Africa - Goodtrippers

New wildlife film calls for action to protect Rwandan gorilla

A new wildlife documentary, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, aims to boost support for the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda.

The 15-minute film, Hope by award-winning film-maker Peter McBride, can be viewed for free online (see below). The producers want to inspire viewers to support those working on the ground to save these majestic creatures, as well as help raise awareness via social media using the hashtag #gorillahope.

The film takes a behind the scenes look at the work of the charity The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and their dedicated team of trackers and anti-poaching patrols – their job is to monitor the mountain gorilla population 365 days a year (an estimated 20,000 hours a year), often in the dangerous and difficult terrain of Volcanoes National Park.

Hope also follows the local people who live next to the gorilla’s habitat and the work that is being done to change attitudes to these great apes. Years ago, mountain gorillas were hunted by poachers wanting to sell infants to zoos, or gorilla hands and heads as tourist trophies; children today are now growing up with a new found respect for these creatures.

47 years after Dian Fossey began her life’s work in mountain gorilla conservation, there are some facts to celebrate – the gorilla population has doubled from 250 to 480 (at the last census in 2010) – but this still represents small numbers and the situation remains extremely fragile with the great ape still on the critical list. The 120 people who now work for the Fossey Fund are the mountain gorilla’s only hope of survival – a message which Hope makes desperately clear.

Clare Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, explains: “Our research over the last 40 plus years has shown that simply having a protected area like a national park is not sufficient to save a species like the gorilla – which takes a long time to grow to adulthood and reproduces very slowly. Instead, extreme measures are needed.

“The Fossey Fund is all too aware that the survival of the mountain gorilla, and the safety of its habitat, is intertwined with the growth of a country in recovery since atrocities of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. The work we do is unique, challenging and costly but we are seeing results. The population has grown and while this is encouraging, the mountain gorilla is still critically endangered and without extreme conservation work could face extinction.”

Outdoor clothing brand Craghoppers, who funded the film and sponsor the Fossey Fund, has launched a campaign T-shirt to help raise much needed funds for the charity. The 100% cotton T-shirts are £12 and available to buy at www.craghoppers.com – £5 from each sale goes directly to The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.
http://youtu.be/hRfcdVQkmQA

Volunteer for PoD’s new community football team in Ghana

Volunteer organisation PoD has launched a women’s football team in rural Ghana – and you could join them!

The ladies football team, which started in March 2014, involves up to 30 women between 13 to 35 years old getting together on the village football pitch for fun sports sessions every week.

They, and the community’s men’s football team, would love to have more sports coaching volunteers around the year to help them increase their skills. The community is keen to learn other sports too, so if you are more interested in netball, cricket, volleyball, rugby or anything else they would love to learn.

Gemma, from the PoD UK office who has just returned from her African visit says “It was fantastic to watch the ladies team develop while I was on my recent project visit; everyone was keen to learn new skills and proudly posed post match in their new football kits. It was great to see the community supporting the first ever ladies football team in their first match against the neighbouring village – especially against the spectacular backdrop of the red setting sun!”

The football kits for each player are kindly donated to the charity by a past volunteer, but donations are more than simple hand-outs – the time given by volunteers helps the women and girls develop skills beyond the classroom. The women have lessons with a teacher from the secondary school before the volunteers run football sessions for the squad.

These sessions help them to increase their in confidence in everyday situations. It is also a great way to encourage team work and inspire increased school attendance by having fun in a relaxed environment, since many girls drop out of school early to start a family or help their family income.

A confidential weekly women’s health group run by the community nurse has been established to compliment the training and allow the women to ask questions they may not want to ask in a regular clinic.

If you would like to get involved in coaching football or any other sports in Ghana find out more about how you can get involved on the PoD volunteer website – visit www.podvolunteer.org

Go behind the scenes helping rhino on a South African safari

Ever wondered what it’s like to work on a rhino conservation project? This new trip, supporting the charity Helping Rhinos, not only offers the excitement of a safari but also allows you to go behind the scenes with rangers in the Kruger National Park region.

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Poaching of endangered rhino is a big problem in South Africa. The charity Helping Rhinos runs a community project to help combat the problem in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve on the edge of the famous Kruger National Park. The project is involved in the tagging and tracking of rhino, training rangers, and working with local communities to raise awareness of wildlife conservation. On this safari trip guests will get a fascinating insight into life as a conservation ranger, learning bush skills and following their work as they monitor rhino out in the field. With every booking of this trip, tour operator Native Escapes will make a donation to Helping Rhinos.

