THE TALKING DRUM 2017 – Volume 1 African Wildlife Safaris & Natural Focus Safaris

THE TALKING DRUM 2017 – Volume 1 African Wildlife Safaris & Natural Focus Safaris. Wilderness your way.

AFRICA ANTARCTICA & THE ARCTIC AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND CANADA & ALASKA INDIA, BHUTAN, NEPAL & SRI LANKA SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA Reservations & Enquiries Tel: (03) 9249 3777 or 1300 363 302 email: [email protected] www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au FEATURES 5 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 INSPIRATIONAL 16 BOTSWANA Wild Addiction

JOURNEYS 18 SPOTLIGHT ON TIERRA HOTELS appy New Year and welcome to our first Explore Chile Hnewsletter for 2017! The past year has seen Africa make a comeback, with some of 19 SKORPIOS CRUISES the continent’s best accommodations now Navigating Chilean Patagonia heavily booked. So if you haven’t already 20 DARWIN’S GALAPAGOS planned your safari, act soon. You’ll find plenty Small Ship Expeditions of ideas here, from evocative tented camps in Kenya and Tanzania with wildebeest herds 21 ALTO ATACAMA - CHILE at your door, to luxury lodges deep in South A Destination Unto Itself Africa’s lion country. We’ve also shared a 22 ISLAND GETAWAYS - AUSTRALIA heartwarming personal story from Alice, a Maasai guide at a chic clifftop lodge called Luxury Australian Coastal Experiences Angama Mara. 23 HOMEGROWN GOURMET ESCAPES With conservation a hot topic across the globe, we’ve featured two remarkable Some of our Best Local Culinary Getaways 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 24 INDIA consumer behaviour. A Feast for the Senses As our South America brochure has just gone to press, we’ve showcased a number of 25 TAJ, TEMPLES & TIGERS fine experiential hotels in Chile as well as a small-ship exploration of Patagonia’s glaciers. India Escorted Small Group Tour Additionally, there’s a piece on cruising the Galapagos - a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 26 ANTARCTICA AIR-CRUISES Up north, discover our favourite Alaskan grizzly-viewing lodges and the best way to Adventure Within Reach 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 28 UNCRUISE ADVENTURES where to find front row seats for nature’s most captivating light show. The Alaskan Insider Short on time? You can now fly to Antarctica (see p26). Alternatively, choose a 30 BEAR VIEWING ALASKA destination close to home - Australia has so much to offer, from enchanting islands to Three of Alaska’s Best Bear-Viewing Lodges world-class wineries. 31 CANADA FEATURE Showcasing Rocky Mountaineer, Farewell Harbour Lodge, Rocky Mountain Winter Tours, Stephen and Sara Cameron - Founders Arctic Kingdom and Northern Lights Resorts

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.

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

CONSERVATION UPDATE Every 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.

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 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.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK We 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 RIDE ZIMBABWE brochures or on our social media channels Our great friends at Varden Safaris have moved their stables to Bulawayo, providing with your permission. 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.

4 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 50 YEARS ON: DIAN FOSSEY’S LEGACY his year marks half a century since Dr Dian Fossey founded An encounter with a wild mountain gorilla is amongst the most Tthe Karisoke Research Centre in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National intense wildlife experiences found on earth. To see these gentle Park. When Fossey first arrived in Rwanda in 1967, highland giants, whose survival into the 21st century can be attributed to the mountain gorillas were on the brink of extinction. An estimated dedication of one woman, contact our Rwanda specialists today. 250 gorillas lived in the Virunga massif, with many hunted for You can also contribute or learn more about the achievements of trophies or entrapped in snares intended for other species. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which supports The Their habitat also faced destruction, as the country’s burgeoning Karisoke Research Centre, at www.gorillafund.org 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.

www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 5 BREAKING THE BRAND Stopping Demand for Rhino Horn 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

6 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 7 POWER OF THE PRIDE opping most safari ‘must see’ lists is the mighty lion Tand 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 LIONS Unlike 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 PRIDE The 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 WILD TANZANIA

