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THE TALKING DRUM 2017 – Volume 1
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Page 1: THE TALKING DRUM - Breaking The Brand - Stop the … experiential hotels in Chile as well as a small-ship exploration of Patagonia’s glaciers. Additionally, there’s a piece on

THE TALKING DRUM2017 – Volume 1

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African Wildlife Safaris & Natural

Focus Safaris. Wilderness your way.

AFRICAANTARCTICA & THE ARCTIC

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDCANADA & ALASKA

INDIA, BHUTAN, NEPAL & SRI LANKA

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICAReservations & Enquiries

Tel: (03) 9249 3777 or 1300 363 302email: [email protected]

www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

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OUR 2017 BROCHURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE

Please call us on 1300 363 302 to order

your copy or visit africanwildlifesafaris.com.au

to download them.

Happy New Year and welcome to our first newsletter for 2017! The past year has

seen Africa make a comeback, with some of the continent’s best accommodations now heavily booked. So if you haven’t already planned your safari, act soon. You’ll find plenty of ideas here, from evocative tented camps in Kenya and Tanzania with wildebeest herds at your door, to luxury lodges deep in South Africa’s lion country. We’ve also shared a heartwarming personal story from Alice, a Maasai guide at a chic clifftop lodge called Angama Mara.

With conservation a hot topic across the globe, we’ve featured two remarkable women in this issue: one who dedicated her life to Rwanda’s gorillas, and the other who is taking a unique approach to saving the world’s rhinos - by attempting to change consumer behaviour.

As our South America brochure has just gone to press, we’ve showcased a number of fine experiential hotels in Chile as well as a small-ship exploration of Patagonia’s glaciers. Additionally, there’s a piece on cruising the Galapagos - a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Up north, discover our favourite Alaskan grizzly-viewing lodges and the best way to navigate the Inside Passage. Home to the stupendous Rocky Mountains and bear-rich rainforests, Canada is a great place to beat the summer heat, and we’ll let you in on where to find front row seats for nature’s most captivating light show.

Short on time? You can now fly to Antarctica (see p26). Alternatively, choose a destination close to home - Australia has so much to offer, from enchanting islands to world-class wineries.

Stephen and Sara Cameron - Founders

Photographs courtesy of: Alto Atacama, andBeyond, Angama Mara, Antarctica XII, Arctic Kingdom, Baillie Lodges, Breaking the Brand, David Briggs, Stephen Cameron, Chem Chem, CTC, Great Plains Conservation, Beverly Joubert, Brooks Lodge, Klein Tours, Katmai Wilderness Lodge, David Kneale, Latin Trails, Muchenje Safari Lodge, Paul Nicklen, One&Only, One Ocean Expeditions, Pretty Beach House, Redoubt Bay Lodge, Chris Renshaw, Ride Zimbabwe, Rocky Mountaineer, Sabi Sabi, Saffire Freycinet, Sanctuary Retreats, Shutterstock, Tirath Singh, Skorpios Cruises, The Louise, The Safari Collection, Tierra Hotels, Travel Alberta, UnCruise Adventures, Pia Vergara, Wilderness Safaris, Anne-Marie Zambelli.

3www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEYS

FEATURES5 DIAN FOSSEY GORILLA FUND

50 Years On

6 BREAKING THE BRAND Stopping Demand for Rhino Horn

8 SOUTH AFRICA Sabi Sabi’s Southern Pride

9 WILD TANZANIA Insight from a Specialist

10 ANGAMA MARA - KENYA A Guide Called Alice

12 THE SAFARI COLLECTION Four of Kenya’s Finest

14 GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION A Kenyan Safari with a Difference

16 BOTSWANA Wild Addiction

18 SPOTLIGHT ON TIERRA HOTELS Explore Chile

19 SKORPIOS CRUISES Navigating Chilean Patagonia

20 DARWIN’S GALAPAGOS Small Ship Expeditions

21 ALTO ATACAMA - CHILE A Destination Unto Itself

22 ISLAND GETAWAYS - AUSTRALIA Luxury Australian Coastal Experiences

23 HOMEGROWN GOURMET ESCAPES Some of our Best Local Culinary Getaways

24 INDIA A Feast for the Senses

25 TAJ, TEMPLES & TIGERS India Escorted Small Group Tour

26 ANTARCTICA AIR-CRUISES Adventure Within Reach

28 UNCRUISE ADVENTURES The Alaskan Insider

30 BEAR VIEWING ALASKA Three of Alaska’s Best Bear-Viewing Lodges

31 CANADA FEATURE Showcasing Rocky Mountaineer, Farewell Harbour Lodge, Rocky Mountain Winter Tours, Arctic Kingdom and Northern Lights Resorts

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4 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

DRUMBEAT

TELL US WHAT YOU THINKWe love to know how your trip went and we warmly welcome your feedback. Send us an email, photos or even videos of the places you saw and the animals you encountered. Alternatively, leave us a Google review. We may publish this information on our websites, in our brochures or on our social media channels with your permission.

COMICAL COLLECTIVE At some point in their lives, all animals gather in groups and humans have felt compelled to name these get-togethers, often imaginatively. Here are some of our all-time favourite collective nouns for African wildlife:

• Leap of leopards• Dazzle of zebra• Journey of giraffe (if moving) • Tower of giraffe (if standing still)• Prickle of porcupine• Sisterhood of hyena• Crash of rhino• Bask of crocodile• Business of mongoose• Bloat of hippos

RIDE ZIMBABWEOur great friends at Varden Safaris have moved their stables to Bulawayo, providing intermediate and advanced horse riders the opportunity to explore the most remote wilderness of Zimbabwe’s game-rich Cawston Wildlife Conservancy Area and the Matobo Hills, a World Heritage Site. Call our Africa specialists for details.

CONSERVATION UPDATEEvery client who books with us has the opportunity to donate $8 (or more) to a selection of non-profit conservation or community organisations based in destinations we travel to. We then match these donations dollar for dollar. As we don’t charge administration fees, every cent contributed goes straight to the projects we support.

In the last half of 2016, the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) received USD4,121.84 to continue protecting wildlife in vicinity of the world-renowned waterfall. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust secured USD2,135 to raise orphaned elephant and rhino, while Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International obtained USD2,418.08 to advance their research on Central African great apes. A further AUD2,573.97 went to One Horizon, an organisation committed to improving the lives of impoverished African women and children through education and infrastructure.

