NEW TENTED CAMP AT LOISABA

LAIKIPIA, Kenya (12/2013) Loisaba Wilderness  has announced the opening of a new Tented Bush Camp during its process of lodge renovations.  The Kenyan camp, which opened its doors on December 15^th, 2013, goes back to tradition with communal dining and bucket showers – true safari experiences.

In a 60,000-acre conservancy, the bush camp features double and twin tents, as well as one family tent.  Enjoy the en suite bathrooms that include bucket showers and flush toilets. You also have the opportunity to combine your stay at the camp with Loisaba’s legendary Starbeds. The Kiboko  Starbed and  the Koija Starbed are two variations of these handcrafted beds on raised platforms: one overlooks the eastern valley  and ‘Kiboko’ water hole, and one is located right next to the Ewaso N'giro River. From canvas tent to Mukokoteni bed, take in a one-with-nature experience under the twinkling African stars.

This equator location is a cornucopia for activities. This is one of the best destinations for game watching: the camp offers the chance to track lions and the endangered wild dogs living in the area. Also enjoy horseback riding, guided bush walks and game drives, camel trekking, river rafting and fishing, bush meals and sundowners.

A night at the new tented bush camps starts at $395 per person sharing.  This includes the aforementioned activities; all meals; local airstrip transfers; house wine, beer and soft drinks and limited laundry.

Please note: rates for the camp have been posted until March 31, 2014. The progress of lodge renovations will be determined before continuation of the tented camp.

For more information, visit www.chelipeacock.com or email info@chelipeacock.co.ke.

STEPPES DISCOVERY ANNOUNCES THE BONOBO GREAT APE EXPEDITION RARE WILD ADVENTURE TO HELP SAVE MAN’S CLOSEST RELATIVE

NEW YORK, New York (12/2013) Steppes Discovery, a division of Steppes Travel devoted to ethical wildlife travel, announces The Bonobo Great Ape Expedition, a two-week journey beginning August 17, 2014, into the heart of the Congo in search of our closest living, rarely seen relative. Sharing 98.4 – 98.6% of human genes, the Bonobo is even closer to us than the Chimpanzee.

Leading the tour will be renowned primatologists Sally Coxe and Michael Huxley, known locally as Mama and Papa Bonobo for co-founding the Bonobo Conservation Initiative charity (BCI). Rates start at $13,762 per person, excluding international flights, based on a group of 6, and a portion will directly benefit their efforts.  A Steppes specialist will accompany the group to ensure the trip runs as smoothly as possible as travelers are taken by bush plane and by pirogue along the Congo, the world’s deepest river.

This is not a journey for the faint of heart.  Travelers must be fit and unfussy – the Congo Basin which the endangered Bonobos inhabit, is the second largest rainforest (after the Amazon) on the planet and a somewhat demanding terrain. “We are very proud that  Steppes is the only tour operator in the world to offer this amazing experience, one that took our company 15 years to put together to ensure unrivaled adventure and the extraordinary pleasure of not only encountering our Ape ancestors but helping in their survival,” said Steppes’ Managing Director, Justin Wateridge.

The Bonobo is known as the Peacenik of the Animal Kingdom or the Make Love Not War primate: it lives in large communities (up to 120) and resolves conflicts through sex. It is believed that when the Congo River formed two million years ago, it split what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo into two parts. The Chimps went north of the river and became increasingly aggressive because food was scarce. The Bonobos stayed south of the river, where food was always plentiful, so they became harmonious. They are frugivores (fruit-eaters), but they also eat shoots and leaves, and, on occasion, small monkeys.

What distinguishes Bonobos from other primates is their social behavior. They are swingers:  highly acrobatic, they have more frequent sex (age and gender don’t matter though mother/adult son sex is taboo) than other primates and, like humans, they don’t have sex just to procreate but for pleasure, bonding and tension-release. It’s a matriarchal society, compassionate and egalitarian.

For bookings, more information or a detailed itinerary contact:  enquiry@steppesdiscovery.com

STEPPES TRAVEL NEW TOUR OF EARTH’S WILDEST FRONTIER: PAPUA NEW GUINEA

NEW YORK, NY (12/2013) Steppes Travel, the bespoke tour operator known for its pioneering adventures, is one of the first companies to offer a new, 11-day journey to Papua New Guinea (PNG), exploring with an expert the extraordinary history, exotic wildlife and unique culture of the “Land of the Unexpected.” Tours are limited and there are two departure dates for 2014 -- May 30^th and June 13^th. Rates for the 11-day trip start at US$9752 per person and US$1432 for a single supplement, excluding flights.

Alternatively, Steppes offers a tailor-made PNG adventure which will be handcrafted by the Steppes team.

Occupying the eastern half of New Guinea (the western half belongs to Indonesia) on the remote periphery of both Asia and Australia, PNG lies on a vast tropical island of torturous topography, tree-dwelling kangaroos, 850 separate languages, 1000 different cultures and people addicted to the art of adornment. 

The tour takes in some of the wildest frontiers on Earth -- the coastal fjords of Tufi, the rugged Western Highlands, and New Britain, the main island of the Bismarck Archipelago. It is designed to give a few adventurous travelers access to pristine rainforest, roaring rivers, coral reefs, beaches and crystalline waters teeming with marine life, all making up what is deemed the most culturally diverse country on earth.

·   The very charismatic and knowledgeable Aussie, Ray Andrews, will lead the tour.  A native of tropical North Queensland, Andrews has a vast amount of experience, including roles as Resident Naturalist at a number of bush camps, working with indigenous Australians to create businesses and planting some 100,000 trees in regeneration of the Wet Tropics.  He has also appeared on television with Jeff Corwin and the late crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin.  He has deep knowledge of PNG, having guided extensively throughout the island.  Above all, he is hugely passionate about the natural world.

ADVENTURE: 

• ·   Dive or snorkel the pristine waters of the Coral Triangle and dozens of ocean dive sites in the blue waters of the Solomon Sea, the calm waters of the tropical fjords, and explore wreck and muck dives. 
• ·   Paddle traditional outrigger canoes up tropical fjords
• ·   Climb an active volcano. There is no more dramatic place to do this -- PNG is home to one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet.

WILDLIFE: 

• ·   Go in search of the spectacular Birds of Paradise. Of the 43 known species on earth, 38 are found here, including the Superb, the Twelve-wired, and the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia. The island is also inhabited by the beautiful rainbow bee-eater, the striking palm cockatoo and the prehistoric cassowary. 
• ·   See bizarre Tree Kangaroos, a myriad of other wildlife, and the highly-valued Megapode eggs, incubated by the large chicken-like birds who lay them in the volcano’s heated soils.

