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Adventure Travel Guide to Africa

Africa is home to some of the best adventure travel destinations in the world. So whether you’re after a full-on adventure holiday, or just want to chuck some adrenaline-inducing activities in with your volunteering, Africa is the perfect place to do it.

Tanzania

Ever since Chris Moyles, Cheryl Cole and a bunch of other celebrities climbed Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro for Red Nose Day 2009, the mountain’s been getting a lot of coverage. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to take on the tallest mountain in Africa. And getting to the summit of this awe-inspiring mountain is a real challenge, so this is one trip that will be big on satisfaction.

Of course, there’s no need to push yourself that hard though! Slightly more laid-back travellers can opt for a little hiking instead. The views are almost as stunning, but you don’t have to put quite so much effort in. The Ngorongoro Crater is certainly a good place to start, offering fantastic trekking and unforgettable wildlife.

South Africa

South Africa is undoubtedly one of the best adventure travel destinations in the entire world. The coast is ideal for all kinds of water sports, so whether you’re a surfer or a scuba diver, a sailor or a water skier, this is the perfect place for you.

This incredible country certainly caters for the adrenaline junkies too. South Africa boasts both the highest commercial bungee jump and the highest commercial abseil in the world. At Bloukrans Bridge those with a seriously adventurous side can bungee jump off the bridge, plummeting a massive 216 metres towards the Bloukrans River below. While at Table Mountain, travellers can take in spectacular views as they abseil 112 metres off one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks.

Uganda

It’s odd, you wouldn’t really think of Uganda as a top adventure travel destination – but it is. You should head to Jinja, a city that has become known as the adventure capital of East Africa, offering bungee jumping and even the chance to zip wire across the Nile.

Or for something that will really get the adrenaline pumping, why not try white water rafting? This is one the best places to do it in the entire world and you can take a short half-day trip or a full on three-day one, depending on how much time you’ve got. There’s something for every level too – so whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something to suit.

Finally, it’s worth taking time to try the local quad biking. It’s not one of those activities that travellers tend to plan for, but it’s more than worth a go. And aside for getting your pulse racing, it’ll also show you the spectacular countryside.

Zambia

Victoria Falls isn’t just famous for Sherlock Holmes-related reasons – it’s also the perfect place for a spot of adventure. You can try your hand at bungee jumping, river boarding, canoeing, abseiling and speed boating – and that’s only the beginning. So if you’re travels are taking you through Zambia, make sure the Victoria Falls are high on your to-do list!

Kenya

For something even more vertigo-inducing, Kenya offers fantastic climbing. And as challenging climbs go, Mount Kenya is a pretty impressive adversary! It’s the biggest mountain in the country, offering magnificent views from its three main summits and loads of exotic wildlife on the way up. Just be sure not to rush – while any strong walker can take on Mount Kenya, going up too quickly can cause altitude sickness.

Or, for something that will allow you to cool off and set your pulse racing all at the same time, travellers should head for Mombasa and the coast. Its miles of white sandy beaches offer everything from surfing to jet skiing and scuba diving to snorkelling, making Mombasa a great place to unwind, with a dash of adventure thrown in for good measure.

Ghana

Thrill seekers in Ghana are advised to head for the Kakum Canopy Walkway – a set of seven bridges that look down on the lush rainforest canopy of the Kakum National Park. The dramatic walkway starts off at ground level, but the rainforest below gradually drops away to leave you suspended 100 metres above the ground, swaying precariously in the wind as you walk. The Kakum National Park is home to hundreds of species of butterflies and tropical birds, which are difficult to spot from the forest floor, but from the walkway you can clearly see them dotting the forest canopy with vivid splashes of colour.

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Calgary: City of Adventure

When you’re looking at new locations to relocate to, consider the bustling city of Calgary. The Calgary area is a veritable cornucopia of activities and entertainment that appeals to a wide variety of ages and interests.

Calgary is well known for being a winter sport destination, and for good reason. The city played host to the 1988 winter Olympics and many of the winter sport facilities that the residents and visitors enjoy to this day are a result of the city hosting the games that year.

The Canada Olympic Park and the Olympic Oval speed skating facility are two fabulous Olympic venues that remain in use in Calgary. The Canada Olympic Park is used in the winter for training athletes in winter sports and is also open to the public for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and cycling during the summer. The Olympic Oval is open to the public for skating as well as being a training facility for speed skaters.