REMEMBER TO BOOK EARLY

We specialise in small, boutique lodges and wild destinations - as such, space is often limited. Please ensure you book early to avoid disappointment.

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5www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

50 YEARS ON: DIAN FOSSEY’S LEGACY This year marks half a century since Dr Dian Fossey founded

the Karisoke Research Centre in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. When Fossey first arrived in Rwanda in 1967, highland mountain gorillas were on the brink of extinction. An estimated 250 gorillas lived in the Virunga massif, with many hunted for trophies or entrapped in snares intended for other species. Their habitat also faced destruction, as the country’s burgeoning population indiscriminately felled trees inside the national park for firewood.

Despite these challenges and with nothing but a simple tent in the rainforest, Fossey established Karisoke’s first anti-poaching patrols, and began her groundbreaking study of gorilla troops that inhabited the area around her campsite. Today, Fossey’s programs continue at Karisoke, and even as many of the original issues that Fossey faced remain, the gorilla population has increased to 480. This is the only instance of a great ape population growing in recent decades - a fact Fossey would undoubtedly have been proud of.

An encounter with a wild mountain gorilla is amongst the most intense wildlife experiences found on earth. To see these gentle giants, whose survival into the 21st century can be attributed to the dedication of one woman, contact our Rwanda specialists today. You can also contribute or learn more about the achievements of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which supports The Karisoke Research Centre, at www.gorillafund.org

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AWS interviewed the inspirational Dr Lynn Johnson, founder of Breaking The Brand (breakingthebrand.org) about her efforts to save wild rhinos from extinction.

Lynn, tell us what motivated you to launch this project?For over a decade, I‘ve run my own business helping organisations adapt to market conditions and expectations. I’ve also long been passionate about wildlife, and I wanted to use my professional skills to address an aspect of the rhino poaching crisis that I felt current conservation programs simply weren’t: changing the behaviour of the people who buy rhino horn.

Who are the main buyers of rhino horn and what do they want it for? Popular belief is that the Chinese purchase rhino horn and use it for medicinal purposes. However, extensive research I undertook in 2013 tells me that Vietnam is actually the biggest market for rhino horn by far. More specifically, it is newly wealthy middle-aged men who live and work in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City who are its primary consumers. These men mix ground horn in water or rice wine to create an expensive “detox” beverage drunk in business or social settings. It is their belief that the horn’s astronomical cost denotes high social status.

That’s surprising! So how will Breaking The Brand help to stop the rhino horn trade?Most conservation bodies target poachers, provide security for live rhinos or aim to raise awareness amongst the general public. Armed with the knowledge of exactly who rhino horn consumers are and why they use it, Breaking The Brand creates hard-hitting advertising campaigns designed to change the behaviour of this particular user group, similar to the anti-fur campaigns of the 1980s.

Our ads are published in traditional mainstream media popular with Vietnamese businessmen namely, business and lifestyle magazines such as the Viet Nam Investment Review and Viet Nam Airlines Heritage in-flight magazine.

What messages do your ads convey?Basically, we want to reduce demand by changing consumer attitudes and behaviours. In the four ad campaigns we’ve run so far, we’ve:

· Focussed on triggering “status anxiety” in businessmen who give and receive rhino horn by relating them to wildlife criminals;

· Instilled fear and doubt about potentially poisoned rhino horn and the risk it poses to the health of consumers;

· Encouraged the Vietnamese elite to see themselves as part of a greater global community of people with similar social status who do not use rhino horn; and

· Linked rhino horn to bad luck by equating rhino horn to death and deprivation in African families. This particular campaign was run during the Vietnamese New Year, a time when superstitious Vietnamese are keen to do good to encourage another year of prosperity.

How can we help?Breaking The Brand is 100% volunteer run with all donations going directly to fund ad campaigns. To support us, go to www.givenow.com.au/savefoundationniasfriends

BREAKING THE BRANDStopping Demand for Rhino Horn

6 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

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7www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

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POWER OF THE PRIDETopping most safari ‘must see’ lists is the mighty lion

and one of the best places to view them is South Africa’s Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, domain of the celebrated Southern Pride.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LIONSUnlike domestic cats, wild lions are highly social and form prides to increase hunting and cub-rearing success. Males depart prides aged 2 to 3, with the aim of attaching themselves to another, as pride support ensures survival. However, males must defend their place from other males - sometimes with fatal consequences.

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE SOUTHERN PRIDEThe Southern pride began with Mandleve (“floppy ear”), a female born around 1998 who gained notoriety for mating with every male in the area. Her pride became the region’s largest until 2015, when the males broke away reducing it to less than a dozen members.

In the following months, there were repeated dalliances with a coalition known to researchers as the ‘Fourways males’. Interestingly, in early 2016, the duo were suddenly replaced by a pair known as the “Charleston males” comprised of Manzino, a handsome dark-maned lion named for his distinctive snaggle tooth, and his equally attractive brother. Shortly after their arrival and notwithstanding her advanced age, Mandleve bore two cubs.

Today, Mandleve continues her reign much to the delight of guests, putting overly playful youngsters in place and effortlessly dispatching prey. With luck, her cubs will grow up to continue the Southern Pride’s dominance.

Sabi Sabi operates four exquisite lodges in the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve where you can observe these famous felines in their natural environment. Speak to our South Africa specialists about booking your safari now.

8 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

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9

One of AWS’s most experienced specialists, Michael Fitzgerald, recently travelled through Tanzania and this is what he had to say about his trip:

Tanzania’s wildlife is on a scale few other destinations can rival. The Serengeti is a main stage for the wildebeest migration. I witnessed this wonder at the Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp, a true bush camp with bucket showers, which moves with the herds. The biggest thrill was hearing hooves thunder across the plains at sunset, leaving huge clouds of dust in their wake.

At remote Mwiba Lodge north of Ndutu I had another standout experience: meeting the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. They didn’t speak any English nor were they interested in selling anything so our interactions were truly authentic. The highlight was gathering food on foot with the Hadzabe. When they cut open a tree to procure fresh

honey, I was blown away. I also had the opportunity to dance with the Datoga one evening. The performance was not put on for our benefit so really refreshing to observe and the atmosphere was electric.

