Category Archives: Adventure Travel

Adventure Travel, Africa, experiential travel

Natural Habitat Adventures Debuts New African Riverboat Safari in Botswana

Natural Habitat Adventures is introducing an exclusive new safari adventure aboard a privately chartered deluxe riverboat cruising the Chobe and Zambezi rivers beginning in June 2016.
Natural Habitat Adventures is introducing an exclusive new safari adventure aboard a privately chartered deluxe riverboat cruising the Chobe and Zambezi rivers beginning in June 2016.

BOULDER, CO – Natural Habitat Adventures is introducing an exclusive new safari adventure aboard a privately chartered deluxe riverboat cruising the Chobe and Zambezi rivers beginning in June 2016.

The Great African River Safari features an intimate cruise aboard the Chobe Princess followed by an overland safari through private reserves, a combination that offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Botswana while also touching into Zambia and Namibia. Guests spend three nights aboard the Chobe Princess, plying the broad channels and backwaters of the Chobe River and its confluence with the Zambezi River, and five nights at small luxury camps exclusively for Nat Hab guests and deep within Botswana’s premier private game reserves.

The 10-day itinerary begins in Livingstone, Zambia, near Victoria Falls. Days 2, 3 and 4 are aboard Chobe Princess. Guests then transfer by air from Namibia into Botswana to commence the land portion of the trip, which includes immersive safaris in the Selinda and Moremi game reserves. The adventure ends in Maun, Botswana. Departures begin in June 2016 and are scheduled through October 2017. Rates start at $10,995 per person, double, and vary by travel date. See: www.nathab.com/africa/namibia-botswana-africa-cruise/.

“Animals absolutely abound here, and our guests will encounter them in exceptional seclusion on this private adventure,” said Nat Hab founder and president, Ben Bressler. Hundreds of hippos, enormous elephant herds (70,000 live in Chobe National Park on the Botswana side of the river alone), great numbers of buffalo and antelope, rafts of crocodiles, a multitude of water birds and more are on display from the boat’s outdoor decks, and in air-conditioned comfort through the panoramic windows. Excursions by small skiffs up narrow channels provide even closer eye-level sightings.

Each departure is limited to just seven guests to ensure the most personalized safari experience possible in the quiet, remote areas visited. On wildlife drives, each traveler gets a window seat for optimal viewing and photography.

The adventure also includes Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Nat Hab guests will have a guided tour of the national park on the rim, exploring different viewpoints over the falls via a network of walkways before heading upriver to secluded Toka Leya camp, located on the banks of the Zambezi. A sunset cruise is included, where guests are sure to see plentiful hippos.

Travelers lodge at remote tented camps booked exclusively for Nat Hab guests. These include Selinda Explorers Camp and Little Tubu, an isolated enclave on Hunda Island. Rather than frequenting the more heavily visited national parks in Botswana, guests explore private concessions where visitor numbers are strictly limited but wildlife is prolific. The 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve is vast big-game country home to huge herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as lion, wild dog, sable and roan antelope that are spotted on a regular basis. Hunda Island within the private Jao Concession borders Botswana’s famed Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Huge numbers of various hoofed game abound here, with accompanying predators, especially lion and leopard. Guests fly on charter flights between locations, to reduce rough road travel and maximize time on safari.

Guests enjoy the personalized service of some of the top naturalist safari guides in all of Africa — a Nat Hab hallmark. A Nat Hab Expedition Leader accompanies the trip from start to finish. This staff also has additional training and resources provided exclusively to Nat Hab guides by World Wildlife Fund’s top researchers.

The Chobe Princess riverboat offers five suites with a choice of king and twin bed configurations. Bathrooms are en suite. Crisply decorated with contemporary flair in a palette of white, dove gray and chartreuse, the boat’s interior including the dining area and lounge make the most of its river setting with large picture windows and sliding glass doors in the cabins that provide private views of an ever-changing landscape.

For more information see www.nathab.com/africa/namibia-botswana-africa-cruise/

For information on all of Nat Hab’s trips, descriptive itineraries, date availability and reservations, call 800.543.8917 or visit www.nathab.com.