CULTURE: 

• ·   The Indigenous people and unique fauna and flora of PNG are found nowhere else on earth.
• ·   See the colorful body adornment of the Huli wigmen, the ceremonial and decorative carvings of the Sepik, meet the Mudmen of New Guinea and the Baining Firedancers.
• ·   Learn about the significance of sorcery and the part it has played – and continues to play – in the original animist religions, and discover ancient rituals, bush medicines, fire-making, mat-making and traditional tattooing.
• ·   Discover modern day PNG and politics Melanesian-style with a visit to Parliament House, one of the most distinctive government buildings anywhere in the world.   

For more information and details please visit www.steppestravel.com

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS DISCOUNTS EMERALD SEASON RIVER JOURNEYS TO CELEBRATE NEW BBC DOCUMENTARY ON THE ZAMBIA’S SOUTH LUANGWA

SOUTH LUANGWA, Zambia (12/2013) Robin Pope Safaris (RPS), the conservation-conscious company known for its innovative safaris, is offering a 10% discount on its seven-night Emerald Season River Journeys in celebration of a new BBC2 documentary (Africa 2013: Countdown to the Rains) shot in the Nsefu sector, with the film crew staying at RPS’ Tena Tena tented camp.

Rates start at US$2667 sharing and include all safari activities, accommodations at Nwalki, Nsefu and Luangwa River Camp; meals, bar, laundry and transfers to and from Mfuwe airport. Excluded are domestic round-trip flights from Lusaka (US$570 per person); airport taxes, Visa fees and International flights.  Offer is valid for safaris booked before January, 2014 and are valid from January 22 to March 31, 2014.

Robin Pope Safaris River Journeys cover one of Zambia’s premier national parks – the South Luangwa.  The Luangwa Valley marks the end of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and arguably the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.

“The Luangwa Valley is at its most dramatic in the Emerald Season with the Luangwa River flowing into the brimming lagoons. Boating into the lagoons, flooded ebony groves and flowing channels gives safari-goers a glimpse of the Valley not normally accessible in this season,” says RPS Managing Director Ton de Rooy.

Guests will also be able to experience walking in the bush; day and night game drives; a Kawaza Village Tour, and visits to Tribal Textiles (for stylish souvenirs) and Chipembele Wildlife Orphanage.

For a detailed itinerary or more information, contact:  info@robinpopesafaris.net or visit www.robinpopesafaris.net

ON FOOT’S WALKING TOUR OF SPAIN’S INCOMPARABLE CATALONIA: TONIC FOR BODY AND SOU

NEW YORK, NY (12/2013) On Foot Holidays, specialist in self-guided, designed walking and hiking tours through the hidden scenic byways of Europe, announces a walking tour of Spain’s historic Catalonia. The tour takes in the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa and the precipitous cliffs of the Cabrerès. Stays are in the medieval towns of Besalu, Santa Pau, Rupit, Joanetes and Olot.  Rates for the seven-night tour start at US$1316 and include seven bed and breakfasts, five evening meals, five picnics, and luggage transfers between hotels. Level: medium to hard with 4 1/2 to 6 hours of walking/hiking a day.

Catalonia is the picturesque region of Spain that encompasses the northeastern provinces of Girona, Tarragona, Lleida and Barcelona. Stefano Buonamici, writing for The New York Times, described it as, “….a Catalonia outside Barcelona, one tourists rarely see — a rural countryside, created in part by those volcanoes, with dramatic cliffs, verdant fields and untrammeled medieval villages.”

Hikers will savor Catalonia’s fabled hospitality and scrumptious Catalan cooking. The town of Girona, for example, features El Celler de Can Roca, one of the top-ranked restaurants in the world, while little Olot boasts Les Cols, a two-starred Michelin restaurant (reservations are a must). Hikers will also be ensconced for two nights in a Vogue-featured farmhouse. “What is more uplifting than walking through lands that have been untouched by time?” says On Foot’s Director Simon Scutt. “Throw in culture, fine food and accommodations full of character, and our walks are a perfect tonic for body and soul.”

The walk begins in the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Besalú, staying in a stylish hotel next to the old bridge. From here it’s through the heart of La Garrotxa Natural Park with its numerous (now extinct) volcanoes. Winding up through the beech woods and rolling pastures of the cliff-girt plateau of El Cabrerès, the views are over the Catalonian hills, the towering heights of Mount Puigsacalm and the often snow-capped Pyrénées.  The final stay is in a converted farmhouse in the rural calm of La Vall d'en Bas.

On Foot’s Catalonia tour was designed by wildlife and walking guide Mike Lockwood, who has lived in Catalonia for 25 years. Fluent in Catalan and Spanish, Lockwood authored the “Sunflower” walking guide to the area and designed much of the network of historical paths that this tour follows. Recently, he handed over the baton to Richard Calvin, a keen walker and sculptor in stainless steel, whose wife Sara looks after hotel liaison and runs her own villa rental company.

This trip can be combined with a visit to Barcelona.

Contact: On Foot Holidays at 011 44 1722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

DISCOVER SOUTH WEST ENGLAND AT YOUR OWN PACE

NEW YORK, NY (11/2013) On Foot Holidays, the company that stands out for its self-guided walking tours all around Europe, offers an excellent option to discover Southwest England. Walk to hidden and delightful spots of the most English counties of the region: Wardour Castle, Saxon Shaftesbury, Cranborne Chase, Milton Abbas, The Cerne Giant, Evershot, Bridport and Lyme Regis.

South West England (Dorset - In the footsteps of Thomas Hardy). This seven-night journey is considered of medium difficulty to walk, with four and half to six and a half hours of walk per day. The tour starts in the beautiful cathedral city of Salisbury and ends in the fishing village of Lyme Regis, where you will be able to relax and have a platter of fresh seafood in the so called “Pearl of Dorset”. Created by locals of the region, the route ensures that countryside is varied with plenty of cultural interest on the way. Walk the romantic ruins of Old Wardour Castle, the Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury and picturesque Gold Hill. Explore the tiniest and most concealed streets of quintessentially English villages and enjoy our trails with gently rolling landscapes as backdrops, such as the old royal hunting estate of Cranborne Chase, prehistoric Hambledon Hill and the perfectly designed village, Milton Abbas. Characterized by its richness in geological history, the route will take you to the emblematic World Heritage Site: the Jurassic Coast, and guide you up the Golden Cap clifftop, with its far-reaching sea views.

