Tibet Reopens to Foreign Tourists

Happy days are back in Tibet! Tibet reopened to foreign tourists on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 after a 3 month closure.

Chinese tourists have been traveling to the region since April 23, and all has been peaceful in the area.

Most tourists sites are open including the Jokhang, Ramoche, and Sera monasteries. Drepung, Ganden, Samye, and Tsedang remain closed temporarily.

Entry must be made through China (typically Chengdu) or Kathmandu via air or land. Currently Air China has flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa on Saturdays only.

Rules have changed for getting a Chinese visa >>

Chanting at Sera Monastery in Lhasa

Tourism money is greatly needed in this area to help support the local people, many of whom have not had work during the tourist closure. All of our Tibet trips for the rest of the summer and fall will go on as planned.

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Book Holiday Travel Now

Family safariI know it’s hot outside, but believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about the Christmas holiday season! Many of the boats in the Galapagos are already full in December and January and airfares are starting to creep higher and higher. Here are our favorite holiday season destinations that are also great for families.

GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR

Four, five, and eight day Galapagos cruises are still available on select dates. We can also book daily excursions from a hotel on Santa Cruz or an island hopper tour.

MACHU PICCHU, PERU

December isn’t the best time to hike the Inca Trail, but it’s still a great time to visit Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley.

SAFARI IN AFRICA

Safaris are very popular in December and January, and Tanzania is the best place to see the migration this time of year. Combine it with a few days on Zanzibar Island for the best of wildlife, culture, and relaxation. The best lodges and tented camps book quickly, so plan ahead.

This is also low season in South Africa, so there are great bargains to be had there. Our favorite itinerary includes 4 nights in Cape Town, 3 nights in Kruger National Park, and 2 nights at Victoria Falls.

VOLUNTEER TRIPS

Give back this holiday season by volunteering at an orphanage in Tanzania or at a school in Peru. You can volunteer for 1 day or as long as you like. Combine your volunteer time with a safari or visit to the Peru rain forest for a vacation you’ll never forget!

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Tanzania Safari Tented Camps

Adventures Within Reach is now offering mid-range, luxury, and elite safari tented camps on the northern circuit in Tanzania. Some camps are permanent structures with running water and flush toilets, and some are mobile to move to the best animal viewing with private portable toilets and hot water camp showers.

Mid-Range Safari Tented Camps

Moivaro Serengeti Tented Camp (Serengeti)

This camp is set in the midst of an incredible vista of savannah and skies, sheltered
in a grove of acacia trees and ideally situated along the path of the migrating
wildebeest between Kenya and Tanzania.

Each tent has its own en suite bathroom, modern furnishings, and a private
verandah. The central restaurant and bar area boast a large fireplace — an
ideal spot to unwind with a drink after a long days exciting game viewing.

Crater Forest Tented Lodge (Ngorongoro)

This lodge is operated as an eco-friendly small scale lodge with 15 tented
rooms, all on platforms with magnificent views over the Ngorongoro Forest.

The rooms are spacious and all have en suite bathrooms with hot showers and
toilets. For those chilly upland nights, enjoy the warmth of your own
African-style firepot. Complimentary coffee and tea are served on your verandah in the morning.

Kirurumu Tented Lodge (Lake Manyara)

Kirurumu Tented CampThis lodge was built with sensitivity and commitment to eco-sensitive tourism
as well as ensuring the comfort of guests. The thatched dining room offers
a panoramic view and selection of excellent local and European dishes.

There are many walking trails from the lodge and local Maasai guides will
be happy to escort you on botanical and birding walks. You can also hire
mountain bikes and take guided trips into the valley and the local village
and meet the farmers and tribe people.

Moivara Forest Camp (Lake Manyara)

The Lake Manyara Forest Camp is only a short drive from the park entrance through Migunguni Village. The camp is nestled away in a quiet corner of a large acacia forest and A-frame style tents are placed around a central glade, each offering privacy but still only a short walk to the restaurant and bar.

Tarangire Safari Lodge (Tarangire)

Built on top of a high bluff with a breathtaking panorama, the luxury tents combine the authentic safari atmosphere of “nights under canvas”, with more modern comforts of electric lights and en suite bathrooms with hot water.

All 35 tents have thick canvas walls which can be rolled up to expose netted windows. These allow you to enjoy the cool breeze and experience the bush all around you, without being exposed to the elements. There is also a swimming pool with a water slide.

