Adventures Within Reach Travel Blog

Climbing the Toubkal, North Africa’s Highest Peak (Morocco)

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Trekking in the High Atlas mountains is an amazing experience for adventure travelers who love mountains and culture. It is also an opportunity to bag a peak, the Jbel Toubkal, North Africa and Morocco’s highest peak at 13,671 feet (4,167 meters) above sea level. You’ll also experience Berber culture in the several villages including Imlil, the heart of the Toubkal National Park.

Last April I had the opportunity to visit this amazing region and develop the treks offered by Adventures Within Reach. Trekkers have two options for visiting the region – choosing to visit during the snowy season or during the summer season.

Summer Season: Late May Through September: Most people visit the high Atlas during this period. You can trek to the summit of the Toubkal without worry about snow, although light snow cover is still possible in May. July and August are very hot in Marrakesh, but temperatures are fine in the mountains and great for camping at high altitude.

Snowy Season: October Through Early May: This period can be a great option for experienced mountaineers. October can still be pretty dry and an extension of summer trekking conditions although with cooler temperatures. By February enough snow has fallen to usually make for excellent ski touring conditions. April and May are Spring conditions and climbing the Toubkal usually still requires crampons and an ice axe.

In April 2011 there was still enough snow for ski touring at the higher elevations and enough snow to stop the mules about 1 kilometer before the hut. Here is a photo of snow conditions at the hut:

Despite the abundant snow at higher elevations there is still excellent trekking below 10,000 feet. For a clear idea of the conditions and experience you can view my video of my trip:

Please contact us if you’d like to consider a trip to this amazing destination!

– by Tilden Daniels

Posted in Morocco, Trekking | Leave a comment

13 Day Uganda Discovery with Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Murchison Falls

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

We have a special group departure for a 13-day Uganda trip including

Game drives in the best parks
1 day of gorilla trekking
1 day of chimpanzee habituation
3 days in Murchison Falls including a boat ride on the Nile

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are still available!

DEPARTURE DATE:

July 12, 2012
Other dates may be available.

ITINERARY:

Day 01/12 Jul: Arrival at Entebbe and Transfer to your hotel – overnight Central Inn (D)

Day 02/13 Jul: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP – overnight Sambiya River Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 03/14 Jul: Game Drive – PM Boat trip – overnight Sambiya River Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 04/15 Jul: Game drive – Top of the falls – overnight Sambiya River Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 05/16 Jul: Transfer to Kibale NP – overnight Rwenzori View Guest House (B-L-D)

Day 06/17 Jul: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – overnight Rwenzori View Guest House (B-L-D)

Day 07/18 Jul: AM Transfer Mweya – PM Kazinga Channel overnight Hippo Hill Camp (B-L-D)

Day 08/19Jul: AM Game Drive – PM Transfer Ishasha – overnight Savannah Lodge (cottages) (B-L-D)

Day 09/20 Jul: AM Game Drive – PM Game drive – overnight Savannah Lodge (cottages) (B-L-D)

Day 10/21 Jul: AM Game Drive – PM Transfer Buhoma – overnight Ruhija Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 11/22 Jul: Gorilla trekking – overnight Ruhija Lodge (B-L-D)

Day 12/23 Jul: AM Transfer Lake Bunyonyi – PM relaxing – overnight Bunyonyi Overland Resort (B-L-D)

Day 13/24 Jul: Transfer to Entebbe for departure (B)

PRICING:

$3995/person
$500/person for the gorilla permit

Posted in Uganda / Rwanda | Leave a comment

Galapagos on the Athala II

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Galapagos on the luxury Athala II

The luxury Athala II is the sister ship to the Eclipse.

Built in 2007, it was completely refurbished in October 2011. Barbara of AWR visited the Athala II right after it was completed and can answer any questions you might have!

The Athala II has two 7-night itineraries starting a Saturdays depending on when your cruise date. There is also a 5-night option, which is the same, but you will get off the boat on Thursday.

SPECIAL PRICE

Discounted price of $3695/person for these dates for 2012:

April 14 and 28
May 5, 19, and 26
June 2, 9, 16, and 23

SPECIAL FEATURES

Small intimate yacht
Eight ample, comfortable cabins with large picture windows and ocean views
Galapagos -- Athala II stateroom

Main deck cabins have a private balcony
Upper deck cabins are interconnected for families
One-time, fully stocked mini-bar including fruit basket in all cabins
Spacious social areas including large dining room, lounge with modern technology for presentations, and al fresco area with outdoor bar
Galapagos -- Athala sun deck and jacuzzi

Large sundeck with Jacuzzi and awning to provide shaded area
Added stability of a catamaran (vs. a mono-hull of the same size)
Dedicated Cruise Director on-board for every cruise
Delicious and varied gastronomy catering to practically all preferences (including special dietary requests)
Wetsuits, snorkel gear and all non-alcoholic beverages included throughout the cruise
Access to the airport VIP lounges in Quito and Guayaquil on outbound flight to Galapagos as well as the VIP lounge outbound to the mainland from Baltra airport

ITINERARIES

OPTION WITH ESPAÑOLA

Galapagos -- Athala II outdoor dining

Saturday : Flight to Baltra Island, Galapagos / Afternoon Panga ride to Sombrero Chino Island

Sunday : Morning Dry landing at Cerro Dragon and swimming from beach, Santa Cruz Island / Afternoon Wet landing on Rabida Island for beach activities, deep water snorkeling,
kayaking and excursion

Monday : Morning Dry landing at Port Villamil, Isabela Island (excursion to the wetlands, snorkeling, kayaking, visit to the tortoise rearing center and “Wall of Tears” and relaxing
at the beach) / Afternoon same activities

Galapagos -- Athala II inside dining

Tuesday : Morning Dry landing and excursion on Floreana Island, visits to the Baroness’s
outlook point and Post Office followed by snorkeling or kayak / Afternoon Cormorant Point & Champion Islet with snorkeling or panga ride

Wednesday : Morning Disembark at Cerro Brujo for excursion, beach activities, snorkeling and panga ride / Afternoon Disembark at Isla Lobos for excursion, on the way sail by Kicker Rock Islet

Thursday : Morning Dry landing at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin
Station, afterward bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises / Afternoon free for optional activities

Galapagos -- Athala II lounge

Friday : Morning dry landing at Punta Suarez, Española Island / Afternoon wet landing at Gardner Bay on Española Island for swimming and snorkeling from the beach or kayaking, deep water snorkeling at Gardner Islet

Saturday : Morning Circumference ride around Daphne Major with briefing by your guides from
the M.C. Athala’s deck / Departure from Baltra

OPTION WITH GENOVESA

Saturday : Flight to Baltra Island, Galapagos / Afternoon Panga ride to Mosquera Island

Sunday : Morning Dry landing at Sullivan Bay for hike and snorkel / Afternoon Wet landing on Bartolome Island for shallow or deep water snorkeling and Dry landing on Bartolome for hike or panga ride

Monday : Morning Wet landing at Urbina Bay for excursion / Afternoon Dry landing at Tagus Cove for power hike, panga ride or kayaking

Tuesday : Morning Dry landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island and snorkeling / Afternoon Panga ride along Punta Vicente Roca or deep water snorkeling

Wednesday : Morning Wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island with Swimming and snorkeling from the beach / Afternoon Wet landing at Espumilla Beach for hike, panga ride, swimming or snorkeling

Thursday : Morning Dry landing at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, afterward bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises / Afternoon at leisure

Friday : Morning Dry landing at El Barranco with Snorkeling, kayaking or panga ride / Afternoon Wet landing and excursion at Darwin Bay with Beach time, snorkeling or kayaking

Saturday : Morning Short hike at North Seymour Island / Departure from Baltra

PRICING

7-Night Cruise:

$4950/person regular season
$4655/person low season*

5-Night Cruise:

$4245/person regular season
$3990/person low season*

*Low Season Rates apply for all departures in October and November as well as for December 1st, 8th, and December 15th departures only.

Posted in Galapagos | Leave a comment

Galapagos on the Eclipse

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Adventures Within Reach

Galapagos cruise with the Eclipse

Two of our favorite luxury boats in the Galapagos are the Eclipse and the Athala II.

The Eclipse has many unique features, two amazing 7-night itineraries, one 5-night itinerary, and two special Photo Safari departures. Plus read what our customers have to say!