The eating and drinking in this region will be local and plentiful. The tour passes through towns and villages where food enthusiasts will be able to taste real English ales and hearty and traditional foods.

Forget about the hustle of making schedules that include all the “must-see” places of a city, or reading infinite reviews to find the perfect hotel. On Foot Holidays will prepare you a complete itinerary for you to enjoy the region, and arrange your stay at fascinating and typical old inns. We will also handle luggage transfer so you don’t have any worries or items to carry around while walking.

The South West England tour is available all year round. Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,213 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers. On Foot Holidays recommends an extra day to relax and explore the local countryside at Plush, the seaside at Lyme Regis or Salisbury.

For more information, and questions regarding customized variations of the trip contact On Foot Holidays at 01722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

WALKING TOURS IN FRANCE: DISCOVERING PATHS LESS TRAVELED WITH ON FOOT HOLIDAYS

NEW YORK, NY (12/13) – On Foot Holidays, creators of walking tours designed just for you and where you act as your own guide while they handle the hassles of transferring your luggage by vehicle, arranging stays in charming inns, hotels or B&Bs, and ensuring that you will dine deliciously at the end of each day, offers three journeys in undiscovered France that will surprise and delight you.

Cotes du Rhone (Gigondas and the foothills of Mont Ventoux).  This seven-night journey is considered medium to hard with walks of four to seven hours each day.  It starts and ends in villages perched atop a cliff.  You’ll visit medieval Venasque, the cobbled-stone alleys of Crestet, the formidable castle of Vaison, and the pretty villages of Mazan, Le Barroux, and Gigondas.  Walk in the extraordinary geological formation of the Dentelles de Montmirail with the highest peak in Provence within sight.  Saunter through olive and cherry tree groves and a sea of vineyards.   Spectacular views throughout.  You might want to upgrade to a night in the Marquis de Sade’s former home.  End your trip, if you like, in historic Avignon, home of the popes in the 14^th century.

All meals typify the best of Provence.  Some recommended dishes include stuffed chicken and mushrooms with cream sauce and roast lamb accompanied by potatoes with foie gras.  The wines include Gigondas reds and whites, from family-owned vineyards in the region.

The Cotes du Rhone tour was designed by Regis Leroy who knows the region intimately.  He and his wife Patricia are always willing to be helpful. Rates per person sharing for seven nights are from $1,560 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, five evening meals, five picnics, a detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

Chamonix and the French Alps (Le Pays du Mont Blanc).  This seven night self-guided hike at the foot of Mont Blanc is difficult and sometimes frankly challenging but worth the extra effort as it encompasses some of the most awe-inspiring and spectacular landscapes in Europe.  In summer, the Alpine meadows are flower-decked and the Aiguille de Midi cable car rises 3840 meters for dramatic vistas over glaciers and snowfields.  There are various options for taking it slightly easier, such as a gentle stroll along the oratories and chapels of the “Route du Baroque” but the best walking is to be had up high with views to die for.

The Chamonix area is a gourmet’s delight and the tour enables you to stay with three excellent cooks – Fiona at Les Contamines, Helen and Leighton at Les Houches, and Carla at Chamonix.  Since you’re in France, the wines everywhere are delicious.

This route was designed by Lizzy Ashley Cooper who regularly walks the paths and routes in the forests, mountain slopes and meadows around Mount Blanc.  Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,633 and include accommodations, breakfast daily, six dinners, six picnics, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

Alpes Maritime (From the Alps to the Mediterranean). A seven night self-guided walk ideal for you if you would like to move your walking grade up to medium.  The route goes from La Brigue on the France/Italy border down the Roya Valley to Menton on the Riviera and takes you through one of the most remote parts of France.  The medieval village of La Brigue offers the chance to explore winding alleyways and old town houses while Saorge beckons from its cliff-side position..  Visit the ancient towns of Breil and Sospel and stay in the mountain-top village of Ste. Agnes with its views across to the Mediterranean.   The last stop is Menton, Belle Epoque splendor now restored to its former glory.

The cuisine on this route is very southern-France and includes such tasty fare as Nicoise Stew, mushrooms with goat cheese and aioli Provencale.  You’ll also find a touch of Italy-in-France with bresaola and cacciatore.

The Alpes Maritime tour was designed by Richard Petitjean who has lived in the area for 29 years and is a licensed tour guide. Since 60% of France’s flora is found in the region, his knowledge of botany is put to good use.  Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,214 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, two evening meals, four picnics, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

For the lowdown on any of these tours such as when best to go, how much walking is involved, where you would stay and how to get there, etc., visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

ANNOUNCING ON FOOT HOLIDAYS – DESIGNED WALKING TOURS THROUGH UNTOUCHED CORNERS OF EUROPE

NEW YORK, NY (11/2013) On Foot Holidays, a specialist in self-guided walking and hiking tours throughout Europe, offers 21 perfectly picturesque trails, ranging from Italy’s barely-trodden Sabine Hills to its must-see Amalfi Coast, and from the untamed coast of Turkey to Spain’s fabled White Villages, with spring and autumn pegged as the ideal walking seasons. Rates start at approximately $1050 per person for accommodations, breakfast, some evening meals, some picnics, luggage transfers between hotels and detailed route information.

There are trails for all abilities – amblers, scramblers and seasoned hikers.  Travelers choose set-off date and book their own travel, while On Foot sees to it that luggage is transported from point to point, leaving walkers pleasingly hands-free.  Accommodations are on a Bed and Breakfast basis, so that travelers can explore local food and wine options under the guidance of On Foot.  Accent is on local offerings, traditional delicacies, cultural variation, regional dishes and recipes handed down from generation to generation from the best cooks and the best kitchens.

On Foot walking trails are put together by a “Route Advisor,” a person who lives locally and has painstakingly created an itinerary that is designed to take the traveler through varied countryside, packing in en route as much beauty and culture as possible. Each Route Advisor identifies the most welcoming small hotels, farmhouses and village rooms, too – the kind of legwork most people eschew because they don’t have time to do.  Each walk is scrupulously tested and graded for difficulty by On Foot’s Director, Simon Scutt, and by at least one other team member, who are available to impart their first-hand knowledge.

“What is more uplifting than walking through lands that have been untouched by time?” says Scutt. “Throw in culture, fine food and accommodations that are full of character, and our walks are a perfect tonic for mind and body.”

SAMPLE WALK:

Lycian Way, Turkey, $1086 per person, graded medium-hard.

