Looking Forward With Confidence; A New Era For New World Safaris.

As we rounded off a somewhat challenging 2021 year for the travel industry, we express our gratitude for your ongoing support, trust and resilience as together we forged forward and remained steadfast and inspired by the magic that is travel in Africa.

For me as co-founder, it has been a time of introspection that has led to the realisation that New World Safaris – and all of you, are my soul and purpose. With that in mind and a decade after the company’s foundation, I have opted to buy Mark out and become the sole shareholder in the business. We wish Mark well and remain grateful for his invaluable contribution and friendship over the years.

Moving forward, my vision for New World Safaris is to continue to make our guest’s (your client’s) dreams come true, delivering unique travel experiences that create memories of a lifetime. Ever improving our services and offerings as with my team I look to a new era for New World Safaris.

?With thanks to all the agent that support us and their clients.?

?Chat soon.

Mariano Cuervo

Let's Not Be Fatalistic About Omicron, We Can Still Travel.?

From the base of Africa, it did feel like the UK and other countries were punishing South Africa for alerting the world to a new variant of Covid-19 on the 26th November – rather than applauding their transparency and efforts. The frenetic travel bans that followed seemed more political than educated, and have had far reaching consequences, especially on small business owners who were clinging to the Summer season with hope.

?The blanket ban of travel to the entire southern region of Africa, including countries like Malawi who have barely any Covid cases, was unreasonable. The poor communication and often lazy reporting further fueling the fear of the unknown, and the many decisions to cancel travel were sadly not based on fact. We now know that Omicron has been detected in over 60 countries, and did not originate in South Africa.

?Fast forward three weeks and many of those travel bans are now lifted. We know that even though Omicron is highly contagious, it does seem like a milder strand accordingly to data, especially in vaccinated people. There are fewer hospitalisations and even less deaths, and scientists are optimistically advising that it will help build immunity.

?We urge you, your family and clients to consider getting vaccinated, to continue to comply by all safety standards and to reconsider travel to Africa – even if it does mean with a mask and PCR tests. Our borders are open, East Africa is open.

?African travel right now holds the added benefit of the Summer sun, large open spaces and remote wilderness destinations where exclusivity can be ensured and social distancing is standard. The closeness to nature, the abundant wildlife and star studded African skies excellent remedy and the perfect way to reset ahead of the new year.?

An Epic Journey with African Bush Camps

?New World Safaris has made the most of the quieter months to further enhance our product and logistics knowledge, visiting incredible lodges that we can’t wait to share with you. Our most recent trip was with African Bush Camps to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia – where we embarked on an epic journey of discovery that took us from the Victoria Falls, to the Okavango Delta, Mana Pools and into Hwange National Park.

?Thank you to Beks Ndlovu and Colette Bailey of African Bush Camps who make the trip so special. We’re especially moved by the ongoing work that African Bush Camps do to uplift communities through their African Bush Camps Foundation, especially commendable during these trying times. Here is a brief introduction to four of the camps we visited and highly recommend be included in your next Southern African itinerary.

Thorntree River Lodge. Livingstone, Zambia

?Set within Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and just 20 minutes from the famous Victoria Falls, the lodge has eight standard tented suites and two family suites that are situated along the edge of the river. The main lodge has comfy lounges and open dining area where delicious African cuisine is served. But it’s the wooden decks on the edge of the Zambezi River that move with the flow of the water, the sunken boma and infinity pool, that are likely to grab your attention. Plus endless activities that range from river cruises at sunset to visiting the ‘Smoke that Thunders’.

?What we love: The wooden deck moving over the water, giving the impression of a sailing boat, and the magnificent Falls!

Khwai Leadwood. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Arriving into the Okavango Delta’s community-run Khwai Concession, this beautiful camp is tucked under the trees on the edge of the Khwai River across from the Moremi Game Reserve. Hippos, elephants and even lions cross between the two from time to time. There are six elegant standard tents and one family suite designed in a contemporary African style, which keeps things intimate and offers a great sense of the Africa’s great outdoors. The game viewing is the biggest drawcard here and you’ll see abundant wildlife while out on your morning walking safari, or even from the deck while enjoying a pre-dinner gin and tonic overlooking the river.

?What we love: Gliding silently along the lily-lined delta channels on the lookout for hippo and elephant. No activity is more synonymous with the Okavango Delta than a mokoro trip. Location, location

Nyamatusi Mana Pools. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

?African Bush Camp’s flagship in terms of its eco-conscious style. Nyamatusi Mana Pools is in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa, and on the banks of the lower Zambezi River. Fully solar-powered and built from natural materials, the six romantic guest tents are decked out with soft drapery and have air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor shower, a private plunge pool and viewing deck. Spend your days walking in the footsteps of ancient explorers and tracking the elephants that criss-cross the floodplain. Explore on game drives, walking safaris and thrilling canoeing safaris. Catch and release fishing and birding safaris are highlights here.

?What we love: The remoteness of the camp, the private plunge pools, the almost spiritual significance of the area. The eco-element, making it perfect for the conscious traveller.

Somalisa Camp. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe?

Built by African Bush Camps’ owner Beks Ndlovu, Somalisa Camp holds a special place in the collection and has won many awards. It’s easy to see why. Known as a land of contrasts, Hwange has dense teak and acacia forests, and vast open savannah yellowed by the sun. Here the roar of lion on the hunt is a regular thing and elephants gather just meters from where you’re sipping on your sundowner to peacefully drink from the pool. There are only 7 tents, making this intimate bush camp perfect for a relaxing?safari?with friends and loved ones. All eco-supported practices are adhered to and activities include walking safaris, game drives, birding and cultural visits, enhanced by the passionate guides and their natural storytelling abilities.

?What we love: The great quantity of wildlife, the relaxed ambience, time spent chatting around an open fire while the elephants slip in for a drink nearby. The copper slipper-style bath that adds a wonderful sense of romance to the tents.

A 2022 Message from New World Safaris

Together with my team of multi-lingual travel experts, New World Safaris remains your point of contact for any queries, bookings, proposals, on the ground handling – or simply to share anecdotes about our love for African travel.

?2022 is already filled with hope and confidence for what lies the rest of the year ahead, you’ll note new destinations shared as we embark on regular FAM trips and product training, stay aware of post-Covid travel trends, further invest in our fleet of luxury vehicles to ensure logistics remain in our hands, and nurture the sustainability ethos across all aspects of our work.

?We thank you for your ongoing loyalty and remain at your disposal should there be any questions.

Sending warm wishes for a peaceful and safe holiday season.

The New World Safaris team.?

Sending warm wishes for a peaceful and safe holiday season. The New World Safaris team.?

?‘If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa’

John Hemingway, American Author ? ?? ?? ??

?Copyright ? New World Safaris 2021. All rights reserved.

?Our mailing address is:

[email protected]

?Our physical address is:

?Office 1046, Bedford Corporate Park,

4-6 Skeen Boulevard,

Bedfordview, 2007

South Africa

?Tel: +27 (0)11-822-8157

?Website: www.newworldsafaris.com