One night, I slept out under the stars - no fences, no mosquito nets, just a watchman. Such a real and raw experience.

In Tarangire, I stayed at Chem Chem Lodge, where I ran with the Maasai and visited a local school. I’m not sure who was more excited about that - the kids or myself.

At Karatu, I spent a few days at Gibbs Farm, a homestead close to the Ngorongoro Crater, so when I wasn’t on safari inside the caldera (which was excellent, incidentally), I got an insight into the life of early colonial settlers, helping to roast coffee beans, bake bread and pick strawberries. I also trekked out to ‘caves’ made by elephants digging into the soil to access precious vitamins.

Talk to Michael about a Tanzania safari on 1300 363 302 today.

WILD TANZANIA

TRAVEL INSIGHT FROM AN AWS AFRICA SPECIALIST

9www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

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A GUIDE CALLED ALICEAngama Mara Lodge

10 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

AWS CEO Steve Cameron recently stayed at Angama Mara, a glamorous clifftop lodge in the Mara Triangle,

one of the least visited sections of the acclaimed Masai Mara Game Reserve. While the game, scenery and accommodation were first rate, Steve was most impressed by the knowledge and skill of Maasai guide Alice. One of just a handful of professional female guides in Kenya, this is Alice’s story:

“I was born in a remote area bordering the Masai Mara. In Maasai culture, young children care for the sheep and goats so from age 10 or so I would accompany my younger brother and cousins to the fields to graze the cattle. Occasionally, we would encounter wild animals such as hyena and elephant.

However, my true passion for wildlife was awoken one morning on my way to school, when I came across a zebra foal caught in a snare. The sight tugged at my 12 year-old heart - I was not sure whether to free it or continue on to school. In the end, I decided to help the zebra. As I tried to remove the snare from its leg, the little zebra kicked and struggled to free itself. Eventually, the wire came off and it ran off to rejoin its herd.

From primary through to high school, that incident kept bugging me - I kept thinking about how I could contribute towards conservation when I grew up. After high school, I received sponsorship to attend a community-based guiding school in the Mara, called the Koiyaki Guiding School. Here, we were given the opportunity to learn more about wildlife as we visited various parks within the country. I grew more and more enlightened and could see my dreams being fulfilled.

During our interactions with safari camps, I saw guides driving guests and in my heart I knew that was what I wanted to become. This encouraged me to study hard. I graduated in

a year and a half, but I was not able to gain employment as a guide immediately. My first job was at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, where I worked as a receptionist. After that, I was invited to interview at Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp for a position as a guide. One of around 400 applicants, I was fortunate to be recruited, and then put through a prestigious training school in the Serengeti. After 8 months at Mwewe Training School I graduated as a proper guide.

I returned to Kichwa Tembo and was put in an induction program for four months. My guiding career officially began at that point, and it truly ignited my passion for flora and fauna. In 2015, I joined Angama Mara.

My motivation for guiding comes from wildlife and nature, because you can never exhaust them. I love my job also because it gives me an opportunity to meet and interact with people from different cultures from all over the world.

Having lived and worked in the bush for so long, I know that city life is not for me. I get headaches whenever I go to Nairobi from all the crowds and traffic jams! I love being in the bush, because no two days are the same. I also never know what to expect on a game drive - I just expect the unexpected!”

Steve has been to Africa some 60 times, and on this particular trip, had the opportunity to go on multiple game drives with around a dozen safari guides. Their enthusiasm, warmth and personal stories were all compelling but none more so than Alice’s.

To book a fantastic safari at Angama Mara and perhaps even have Alice as your guide, please call us on 1300 363 302.

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11www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

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FOUR OF KENYA’S FINEST

12 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

Founded and managed by two fourth-generation Kenyans, The Safari Collection operates four completely unique luxury lodges

in four of the country’s foremost destinations.

There’s an art deco Scottish country house set in a leafy suburb of Nairobi well known worldwide for its friendly, leggy residents, a classic tented camp on the sprawling golden plains of the Masai Mara, a cool bedouin-style hideaway in the arid northern Samburu

wilderness and a charming hilltop retreat set in the highlands between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains.

Whilst each occupies a distinct environment, all seamlessly combine an exceptional guest experience with Kenya’s rich traditional culture, fascinating pioneer history and gloriously plentiful wildlife. To include The Safari Collection in your next adventure, speak to our knowledgeable Kenya specialists on 1300 363 302.

COMBINE SAFARI COLLECTION LODGES AND SAVE

Stay at a combination of Safari Collection properties for a minimum of 7 nights between 06 Jan-14 Jun 2017 or 01 Nov-15 Dec 2017 (inclusive) and get 35% off your total accommodation cost.* Please contact us for more information.

*Discount does not apply to Giraffe Manor but this property can be used in the combination.

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One of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, this 1930s colonial manor is best known for its herd of delightful resident Rothschild giraffe who visit each day, sometimes poking their long necks through open windows and doors in hope of a treat. Walk with these rare giants across the lawn and gaze upon the same sunsets which once captured author Karen Blixen’s heart.

A stylish oasis on a sun-soaked ridge overlooking the Laikipia Plateau, Moroccan-themed Sasaab’s day spa, plunge pools and enormous rooms make a serious statement. However, it is the local Samburu people who live here that will leave the biggest impression on your soul. Learn how to make a traditional bow and arrow, or to fashion a toothbrush from a special kind of tree.

This understated lodge is set in Kenya’s popular Masai Mara yet the wild corner it occupies lends an atmosphere of total exclusivity. Sala’s Camp also has the distinction of being one of the first in the Mara to witness the legendary wildebeest migration each year. Enjoy a gourmet bush breakfast, sip sundowners around a campfire and look for the ‘Big 5’ on game drives.

This intimate safari hideaway sits on tens of thousands of acres accessible only to lodge guests and the multitude of wild creatures that call this sanctuary home. Explore on horseback, by mountain bike or 4WD - your animal encounters will be frequent and intense. You can also appreciate Mount Kenya from a helicopter or go trout fishing in neighbouring Aberdare National Park.