This walk was designed by Kate Clow – an inhabitant of the region for more than 20 years and author of The Lycian Way guidebook. A seven-night itinerary along the Turquoise Coast begins from a mountain hotel near Antalya, taking hikers down to the coast of Phaselis, a beautifully-preserved Graeco-Roman site, past secluded beaches to the Chimaera, the eternal flame of legend, and on to the ruins at Olympus. The last leg, along an untamed coastline, ends at the lighthouse of Kilidonya.  Price includes accommodations with daily breakfast, four evening meals, five picnics, luggage transfers between hotels and detailed route information. Extensions to Istanbul are available.

Contact On Foot Holidays at 01722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

HOW TO STAY FIT IN THE AFRICAN BUSH: SABI SABI'S GYM WITH A VIEW

SABI SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA (10/13) – Animals are everywhere in the African bush, making exercise a formidable task. Staying in shape just got a whole lot easier for everyone at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve with the opening of Earth Lodge’s Gym – our vote for bestgym with a view.

Keep your adrenaline flowing after a game drive as you hop on a training bike and pretend you’re out back in the bush. In response to guest interest, Sabi Sabi built an intimate glass-fronted gym where you can hope to see animals pass in front of you as your burn off those calories. Though it can hold a few people at a time, it is equipped with a state of the art rowing machine, treadmills, a training bike, mats, weights and exercise balls. Not to mention the one thing that will make the time fly by: the view. 

Sweat towels and bottles of ice cold water are provided; while back at your suite, there’s a private plunge pool and outdoor shower to make you feel clean and refreshed.Earth Lodge’s unique design and philosophy of being totally at one with Nature lends itself to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the gym, highly trained therapists take a holistic approach to treatments in the Amani Spa, and the chefs use the freshest seasonal and local ingredients.

Rates for Sabi Sabi’s Earth Lodge start at $1,023* per person sharing, depending on the season, and include game drives, environmental awareness walking safaris, all meals, a house selection of beverages and transfers to the Sabi Sabi airstrip. For reservations, contact res@sabisabi.com, email warren@warrengreenandassociates.com, or call (804) 767-8770. For more information, visit www.sabisabi.com.

*Based on the exchange rate between USD and South African Rand on 10/07/13.

TRAVEL BEYOND THE ORDINARY WITH STEPPES: CRUISING THE MEKONG RIVER

MEKONG, Viet Nam (10/13) – Exhilarating!   That’s what you’ll hear when someone describes a Steppes Travel Group cruise on the Mekong River.  It offers the richest and most varied tapestry of life of any waterway worldwide.  A panoply of busy and colorful markets, floating, remote villages, and ancient cities, the Mekong is a cultural conduit that links the diverse cultures of six countries. Hearty souls can cruise the length of the 2,703 miles from Viet Nam to China. But the heart of the river is in Vietnam and Cambodia, where Steppes arranges custom-designed cruises to your specifications.

Itineraries include the lush, densely populated Mekong Delta and the extraordinary Khmer ruins of Angkor.  Experience daily land-based guided excursions to observe traditional river life.  Visit a Cham village where the people are among the Muslim minority in Vietnam. View the mosque and vendors selling vegetables from their wheeled stalls. Visit Phnom Penh and its Royal Palace and spectacular Silver Pagoda. Tour Chong Koh, a silk weaving village. Cruise past houses built on stilts in the fishing villages with their boats tied below. See stunning bird life and beautiful temples along the river banks. Throughout, the scenery is spectacular and colorful.

The ships which Steppes Travel Group use are the Mekong Pandow ships.  They are relatively small, specially designed for the Mekong, and have a “no groups” policy.  Each cabin has a balcony. The easiest way to explore the rural charms of Cambodia and Vietnam is to cruise the Mekong in the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere of these comfortable ships with excellent staff and wonderful regional food. Land-based excursions are available.  There are regular departures of the ships from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to Siem Reap and from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh.

Rates start at $2,552 per person, depending on the season. They include transfers at the beginning and end of trip, seven night/eight day cruise with accommodation and meals, guided shore excursions, local drinks, entrance fees and guide services.

For more information, visit www.steppestravelgroup.com or call 1-855-352-7606.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive at Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh

Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh

Day 4 – Cai Be/Chau Doc

Day 5 – Chau Doc/Border Crossing

Day 6 – Phnom Penh

Day 7 – Phnom Penh/Kampong Cham

Day 8 – Kampong Cham

Day 9 – Tonie River

Day 10 – Tonie Sap/Siem Reap/Disembark

Day 11 -- Siem Reap/ Bangkok

STEPPES DISCOVERY TAKES ADVENTURERS INTO THE WILDS OF LADAKH, INDIA IN QUEST OF THE ELUSIVE, ENDANGERED SNOW LEOPARD

NEW YORK, NY (10/13) Steppes Discovery, trailblazers in conservation and wildlife tourism, offers IN SEARCH OF THE SNOW LEOPARD, a two-week small group tour (maximum: 8 people) to seek out the rare, well-camouflaged big cat, one of the planet’s most beautiful creatures, one of its most elusive and one of its most endangered. The tour, which won a Responsible Travel Award, takes place in Ladakh, a region of far north India, bounded by two of the world’s greatest mountain ranges, the Himalaya and the Karakoram.

Tours are led by experts from the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, the wildlife charity which this trip supports. These are the same trackers used by the BBC, National Geographic and other wildlife film-makers.

“We pride ourselves on the characters that we work with,” says Steppes Managing Director Justin Wateridge. “Yes, they are guides; yes, they have expertise, but we work with them for their passionate and charismatic personalities that ensure an exceptional, lasting impression.”

Rates for the scheduled two-week tour (November 19 – December 2, 2013) start at $3664 (USD) per person excluding international flights. Rates for the November 8 – November 21, 2014 tour start at $3,970 (USD) per person excluding international flights. All include a donation to the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust. Private group tours can also be arranged.

If ever there was a soul-enhancing experience for seasoned travelers, it’s catching sight of the magnificent Snow Leopard, a creature so rarely seen it’s known as the “ghost of the Himalayas.” But on Steppes Discovery tour the odds of a sighting are in the traveler’s favor:  Not just one, but two Snow Leopards were seen on Steppes’ most recent tour.  Not surprising since the experts behind this pioneering tour company were among the first to access the area, and boast a proven track record of sightings over the past 14 years.  Wildlife lovers may also encounter blue sheep (bharal), ibex, wolves, wild yaks, brown bears, golden eagles, bearded vultures and Himalayan Griffons.

Travelers will explore Hemis National Park in a high-altitude area famous for Snow Leopard research, photography and filming. They will visit picturesque Buddhist villages and monasteries during winter festival, when communities celebrate with traditional costumes, music and masked dancers. They will meet the region’s hardy mountain people and learn about the Buddhism they practice by spending time in traditional homesteads and experiencing first-hand the warmth and hospitality of the people who call this wilderness home.

