Trip Report — Uganda Gorillas & Chimpanzees (November 2018)

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach
The mighty silverback: baby sitting
  • Staff Member: Dan Crandall
  • Trip: Uganda / 10-days November-December 2018
  • Destinations in Uganda: Kampala,  Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, Lake Mburo National Park

Overview

Famed for its rare gorillas and chimpanzees, Uganda offers a fantastic travel experience for the returning African travel connoisseur for much more than that. The rolling green countryside, an impressive multitude of butterflies and rare birds, an attractive range of classic African game, other unique primates, plus countless waving, smiling children along the way round out a typical safari here. Despite the fact we traveled in late November – normally the rainy season – we largely enjoyed fantastic weather. The best times to visit, overall, are December – early March, then again June – September. Sometime in October, heavy rains can begin to set in, lasting some time into November, then they return in force by sometime around mid-March, lasting into May.

Highlights:

  • Rhino tracking on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Game drive and a small boat safari on the Nile River in Murchison Falls
  • Chimp trekking in Kibale
  • Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park including a small boat safari on the Kazinga channel and a game drive
  • The ultimate thrill: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
  • Walking in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 1: Friday 23rd November 2018

Arrival – Kampala by way of Entebbe Airport

On the morning of November 23, I met my safari guide, Peter, and we traveled about 1-hour by road to Kampala, for a quick look at Kampala’s thoroughly congested downtown. Kampala itself allows an interesting introduction to an African metropolis: dusty, colorful, brimming with people, congested traffic, movement everywhere.

Overnight: Cassia Lodge

Views of Lake Victoria from Cassia Lodge, Entebbe

Day 2: Saturday 24th November 2018

Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park

Today we departed for arguably the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. En-route we made a wonderful if brief stop to stretch our legs at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda.

  • Driving Time: 350km / About 7-hours
Endangered rhinos at Ziwa

This small reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda which have been extinct since 1982. Together with a knowledgeable local ranger/guide, we trooped through the bush on foot, tracking rhino, in which we found — perhaps not surprisingly — great success, finding a mother and a baby rhino grazing together in the thick savanna. What surprised the guide was when another mother rhino and an even smaller baby rhino came looping in. We watched the younger baby attempt to play with the older juvenile with mixed success. It was great fun watching the young ones interact at length, so very unique. It’s important to note that travelers coming here directly aid in rhino conservation generally and specifically the support of the rhino reintroduction project in side Uganda. Plans are being finalized to begin moving several of the rhinos here into a large national park soon.  After some time – maybe 45 minutes- we returned on foot to the vehicle, and drove briefly back to the main lodge on site for lunch. Following lunch at the Rhino sanctuary, we continued our drive to Murchison Falls National Park. 

It’s important to note that travelers coming here directly aid in rhino conservation generally and specifically the support of the rhino reintroduction project in side Uganda. Plans are being finalized to begin moving several of the rhinos here into a large national park soon.  After some time – maybe 45 minutes- we returned on foot to the vehicle, and drove briefly back to the main lodge on site for lunch. Following lunch at the Rhino sanctuary, we continued our drive to Murchison Falls National Park. 

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected area in Uganda. The waterfall for which the park is named is the most stirring sight of its type in East Africa. The southern part is mostly covered by dense woodlands and harbors one of the most varied forest faunas in East Africa, and is a premier sight for bird watchers, as well as one of the best- and most affordable – places to track chimpanzees. The northern part is mostly covered by green grasslands with scattered acacia trees, borassus palms and riverine woodlands. The world’s longest river, the great River Nile, is rich here with hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes. Wildlife includes giraffe, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kob and more.

Overnight: Budongo Eco Lodge

Uganda is full of friendly suprises – a band performing at the Nile ferry landing

Day 3: Sunday 25th November 2018

Murchison Falls National Park (All day)

After an early breakfast we traveled about 1 hour to the river, where we boarded a simple ferry boat to bridge the River Nile. Once on the other side, we began our introductory game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, seeing lots of Rothschild giraffe (it was breeding season, the one time of year when these generally solitary animals merge into larger herds), elephants, Jackson hartebeest, oribis (a cute little antelope), waterbucks, and a range of savanna woodland birds. Very lucky travelers could see lions or leopards too.

Uganda kob, Uganda’s national symbol
Elephant family along the Nile

After a delicious al fresco lunch, we went on a Nile small boat cruise to the bottom of the waterfalls with game viewing en-route as another highlight. We were able to approach wildlife at fairly close quarters, including a family of elephants. Once you view the falls from the water, guests would want to do a moderate 1 – hour hike to the top of the falls (travelers are dropped off at a small jetty/ladder, then you hike along the river to the top). It has great views. Afterwards, we returned to the lodge for dinner and overnight, in the process enjoying a fire right by the river’s edge as hippos harrumphed nearby.

Overnight: Bakers Lodge

Murchison Falls

Day 4: Monday 26th November 2018

Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park

Following breakfast, we departed Murchison Falls and headed south to Fort Portal. Not long ago, this was a tough drive, but they are rebuilding the roads and making excellent progress. By around June 2019, I suspect the road work will be finished. For now, about half the road is improved, and that alone has made an enormous difference. There is tangible excitement among Ugandans regarding this important development for tourism and trade.

Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the Ruwenzori Mountains and is famous for the many serene, bright green tea plantations in the area. We ate lunch at the
Kyaninga Lodge, enjoying more of the expansive views of nearby mountains and pretty, rural countryside. Afterwards we continued to Kibale Forest National Park.