Alongside the awesome rhino, you’ll also get the chance to spot the ‘Big Five’ on various drives, day and night, and walking safaris. Timbavati has been dedicated to conservation since 1962 and is now characterised by strong populations of cheetah, lion and leopard, as well as large herds of elephant, buffalo and wild dog. The region is also home to the famous ‘white lions’ known only to occur in Timbavati.

Accommodation

Over the nine day trip you’ll be staying at two different safari camps. The Tandu Tula Field Camp in Timbavati is relatively luxurious but has the style and feel of a bygone-era camp of the old explorer days. The non-permanent camp has been designed for minimal environmental impact with its four custom-designed tents and communal mess tent hosting a total of eight guests. Each tent has military-style camp beds, open-air bathroom with hot water bucket shower and eco loo – all part of the ‘out in the field’ experience!

The next half of the trip transfers to the Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge in Kruger National Park, where real safari luxury awaits. Six stunning ‘beehive’ style air-conditioned suites house king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. The stylish interiors, fabrics and artworks have been sourced from the local Tsonga community. From the lodge deck, you can watch animals gather at the nearby watering hole or as night draws in exchange stories around the communal campfire.

The Helping Rhinos Exclusive Safari runs from 31st August to 8th September 2014 (inclusive).

For full details, including full itinerary, prices and booking, visit www.nativeescapes.com

Eco chic at the new Riad Sapphire, Marrakech

If you’re looking for a super stylish city break this Spring, the Riad Sapphire boutique hotel in Marrakech is now open…

This luxurious new hotel boasts oodles of eco chic along with its gleaming and tasteful decor – and at Goodtrippers we can’t wait to be sipping a fresh mint tea from its stunning roof terrace! Described as a modern twist on colonial chic, Riad Sapphire combines classic Moroccan architecture with plenty of space and light. But it’s the hotel’s responsible tourism ethos that it really impresses.

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The owners, Barbara and Beryl (who have already overseen the successful opening of two other hotels in Marrakech under the Chic Riads brand), are proud to have employed only local, highly-skilled artisans in the design and build of Riad Sapphire – a process that barely used any electricity due to materials being delivered to the site via donkey, and craftspeople creating woven fabrics, plasterwork and woodwork by hand (take a look at this video of some of the extremely skilled Morrocan woodturners). Continuing its commitment to alternative energy use, solar panels are now in place to heat the riad’s water, the spa and hammam, and the larger than average swimming pool.

Accommodation

Riad Sapphire has eight suites, one with a spectacular domed ceiling, and another with a modern pyramid roof. En-suite bathrooms are stocked with organic toiletries sourced from responsibly-run companies in the local area.

Food

Local people are employed in the kitchens to create some delicious delicacies for guests. It’s worth noting that your breakfast bread will have been baked at a local bake house that is heated by the hammam, that in turn is powered by wood shavings (from local carpenters) brought to the bakery by donkey. Now that’s low carbon – if not quite low carb!

Facilities

Relax in the spa, traditional hammam or swimming pool. Alternatively, kick back in the one of two dazzling marble courtyards or take in the city sights from the roof terrace.

Special offer: Riad Sapphire is offering a fantastic 50% discount on bookings from now until 31 August 2014 (min. 3 nights; does not apply to extra beds), so no excuse not to treat yourself! Visit www.riadsapphire.com for booking and more information.

‘Good’ credentials:

Solar panels heat the riad’s water, spa, hammam and swimming pool
Minimal electricity used in hotel’s construction
Local people employed
Organic toiletries in bathrooms
Other responsible companies and tourist attractions recommended to guests, including the local organic perfumery

Touring with The Township Sisters in Cape Town

Guest blogger Rachel Watson takes a walking tour of Cape Town’s townships with new guides The Township Sisters…

The township name Masiphumelele means “we will succeed” in Xosha (one of South Africa’s 11 official languages) and the residents are doing just that. From the corner barbershop to the ice cream store, the library to the township pub, Masi (as it’s known for short) is a bustling, welcoming community waiting to be explored.

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I toured Masi with The Township Sisters, friends Ali and Mandy who have come together to help visitors to Cape Town experience a township tour through local eyes. They offer walking tours, guided by local people who have grown up in Masi and therefore give visitors a unique insight into the township – telling stories, introducing you to members of the community and leading you around as only a local can.

