Hazyview
All 49 things to do

*TripAdvisor

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