Moivaro Lake Natron Camp (Lake Natron)

Wild and remote Lake Natron lies in the northeast of Tanzania in between the Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti plains. Situated at the base of Africa’s only active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai (Mountain of God).

Here it is the landscape rather than the animals that is the attraction — the area around the lake is dry, desolate and hauntingly beautiful.

Each tent is furnished with full size beds, quality linen and blankets, bedside table, electric reading lamps, rugs, tables and chairs and has its own shower and toilet tent.

Tindiga Tented Lodge (Lake Eyasi)

The lodge is situated close to Qaund’ded Village. To the western side
of the lodge you can see Mount Masumbuku. To the north there is the
Ngorongoro Conservation Area with its surrounding volcanic hills. To
the west, just behind Lake Eyasi, you can find the big plains of the Serengeti.

The lodge is a small scale lodge with 10 spacious rooms with en- suite
bathrooms with showers and toilets. The lodge blends in beautifully with
the natural environment as they run the camp with an eco-friendly approach,
protecting and preserving the natural resources.

Luxury Safari Tented Camps

Mapito Tented Camp (Serengeti)

The small camp provides an intimate atmosphere for only 16 guests.
The large tents are equipped with running hot water, bucket
showers, mosquito nets and electricity powered by solar energy.

Each luxury tent has its own private verandah overlooking the Serengeti plains. On
chilly nights a hot water bottle is tucked between the freshly laundered
cotton sheets.

Serengeti Savannah Camp (Serengeti)

Lodge on hillSerengeti Savannah Camps are about a safe and fun “bush” experience
with the simple comforts of a private safari camp.

The timing of the Great Wildebeest Migration is difficult to predict as it
depends on when and where rain falls, so each camp is set to be where
The Migration will typically be but also close to areas with resident wildlife.

Mbuzi Mawe (Serengeti)

A place of infinite calm surrounded by untamed majesty, offering a
timeless blend of classic safari rustic and world-class
professionalism.

A private encampment of 16 superbly luxurious tents guarded by
sentinel towers of majestic granite. All have ceiling fans,
mosquito nets, and accessibility for disabled.

Boundary Hill Lodge (Tarangire)

One of the few lodges in Tanzania to be located in its own exclusive
Conservation Area, Lokisale Village has set aside 164 square kilometers
for walking safaris, night drives and fly camping.

Consisting of only eight very spacious individually designed rooms, the
lodge is designed to offer as much privacy as possible. Built in harmony
with the environment, the rooms offer unparalleled comfort and quietly
understated luxury. All have en-suite facilities with separate showers and
five are double suites with cast-iron baths.

The swimming pool, which has the natural rock features as its walls, provides a refreshing respite from
the rigors of travel.

Lodge on hill Pool area

Tarangire River Camp (Tarangire)

This semi-permanent luxury tented camp overlooks the Tarangire River and
offers stunning views of the meandering river, the vast plains across
the park, Lake Manyara, the Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro highlands.

The tents are tastefully furnished with all the comforts you will need
while on safari and open out onto stunning views of Mt. Meru and
Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The camp provides close access to premier wildlife viewing areas
of the park. Additional activities include tribal visits with Datoga
and bush walks with Maasai who live in the area.

Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp (Lake eyasi)

The camp is beautifully set in a date palm and acacia forest and is part
of large family-owned farm with a natural spring nearby which feeds
into the lake. It is also home to the Wahadzabe, an ancient, nomadic tribe
of Bushmen who are one of the last click-speaking hunter-gatherer tribes.

The tents are carefully created to be low-impact, spacious and totally comfortable. Each has a stunning view of the lake. Constructed almost entirely with palms and trees from the property, each of Kisima Ngeda’s
seven tents are built on a permanent wooden platform with a palm
thatched roof. Each comes with a hand-carved bed, enclosed bathroom, and shower with hot water.

Lodge on hill Pool area

Elite Safari Tented Camps

Klein’s Camp (Serengeti)

Klein’s Camp has ten intimate cottages made of rock and thatch with rich wooden floors and serene, classic interiors. The round stone walls of the cottages and polished wooden floors offset the soft cream and gossamer interiors. Dinner waits in the lantern-lit dining room overlooking the valley below.

Grumeti River Camp (Serengeti)

This splendid safari camp is renowned for its stylish, vibrantly African-designed tented suites offering exceptional crocodile and hippo viewing.

Each tented suite features a large bed made of Tanzanian cypress and comfortable deck furniture both in and outdoors. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is prepared on traditional “jikos” (fires) and stone ovens. Private dinners may be arranged for any special occasion.