We met girl friends perfecting a Beyoncé dance routine in the community hall, teenagers catching up on homework in the internet cafe, a lady hand printing cotton tablecloths to be sold, children playing in the street… and all had a smile and a wave, a friendly greeting for the visitors to make us feel instantly at home in their community.

The Township Sisters’ tours are on foot, meaning that you’re right in the heart of the action – no soulless tour bus here, no peering out of a window and passing through without getting a true feel of the place. The comparison between here and the five star waterfront area of Cape Town couldn’t be more stark, but the friendliness and warmth in Masi shines through the comparable harshness of the living conditions. Taking a tour with The Township Sisters was a highlight of my time in Cape Town, and a unique experience.

Recommended for… Anyone who wants to experience a township tour in Cape Town, from a local perspective.

Be aware that… It’s a leisurely stroll so no particular level of fitness is necessary, but as the tours are on foot people with mobility issues may struggle.

‘Good’ credentials…

Touring on foot rather than in a vehicle makes the tours much more eco friendly
The Township Sisters support community projects in Masi – such as the local crèche – by arranging sustainable donations such as blankets, furniture and uniforms.
Tour guides are recruited from local people, providing jobs for members of the Masiphumelele community

For more information about The Township Sisters, visit their Facebook page here

About the author: Rachel Watson caught the travel bug during her gap year in 2002, and has no plans to stop exploring! She works in Customer Operations and blogs about her travel experiences in her spare time. Visit Rachel’s blog at http://dancing-like-no-ones-watching.blogspot.co.uk/ or follow her on Twitter @RacheyRoo183

World’s 10 most extraordinary places to stay

Ever wanted to spend the night in a lighthouse in New York state? A treehouse in Laos? Or a cave hotel in Turkey? These are just three of the 10 most extraordinary places to stay in the world – according to travel experts Lonely Planet.

To accompany the launch of their first ever collection of world’s best hotels, Lonely Planet has revealed its top 10 list of unusual accommodation choices. We reported the Lonely Planet ‘eco accommodation’ list last week and now pick out some of the Goodtrippers-friendly options on the ‘extraordinary’ list: here are our picks…

Planet Baobab, Gweta, Botswana

Second in Lonely Planet’s list, this funky lodge is a must if you’re visiting Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. You can choose to stay in a traditional mud hut (en-suite and adorned with art made with the natural pigments found in the many termite mounds in the area), or a traditional grass hut (en-suite and constructed using the same methods as the original bushmen of Botswana). If you fancy it, camping facilities are also on offer. Walkways wind through the baobabs (which are lit up at night) to a pool and bar-restaurant. Spot meerkats and elephants while you sip your sundowner…

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Tasmania, Australia

No. 5 in the Lonely Planet list, this eco-friendly lodge is located on the edge of the spectacular World Heritage site Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Cabins are nestled privately in the bushland, with wallabies bounding past the windows and wombats shuffling amid the trees. Locally sourced game, wine, cheeses and honey permeate the restaurant’s menu, one of Tasmania’s best. The view from the spa is a dense thicket of King Billy pine trees. Guests can choose from couples’ or family cabins, right up to suites with private outdoor tubs and fuel-efficient fireplaces.

Free Spirit Spheres, British Columbia, Canada

Treehouses for grown-ups! These fantastic handmade orbs, suspended among the tall trees of west coast rainforest, are kitted out like cosy boat cabins inside (mod cons including iPod docks all present and correct) and are accessed by rope walkways and spiral ladders. You’re encouraged spend time in your swaying sphere to immerse yourself in the local wildlife – the chattering birds and squirrels, now on your eye-level. The site also has showers, a sauna, kitchen and barbecue.

Thonga Beach Lodge, South Africa

This luxury resort by the beach is environmentally-friendly and remote – it’s one of few such lodges within the 328,000 hectare iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its spacious huts are scattered through dune forest, some with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Whales frequently pass by, and Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles nest on the nearby beaches. Take a nature trek with a local expert, a deep sea dive, or simply relax in the spa or indulge in the lodge’s fresh seafood and salads.

The Gibbon Experience Treehouse, Bokeo Reserve, Laos

Completing the Lonely Planet top 10 is this outstanding experience in Laos. Imagine waking to the sonorous call of the endangered black-crested gibbon, stretching in your bed a hundred feet up in the triple canopy, and nursing a coffee on your balcony as you watch the dawn mist crowd in over the jungle valley below. The tree houses, erected by conservation group Animo, are a thing of wonder straddling the giant trunks of strangler fig trees. You have to take a zip wire to ‘fly’ into your night’s accommodation! Dinner is delivered fresh from the nearby campfire, and music is the ambient sound of cicadas as fireflies dance in the night air.

The full Lonely Planet Top 10 Extraordinary Places to Stay

Mihir Gahr, Rajasthan, India
Planet Baobab, Gweta, Botswana
Prendiparte B&B, Bologna, Italy
Qasr Al Sarab, UAE
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Tasmania, Australia
Free Spirit Spheres, British Columbia, Canada
Taskonak Hotel, Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
Thonga Beach Lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
Saugerties Lighthouse, New York state, USA
The Gibbon Experience Treehouse, Bokeo Reserve, Laos

You may also be interested in the Lonely Planet’s top 10 eco stays

Lonely Planet reveals 10 best eco hotels

To celebrate the launch of its first ever collection of the world’s best hotels, travel experts Lonely Planet have revealed its 10 best eco-friendly places to stay.

The list features a diverse selection of eco accommodation, as chosen by a panel of travel experts, from Lapa Rios in Costa Rica and Maison Anglaise in Morocco, to Bunlungula Backpackers in South Africa and Earthship Rentals in New Mexico, USA. All 10 of the outstanding eco-friendly places to stay have made impressive strides to minimise their impact on the environment and have made positive contributions to their local communities.

Lonely Planet’s collection of the world’s best hotels, also includes a top 10 ‘Extraordinary’ places to stay, and a top 10 ‘Best Value’ places to stay list.

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LonelyPlanet.com editor Tom Hall was part of the expert panel who selected the finalists. He said, “We’re delighted with our first ever list of top hotels. This collection is one of a kind we believe, as it is put together by the most well-travelled people on earth. At Lonely Planet we’ve been giving recommendations to travellers about where to stay for 40 years. Our guidebook authors provide their honest opinion and never take freebies in exchange for positive coverage, so you can trust our reviews.”

The Lonely Planet ‘Eco’ list in full:

1. Lapa Rios, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica – This lodge lies in a private nature reserve that serves as a buffer for Costa Rica’s remote Parque Nacional Corcovado. It consists of 16 gorgeous bungalows with four poster beds, garden showers and private decks. Simply put, this is the promised land for nature lovers. (Read our Lapa Rios review here).

2. Bulungula Backpackers, South Africa – Feel like one of the family at this community-driven lodge. Bulungula Lodge is nothing more than a group of traditionally designed rondavels owned in partnerhsip with the adjoining community, but a stay here is an immersive experience. This is a place to unwind and disconnect, completely solar and wind-powered, and where a menagerie of animals wander the unfenced property.

3. Chole Mjini, Chole Island, Mafia Archipelago, Tanzania – Get back to nature with a treetop stay at Chole Mjini. This lodge is like nowhere else along the Tanzanian coast. Accommodation is in imaginatively designed tree houses – simple, chic and nestled amid the vegetation for maximum privacy. A short walk away are vine-covered 19th-century ruins, and beyond that, a lively village.

4. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes, Peru – In the heart of a patch of restored Andean cloud forest, is this hotel in the form of whitewashed cottages, scattered through a 12-acre site. The rooms are full of Peruvian fabrics, ceramics and art, but the real enchantment is the forest itself, a stupefying ecosystem of butterflies and birds, not to mention the world’s largest collection of native orchids.

5. EcoLodge Chepu Adventures, Chiloe, Chile – Perched on an overlook peering out onto three rivers and 140 sq km of sunken forest, is EcoLodge Chepu Adventures. The owners have designed everything at this eco-fierce property with the end goal of complete self-sufficiency, from infrared solar showers, to wind-generated electricity. Green-conscious travellers cannot get enough of the mystical kayak trips at dawn, the views and the barbeques.

6. Maison Anglaise, Taroudant, Morocco – Watch the sunset from the roof terrace of this tall medina house in the walled market town of Taroudant. Maison Anglaise is an excellent place to learn about Berber culture – the English-speaking staff organise visits to rural villages and schemes the guesthouse supports, including soap-making and beekeeping. It has been awarded the Green Key eco-label for its sustainable practices, such as using solar panels to heat water and serving locally grown produce.

7. Earthship Rentals, Taos, New Mexico, USA – If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live completely off the grid, then this is your chance. In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Taos, lies a small collection of buildings that seems equal parts Gaudi masterpiece and Dr Seuss whimsy. These are the so-called Earthships, radically designed buildings made from recycled materials (think old tyres and glass bottles) and boasting impeccable green credentials.

8. Dana Guest House, King’s Highway, Jordan – Jordan’s top bolthole is also home to one of the Middle East’s most amazing views. Dana Guesthouse blends into the sandstone cliff face sitting on the 1,200m-high tip of Dana Nature Reserve. The guesthouse is run by Jordan’s Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, and the staff are highly knowledgeable about the reserve’s natural wonders. The simple stone-clad rooms are designed to invite you to watch the sunrise light up the gorge below.

9. Nuli Sapi, Papua New Guinea – Nuli Sapi is located in a pristine area of mountainous rainforest-covered islands, tiny traditional villages and teeming aquatic life. The bungalows themselves are simple but comfortable and made entirely of bush materials, with a veranda perched over the water. Aside from admiring the tropical beauty, there’s much to do here. Nuli Sapi is deeply committed to the surrounding communities – locals can take you out bushwalking, snorkelling with manta rays, fishing, canoeing or simply for a village visit where you can learn about traditional cooking techniques.

10. Baikaler Eco-Hostel, Listvyanka, Russia – Siberian log cabin-style dorms, yoga and chill-out decks await you at this hostel. Russia isn’t exactly celebrated for its eco-friendliness, but the country’s only purpose-built hostel on the shores of Eastern Siberia’s Lake Baikal bucks the trend, big time. The enlightened owner has crafted a green sanctuary complete with solar-heated water, triple insulation, an electricity supply generated partially from solar panels, and energy-saving lighting and electrical devices throughout.

For more on the Lonely Planet’s top eco stays for 2014 click here

Have you stayed at any of the Lonely Planet’s favourite eco-friendly hotels and hostels? Tell us what you think…

5 of the world’s best wildlife experiences

Imagine sitting in a safari hide at the crack of dawn, silence all around…then a lioness and her playful cubs come sauntering into view, oblivious to your presence. Or picture snorkelling on a coral reef, dipping your head underwater and seeing a technicolour marine world swimming around you.

Some of travel’s most memorable moments involve witnessing the world’s most incredible wildlife. Sadly, with the endangered species and habitats list growing ever longer, we are all too aware of how precious this wildlife is. Going on a wildlife holiday helps increase our understanding and respect for the natural world, but always remember to use a responsible tour operator for your trips.

Here are some of Goodtrippers’ ‘world’s best’ wildlife experiences:

Cruising the Galapagos Islands – This archipelago has attracted explorers for centuries. Its remote location and unique wildlife inspired naturalist Charles Darwin to write his theory of evolution. A trip today will bring you face-to-face with whales, dolphins, penguins, vast colonies of sea lions and birds, and real rarities such as the Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana and flightless cormorant. Flora includes mangrove, saltbush, cacti and carob trees.

Tiger watching in India – These beautiful and majestic big cats used to be found all over Asia in their hundreds of thousands. Today, there are barely over 3,000 left in the wild thanks to the destruction of their natural habitats and the illegal trade in tiger skin. However, a visit to some of India’s National Parks may reveal a rare and unforgettable sighting of species such as the elusive Bengal Tiger.

The ‘Big 5’ African safari – There are several countries, and several National Parks, where you can spot Africa’s ‘Big 5’ (i.e. lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard). South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the most well-known for a traditional safari experience – camping under the stars, exploring the bush and plains by Jeep, and keeping a pair of binoculars (and your wits about you!) at all times. The Big 5 are an awesome sight, but don’t bypass the rest of Africa’s natural wonders – watching a pack of wild dogs at night, bird-watching on a lake at dawn, or getting up-close to insect life are all unforgettable safari experiences. Try other spots including Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Diving on New Zealand’s Poor Knights Islands – Two-thirds of the Earth is ocean so an underwater experience has to make this list! There are countless top dive sites – Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Thailand’s Similan Islands being just two – but I’ve included one you may not have considered (even though the great Jacques Cousteau named it one of his top ten dive sites in the world). As the 11 million year-old landscape is volcanic in origin, the cliffs, caves and tunnels harbour a unique biodiversity making New Zealand’s Poor Knights Islands an outstanding Marine Reserve and Nature Reserve.

Spotting orangutans in Sumatra and Borneo – These gentle red-heads are only found in Sumatra and Borneo, albeit in rapidly decreasing numbers as the animals are still hunted and their habitat destroyed to make way for palm oil plantations. Support local efforts to help protect these wonderful creatures by booking a trek through a National Park with a responsible tour operator, or volunteering at a rehabilitation centre. There’s nothing like looking up into the trees and spotting a flash of orange swing high over your head and catching your first glimpse of a wild orangutan!

The world is rich with wildlife experiences and our list barely scratches the surface! If you have a great wildlife experience to share, let us know. (This post by Goodtrippers was originally published on Frontier’s Gap Year Blog)

If that’s inspired you, browse our Amazon Affiliate store for some of the best wildlife books (buying via these links won’t cost you a penny more than using Amazon your regular way, but commission earned by Goodtrippers helps keep our site ticking along thanks to you!).

A kayaking adventure across the Okavango Delta

Looking for an African safari experience with a difference? Ecotourism experts Natural Habitat Adventures are launching a new tour that seeks to transport travellers back to the era of the early African explorers.

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Botswana: Kayaking the Okavango is a rare chance to paddle your way across 120 miles of the country’s Okavango Delta. Leaving the four wheel drive behind, travellers can expect to get up close with a range of wildlife, as well as explore this great African wilderness via the low carbon, and peaceful, means of kayak. Hear the rustle of wildlife in the reeds and the call of native birds, only to be broken by the sound of water dripping from your paddle.

The point-to-point trip, which Natural Habitat claims is the first of its kind, will explore the varied habitats of the delta from flooded marshes and dry islands, to seasoned floodplains which are home to many big game and predators. From your kayak you’ll enjoy an eye-level view of the plethora of birdlife living among the channels and lagoons.

The expedition will be led by Natural Habitat Expeditions CEO Olaf Malver who has designed this unique trip in conjunction with local partners in Botswana. From offering sea kayaking trips for the past two decades, he knows that travellers are likely to see a wealth of wildlife including hippo, crocodile, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, warthog, kudu, impala, lion and leopard. Fortunate guests may also spy the less frequently seen cheetah, sable and wild dog.

Itinerary

The 7-night/8-day trip takes place twice in 2014: 29 July – 5 August; and 12 – 19 August. The trip begins with a short chartered flight from Maun to Nguma Island in the permanently flooded northwestern Okavango Delta. It finishes at Moremi Crossing, followed by a return flight to Maun. The adventure accommodates 10 travellers with 5 nights of wild bush camping as you traverse the delta daily. Guests stay at a deluxe safari camp on the first night and final night of the trip. Paddlers should expect to kayak for around 6-7 hours a day over 6 days in the delta (with one layover day in the middle). If you wish, a 4-day/3-night luxury safari camp extension can be booked if you want to stay a little longer.

Recommended for… Those who love a challenging, sporty adventure in a wilderness environment.

Be aware that… A reasonable level of fitness is required as you will be kayaking for several hours a day almost daily.

‘Good’ credentials:

A low carbon, low impact opportunity to experience African wildlife
Natural Habitat Adventurers (NHA) are the world’s first 100% carbon-neutral travel company offering responsible travel and eco-conscious expeditions across the world since 1985
NHA is a travel partner of WWF

For more information, including prices and booking, visit www.nathab.com/expeditions

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Competition time! Win a holiday to Tanzania

It’s 2014 and our friends at NGO Frontier are celebrating 25 years of conservation, volunteering and adventure holidays (Happy Birthday Frontier!). To celebrate they’re giving you the chance to win a two week volunteering holiday for two people to the beautiful country of Tanzania.

Choose from either a beach conservation, wildlife conservation, or teaching and beaches volunteer holiday on Frontier’s original project site of Mafia Island, Tanzania.

To enter, all you have to do is ‘Like’ the Frontier Official Facebook page, then enter your email address into the sweepstakes. But hurry, you have until 31st January 2014. The winner will be notified by email. Good luck!

Established in 1989 as a non-profit conservation and development non-governmental organisation (NGO), Frontier has been an innovator in creating quality volunteer programmes across the globe. Frontier’s first projects started in Tanzania as a partnership with the WWF to create the world’s first successful multi-user marine park in a developing country, a marine park which volunteers still work in today and one that exemplifies Frontier’s aim of creating long lasting and sustainable results. Since then, Frontier’s has grown to operate over 330 capacity building projects in over 60 countries spanning 5 continents, making Frontier a truly international organisation with a global impact.