Natural Habitat Adventures is a world leader in responsible adventure travel and nature-based ecotourism. Since its founding in 1985, the company has offered eco-conscious expeditions and wildlife-focused small-group tours to the planet’s most remarkable nature destinations. Inspired and created from years of scouring the planet for the singular and extraordinary, Nat Hab’s itineraries are artfully crafted experiences that are far from “typical.” Trips are guided by professional naturalist Expedition Leaders, and Nat Hab enjoys a longstanding reputation for hiring some of the world’s best guides. Conservation is at the forefront of everything NHA does, and its philosophy is simple: tourism must work with and benefit local communities, which will in turn find value in protecting natural resources and wildlife. NHA is proud to be the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, sharing a mutual commitment to travel as a means of helping to protect the world’s wondrous natural places.

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Adventure Travel, Africa, experiential travel

Lion World Travel Offers Special Rate for Last Minute Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari

Lion World Travel is offering a last-minute 10-day "Wonder of Victoria Falls and Chobe" safari.
Lion World Travel is offering a last-minute 10-day “Wonder of Victoria Falls and Chobe” safari.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.– Lion World Travel is offering an incredible last minute 10-day vacation package to Victoria Falls and Chobe, Botswana from U.S. $3,699 per person including international economy airfare, based on two people sharing a room. This affordable and carefully curated safari vacation takes you to Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana, famous for its enormous elephant population and magnificent scenery. This “The Wonder of Victoria Falls and Chobe” vacation package is valid for travel from Oct. 21 through Dec. 20, 2015.

The itinerary also includes:

Economy class flights from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg on South African Airways

Regional flights to Victoria Falls and back from Kasane

Road transfers as per the itinerary

Seven breakfasts / three lunches / five dinners

Four nights at the newly refurbished four-star Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, featuring an onsite waterhole and a non-stop parade of wildlife visitors

Three nights in luxury at the four-star Mowana Safari Lodge, offering superb and comfortable accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River

Guided walking tour through the magnificent rain forest of Victoria Falls

Tranquil sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

Boma Restaurant dinner for an African experience

Six game activities at Mowana Safari Lodge including game drives, bush walks, fishing and bird watching

Mowana river boat cruise at either sunrise or sunset to witness the breathtaking beauty of the colorful African skyline

This package is valid for travel from Oct. 21 through Dec. 20, 2015 and is priced from U.S. $3,699 per person sharing.

Lion World Travel, in its 51st year, is a leading North American tour operator specializing in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa, and is a member of Travel Corporation , which also includes: Trafalgar Tours, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

For details and reservations, contact Lion World Travel at 800-387-2706 or visit www.lionworldtravel.com.

 

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Adventure Travel, Conservation, ecotourism, experiential travel, Nature Travel

Wild Planet Adventures Now Offers Wildlife Eco-tours in Fabled “Lost World” of Borneo

Wild Planet Adventures has been granted special access to lead wildlife eco-tours in the remote Maliau Basin Conservation Area, famously known as "The Lost World of Borneo" where an expedition encountered an unprecedented number of wild orangutans (©Yayasan Sabah)
Wild Planet Adventures has been granted special access to lead wildlife eco-tours in the remote Maliau Basin Conservation Area, famously known as “The Lost World of Borneo” where an expedition encountered an unprecedented number of wild orangutans (©Yayasan Sabah)

SAUSALITO , CA –

Award-winning wildlife travel expert Wild Planet Adventures has been granted special access to lead wildlife eco-tours in the remote Maliau Basin Conservation Area, famously known as “The Lost World of Borneo.” Located on the strait of Sabah, the region encompasses Malaysia’s easternmost state on the island of Borneo.

The Lost World of Borneo is one of three areas left in Borneo that encompass the last stands of the oldest rainforest on earth. Its geography – a basin surrounded by steep cliffs – has never been fully explored. Another of these areas, the Danum Valley, is also included in Wild Planet’s signature “Weird & Wonderful Wildlife Eco-tour” available in 12-and 16-day itineraries, the latter including an exclusive wildlife expedition into The Lost World of Borneo.