  • Driving Time: 400km / 7.5-hours

Overnight: Primate Lodge

Day 5: Tuesday 27th November 2018

Kibale Forest National Park (All day)

Early this morning, the forest opened her doors for a sensational chimpanzee tracking experience.

Following the pre-tracking briefing, we split up into smaller groups and walked to the trailhead. From there, we followed the ranger who was in contact with other rangers and together, working as team, they discovered the location of the troop we were to visit. Once on site, we followed a sprawling, active, eerily-howling and habituated family of about 120 chimpanzees. Chimps climbed vines, sat in trees eating fruits, lounged in their “forest couches,” and scrambled on all fours through the forest floor, all around us, for the duration of our time with them.

Through it all, the park ranger/guide shared stories and facts about the chimps, forest botany, and the park’s other inhabitants including Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus, Red tailed monkeys, and Olive baboons. We spent an unforgettable hour with the chimpanzees watching them up-close as they ate, groomed, played, and generally went through their daily routine.

Some important things to note: even though you are split up into groups, the groups will almost inevitably merge into one super-group following the chimpanzee family. It can feel a little congested with photographers jockeying for angles and some travelers taking selfies and the like. I just moved a little this way and that and found my own space, and my own experience, up-close with the family, including a sweet, contemplative moment with the alpha male. For travelers wanting fewer travelers around while observing the chimps, choose the longer, more expensive all-day habituation experience, which visits an entirely different family of chimps in another area.

We encountered 2 of the several species of primates in Bigodi Swamp, including these busy body Red-Tailed Colobus Monkeys.

In the afternoon, we did a 2-hour guided nature walk through the nearby Bigodi wetland. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its diversity of birds and primates. The path and board walk can be flooded and muddy after heavy rainfall so bring your waterproof hiking boots or shoes that can get wet and dirty. The longer walk is about 4km in length, taking 3 hours with a knowledgeable local community guide at the helm. All proceeds from the activity go back to into the community, a conservation project well worth supporting. After, we returned to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Primate Lodge

Day 6: Wednesday 28th November 2018

Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park

After early breakfast, we drove through the scenic crater lakes region that surrounds the dense forest of Kibale National Park. We continued on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, checking into our simple overnight lodge for the evening, Simba Safari Lodge. I would not recommend the extremely budget Simba Lodge except for travelers looking for the cheapest of lodging in the area.

Buffalo, hippos, elephants and water-related birds were abundant in Kazinga

In the afternoon, we took a classic small boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural canal that joins Lakes Edward and Lake George. 33 kilometers long and 2 to 3 kms at its widest points, the Kazinga channel was formed by tectonic activity millions of years ago during the formation of the rift valleys. On our 2-hour boat ride over a 12 -14 km stretch of the channel, we enjoyed some truly excellent wildlife sightings including many hippo, big herds of wallowing buffalo in and out of the water, elephants, tons of birds, and more.

  • Driving Time: 185km / 3-hours

Overnight: Simba Safari Lodge

Day 7: Thursday 29th November 2018

Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi National Park

After breakfast we steered south, passing the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This part is called Ishasha and is famous for the 3 prides of tree climbing lions. We checked out fabulous Ishasha Wilderness Camp, a lovely and tranquil high-end property, then continued our brief game drive in this area before we continued to Buhoma village, a gateway to Bwindi National Park. Driving through a green countryside, we passed a slew of traditional homesteads. By afternoon we arrived at Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

  • Driving Time: 200km / 3 – 4 Hours

Overnight-Mahogany Springs

Topi – the “painted antelope” – are abundant in Ishasha

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, lies on the edge of the albertine Rift Valley in southwestern Uganda, with a extensive altitude range between 1,160 – 2,600 meters. The forest itself, dating back to the ice ages, is one of Uganda’s oldest and most biodiverse, with almost 400 species of plants, 350 species of birds including 23 Albertine Rift endemics plus 120 mammal species including gorillas, baboons, himpanzees, elephants and antelopes.

Day 8: Friday 30th November 2018

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park

Today was easily the highlight of the safari, and easily a top-5 African travel experience: an intimate, hour-long, eye-to-eye encounter with the gentle mountain gorillas. This, dear reader, is the ultimate highwater mark for any keen nature and wildlife enthusiast.

Following breakfast, we traveled by road just a very short distance to the national park office where we were briefed and split (by gorilla family) into small groups of 8 and allocated an experienced and knowledgeable gorilla tracking guide. Before the briefing, we were entertained with a singing and dance performance by Ride4AWoman an outstanding locally run NGO helping vulnerable women get back on their feet.

The first gorilla we bumped into was a huge brownback gorilla eating … flowers!

After being paired with our local community porter, we started the hike right from the ranger station, beginning on a wide gravel path then veering into the jungle, or rather, “penetrating the ‘impenetrable forest’,” as our ranger slyly noted. Travelers should prepare to walk long distances in steep and often slippery conditions with a chance of rain overhead, which can be tough for non-hikers.  In our case, we hiked to the Rushegura group, a family just about 45 minutes hiking away. The group quietly made our way through the thick jungle, which was full of mossy vines, huge rainforest trees, and giant ferns. The rangers used primitive GPS (hooting…) to locate the trackers, who had served as an advance party to locate the family. We passed a gorilla nesting site, then gathered close to the ranger for final instructions.