TRAVEL INSIGHT FROM AN AWS AFRICA SPECIALIST One of AWS’s most experienced specialists, honey, I was blown away. I also had the opportunity to dance with the Michael Fitzgerald, recently travelled Datoga one evening. The performance was not put on for our benefit through Tanzania and this is what he had to so really refreshing to observe and the atmosphere was electric. say about his trip: One night, I slept out under the stars - no fences, no mosquito nets, Tanzania’s wildlife is on a scale few other just a watchman. Such a real and raw experience. destinations can rival. The Serengeti is a main In Tarangire, I stayed at Chem Chem Lodge, where I ran with the stage for the wildebeest migration. I witnessed Maasai and visited a local school. I’m not sure who was more excited this wonder at the Legendary Serengeti Mobile about that - the kids or myself. Camp, a true bush camp with bucket showers, which moves with the herds. The biggest thrill was hearing hooves thunder across the At Karatu, I spent a few days at Gibbs Farm, a homestead close to plains at sunset, leaving huge clouds of dust in their wake. 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 At remote Mwiba Lodge north of Ndutu I had another standout colonial settlers, helping to roast coffee beans, bake bread and pick experience: meeting the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. They didn’t strawberries. I also trekked out to ‘caves’ made by elephants digging speak any English nor were they interested in selling anything so our into the soil to access precious vitamins. interactions were truly authentic. The highlight was gathering food on foot with the Hadzabe. When they cut open a tree to procure fresh Talk to Michael about a Tanzania safari on 1300 363 302 today.

www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 9 A GUIDE CALLED ALICE Angama Mara Lodge

WS CEO Steve Cameron recently stayed at Angama a year and a half, but I was not able to gain employment as AMara, a glamorous clifftop lodge in the Mara Triangle, a guide immediately. My first job was at the Fairmont Mara one of the least visited sections of the acclaimed Masai Mara Safari Club, where I worked as a receptionist. After that, I was Game Reserve. While the game, scenery and accommodation invited to interview at Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp were first rate, Steve was most impressed by the knowledge for a position as a guide. One of around 400 applicants, I was and skill of Maasai guide Alice. One of just a handful of fortunate to be recruited, and then put through a prestigious professional female guides in Kenya, this is Alice’s story: training school in the Serengeti. After 8 months at Mwewe “I was born in a remote area bordering the Masai Mara. In Maasai Training School I graduated as a proper guide. culture, young children care for the sheep and goats so from age 10 I returned to Kichwa Tembo and was put in an induction program or so I would accompany my younger brother and cousins to the for four months. My guiding career officially began at that point, fields to graze the cattle. Occasionally, we would encounter wild and it truly ignited my passion for flora and fauna. In 2015, I joined animals such as hyena and elephant. Angama Mara. However, my true passion for wildlife was awoken one morning My motivation for guiding comes from wildlife and nature, because on my way to school, when I came across a zebra foal caught in a you can never exhaust them. I love my job also because it gives me snare. The sight tugged at my 12 year-old heart - I was not sure an opportunity to meet and interact with people from different whether to free it or continue on to school. In the end, I decided to cultures from all over the world. help the zebra. As I tried to remove the snare from its leg, the little Having lived and worked in the bush for so long, I know that city zebra kicked and struggled to free itself. Eventually, the wire came life is not for me. I get headaches whenever I go to Nairobi from off and it ran off to rejoin its herd. all the crowds and traffic jams! I love being in the bush, because From primary through to high school, that incident kept bugging me no two days are the same. I also never know what to expect on a - I kept thinking about how I could contribute towards conservation game drive - I just expect the unexpected!” when I grew up. After high school, I received sponsorship to attend Steve has been to Africa some 60 times, and on this a community-based guiding school in the Mara, called the Koiyaki particular trip, had the opportunity to go on multiple game Guiding School. Here, we were given the opportunity to learn more drives with around a dozen safari guides. Their enthusiasm, about wildlife as we visited various parks within the country. I grew warmth and personal stories were all compelling but none more and more enlightened and could see my dreams being fulfilled. more so than Alice’s. During our interactions with safari camps, I saw guides driving To book a fantastic safari at Angama Mara and perhaps even guests and in my heart I knew that was what I wanted to have Alice as your guide, please call us on 1300 363 302. become. This encouraged me to study hard. I graduated in

10 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 11 FOUR OF KENYA’S FINEST ounded and managed by two fourth-generation Kenyans, The wilderness and a charming hilltop retreat set in the highlands between FSafari Collection operates four completely unique luxury lodges Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. in four of the country’s foremost destinations. Whilst each occupies a distinct environment, all seamlessly combine There’s an art deco Scottish country house set in a leafy suburb an exceptional guest experience with Kenya’s rich traditional culture, of Nairobi well known worldwide for its friendly, leggy residents, fascinating pioneer history and gloriously plentiful wildlife. To a classic tented camp on the sprawling golden plains of the Masai include The Safari Collection in your next adventure, speak to our Mara, a cool bedouin-style hideaway in the arid northern Samburu knowledgeable Kenya specialists on 1300 363 302.

