Kilimanjaro Marathon 2016

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

IMG_0908The next Kilimanjaro Marathon is scheduled for February 28, 2016.

We have some group Kilimanjaro treks and group safaris that coincide with the marathon to make it the ultimate marathon trip!

OPTION #1 — Kili + Safari + Marathon

The price for this itinerary is $4495/person, double occupancy.

OPTION #2 — Safari + Marathon + Kili 

More on the Kilimanjaro Marathon >>

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Hacienda Concepción vs. Reserva Amazónica

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

The two Inkaterra Amazon Lodges are Hacienda Concepción and Reserva Amazónica, located about 4.5 miles apart from each other.  Both are great options for touring the Amazon Rainforest in Peru.  Here we compare the two options — excursions offered by each property, accommodations and meals, some unique offerings made only by Reserva Amazónica, and, of course, rates at each property.

See also 8 Top Peru Amazon Rainforest Lodges >>

Excursions

Canopy Walkway takes you into the rainforest canopy

Canopy Walkway takes you into the Amazon rainforest canopy

The Hacienda Concepción offers 14 different quarter- and half-day excursions in a fixed rotation.  Depending on the package you choose for your stay at Hacienda Concepcion (packages start with 3days/2nights and can go up to and beyond 5days/4nights) you will do the excursions planned for each day of the package.

The Reserva Amazónica offers you a suggested itinerary consisting of a combination of quarter-, half-, and full-day excursions that you choose and organize with your guide. A couple are special and have an extra cost.

NOTE: All excursions are in a small group (6-8 people) with a guide

Accommodations & Meals

Dugout canoe in the Peru Amazon

Dugout canoe in the Peru Amazon

Regarding accommodations and meals, the two Inkaterra properties are different in style from each other.  The Hacienda Concepción is more casual, and the Reserva Amazónica has a more upscale atmosphere.

Hacienda Concepción also offers six standard rooms in the main lodge as well as 19 stand-alone cabanas.  So, for instance, the Hacienda Concepción might be a good choice for a group or family who would like to stay in the main lodge together.

The Reserva Amazónica offers cabanas separated from each other.  These cabanas might appeal to couples seeking more privacy from their fellow travelers.  As for size of accommodations, the cabanas in Reserva Amazónica are bigger and more nicely appointed than the cabanas in Hacienda Concepción.  And all rooms and cabanas are available either with one king bed or two twin beds.

As for food and drink, Reserva Amazónica offers meals à la carte, whereas Hacienda Concepción has a fixed menu. Moreover, your drink and wine options in Reserva Amazónica are better than at Hacienda Concepción.

Special Amenities at Reserva Amazónica

Reserva Amazonica Tree House

Reserva Amazonica Tree House

Reserva Amazónica also offers some special treats that Hacienda Concepción does not have.  Reserva Amazónica has a spa, ENA Spa, that uses local indigenous ingredients in its signature treatments.  Reserva Amazónica guests can also experience the marvels of the jungle while spending a night in the Canopy Tree House, which is set 90 feet above the ground.  This experience is restricted to two clients, double occupancy, at any one time, who will enjoy full room and board, guide service, and a personal butler.  This unique experience does require an additional fee.

Prices

Hiking in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

Hiking in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

Regarding rates, price is almost always a consideration.  Maybe you like to live in the lap of luxury while exploring the amazing nature found in the Amazon.  Then the Reserva Amazónica could be the right place for you.  Maybe you enjoy your creature comforts, but think if you save a little on this trip, there will be more money for the next trip!  If so, then you may want to stay at Hacienda Concepción.  At both Hacienda Concepción and Reserva Amazónica, rates are all-inclusive, covering your room and board and excursions.

Hacienda Concepción:

  • Standard rooms in the main lodge (6)
  • Cabanas (19)

Reserva Amazónica:

  • Superior Cabanas (24)
  • Superior River View (Rio) Cabanas (8)
  • Amazónica Suite (1)
  • Tambopata Suites (2)

NOTES:

      • For a third person in a cabaña (triple occupancy), the price is the same as the per person rate in double occupancy
      • Children rates (for children under 12) are 50%, but must be accompanied by one or two adults.  Limit 2 children per cabin.
      • Rates include: round trip transportation to/from airport, assistance at the airport, accommodations, full board, programmed excursions in Spanish and English, basic equipment for each excursion, entrance fees to Lake Sandoval, Inkaterra Canopy Walkway and Butterfly House, bottled water, and a 10% service charge
      • Rates do NOT include: flights to/from Puerto Maldonado, tips for guide and lodge staff, private guide services, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses

PHOTOS – Hacienda Concepcion

PHOTOS – Reserva Amazonica

Posted in Family Travel, Luxury, Peru | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Gorilla Permits Half-Price in November!

