Short Hikes on Kilimanjaro

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

climb KilimanjaroAWR is now offering 1-3 day hikes on Kilimanjaro!

If you don’t have enough time to do a full trek, or if it too strenuous, this is great option.  A short hike on Kilimanjaro makes a great extension to any safari in Tanzania.  You will not reach the summit, but you will have a chance to see this amazing national park and a few of the ecosystems.

The 1-day Kilimanjaro trek will take hikers to the Mandara Hut for lunch and then back down to the park gate.  The price for 2 people is $185/person.  This is the cheapest option as you do not have to pay the hut fees, and you do not need porters.

For the 2-day Kilimanjaro trek, hikers will spend the night at Mandara Hut, and then go a bit higher, hopefully above treeline, before having lunch and returning down the mountain.  The price for 2 people is $575/person.

On the 3-day Kilimanjaro trek, hikers will spend one night at Mandara Hut, the second night at Horombo Hut, and then hike back down on the third day.  The price for 2 people is $875/person.

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Trekking | Leave a comment

5-Star Hemingways Nairobi Hotel Opens

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach
Luxurious Suite

Luxurious Suite

Hemingways Nairobi, Nairobi’s first 5-Star property is officially opening its doors April 20th, 2013!

Introductory prices start at $525/room/night B&B (25% off regular prices).

There are 45 spacious suites (861 square feet), all with a private verandah that overlooks the Ngong Hills of Karen. A private butler is on call 24/7 to cater to every need… a true definition of luxury.  Although extremely luxurious, each room still holds the traditional, “safari chic” elegance of vintage East African safaris.

5-Star Hotel in Nairobi

5-Star Hotel in Nairobi

The property has a restaurant onsite that is hoping to be the first Michelin Star-rated restaurant in all of Kenya! They even flew in a chef from London to train the staff on creating the perfect dining environment.

Afternoon Tea is served daily from 3pm to 5pm on The Dining Room Terrace overlooking the Ngong Hills. Classic afternoon tea ‘with a twist’, fresh finger sandwiches, hand crafted cakes, scones with clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam and lemon curd.

Other Amenities:

  • Full Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Gift Shop

Also included in every room:

  • Complimentary wired & Wi-Fi internet
  • Pop-up 40″ LED HDTV
  • Dual Telephone lines
  • Bathroom telephone
  • Air conditioning and ceiling fan
  • Personalized bar
  • Electronic safe with charger & space for 17” laptop
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobes & Slippers
  • Hypoallergenic pillows (on request)
  • Fine Egyptian Cotton bed linens and towels
Posted in Kenya, Specials | Leave a comment

Free Night at Explora (Patagonia, Atacama, Easter Island)

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach
explora Patagonia, Atacama, Easter Island

Explora Patagonia, Atacama, Easter Island

Reserve a 4 night program at any explora destination between April 14th and October 14th, 2013, and you will receive a complimentary 5th night.

Book two 4-night programs, and you will receive 2 extra nights free plus a 5% discount.

  • Valid for confirmed bookings at explora Atacama, explora Patagonia and explora Rapa Nui (Easter Island) between April 14th and October 14th, 2013 (trip concluded).
  • Valid for new bookings only.
  • Subject to availability.
  • Note: explora Patagonia is closed June and July
Posted in Specials | 1 Comment

Surf, Climb, Hike: A Costa Rican Adventure Awaits

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Costa Rica coastThe daily grind has a way of numbing our sense of adventure. Whether we work at desks, construction sites or classrooms, a monotonous routine feels equal parts necessary and constricting. Every once in a while, though, professionals break out of their routines with an injection of fun, relaxation and excitement. Vacations remind you that there’s more to life than the daily grand. But, not all vacations are created equal, however.

Costa Rica is the quintessential vacation destination. With white beaches, pleasant weather and a distinct culture, this Central American country offers an array of activities that create lifetime memories. It’s time to use some of that vacation time and start planning your trip to Costa Rica.

Hike

While equipment and activities can enhance your experience, sometimes a Costa Rican hiking adventure is the best way to explore a new country. Scenic terrain and unbelievable elements await the Costa Rican explorer. Take advantage of local knowledge and join a guided tour, where you can explore the Poás Volcano and other sites in the Central highlands, hike through cloud forests and learn about Amazonian wildlife. A canteen of water and a curious spirit are all you need for a lifetime of memories in Costa Rica.

Surf

Vacations empower professionals to try new things and test their limits. There’s no teacher quite like the sea. Experience the power and wonder of the ocean as you learn to surf. You’ve always admired surfers’ grace and poise, and riding a wave it just looks downright fun. Costa Rica offers waves for all levels of surfers. Take a lesson from an experienced native, or battle the waves on your own.

