Adventures Within Reach Travel Blog

Tanzania Laptop Cooperative (TLC)

Posted on May 15, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Have an old laptop? Donate it with some TLC! The Tanzania Laptop Cooperative, that is….

As a recent college graduate, Dan Thorngren knows how critical a personal computer can be for academic success. After living in Tanzania during summer 2007, he witnessed the immense need, craving in fact, that students there have for technology. As these young Tanzanians will soon be the leaders of their country, it is imperative that they develop computer skills in order to work successfully with other people around the world.

It is out of this need that the Tanzania Laptop Cooperative was formed. “When people in North America buy a new laptop, frequently their old one gets put into storage,” says Dan, “this is a waste of perfectly good technology. Our goal is to recycle that technology by moving it where it is needed most.”

“Adventures Within Reach encourages our travelers to give back to countries where they visit. This is a great way to get rid of an old computer and to personally help the children in Tanzania,” said Robin Paschall of Adventures Within Reach.

The Tanzania Laptop Cooperative needs help in two ways:

Donations of laptops, flash drives, other used goods
Help in getting the laptops to students in Tanzania

For more information about the Tanzania Laptop Cooperative and to help out, visit their Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29942241841

Posted in Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania | Leave a comment

100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life

Posted on April 17, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Adventures Within Reach is listed in The 100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life by Pam Grout. The trip that is highlighted is our Tanzania volunteer trip, which includes

Cleaning up trash while climbing Kilimanjaro
Going on safari in Tanzania
Volunteering at an orphanage or medical clinic

Get a group together, and you can do this tour any day of the year!

Buy The 100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life >>

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

Pencils for Africa

Posted on April 14, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

The children of Tanzania made such an impression on Lara and Joshua Wachs that they have started a Facebook page, called Pencils for Africa, to donate ONE MILLION PENCILS to schoolchildren in Tanzania.

Word on Facebook spread quickly. Donations of pencils, erasers, and pencil sharpeners have started to arrive from all over the United States. One school had a “hat day” where kids could wear a hat at school if they brought in three pencils to donate. In just a few months, Pencils for Africa has already received donations of over 6000 pencils!

Children with Pencils

“Believe it or not, the children in Tanzania are desperately in need of pencils, more than toys, pens, candy, or anything else,” says Lara Wachs. “Their faces lit up when they received pencils from us. And, I’ve heard this from so many travelers who go to Africa and third world countries, if I had only known that it was pencils they cared about most, I would have brought an entire extra bag with me full of them.”

Pencils for Africa need help in two ways:

Donations of pencils (and erasers and non-electric sharpeners) are needed to reach the one million mark
Help in getting the pencils to the kids in Tanzania

The costs of mailing the pencils to Tanzania are very high. One simple way to get the pencils to the children is by having travelers deliver them personally while on holiday in the country. Pencils for Africa can bundle the pencils for travelers and deliver them to New York City or mail them within the U.S. if shipping costs are paid.

Adventures Within Reach (AWR) arranged the trip for the Wachs in 2008 including a Kilimanjaro climb, Tanzania safari, and Zanzibar holiday. AWR will be working with Pencils for Africa to encourage travelers to make donations, take over pencils, and spread the word.

“It is very easy for any traveler to stick a bag of pencils in their suitcase, and their efforts will be greatly rewarded as they hand out the pencils to the children. The look on the children’s faces when they get things they need is an amazing experience,” says Robin Paschall of Adventures Within Reach.

For more information about Pencils for Africa and to help out, visit their Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84546480402

Posted in News, Safari, Tanzania | Leave a comment

New Galapagos Diving Cruises for 2009

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Galapagos Diving aboard the Alta

The luxury M/S ALTA is now offering diving cruises to Wolf and Darwin Islands starting select Saturdays June-September 2009.

$4245 – $4445/person

For all diving departures there will be 2 dive masters / naturalists onboard the ALTA to take the group out to the dive sites in two dinghies. Crew members on-board the vessel during these weeks are trained for diving cruises and there will also be first aid equipment and emergency equipment on-board. Nitrox will be available in limited quantities.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday
Morning: Arrive San Cristobal Island:
Afternoon: San Cristobal: Isla Lobos (check dive)

Day 2: Sunday
Morning: North Seymour Island (diving)
Afternoon: Cousins Rock (diving)

Day 3: Monday
Morning: Wolf Island (diving)
Afternoon: Wolf Island (diving)

Day 4: Tuesday
Morning: Darwin Island (diving)
Afternoon: Darwin Island (diving)