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

Gorilla trekkingGorilla permits in Uganda are discounted to $365/person/day for November 2015.  That’s almost half-price!

You can visit the gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda in as few as 3 days from Kigali, Rwanda.

ITINERARY – 3-DAY BWINDI

DAY 1: Arrival in Kigali (LD)

You will need to arrive in Kigali in the morning.  Your guide will meet you at the airport and brief you on your trip. You will have lunch in Kigali, Ruhengeri or Kisoro depending on your arrival flight.

The drive to Ruhengeri is about 2 hours, and the Uganda border post (Cyanica) is only 40 minutes from there. The border crossing should take about 20 minutes.  After border crossing you will be in the Kisoro region. Depending on the location of you hotel or Lodge you will drive another hour or so.  The average transfer time is 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Overnight and dinner at the lodge of your choice (see details below):

  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
  • Bwindi Jungle Lodge (Mid-range)
  • Travellers Rest (Budget)

DAY 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (BLD)

After breakfast,  depart from your lodge at 6:30am. The reporting time at Nkuringo or Rushaga headquarters is at 8:00am.

You will have a briefing by the park rangers and trek the gorillas. The average time is 4 to 5 hours. After the trekking, return to your lodge for a late lunch.  In the afternoon, you may visit the nearly Lake Mutanda, visit the Batwa community, hiking, or just relaxing.

Enjoy your evening and dinner at the lodge of your choice.

DAY 3: Transfer to Kigali, depart (BL)

After breakfast, drive to Kigali via Kisoro (Cyanika) and Ruhengeri. If there is time, you can visit the genocide Memorial. Transfer to Kigali Airport for departure.

PRICING

The land-only price for this itinerary:

  • $1595/person with luxury accommodations
  • $895/person with mid-range accommodations
  • $845/person with budget accommodations
  • $365/person for the gorilla permit

Included:

The price is inclusive of ground transportation in a 4 x 4 safari vehicles to all visited areas as per the program, the services of Driver-guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per program, accommodation, meals on full board basis, and all government taxes.  Prices are based on 2+ people in the group.

Excluded:

Airline ticket, personal expenses, visa fees, drinks except mineral water during road transfers.

LODGING

LUXURY: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Guests at Clouds stay in their own cottage.  Built of local volcanic stone, every cottage has a large sitting room with fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, hand-woven carpets, and includes a personal butler.  The main lodge feels like someplace else – soaring ceilings, massive exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes and mountains.

MID-RANGE: Bwindi Jungle Lodge

Bwindi Jungle Lodge is located on Lake Mulehe, Mucha, about 10 km from Kisoro town along the road to Rubuguli, about 20 km from the Southern gate of Bwindi National Park in Rushaga and Nkuringo. Bwindi Jungle Lodge is made by cottages, all en-suite and with raised verandah overlooking Lake Mulehe, built using the local volcanic stones and timber. The large restaurant and bar enjoys a verandah overlooking the lake and the design and architecture utilize the local tradition of volcanic stones and fencing.

BUDGET: Travellers Rest

The Travellers Rest hotel is located just outside Kisoro in the southwest corner of Uganda.  It has 12 rooms and was often visited by Dian Fossey.

See all Gorilla Trekking Trips >>

Posted in Uganda / Rwanda | 2 Comments

AWR’s Dean Paschall Finishes the PCT!

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Robin Paschall

Dean9r PCT FinishDean Paschall, of AWR, finished hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) on September 12, 2015.  It took 150 days, just under 5 months, which was better than his expected 5 1/2 months.  He thru-hiked the PCT from Mexico to Canada for a total of 2650 miles, starting on April 16, 2015.

“Adventures Within Reach was so honored to sponsor this amazing adventure.  We are so excited that Dean made it to the finish and in great style,” said Robin Paschall, President of Adventures Within Reach. “It was much more challenging than any of us imagined.  He had to overcome physical challenges, bad weather, and forest fires.  While this adventure is not “within reach” for most people, it exemplifies adventure travel with activity, culture, and nature.  It has been inspiring to watch his progress along the way.”