13www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

GIRAFFE MANOR - LONG-NECKED APPEAL SALA’S CAMP - MIGRATION FRONT ROW SEATS

SOLIO LODGE - A HIDDEN JEWELSASAAB - ESSENCE OF SAMBURU

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14

SAFARI WITH A DIFFERENCE

14 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

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Passionate about protecting Africa’s last wild frontiers, Great Plains Conservation has a philosophy grounded

in “conservation tourism”, defined as the provision of quality environmentally sound experiences, with benefits channelled back into conservation. To this end, they operate two ultra-luxurious permanent camps in Kenya. Whilst both are completely different in character, they share the same timeless wild spirit and leave the lightest possible footprint on the locations they occupy.

MARA PLAINS CAMPSituated on a shady river bend, this classy tented camp pays homage to local culture as well as to Kenya’s colonial past, with accents of the deep red and purple worn by Maasai chiefs, Arabic-style wooden doors from the coastal island of Lamu and campaign-style furniture crafted out of brass, copper and leather throughout the canvas-covered rooms. One of only five camps on a private conservancy, guests at Mara Plains enjoy 100,000 exclusive acres of land plus unencumbered access to the rest of Kenya’s cherished Masai Mara.

OL DONYO LODGESome of Africa’s last giant tuskers still roam the foothills where ol Donyo Lodge rests, while lions are slowly making a return. Stone guest cottages nestle amongst this secluded ranch’s thick woodland, with airy roof terraces where private ‘star beds’ can be set up. Up here, you’ll be able to hear the haunting night-time calls of leopard and other nocturnal beasts while looking for constellations in the skies over Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife-viewing takes place on this Maasai-owned property on foot, horseback, mountain bike or in open vehicles.

Great Plains Conservation also runs the outstanding Mara Expedition Camp open between June and October each year. Stay 3 consecutive nights at any Kenyan Great Plains property and fly locally for free. Conditions apply. Ask us for more details.

15

Mara Plains and ol Donyo are the best camps I’ve ever stayed at, and I’ve stayed at some really great camps throughout Africa.

Steve Cameron - AWS CEO

15www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au

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Company General Manager Anne-Marie (Annie) Zambelli returned to her old stomping grounds

- Botswana’s Okavango Delta - late last December to get her wildlife fix. A self-confessed safari addict, Annie once lived on Chief’s Island in the game-rich Moremi Game Reserve and this trip was both a balm and a homecoming of sorts.

“As the light aircraft touched down, I felt my blood begin to heat up and the adrenaline start to pump rapidly through my veins. Africa had long ago gotten under my skin and over the years, had found its way into my heart. The continent’s wilderness and wildlife areas had created in me a serious dependency - I take advantage of every opportunity I have to return - and the Okavango Delta is a perfect fix.

A warm welcome awaited me on arrival. It felt much like a gathering of friends for a special celebration. Chitabe Lediba is tucked away in a secluded corner of the Delta - sharing a beautiful island with Chitabe, a sister camp - and its wonderful staff were to be my family for the next five nights.

Only days before, the landscape had received a deluge of rain (“pula” in the local language) and the bush was so vividly green it hurt your eyes. An abundance of animals were to be found savouring tender grass shoots, frolicking in the overflowing pans and giving birth to their young.

If you’ve ever longed to see Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat, I suggest that you add Botswana’s Okavango Delta to your list - you will not be disappointed. Don’t hold me responsible though, if you get hooked.”

For more information on a Botswana safari, call Annie or speak to one of our African specialists on 1300 363 302.

16 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

BOTSWANA:WILD ADDICTION

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Prior to her bush Christmas at Chitabe, Annie relished the opportunity to revisit some safari lodges/camps in Botswana.

Here are some notes from her journal.

Days 1/2: Machaba Camp, Khwai Concession This nostalgic camp on the Khwai River always brings to mind safaris from a bygone era. Spacious tents are situated on the ground and linked by pathways, each with view of the river and neighbouring Moremi National Park. Fell asleep listening to the sounds of the African night and woke to the chorus of red-billed francolins. Sunrise from my tent was fantastic.

Day 3: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, Moremi Game ReserveFortunate once more to stay on Chief’s Island for a night to experience the new luxury pavilions at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. Outdoor area wonderful, great view of the floodplain and perfect place for a cuppa in the early morning, or to relax by the private plunge pool. The afternoon with my guide Benson was outstanding (& emotional) sighting three of the ‘Big 5’ in 15 minutes: rhino, elephant and buffalo. This place rocked with wildlife.

Days 4/5: Muchenje Safari Lodge, Chobe Located high up on an escarpment in the Chobe Forest Reserve. The River is what you need to experience and by staying at a lodge like Muchenje you get it all - warm hospitality, comfortable accommodation, good food, excellent guides and easy access to the park. Full day safari including river cruise not to be missed; while on the boat we were treated to tons of elephants and hippo feeding close to shore.

Day 6: andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari LodgeReturned to the Delta – destination: a stunning lodge in the shape of a pangolin in the heart of the Okavango. Loved the main area and the food here was exemplary. The flavours, variety and presentation were hard to beat. Hats off to the culinary team.

To include any of these camps/lodges in your Botswana safari, contact our specialists on 1300 363 302.

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BOTSWANA:WILD ADDICTION

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Designed to showcase the astounding natural beauty of Chile, Tierra Hotels’ three boutique properties are breathtaking

visions of glass and timber, whose extraordinary profiles blend almost imperceptibly into their surroundings. Interiors are warm, inviting and intended to draw the eyes outside. Cuisine is equally inspired by the land, featuring seafood caught off Chile’s lengthy coastline, meat from local ranches and wines from the country’s best vineyards.

Yet most immersive of all must be the excursions. Sit down with your guide and decide each day how you’d like to explore the terrain. Below are just some of the activities available at each hotel.

TIERRA PATAGONIA HOTEL & SPA Torres del Paine National ParkView the iconic Paine massif, cave paintings, guanacos and condors on foot. Alternatively, see the pampas through the eyes of a gaucho (cowboy) by riding a horse to the “ends of the earth”.

TIERRA ATACAMA HOTEL & SPA San Pedro De AtacamaSpy flamingos on surreal Altiplanic lagoons, see steam columns reach colossal heights at the Tatio Geysers and soak in the Puritama Hot Springs. There’s also incredible stargazing and a chance to scale active volcanoes.