Watching the 4 juveniles play like little kids was a highlight

From there, we pushed forward a few yards and began our 1-hour of viewing. First, we came upon a huge “brownback,” a male gorilla not quite old enough to be a silverback. We watched him, mesmerized, feeding on flowers. It was quite an incongruous sight: such a huge, powerful animal, carefully nibbling down dainty white flowers. We then followed the ranger further, slightly downslope. We rounded a jungle thicket and before us, squatted the mighty silverback.

My first impression was “this is a huge animal.” The silverback had an enormous head, and huge, powerful arms and legs, the muscles clear as day. Here we had encountered him eating. Initially, he ate a bit more, then looked at us, measuring us up, it seemed, then he simultaneously gut-roared and charged – a lightning quick little 3 jumps –  right at me and my friend Peter. Peter, an ex- British soldier, bravely stood his ground, but I, a simple Wisconsin kayaker, I flinched – I took a step back. The tracker behind me then put a gentle palm on my back, whispering, ‘don’t move’. Then the silverback jumped forward again, huffing. This time I stayed still. The silverback assessed us, noticing we neither retreated or charged back, and realized we were neither a threat or food (?), and slowly turned away and loped back a few yards to his resting spot.

After a quiet moment close to the silverback, our ranger then asked – “are you ready to see the babies?.” He did not need an answer. We quietly slogged through puddles and over slippery rock and root to the young ones, all four of them, playing together, roughhousing really – just like human boys – and we squatted there for the remainder of our time.  The young ones climbed trees around us – just a few meters away – and splashed water in a little puddle. They banged their chests, imitating daddy, and chased each other relentlessly, hug-wrestling on contact. Small chirps from the young ones and loud guttural calls from adults occasionally filled the air, otherwise sound was reduced to just the rustle of the forest from the gorillas. Thrilling!

This was truly a world-class, unforgettable nature experience. Even the most jaded or most experienced travelers of Africa and beyond are visibly moved by it.

After our hour was up, we hiked back to base and then transferred on to the lodge, enjoying a calm afternoon, later watching a quick but powerful thunderstorm move into and out of the valley.

  • Trekking time : 3 hours

Overnight-Mahogany Springs

Day 9: Saturday 1st December 2018

Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, we departed Buhoma village and headed to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping for smoothies and coffee along the way. As we entered the conservation area encircling the park, we saw local cattle and a number of zebras, impalas, and unique birds we had not yet seen.

Lake Mburo has a nice variety of plains and savanna game headlined by Burchell’s zebras

We had the option of a night game drive, and for those who’ve not done one before, it does present a nice opportunity to fit one in. Instead, the group chose to relax this nice breezy afternoon at the lodge, enjoying the views and quiet other than the pitched stirrings of millions of cicadas throughout the bush around us.

Night game drives are best in the dry season, when grass is low and leaves are fewer on the trees. The best months would be July-September then again January-February. During the dry season, travelers have a pretty good (~ 60%) chance of seeing leopard, the main objective.

Night game drives are optional, at an extra nominal cost, and are done in open Land rovers with a spot light. The drives often last about of 2-3 hours and can provide a chance to see leopard, genets, large owls, and African porcupine mainly, and sometimes civets and other nocturnal animals.

This evening before dinner, we had the opportunity to watch a typically cute female bushbaby come to the dining area, where a staffer fed her a couple bits of banana. The close-up views of this fascinating primate (e.g., they have no eyelids…) were a treat. In the night, back at the tent, the star gazing was exceptional as toads and frogs chirped nearby.

  • Driving Time: 250 km / 5-hours

Overnight-Mihingo Lodge

Right outside my tent at Mihingo, a natural waterhole drew this alert group of baboons, wary of people and leopards

Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest national parks covering about 260 square kilometers. Lake Mburo is the largest of the five lakes that lie within the park boundaries, all fed by the Rwizi River. The other parts of the park are predominantly covered by savannah and acacia woodland. It is the only park in the country that has a large population of the impala, after which Kampala is named. Lake Mburo National Park is one of the only three parks where the Burchell’s zebras can be found. Other animals include the buffalos, hippos, warthogs, some primates, hyenas, and other antelopes. Lake Mburo National Park is probably one of the best places in Uganda to see Acacia related birds, which are part of the 315 bird species recorded.

Day 10: Sunday 2nd December 2018

Lake Mburo National Park – Kampala – Entebbe

Before breakfast, following the sunrise, I had arranged to have a staffer take me to the local hide, about a 15 minute walk away. Because there are buffalo in the area, and at least one large hippo, it’s important to request a guide take you. Staff are local and have a far better understanding of how to deal with an angry buffalo than we do.

When we arrived at the hide, I opted to sit in the next door “den,” a smaller hide that requires some crawling to get into. We surprised a huge eland antelope on the way. In the den, I watched kingfishers and spurfowl, and listened to the general chatter of the birds. Unfortunately, we were too low to see the hippo lounging in the waterhole in front of us and it was too cool for other animals yet.

Lake Mburo is more than just the lake

I returned with the guide to the lodge and ate a big breakfast, as usual, in Uganda. The dining area overlooks the waterhole too, where it’s common to see baboons, warthogs, buffalo, and zebra. I returned to my tent to enjoy a troop of baboon hanging around the little waterhole near my tent.

