A game drive in the Pantanal in Brazil

A Day Oncafari in Brazil’s Pantanal

Would today be our lucky day? Would we see that which had compelled us to travel over 24 hours from home to find? For what, you might wonder, were we looking? Why, the elusive jaguar, of course. And spoiler alert: yes, indeed we would find them. My colleague Jennifer Gillmore and I departed Caiman Ecological Read more…

A jaguar in the Brazilian Pantanal

Exploring the Pantanal

What is the Pantanal? Located in the Mato Grosso state of western Brazil, and spilling into Bolivia and Paraguay, the Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland. Covering more than 60,000 square miles, the ecosystem is a downward sloping basin that collects run-off from the Paraguay River and its tributaries, creating an enormous internal river Read more…

Coffee break on safari in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana

Top 5 Surprises on Safari

With any upcoming trip, there are always two assurances for me. The first and regardless of prior aspirations, is that packing will begin the night before departure. The other, that my mind will inevitably wander in an attempt to envision what the ensuing days will look like. Some destinations have been visited before, so expectations Read more…

Three Macaws, Amazon

How to Best Experience the Amazon

The Amazon is a vast ecosystem that covers roughly 2.5 million square miles and spans nine South American countries—including Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. More than half the size of the United States, the Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and boasts a biodiversity unlike anywhere else on earth. It is home to Read more…

Island scenery with palm trees Miavana, Madagascar

Miavana: Madagascar’s Beach Oasis

There is nothing quite like adding a beach experience onto your safari. After the very-early wake-up calls in the bush, it is nice to have a more relaxed pace and some different activity options to end your trip. It creates the perfect balance to round out an African adventure. I recently had the opportunity to Read more…

Machu Picchu hidden gems, Peru

Peru’s Hidden Gems: Beyond Machu Picchu

When one thinks of Peru, Machu Picchu often comes to mind as the epitome of ancient wonders. However, this captivating South American country has much more to offer beyond its iconic archaeological site. Peru boasts a wide array of lesser-known attractions that are equally captivating, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history Read more…

Victoria Falls, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Safari vs. City Stay

When planning a trip to Southern Africa, one place that comes up again and again as a “must-do” is visiting the majestic waterfall and nearby town of Victoria Falls. A visit to the Falls itself might only take a few hours, which might leave you wondering how to spend the rest of your time in Read more…

Three women getting ready for a helicopter ride in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Botswana from Above- Appreciating Africa’s Beauty in a Helicopter

Botswana boasts some truly spectacular ecosystems, including the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert. These two landscapes offer varying terrains and a wide variety of wildlife, transporting visitors from lush waterways and channels to dry sands and basins, the most well-known of which are the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. These two locations – and their uniqueness—are not Read more…

A pack of giraffe grazing near an African Safari Lodge

Exclusive Africa

Africa is a continent brimming with diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. For the discerning traveler seeking an extraordinary experience, it is the ultimate destination. And while all trips to the continent can include an element of luxury, there are numerous ways to enhance your journey through Africa even more, ensuring a truly Read more…

Lounge table and chairs on the beach, Mozambique

Incredible Activities in Mozambique

Visiting the beautiful country of Mozambique was the perfect ending to my most recent trip to Southern Africa. After the more tightly scheduled itinerary and early-morning wake up calls experienced while on safari, it was a welcome change to simply relax and try out some of the many activities on offer at the Mozambique properties Read more…