Serengeti Under Canvas (Serengeti)

Having secured some of the Serengeti’s best semi-permanent campsites, there is tremendous flexibility in moving the camp according to the expected migration movements.

This luxurious camps proudly feature some of Tanzania’s largest and most spacious accommodations, each with double bed, en suite bathroom and romantic al fresco bucket shower. With a hint of Bedouin character, these tents boast custom made Indian rugs, crisp linens, sparkling crystal, and polished brass samovars and basins.

Sabora Tented Camp (Serengeti)

Situated on the flat Serengeti plains, Sabora Tented Camp has been designed around a 1920’s theme and for those who are searching for an “Out of Africa” experience. This camp offers elegant simplicity and laid-back romance with 360-degree views of the plains that teem with wildlife.

There are six lavish tents which evoke the sense of romance and adventure of a temporary camp, while offering every luxury you can imagine. Soft canvas separates guests from the elements and interiors are beautifully decorated with European finery, ethnically-inspired objects and campaign furniture

Kensington Ngorongoro Camp (Ngornogoro)

Tucked in a wooded valley a few minutes’ drive from the rim, this camp offers an intimate experience in the misty reaches of Ngorongoro Crater. This exclusive camp has just six Suswa tents luxuriously spread in a forested grove. Cool and crisp in the high altitude, guests are wrapped in warm and colorful Masai blankets to gather around the fire before retiring to lush beds warmed to perfection by hot water bottles.

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The “Other” Machu Picchu

“Imagine a Machu Picchu without the crowds, without the vendors, without the long lines of buses snaking through the Peruvian countryside. That place exists — and it is called Choquequirao.” **

Now, Adventures Within Reach offers a 5-day trek to visit the Choquequirao ruins! We also have a 10-day Choquequirao trek which goes all the way to Machu Picchu.

ChoquequiraoChoquequirao (“cradle of gold”) is located in the Salkantay range of the Southeastern Peruvian Andes. It is a sister city to Machu Picchu, and like Machu Picchu, was never discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors. It was built by Topa Inca, a successor to the Machu Picchu builder, Pachachuti, and designed along similar lines.

About the same size as Machu Picchu, Choquequirao had similar religious, political, and agricultural functions. It’s remote location was known for almost 300 years before the first restoration began in 1993. It is still only 30 percent uncovered. Do not worry, for there is a lot to see: terraces, the aqueduct, a central plaza, residential district, priest’s section, main temple, and ceremonial hill.

Very few people visit Chuquequirao. Your group will no doubt have it to yourselves… or very nearly so. No roads lead to it, and it is a two day trek to get there — 20 mountainous miles from the trail head at Cachora. After a day of exploring the ruins, you return to Cachora (5-day Choquequirao Trek) or continue on through a back route to Machu Picchu (10-day Choquequirao Trek).

NOW is the time to visit Choquequiro, before the Peruvian government makes it a major tourist attraction (in progress). To their credit, they are trying to restore it with ecological factors as a priority. And they are trying to preserve the town of Cachora as a remote mountain village. Still, “if you ‘restore’ it, they will come” and soon it will no longer be Peru’s best kept secret!

** Quotes and some of the information for this article is from the NY Times, June 3, 2007.

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Diving in the Galapagos

Diving in the GalapagosDiving the Galapagos just isn’t what it used to be! In 2007, the Galapagos National Park revoked most of the scuba diving licenses. The options for diving are greatly limited and they fill up very quickly.

Live Aboard

There are currently only four boats still offering scheduled live-aboard diving itineraries in the Galapagos. They fill up quickly, so plan ahead!

Aggressor I

  • Dates Available: January 15-22, 2009
  • Prices: Starting at $4750 for 8-day cruise

Alta

  • Dates Available:

    • August 23-30, 2008
    • August 30 – September 6, 2008
    • September 13-20, 2008
    • September 27 – October 4, 2008
  • Prices: Starting at $4725 for 8-day cruise

Estrella Del Mar

  • Dates Available:

    • June 30 – July 7, 2008
    • July 21-28, 2008
    • September 1-8, 2008
    • September 8-15, 2008
    • September 15-22, 2008
    • September 22-28, 2008
  • Prices: Starting at $3395 for 8-day cruise

Sky Dancer

  • Dates Available: January 18-25, 2009
  • Prices: Starting at $4290 for 8-day cruise

Land-Based Diving

There are a number of hotels on Santa Cruz that offer daily dive and tour options. This is often the best option as it offers the most flexible dates, a variety of itineraries, and the best value. You can also do an “island hopping” itinerary which combines Santa Cruz and Isabella Islands for more variety.