Following a little time to rest, we headed to Kampala and were dropped off at the Entebbe airport. Saying goodbye to our guide, Peter, was hard, but leaving Uganda was even harder. The country is a one of a kind, with wildlife experiences that are nearly impossible to replicate nearly anywhere else in the world.

  • Driving Time: 270 km / 5-hours

All of our Uganda and Rwanda safaris are custom and private, you can start them any day, and tailor them to the length of time you have available to travel, from 3-14 days.  We can help travelers with mid-range and luxury lodging or you can mix and match. Contact us >> for more information or for quotes, or visit our Uganda/Rwanda >> page for trip ideas too. The shorter 3-5 day trips are excellent extensions to a Tanzania or Kenya safari, while a longer 8-14 day tour would be an excellent trip all on its own. 

Posted in Trip Journals, Uganda / Rwanda | Leave a comment

Make A Difference in Tanzania and Nepal in 2019

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

If you want to “travel with a purpose”, Make A Difference is offering two great charity trips in 2019 — Kilimanjaro in July and Everest Base Camp in October. These trips typically sell out, so contact us right away if you are interested!

Tanzania: Kili, Safari, & Volunteer
July 19 – August 1, 2019

Visit the School, Climb Kilimanjaro for Education, and Go on Safari

The first week will be spent learning about the local Chagga culture and volunteering at the children’s school. The second week will be spent climbing Africa’s highest peak, followed by an optional safari.  Join MAD on a fundraising climb and safari that will change your life and truly make a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth!

Itinerary in Brief:

DAY 1 / JUL 19: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Moshi, overnight MAD Guest House
DAY 2-3 / JUL 20-23: Volunteering with Make A Difference Now, overnight MAD Guest House
DAY 4-10 / JUL 24-30: 7-Day Machame Trek
DAY 11 / JUL 30: Rest Day, overnight Bristol Cottages in Moshi
DAY 12-13 / JUL 31 – AUG 1: 2-Day Safari to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, overnight at Kudu Lodge, drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport

Pricing:

  • Cost of Kilimanjaro Trek: $2545/person
  • Add-on Safari: $695/person
  • Fundraising Goal: Minimum of $1000/person

Nepal: Everest Base Camp Trek
October 9-25, 2019

Make A Difference in the Lives of Children

Join MAD on a 17-Day grand adventure. The trek begins with a beautiful flight to Lukla. The trek passes through the picturesque Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar culminating in the “ascent” of Kala Patthar from where classic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks are available. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the culture of the Sherpas, visit ancient monasteries and learn how Lamaistic Buddhism influences Sherpa life. We shall stop at any of the numerous teahouses, sip a glass of sweetened tea or Chang (millet beer) and get a taste of hospitality unique to the Sherpas. Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags, prayer wheels and intricately carved mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall, and trail-side, singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing traveler.

Itinerary in Brief:

DAY 1 / OCT 9: Arrive Kathmandu Airport, transfer, overnight Hotel Tibet
DAY 2 / OCT 10: Morning Kathmandu City Tour, afternoon meet with guide and prepare for trek, overnight Hotel Tibet
DAY 3-15 / OCT 11-23: 13-Day Everest Base Camp Trek
DAY 16 / OCT 24: Free Day, overnight Hotel Tibet
DAY 17 / OCT 25: Depart Kathmandu

Pricing:

  • Cost of Climb and Tour: $1995/person
  • Fundraising Goal: Minimum of $1000/person

Make A Difference Charity Trips >>

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Nepal, Safari, Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania, Trekking | Leave a comment

The Right Way to Explore Torres del Paine: The Patagonia O-Circuit

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

We love to do things fast these days, but the reality is sometimes you just need to take it slow. The W trek is an excellent case in point because it can pass by far too quickly, which is a shame when you consider how crazy beautiful this place is. The Paine Circuit is our favorite program in Torres del Paine because its changing terrain means you have more time to slow down and connect to yourself and the natural world. Intrigued? Keep reading!​

Torres del Paine O- Circuit

Can you imagine the emotion of hiking beside magnificent snow-capped mountains and through silent forests? In Torres del Paine National Park, you can feel the wind in your hair, sleep in a tent beneath the shadows of trees, and hike 138 km of trails past pristine valleys, forests, and ice fields all on this adventure of a lifetime: The Paine O-Circuit!

Torres del Paine O- Circuit

5 Reasons Why The Paine Circuit Rocks

1. The rocks – literally! This is one of the best places in the world to marvel at the power of nature and the Circuit offers up the best geological wonders of them all.

2. The views – the John Gardner Pass is one of the most breathtaking crossings you will ever complete in your life, right beside the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields!

3. It’s remote & quiet unlike some parts of the W which these days can be little over-crowded (especially during peak season).

Torres del Paine O- Circuit

4. It’s a challenge! And not for the faint-hearted. But if you have broken in those trekking boots and are prepared for rain, snow, and sunshine, you will have the most fantastic experience.

5. Your fellow trekkers. Adventurers like you, and like-minded eco-warriors in their downtime. The smaller numbers out on the Circuit will mean you will bond better than on a trek like the W.

Torres del Paine O- Circuit

Are you ready to explore the immensity?

Ready to book those tickets? We have departures every Wednesday until March 27th, 2019.

We also have two departures dates with no minimum traveler basis on February 13th & March 20th 2019- this is perfect for solo travelers!