TIERRA CHILOÉ HOTEL & SPA San Jose Playa, Castro Explore the wild Chiloé archipelago aboard a custom-built boat, visit quaint World Heritage-listed settlements brimming with history and explore dense, ancient forests draped in moss.

Please call our Chile specialists on 1300 363 302 for more information.

18 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

TIERRA HOTELS SPOTLIGHT ON CHILE

SAVE UP TO $3296 PER COUPLEDiscover the spirit of Chile,

8 nights ex Santiago. Prices from $5831 p.p.

twin share.Package includes: 1 night at Hotel Le

Rêve Santiago with breakfast, 3 nights at Tierra Atacama and 4 nights at Tierra

Patagonia on a fully inclusive basis and all road transfers.

For details please call us on 1300 363 302.

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EXTRAORDINARY FLORA & FAUNA The Chonos Route visits the Corcovado Gulf, critical habitat for blue whales and Islote Conejos, inhabited by Magellanic penguins. The Kaweskar Route traverses Montanas Fjord, whose channels teem with dolphin, sea lion and seal. Native forests are dense with pretty endemic evergreens, while rare birds including the majestic Andean condor are a common sight overhead.

RELAXED ADVENTUREBoth itineraries provide the opportunity to inspect the landscape at close range. Stroll mossy rainforest paths, hike across gritty moraines or pebbly beaches, and weave past icebergs in small boats to touch the “nose” of a melting glacier. The Chonos program also offers the opportunity to soak in thermal springs.

To incorporate a Skorpios cruise into your Chilean exploration, call our South America specialists on 1300 363 302.

A family business since 1978, Skorpios Cruises is a Chilean cruise pioneer that operates two vessels, both deliberately small in size

to ensure top-notch service and to approach Patagonia’s icy treasures up close. The M/V Skorpios II carries a mere 106 guests in double cabins, while the M/V Skorpios III has a maximum occupancy of 90.

The pair ply the magnificent ice fields of Chilean Patagonia, with the M/V Skorpios II sailing the Chonos Route south of Puerto Montt and M/V Skorpios III northbound on the Kaweskar Route from Puerto Natales. Here are just some of the highlights found on their inspiring itineraries.

EPIC GLACIERSThe focal point of the Chonos Route is the dizzying expanse of the silvery San Rafael Glacier, which regularly calves with a roar into a slate grey terminal lagoon. On the Kaweskar Route, see the sapphire tidewater Amalia Glacier and the dramatic ‘hanging’ ice caps ringing gorgeous Calvo Fjord.

NAVIGATING CHILEAN PATAGONIASkorpios Cruises

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Some 180 years have passed since naturalist Charles Darwin came across

the weird and wonderful animals of the Galapagos Islands. Luckily, you don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate this strange, volcanic archipelago 1,000km west of Ecuador. All you need is a sense of adventure, a passion for wildlife and a reputable tour operator.

There are 20 key islands in the region - no two are alike. Santa Cruz is a popular destination for short voyages, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Giant Tortoise Breeding Program. To the

east, San Cristobal is a haven for a variety of frigatebirds and a favoured feeding ground for Blue-footed Boobies. Longer journeys visit distant Espanola, where sea lions carpet soft sandy beaches or far-flung Fernandina, crowned by an active volcano and crowded with hundreds of prehistoric-looking marine iguanas.

Our programs range from 4 to 15 days and utilise first-class expedition vessels with restricted passenger capacities to guarantee a truly intimate experience of these enchanted isles. A typical day on our small ship cruises may involve two expert-guided

shore excursions plus opportunities to hike, kayak, snorkel or stargaze in the evenings. Waste no time on planning or logistics - your crew oversee transport, permits, equipment and access to some of the wildest areas in the Galapagos.

The most common gateway to the islands is Quito on the Ecuadorian mainland, an easy 2 hours’ flight away. Filled with handsome colonial buildings, the city’s historic old centre is well worth exploring and combines seamlessly with a Galapagos adventure. Contact our South America specialists for a tailor-made itinerary today.

DARWIN’S GALAPAGOS

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Taking design cues from traditional Andean architecture, Chile’s Alto

Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is unique in the area for its seeming isolation, a collection of low-profile adobe buildings and artfully planted native gardens in the shadow of a terracotta ridge. Yet, the vibrant village of San Pedro is merely a few kilometres away.

Guests are invited to connect with their environment from the moment they arrive. The tranquil, earth-toned rooms

feature large windows looking out onto the Atacama’s quiet lagoons or silent cacti-studded landscapes where llama and alpaca roam. Suites come furnished with outdoor showers so you can bathe beneath the stars.

Off-the-beaten-track excursions on foot or by bicycle into the profoundly beautiful surrounding area are led by experienced guides – many of whom are indigenous – so your experiences of the geysers, hot springs, volcanoes, ruins and canyons are enriched with authentic personal flavour.

With six beguiling outdoor pools and a tempting Jacuzzi all boasting sweeping vistas of the encircling scarlet mountains, the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is an oasis. The onsite day spa is another place for physical and spiritual revival, with a variety of treatment options and a team of skilled therapists. Spa facilities include a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, indoor and outdoor hot tubs.

A 4 day/3 night stay at Alto Atacama starts from $3752 per person twin share ex Calama. Please contact us on 1300 363 302.

ALTO ATACAMAA Destination Unto Itself

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Most of Australia’s attractions lie along the coast, many in the form of idyllic

islands. Isolation played a big part in protecting their natural bounty, and today the seclusion of these far-flung isles remains a drawcard for those seeking respite from city life. Featured here are some of our favourite island destinations, along with some of the best places to stay.

LORD HOWE ISLANDWorld Heritage Site Lord Howe has a strict visitor limit so travellers feel like they have the island’s twin peaks and lovely shores to themselves. Capella Lodge is a standout, with sublime views over the island’s highest mountains and a tariff that includes use of snorkels, kayaks and bicycles. Cycle to Ned’s Beach to feed the fish, paddle North Bay and trek to the top of Mount Gower.

KANGAROO ISLANDOften touted as “Australia’s Galapagos”, South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is a wonderland of surreal geological formations teeming with quintessential Australian animals including echidna, platypus and mobs of its namesake marsupial. Lavish Southern Ocean Lodge is among the nation’s finest, offering explorations of the island’s haunting lighthouses and seal-filled caverns.

