Kilimanjaro
At 5 895 meters, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and one of the highest free-standing mountains in the world. It is located 330kms south of the equator, on the northern boundary of Tanzania. Climbing Kilimanjaro is not a walk in the park, but it is well within the capacity of most healthy people.
There are numerous routes up the mountain, but we’ve decided on the Machame route, which is one of the most scenic and also the best one for first-time climbers. It allows for a more leisurely pace, maximising your chances of success. We’ve also opted for one extra night to help the acclimatization process.
Nights are spent camping, with equipment provided and carried by the porters. On booking, you will be sent a training schedule which will help prepare you for the rigours of the climb. Also, an information evening will be arranged which will give you a good idea of what to expect, and to answer all the questions you may have.
| Dates: | June 16th to 23rd, 2012 |
| Cost: | Approximately R20 000 per person sharing, depending on the US$ rate of exchange when making payment. Cost includes flights, airport taxes, accommodation at the Keys Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, transfers to and from the gate, all food on the climb, camping fees, tents and mattresses. Cost excludes visa costs, travel insurance, dinners at the Keys Hotel, drinks and other items of a personal nature. It also doesn’t include tips for the guides and porters, which should be budgeted at between US$170 and US$190 per person. |
The Rainforests of the Central African Republic
A unique and extraordinary adventure with Monty. Situated in the northern part of the Congo basin, and sharing borders with Cameroon and the Congo, the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas are internationally renowned for their beautiful rainforests. These are home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, comprising western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongo antelopes, forest buffalos and a multitude of bird species. The area also boasts some very unusual nocturnal species such as galago, potto, genet, civet, golden cat, hammer bat and a number of owls.
A very special part of the trip is spending a day with the Ba’aka Pygmy tribe, getting to know this secret culture. Accompany the men on their hunt, watch the women gather and use plants for medicine and food, see their skill in constructing a rain-proof shelter, and visit the dwelling of a Ba’aka family to experience their music and social interaction.
| Dates: | 20th to 27th July, 2012 |
| Cost: | Approximately €4100 (Euros), plus R8 500 for the return flight from Johannesburg to Bangui. |
Machu Picchu - 2013
Join me on an adventure to Machu Picchu, a magical set of Inca ruins perched on top of a mountain in Peru. This sacred site has captivated travellers since it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and is now recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu is reached by a four-day hike along ancient Inca roadways, over high altitude passes, taking in a series of Inca ruins along the way before arriving at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu itself.
Included in this trip will be an excursion into the Amazon, Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon, which is thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Andean Condors can be seen at fairly close range in this area as they float on rising thermals, scanning for carrion far below. Also to be included will be visits to Lima, Cuzco, and Ballestas Islands with its concentration of marine animals and birds, including pelicans, Peruvian Boobies, Inca Terns, sea-lions, dolphins and whales.
| Dates: | 20th to 27th July, 2012 |
| Cost: | Approximately €4100 (Euros), plus R8 500 for the return flight from Johannesburg to Bangui. |
Photographic Safari - 2013
This is specifically aimed at wildlife enthusiasts who want to improve their photographic skills. Led by a professional photographic guide, the safari is structured to be all about photography and lots of it, with destinations chosen for their prime game-viewing and photographic opportunities. Daily workshops, plenty of hours in the field, and evening show-and-tell sessions will give guests time to relax and chat about their work, and receive constructive criticism from the expert.
| Dates: | February 2013 – to be confirmed |
| Cost: | Not yet available – let me know if you’re interested and I’ll keep you in the loop. |