In April 2015 wildlife expert Josh Cohen, director of Wild Planet Adventures, mounted an extensive two-pronged expedition to Malaysia: first, to scout Borneo’s Lost World and then to investigate how to increase the percentage of rare animal sightings on its wildlife-focused tours.

Maliau Basin Conservation Area is a virtually self-contained ecosystem never inhabited by humans and where large areas still remain unexplored. Efforts are underway to nominate Maliau Basin as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cohen said.

“It’s no wonder Maliau Basin is called the “Lost World.” Here you can experience something that is nearly impossible to find anywhere else on earth: the forest floor is so pristine and untouched, if you step off the trail it is likely that no other human will have ever set foot where you are standing!”

He added that while wildlife is extremely shy, Maliau Basin Conservation Area offers perhaps the only remotely viable chance to see some of the world’s rarest animals including the clouded leopard, sun bear, pygmy elephant, Malaysian badger and the reclusive Bornean rhino.

“Wild Planet travelers will enjoy a nocturnal wildlife walk exclusive to our guests to monitor camera traps, conditions permitting,” Cohen said. Wild Planet has made special arrangements with wildlife researchers at Maliau Basin Conservation Area who will share recent camera trap photos of some of these and other rare animals.

Throughout Cohen’s Borneo scouting expedition, he and his staff went to great lengths to explore remote areas at unusual times of day, utilizing eco-responsible methods such as electric motor boats, silent safaris and ultra low-impact strategies to assure the best possible chance to spot animals not commonly seen by even the most diligent travelers. They scouted remote tributaries of the Kinabatangan River after midnight, arranged exclusive nocturnal access to wildlife-rich habitat surrounding Gomantong limestone caves, traversed uncharted riverbed trails in the Danum Valley and made special arrangements with scientific researchers to hike into remote camera trap destinations in Maliau Basin Conservation Area.

“The results were staggering,” he said. “In addition to seeing a huge volume of wildlife including 11 of the 13 primate species, pygmy elephants, tarsiers, slow loris, flying lemurs and other “gliders”, the expedition encountered an unprecedented number of wild orangutans – both alpha males as well as mothers with babies. But the highlight of the expedition was encountering an extraordinarily rare flat-headed cat, last sighted in the region nearly eight years ago, proving the efficacy of Wild Planet’s eco-responsible wildlife viewing methods.

As a follow-up to the initial scouting trip, he said “the extraordinary results continue to this day. The very first Wild Planet travelers to benefit from the new activities and destinations that we arranged saw a similar volume of rare animals, including a rare Bay owl, which had not been seen for many years.”

Both “Weird & Wonderful Wildlife” itineraries embrace Wild Planet Adventures’ unique scouting activities. They include Sipadan Reef, one of the world’s “Top 5” snorkel and dive spots, and the 16 day program also includes a visit to Seligan Island to witness sea-turtles laying eggs and the baby hatchlings returning to the sea. Both programs feature exclusive expeditions to see Borneo’s famous “gliders” – mammals, amphibians and reptiles that evolved to fly, such as Wallace’s flying frogs, colugos (flying lemurs), flying squirrels and Paradise flying tree snakes. There are also exclusive nocturnal expeditions to see Tarsiers and Slow Loris, two of the world’s smallest (and cutest!) primates.

The new 16-day Borneo “Weird & Wonderful Wildlife Eco-tour” starts at $7,798 per person, double. For details see http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=borneo&trip=weird-wonderful-wildlife-16-day-borneo

The 12-day Borneo Wildlife Eco-tour starts at $6,498 per person, double. For details see:
http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=borneo&trip=weird-wonderful-wildlife-12-day-borneo

For detailed itineraries, exciting wildlife photos and video galleries and booking information, visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/, call 800-990-4376 or email[email protected].

