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 Merritt visits SOUTH AFRICA!
Merritt Howerton is your Mid-West,
W. Florida & Eastern Canada Director of Sales
Anyone that knows me knows, my favorite place in the world is India. Well, I am now going to share that title with my latest travels to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. I've just been home a few weeks and not a day goes by that I don't think about the beautiful animals we encountered as well as the extraordinary good natured people of the southern African nations.
I was fortunate to take four of Cox & Kings' outstanding travel partners with me on this trip of a lifetime. Megan Bryant, our Africa Destination Manager put together a spectacular trip for us featuring Cape Town, MalaMala near Kruger National Park, Zambia at Toka Leya and Botswana featuring DumaTau and Vumbura Plains Camp. We ended the trip with a most memorable evening at the spectacular hotel property in Johannesburg, The Saxon.
Cape Town was stunning with the waterfront area and incredible views of Table Mountain. I was fortunate to stay at the lovely One & Only Cape Town with spacious rooms and one of the most amazing views from my balcony of any hotel in the world. They were just awarded Best Spa in Africa and I was super impressed with the Kids Kamp for kiddos ages 4 to early teens. There is truly something for everyone at this new trendy hotel within walking distance to the waterfront of Cape Town. The restaurants deserve great reviews as well, we had a fantastic dinner at Reubens.
I was also a guest at the Historic Cape Grace Hotel. Charming and full of South African Tradition also offers stunning views and the well known whisky bar downstairs is such a treat to sit outside and savor the day.
Activities in Cape Town took us to Cape Point and a stop to see the African penguins, and a few Cape Zebra and great birding in the park. We also enjoyed a Malay Cooking experience with a local family. We learned how to prepare samosas and feasted on delicious Malay cuisine, which we all loved.
We were sad to leave Cape Town but anxious to get into the reserves and see some wildlife! We were greeted by an elephant before we reached MalaMala (which translates to Impala Impala btw) it was exciting for me to watch the faces of our Travel Advisors. I didn't even look at the elephant because I was taken by the sheer excitement I saw in their eyes. It was everyone's first trip to Africa and seeing your first animal in the wild is a moment you will always remember. MalaMala had lovely accommodations for us including air conditioning, wi-fi, bath and showers in two bathrooms per room and a separate living room from the bedroom. We had every comfort of home and simply amazing game right outside our door. Hippos, elephants and Cape Buffalo have been known to roam around the Sand River so your Ranger will walk you to and from dinner. Our first day, I kid you not, we encountered the Big Five, which includes rhino, leopard, lion, Cape Buffalo and elephant. We even spotted a leopard in a tree taking it easy after a meal.
 We took an easy, no hassle flight over to Zambia to witness one of the greatest sights in all of Africa, Victoria Falls. It has a healthy flow of water considering we were off season but still awesome. We overnighted at Toka Leya, a wonderful camp that sits right beside the Zambezi River and it was filled with hippos! One day here was just not long enough! There are options of tiger fishing, sunset cruises, game drives and of course "The Falls".
Next up Botswana! We landed on a small landing strip with our 4x4 Land Rovers waiting for our arrival. They always arrive several minutes early to keep any wildlife from camping on the "runway" Lazarus was our guide for the two days in Botswana at DumaTau camp. He was wonderful in sharing his knowledge and passion of the animals, we drove about 40 minutes before we reached camp. We never did ever come across a paved road, they are sand and dirt trails for hundreds of miles. There are no villages or towns either, its' truly the most remote place I have ever visited, more wild than South Africa, Kenya or Tanzania. I thought not having email, internet, phone service, tv or a newspaper would drive me batty but where in the world can you go now days and not have that readily available? Botswana - and it was perfect.
The wildlife was in abundance including two different packs of endangered wild dogs. The first few days we were all camera ready and clicking away, but after a few days, Sylvia, Jane, Margo, Susan and I just took in the time with the wonderful animals and lived in the moment at every opportunity. Our final camp was Vumbura Plains in the Okavango Delta. These huge tented rooms were just lovely, two seven room tents with spectacular star viewing opportunities and each room had its own plunge pool. We had heavy rains the last day and half, it didn't hamper our game viewing at all, in fact we encountered the sable antelope on our last day and two playful leopards. The day we were to leave, as luck would have it, the airstrip was washed out so we had to take helicopters to another strip to catch a flight back to Johannesburg, what a perfect ending to our exciting time in the bush!
We ended our South African Trip of a Lifetime in Johannesburg. We were guests at The Saxon Hotel, one of the finest hotels in the world and it lived up to its reputation. We also toured the Melrose Arch Hotel which was in a fun lively area of Joburg and a really great option for accommodations as well!
I have been very blessed to have experienced all seven continents in this amazing world we live in. This trip to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia will be an all time favorite!
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Cape to Delta Epic Safari
13 DAYS & 12 NIGHTS - FROM $9,415 PER PERSON4
Travel in style from spectacular Cape Town to Botswan's Okavango Delta, home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes and more. In the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, track lions stalking their prey, immerse yourself in the bush on a guided walk through the wilds, and sleep under the stars in a deluxe tree house. Along the way, sample of South Africa's most renowned wines, visit the Cape of Good Hope's penguin colony and watch rainbows in the mist at majestic Victoria Falls.
BOOK BY JAN 31 AND RECEIVE $1,000 OFF PER COUPLE!4
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey! |
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 COX & KINGS MAILBAG
Thanks for letting us know how we're doing!
