News on: Atua Enkop Africa, Garonga Safari Co., Yadi Travel, Bushwise Exclusive, Great Lakes Safaris and Zingweni Vlei Camp
January 2026
Dear Travel Industry Friends and welcome to 2026!
We have a busy and exciting year ahead, including my wedding in June!
On the business front, Emerging Destinations is thrilled to announce our newest partnership — with Great Lakes Safari, a premier DMC specializing in Uganda and Rwanda experiences.
This month also brings fantastic opportunities from our Africa partners, including special promotions and FAM stays with Atua Enkop in Kenya, Garonga Safari Co in South Africa, and Zingweni Vlei in Zimbabwe.
Read on for full details on these exciting developments.
All the best in 2026!
Warm regards,
Jenna & The Emerging Destinations Team
Upcoming Webinars
Specials & Promotions
🌍 Bushwise Exclusive, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia
The Immersive Set Departure FIT: Our 7-Day Immersive Safari Guide Experiences offer singles and couples the chance to step into the role of a conservationist, with set departures now open for 2026 and 2027. Contact [email protected] for more details
🇿🇦 Garonga Safari Co, South Africa
Extended Stay Offer: Stay 5 nights pay 4 at Garonga. Special Offers Link
🇰🇪 Atua Enkop Africa, Kenya
● Exclusive Early Bird Specials: 7.5% Discount off contract rates on all new bookings 31st March 2026, for travel dates 1st June 2026 and 31st October 2026 at any of our five properties; Special offers link
● The "Quiet Season" Offers Added Value Safaris Jan to May 2026 Special offers link
● Valentines Weekend Staycation: Book 3 or more nights to enjoy 10% off any of our five camps on new bookings between 6th - 23rd February 2026. Special Offers Link
News at a Glance
🌍 Bushwise Exclusive, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia
● Updates on access to Kruger National Park on account of heavy rainfall here
● South Africa Tourism Launches Africa’s First Ever AI Travel Assistant Siyanda - read about it
🌍 Great Lakes Safaris, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania
● Rhino translocation to Ajai Wildlife Reserve
A total of 4 rhinos were successfully moved from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai by the Uganda Wildlife Authority — a major milestone in Uganda’s ongoing wildlife conservation efforts.
● Peaceful general elections concluded
Uganda recently concluded peaceful and smooth elections, reinforcing stability and continued confidence for travelers and partners alike.
● New lodges opening in 2026
Pabidi Lodge by The Great Lakes Collection– Murchison Falls National Park
Erebero Hill by Asilia – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
● Check out Lonely Planet's Guide: What to read, watch and say in Morocco
● Royal Air Maroc, Morocco Launching June 2026, the new nonstop Casablanca–Los Angeles route marks the first direct link between Africa and the U.S. West Coast. Operated three times weekly on the Dreamliner, tickets are on sale now.
● Delta Air Lines, USA Delta’s first-ever route to Morocco, a nonstop service from Atlanta to Marrakech, has launched with strong demand in December 2025.
🇿🇼 Zingweni Vlei Camp, Zimbabwe
● Zimbabwe confirms VAT application change effective January 2026. Details here
● See our 2026 Published Rates. If you want to receive the STO rates for the upcoming year, please contact [email protected].
● Mara Ngenche Camp will remain open this year throughout April, May, and June 2026. Mid-Season rates will apply till end of June.
🇿🇦 Garonga Safari Co, South Africa
● Garonga Safari Camps will remain closed until the end of January 2026 as they take on repairs following heavy rainfall this year affecting the Greater Makalali Region. See public notice here
From bush breakfast and sundowner cocktails to guided nature walks, camel trekking and mountain biking, Atua Enkop offers a variety of adventures at its five upscale safari camps in Kenya.
A journey into the captivating embrace of Marrakech, where the ordinary morphs into the extraordinary.
Founded in 2001 by a young Ugandan with a big dream, Great Lakes Safaris has grown into one of the leading tour companies in Uganda and Rwanda and upscale national park lodge operators in Uganda.
Garonga Safari Co. offers guests the opportunity to plant a Spekbom Tree inside the camp boma (so the elephants and rhinos don’t eat them). Portulacaria Africa holds perhaps one of the greatest secrets in our fight against offsetting carbon emissions.
It’s official — Forbes has ranked Zimbabwe as the top travel destination in the world for 2025 and the folks at Zingweni Vlei couldn’t be more excited.
Emerging Destinations on the Road
Schedule a meeting: [email protected]
Naples (FL) Monday February 09 5:00 - 7:00 pm Happy Hour Presentation Ria Restaurant at The Ritz Carlton Naples, Tiburon. RSVP here. Rep Week (Emerging Destinations together with Carole Baden Hotels, Wanderlux Collection and By Iris).
Palm Beach (FL) Tuesday February 10 8:30-10:30 am Breakfast Presentation Florie's Restaurant by Mauro Colagreco at The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. RSVP here. Rep Week (Emerging Destinations together with Carole Baden Hotels, Wanderlux Collection and By Iris).
Boca Raton (FL) Tuesday February 10 6:00 - 8:00 pm Dinner Presentation pm Taverna Kyma Restaurant. RSVP here. Rep Week (Emerging Destinations together with Carole Baden Hotels, Wanderlux Collection and By Iris).
Fort Lauderdale (FL) Wednesday February 11 8:30 to 10:30 am Breakfast Presentation pm Ocean 2000 Restaurant at The Pelican Beach Grand Resort. RSVP here. Rep Week (Emerging Destinations together with Carole Baden Hotels, Wanderlux Collection and By Iris).
Aventura (FL) Wednesday February 11 5:00 -8:00 pm Happy Hour Presentation pm Serafina Restaurant at the Aventura Mall. RSVP here. Rep Week (Emerging Destinations together with Carole Baden Hotels, Wanderlux Collection and By Iris).
Coconut Grove (FL) Thursday February 12 12:00- 200pm Lunch Presentation Narbona Coconut Grove. RSVP here. Rep Week (Emerging Destinations together with Carole Baden Hotels, Wanderlux Collection and By Iris).
Brickell (FL) Thursday February 12 5:00 - 8:00 pm Happy Hour Presentation pm Balan's Brickell. RSVP here. Rep Week (Emerging Destinations together with Carole Baden Hotels, Wanderlux Collection and By Iris).
Video of the Month
Your Invitation Into the World That Few Ever See
With more than 25 years of experience training field guides and research staff, Bushwise Exclusive is the leader in ethical and sustainable conservation programs in Africa and around the globe. The company’s highly skilled staff members lead unique safari adventures in South Africa, Namibia and Kenya. bushwise-exclusive