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Adventure Travel, experiential travel

Austin Adventures Presents 2015’s Most Compelling ‘Maycations’

Austin Adventures has compiled its list of 2015's most compelling "Maycations"—timely vacations to take during the month of May. They range from domestic tours that allow travelers to hike the colorful canyons of Zion National Park to international adventures that include snorkeling along Spain’s beloved Costa Brava.
Austin Adventures’ list of 2015’s most compelling “Maycations” range from domestic tours that allow travelers to hike the colorful canyons of Zion National Park to international adventures that include snorkeling along Spain’s beloved Costa Brava.

BILLINGS, MT –According to the adventure travel consultants at Austin Adventures there is no bad time to travel between April and June; however the month of May is optimal for most spring-time travelers.

“We’ve been in the business of planning vacations for more than 40 years now, and May has always been a popular travel month for guests afflicted with ‘spring fever,’” says Dan Austin, founder and president of Austin Adventures. “The savviest of travelers know this shoulder season month offers favorable weather and the best value in terms of selection and pricing, but sometimes, they need help choosing their destination.”

For that reason, the award-winning adventure travel company, which offers trips to all seven continents, has compiled a list of Maycations—timely vacations to take during the month of May. They range from domestic tours that allow travelers to hike the colorful canyons of Zion National Park to international adventures that include snorkeling along Spain’s beloved Costa Brava.

2015’s Most Compelling “Maycations”

Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks – Seeing southern Utah’s red rock formations is a surreal experience, especially during May when the wildflowers are in full bloom. May tends to be drier than March and April, but water levels are still high (thanks to melting snow), so expect to see breathtaking waterfalls.

Havasupai – Spring is the perfect time to take a dip in Arizona’s most sacred spring-fed travertine pools. Hike to Havasu Falls before summer’s monsoon season, and enjoy low humidity and comfortable hiking temperatures—highs in the mid-80’s and lows in the mid-50’s.

Machu Picchu – May could not be a more convenient time to complete one of the world’s most famous mountain treks. Experience Machu Picchu in all its glory at the start of the country’s dry season and just before the summer visitors arrive in droves.

Dalmatian Coast – The Adriatic Coast is spectacular in the summer; however, flights to Europe cost more during July and August and rooms can be hard to come by. Consider exploring this 350-mile stretch of shore during May – when temperatures are perfect for outdoor adventures, prices are lower and you’ll enjoy more personalized service.

Catalonia – With its warm yet relatively mild temperatures, May is the perfect time for a multisport vacation in northeastern Spain. Bike the secluded Via Verde, snorkel along the Costa Brava and hike in the foothills of the Pyrenees without the hassle of high temperatures and humidity.

Provence – Fall in love with the most seductive region of France months before the locals go on holiday. The warm days lend themselves to al fresco dining which is perfect for admiring the lush, green countryside from the comfort of a roadside café.

Romantic Road – There’s no better time than May to ride along the Middle Ages’ most famous and scenic, trade routes. May marks the beginning of the region’s unofficial “festival season” so it’s not hard to come by cultural entertainment, authentic food and unforgettable German beer!

Holland – Head to Holland in mid-May, and you can walk among millions of blossoming flowers at Keukenhof—a.k.a. the “Garden of Europe.” The theme for this year’s eight-week-long event is Van Gogh, 125 Years of Inspiration.

For adults and families looking for award-winning itineraries matched with unbeatable customer service, Austin Adventures offers an array of scheduled group departures to each of the above destinations. Trips range in price from $1,648 per person for a 5-Day/4-Night Havasupai Hiking Tour to $4,798 for a 9-Day/8-Night Machu Picchu Vacation Package.