Dean describes his experience:

IMG_0058“The first part of the Pacific Crest Trail is in the desert in southern California.  Some days were so hot, I had to hike at night in cooler temps to preserve precious water resources.  This section was particular hard because water was so scarce.  In some cases, 42 miles between natural water resources which meant I had to carry a lot of extra weight in water, up to 8 liters or 16 lbs in water alone.  This made trip planning critical to make sure I preserved enough water to reach the next source.  However, some nights in the desert were also extremely cold, I encountered more snow in the mountains of the desert than in the high peaks of the Sierra.

IMG_0280“The second section of the hike was in the Sierra Mountains in California also known as the John Muir Trail.  This was one of my favorite sections because I am very familiar with this area from my years as a back-country ranger in Yosemite.  It was also exciting to summit Mt. Whitney [At 14,505 feet, Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the continental U.S.].

“Oregon was made difficult because all the nearby forest fires.  I was  often forced to hike with my bandanna over my face because of all the smoke and ash in the air.

IMG_0380“Although it was intensely beautiful, from very my first steps into Washington, it started to rain and snow didn’t seem to stop until the week before I finished.

“Although my life on the trail consisted of waking up at 4:45am every morning,  hiking a marathon (20+ miles), finding a place to sleep at dusk, and getting up the next day to do it again, there was never a day when I would not feel like hiking.  I saw remote wilderness areas that few people ever get to see, but probably the best part of the hike were the many amazing people I met along the way — new friends for life.  It was the most challenging and yet the most satisfying physical endeavor I could have ever imagined.”

20150914-pct-return-dean-robin-2Dean returned home from Canada on September 14, 2015.

“It was great to be able to able to meet and congratulate him when he returned home from this great adventure!” said Robin. “He lost about 30 pounds, but he looked good and was in great spirits.”

Dean will giving presentations on his trek this winter in Boulder, Colorado and in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Dean Paschall PCTHis Blog follows his progress along the trail.

Dean Paschall is 63 years old and has been an avid adventurer and outdoors-man for his entire adult life. Dean has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Rainier, has hiked on Mt. Everest and Mt. McKinley, and was the first person to fly a hang glider off of Half Dome, and El Capitan.  He also loves to mountain bike, road bike, ski, and rock climb. He was a park ranger at Yosemite National Park, CA for 10 years; created and ran the outdoor program at the Community School in Sun Valley, ID;  worked for NOAA and was a Division Manager with the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks for 13 years; and is a principal at Adventures Within Reach.

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8 Top Peru Amazon Rainforest Lodges (Puerto Maldonado)

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Robin Paschall

Peru Amazon RainforestHere are our 8 top lodges for Amazon Rainforest tour in Peru starting from Puerto Maldonado.  All lodges offer tours of 3-7 days.  For the deep Amazon Lodges (Heath River Wildlife Center, Manu Wildlife Center, and Tambopata Research Center), tours are a minimum of 4 days.  Most lodges offer daily departures.  Click on the lodge name to see pictures.

LODGE QUALITY CANOPY WALK CANOPY TOWER CLAY LICK GETTING THERE
Hacienda Concepcion 3-star Yes No No 25-Minute Boat
Reserva Amazonica 4-star Yes No No 45-Minute Boat
Sandoval Lake Lodge 3-star No Yes No 25-Minute Boat + 2-Mile Hike + Canoe
Heath River Wildlife Center
 3-star No Platform Yes 5-hour Boat
Manu Wildlife Center
 3-star No Yes Yes 7-hour Boat + Drive
Posada Amazonas 3-star No Yes Yes 45-minute Boat
Refugio Amazonas 3-star No Yes Yes 2.5-hour Boat
Tambopata Research Center
 3-star No Yes Yes 4.5-hour Boat

Other Notes:

  • Refugio Amazonas and Heath River Wildlife Center have a mammal clay lick for wild pigs, deer, and parakeets.
  • Posada Amazonas and Refugio Amazonas rooms have an open wall to the outside (no window or screen).  They have mosquito nets over the beds.
  • All lodges will have a veranda with hammock.
  • A Yellow Fever certificate and malaria pills are NOT required.
  • Heath River Lodge is on the Bolivia border, so you will need to have your passport with you.  No visa is required.
  • Heath River Wildlife Center departures are Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Manu Wildlife Center departures are Monday (4-day) and Thursday (5-day).
  • The first night at the Tambopata Research Center is spent at the Refugio Amazonas.
  • Trip Report from Peru Amazon at Hacienda Concepcion.
Posted in Peru | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Inspirational Trek — Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with CMT

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

5 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu We at Adventures Within Reach are inspired by all of our clients, but we thought we would share the adventures of one amazing client – Minda W.  Minda W. was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), at the age of 14.  CMT affects the nerve pathways, which results in the progressive loss of muscle tissue, particularly in the hands and feet.  Despite those limitations, Minda W. decided to hike the 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.  Here is her trip journal:

Traveler: Minda W.
Travel Dates: July 21-25, 2015
Destination Visited: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:

I’m not sure how to put into words how much [my guide] Nick did to get me through this trek and how eternally grateful I will be for the rest of my life to Nick, Puma and all of the porters who took extra care of me.

As you know, I have a form of muscular dystrophy.  I have never allowed my disease to dictate my life.  I have done many things doctors told me would be impossible, including Ironman Texas 140.6.  Until this trip, IMTX was the proudest moment of my life.  I came into this trip knowing it would be a challenge. What I didn’t realize was [Machu Picchu] would be the most difficult and challenging thing I have done in my life.

5 Day Inca Trail to Machu PicchuI brought a script for Diamox for possible altitude sickness.  I have hiked and raced at altitude before[, and] have never used anything for altitude sickness before, so this would be a first.  I started taking the Diamox two days before the trek.  I had experienced slight loss of the use of my legs after lunch on Sunday but chalked it up to sitting funny on the bench and that my legs had fallen asleep.  That day my legs felt heavy as we toured the city and did a small hike. We had been on the go since Friday, so I chalked it up to adjusting to the weight of my boots and being a little tired.  I only took one pill on Sunday.  I took another Monday morning before Via Feratta and had a smashing day and felt amazing.  I took a second pill that evening and by the middle of the night I awoke to pain and heaviness feelings in both legs.  I got up to use the restroom and fell to the ground.  My legs did not work, at all.  I managed to get back in bed and I tossed and turned all night with discomfort and pain.  When it was time to get up and start getting ready the morning of the hike I knew something was really wrong with my legs.  I knew there was no way I could do this hike.  I literally had very little use of my legs.  None of my muscles were firing.  I was terrified.  What was happening?  I told my roommate my concerns and how worried I was.  I thought that the Diamox was interacting with another medication I was taking since I had not ever taken this combo before.  She started Google searching and found that Diamox is on the medical alert list for my CMT.  This drug directly effected my disease in a very severe and serious way.  I did not know if this was going to damage my muscles permanently or what I was experiencing would be a temporary side effect.  As soon as [my guide] Puma arrived, I pulled him aside and told him what was happening and that I would not be able to do this trek.  After all, you need your legs for a trek of this magnitude.  I didn’t want to hold the group up or put anyone out.  I also didn’t think I could do it.  That [was] a first for me.  My mantra is, NEVER QUIT.

5 Day Inca Trail to Machu PicchuPuma took both of my hands and held them, looked me directly in my eyes and said, “You are now part of the Puma family.  We will get you up and down the mountain.  Do not worry.”  I thought he was not understanding the gravity of my situation and started explaining again.  He looked me in my eyes again and assured me everything would be o.k and I need not to worry.  And just like that I said, “o.k.”  From that point on my gut told me to trust him, so I did.  I was so nervous but somehow also felt like everything would be o.k.  Before we left for the bus Puma introduced me to Nick.  His bright eyes and smile were so welcoming.  He assured me that everything would be o.k. and that he was here to help me. I don’t think either of us truly knew what lay ahead for us both.

5 Day Inca Trail to Machu PicchuWe started the trek and my legs felt so heavy.  It was a beautiful day and I was with my best friends, I needed to push forward and just enjoy the experience.  Once we got going I started feeling more at ease even though walking was labored.  Our pace was perfect and we took nice breaks along the way to learn history and eat snacks.  Nick was close to me while we made our way to the first camp.  After a few hours I had fallen just a bit behind. We could see the group up ahead so it was not too bad.  I fell twice because my legs would just stop working.  It was beyond frustrating. After my second fall Nick ran to my side and helped me up.  He looked at me and held his hand out and said, “From this point on, I will not leave your side.  Hold my hand.”  He stayed true to that statement.  From that point, we started a life changing journey together.  