HAYMAN ISLANDAviation pioneer Reginald Ansett propelled this island to fame in 1950, and today it remains one of Australia’s most coveted resorts in the Great Barrier Reef. Fringed by silica sands and turquoise waters, One&Only Hayman Island offers scenic walking trails, a spectacular hexagonal pool and proximity to both comely Heart Reef and dazzling Whitehaven Beach.

To find out more about these fabulous islands, contact us on 1300 363 302.

AUSTRALIAN ISLAND GETAWAYS

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LORD HOWE ISLAND

HAYMAN ISLAND

KANGAROO ISLAND

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Some of the world’s best food and wine trails can be found in our very own backyard, thanks to pristine soils, pure

water and expertise honed over generations. We’ve curated a list of our top foodie destinations in the country by state below, from luxury lodges with signature dining experiences to excellent hotel-restaurants in divine settings.

To design your gourmet holiday today, call us on 1300 363 302.

NEW SOUTH WALESTucked away on the Central Coast, Pretty Beach House is an exquisite all-inclusive boutique hotel on the beautiful Bouddi Peninsula operated by acclaimed restaurateurs Stefano Manfredi and Julie Manfredi Hughes. Expect cooking classes, mouthwatering modern Italian fare and rare vintages from the well-stocked cellar, with the option to lunch at elegant nearby sister property Bells at Killcare.

HOMEGROWN GOURMET ESCAPES

SOUTH AUSTRALIASurrounded by grapevines and revered wineries, The Louise is a wonderfully atmospheric hotel where you’ll find the highly-awarded Appellation Restaurant, renowned for its ever-evolving seasonal menu and expertly matched wines. For an even more romantic ambience, consider the Kingsford Homestead, which includes sumptuous breakfasts and dinners in the tariff as well as an outdoor bathing experience were the tub fits two!

TASMANIA The tiny Apple Isle is a culinary heavyweight and The Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart sets the tone from the get-go. A former jam factory, this boutique property houses a restaurant where dishes brim with exciting flavours drawn from Tasmania’s fertile valleys. Farther afield on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula sits the architecturally splendid Saffire Freycinet, where you can slurp bivalves with bubbly whilst knee-deep in estuarine waters.

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The landscapes of the subcontinent are a visual feast, with sights ranging from gleaming snow-capped Himalayan peaks, lush emerald tea plantations and rosy pink desert cities

in the north all the way to coconut palm-fringed canals and silvery beaches in the south. India’s rich history and diverse peoples also form an integral part of the country’s multi-hued palette, steeped in centuries of lore and adorned with turbans and saris of every shade.

First-time travellers would do well to explore the “Golden Triangle”, which encompasses Agra - home of the luminous Taj Mahal, Delhi - a rich mosaic of medieval, colonial and modern architectural treasures, and Jaipur - a jumble of peach-toned palaces including the resplendent Hawa Mahal.

Rajasthan, India’s largest state, deserves closer inspection for its orange desert sands, vibrant camel fairs and crimson citadels. Visit Udaipur, a dreamy city of pearly white marble set by a lustrous lake, Pushkar for its enthralling cattle market and brightly robed pilgrims, as well as Jodhpur, for its imposing ochre fort and houses painted Persian blue.

For a slower pace, make for the misty green foothills or hidden mountain kingdoms of the Himalayas, where vivid prayer flags flutter in the breeze. Trek to remote cloud-shrouded monasteries in Buddhist Sikkim or stay in ethereal Shimla, a popular place to retreat from summer heat. Alternatively, head to the tranquil sal forests of India’s wildlife reserves in search of Bengal tigers or take to the tranquil waterways of tropical Kerala in a traditional houseboat.

To have the ultimate India holiday tailor made for you, contact our specialists on 1300 363 302.

INDIA A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

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TAJ, TEMPLES & TIGERSEscorted Small Group Tour – India Departing Tue 06 Feb 2018Go in search of the magnificent Bengal tiger.

Contemplate the mystery of ancient temples, grand palaces and the beauty of the Taj Mahal. We invite you to join us on this escorted tour, the main focus of which is to view the endangered tiger. Nothing can prepare you for the excitement of seeing this magnificent creature in its natural habitat, a privilege that few people will ever experience. Whilst this tour visits 3 of India’s national parks there is also plenty of time for cultural experiences and historical sites.

HIGHLIGHTS• Total of 14 guided tiger safaris in

Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Ranthambore

• The avian paradise at Bharatpur - Keoladeo National Park

• Sunrise AND sunset visit to the breathtakingly beautiful Taj Mahal

• The historic treasures of Delhi, Khajuraho and Jaipur

• Accompanying naturalist and Australian escort

TOUR COSTS FROM:EX MEL

$10,916per person twin share

EX BNE

$10,925per person twin share

EX SYD

$10,930per person twin share

EX ADL

$10,918per person twin share

EX PER

$10,944per person twin share

Single Supplement: $2,945. We can try to arrange shared accommodation on request.

*International airfares strictly subject to availability. Please contact us for full itinerary and inclusions.

TOUR ESCORTA passionate traveller with over 30 years’ experience in the travel industry, Anne-Marie Zambelli’s knowledge is unrivalled. As our General Manager she is an expert on all our destinations. As a tour leader she is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and entertaining travelling companion. Captivated by India on her first trip in 2002, Annie has returned many times and this will be her 10th Taj, Temples & Tigers tour.

For further information and to reserve your place please call Anne-Marie on

1300 363 302 or (03) 9249 3705.

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The final frontier for most travellers, Antarctica is unlike any other destination on the planet. Accessible only during the summer months, when days are long and coasts relatively ice-free, the

Seventh Continent offers vast, silent landscapes humbling in scale and magnificence. Yet the solitude is often punctuated by cacophonous colonies of penguin, found in the thousands on pebbly shorelines. And the roars of pungent southern elephant seals, some as big as cars, throwing their weight around on rocky beaches. Or the sound of a humpback whale’s immense tail slapping at the glassy water.

It is precisely this otherworldly wilderness that attracts so many intrepid adventurers to Antarctica. No two days on any expedition are the same, as cruise ship itineraries are set the night before to make the most of the next day’s climatic conditions. Furthermore, the animals of this formidable ecosystem have almost no fear of humans, guaranteeing classic photographs and some very close encounters.

The notoriously turbulent Drake Passage is another major drawcard - a challenging two-day crossing that will test even the hardiest sailors. Fortunately for the time-poor or those prone to seasickness, it’s now possible to combine flights over the Antarctic Convergence with a cruise, happily avoiding the biggest ocean swells.

These days, air services operate regularly between the Chilean city of Punta Arenas to King George Island, unofficial capital of the South Shetland archipelago. On arrival at the airport, you’ll transfer to your awaiting ship to commence explorations of the Great White Continent, whose waters are blissfully sheltered and comparatively calm.

Spend the hours you save at sea navigating ice-choked fjords, kayaking with whales or sitting amongst raucous seabirds instead. For more information on our ships, our full range of departures and prices please call us on 1300 363 302.

ANTARCTICA: ADVENTURE WITHIN REACH

26 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302

I love sailing but my wife and daughter tend to get seasick, so it was brilliant to be able to fly both ways and skip the Drake Passage crossing. Antarctica is a spectacular wilderness and a “must see” for everyone.

John Christie, December 2016

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UNCRUISE: ALASKAN INSIDER

ADVENTUREEvery UnCruise vessel comes with either a custom-built dock or “swim step” so passengers can launch kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or experience a signature “polar bear plunge” with ease. A hallmark of UnCruise explorations is the ability to get up-close to natural attractions on your feet, with a paddle or a snorkel, guided or on your own.

INTIMACYCarrying just 22-84 guests, UnCruise ships guarantee a close personal connection with the Alaskan wilderness. UnCruise vessels are small, allowing access to channels larger boats simply can’t enter, while skiff excursions take you to the base of secret waterfalls. Ashore, private tours of caves and Tlingit villages uncover legends and wildlife you’ve never heard of.

SERVICEUnCruise have an exceptional team, trained to look after logistics such as luggage and to oversee the little details that matter. Expect for instance, a belly-warming soup after a chilly glacier tour or a freshly baked cake to celebrate a special occasion. The crew won’t rest unless you leave a satisfied member of the UnCruise family.

For a voyage like no other, explore the fabled coves and pristine waterways of the Inside Passage with UnCruise, Alaska’s premier small ship cruise operator. From the moment you embark, you’ll experience the UnCruise difference - on board crew call you by your first name, and there’s an open bridge policy. What’s more, during your voyage, you’ll visit a host of amazing places that simply aren’t in any guidebook. Here are three more great reasons to choose UnCruise.

For more information about UnCruise and their wide range of Alaskan cruise programs, contact us on 1300 363 302.

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North America’s wildest state is where you’ll find some of the planet’s best grizzly viewing. May to September are prime

months, with bears at their most active, foraging for clams in mud flats, feasting on spawning salmon and ransacking bushes for berries. Shortlisted by our team for their location, service and scenery, here are our top Alaskan lodges to watch these great creatures in the wild.

KATMAI WILDERNESS LODGECompany founder and CEO Stephen Cameron found it hard to argue when this lodge claimed to offer “the world’s most spectacular bear-viewing” as he saw 20 bears there in just one afternoon. It also happens to be the only property on the coast of Katmai’s 3.6 million acre wilderness - how’s that for special?

BROOKS LODGEThe closest lodge to Brooks Falls, where many a famous bear fishing photograph has been captured. Up to fifty bears reside by the river running past Brooks Lodge during salmon season, and guests are just a short drive from the “Valley of 10,000 Smokes”.

REDOUBT BAY LODGEThis remote fly-in property offers just three guest log cabins with nothing but dramatic mountains and rushing waterways all around. The emphasis here is on the great outdoors, with opportunities to kayak, canoe and hike deep into bear country.

Bear lodges fill up fast so please ensure you book well in advance. Contact us on 1300 363 302 to secure your place today.

BEAR WITNESS THREE OF ALASKA’S BEST

KATMAI WILDERNESS LODGE BROOKS FALLS REDOUBT BAY LODGE

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It may only be the second-largest country in the world, but Canada certainly comes out on top with its stunning attractions, natural, man-made or cultural. Most visitors start off in British

Columbia, so why not plan to travel west to east, starting with the lush grizzly-rich rainforests of the Pacific Coast? Choose from two iconic trains for your journey through the Rockies: the Rocky Mountaineer or Via Rail’s The Canadian.

In winter, go north for Aurora Borealis, nature’s greatest light show - Yukon offers ideal viewing conditions. The coldest months are also ideal for activities such as dog sledding and skiing, or to experience Alberta’s snowy alpine splendour.

Polar bears usually make an appearance around Manitoba’s Hudson Bay in autumn, whilst safaris into Canada’s High Arctic are best undertaken in summer. Of course, the sophisticated French-speaking metropolises of Quebec City and Montreal are beautiful all year-round.

To plan your perfect Canadian getaway, speak to our Canada specialists on 1300 363 302.

SECOND TO NONECANADA

2017 - Volume 1 Supplement

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British Columbia’s Farewell Harbour is home to an exceptional lodge, whose neighbours include grizzly bears, black bears,

wolves and orcas. Partly built on land and partly afloat, this cedar-hewn property is only accessible by float plane and provides visitors with the opportunity to observe the amazing wildlife which inhabit the pristine Broughton Archipelago.

Run by two local families, Farewell Harbour Lodge boasts some of the most passionate and experienced guides found on Canada’s unspoilt west coast. Guests here enjoy daily forays either out on the water for close encounters with killer whales and seals or excursions into the

largest intact temperate rainforest on earth to uncover a multitude of mammals and birds. Group sizes are restricted to guarantee intimacy, whilst viewing takes place on foot or in small, quiet vessels.

In the evenings, the lodge’s wraparound deck provides spectacular views of sunset whilst the lounge area, complete with fireplace, provides an inviting place to relax after a rewarding day outdoors. Sumptuous meals are followed by fascinating presentations about the environment or First Nations culture.

To include Farewell Harbour Lodge in your Canadian itinerary, contact our Canada specialists on 1300 363 302.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

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If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing snow-capped mountains, evergreen forests blanketed in frost and glittering frozen

waterfalls, Alberta should be at the top of your list. From November to April, this Canadian state turns into the ultimate winter playground, with gorgeous white landscapes and picturesque alpine towns to explore on skis, by snowmobile or dogsled.