For more information or a detailed itinerary,contact:

enquiry@steppesdiscovery.com Or visit: www.steppesdiscovery.com

GAUCHOS, PENGUINS & GLACIERS; PATAGONIA FULL CIRCLE

SANTIAGO, Chile (09/2013) – Meet gauchos in estancias… See an entire penguin colony upclose… Take in looming glaciers and step foot on legendary Cape Horn… These experiences are the keys to a Patagonian adventure, one reflected in Australis’ newest itinerary: 
“Gauchos, Penguins & Glaciers.” This is a roundtrip land and sea experience from Punta Arenas, Chile; see everything Tierra del Fuego has to offer with daily lectures given by experts in the field.

With multiple departures this season, passengers have the option of two itineraries; the onlydifference is the addition of Pia glacier, one of the tallest in South America, for that extra day. From October 2013 to April 2014, the Stella Australis will be part of a five-night program. From November 2013 to March 2014, the Via Australis will be part of a six-night 
program.

After a night in Punta Arenas, cross the Strait of Magellan to debark at Porvenir, capital of the Chilean Province of Tierra del Fuego, near the world’s most accessible colony of king penguins. It is here you will be able to see these penguins up close; they are the second largest species of penguins and one of the most beautiful to capture on film.

Drive on to an estancia (a rural estate) where passengers are able to interact with gauchos, Patagonian cowboys, and see how the locals live. Observe how they handle their dogs for herding sheep, and see what a Patagonian barbeque is like. Usually, the barbeque would consist of lamb, Patagonia’s meat of choice, with a very serious cooking process. The result is a very sweet and tender meal. While with the gauchos, everyone will have the opportunity
to horseback ride with the pros.

Before the journey comes full circle, go ashore at mystical Cape Horn, also known as the “End of the Earth;” and take in the mesmerizing beauty of the Magellan forest, looming glaciers and the Magellan Penguins at Madgalena Island. Many of these places are only accessible using Australis’ small expedition ships.

And finally, end back in charming Punta Arenas, and reflect on your Patagonian adventure.

Rates start at $3,536 per person sharing, depending on the season and itinerary (the larger the group, the lower the rate). This includes accommodation, all meals, an open bar, shore excursions and on board entertainment. For more information, visit www.australis.com/site/en-us/routes-itineraries/punta-arenas-punta-arenas-2.

CATHARINA'S RESTAURANT AT STEENBERG HOTEL REIMAGINED WITH LIGHTER & BRIGHTER LOOK

CONSTANTIA, South Africa (09/2013) - Award-winning Steenberg Hotel and Winery outsideof Cape Town, continues the transformation of its dining experiences with the updating of Catharina’s Restaurant, a celebrated culinary destination. 

Studio Botes was brought in to reimagine a formal fine dining room into a space that is light, bright and airy and to bring to life the story of Catharina Ras, the Cape’s first female landowner, a feisty, outrageous, but beguiling historical figure. 

“While steeped in history, the design and décor juxtapose the traditional and the modern, creating a visual overview of the eclectic nature of the Cape as a trading outpost in 1682, as well as Steenberg’s past and present,” says Brandt Botes, founder of the studio that bears his name. To achieve this, the studio used a mix of vintage, eclectic and contemporary elements including a copy of the actual 17th century deed granting Catharina the right to the land as well as a modern diorama and light boxes customized for the space. In the book-like menus, Catharina's life is portrayed by six different illustrators through six illustrations united by design and color. 

The huge windows of the dining room allow light to flood the room that is finished out in shades of steel, gray, blue and white. Heavy barnwood tables inspired by farm-style harvest tables further impart an informal, family-style feel to the space. The restaurant’s acclaimed chef, Garth Almazan says: “The new dining room is reflective of the inviting and unimposing elegance of Steenberg. We look forward to welcoming diners to our new home. Our Summer Menu [November – February] is very much inspired by the dining 
room’s fresh feel,” says Almazan. 

As guests enter the dining room, they are likely to see the multitude of origami swans suspended from the ceiling. These figures serve a symbolic purpose – Steenberg’s original name was “Swaaneweide” – The Feeding Place of Swans. Back in 1682, Catharina had mistaken the spur-winged geese of the Steenberg region for swans!

A single black swan also hangs from the ceiling, acknowledging Steenberg’s past and future. “The black swan represents Catharina Ras who truly stood out, in her time and in ours. Furthermore, the black swan nods to Steenberg’s logo, unique offerings and indomitable spirit, inspired by Catharina herself,” says Anetha Homan, Marketing Manager of Steenberg.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME ALONG THE FABLED SILK ROAD: WITH IAIN SHEARER AND STEPPES DISCOVERY

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (09 / 13) Just hearing the phrase Silk Road conjures up images of mystical sights, intrigue, and romance. For centuries the Silk Road held great global economic significance, and today travelers can go with Steppes Discovery and famed archaeologist Iain Shearer along part of this fabled route in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The trip’s superb 16-day itinerary includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and begins in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. While in Turkmenistan travelers can step back in time and see spectacular ruins in places like Nisa, which is believed to have been one of the first capitals of the Parthian empire, and Merv, one of the most well-preserved cities from the early days of the Silk Route. Iain will also take adventurers to see Kunya-Ugrench, another UNESCO site, and the former capital of Khorezmshah Empire.

After spending the first half of the trip soaking in these beautiful ancient sites in Turkmenistan, travelers will cross the border and enter Uzbekistan. The first few days will be spent basking in the splendor of Khiva’s many grand palaces and mosques, and even relaxing in a traditional hammam. Next Iain will lead the group to Bukhara, the former capital that boasts more than 300 mosques, with superb features like the Kalon Minaret. From there the group travels to Samarkand where they will explore the region’s highlights like the remains of the ‘White Palace,’ the ancient city of Afrosiab, Registan Square, and the Mausoleum of the Prophet Daniel. The trip concludes in the 2,000 year old city of Tashkent, which is also the nation’s capital. The city boasts stunning historical quarters from the 16^th century and an excellent art museum.

The Silk Road’s name was initially derived from the lucrative silk trade that was the genesis for this ‘Road’ during the Han Dynasty. However other goods as well as ideas, religions, and even diseases, like the Black Plague, traveled along this fabled route. This trail also was responsible for economic and cultural development throughout China, the Indian subcontinent, Persia, Europe, and Arabia.