Day 5: Wednesday
Morning: Wolf Island (diving)
Afternoon: Wolf Island (diving)

Day 6: Thursday
Morning: Isabela Island: Cape Marshall (diving)
Afternoon: Santiago Island: James Bay

Day 7: Friday
Morning: Santa Cruz: Gordon Rocks (diving)
Afternoon: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 8: Saturday
Morning: San Cristobal: Depart for Mainland Ecuador

Contact AWR to book >>

DIVING ON SKY DANCER

Diving Galapagos aboard the Sky Dancer

There is still availability on the Sky Dancer for these 2009 departures:

November 1-8
December 13-20
December 20-27
December 27 – January 3

Contact AWR to book >>

Posted in Galapagos | Leave a comment

High Altitude Prep at the Free AWR Condo

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Breckenridge is a great place to train for altitude trekking.

Customers who book a trip with Adventures Within Reach are eligible to stay at a condo in Breckenridge, Colorado for FREE (restrictions apply) for up to 4 nights during the summer months (mid-April to mid-November).

The condo has 2 bedrooms plus loft, so it sleeps 6-8 people comfortably.

The altitude at Breckenridge is 9600 feet. There are dozens of mountains in the area over 14,000 feet, which can be hiked in a day. In addition, there are many lovely hikes that are not as strenuous, great biking, world-class fishing, and a beautiful mining town with shopping and restaurants.

Prepare for your high-altitude tour or trek with a visit to the Rocky Mountains!

Free AWR Breckenridge Condo >>

Posted in News | Leave a comment

New Kilimanjaro Charity Climbs for 2009

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Thanks to Cheryl Cole and eight other British celebrities, who raised million of dollars through their Comic Relief charity climb, climbing Kilimanjaro for charity is the new hot travel activity!

2009 Kilimanjaro Charity Climbs

Shalom Orphanage in Karatu

In honor of their incredible achievement, Adventures Within Reach (AWR) has created five new charity climbs in 2009 to support local Tanzania charities. AWR will donate $50/climber to the charity. A visit to the charity is also possible, or volunteer for a day, a week, or longer. Get your friends and family together to support these great causes!

June 1-6: 6-day Rongai trek
Make a Difference Orphanage and School in Marangu
July 6-12: 7-day Machame trek
FAME Africa Medical Clinic in Karatu
August 3-9: 7-day Machame trek
TunaHAKI Center for Street Children in Moshi
September 1-7: 7-day Machame trek
Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project in Moshi
October 5-11: 7-day Machame trek
Shalom Orphanage in Karatu

$1590/person for the trek

Add a 5-day safari starting at $1400/person, or add 5 days on Zanzibar starting at $350/person plus flights.

Climb for Your Favorite Charity

If you would rather climb for a charity of your choice, we can arrange your trek on any day of the year, and AWR will donate $50/climber to your charity. We can help your charity climb with group rates, providing detailed information on raising funds, sponsoring t-shirts, and helping with your travel plans. A fund-raising trek is an adventurous once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants while serving a humanitarian or environmental cause.

Here are examples of past charity climbs:

http://www.adventureswithinreach.com/tz/faq/charity.php

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Safari, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Last Chance for the Tibet Looking Glass

Posted on March 16, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

There are only a few spots left for the Tibet Looking Glass trip with John Bellezza May 14-31, 2009!

About the Trip

Tibetan Village

The Tibet Looking Glass trip is an unique opportunity to see Tibetan civilization in all its splendor with John Vincent Bellezza, one of the world’s leading authorities. From Buddhist monasteries to Eurasian animal art, this journey reveals Tibet in all her depth.

We are thoroughly excited to be working with John to make this dream trip to Tibet a reality. This is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Tibetan landscape and culture. Sally Walkerman, another Tibet expert, will be co-leading the trip. With a small intimate group, in a magical land, this trip is sure to be an experience of a lifetime!

Full itinerary and registration form:

http://www.adventureswithinreach.com/johnbellezza/bellezza_tibet2009.pdf

John Bellezza

Dear Adventurous Ones,

John Bellezza in Tibet

The adventure to Tibet to see its ancient wonders draws tantalizingly near. This is a wonderful opportunity to join me and see large swathes of Tibetan culture and history that few others have seen. The scenery is a joy to behold and the people a real delight. It is a challenging journey but one with many rewards for those who are willing to make the effort. If you can, I encourage you to sign up and be a part of this unique odyssey to Tibet.