For adventurers looking to take Maycations that are a little more “off the beaten path,” the company offers custom vacations and exclusive departures. All of the 2015 trips can be found in the Austin Adventures adventure vacation catalogs and on the company’s new website, www.austinadventures.com. Vacations both pre-set and custom can be arranged by calling (800) 575-1540 or emailing [email protected].
Follow Austin Adventures:
Website:                     http://www.austinadventures.com
Twitter Page:              https://twitter.com/austnadventures
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Adventure Travel, ecotourism

Natural Habitat Adventures’ Base Camp Greenland Wins OUTSIDE Best of Travel Award as ‘Best Splurge’

Natural Habitat Adventures won OUTSIDE's Best of Travel 2015 award for Best Splurge in travel for its Base Camp Greenland Adventure
Natural Habitat Adventures won OUTSIDE’s Best of Travel 2015 award for Best Splurge in travel for its Base Camp Greenland Adventure

BOULDER, CO — OUTSIDE has selected Natural Habitat Adventures, a premier nature travel company, to receive its Best of Travel 2015 award for the company’s Base Camp Greenland Adventure, the Best Splurge in travel.

OUTSIDE launched its travel awards series in 2012, and it has quickly become one of the most prestigious awards in the adventure travel industry. Nat Hab was honored as Best Outfitter worldwide in 2013, and the company is excited to make the list again in 2015.

“We’re thrilled that OUTSIDE recognizes the effort and meticulous planning that go into our trips. This has surely been the case with Base Camp Greenland,” said Ben Bressler, founder and president of Natural Habitat Adventures. “We think it is indeed worthy of a splurge!”

From newly revealed travel territories to the best deals, OUTSIDE’s Best of Travel 2015 celebrates the destinations and travel providers that inspire people to participate in an active lifestyle. The entire list of winners appears in OUTSIDE’s April issue (on newsstands March 17), and online at www.outsideonline.com/bestoftravel.

The Best Splurge, according to OUTSIDE, is to experience Greenland’s Arctic wilderness via an all-inclusive stay at Natural Habitat’s Base Camp Greenland (www.nathab.com/alaska-northern-adventures/greenland-nature-adventure). Base Camp Greenland is a new ecolodge near the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet in East Greenland, one of the most isolated places on Earth.

Here, pods of whales feed in the bay in view of the camp. Icebergs, spawned from massive glaciers, glitter in the late-night sun. Beneath granite peaks that tower over deep fjords, Greenland’s east coast – known as the “Arctic Riviera” for its mild summer climate – offers some of the best kayaking and hiking conditions in the North.

Guests will experience the stunning Arctic landscape in supreme comfort, along the lines of a luxury safari camp. More expedition lodge than “camp,” Base Camp Greenland provides accommodations in deluxe double tent cabins with individual verandas that survey the panoramic view.

Each spacious cabin is warmed by an individual heater, though long summer days are typically mild, sunny and dry. Cabins have twin beds outfitted with warm duvets and comfortable pillows, writing desks with chairs, a carpet runner, and an en suite dry toilet and sink. Showers are taken in separate bathhouses segregated by gender. Excellent meals are prepared by the camp chef and served in the dining/lounge tent.

A hallmark of Base Camp Greenland is its eco-conscious construction and operation. In such a pristine environment, a minimal footprint is imperative. A true low-impact eco-camp, lodge facilities are set up for two months in the summer and taken down each year. Camp solid waste is removed and disposed of in a biodegradable manner– nothing is left on site. Only biodegradable soap is used in the kitchen and showers. Interior lighting is powered by small individual solar panels.

Base Camp Greenland trips are 9 days in duration and begin at Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport outside of Reykjavik.  The 2015 departures are Aug 1, 10, 18, 26, and Sep 2. Rates start at $8,995 per person based on double occupancy, plus internal air of $926 (subject to change).

To determine this year’s travel award recipients, OUTSIDE’s adventure travel veterans scoured the globe to identify the coolest mountains to climb, food to eat, rivers to float, guides to hire, beaches to lounge on, and lodges to luxuriate in. The result is 40 breathtaking options—from the guides to show you around, to the cameras to capture it all, to the places to stay, to the best place to grab a snack at a food truck along the way.

For information on Base Camp Greenland trip and all the tours offered by Nat Hab along with descriptive itineraries, date availability and reservations, call 800.543.8917 or visit www.nathab.com. Click HERE to order a copy of the 2015 catalog.

 

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