Our 9 day Winter Wonderland journey from Vancouver to Calgary (or vice-versa) takes in all the highlights of this magical season starting with an overnight trip aboard VIA Rail’s flagship, “The Canadian”. This grand locomotive rolls leisurely through the magnificent Canadian Rockies, passing notable sites along the Fraser River such as Hell’s Gate Gorge and the Cisco Tunnels.

In Jasper, you’ll embark on an excursion to Medicine Lake, source of the largest underground river system in Canada. Large winter-adapted species such as moose, coyote and bighorn sheep are often observed on its icy shores.

Then travel along the jaw-dropping Icefields Parkway to world-famous Lake Louise, whose glassy surface often perfectly mirrors surrounding glaciers and firs. In beautiful Banff, board a gondola for breathtaking views of Sulphur Mountain and snowy peaks beyond. Your adventure ends in Calgary, with a ride up the city’s most identifiable physical landmark - the 191m Calgary Tower.

Prices start from $1640 per person twin share ex Vancouver with departures between November and April. Contact us on 1300 363 302 for more information.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO VISIT CANADA’S ALBERTA

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Discover a world of mind-blowing beauty as you are conveyed on rails from cosmopolitan cities on Canada’s shimmering

coastlines and prairies to the Canadian Rockies, an alpine wonderland of snow-shrouded mountains and glacial lakes. The world-class Rocky Mountaineer train traverses the most scenic landscapes in daylight only - for maximum visual impact.

Every journey is different, but what remains the same is the professional charm of your Hosts, the quality of the food and wine served on board and the constant surprises awaiting around every bend. Listen to your Host tell stories about adventurers, prospectors and robbers who sought their fortunes in the region, savour lightly roasted salmon fillet with a crisp glass of British Columbian white

wine and experience “picture-perfect speed”, where the train slows down so you can enjoy the best photographic opportunities.

Your only responsibility on board is to relax and soak up the majestic scenery. GoldLeaf Service passengers ride in a bi-level, glass-domed coach with panoramic views, have access to an exclusive open-air vestibule and dine on gourmet a la carte meals in a downstairs carriage. The luxury extends to overnight hotels, where premium rooms are offered where available. SilverLeaf Service travellers indulge in delicious hot entrees in their seats and can enjoy fresh mountain air on the deck between coaches. Accommodation is in comfortable hotels.

The popular 8 days/7 nights Western Explorer journey starts from $3476 per person. Call 1300 363 302 to book your seat today.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER: MORE THAN JUST A TRAIN

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SAFARI ON ICEArctic Kingdom offers travellers the polar experience of a

lifetime. Journey by snowmobile and qamotiq (traditional Inuit sled) across vast, white landscapes to a remote camp set on more than eight feet of solid sea ice near the floe edge. Travelling in small, intimate groups lets you truly embrace the Arctic wilderness. Trips departing from March to November in the Canadian Arctic are determined by the migration of wildlife including polar bears, narwhal and beluga, and natural phenomena, such as the midnight sun and Northern Lights.

INCREDIBLE WILDLIFEEnjoy the opportunity to observe unique wildlife that thrives in the pristine Arctic. View polar bears roaming the land and sea ice, swimming in the Arctic waters or climbing majestic icebergs. See bowhead whales breaching and pods of narwhal congregating at the floe edge. Spot seals and walrus on pack ice, while thousands of species of migratory birds circle overhead. These are just some of the encounters you have the chance to experience in close-up and safely, following the lead of seasoned Inuit guides.

SURREAL LANDSCAPES & NATURAL PHENOMENAThe Arctic is one of the most spectacular and unique places on Earth. Explore incredible mountains, circle enormous electric blue icebergs and watch the ever-changing light of the midnight sun play on glistening glaciers and mirror-smooth waters. In summer, find the tundra ablaze with colourful wildflowers, and in the autumn and early spring, witness the magical Northern Lights at night.

INUIT CULTURE & EXPLORER HISTORYDiscover communities whose lifestyles include centuries-old traditions such as hunting and fishing. Admire Inuit paintings and carvings, visit traditional hunting grounds and historical sites that played key roles in the golden age of polar exploration.

SNORKEL, KAYAK & DIVEWith activities including hiking dramatic landscapes, kayaking amongst icebergs possibly within the presence of whales, or diving beneath the ice, you can make your Arctic adventure your own!

GOURMET MEALSNo incredible Arctic experience is complete without delicious meals. Every dish at camp is carefully prepared by skilled chefs. Get a taste of the Arctic with meals that may include summer berries, freshly-caught Arctic char and caribou.

SAFARI-STYLE CAMPSArctic Kingdom brings you the best of the Arctic in safety and comfort. After full days of exploration, retire to a warm and comfortable bed in a specially designed tent or yurt, inspired by African mobile safari camps. Shared washrooms include hot water – a treat in such remote wildernesses!

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Nature’s most impressive light show takes centre stage in northern Canada from November to April, and the vast,

undeveloped wilderness of Yukon offers dress circle seats, being well within the “Aurora Oval” (the region where auroras appear most frequently). There are also few city lights here to distract from the dancing arcs and ribbons of colour swirling in the clear velvet sky.

Chronicled for centuries in literature and mythology, the exact cause of aurora borealis is still not known. However, the phenomenon is widely believed to be caused by collisions between solar particles and Earth’s magnetosphere. Whatever its origins, a display of aurora borealis will delight and there are an array of lodges outside Yukon’s capital Whitehorse, which offer visitors the life-changing opportunity to experience this magical - and often elusive - event.

These Yukon properties all offer warm, cosy settings to return to after a night out tracking, watching or photographing the Northern Lights. Curl up by the gas stove in your lakefront cabin at Southern Lakes Resort, located amid untouched boreal forest, or sit down to a late supper of seared sockeye salmon at romantic Inn on the Lake. Family-run Northern Lights Resort & Spa goes the extra mile, providing an open-air Jacuzzi and a range of saunas to relax in. All provide a range of exciting optional activities during the day, from learning to mush to snowshoeing and snowmobiling over the frozen landscape.

Prices start from $1101 per person twin share ex Whitehorse for the 2017/18 season. Please contact our Canada specialists on 1300 363 302 to book your Northern Lights experience.

AURORA BOREALIS LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT

Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302.


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