Warm Regards,

John Bellezza

John Vincent Bellezza is a visiting scholar at the University of Virginia where he specializes in the pre-Buddhist phase of Tibetan civilization. Bellezza, a fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies and Explorer’s Club, has spent 25 years exploring the most remote parts of the Great Western Himalaya and Tibet. No ordinary academic, John is a great story teller and entertainer, skills he developed during his long years of wandering around the Himalaya. His latest book, “Zhang Zhung: Foundations of Civilization in Tibet”, provides comprehensive treatment of the pre-Buddhist civilization he discovered single-handedly.

“I was really very impressed with him as a guide. John is totally professional, but fun and flexible. He knows everyone in Nepal and Tibet and showed us things we would have never seen on most trips. He always watched out for every person, coming up the rear of treks, negotiating for people, and giving frequent informational talks. I’ve been on many pilgrimages and treks and John’s pilgrimages still stand out as the most special.”
Dr. Lynne Heckert, Founder, Philadelphia Meditation Center

Posted in Tibet | Leave a comment

Group Trekking

Posted on March 15, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Summit of Kilimanjaro

Interesting in joining a group for an amazing trek? We have dozens of confirmed treks for 2009. Remember you can also start a trek on any day of the year and customize it to meet your interests!

Inca Trail Trek, Peru

June 3
June 14
June 24
July 5
August 2
August 5
August 12
September 13

Cordillera Blanca, Peru

October 11

Best of the Huayhuash, Peru

October 18

Kilimanjaro Trek, Tanzania

April 19
June 1
June 8
June 9
June 9
June 15
June 22
June 26
June 29
June 30
July 6
July 13
July 20
July 27
August 1
August 3
August 10
August 17
August 24
August 31
September 7
September 14
September 21
September 28
September 10
September 18
October 5
October 12
October 19
December 22

Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

April 7
Apriil 25

Contact us to join a group trek >>

Posted in Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro, Nepal, Peru, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Multisport Cotopaxi Adventure

Posted on March 14, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

AWR is offering a new 3-day multisport tour near Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador. This is a great extension after a Galapagos trip and is great for families!

Starting at $370/person

DAY 1: El Cañón del Salto Canopy Tour

Your bilingual guide will pick you up at your hotel in Quito for the 2 hour drive to the Hacienda Santa Rita. El Cañon del Salto Canopy is a transportation system based on harnesses and pulleys attached to an inclined cable, taking advantage of gravity. This system was used by scientists who were doing research in the forest canopy. This is an environmentally low-impact adventure, and it gives people with no climbing experience a safe way to enjoy high mountain forest from a unique point of view. After 3 hours, transfer to Hacienda El Porvenir for lunch, and enjoy the afternoon at this traditional Andean farm. (LD)

DAY 2: Horseback riding and hiking

A brief lesson is given in the morning at Hacienda El Porvenir teaching how to ride and get acquainted with the horses. Wearing the typical “Chagra” attire, you will ride to the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano side by side with herds of wild horses and bulls. The ride takes about 3 hours. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch of local dishes at the farmhouse. In the afternoon, hike to Manto Blanco waterfall. (BLD)

DAY 3: Cotopaxi National Park

Drive 20 minutes to Cotopaxi National Park and begin with a visit to the interpretation center where descriptions of the local flora and fauna as well as the history of the major eruptions of the world’s highest active volcano are provided. Drive up to the refuge (4,800 m /15,744 ft.) where climber begin their summit attempt and enjoy the views. Next, drive on to Limpiopungo Lake for a leisurely hike passing streams and large rocks where volcanic remains are still evident. You will also see Pucará del Salitre, a strategic military fortress of the Inca Empire. In the afternoon we will return to the farmhouse in Hacienda El Porvenir and then drive back to Quito. (BL)

Included: Lodging, transportation, driver/guide, meals as detailed, equipment, national park fees, activities as detailed.
Not included: Cotopaxi entrance fee ($10/person), drinks and meals not specified, tips, personal expenses.

3-day Multisport Cotopaxi Adventure >>

Posted in Ecuador | Leave a comment

Galapagos Island Hopping

Posted on March 13, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

Red Footed Booby

AWR is offering a new 7-day Galapagos island hopping itinerary! On this tour, you can experience the highlights of the Galapagos without having to live on a boat, including Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabella Islands.

Daily departures
Customize your itinerary
Scuba diving option available
Add 2-3 day extention to Floreana Island or extra days on Santa Cruz, Isabella, or San Cristobal Islands
We recommend at least one extra day in Quito the day before going to the Galapagos.

Starting at $880/person!

Itinerary