Dear Megan,
The honeymoon was the best trip I have ever been on. Seriously, you did a fantastic job. We really didn’t have to do much but just enjoy ourselves because we had somebody with us the entire time. The staff at every hotel was unbelievable, the services, the sights, it just really blew us away. I seriously can't get over how well planned and how NICE the places we stayed at were. The people were over the top accommodating... the Taj was perfect... Lion Sands was probably the best place on the planet. Izak our guide was awesome. I have never met more polite people than Oberoi. Again, thank you so much and we will be in touch.
Chris B.
We love hearing from you! Please write us at: tours@coxandkingsusa.com. |
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Oman: Land of Frankincense
8 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS - FROM $3,635 PER PERSON2
Oman is one of the most beautiful countries of the Arabian Peninsula. On this enticing journey, visit the capital of Muscat and the historic inland walled town of Nizwa. Along the way, discover magnificent forts, the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the stunning spectacle of Wadi Ghul, the Grand Canyon of Oman.
BOOK BY FEB. 14 AND RECEIVE $2,000 OFF PER COUPLE!2
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey! |
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 COX & KINGS INTRODUCES NEW DISCOVERY GROUP JOURNEYS WITH GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES!5
Newest 2012 Catalog Combines Guaranteed Departure Dates, Intimate Groups and Maximum Comfort
Cox & Kings, The Americas invites intrepid travelers to experience the latest worldwide adventures with its Discovery Group Journeys featuring guaranteed departure dates on most destinations offered. Included in the recently unveiled 2012 Cox & Kings Discovery Group Journeys catalog, these escorted group adventures provide friends, families and single travelers alike with an ideal opportunity to discover new locales across the globe with the expertise of local guides while sharing newfound experiences with like-minded travelers.
Order your 2012 Discovery Group Journeys catalog today! |
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A Journey through Northern Spain on Gran Lujo
11 DAYS & 10 NIGHTS - FROM $7,845 PER PERSON1
Discover northern Spain in absolute luxury aboard the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo. From the seaside resort of San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, explore Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Along the way, sample regional tapas with a culinary expert, stroll the streets of lovely Santillana del Mar, explore Picos de Europa National Park and taste the rich wines of the Rias Baixas.
BOOK BY FEB. 29 AND RECEIVE $1,600 OFF PER COUPLE!1
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey! |
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Iceland Winter Getaway
4 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS - FROM $3,373 PER PERSON3
Hop across the pond for a winter getaway in Iceland. Search for whales, take a snowmobile to the top of a glacier, explore an active geothermal field, watch the skies for the Northern Lights, and end your travels completely relaxed after an afternoon at the Blue Lagoon hot springs.
BOOK BY FEB. 1 AND RECEIVE $400 OFF PER COUPLE!3
Click here to learn more about this exciting journey! |
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: KUNAL VERMA Accounts Manager
Kunal Verma earned his Bachelors degree in Finance from Delhi University in India. After graduating, he enrolled in apprenticeship program in reputed accounting firms and which gave him experience in statutory audit processes and taxation laws.
He joined the hospitality industry in 2003 and joined Cox & Kings in New Delhi, India in 2005. He was deputed to Cox & Kings - UK for two years before joining Cox & Kings, The Americas this year. |
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Places Lived: New Delhi, Mumbai. London, Florida, California
Favorite Travel Spot: East Africa, India & Europe
Best Vacation: Travel in Scotland
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Favorite Drink: Coca-Cola
Favorite Food: Thai Food!!!
Always wanted to try: Paragliding
If I were stuck on an island, I would bring (3 things):
An iPhone, swiss knife, energy bars
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Contact your travel consultant or call Cox & Kings, The Americas
at
1-800-999-1758 or visit us at coxandkingsusa.com. |
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| © 2012 Cox & Kings. All rights reserved. 'Exquisite Cultural & Wildlife Adventures' is a service mark of Cox & Kings. CST–2105853-50 |
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| Privacy Statement |
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| *Fares are in U.S. dollars and are per person based on double occupancy. Offers are subject to availability, and may be higher for desired travel dates. New bookings only. Promotions are not combinable with any other discounts. Please visit our website for further restrictions that may apply to your booking. |
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| 1Special $7,845 per person price is based on double occupancy and includes a savings of $1,600 per couple if booked by February 29, 2012. Payment in full must be received by February 29, 2012. |
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| 2Special $3,635 per person price is based on double occupancy and includes a savings of $2,000 off per couple. Discount is based on hotel stay at Al Bustan Palace while in Muscat. Offer is available for bookings made by February 14, 2012. Travel must be completed by December 20, 2012. This offer is subject to availability. Please contact Cox & Kings for more details. |
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| 3Special $3,373 per person price is based on double occupancy and includes a savings of $400 per couple for bookings made by February 1, 2012. |
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| 4Special $9,415 per person price is based on double occupancy and includes a savings of $1,000 per couple for bookings made by January 31, 2012. Travel must be completed by April 30, 2012. |
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| 5Discovery Group Journeys to Japan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Israel are not guaranteed. Guarantee does not include cancellations due to weather, political conditions and other conditions beyond the control of Cox & Kings. |
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You have received this advertisement because you are registered to receive special offers or discounts from Cox & Kings The Americas, or one of our affiliates or partners.
If you wish to make changes to your email or postal address, name, destination preferences, etc., please contact us. |
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