Shearer’s critically acclaimed work focuses on development and conflict archaeology, and he has overseen excavations in Nishapur, Iran and in the Ferghana Valley in Uzbekistan. He currently holds a Research Affiliate Position at the Centre for Applied Archaeology at University College London and is the British Museum’s Sackler Scholar for Iran and Afghanistan. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society.

The trip is from May 1-16, 2014 and September 11-26, 2014 and costs $5,592 including international flights, and $4,072 excluding international flights.

For more information please contact http://www.steppesdiscovery.co.uk/ or call 1 855 2527606 (toll free)

SHUTTERBUGS CAN GO WILD WITH STEVE BLOOM ON STEPPES' MIGRATION AND GORILLA TREKKING CIRCUIT IN AFRICA

ARUSHA, Tanzania (9/13) The African continent is a veritable cornucopia of nature, and Steppes Discovery can take you on the tour of a lifetime to discover two of the continent’s most spectacular sights with the inimitable Steve Bloom: The Great Migration and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. The trip consists of eight exhilarating days beginning in the northern Serengeti and ends with a trip to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Visitors will obviously want to document this once in a lifetime experiences, and attempting to capture the teeming masses of wildlife as they race through the Serengeti can seem daunting. Capturing the elusive gorillas on film is no easy feat either. Luckily legendary photographer Steve Bloom will be on hand to teach the group some of his best tricks and techniques. Bloom has had a storied career as a wildlife photographer. He has published several compilations of his images and has even produced eleven critically acclaimed outdoor exhibitions, entitled Spirit of the Wild, all aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues.

The adventure starts at the Serengeti Wilderness Camp, located in the epicenter of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The camp is mobile, and only exists during the Great Migration so it can follow the animals’ migratory patterns, ensuring that travelers are constantly in a prime gameviewing area. Serengeti Wilderness Camp is comprised of ten tents, all outfitted with ensuite bathrooms and luxurious verandahs that are highly conducive to appreciating the stellar views. The camp offers a variety of activities like balloon safaris, bird watching, game drives, and walking safaris.

Thanks to new flights between the Serengeti and Entebbe, travelers can easily jet off to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the ultimate day trip. Bloom will travel with the group as they track and photograph the elusive gorillas.

The trip costs $7,392.60 excluding international flights, and $8,532.20 including international flights. The trip is from June 12-19, 2014 and available for a maximum of ten people.

For more information please contact http://www.steppesdiscovery.co.uk/ or call 1 855 2527606 (toll free)

GO BEYOND MACHU PICHU WITH STEPPES TRAVEL AND HUGH THOMSON

LIMA, Peru (09/2013) Peru is a veritable treasure trove of archaeological sites, ancient temples, pyramids, and stunning vistas; Machu Pichu is just one of the gems in this South American crown. Discover some of Peru’s finest sites that are off the beaten path with The Traveller, part of the Steppes Travel Group and filmmaker Hugh Thomson on an exhilarating 14 day trip. 

The trip begins in picturesque Lima, where visitors will explore the town’s sights, including the Museo Larco which houses a stunning collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. The adventure continues in the Moche Valley, which is full of ancient edifices like the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, built in 450 AD and Chan Chan, an adobe town built in 850 AD that is the largest pre-Columbian city in South America. While in the Moche Valley, travelers will visit towns like Trujillo, which is considered Peru’s cultural capital as it is the center marinera dance, boasts haute cuisine, and is the birthplace of many famous writers.

The region contains even more gems, like El Brujo; an archaeological site that dates from 1-600 AD and contains colonial remains and ancient monuments built by the Moche. Visitors can also see the temple of Huaca Cao Viejo that houses the incredibly preserved mummified remains of Lady of Cao.

The journey continues as the group tours Cajamarca, where the Incan emperor Ataheulpa was once held hostage.Upon leaving Cajamarca the group will drive along Rio Maranon Canyon to Kuelap, a massive fortified city in the cloud forest that’s regarded as Machu Pichu of the north.

The adventures ends the trip in Chicalayo, where highlights include the pre-Hispanic site of Tucume,  which boasts 26 major pyramids and mounds, and Ventarron, a 4,000 year old temple. Many believe this site offers the first evidence of civilization in northern Peru.

Renowned filmmaker Hugh Thomson will take the group through Peru. He spent more than two decades in Peru, which he chronicles in The White Rock: An Exploration of the Inca Heartland. He has also led many expeditions throughout Peru, including the one that discovered Cota Coca, an Incan site.

The trip is from September 23-October 5, 2014 and costs $4,792.

For more information please contact www.the-traveller.com or call 1 855 2527606 (toll free).

STEPPES TRAVEL ANNOUNCES TOUR WITH INDIA EXPERT LOUISE NICHOLSON

NEW YORK, NY (09/2013) Travelers looking for an aesthetic, hands-on experience of India will find it in a new tour, North India Uncovered, from Steppes Travel, pioneers in sustainable tourism and creators of exceptional explorations and experiences in all corners of the globe.

The curated North India Uncovered tour will be led by art historian and India expert Louise Nicholson, who is steeped in India’s culture, having visited the sub-continent no fewer than 200 times.  Rates (inclusive of virtually everything except international airfare) are $6356 per person for the 13-night excursion which begins in Mumbai on February 2, 2014 and ends in New Delhi on February 15.

The group will visit two of the most important art/architecture sites of ancient India – the Ellora and the Ajanta caves.  They will take in fabled Fatepur Sikri, built by Mughal emperor Akbar and arguably the most beautiful uninhabited city in the world. They will travel to the great sites of Rajasthan – Jodhpur and its famous fort; the pink city of Jaipur, heart of India’s gemstone trade; the mirage-like Lake Palace in Udaipur and the utterly exotic cattle market in Naguar with its fancifully bedizened camels and colorful and chaotic marketplace.

Louise Nicholson is a journalist and author of 26 books including National Geographic Traveler’s Guide to India. She produced the very successful BBC series on the Great Mughals and, though a generalist, she has in-depth knowledge of Indian textiles, art, architecture and history. Those accompanying her don’t just go to a shop for textiles, they meet the weavers and learn about the manifold kinds of fabrics and stitches India is renowned for.  They don’t just glide past mustard or barley fields – they meet the farmers. And they don’t just do the compulsory visit to the Taj Mahal – they go twice, at sunrise and at sunset to view the world’s most beautiful tomb in the light of dawn and the light of dusk.

