Monday, 08 October 2012 15:26

Madagascar - Mountains & Mystery

Evolving in isolation for 165 million years, Madagascar has some of the world's most unique flora and fauna including lemurs, chameleons, orchids and towering baobab trees. Our journey begins in the bustling capital of Antananarivo. To the east, Andasibe is our base for excursions into the lowland and mid-altitude rainforest of Analamazaotra-Mantadia National Park. We enjoy night and morning walks to spot lemurs, eastern ring-tailed mongoose, frogs and chameleons. 

Travelling through terraced farmlands, we arrive in Antsirabe, a highland urban oasis surrounded by volcanic lakes. After lakeside walks and visits to artisan workshops, we continue to Ranomafana National Park. This montane rainforest is home to carnivorous pitcher plants, 12 species of lemur and chameleon and almost half of Madagascar’s bird species. For contrast, Andringitra National Park is a walker’s paradise with prairies and open grassland below lunar-like granite massifs.

After visiting the paper-making village of Ambalavao, we walk in the canyons and riparian rainforests of Ranohira Isalo National Park. To the south, forests of spiny ‘octopus’ trees contrast with avenues of baobabs. At Ifaty and Anakao, we snorkel on coral reefs and visit a nearby island protecting the red tailed tropic bird. Our final wildlife encounter is at Tsimanampesotse National Park before we return to the capital.

Published in Rest of World
Saturday, 18 August 2012 13:09

Cook Islands - Nature & Culture

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 direct from Australia or via New Zealand.

Published in Asia Pacific
Wednesday, 05 September 2012 10:53

Kalbarri to Karijni

ONE SPACE LEFT - single female twin share only.

This is a journey of red earth, white-barked eucalypts, sandstone gorges, remote coastlines, wildflowers and wildlife. Over 16 days, travel from south to north through the best of Western Australia’s wilderness areas.

Two hours from Perth, photograph the bizarre limestone pillars as they rise from the shifting sands at the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. At Kalbarri National Park, the Murchison River enters the sea through a series of sandstone gorges. Explore the river gorges and sea cliffs and admire the floral beauty of the surrounding sand plains.

At Monkey Mia, we cruise to spot dugongs and marine wildlife. North of Monkey Mia, Francois Peron National Park, a former pastoral station, provides a refuge for rare and endangered flora and fauna.

World Heritage listed Shark Bay is home to a profusion of marine life including dolphins, dugongs, turtles, rays, sharks, other fish and ancient Stromatolites. A walk over ancient fossil reefs at Cape Range National Park contrasts with the weightlessness of snorkeling at nearby Ningaloo Marine Park, the largest fringing coral reef in Australia.

The tour finale is 3 days enjoying the gorges and side chasms up to 100m deep in Karijini National Park. Your journey ends with a flight from Paraburdoo back to Perth.

Published in Western Australia

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