28 October 2010

Zanzibar to Samburu

Zanzibar, Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara – discover East Africa’s iconic destinations.  Our tour starts in Tanzania’s coastal centre, Dar es Salaam from where we travel to the nearby “Spice Island” of Zanzibar. Fringed by coral reefs, Zanzibar’s cultural heart is Stone Town, a labyrinth of grand 19th century houses, mosques and bustling bazaars.

 

We then journey to the Tanzanian national park of Arusha (home to 400 bird species). Nearby we take in the view of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro (5892m) and the vastness of the Ngorongoro Crater east of the massive Serengeti National Park. From Nairobi, Kenya we travel to the lands of the Masai Mara.

 

The gently undulating grasslands ensure easy sightings of the abundant animal populations. We aim to witness a once in a lifetime event, the great migration of zebras, gazelles and wildebeest (between July and November). Passing through the tea plantation region of Sotik, we search for crocodiles and hippos on Lake Baringo. Nearby Lake Bogoria has Africa’s largest concentration of hot springs and geysers. From here we travel to Samburu National Reserve, home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffe and zebra.

Category Rest of World

Stretching 1000km from southern Peru to northern Chile, the Atacama is the driest desert on earth. From the oasis of San Pedro, watch the colours change over bizarre formations in the Valleys of Mars and the Moon. To the south, the world’s second largest salt flat, Salar de Atacama contrasts with a backdrop of snow-capped Andean volcanoes. Your first week concludes with sunrise at El Tatio geysers, baths in thermal hot springs and visits to small Altiplano villages, clifftop fortresses and petroglyphs.

 

Across the Andes in north west Argentina, the Diaguitas and Calchaquis people have long inhabited the desert regions. Trace ancient trade routes to the Humahuaca Valley, visit the Purmamarca handicrafts market and Pucará de Tilcara, a pre-Hispanic fortress.  After two nights in the quiet mountain village of Iruya we continue to Salta, rich in Spanish folklore, music and handcrafts.

 

South of Salta, we take several days to explore historical places such as Quilmes ruins and Cachi Anthropological museum. Walk in Las Conchas Gorge, the Red River Valley and search for cactus hummingbirds, guanacos and condors in Los Cardones National Park.

Category Rest of World

Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are a kaleidoscope of tropical landscapes, colourful cities, fascinating history and delicious cuisine. This 22-day tour starts in Hanoi, Vietnam, one of the most beautiful Indochinese cities. Our journey on an overnight train to the remote Sapa region introduces us to the ethnic hill-tribes on the Chinese border. Sunday markets and day hikes give us time to meet local villagers, school children and farmers. We visit Vietnam’s first national park, Cuc Phuong. Here the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre is your chance to spot macaque, langur, gibbon and loris monkeys. We then spend two nights cruising on Halong Bay, feasting on fresh seafood and admiring the extraordinary limestone formations.

 

Flying to Seim Reap in Cambodia, we explore and walk between the ancient temples including World Heritage listed Angkor Wat.

 

Our final flight brings us to laid-back Luang Pradang, in north central Laos, claimed by UNESCO to be the ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. We venture to the hill top tribes of Ban Xieng and visit the traditional hand-weaving villages along the Mekong River. Here Buddhism permeates every facet of life and change comes slowly.

Category Asia Pacific
06 October 2010

Kalahari to Okavango

Take the trip of a lifetime and experience a gem of West Africa - Namibia’s canyons, deserts and game parks. Our tour begins in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, a kaleidoscope of architectural styles, cultures and traditions.

 

For sheer scale, we cannot miss the majestic Fish River Canyon (second largest in the world). Further north, Namib Naukluft Park protects some of the world’s oldest deserts and highest dunes.  Explore the overwhelming beauty of the Sossusvlei dunes, nearby canyons and the rare plants of the Welwitschia Plains.

 

On the west coast, the oasis town of Swakopmund is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the ancient Namib Desert. In the Damaraland region, ancient water courses, savannah, open plains and massive granite formations are home to desert elephant, black rhino, ostrich and springbok. A must-see on any Namibia visit, Etosha National Park has a fauna diversity that few parks can match. We continue east into the narrow Caprivi Strip to spot crocodiles, elephants, hippos, buffalo and a plethora of bird life.

 

A final highlight will be visiting spectacular Victoria Falls before our journey ends in Maun, in northern Botswana.

Category Rest of World

Discover the heart of Polynesia, 3000km north east of Auckland. From the majestic peaks of Rarotonga to the untouched rainforests of Atiu and the breathtaking lagoon of Aitutaki - the beauty and charm of these South Pacific islands is matched only by the warm hospitality of its friendly people. Your local guide will introduce you to the culture, people and natural beauty over two weeks.

 

On the main island of Rarotonga, we visit the colourful weekly market, walk through pristine rainforest to The Needle (a legendary rock pinnacle) and join local guides into a conservation area and on a tour around the island. We soak up the spirit of the famous Cook Island dancers at a legendary island night.

 

There are few places left in the world like the island of Atiu. Explore the native jungle, the Kopeka caves (home to rare birdlife), visit a coffee plantation and arts studio, then spend a day with local guide Birdman George. Our time of Atiu ends with an umukai, a traditional Polynesian feast.

 

On Aitutaki we contract a day cruise on the beautiful lagoon, and a safari & history tour to Paengariki Marae. With the tour ex Rarotonga, flights and extensions can be arranged via New Zealand.

Category Asia Pacific

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a feast of geographic and historical delights. South west of the capital of Skopje, Mavrovo National Park is home to Macedonia’s highest peaks. Walks reveal the Bistra Mountains, alpine wildflowers, sheep-farming and local village life.

 

On the southern border, World Heritage listed Lake Ohrid is one of the world’s oldest lakes and the town is the cradle of Macedonian and Slavic orthodox religion and culture. Lakeside and mountain villages are the focus of walks in Galicica National Park, between Lake Ohrid and neighbouring Lake Prespa. To the east, Pelister National Park features clear vistas and granite formations from the glacial past. Near the town of Prilep, we hike up to Treskavec Monastery nestled into the rocky landscape. From our base in Strumica we visit local wineries, waterfalls and enjoy traditional food in village houses.

 

Hikes in East Macedonia’s “Switzerland” explore pristine native forests and peaceful mountain villages. The few visitors to this area can witness traditional dance, music and costumes. On the border of Bulgaria, you can help prepare lunch at a local farm which produces organic cheeses, wheat, fruit and vegetables. This tour can be preceded by two weeks in Greece.

Category Europe

Join our early autumn journey through central and northern Greece. Travel from Athens to the Sporades islands; from the mountains of Pelion to the mythical “homes of the gods” of Delphi and Mt Olympus. By day, enjoy gorge, valley and coastal hikes and in the evening, local food and comfortable accommodation.

 

After meeting in the Plaka, the historical centre of Athens, we travel to Delphi, site of the ancient Oracle and the Sanctuary of Apollo. The green forested mountains of Pelion are our focus for walks on cobbled paths and trails, still used by villagers transporting their produce to market. Staying on the island of Alonissos in the Green Sporades, we walk between villages and along the coastline with views over the National Marine Park. To the north-west, the World Heritage listed Meteora monasteries are an impressive sight, built on natural sandstone pillars from the 11th century onwards.

 

Litohoro is our base to explore the base of Mt Olympus including the canyon of Enipea and the Dion archaeological site dedicated to Zeus. Our finishing point is Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city with a 3000 year Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history.

Category Europe

Cobble streets, snow drifts, family guesthouses and open fires. Roman roads, monasteries, caves and karsts – this is the heart of Bulgaria in winter. Visit this cradle of European civilization, sculpted over years by Thracians, Greeks and Romans. In winter, share the country with hospitable, hardy locals and find solitude in remote national parks bordering northern Greece.

 

From the bustling capital of Sofia to the cobbled streets of Plovdiv’s old town, Bulgaria’s human history stretches over 7000 years. In the traditional village of Yagodina, enjoy home-produced food in a small family run hotel. Nearby Trigrad Gorge is said to be where Orpheus emerged from the Underworld. Visit Yagodina cave, one of the longest and deepest in Bulgaria.

 

From our spa hotel in the town of Devin, we enjoy snow-shoe walks along the valley floor. Based in Gela, we explore the northern flanks of the Perelik Massif. Near Asenovgrad, we explore Bachkovo Monastery, one of the largest and most beautiful in the country. Returning to Sofia, there is the option of a 5 day extension to explore Rila National Park with cirque and forest walks.

Category Europe

Sixty kilometres off north-eastern Tasmania is a world of craggy mountains, quiet inlets, lagoons and white sandy beaches. Spend a week with local people as you explore the bays, headlands and high points of Flinders, the largest island in the Furneaux group.

 

Immerse yourself in the orange hue of lichen-covered rocks or the intricate patterns of tidal pools. For a bigger picture, hike to the summit of Mt Strzelecki, the highest point on the island. On a clear day, the views are spectacular to the far north east coast of Tasmania. A half-day coastal walk leads to the limestone formations and caves of Settlement Point plus Wybalenna, the last settlement of Tasmanian Aborigines. The nearby Furneaux Museum documents the island’s history. There are also chances to see Cape Barren Geese, the second rarest in the world.

 

A day cruise in sheltered waters explores the outer islands, bustling with shearwater rookeries and other sea birds. On the last day, enjoy the views from the craggy granite formations of Darling Range.

Category Tasmania

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