During the summer, Calgary plays host to over a million visitors every year in July for the Calgary Stampede. This huge cowboy festival includes the world’s largest outdoor rodeo as well as concerts, stage shows, agricultural exhibitions, and chuck wagon races. The ten day long festival attracts spectators from all over the world. The annual event attracts a first-rate selection of rodeo competitors with its two million dollars in prize money!

If cowboy culture isn’t your cup of tea, there are lots of other ways to keep entertained during the summer months in Calgary as well. The city pys host to a large Folk Music Festival every summer over four days with a staggering 60+ artists performing on seven stages. There is also a one day Caribbean music festival in June, called Carifest.

There are a variety of other types of amusements in and around the city as well. For the thrill seeking population Calgary also has western Canada’s largest amusement park with 90 acres of rides and concessions at Calaway Park. The city and the surrounding area also have a number of natural and historical parks as well as the second largest zoo in Canada.

Heritage Park Historical Village stands out for those with a penchant for history as being an amazing facility for living history. It boasts 130 acres with construction representing four time periods, a working steam train, streetcar, paddle steamer, working shops, and costumed park staff to help you learn about Canadian history in a fun way.

First time buyers are discovering the value of buying a residence in Calgary. It is a quality investment that supports our modern active lifestyles for all age groups; and with such a fabulous array of activities in and around Calgary, it is no wonder that it has drawn a great range of people to the city.

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Try an Outdoor Adventure Ski Holiday

With destinations as far reaching as Andorra, Lapland, USA and Canada, a skiing holiday can you to new places and give you fresh, adrenalin-pumping adventures. And there’s the après-ski to follow, of course!
Are you fed up of the sand whipping you as you lie on the beach in the baking summer sun, pretending to have fun? Does burning to a crisp, falling asleep reading a cheap paperback book as you’re crammed around the pool make you come out in blisters? Does the thought of a British seaside holiday turn you cold?

Why not try a different time of year and a different type of holiday all together?

For an adventure holiday in winter try a ski holiday. There are a wide range of possible destinations for ski holidays, from Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia and Andorra in Europe to Canada, and the USA across the Atlantic.

Ski resorts can cater for experienced skiers, novices, families and those on a budget. In addition, in recognition that skiing might not be for everyone in the family; also available are single person ski holidays.

When on ski holidays, the accommodation can range from hotels and guesthouses to the more romantic chalets at the foot of the slopes. However, remember that the idea is to spend your time on the mountain sides enjoying the adventurous outdoor life rather than cooped up in your hotel or chalet room.

Even in the evening, you won’t want to be stuck in your room as one of the traditional joys of a skiing holiday is the “apres-ski”. This, of course, is where you have a chance to swap tales of derring-do on the slopes in the day just gone by over a drink or two with your fellow skiers! This is as important as the skiing itself for most skiing holidaymakers, so don’t forget to check out the resort’s bars and restaurants.

As well as skiing most resorts also offer snowboarding runs. The equipment’s simpler, but the adrenalin flows just as fast!

Although skiing accidents are few and far between, there is no denying there is an element of risk, so be sure to take out suitable ski insurance before going on your trip.

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Adventure Girl Skiing in Park City

Adventure Girl, Stefanie Michaels takes on the Canyons Ski Resort in Park City, Utah. Blizzard conditions with winds averaging 50 miles an hour– yet nothing stops her from enjoying the fresh powder, even if they do eventually close the mountain due to the weather! … “Adventure Girl” “Stefanie Michaels” “Park City” Utah Skiing powder snowboarding

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A Big 5 Safari Adventure in the Western Cape, South Africa

The Western Cape offers a number of Private Game Reserves and exclusive Wilderness experiences to choose from, Colin & I chose two well-established properties to share with you this month, Aquila Private Game Reserve and Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve, both within a three-hour drive of Cape Town. 

 

The four star Aquila Private Game Reserve offers game drives within a malaria free, Big 5 game territory only 2 hours drive from Cape Town. Surrounded by a semi desert rolling landscape of the Little Karoo, the scenery is spectacular.

 

Aquila Private Game Reserve actively supports the previously disadvantaged community from the nearby town of Touws River. Under the aegis of the team at Aquila, they employ over 120 people, sponsoring a full time teacher and the local cricket team amongst other generous sustainable development programs so vital within our responsible tourism gambit. They have made strong inroads to eradicate exotic tree and invasive plant species from the area. This ongoing program assists in water preservation in an area that receives only 400 millilitres of rainfall per year! Throughout their bathrooms they use natural biodegradable bath products supporting their environmental responsibilities. Very positive and laudable actions!

 

Our experience at Aquila Private Game Reserve left us with mixed feelings though. Having spent time at numerous other African Safari properties in various parts of southern African, we felt that Aquila is over sold as what they term as “Real Africa”, a statement on their website. The cheetah and the lions are in enclosures and you can see them pacing up and down the fence line of their respective enclosures, the crocodiles are in a small water camp at the lodge for all to see and all the game is fed every evening, not quite the Real Africa we feel is authentic and what we could market as “ Real Africa “. However, Aquila Private Game Reserve does have the advantage that you can get really good, close up photos of wildlife which may rate you well with your friends back home when you share your African experience. You do have the opportunity to see four of the Big 5! Even the well-informed rangers very rarely see the mountain leopards, the 5th of the Big 5.

 

Colin and I met with the General Manager, Leon and the Conservation manager, Patrick. Two fine young gentlemen with passion, knowledge & a commitment for both the environment and guest experience. Aquila is a custom designed day visit product and we both felt it to be very much a “work in progress”. Aquila may well offer a fine safari option in time to come. Right now though, we feel that it is pricey for the overall input for overnight guests staying for a night or two. The accommodation offered is standard and the meals provided, were pedestrian but well presented. Overall service is good and the game rangers are knowledgeable within their scope of responsibility. It was a disappointment being offered bottom end quality semi sweet South African sparkling wine, marshmallows and biltong on the afternoon game drive at sundown. An opportunity missed to captivate the heart & mind of the twelve guests on our vehicle…….    

 

Aquila offers two adventurous and fun activities at the lodge being a horseback safari and a quad biking safari. Both offer a unique experience. The big advantage of visiting this property is found in their comprehensive day trip. For folks staying in Cape Town & surrounds with limited time to take in African wildlife, valuable photo and close animal encounters abound. Overall thoughts, come for a day! For the future, their conference facilities to be developed over the next six months would make a wise choice of venue.   

 

A hop, skip and a jump took us north from Aquila through some more spectacular scenery, climbing an undulating mountain pass and along some rough gravel roads towards the southern Cederberg region. The four star, 15 000 hectare Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve was our selected destination. The final 16km to the lodge showed unique similarities to the mesmerising sandstone rock formations found within the Cederberg area. Hot ( 36 degrees  Centigrade ), dry and  almost moonlike in character and feel.

 

Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve offers a wilderness experience with a cultural twist. The general Cederberg area is renowned for it’s Bushmen paintings and Kagga Kamma offers an informative cultural safari guided by a greatly knowledgeable and experienced field guide, Jaco, who is also the General Manager. Jaco is a great host, passionate about Mother Nature and has an expansive knowledge of the Bushmen. Time spent in the Sabi Sands at the inimitable Mala Mala Game Reserve in conjunction with his Namibian heritage made time in his company utterly compelling! The game that roams their reserve is plains game only, bontebok, eland, burchells zebra, red hartebeest, klipspringer and some of the smaller species like the antbear and jackal.

 

One of the salient selling points here is that being situated so far from town & city light pollution, star gazing is magnificent, has depth and really is exceptional ( almost as good as Sutherland, see our Travel Advisory for September 2007 ). Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve offers a unique, well-positioned mini observatory with a 10-inch telescope. Close up views of our moon, certain planets, constellations and other fascinating objects in far-flung space can be observed. A worthwhile experience!

 

Kagga Kamma offers unique accommodation. Ten imitation sandstone cave like structures built up against the towering sandstone rock formations blend into their surroundings. Comfortable beds, fresh crisp, white linen and air conditioning are indeed welcomed.  Their “ Outcrop “ sleep out option is special! This simply is a Must Do for you! Imagine if you will, a natural rock outcrop, two shade trees and a vast expanse of an endless vista. Imagine the ingenuity of man adding all that is wanted in the way of luxury amenities needed for human entertainment from sunset to well after sunrise the following day. Well before sunset, we boarded quad bikes and were escorted the three kilometres between main camp and the Outcrop. Our arrival is breathtaking. A truly baronial bedroom equipped with a king sized bed, side tables, lounge area and coffee table festooned with all sorts of culinary delights. The African sun setting directly in front of us, our host prepares glasses, lights our paraffin lamps then discretely vanishes. We are alone to commune with Mother Nature!