For more information, contact our Patagonia expert, Gretchen: gretchen@adventureswithinreach.com

Posted in Chile, Family Travel, Patagonia, South America, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brazil Family Adventure Ideas

Posted on November 27, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

Brazil in its grandeur offers many destinations in different regions that can provide the best family experiences, connecting unique scenarios with exciting and transformative activities and experiences for all ages.

Bonito’s waterfalls are some of the best secret swimming holes in Brazil!

With this in mind, we have created some itineraries focused on adventure travel in Brazil for families. We recommend family adventures in places of wonderful natural charm, such as Iguazu and Bonito, with activities ideal for children under 11 years of age. And for the older ones we have thought about more challenging and exciting experiences in the Amazon River, Chapada Diamantina, Pantanal & Bonito, and the incredible Route of Emotions in the Lencois Maranhenses!

Lencois Maranhenses

Lencois Maranhenses

Plus, in each destination, the hotels and accommodations offer benefits for children, some with free accommodation for children under 3, 5 or 7 years, and in short, discounts that make the trip even more comfortable for everyone.

Glamping in the Amazon’s canopy beats the classroom!

Want to plan your next tailored Brazil family adventure? Contact us!

For more inspiration, check out our own program director’s family travels around Brazil:

Family Adventure to Brazil’s Green Coast- A Major Hit!

Bahian Magic at UXUA: Trancoso, Brazil

Your friendly Brazil expert,
Gretchen

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Sustainable Travel — Reducing Plastic on Your Trip

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

The use of disposable plastic items while traveling is hard on the environment, hard on the communities left with the garbage, it’s expensive, and it can often be unhealthy. No traveler wants to leave a trail of plastic behind them, but many don’t know how to avoid it.

Here are 6 simple ideas of how to cut back on your disposable plastic use:

  1. Bring a reusable water bottle
  2. Get a water purifier
  3. Bring a reusable bag, dry bags, rain cover
  4. Get a reusable straw
  5. Reuse shampoo and lotion containers
  6. Reusable coffee mug

This is becoming more critical these days.  Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda have all made plastic bags of all kinds illegal to bring into and use in these countries.  Also, in light of our Carbon Neutrality in Peru, it is important to avoid plastic while traveling (and at home!).

1) Bring a reusable water bottle

According to TAP (Travelers Against Plastic), carrying a reusable water bottle and a method to clean the water, helps avoid the waste of hundreds of millions of plastic bottles each year.

>>The Best Water Bottles for Travel

Why carry a reusable bottle and method to clean the water:

BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

  • Globally 2.7 million tons of water bottle plastic annually.
  • In the US alone: making bottles of water out of plastic takes more than 1.5 million barrels of oil, every year, enough to fuel 100,000 American cars for a year.
  • Eighty-six percent of single-use plastic water bottles become landfill or litter in the US and in many countries that number is higher.
  • Each week 1 billion bottles of water in the US. That’s equals 37,800 semi-trucks hauling water every week. It has to be transported in the countries we visit as well, often great distances.
  • PET is made from crude oil. PET bottles produce toxic emissions at rates of 100 times that of glass.

CHEAPER

  • Bottled water can cost as much $10 per gallon, more expensive than gas.
  • If tap water cost the same as the cheapest bottled, monthly water bills would come to $9,000.
  • Americans spend more than $15 billion dollars annually on bottled water, buying 2.6 billion cases. Those who travel buy bottled water even more often.
  • One SteriPEN can clean up to 16,000 bottles of water.

BETTER FOR COMMUNITIES

  • 
Feeding the bottled water industry has taken a toll on wells from homes in rural communities by draining aquifers, lowered lake levels, and hurt wetlands. It takes three times as much water than is produced.
  • Three corporations dominate the bottled water market in the US. Pepsi has 13% of the market and Coke has 11%, both of which resell treated tap water, by putting it through an energy intensive process called reverse-osmosis. This process takes more energy than turning seawater into drinking water.

HEALTHIER

  • Most bottled water in the US is simply treated tap water sold at 1000-4000 times the price of tap. What kind of treatment are they using in the country you travel to? Who is overseeing that “treatment”? It’s safer to treat your own.
  • Age and heat leaches chemicals in plastic bottles, this causes more problems with storage and transportation. 

Reuse bottles at home as well
  • San Francisco’s tap water comes from Yosemite National Park and is so pure the EPA does not require it to be filtered. A bottled of Evian water at $1.35 could be refilled with San Francisco tap water once a day for over ten years before the cost would total $1.35.

DO THE MATH

  • In the first two months of 2012, 8.1 million U.S. citizens traveled abroad according to data released by the U.S. Office of Travel & Tourism Industries.
  • 8.1 million travelers over two months =48.6 million a year (estimated)
  • 3 bottles a day for one 2 week trip= over 3.4 billion plastic water bottles used.
  • Mexico remains the most popular foreign destination, with 3.3 million U.S. visitors in the first two months of the year. Recycling experts say that only about one-eighth of the 21.3 million plastic water and soft drink bottles that are emptied each day in Mexico get recycled.

2) Get a water purifier

A Grayl Bottle (staff favorite!), SteriPEN, or LifeStraw can allow you to drink water from anywhere! Whether you’re traveling in cities or wilderness both of these options are light weight and excellent solutions to make sure your water is safe and clean to drink.

