60th Celebration

Dec 082009
 

EXPLORE sent a group of intrepid travelers to the Congo Basin in 2007.  Even after being attacked by veracious ants while searching for gorillas in Dzangha Sangha, they returned and asked us to design a trip to celebrate their 60th birthdays.  They had a few experiences in mind and we did our best to pick places that would keep this fast-paced group moving.  Their customized itinerary included: South Africa, Zambia, Madagascar, the Seychelles and Dubai.  Here are a few emails from the field…

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Awesome trip–seen eles, hippos, crocs, simba, etc.  Been swimming in The Zambezi River.  Flew microlites over Victoria Falls and went into Zimbabwe for the day – inflation over 2,000,000 % and 90% country unemployed  Spent today in nearby village watching local dancers and learning about their farms and conservation efforts – they are no longer allowed to hunt  animals.  Rick hooked a Tiger Fish.  Has been FAB living in the bush and eating under the stars.

-Lotsie

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Lemurs amazing in Madagascar…heard the famous “call of the Indri” which is ONLY here; also a nocturnal walk in the jungle to see and hear night animals.  Been canoeing and hiking in the rainforest avec ring-tailed lemurs, brown and bamboo lemurs.  Now in NW Madagascar at  Anjajavy, a Relais & Châteaux; went swimming and snorkeling in Mozambique Channel.  Flew two hours in a Cessna to the middle of nowhere to get here and land on dirt runway with Zebu at end of runway.  Resting and hiking for two days as we have been going tres vite.  Marlin fishing tomorrow; it is 100° and very tropical.  French is primary language..soo poor due to political unrest.  Everyone is well and having a ball.

-Lotsie

 

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Hooked a Marlin which got away after a fight but he danced on the water and was so beautiful; boated a 40lb Dorado and had chef cook it for a yummy last night dinner in Madagascar.  Awesome flight to the Seychelles in a chartered LearJet; 115 gorgeous islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  Turquoise water and fun boating, snorkeling and the whitest beaches we have ever seen under almost full moon.  Now in Mahe, Seychelles, waiting for Air Emirates flight to Dubai departing at 1:30AM.  Trip has been FAB.  Everyone well and no lost passports nor problems – a miracle for sure!!!  

-”The Magnificent Seven”

 

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Flew amazing Emirates Airlines from the Seychelles to Dubai.  Dubai has 10 cities being built along a “creek” and the Arabian Sea; each is bigger than St. Louis.  Simply incredible; 50% of the cranes in the world are here but many with skeleton crew.  Business is way off; maybe the bubble has burst here as it did in USA?  Been to the Dubai  Museum, Gold Souq, Spice Souq, into the Arabian Desert last night for belly dancing, henna painting and camel rides.  The first night and cocktails on top of the Burj Al Arab and then dinner under the sea with sharks and a zillion fish in tank; it is supposed to be the only seven-star hotel in the world.  Took boat ride today and swam in the Arabian Sea just four hours across from Iraq – amazing.  Also to Dubai Mall with 1,300 stores,  an aquarium where you can dive with sharks, and a skating rink at other end of the mall.  Emirates Mall has a ski village with ski lifts, toboggan runs and 500 stores; it is so beyond anything any of the seven of us has ever seen.  There is terrible traffic and smog.  Visited a mosque and had the Muslim way of life/religion explained by a very attractive woman.  She showed us how to tie her burka and allowed us to take pictures.  Cocktails at the Dubai Yacht Club tonight and now at the airport.  Sorry contact has been spotty but we have been “out there”; what a way for the four of us to celebrate our 60th B-days.   All is well; we fly 15 hours all night to Atlanta then St. Louis by 8:30AM Tuesday.

-Lotsie, Cindy, Cookie, Isabelle, Sheika, Cheryl and Rick

Holton2
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Climb up Kilimanjaro – BE ON TOP OF THE WORLD!

Dec 072009
 

EXPLORE organized a fabulous climb up Kilimanjaro, Gorilla Trekking and a bit of relaxation in Zanzibar at the end of the trip for repeat clients, Olivia Song & Scott Rofey.  For most clients, climbing Kilimanjaro is a life changing experience.  Let us know when you are ready to tackle this amazing mountain, the highest on the continent of Africa…

Song Kilimanjaro

“The hardest thing I’ve ever done (and probably one of the most amazing)!
 
My husband and I were married earlier this year in a quiet small ceremony.  Foresaking a big party, we splurged on the adventure of all adventures — gorilla-tracking in Rwanda followed by an incredible and memorable climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro and finishing with a few days of relaxation in Zanzibar.   We chose the steepest route, called Umbwe.  The Umbwe route was a mixture of hiking and scrambling starting at 5,000 feet elevation. There were times when you could stand on the trail and kiss it simultaneously!  The landscape was just phenomenal with ghost-like heather trees dripping with bearded lichen; moorlands with elephant grass and giant senecia; and alpine desert filled with bush-like plants bursting with compact flowers. 
 
Summit Day: We woke up at 4:30am, left camp at 6:20am and made it to Uhuru Peak at 1:15pm.  Uhuru Peak is the highest point on the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.  I was exhausted by 18,500ft but pulled through with support from my husband and the team.  It was well worth it to come over the crater’s edge and be at the top of the world.  The glaciers are incredible: blue, green, brown, and white, with 10,000 year old frozen lakes.  And you can see the atmosphere on the horizon in all directions.  

 
We hiked with two guides (Prosper Kamil and Edward Kutingala), a cook, two waiters (!), a personal porter to carry our daypacks, and an unmentionable number of general porters.  Nature Discovery, the reputable outfitter EXPLORE, Inc. / Elizabeth Rand chose for us, pampered us with delicious food, sturdy equipment, great staff, and above all our own private magically-clean tented flush toilet.
 
Kilimanjaro has left us with many great memories and new friends.  We frequently email with members of our team and are looking forward to our next adventure!”

Olivia Song & Scott Rofey

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CAMEROON on Conde Nast’s Dream List

Nov 192009
 

The Dream List:  Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips    (click link to view full article)
by:  Brook Wilkinson

2009 The Dream List - Cameroon picCAMEROON:  ROYALTY IN BAFUT

The specialist:  Cherri Briggs, EXPLORE; Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The Dream Trip:  “Even with its recent troubles, Cameroon is special – it has such a rich cultural heritage, and it produces some of Africa’s finest art.  In the highlands village of Bafut, you can visit the Palace of the Fon, the seat of an 800-year-old sub-Saharan dynasty.  This is the last of Africa’s great cheifdoms that once ruled much of the continent.  Today the king still has tremendous power.  One of the many queens will guide you around the royal compound, including a museum full of artifacts on a par with those in the British Museum.  Don’t miss the giant drum that called people to war – beaten not by living hands but with the severed arms of the enemy.  While in the highlands, you can aslo visit the town of Foumban (pictured), the artisan center for that region of Africa and home to the Bamum people – whose cheif, at last count, had 77 wives and 506 kids! ($18,75 for two)”

Cherri Briggs
Tel:  888-596-6377
info@exploreafrica.net

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Exploritas program #15583

Nov 102009
 

 balch

The following is an excerpt from an email to EXPLORE from Exploritas participant Anita Balch:

My trip to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia had been a dream for over 15 years.  On my 68th birthday, I headed to South Africa from Hawaii with my good friend Ellie Katz.  It was a highly organized, efficiently run trip by EXPLORE and Exploritas which would normally be hard on a “free spirit” like myself but I still managed to get my moments of unsupervision so that I could connect in a real way with the local people.  Although all of the animals were exotic and breathtaking and the sunset over a pond with silhouetted giraffes was awesome, for me the highlights of the trip were connecting with local people like the lodge manager, Neeltjie, at Grassland Bushmen Lodge.  Singing Christian songs and being taught Botswana songs by the kitchen help, reaching out and “touching” on a personal note, getting up at 3 a.m. and finding the lodge locked up at Motsentsela Tree Lodge and talking with the guard who shared his life story.  How he left his home in Zambia, went by bus knowing no one, finding a job and then the real challenge of finding a place to live.  Seeing our guide Sue Slogrove with a cook who had known Sue since she was a small child helped to make it another “reach out and touch” moment.  But probably for me the highlight was the very warm and personable young man who took extra time to teach me proper greetings with the proper voice inflections at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.  Every time we saw each other, it was like we were seeing family.  I found the African people respectful, kind, thoughtful, and sincere.  Of course, kissing CoCo the elephant’s trunk (after riding the elephant with Ruth Shaw from Atlanta, Georgia) rates right up there close to the top.  I did the Gorge Swing while staying at Thorntree Lodge in Livingstone.  I thought it was going to be like the “zip line” and I got there (with the kind help of Thorntree lodge manager) and it was stepping off a platform, free falling what seemed like a million miles and then being jerked to a standstill until you thought your teeth would fall out (AND THEY ARE MINE) and then climbing out of the Gorge….  The only thing harder would have been chickening out so yes, I did it, I am glad to have done it, and I am alive to tell it.  Thank you, EXPLORE for making it a trip to remember always.  Aloha, Anita

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Compton Party – South Africa and Zambia

Oct 152009
 

compton1

In July and August this year, EXPLORE sent the Compton party to South Africa and Zambia.  They would like to share their experience and photos with you…

“We liked all the locations and were treated well by everyone.  I would like to single out the Bushcamp Company people at Mfuwe Lodge for the care and attention that they gave us.  We were greeted at Mfuwe as if we were old friends.  Shelly, Ian, Jamie, Peter, Savilla…..all gave us warm welcomes and made sure we had royal treatment.

There were special things to like about every site:

Jackalberry – The small size of the lodge and the fact that we saw cheetahs and rhinos in the semi-wild.  We were extra lucky to be in on the activities immediately following the darting of a cheetah to remove her non-functioning radio collar!

Chindeni – Its remoteness and its beautiful setting.  Sightings of leopards there were outstanding and our guide and tracker did an outstanding job of finding them.

Lion Camp – We saw lots of lions there and went to a fresh kill within seconds after it happened.  We liked the architecture at Lion Camp with the raised walkways and wonderfully designed central area.

Royal Zambezi – Some of our best photos came from there including a courting pair of lions.  We even saw an aardvark. 

At every place the staff was friendly, highly competent and fun to be with.  In summary, our expectations were more than met.  We appreciate everything you did in planning and arranging the trip.”

-Dale and Doris

 

compton2

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Exploritas Program #13938

Oct 142009
 

purcell 13938 photos

“I am overwhelmed at just how wonderful the entire trip was. The hotels were outstanding, food was unbelievable, guide was so knowledgeable and personable. It is a trip I will never forget.”

-Susan Purcell, Exploritas Participant
Program 13938 (African Safari:  A Close-up on Wildlife)

 

 

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Stephen Frink Photographic Safari – Space Available!

Sep 112009
 

Once in a lifetime opportunity to join Stephen Frink, world class underwater photographer, on a photo safari in Africa

 

 

Stephen Frink is a world class underwater photographer, and a Canon Explorer of Light. To see more of his work visit http://www.stephenfrinkphoto.com. In July of 2010 he will be leading a Photo Safari into Botswana and Zambia, organized by EXPLORE, Inc.

In Stephen’s words:okavangodelta2

“This safari will incorporate three camps in Zambia and Botswana, July 1 – July 10, 2010. Botswana, in particular, is my personal favorite safari destination in Africa; primarily because they have taken a wonderful natural resource and made a conscious decision to keep the camps small, intimate, and upscale. I prefer the wilderness sense that I get in the Okavango Delta, and the service and hospitality of the camps we’ve chosen will absolutely delight.”

Lion Camp IN 1 OUT 4 July www.lioncamp.com

Selinda Camp IN 4 OUT 7 July www.selindareserve.com

Jao Camp IN 7 July OUT 10 July www.wilderness-safaris.com


“These three camps have been chosen specifically to allow for photographic diversity and ease of transfer, without the necessity of going back to the “hub” of Johannesburg and losing a day with connections. The transportation flow between these camps is specifically designed to maximize safari-time and to fully enjoy the comforts of our camps. Please take a moment to peruse the websites of all three to see why we are so very proud to have arranged this opportunity. Our group will fully occupy all three camps during our time in residence!”

Please contact Elizabeth Rand at EXPLORE if you are interested in more information.

elizabeth@exploreafrica.net

(970) 871-0065


lion-drive

 

 

 

 

 

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Zimbabwe is Open for Travel!

Aug 272009
 

vic-fallsThe travel ban for Zimbabwe has been lifted. It’s a good thing, because Zimbabwe is one of southern Africa’s most stunning countries. Much more than the man in power and the widespread plight, Zimbabwe offers some of the most awe-inspiring national parks chockfull of wildlife and adventure. As the country stands on a precipice of rebirth, an exploration of what the country has to offer has never seemed so timely.

 

Most people are currently only visiting Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest attractions, but our hope is to expand their knowledge of the vast array of parks and private game reserves available.

 

Explore is currently developing a new and exciting guided group trip to Zimbabwe spotlighting the beauty and wonder of this country. Check back with us for updates as we continue to develop this new itinerary!

bumihills

imbabala

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Botswana at its Best

Aug 072009
 

When is the best time to go to Botswana? lion

If you are looking to go mainly for wildlife viewing, mid June to early October is the ideal time to visit as the days are generally pleasant and the wildlife congregate around nearby water sources. June through August is winter so early mornings and evenings can get quite cool. Known for its incredible wildlife which includes hundreds of species of birds, crocodile, hippo, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, the highly endangered wild dog, as well as many other rare species such as the cheetah and aardwolf, Botswana also possesses the world’s largest population of elephant. The Chobe River, Savuti and Okavango Delta have some of Africa’s most awesome game viewing.

 

If you are going mainly for bird watching, the summer rainy season, November to April, is the best time to go when the bush is overflowing with breeding local birds as well as migrant birds.

 

In general, December through May are the least crowded times to visit. Summers, particularly from December through February can become exceptionally hot, and rain may make some roads muddy and impassable. Animals disperse when water is abundant so it is more difficult to locate them in the tall grasses but it is a wonderful time to see them with their young as many animals give birth during this period of abundant grazing in their beautifully green and lush surroundings. In March and April thousands of zebras and other animals migrate towards the Savuti area of Chobe National Park.

 

Botswana – pure, wild, and spectacularly beautiful anytime you go!

 


botswanawhentogo leopard okavangodelta

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Welcome to EXPLORE, Inc

Jul 232009
 

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A “Travel Superhero!” ….Conde Nast Traveler

 

EXPLORE, Inc. has been touted by Condé Nast Traveler for the last nine years as one of the world’s top travel specialists . In 2002 Conde Nast wrote that  Explore is “A Travel Superhero, a wonder-worker who can craft the vacation of your dreams, save you from the pitfalls, deliver you from disaster, and accomplish the impossible with aplomb!” We are very honored to have been selected as one of the 5 top African specialists  in the US yet again by Traveler’s  highly respected editorial staff.

Would you like to discover Africa? Take a journey with us by visiting our new, exciting blog .   We’ll share information and updates on travel tips and advisories, special offerings to elite lodges, current events in Africa, hot new lodges and private villas, client experiences,  wildlife news and more. Visit the section on our website “Explore Helps Out” if you want to learn more about the many worthy endeavors Explore supports throughout the continent to help communities and promote conservation.

Our new blog will take you on a  journey through the vast, ancient continent, to its most beautiful wilderness areas and diverse people.  We welcome your comments and would love to hear from you!

Click Here to visit our website

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