Hotels that offer Galapagos diving >>

Charter Boats

There are several boats in the Galapagos that can be chartered for diving (typically 14-16 passengers). The charter will also need a certified Galapagos dive master, who will also provide certain equipment.

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Galapagos 30-35% OFF for June-July 2008

Alta Yacht GalapagosALTA $3210-3455

  • June 14-21
  • June 21-28
  • June 28 – July 5

 

Parranda Yacht GalapagosPARRANDA $3455

  • June 28 – July 5

 

 

Evolution Yacht Galapagos

EVOLUTION $3130

  • June 14-21

 

 

Lammer Law Yacht Galapagos

LAMMER LAW $3150

  • July 5-12

 

 

DAPHNE $1875

  • July 2-9

All prices are per person for the cruise and dates specified excluding flights and national park fees. Other dates available at higher prices.

GALAPAGOS CRUISES >>

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Free flights to the Masai Mara

Kichwa TemboStay for 4 nights at Kenya’s Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp or 3 nights at Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo, and we will include your flights between Wilson Airport and the Masai Mara!

The Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is a classic permanent tented camp with spectacular views of the Masai Mara and Sabaringo River. There is also a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas, bar, and gift shop. Prices are $200-425/person/night.

Bateleur CampThe Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo is a luxury permanent tented camp with safari elegance, butler service, lap pool, and private verandas. Prices are $490-855/person/night.

Explore the Masai Mara’s Big Five territory on morning and afternoon game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles (included in the price). Hot-air balloon rides, spectacular bush breakfasts or dinners, interpretive bush walks and night game-drives make for an unforgettable safari, and may be arranged at an additional cost.

This special is valid for safaris in 2008. Contact us to get your free flights to the Masai Mara!

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Adventure Trips Under $1000

Adventure travel doesn’t have to break the bank! These trips are all under $1000/person land-only with camping or 3-star hotels based on the group size listed below.

Orchids on Inca TrailPeru

7 Days Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Sacred Valley

  • $765 (4 people minimum)

5 Day trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

  • $995 (join a group)

4-day Cordillera Blanca Trek

  • $550 (4 people minimum)

5-day Best of the Huayhuash Trek

  • $890 (join a group)

Galapagos

4 day Galapagos cruise on the Darwin, Rumba, or Yolita yachts

  • $620-$900 (2 people minimum)

Ecuador

4-day Deep Amazon Experience

  • $770 (2 people minimum)

Volcano Multisport

  • $635 (4 people minimum)

Tanzania

5-day camping safari

  • $900 (4 people minimum)

4 nights in a LUXURY hotel on Zanzibar

  • $995 (2 people minimum)

4-day Mt. Meru trek

  • $685 (2 people minimum)

Kenya

5-day camping safari

  • $900 (join a group)

4-day Mt. Kenya trek on the Naro Moru or Sirimon routes

  • $620 (4 people minimum)

Nepal

12 Days trekking to Everest Base Camp in Teahouses

  • $875 (2 people minimum)

4 Days at Chitwan Jungle Lodge

  • $630 (2 people minimum)

Tibet

6 Days of cultural tours in Lhasa

  • $930 (2 people minimum)

ADVENTURE TRIPS UNDER $1000 >>

Posted in Bhutan, Ecuador, Galapagos, Inca Trail, Kenya, Machu Picchu, Nepal, Peru, Safari, Tanzania, Tibet | Leave a comment

Free Condo for AWR Customers

Customers who book a trip with AWR are eligible to stay at a condo in Breckenridge, Colorado for FREE 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!
Breckenridge Condo Rental

BRECKENRIDGE CONDO DETAILS >>

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Start Planning for Aconcagua

The trekking season for Aconcagua is November-February. Now is the time to start planning your trip! Here is a checklist for planning.

  1. Schedule dates that fit into your schedule — 3 weeks minimum.
  2. Pick a route. If you want to join a group, contact us for group availability.
  3. Start looking into flights to Mendoza.
  4. Go through our packing list and start acquiring gear that you need.
  5. Start training!
  6. Book your trek with Adventures Within Reach.

Book your Aconcagua trek >>

Elbrus

The trekking season on Elbrus is May-September. There is still room on some of the treks, so contact us for more information!

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