For more information contact: enquiry@steppestravel.com and visit www.steppestravel.com

ANCIENT ERBIL: THE ARAB CAPITAL OF TOURISM IN 2014 Steppes Traveler Offers a Unique and Fascinating Journey in Iraqi Kurdistan

ERBIL, Iraq (09/2013) Off limits for so long, Erbil in Kurdistan, the land of the Kurds in northern Iraq, has been named the Arab Capital of Tourism in 2014.  Even though it is a non-Arab city, Erbil received this honor from the Arab Council of Tourism and it promises a new era for this stable and welcoming region.

Steppes Traveller, part of Steppes Travel Group, intrigued with the fascinating culture and history of this ancient land, is offering a nine-day tour to Iraqi Kurdistan September 26 to October 4, 2014.  It will trace the golden ages of the Assyrians and the Medes as well as discover Northern Iraq and its spectacular mountain scenery.
     
What a fabulous opportunity to go to a little-visited place that offers so much in terms of heritage and beautiful landscapes.  Led by expert William Taylor, who has traveled extensively in this part of the world, participants are promised a rich experience through his expertise and enthusiasm for the area.

Erbil, the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth, was the religious capital of the Assyrian kingdom.  Its Citadel, standing since the sixth century, is being currently restored. Other highlights in Erbil include the Civilization Museum, Choli Minaret and Dwin Castle.  In Dohuk, there are visits to St. Mathew’s Monastery; the site of the Battle of Gaugamela where Alexander the Great defeated Darius III; the world’s oldest aqueduct; the Khanis site with Assyrian sculptures; and the Rabban Hormizd Monastery, once home to 600 cave-dwelling monks.

There will be visits to the revered pilgrimage site for Kurdish Yezidis, descendants of the Zoroastrians; the ruins of one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces; Shanidar Cave, the site of a remarkable array of Neanderthal remains and tool technologies; Suleimaniyah’s bustling bazaar; the old Jewish city of Koisinjak; and more.

The rate, including internal flights, tour lecturer, accommodation, meals, and gratuities is $5,288 for the nine days per person.  If the dates of the tour are inconvenient, Steppes Traveler will tailor-make the trip on another date.

For more information, call toll free 1-855-352-7606 or visit www.thetraveller.com
Email is enquiry@steppestravel.com

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Fly to Erbil

Day 2 – Visit Erbil

Day 3 and 4– Visit Dohuk and Lalesh

Day 5 – Visit mountain town of Amadiya and Rawanduz

Day 6 and 7– Visit Suleimaniyah and the memorial site at Halabja

Day 8 – Visit Qizqapan and Koisinjak

Day 9 – Morning to explore Erbil.  Afternoon flight home

JOURNEY TO THE GOLDEN EARTH: TOUR BURMA WITH STEPPES TRAVEL

YANGON, Burma (09 / 2013) There has never been a better time to go to Burma. The Steppes Travel group, The Traveller and author Rory Maclean will take travelers on a whirlwind tour of Burma and ensure they have a ‘unique experience.’

The 14 day trip begins in Yangon (Rangoon), the former Burmese capital. Yangon offers a multitude of sights, smells, and sounds; it’s a veritable buffet for the senses. The city boasts many wonderful sites like the National Museum and the old colonial center. These amazing days in Yangon are capped off with a sunset visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Imagine the dazzling sight of the setting sun catching the dazzling gold of the towering, glittering  2,500 year old gilded edifice.

After thoroughly enjoying all that Yangon has to offer, travelers fly to Bagan to explore many of its 13,000 stunning temples, including the Shwezigon, Ananda Temple, and Abeyanda Temples. Travelers can also take advantage of many fun excursions like ballooning over Bagan, visiting a lacquer making workshop, and a trip to Mount Popa, an ancient pilgrimage site.

Upon leaving Bagan, travelers will step back in time as they drift up Burma’s largest river, the Irrawaddy, to Mandalay. During this leisurely four day cruise, travelers can enjoy the myriad endemic species, like the Irrawaddy Dolphin, that call this river home. Rory will take you to visit a bygone era at places like Yandabo, a picturesque village famous in Burmese history as the place where the Treaty of Yandabo was signed in 1815, or the religiously significant Sagaing, a town known for its major monasteries and silversmiths.

The journey ends at Inle Lake. Another unique feature of the lake is the Intha fishermen’s unique one-legged rowing style.

Rory Maclean is a critically acclaimed travel writer. He is known for creating his own unique writing style that is best described as surrealist travelogues, through books like Golden Earth, Stalin’s Nose, Falling for Icarus, and The Oatmeal Ark.

The trip runs from March 13-27, 2014 and costs $6,384 including international flights and $4,792 excluding flights.

For more information please contact www.the-traveller.com or call 1 855 2527606 (toll free).

GO TWO BY TWO TO KENYA AND HONEYMOON ON THE HIGH PLAINS

NAIROBI, Kenya (09/2013) Once the wedding is over, the adventures never have to stop: newlyweds can enjoy romance, adventure, and luxury through Marasa’s honeymoon package at the Aberdare Country Club (ACC) and The Ark. Enjoy four nights at the ACC, followed by one at the Ark.

Set on a stunning 1,300 acre wildlife preserve outside of Nairobi, the Aberdare Country Club (booking automatically enrolls one in the club) is located in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. It has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn as highlighted in Monty Brown's book, Haven Under the Hill: "Today, despite the fast-changing tempo of the outside world, the old home still retains that comfortable, solid feeling based on traditions from a time when life proceeded at a far more leisurely and gentle pace."

Newlyweds can indulge in that gentle pace during a day that is luxurious and relaxing from start to finish; beginning with a champagne breakfast in bed, followed by an afternoon at the spa with a steam and a couples massage. Then, lovebirds can soak in their beautiful surroundings with a sundowner on the Kamatongu hill, capped off with a private dinner for two either on their balcony overlooking the preserve, or in the bushveld.

Days at the ACC can be filled with a variety of activities like horseback riding, nature walks in the sanctuary that culminate in picnic lunches at the top of the hill, or trips to the Solio Ranch to view the white rhino in its natural habitat. Honeymooners share the club’s well-appointed amenities, such as a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a pool, with the animal kingdom. 

Imagine tee-ing off as a pack of wild dogs chase an impala across the course!

After four sybaritic nights at the ACC, newlyweds will be taken on a game drive en route to The Ark. The Ark is situated in the Aberdare National Park, near Mt. Kenya, which is the highest in the eponymous nation. The lodge is whimsically modeled after Noah’s Ark, and its multitude of windows and four levels of decks allow for unparalleled views of the elephants, rhinos, buffalos, impalas, leopards, giraffes, and other animals that flock to the nearby watering hole and salt lick. Couples can also enjoy game drives through the park, guided walks, and hikes to the stunning Gura Falls waterfalls.