3) Bring a reusable bag, dry bag, rain cover

Many of us when traveling, end up grabbing a garbage bag or plastic laundry bag from our hotel rooms to store dirty clothes or shoes. To avoid this, think ahead when you are packing, and take along a tote bag or something similar to avoid using the disposable plastic bags you may find in your rooms on your trip.

For your toiletries, use a non-disposable clear bag.

Get a rain cover for your day pack so that things inside stay dry.  Many day packs now come with an integrated rain cover.

Dry bags can be used to keep your electronics and clothing dry.

4) Get a reusable straw

It’s estimated that we use over 500 million every day in America, and most of those end up in our oceans, polluting the water and killing marine life. We want to encourage people to stop using plastic straws for good. If we don’t act now, by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

If you like straws in your mixed drinks, sodas, smoothies, etc, maybe look for a glass, stainless steel, or paper alternative that you can bring with you on your travels (and around at home).

Check out the Strawless Ocean’s website to learn more about this and what you can do.

Check out fun and creative non-disposable straws >>

5) Reuse shampoo and lotion containers

This is another very simple way to cut back against the use of disposable plastic. Before you travel the next time, think about buying refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles. Fill them up before you leave for your trip.

6) Reusable Coffee Mug

Instead of getting a disposable cup when you order a coffee to go, use a reusable mug.  It is also useful to take a drink with you when you are out and about.

FURTHER READING/IDEAS:

Want to share what you’re doing to fight against the use of disposable plastic while traveling? Make sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook!

Posted in Packing, Sustainable Tourism, Travel Advice, Travel Products | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

NEW TRIP! 7-Day Dolomites Trek – Alta Via 2

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

One of the best ways to explore the Dolomites is hiking an Alta Via, the beautiful long-distance “high routes” of the Dolomites. The Alta Via 2 is the furthest west of the Alta Vie. Dubbed the “Alta Via delle Leggende,” or High Route of Legends, the AV2 is undeniably more strenuous than the AV1, remaining at higher elevations throughout (as high as 2,900m / 9,514′), and with great reward.

7-Day Dolomites Trek – Alta Via 2 >>

On this exceptional trip, you’ll hike from north to south, from Alta Badia to Val di Fassa. Hike in Puez-Odle Natural Park, across the Sella Massif, and around Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites, and home to its largest glacier. You’ll travel through several of the villages in Alta Badia, including La Villa, Corvara, and Colfosco, as well as Val Gardena and Val di Fassa. Plus experience a variety of different landscapes and geological features, as you cross over multiple regions and through several natural parks. You’ll hike on plenty of lunar landscapes, across numerous vast pastures, through wooded valleys, along high plains (altiplano), surrounded by tall beautiful peaks throughout. The scenery alternates between mountains made of Dolomite rock (Sella Massif), to limestone mountains (Marmolada), to regions (Puez) made of a completely different type of rock altogether, with a completely different appearance that offers a strong, picturesque contrast to the surrounding Dolomite Mountains.

Starting at $1195/person!

ITINERARY

Day 1: 7-DAY ALTA VIA TREK / Arrive in Alta Badia, Dolomites
Day 2: Hike Lagazuoi Massif (BD)
Day 3: Hike Cinque Torri (BD)
Day 4: Hike Pelmo and Civetta Massifs (BD)
Day 5: Hike Civetta & Moiazza (BD)
Day 6: Hike Passo Duran (B)
Day 7: Depart (B)

This trek is offered as a guided group departures, self-guided private trips, and guided private trips. As with all of our trips, we can customize this trek, and we offer many of the treks through the Dolomites.

See full itinerary:

Posted in Dolomites, Europe | Leave a comment

NEW TRIPS! In Laos, Northern Vietnam, and Thailand

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

Adventures Within Reach is extremely pleased to unveil three new soul-stirring Southeast Asian itineraries for our highly valued travelers. These new private tours include

  • A fascinating short discovery trip of Luang Prabang, Laos
  • A longer Thailand explorer-style trip with value in mind
  • A finely-crafted northern Vietnam adventure sure to whet the appetites of any international travel enthusiast

Travelers can start these trips any day and combine them into one grand tour or pick one or two and customize them. It’s easy to make a longer trip to get the most out of the experience, finely tailored to your interests. We specialize in custom tours to this exciting region, showing you the iconic “must-see” spots while also dishing up real life in the quieter, scintillating back-roads of this awesome region.

Longing for Laos? 

Our new 4-day Luang Prabang Explorer >> is a wonderfully diverse tour showing you the the deep history of the area as well as its rich contemporary culture. Luang Prabang is widely considered the crown jewel of travel within Laos, one of those countries that – like a New Zealand or a Peru – people often rate among their finest travel experiences. On the trip, we meet monks on their daily trek for alms, discover and sample local foods in the markets (and during a tasty cooking class), appreciate grand colorful temples, and mingle with locals through countryside village visits and a traditional Baci ceremony. We explore elaborate caves with ancient religious shrines, local farms, and swim in waterfalls if you so choose. You can start the trip any day and it’s easy to add to any Southeast Asia itinerary.

2018/2019 Pricing

  • 2 or 3 travelers: US$695/person in mid-range lodging OR US$995/person in upgraded accommodations
  • 4 or more travelers: US$575/person in mid-range lodging / US$845/person in upgraded accommodations
  • Note: From April 1 through September 30, there is a significant discount (per person) when booking the upgraded accommodations (US$200/person discount for parties of 2 or 3, US$150/person for parties of 4 or more).

Time for Thailand?

