Ultimate Africa Travel Adventure

A Kruger Park safari is not a once in a lifetime experience, simply because very few people go only once. The park has a huge amount of repeat business, in no small way due to the fact that it encompasses such a massive area of land, and includes so many different camps (with variant themes) and animals that no trip is exactly the same as the previous one.

The Kruger Park was originally known as the “Government Wildlife Park” which later became the Sabi Game Reserve and, when finally expanded upon into the geography we know today, ultimately became the Kruger National Park – so named after Paul Kruger, then president of the Transvaal Republic. The primary reason for the park”s establishment was to safeguard the animal population of the region against rampant hunting, but no one could have imagined just how successful Jakob Louis van Wyk’s idea would become.

At this stage the park covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres and is, clearly, one of the largest national parks in the world today. To put this massive size into proper consideration, you could say that it is the size of a small country, though it is larger than either Wales or Israel. This kind of space has allowed the development of dozens of separate camps, each with their own themes and specialities, which is part of the reason for the park’s vast success.

Thousands of people flock to their camp of choice each year to witness the Big Five in action, take in the African ambiance, adventure through the plains on a Land Rover expedition or to simply pass the time in a simpler world than the one they left behind. Two things that such places give the world exceed all others, and these are the peace of the spirit to weary mind and the critical nature conservation efforts of the park. African travel is vital, not only as a past time, but also as a means to expose us all to the very real threats to this beautiful environment.

Few things produce as much awareness as a Kruger Park safari and National Geographic has made many award-winning documentaries regarding the area and its graceful inhabitants. More than a few Hollywood actors have deemed it their haven and even Sir Richard Branson became involved in things with his purchase of the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. All in all, the Kruger National Park stands as a beacon against the annihilation of not only African heritage, but the natural heritage of the world.

Adventure Travel – 6 Steps to Solving Travel Problems

“It’s not really a proper adventure,” says Steve Mellor, General Manager of Escaped to Peru, based in Cusco, “until something goes wrong.” We often fondly remember our trips by relating the travel problems, disasters and setbacks when our feet are firmly back on home soil, so most of us would be happy to agree.

However, it doesn’t make it any easier to deal with a vacation full of adventure when faced with a selection of frustrating or worrying problems. From dangling at the end of a fraying rope to waiting for a delayed flight, here are some simple steps to run through to turn your travel problem into a fondly-told story when you return home.

1) Don’t panic
The very same words inscribed on the cover of the Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy are the best piece of advice that we could ever offer. You’re in a sticky situation. Flipping out, screaming and waving your arms like a drunk air traffic controller isn’t going to get you out of your situation, probably just deeper into it.

Take a deep breath and ignore the thoughts pounding your brain about all the bad outcomes possible. If you are traveling with a reputable travel company you will have a 24 hour telephone number that you can call to resolve the situation. If you are traveling independently, read on!

2) Consider the situation
Now hopefully a little more in control of your emotions, have a cold, hard look at things. What are your surroundings? Who is involved? What is the mood? If you can distance yourself a little from your immediate circumstances, you’ll put a bit of space between you and the problem. Try to think of things from another point of view, and consider a different perspective if someone else or a group of people is involved.

What, for example, is going on with the rock-throwing villagers? Is this in any way connected with the expensive looking idol in your hand that you just picked up?

3) Reach an understanding of what the problem is
This is often overlooked. We’re often so wrapped up in our immediate circumstances that we completely miss the problem. With a bit of distance between you and the root cause of the issue in your mind, hopefully you can accurately see exactly why the border official is asking for twice the expected price; something to do with looking hungrily at the large SLR camera dangling from your neck. If this is a problem based in a conflict with someone else, its essential to come to a joint understanding of what that problem is. Raised voices in a foreign language can be intimidating, but with patience you can find out why people are shouting.

4) Decide on the best way to resolve the problem – stay solutions focused
OK, you know why you’re in a pickle. You’ve found out the reason why the cold sweat of fear or the hot stab of anger is driving you crazy. The next thing to do is figure out a simple plan to remove the problem, and not dwell on your difficult situation or the past. You can put the idol back, or pay what the official asks for and keep the camera out of sight next time. You might need a bit of work to agree across the language barrier the best way to mutually resolve an issue, but it is possible. Draw pictures, use mime, get a translator. Be creative, and respectful of the other person; after all, you’re a part of this problem too…

5) Do what is necessary to resolve the problem
You now have a pretty good idea now of how to sort out the problem. So do it. Remember, if you are on an organized package, even in the middle of nowhere, let your travel company know asap, they have the resources to solve the issue quickly.

6) Check that the problem is resolved and can not occur again
So, did it work? Has the flurry of stones ceased? Did the official let you cross the border? If not, congratulations! You’ve got out of your challenging situation, and you’ve got a great story to tell. If not, back to step 4 and try another solution. Keep at it, you’ll get there eventually.

There’s nothing like a spot of focus to work your way out of a problem. If you keep the clear process of the steps above in mind, you’ll eventually come out the other side with no harm done, or at least a couple of impressive scars to show the next time you see your friends. Just remember that with a level head and bottomless patience, Steve Mellor and his colleagues in Peru will be impressed with your seasoned approach to the turbulent and unpredictable twists of adventure.

How to Plan an Exciting and Thrilling Adventure Travel

Do you dream of walking in the shoes of an adventurer? Do you dream of being able to go off and tour a remote location, climb an extreme mountain or try something new? Do you desire to have fun and challenge your limits while expanding your horizons? If so, why are you settling for boring vacations? What makes you settle for going somewhere else to sit around and be bored? Why not your heart rate up? No matter what activities interest you or what limits you want to test, there are adventure travels awaiting a booking by you. Here are some options for individuals who have gotten bored by taking the same old vacation they always take.

Dog sledding is great fun! You probably think that going dog sledding can only be done by trained professionals. If you want to race the Iditarod, you’d be correct. If you just want to explore the sport a little bit and have some fun, Alaskan Husky Adventures is what you need.

This group offers package deals for both two and three day adventures. You bring your own groceries and stay in their cabins and during the day trained professionals teach you the basics of dog sledding and take you on guided tours. Do you get a thrill from sightseeing? Do you love being able to explore the places you’ve only read about in books? Why not partake on a sightseeing adventure travels tour of a place your have only fantasized about visiting? Highly favored tourist spots include Greece, Rome, Ireland and Scotland, Africa, China and Tibet. Obviously there are sightseeing tours in nearly every country in the world, so just make a decision about where you want to go and book a touring trip! Allow a guide to teach you about your chosen country’s culture and history.

Are you a food connoisseur? Do you tantalize the idea of learning about and taste testing cuisine from around the world? Why not try a culinary tour? Apparently, Italy is one of the trendiest destinations for lovers of food who want to experience cuisine in its “native habitat.” Ireland, Spain and Greece also offer fabulous “culinary tours.” In addition to tasting the food after it’s prepared, by “native” chefs, these tours also allow you to learn how to cook a variety of dishes on your own. This is an ideal vacation for any chef wanna-be or any food lover.

Adventure travels don’t have to be super expensive (though they can run a little high sometimes). They do not have to be lengthy vacations. Some will only last for the day! Why would you choose to spend all of your time off from work being bored when you could spend it having some adventures? There are lots of different adventure travel tours to take; the hardest part of your whole vacation will be deciding what you want to do and where you want to go. You can have as much fun as you want!