5 Day Inca Trail to Machu PicchuFor the next 3 1/2 days he pulled me up steps, gave me words of encouragement, lifted me up when I was down, gave a rich history lesson of the Inca Trail, told me stories, shared with me about his life.  At times the group was way ahead of us and Nick never faltered.  He did whatever I needed.  Whether it be silence, laughter, counting steps together, singing songs, making up our own new mantras, helping me up series after series of steps, helping me down series after series of steps, walking in the dark with me, stopping when I needed, helping with my pack, waiting, listening, his dedication and determination to see this through was like nothing I had ever experienced with another human being.  He was a pillar of emotional and physical strength.  At times my legs literally would not work and Nick made sure he had my hand and stayed by my side.  The endless hours on the trail together had tears, gut wrenching laughter and hope.  We struck up an amazing friendship.  I trusted Nick with my life.  The sacrifices he made to ensure my safety and success were boundless.  Nick is a veritable one man phenomenon.  He made sure I made it, and I will never be able to thank him enough for such a selfless act.  He has restored my faith in humanity.  Nick held my hand till we got to the hotel after our trek was done.  After an experience like that, parting ways was so difficult but I know this experience and Nick will stay in my heart forever.  Nick made a dream journey come true for me.

5 Day Inca Trail to Machu PicchuPuma was right. He made sure I got up and down that mountain.  During the trek there were a few spots where the descent was so steep Puma had some of the porters put me on their back and safely get me down those tough sections.  5 different porters assisted with getting me down some crazy sections and I will never be able thank them enough for their sacrifices to see me down the mountain safely.  All-in-all I can’t say enough good things about my experience and the absolute love and support the entire crew gave to our group. 

Via Ferrata and zip lines tour:

Via Ferrata and Zip Line PeruVia Feratta was amazing!!!!!  I also can not say enough good about these guys.  With Via Ferrata you have to clip to a safety cable and with my muscular dystrophy that is a very difficult task for me.  Alex was awesome!  He had me go up with another group that was using the trail section and “Captain Jack” worked my carabiner for me.  The guys all took turns working my carabiner when needed. We had an amazing time!!!!!!!

Regarding Adventures Within Reach:

I can not thank Barbara enough for her quick responses and all of her assistance with details.  Top notch!!!!!!!   Thank You AWR!!!!  You all are amazing!!

Posted in Inca Trail, Peru, Trekking, Trip Journals | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Trip Report: Key West January 2015

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

Staff Members: Robin Paschall & Barbara Colliander
Travel Dates: January 2015
Destinations Visited:  Key West, Florida

Key West is a great adventure destination with lots of activity, culture, and nature!

Duvall Street

Hemingway House

Southernmost Point

Historic Waterfront

Sunset at Mallory Square

Island of Dry Tortugas

Butterfly Pavillion

Key Largo

Posted in Trip Journals | Leave a comment

NEW TRIP: The 12-day Best of Thailand Adventure!

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

12-Day Best of Thailand Tour

Adventures Within Reach is delighted to introduce a brand new 12-day Best of Thailand adventure. The itinerary includesBuddha temple in Bangkok

  • Fantastic off-the-beaten path touring
  • The classic night train to Chiang Mai
  • 3 day rainforest trek
  • The best temples
  • Chanting monks
  • Sampling street food with your guides
  • 3 days on the beach at the end for R&R

Thailand street foodThe best time to visit Thailand (in general) is November through February, the “cool” dry season. Since this trip includes a trek, note that it can get very hot (35 degree C) in March into May, while June is commonly the first ‘rainy’ season month, which can last until October.

The trek on this trip is ideal for physically fit, active travelers especially those who have trekked previously in culturally rich, backcountry destinations like those found in Nepal, Peru, Africa, India, Bhutan and the like: the hiking is rugged, but the scenery and culture are simply amazing. If you enjoyed those treks, you’ll love northern Thailand!

Temple in BangkokHomestays add another wonderful cultural element on this trip, allowing you in-depth encounters with local people.  We realize, however, that not every traveler is into a multi-day trek, so if that’s the case for you, please let us know: we can easily adapt the itinerary for you. It’s easy to arrange instead some easier day hikes, an elephant experience, cooking classes, market touring, free days in Chiang Mai and the like.

12-Day Best of Thailand TourYou’re free to pick the class of hotels you’d prefer, and these can range from the popular mid-range category to 4-star luxury to 5-star elite properties. Solo travelers are encouraged to contact us for special solo prices, but with 2 people or more, the trip is very affordable. We provide a special price break if your group is 4 or more!

Let us know if you have any questions — we would love to help you experience a real Thailand adventure!

Full Itinerary >>

Posted in Southeast Asia, Thailand, Trekking | Leave a comment

Planning Family Adventure Travel

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

CheetahsNow that it’s summer, we here at Adventures Within Reach are thinking about family vacations.  But not the lay-on-the-beach kind of vacations, instead, we are thinking about what kind of adventures we can share with our children.  We are big believers in exposing children to the world and different cultures, while having fun along the way.  We believe adventure travel fits the bill in stimulating their interest in cultures and places away from home, while keeping them busy with physical activity — much more so than touristing around in museums and driving endlessly along from one historical site to another.  While we would not necessarily recommend climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or our Everest Base Camp trek to families, we offer a lot of adventures that would be suitable for families that offer a connection with nature, some sort of physical activity, and some cultural aspect.
White Water Rafting
As adventure travel specialists, we have put our money where our mouth is.  Our children have been to nine countries outside the United States on five continents, and all before the oldest of them turned 14.  Some of the places our children have been to:

  • Africa: South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya
  • Asia: South Korea
  • Australia: Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef
  • Europe: Spain
  • North America: Canada, U.S., and Mexico
  • Central America: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands
  • South America: Ecuador

Hiking in Costa RicaIn traveling to those places, our children have enjoyed in all sorts of adventure.  They have had many wildlife experiences as they have been on safari, gone whale watching, and had close encounters with cheetahs and bird of prey.  In the water, they have submerged themselves in a submarine, snorkeled, and scuba dived.  On the water, they went white water rafting and surfed the waves.  On land, they have gone on nature hikes, rode zip lines, and gone canyoneering down waterfalls.

If any of those activities appeal to you, here are some of AWR’s trips we recommend for families:

For more ideas, visit AWR’s Family Trips page or contact us for help in planning a vacation your family will always remember.

Posted in Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Family Travel, Galapagos, Kenya, Luxury, Peru, Safari, South Africa, Southeast Asia, Tanzania, Thailand | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AWR Continues to Support IMEC’s Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project

Posted on July 19, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

Adventures With Reach is happy to announce that we have renewed our support of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) and its Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).  AWR has been one of IMEC’s Partners for Responsible Travel for 5 years.  We here at AWR believe it’s important to improve the lives of the porters who assist our clients in reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Although we strive to provide our clients with great value, we believe that cost is not the only consideration when traveling.  We consider ourselves obligated to support sustainable and responsible tourism by helping the local economy, particularly the porters on Mt. Kilimanjaro, because without them, most of us would not reach our goal of reaching the summit.

summit27As an IMEC Partner for Responsible Travel, AWR has committed to ensure that our local outfitter on Mt. Kilimanjaro follows IMEC’s recommended Guidelines for Proper Porter Treatment and allows monitoring by IMEC.  AWR’s local outfitter on Mt. Kilimanjaro has agreed to, among other things:

  • Pay porters an acceptable wage
  • Make timely payments to the porters
  • Implement a tipping procedure so that the porters receive the tips
  • Ensure porters carry no more than 44 pounds
  • Provide at least two free meals a day
  • Furnish the proper gear and tents for the porters
  • Provide medical treatment, including assisting the descent of an ill porter
  • Assign climbs without regard to bribes

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project works to improve the working conditions of the porters on Kilimanjaro by: lending donated clothing for free to porters; providing free educational classes to porters in First Aid, Money Management, and English; and conducting educational outreach to the public regarding porter working conditions.  AWR clients have generously supported KPAP with cash and clothing donations.  If you would like to learn more about IMEC and KPAP before booking your Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, please visit their websites, http://www.mountainexplorers.org and http://www.kiliporters.org.  And to learn more about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with Adventures Within Reach, please visit us here – http://adventureswithinreach.com/tanzania/kilimanjaro/.

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