Thailand ranks in the world’s top 10 tourist destinations by visitor numbers.  While the main draws are not too hard to pinpoint – bustling Bangkok, fine beaches, and great Thai food –  we like to show travelers there’s far more to Thailand.  On our new 11-day Best of Thailand Budget tour >>, we immerse travelers in both the vintage highlights plus lesser known hideaways balancing both experience and value throughout.

We start the trip in Bangkok, the region’s number one travel hub. You’ll join your local expert guide and wander the great temples here, get to know the city better by tuk tuk, and travel the backwater canals that make Bangkok ‘the Venice of the East.’ From Bangkok, we head to the exotic jungles of Kanchanaburi, visiting historic World War II sites, exploring caves, and swimming in massive waterfalls. From the famed River Kwai, we explore Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, one of Thailand’s greatest archaeological sites. Boarding a classic night train to Chiang Mai, we then  discover this enchanting second city of Thailand, home  to marvelous markets, hallowed Buddhist shrines, and a real adventure hub. On your free day here, travelers have the option of doing a full day trek through rugged rainforest hills to back country villages clinging to their old ways. Departing Chiang Mai, head to the beach. Where we may suggest traveling too can depend on the time of year, but generally, traveling in the high season, many travelers find the best value visiting Phuket. Phuket has renowned white sand beaches, a wide range of full day sea adventures – including day trips to exotic beach islands – and a welcome array of hotels, from budget properties to 5-star elite beach resorts.

2018/2019 Pricing

  • 2 or 3 travelers: US$1,495/person
  • 4 or more travelers: US$1,195/person
  • Note: Take $100/person off these prices during the low season (April 1-October 30)

Venture in Vietnam? 

Northern Vietnam is on a lot of buckets lists these days, being home to famous Halong Bay, a striking UNESCO world heritage site. But like they say on game shows: “Wait! There’s more!” Traveling in Vietnam really is like winning the jackpot.

On our new 8-day Northern Vietnam In-Depth >>, travelers experience not just the bay area, but also Hanoi – a leading cosmopolitan city in the region, replete with cafes, great restaurants, art galleries, colorful flower shops, markets and more – plus the rugged mountains and unique village life surrounding Sapa. We also squeeze in time to visit beautiful Ninh Ninh, the spectacular inland Halong Bay.

For travelers with more vacation time and who desire an even deeper, fuller experience of Vietnam, this trip is easy to combine with the 9-day Southern Vietnam In-Depth >> trip, or you could opt to add in a different country altogether and visit Angkor Wat >> among other options.

2018/2019 Pricing

  • 2 or 3 travelers: US$1295/person in mid-range lodging / US$1,445/person in upgraded accommodations
  • 4 or more travelers: US$995/person in mid-range lodging / US$1,245/person in upgraded accommodations

We customize Southeast Asia trips all the time.  If you want to explore what we can help you with, please contact us >> anytime. We hope to share with you the raw magic of Southeast Asia, the magic that we know first-hand and love.

Posted in Laos, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Vietnam | Leave a comment

Luxury Rainforest Experience at Mashpi Lodge

Posted on November 8, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

Mashpi lodge is a gorgeous luxury lodge set amid the rainforest in Ecuador.  It is only a 3-hour drive from Quito and offers an amazing wildlife experience.  You will need a minimum of 3 days for this trip, but you can extend it as well.

Check out these amazing activities!

Sky Bike

Located close to the hotel, the Sky Bike makes for a novel and exciting way of exploring the forest canopy up close. Designed for two people to use at once, one person pedals the bike along a cable stretched between two points in the forest – around 200 meters (655 feet) apart – while zipping over a beautiful gorge complete with running rivers that flow around the rocks and trees below.

Observation Tower

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Mashpi is from the observation tower. The tower is a metallic structure with winding steps. It stands at about eight stories (26 meters/85 feet) high and is ideal for all types of wildlife lovers. Species spotted from here include toucans, woodpeckers, barbets, tanagers and parrots, as well as birds of prey.

Life Center (with butterfly research and exhibition)

Here we will get to learn about the species of butterflies found in this region, observing the whole process of metamorphosis from egg to beautiful butterfly. About 300 species of moths and butterflies have been identified to date in the Reserve, and our team has successfully managed to reproduce 50 of these to date. About a dozen can be seen at the Life Center itself.

Hummingbird Garden

The forests of Mashpi boast a total of 32 hummingbird species that have been identified to date. These inhabit different altitudes throughout the reserve, with around 19 species that are observable right at our Hummingbird Garden. In order to make it easier to see these amazing creatures at our Garden, we have placed several hummingbird feeders and fruit feeders right beside our covered seating area.

Hikes and Waterfalls

Water is key to life in Mashpi, and there’s nothing like an invigorating dip full of nature’s energy at the end of a hike! The water temperature tends to hover between 18 and 20 °C (64 and 68 °F), which is perfectly refreshing after warming up with the first part of your hike.

 

Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

With some 400 species of birds spotted to date – 35 of which are endemic (meaning they’re only found in Mashpi’s nearby forests) – Mashpi’s Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

You don’t need to be an experienced ornithologist or even travel that far to see and enjoy the mystical beauty of birds.

Night Walks

When darkness falls, a new troupe of creatures emerges: your guides will accompany you in search out tiny (and some transparent!) frogs, snakes, insects and even tarantulas during a Night Walk.