 

For those of you yet to experience this, do so in a vast hurry, for those who have, come here and allow Her to regale you with a story of the setting sun, all the animal actors on the stage before you join in settling down. The evening sky was streaked a vivid pink, turning to crimson, then steel grey, the stars emerged with a brightness and depth. The Black Hole presented herself alongside the Southern Cross, shooting stars abounded. Utter silence roared, the black velvet night greeted our gentle burning fire. Peace, contentment and solitude pervaded. Our picnic dinner was adequate but lacking for imagination, cold meats, some excellent cheeses, chicken legs and a well prepared & presented green salad combined with a potato salad all conveniently boxed in plastic containers. Our African night sky talks to you. Allow the language to permeate your mind and you will hear the mélange of words, dreams, hopes and aspirations. Colin arose in the early hours of the morning to witness the rising moon illuminating everything in waxen white.

 

The sun arose from behind our rock casting colour, warmth and light on the distant hills, ethereal waking for the experienced traveller, for the first timer simply soul food. A superb honeymoon option if you’re looking to secure a piece of peace and for those wanting to experience fifteen hours of uninterrupted privacy. Due to the naturalness of this option, it is weather dependant. 

 

Overall our experience at Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve was a pleasant learning curve made special by the Outcrop experience. We would recommend the Outcrop without hesitation, however when gauged against similar focussed properties within the region, their rates in proportion to the overall value for the rest of the property are high.

 

 

 

 

 

 

adventure

Arizona, USA – A World Class Adventure

Arizona has Petrified Forests in such abundance at the Petrified Forest National Park. Drive through it or for a closer look go on hiking trails found there. It is located just off 1-40 in North East Arizona.

The Lost Dutchman mine was never rediscovered, there is a superstition that Gold can still be found, many adventurers visit this place called the Lost Dutchman State Park. Wilderness can still be explored and a desert Lake, Canyon Lake is very near to it.

Most of the tourists camp, hike or picnic at these desert trails. Handicapped people are also welcomed here.

The world’s largest natural bridge (400 ft wide & 183 ft in height) over looking the Pine Creek is in Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Flowing streams, upstream of the canyon, make a spectacular view.

A century old hotel, refurbished, provides excellent viewing. It is located 13 miles North West Payson off State Route 87. Picnicking or hiking is also catered for.

Considered to be Mother Nature’s finest playground is Slide Rock State Park. The Park’s name comes from 30 ft long water sliding down the rocks. The canyon here has Red Rock walls & pine forests. An Apple orchard is also an added attraction.

A huge crowd is always gathered here to refresh themselves at Slide Rocks during summer months. The parking facilities has also been expanded recently.

Just a few miles off West of Sedona in Arizona State is 286 acres of Red Rock State Park. Picnic areas and classrooms may be reserved for the public but they do provide education to school groups and private groups as well.

Swimming and going across water is available to local wildlife only and please don’t bring your pets as this is a place where there are no facilities for them. Still they provide camping sites, picnic grounds, hiking trails, classrooms, visitor’s center with a great theater and of course a gift shop.

Right next to the Community of Cottonwood, in the scenic Verde Valley, is Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Now don’t get alarmed by its name as here you can do bird watching, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, picnicking and stream & pond fishing.

Here you can also go hiking and the Equestrian events are held regularly.

Near the City of Show Low is located Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. Imagine camping on a lake shore and watching the noble great blue herons. Show Low Creek falls into this lake, which provides water to lots of wild animals and it has a very different fishing area.

It has a huge variety of fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, channel catfish, walleye and green sunfish. Nearby White Mountain Trail System offers many hiking trails. This place adjoins the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest where you can get the geographical maps too.

This site offers agricultural features, camping sites, pit houses and lots of other sites. It is located a few miles North East of Winslow on State Route 87. Archeologists work in June & July only from Monday till Friday. Here archaeological exhibitions are also held many times a year.

This place offers many recreational areas with picnic tables electric supply, tent pads and grills.

As there is no size restriction on boats Lyman Lake State is 1500 acres of really beautiful Lake. A small herd of buffaloes are always grazing near the access road. A nice & restricted no-wake place for anglers.

This place offers facilities that include rock hounding trails, fishing, hiking, boat rentals and a swimming pool. General boat rental concessions are available by booking in advance.

On the foot of Mount Graham is a haven known as Roper Lake State Park. An excellent place for fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking and camping. Camp on the lake shore & avail a natural hot-bath tub which is prepared by park rangers. The park is located a few miles South of Safford off US Route 191.