Stay at a combination of Safari Collection properties for a minimum of 7 nights between 06 Jan-14 Jun 2017 or COMBINE SAFARI 01 Nov-15 Dec 2017 (inclusive) and get 35% off your total COLLECTION LODGES accommodation cost.* Please contact us for more information. *Discount does not apply to Giraffe Manor but this property can be AND SAVE used in the combination.

12 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 GIRAFFE MANOR - LONG-NECKED APPEAL SALA’S CAMP - MIGRATION FRONT ROW SEATS

One of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, this 1930s colonial manor This understated lodge is set in Kenya’s popular Masai Mara yet the is best known for its herd of delightful resident Rothschild giraffe wild corner it occupies lends an atmosphere of total exclusivity. who visit each day, sometimes poking their long necks through Sala’s Camp also has the distinction of being one of the first in the open windows and doors in hope of a treat. Walk with these rare Mara to witness the legendary wildebeest migration each year. Enjoy giants across the lawn and gaze upon the same sunsets which once a gourmet bush breakfast, sip sundowners around a campfire and captured author Karen Blixen’s heart. look for the ‘Big 5’ on game drives.

SASAAB - ESSENCE OF SAMBURU SOLIO LODGE - A HIDDEN JEWEL

A stylish oasis on a sun-soaked ridge overlooking the Laikipia Plateau, This intimate safari hideaway sits on tens of thousands of acres Moroccan-themed Sasaab’s day spa, plunge pools and enormous accessible only to lodge guests and the multitude of wild creatures rooms make a serious statement. However, it is the local Samburu that call this sanctuary home. Explore on horseback, by mountain people who live here that will leave the biggest impression on your bike or 4WD - your animal encounters will be frequent and intense. soul. Learn how to make a traditional bow and arrow, or to fashion a You can also appreciate Mount Kenya from a helicopter or go trout toothbrush from a special kind of tree. fishing in neighbouring Aberdare National Park.

www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 13 SAFARI WITH A DIFFERENCE

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

assionate about protecting Africa’s last wild frontiers, PGreat 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 CAMP Situated 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 LODGE Some 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.

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

ompany General ManagerWILD Anne-Marie (Annie) ADDICTION CZambelli 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

Machaba Camp Machaba

Brior toush her bush Christmas Journal at Chitabe, Annie relished the Popportunity 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

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp the chorus of red-billed francolins. Sunrise from my tent was fantastic.

Day 3: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, Moremi Game Reserve Muchenje Safari Lodge Safari Muchenje Fortunate 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 Lodge Returned 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. andBeyond Sandibe To include any of these camps/lodges in your Botswana safari, contact our specialists on 1300 363 302.

www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 17 SAVE UP TO $3296 PER COUPLE Discover 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.

TIERRA HOTELS SPOTLIGHT ON CHILE esigned to showcase the astounding natural beauty of Chile, DTierra 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 Park View 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 Atacama Spy 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 NAVIGATING CHILEAN PATAGONIA Skorpios Cruises family business since 1978, Skorpios Cruises is a Chilean cruise EXTRAORDINARY FLORA & FAUNA A pioneer that operates two vessels, both deliberately small in size The Chonos Route visits the Corcovado Gulf, critical habitat for blue to ensure top-notch service and to approach Patagonia’s icy treasures whales and Islote Conejos, inhabited by Magellanic penguins. up close. The M/V Skorpios II carries a mere 106 guests in double The Kaweskar Route traverses Montanas Fjord, whose channels cabins, while the M/V Skorpios III has a maximum occupancy of 90. teem with dolphin, sea lion and seal. Native forests are dense with The pair ply the magnificent ice fields of Chilean Patagonia, with the M/V pretty endemic evergreens, while rare birds including the majestic Skorpios II sailing the Chonos Route south of Puerto Montt and M/V Andean condor are a common sight overhead. Skorpios III northbound on the Kaweskar Route from Puerto Natales. Here are just some of the highlights found on their inspiring itineraries. RELAXED ADVENTURE Both itineraries provide the opportunity to inspect the landscape EPIC GLACIERS at close range. Stroll mossy rainforest paths, hike across gritty The focal point of the Chonos Route is the dizzying expanse of the moraines or pebbly beaches, and weave past icebergs in small boats silvery San Rafael Glacier, which regularly calves with a roar into a to touch the “nose” of a melting glacier. The Chonos program also slate grey terminal lagoon. On the Kaweskar Route, see the sapphire offers the opportunity to soak in thermal springs. tidewater Amalia Glacier and the dramatic ‘hanging’ ice caps ringing To incorporate a Skorpios cruise into your Chilean exploration, call gorgeous Calvo Fjord. our South America specialists on 1300 363 302.