Zip Line

Costa Rica features lush rain forest terrain, and travelers can experience this greenery in more ways than one. Soar through this coastal country via zip line. Not only will you get a rush of adrenaline you’ll get a unforgettable perspective of this incredible country. What could be more adventurous than a high-flying tour through Costa Rica’s terrain? When you get done on the zip line, you’ll have a story to tell and a memory for life. Hold on to valuables as you fly down the line. According to Lifelock.com, carelessness is one of the leading causes of identity theft abroad.

Climb and Repel

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Costa Rican adventure, test your ancient trees and rapid waterfalls. Trained professionals to accompany you as you climb ancient rainforest trees. You’ll get an unprecedented look at nature (and a good workout). After you channel your inner “George of the Jungle,” challenge another natural wonder as you repel down a waterfall. Experts will connect you to safety as you work your way down one of Costa Rica’s many rushing rapids. This unforgettable experience will test your athleticism and ignite your senses. Have a friend or family member snap a picture? At home, they might not believe this story unless they see it.

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Luxury in the Sabi Sands at the Savanna Private Game Reserve

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

A great option for a safari in South Africa!

Amenities:

  • 4 Luxury Suites
  • 3 Executive Suites, each with plunge pool
  • 2 Savanna Suites, each with plunge pool
  • Swimming pool
  • Several watering holes to good game viewing
  • Visit a local village and school
Posted in Safari, South Africa | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Gnaoua Music Festival in Essaouira, Morocco

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Many of our favorite trips combine great hiking and culture. Trips in Morocco offer beautiful mountains and rich cultural discoveries.

The Atlas Mountains
The Medina Souks in Marrakesh

While the trekking season in the High Atlas runs all year, due to snow fall treks run only from late May into early October if you wish to summit the high peaks including Jbel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest mountain. The first part of the trekking season corresponds with some highlights of Morocco’s cultural calendar.

Essaouira

Essaouira: Fishing Boats Along the Ramparts

The Gnaoua and World Music Festival of Essaouria takes place every June, and the 16th edition will be held June 20-23, 2013. It would be an amazing experience either before or after a trek in the High Atlas! It celebrates the popular music and arts of the Gnaoua, descendants from black slaves brought to Morocco by the Arabs centuries ago, who practice a syncretism of classical Islamic Sufism with pre-Islamic African traditions. The festival promotes their fascinating music along with musicians who come from all over the world. Past editions have included musicians from Mali, Senegal, Cuba, France, the United States, and Great Britain with genres including jazz and hip hop!

Before this festival music lovers might also be interested in the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music to be held from June 7 to 15, 2013. If you are interested in attending either of these festivals during your trip to Morocco we highly recommend that you book hotels well in advance!

Even if you cannot attend the music festival, we recommend a visit to Essaouira during an adventure in Morocco. For a taste of the music festival, enjoy this video with highlights from the 2012 festival:

Links:

Gnaoua and World Music Festival of Essaouria

Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

Posted in Morocco | 1 Comment

Flights for Rwanda and Uganda

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Flights to Uganda are available from British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, African Express, South Africa Airways and Kenya Airways.

Flights within Uganda are offered by Aerolink which operates twice daily flights between Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Kidepo. Fly Uganda also offers scheduled flights to Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Kidepo.

Flights to Rwanda are available from KLM, Kenya Airways, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Aiways, Turkish Airlines, South Africa Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.

Flights within East Africa are operated by Kenya Airways, Precision, Coastal Aviation, Air Uganda and Rwandair, making the connection between Uganda, Rwanda and the savannah plains of Kenya and Tanzania easier than ever before!

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda

Posted in Uganda / Rwanda | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Trek For Every Month: Top Hikes Around The World (June, July & August)

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Read below to learn about our top trekking destinations for June, July and August. We’ve picked some of our best options in Morocco, Peru, India, Iceland, Europe and Ecuador!

Ladakh

The beauty of the Ladakh with Stok Kangri in the background, India Himalaya

This post is the second installment of the Adventures Within Reach  “Trek a Month” overview highlighting our favorite treks each month to help you pick a great adventure for your travel dates. We’ll write 2 more posts, each with 3 months of the best treks for those times of year.

>> Read about top treks for March, April and May! >>

June

  • Our Top Trek Recommendation:  High Atlas and Mount Toubkal, Morocco
  • Runner Up: Best Of The Huayhuash Trek, Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Atlas

The High Atlas, here seen in late April

High Atlas and Mount Toubkal: The the high Atlas and mount Toubkal are covered in snow every winter. By early June the snows have melted enough so that trekkers can reach Morocco’s highest point. June is also recommended for the Atlas mountains because the valleys are still quite green from the snow melt and the high summer heat hasn’t yet reached the cities like Marrakesh, which are fascinating and an essential part of any trip to Morocco! Come discover the amazing scenery and the rich Berber culture of the highest mountains in north Africa, reaching the summit of Jbel Toubkal at 13,671 feet (4,167 m) above sea level.

>>> View All Morocco Treks

Cordillera Blanca

Unforgettable scenery of the Cordillera Blanca

Best Of The Huayhuash Trek, Cordillera Blanca: An unforgettable trek in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the Huayhuash trek explores what is considered the most spectacular mountain scenery of Peru. On this trek you’ll camp out overnight, often above 4000 meters, and you’ll hike as high as 4750 m (15,583ft) above sea level, admiring soaring peaks covered with snow and ice. At the start of the trekking itinerary you’ll also visit the Inca ruins of Huanuco Pampa.

>>> View All Peru Treks

July

  • Our Top Trek Recommendation: Trekking in the Ladakh – Climbing Stok Kangri, India
  • Runner Up:   Hut-to-hut Treks, Iceland
Markha Valley

The Markha Valley on the way to Stok Kangri

Trekking in the Ladakh – Climbing Stok Kangri: This adventure is the ultimate trek for a traveler seeking a longer trip with solitude, culture, stark grandeur, and the unique physical challenge of ascending the highest non-technical peak in the Indian Himalaya, Stok Kangri (20,180 feet). Our main trek features traditional villages, green valleys, and Himalayan scenery with views of rugged, snow-bound peaks throughout. The trips are led by English-speaking trek leaders with deep roots in the region, which is often referred to as “Little Tibet.” All the treks are adapted for individual needs and we provide our own high quality tents, sleeping mattresses, and the like. Cooks and camp staff round out your trekking crew while luggage is carried by porters, yaks or mules. Our Stok Kangri trek features plenty of time acclimatizing in a pre-climb trek that we feel is essential for a successful (and safe) summit attempt.

>>> View All India Treks & Tours

Iceland

Trekking in Iceland

Iceland Hut-to-hut Treks: The trekking and hiking season runs from June through August in Iceland, although it is possible to visit this amazing land of fire and ice during the rest of the year. On an Icelandic trekking adventure we’ll have you depart on one of several options and also arrange for exciting add-ons such as a glacier tour! Along the way you’ll stay in huts which are heated; some have electricity and hot water. They have bunk rooms with single and twin beds, so you’ll share rooms with other travelers from the group, experiencing the remote beauty of Iceland while hiking with a light backpack. For hikers interested in even more remote locations, we offer backpacking options.

>>> View All Iceland Treks

August

  • Our Top Trek Recommendation:  Tour du Mont Blanc, French, Italian and Swiss Alps
  • Runner Up:  Cotopaxi and Quilotoa (non technical trekking), Ecuador
TMB

Along the TMB trail

Tour du Mont Blanc: The Tour of the Mont Blanc is the most popular trek in Europe and is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular trekking tours in the world. We recommend the trek from mid-June through mid-September, making August the perfect time to explore the beauty of the Alps. This 105 mile (170 km) trek goes over the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps, crossing 10 mountains passes, and admiring 40 glaciers. We recommend a 6-day trek with several transfers by car, cutting out some sections that you can hike on your own near Chamonix and allowing you to see all the highlights and then have time for other adventures. We also have longer options for hikers who seek a greater challenge. This trek is one of several great options in the Alps that include the Haute Route, from Chamonix to Zermatt, and mountaineering itineraries.

>>> View All Alps Treks

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Volcano: glaciers on the Equator and a summit at over 19,000 feet!

Cotopaxi and Quilotoa (non technical trekking): July and August is a great time for non technical trekking in Ecuador, even if it isn’t the best time for climbing the high peaks on the glaciers. Our recommended itinerary includes several days of hiking near the Cotopaxi volcano followed by a village-to-village trek ending at the Quilotoa lake, an outstandingly beautiful volcanic crater lake. The trip allows hikers to see fantastic scenery and also to learn about the local Indian culture and way of life in the high Andes. This trip can be customized to longer or shorter trips and also to include more or less challenging hikes.

>>> View All Ecuador Treks

Posted in Alps, Ecuador, Europe, Iceland, Morocco, Peru, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ladakh: Tibet’s Mirror Image in Northern India

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

LadakhIt’s a tragic reality that of the more than 6,000 Buddhist monasteries standing in Tibet prior to Chinese occupation,  only a handful remain intact. The situation is radically different in the surreal mountain landscapes of Ladakh (sometimes referred to as “Little Tibet”) in northern India: here Tibetan Buddhists have been allowed to practice uninterrupted for centuries and many ancient monasteries endure here untouched except by time. Tibetan culture in the form of its religion, food, music,  dances, and language are all safely practiced and preserved in Ladakh, making the region an intriguing alternative for travelers interested in experiencing Tibet though leery about Chinese travel restrictions or who may be feeling ambivalent about the political ramifications of travel in Tibet and China.

We are excited to introduce a very special 11-day Taste of Ladakh tour that visits many of the most alluring Tibetan Buddhist monasteries found in Ladakh. We travel to Hemis, Shey, Thiksey, Spituk, Phyang, Basago, Likir, and Lamayuru monasteries and journey through the wildly rugged and arid landscape of the Western Tibet Plateau. Uniquely, while most of India is inundated with monsoon rains and heat through the summer months, Ladakh falls within the rain shadow of the mighty Himalayas, so travel here is especially pleasant from June-September, a time when other parts of India are best avoided due to intense heat and rain. Sparsely populated, Ladakh is among the highest inhabited regions of the world, and while on our excursions, we’ll encounter the area’s traditional people and experience their customs along the way.  In fact, we can calibrate your trip dates to coincide with one of several major (and very colorful) festivals in Leh, accentuating the cultural discovery you’ll enjoy here.

Your trip can begin on any day of the tourist season, which runs roughly from mid-May through September.  While it’s best from a value-standpoint to travel with a friend or as a couple, we can help a solo traveler to Ladakh (or anyone who’d like to bring a group). We can customize the itinerary to include a visit to the splendid Taj Mahal and our Ladakh trip also makes a wonderful addition to any Nepal or Bhutan tour. The hotels are all very nice mid-range hotels though travelers wanting truly luxury properties are encouraged to contact us for a custom quote.  More adventurous and active travelers can consider an extended trek with us to more remote areas like the fascinating Markha Valley. No matter how you choose to visit Ladakh, we hope you have an opportunity to visit this singular region with us; you will not be disappointed!

Posted in Tibet, Trekking | Leave a comment

The Perfect Post-Galapagos Hotel in Quito?

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

View from Hacienda Rumiloma room

On a recent hotel site inspection tour in Ecuador, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Amber Laree de Freire, who co-owns Quito’s Hacienda Rumiloma with her mountaineer husband Oswaldo. She graciously invited me to stay at the property for a night and I jumped at the chance, having first read about the property in a glowing New York Times piece about Quito (scroll down to “#9: Above the Clouds” for the Hacienda Rumiloma review).

While Quito is home to a number of opulent boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and sleek modern hotels, Hacienda Rumiloma is in a standard all its own: the property combines the best elements of a mountain lodge, a classic Ecuadorian Hacienda, and a luxury B&B. At times, I felt like I was staying a rich relative’s house, it was that comfortable, welcoming, and homey; at other times, when dining, I clearly knew I wasn’t staying with any of my relatives: the food here is far beyond the culinary capabilities of my family. In fact, the property boasts one of the finest restaurants in Quito, with carefully prepared dishes incorporating the best traditional Ecuadorian foods in exquisite cuisine replete with distinguished European sensitivity (e.g. for a dish that I tried, the menu read “Cordera le Cantera-Tender Lamb, marinated in our house Sangria, barbequed & served with fluffy “Chaucha” potatoes, Fava beans, and Andean Corn”). And it has marvelous views to match: at night, while enjoying a robust Argentine Malbec with your meal, the lights of Quito sparkle like pixie dust below. At lunch, enjoy a view of the property’s 100 acres of primary forest as it stretches beyond a forest blanketed valley up a craggy flank of massive Volcan Pichincha.

The hardest part about enjoying the outside here, however, is that your suite will be so nice that you may not want to leave it after your porter brings your bags and stokes the fire in your room’s pot-bellied wood burning stove. All the rooms are incredibly spacious (the smallest is around 600 feet), elaborately decorated in warm, inviting tones, with comfortable accented furniture and fine King beds. They feature enormous bathrooms (including deep soaking tubs), chandeliers, and huge plate glass windows. The grounds are beautifully manicured, and on any stroll of the lawns, you may come across one of the strutting, resident peacocks.

Despite its seclusion, Hacienda Rumiloma is surprisingly not far from the domestic airport, where you’ll catch your flights to/from the Galapagos (allow approximately 20 minutes or so). Pricing is firmly in the luxury hotel segment, with the least expensive King Suite running about US$350/night, while dinner entrees tend to start in the high teens and go up from there. In summary, for luxury travelers seeking a refined, secluded escape for their overnights in Quito, Hacienda Rumiloma provides a perfect, unforgettable solution.

For Galapagos travelers, we often recommend 2 nights in Quito prior to a cruise, with one overnight in Quito following the cruise. Hacienda Rumiloma makes a fantastic choice for an indulgent post-cruise hotel night – what a remarkable way to wrap up a trip of a lifetime! Please contact us for details on our year-round Galapagos cruise dates, rates, and Quito & Ecuador land services that range from Quito hotel bookings and airport transfers to extended multi-day treks in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Posted in Ecuador, Galapagos, Luxury | Leave a comment