Lots of other facilities include rest rooms, shower rooms, fishing pad (also for handicapped persons), waste disposal grounds, Electric hookup, boat ramp and Natural hot springs.

Desert scenery and an isolated place is Alamo Lake State Park. It is located on Bill Williams River and after some miles falls into Colorado River.

With a backdrop of picturesque Rawhide & Buckskin Mountains it presents a stunning view. Abundance of wildlife includes Bald Eagles, Coyote, Deer, Quails and wild Burros are the area’s trademark.

Some of the basic facilities include Group use area, hiking, fishing, Electric hook up, boating, rest room showers (accessible for the handicapped) and waste disposal area.

Buckskin Mountain State Park is located between the Mountains & the Colorado River, is a welcome site both for nature lovers and hikers. Three fully developed trails on these mountains that go up the steep bluffs are always inviting to hikers.

The River welcomes swimmers, pleasure boaters and water skiers with open arms. Anglers vie for channel cat fish, crappie, large mouth bass and bluegill.

There are two distinct units at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor Beach and Cattail Cove. Windsor beach is a day out park with all water crafted facilities. It is located in a wonderfully developed area in Lake Havasu City just North of the Famed imported old London Bridge.

Two and a half miles long and spread over 250 acres, Patagonia Lake State Park offers a variety of recreational outdoor activities. The lake is filled with catfish, bluegill, crappie and bass and in winter by rainbow trout.

Because of huge gatherings, water skiing and jet skiing are banned in summer weekends.

For anglers facilities of half of the lake is converted into a no-wake area. It offers water & electric hook ups, picnic places, a swimming beach and a marina store with boat rentals.

For any information about big hunting game contact Arizona’s Game and Fish department.

Hope your stay in Arizona is a very memorable one.

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Adventure Sports in Sacramento

Despite living in California for years, many people here have never visited Chico. Chico is surrounded on three sides by farmland and situated at the Sierra foothills 90 miles north of Sacramento, off the main thoroughfares. Unless you are going up Highway 32 to Lake Almanor or Lassen National Park, or your destination is Chico, there would be little reason for anyone to go there. Hence, this charming and genial university town, with its rich outdoor opportunities and local attractions, are missed by many.

Chico has the third largest community park in the nation. It also has an active city center, a pulsating and flourishing campus, porch-profuse older localities, and an enthusiastic population of cyclists, runners and outdoor buffs bustling through the city.

Chico Bidwell Park: Bidwell Park, which now spans 3,750 acres, starts as a streamside forest close to the city center, with playgrounds and swimming areas, and runs 12 miles northeast into the center of a wild and deep canyon.

There are two parts to Bidwell Park: one is Upper Bidwell and the other, Lower Bidwell. Upper Bidwell has many rocky paths for mountain biking and tracks with marvelous views and rocky swimming holes. Lower Bidwell has smooth bike paths and wood-chip running tracks under the shade of oak and sycamore trees.

Chico, famous for being a Two-Wheeled Town: Chico is well known as the two-wheeled capital for cycling. With innumerable bike lanes within the town, miles of neighboring farm roads, extensive climbs up the foothills for hikers, and plenty of dirt tracks in Upper Bidwell for mountain biking, Chico has plenty on offer for two-wheeled fans of every kind. Chico was selected as the Most Bicycle Friendly City in the nation by Bicycle magazine in 1997.

According to fat-tire explorer Chuck Bodfish Elliot, who planned the first off-road bike race event in 1976, the Bidwell Bump, which was a bone-jarring one over rutted terrain strewn with lava rock, Chico was the location of the first off-road bike race.

Chico offers adventure sports enthusiasts more fun with Water, Snow and Rock: Apart from the cycling, outdoor enthusiasts can find much more on offer in Chico. The Sacramento River, which flows down the valley only five miles west of the city, is an ideal place for kayakers and canoeists. The Butte Creek, which is close by, offers beginner whitewater kayakers a picturesque six-mile run in seasons like spring and early summer.

Take a Hike: Feather Falls, which is at 640 feet, and is the sixth highest waterfall in the U.S., is one of the main attractions of Butte County. The trail, which is a seven-mile roundtrip, starts from Lumpkin Road, which is above Lake Oroville.

Adventure trails for Rock Climbers: Rock climbers will come across an abundance of remarkable granite in the Feather River canyon. Backpackers can make a trip into the Ishi Wilderness, Lassen Park, or the Trinity Alps. For backcountry skiers, some of the best and deepest snow in the state can be found at Mt. Lassen, which is just an hour and a half from Chico.

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