 

Dragonfly (canopy gondola)

The highlight of any trip to Mashpi is the Dragonfly – an exciting, open-air cable car system that carries you over, across and sometimes even directly through the forest canopy, offering guests a relaxing way to enjoy the reserve from overhead.

(Extra fee)

Wellness Spa

Two massage rooms await on the 2nd floor of the lodge for a wide variety of beauty and body treatments, including single or couples massages.  There is also an open-air hot tub and yoga deck.

(Extra fee)

 

Posted in Amazon, Ecuador | Leave a comment

Climbing Kilimanjaro Responsibly with KPAP

Posted on November 4, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

The mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. We are an approved Partner company with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project – KPAP – and the International Mountain Explorers Connection – IMEC – Partner for Responsible Travel Program.

We voluntarily participate with KPAP’s monitoring activities and allow KPAP to evaluate the treatment of our porters on all of our Kilimanjaro climbs.  By climbing with us you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of.

KPAP also helps to improve the working conditions of porters by:

  • Lending donated clothing at no charge to the mountain crew for use while climbing
  • Educating the public on porter working conditions and climbing responsibly
  • Providing industry guidelines for proper porter treatment
  • Offering educational classes to porters

Please consider supporting KPAP by making a financial contribution to enable them to continue with their Partner for Responsible Travel Program and free services for porters. To make a donation, please visit https://kiliporters.org/donate-now/

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Kid Friendly Patagonia Adventures

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

This season we have gotten several requests from families with kids between the ages of 4 and 13 wanting to experience Patagonia in a kid-friendly way. Read on for suggestions from our Patagonia expert on how to make the best of your family Patagonia adventure:

Patagonia is one of those places where hours can easily be racked up in the car due to the remote locations of sites and activities. Long drives and more strenuous hikes are generally what keep families waiting to visit Patagonia until their kids are teens or older. That does not have to be the case though! When visiting Patagonia with younger children, establishing a kid-friendly “basecamp” is essential. I recommend staying in an all-inclusive lodge when traveling as a family with younger kiddos. With all-inclusive lodges families have much more flexibility in schedules, activities, food, etc. More and more lodges are catering to families and include child rates for kids as old as 12 or 15.

My two favorite lodges to recommend to families are: Remota Lodge and Patagonia Camp.

Remota Lodge, why I like this program for families and red tape:

Each day at Remota, you get to pick and choose what you want to do. Families can decide last minute what they want to do and can even divide and conquer the fam if some want to do one thing and others want to try something else without worries about logistics or cost- this is why I especially like the all-inclusive lodge option for families. Besides the fact that it is flexible, for many of the excursions with Remota families don’t have to drive anywhere- they start either at the lodge or right next to the lodge. You have more varied options with this lodge than you do with the lodges in Torres del Paine (ie, you can do boating out to glaciers, visit working estancias, go into town if you want, go for mellow mountain bike rides, etc). That said, you also have the choice to go into Torres del Paine and see the park in a more laid back way- you will not be forced to do long hikes with young kiddos and you will still be able to see the highlights of the park (however, do note, that the Torres del Paine Park visit day is a long day- but there is down time in the van and lunch and snacks are served between several gorgeous short hikes). Finally, Remota has great kid-food options in their restaurant- very important for those picky eaters out there! ?

Remota’s family option: you can have up to four of you in a triple room if one child shares a bed with either the parents or the other child in a bed. Up to 1 child between 4-15 years old can stay free of charge in a shared room. For a second child, child rates apply.

Patagonia Camp, why I like this program for families and red tape:

At Patagonia Camp, stay on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park in your own family YURT! Family yurts are two yurts joined by a bathroom- one yurt has a Queen Bed and the second has two twin beds. The Family Yurts have their own private jacuzzi’s outside. This program is great because of the flexibility it gives to families (especially with kids who might change their minds last minute about what they’re feeling and what they’re interested in doing). Staying in a yurt is an awesome experience for kids- its like being in a glorified fort with a private outdoor hot tub! (Parents: the yurts are heated and have electricity as well). While staying on the edge of Torres del Paine is amazing, it also means that most of the activities at Patagonia Camp are longer treks and hiking oriented. They do offer kayaking and SUP as well as some shorter hikes right from the camp itself, but most activities require a drive to another part of the park for a hike. Depending on how your family is, it could be the best option or it could be something that you want to wait to do with teens.

Patagonia Camp’s family option: you can have four of you in a quad family yurt (1 queen bed for parents and 2 twin beds for the kids). Child rates apply to children between the ages of 5-12 years staying in family yurt with 2 adults.

For an extra fun add-on before or after your lodge stay, think of staying in Punta Arenas and visiting the Magdalena Island Penguin Rookery! Early in the morning you will bet met at your hotel and then set out for a zodiac boat ride to Magdalena Island to see one of the world’s largest penguin rookeries. Get off the boat and walk around the island and experience the penguins up close! Boat around Marta Island to see sea lions and birds from a distance. Return to Punta Arenas. Take the afternoon to relax or go for a family walk along the Strait of Magellan boardwalk right in town- there are several children’s play parks set up all along the way. At night, eat a delicious local family dinner and ask us for our hotel recommendations with family rooms, pools and hot tubs for more fun for the kids (and parents!).

Want to book your next Patagonia Family Adventure? Contact us!

Your friendly Patagonia expert,

Gretchen

Posted in Chile, Family Travel, Patagonia, South America | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment