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Insider Intel

Eugene Fuhri, operations manager at Micato Safaris, South Africa, and former head ranger at Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, shares why Zimbabwe and Namibia are the next darlings of the safari space.

WHAT UNIQUE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES CAN GUESTS EXPECT IN THESE DESTINATIONS?

Zimbabwe is a birdwatching paradise, home to more than 400 species. You’ll also encounter the Big Five here; the elephant population is delightfully large. In Namibia, you’ll find species that have adapted to the arid climate, like the desert elephant, as well as the endangered black rhino.

WHAT ARE CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF EACH COUNTRY?

In Namibia, travelers have a special opportunity to visit the tribes. In the north, they might meet with a chief of the Himba, a semi-nomadic people in Damaraland. In the west, in the coastal town of Swakopmund, they’ll encounter the Herero, a tribe known for its distinctive, colonial-style clothing. In the south, discover land formations that were formerly a canvas for early bushman rock paintings. The surrounding area is sacred to the local community as it’s also an ancient burial ground for the once ruling tribal kings.

WHAT COUNTRIES MAKE GOOD COMPLEMENTS TO EACH DESTINATION?

You could add Victoria Falls to your journey to experience the mighty Zambezi River. Any trip to Zimbabwe should include a stay at Victoria Falls, but a Zimbabwe journey is also compatible with water game runs in Botswana. Alternatively, hop over to Namibia to explore the sand dunes of Sossusvlei.

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Tales of the SOUTH PACIFIC

Every sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is an adventure, especially when you’re plying the waters of the spectacular South Pacific. From city to sea and forest to farm, these incredible 2021 expeditions promise a cruise to remember.

NEW ZEALAND: THE GREAT KIWI GETAWAY

If you want to get to know the spirit of New Zealand, look no further than its quirky national bird, the Kiwi. Hardly the powerful and assertive bald eagle of the United States, the little bird that burrows into the earth and is nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye is every bit the representative mascot—because New Zealand isn’t a country of flash and flair; it’s a quiet beauty, where the locals (known as Kiwis themselves) believe that nothing is worth doing if it isn’t done kindly and genuinely. Sail with Regent on a collection of 2021 cruises that traverse the country’s North and South Islands and you’ll find out for yourself. The stunning Bay of Islands, brimming with secluded bays, estuaries, and mangroves, is a place for hiking through kauri forests, kayaking to uninhabited islands, and discovering the Kawiti Caves illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. In Gisborne, visit the rural Maori settlement of Muriwari to watch traditional performances. And in Hawke’s Bay, sip on New Zealand’s award-winning whites and slurp oysters straight from the water. Pro Tip: Don’t leave without some wool—thanks to a very healthy sheep population, local artisans have been weaving the finest blankets, sweaters, and socks for thousands of years.

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Clockwise from top: Breakfast with a view; Melbourne street art; the Seven Seas Navigator. Opposite: Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef.

FRENCH POLYNESIA: THE PEARL OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

The South Pacific island-nation, which comprises some two million square miles and 118 islands, is so much more than a honeymooner’s hideout. Sail to the paradise on one of Regent’s 2021 itineraries, and you’ll discover adventure in the form of shark expeditions in glass-bottom boats and stingray swims with an expert guide; culture with visits to traditional villages in the remote Taipivai Valley; and experience natural wonders like the underwater caves at Maraa Grottoes on Tahiti. You can even take home a bit of local luxury with a trip to Rangiroa, where black pearl farms offer the opportunity to see the making of these lustrous gemstones, as well as the chance to buy them. With as many as seven islands on Regent’s round-trip Pape’ete itineraries, you’ll also drop anchor at Moorea (the mythical paradise that typifies James Michener’s Bali Hai), Nuku Huva (a volcanic island with mountains topping 3,700 feet high), and Bora Bora. PRO TIP: Wherever your sailing takes you, make sure to tuck a tiare—the fragrant national flower—behind your ear. Place it on the left side if you’re taken, or the right side if you’re still looking for love (and on these enchanting isles, you may just find it).

MELBOURNE: STREET ART & THE CITY

For a second city, Melbourne has a first-class culture scene. The capital of Australia’s Victoria state has what you might call a counter-culture vibe that’s decidedly avant-garde compared with its more established sibling, Sydney. As such, there’s never a dull moment in this city of nearly five million. On all Regent’s itineraries sailing to Australia, you’ll spend the night in port—a must if you want to experience the cocktail and culinary cred that has emerged from the diverse dining scene of neighborhoods like East End and Fitzroy. Find the latest hot spots when you tour the city with a local on an exclusive excursion that takes Regent passengers down the tiny laneways that are home to trendy boutiques and coffee shops. And for some of the