Rates start at and include full use of the Club’s facilities, one champagne breakfast, one sundowner, one private dinner, one couples massage, and a welcome drink.

 For more information or reservations, contact Corne Schalkwyk: corne@marasa.net or visit Aberdare Country Club or The Ark

NEW SISTERS OF AFRICA SPA LAUNCHED WITH PROPRIETARY HEALING TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS

LIVINGSTONE, Zambia (08/2013) - A new spa called Sisters of Africa, featuring proprietary spa and beauty treatments and products based on age-old Zambian healing techniques, has been launched at Islands of Siankaba, the “green” luxury lodge set on two islands in the Zambezi River, just 24 miles from famous Victoria Falls. All guests receive a complimentary five-minute foot or neck massage to help them relax and unwind.

Sisters of Africa founder, Bessie Mwale, said the Spa was created to bring “true tranquility to the body, mind and soul.” The treatments are offered in the lodge’s poolside Spa, inside guest rooms or alfresco on the chalet’s “porch”. “What is more relaxing than being in the middle of the glorious Zambezi River surrounded by the natural music of the birds, the water and the light scent of the trees?” says Mwale.

The Signature Treatment is the Sisters of Africa Massage (US$75, sixty minutes), using warm or cold cloths to help stretch and heal aching muscles, a technique traditionally used in Zambian villages with the purpose of removing toxic energy and relaxing the body through a sisterly touch. The Siankaba Aromatherapy Massage (US$75, sixty minutes) uses oils extracted from the
Mongongo (euphorbia) and Baobab trees, oils that help slow aging and improve skin tone. 

Beauty treatments include the Zambian River Island Facial, where skin is cleaned with steamed towels and pure, distilled Zambezi River water, then deeply nourished with Mongongo oil and wild African ginger. A gentle massage to improve blood and nutrient circulation follows. The Arabica Coffee Body Polish contains a thick layer of cocoa butter, pure coconut oil and freshly-grown Zambian Arabica Coffee to help intensely cleanse the skin while removing dead cells to prepare the skin for Africa’s sun-kissed weather. The Back and Neck Massage (US$45, thirty minutes) or the Foot Massage (US$45, thirty minutes) can be combined with other full body massage treatments (US$115, ninety minutes).

Zambia-born Sisters of Africa founder Bessie Mwale worked her way through beauty school in South Africa to achieve a Beautician’s Diploma. Wanting to return to her country of origin after gaining work experience outside of Johannesburg, Mwale seized on the opportunity offered by Islands of Siankaba to become a consultant for their spa treatments and to run her own Spa at 
the lodge.

“I want to inspire other African women to follow their dreams as I have mine,” says Mwale. 

For information or reservations: info@siankaba.net; Visit: www.siankaba.net

SHORT AND SWEET, MEET THE REBRANDED FLEET

SANTIAGO, Chile (08/2013) – Expedition cruise line Australis has rebranded its name and logo in order to have a more consistent brand worldwide. Previously, “Cruceros Australis,” the new shorter title will enhance the company profile and resonate with consumers, as the word “Australis” means “South” – and this cruise line explores the southernmost regions of South America.

From Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina (the southernmost city in the world), Australis follows in the path of Charles Darwin, using Zodiac boats for land excursions and a closer look at the pristine geography. Lectures from experts in their field accompany the sightings of the day. In Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the highlight is a visit to Cape Horn, known as the “End of the Earth,” and the last territory before arriving in Antarctica.

Australis employs two ships – Via Australis and Stella Australis – each season from September through April. The company’s 2013/2014 season will soon be underway, complete with three-, four- and seven-night itineraries. Keep an eye out for itineraries resulting from new partnerships (e.g. National Geographic photographer Tommy Heinrich and explora).

Rates for an Australis cruise start at $1,389 per person, depending on the season and itinerary. This includes airport transfers, sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. For more information, visit www.australis.com.

THE ISLANDS OF SIANKABA: THE ZAMBEZI RIVER'S OASIS IN THE TREES

LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA (08/06)--Located 24 miles upstream from one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World,’ Victoria Falls, and just 30 miles from the magnificent Chobe National Park, the Islands of Siankaba’s River Lodge offers style and elegance in a distinctively African setting. Overhead walkways in a tree canopy connect seven secluded chalets and the restaurant, which has earned a reputation for ‘haute-cuisine in the bush.’ Each chalet is completely private and offers a unique view of the mighty Zambezi River which flows below the private balconies. The treetop chalets feature views of the calm 
river right from the king-sized beds and lavish bathtubs. The Islands of Siankaba sleeps just 14 guests and makes for a picturesque, romantic getaway or a relaxing reprieve for travelers on safari or on an extreme-sports adventure. 

This carefully crafted river lodge comprises two densely forested islands. The Islands are linked by a suspension bridge. On the larger of the two islands there is a dining room, lounge, bar, and swimming pool; the chalets are nestled on the smaller island to the south. All of the tented chalets are made from teak and custom-made canvas. The Islands are named after the local head man of the Siankaba area which is across the River from the Lodge.

The environmental policy of the lodge is to make a minimum negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem. In this tradition the design and layout of the lodge incorporates its natural surroundings and the structures blend flawlessly with the bush. The overhead walkways enable guests to leave no impact on the flora below.

A trained masseuse on site offers a range of spa treatments in the privacy of the chalet or outside on the verandah with the soothing sound of the river flowing below and the tweets of birds nesting in the trees.

In addition, the Islands of Siankaba offers many activities such as guided bird-watching tours, nature hikes, tours of Victoria Falls either in Zambia or Zimbabwe, sunset cruises, mokoro trips, island nature walks, picnic lunches, village trips including a visit to the nursery school, and mountain 
bike rides through the village. Many other expeditions can be arranged such as trips to Chobe National Park, elephant-back safaris, bunji jumping, white water rafting, micro lighting, helicopter flights, gorge swinging, tiger moth flights, game drives, and jet boating.

Whether looking for a romantic hideaway, a relaxing post-safari retreat, or in search of one of the many adrenalin buzz adventures available in the area, guests will experience uncompromising levels of service and hospitality during their stay at the Islands of Siankaba. 

Rates for the Luxury Chalets range from $445 to $460 per person sharing per night. Rates forthe Honeymoon Suite range from $500 to $515 per person sharing per night. Rates depend upon the season and include accommodation, all meals, return airport transfers, local drinks and house wines, and activities as noted above. 

For more information, visit www.siankaba.net or email info@siankaba.net