www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 19 DARWIN’S GALAPAGOS ome 180 years have passed since east, San Cristobal is a haven for a variety shore excursions plus opportunities to hike, Snaturalist Charles Darwin came across of frigatebirds and a favoured feeding kayak, snorkel or stargaze in the evenings. the weird and wonderful animals of the ground for Blue-footed Boobies. Longer Waste no time on planning or logistics - your Galapagos Islands. Luckily, you don’t journeys visit distant Espanola, where sea crew oversee transport, permits, equipment have to be a scientist to appreciate this lions carpet soft sandy beaches or far-flung and access to some of the wildest areas in strange, volcanic archipelago 1,000km Fernandina, crowned by an active volcano the Galapagos. west of Ecuador. All you need is a sense and crowded with hundreds of prehistoric- The most common gateway to the islands is of adventure, a passion for wildlife and a looking marine iguanas. Quito on the Ecuadorian mainland, an easy reputable tour operator. Our programs range from 4 to 15 days and 2 hours’ flight away. Filled with handsome There are 20 key islands in the region - utilise first-class expedition vessels with colonial buildings, the city’s historic old no two are alike. Santa Cruz is a popular restricted passenger capacities to guarantee centre is well worth exploring and combines destination for short voyages, home to a truly intimate experience of these seamlessly with a Galapagos adventure. the Charles Darwin Research Station and enchanted isles. A typical day on our small Contact our South America specialists for a Giant Tortoise Breeding Program. To the ship cruises may involve two expert-guided tailor-made itinerary today.

20 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 ALTO ATACAMA A Destination Unto Itself aking design cues from traditional feature large windows looking out onto With six beguiling outdoor pools and a TAndean architecture, Chile’s Alto the Atacama’s quiet lagoons or silent cacti- tempting Jacuzzi all boasting sweeping vistas Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is unique studded landscapes where llama and alpaca of the encircling scarlet mountains, the Alto in the area for its seeming isolation, a roam. Suites come furnished with outdoor Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is an oasis. The collection of low-profile adobe buildings showers so you can bathe beneath the stars. onsite day spa is another place for physical and and artfully planted native gardens in the Off-the-beaten-track excursions on foot spiritual revival, with a variety of treatment shadow of a terracotta ridge. Yet, the or by bicycle into the profoundly beautiful options and a team of skilled therapists. Spa vibrant village of San Pedro is merely a few surrounding area are led by experienced facilities include a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, kilometres away. guides – many of whom are indigenous – so indoor and outdoor hot tubs. Guests are invited to connect with their your experiences of the geysers, hot springs, A 4 day/3 night stay at Alto Atacama starts environment from the moment they volcanoes, ruins and canyons are enriched from $3752 per person twin share ex Calama. arrive. The tranquil, earth-toned rooms with authentic personal flavour. Please contact us on 1300 363 302.

www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 21 AUSTRALIAN ISLAND GETAWAYS

ost of Australia’s attractions lie along Mthe 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 ISLAND World Heritage Site Lord Howe has a strict visitor limit so travellers feel like they have the island’s twin peaks and lovely shores to LORD HOWE ISLAND 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 ISLAND Often 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 KANGAROO ISLAND of the island’s haunting lighthouses and seal- filled caverns. HAYMAN ISLAND Aviation 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. HAYMAN ISLAND

22 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 HOMEGROWN GOURMET ESCAPES ome of the world’s best food and wine trails can be found SOUTH AUSTRALIA Sin our very own backyard, thanks to pristine soils, pure Surrounded by grapevines and revered wineries, The Louise is a water and expertise honed over generations. We’ve curated wonderfully atmospheric hotel where you’ll find the highly-awarded a list of our top foodie destinations in the country by state Appellation Restaurant, renowned for its ever-evolving seasonal below, from luxury lodges with signature dining experiences menu and expertly matched wines. For an even more romantic to excellent hotel-restaurants in divine settings. ambience, consider the Kingsford Homestead, which includes To design your gourmet holiday today, call us on sumptuous breakfasts and dinners in the tariff as well as an outdoor 1300 363 302. bathing experience were the tub fits two! NEW SOUTH WALES TASMANIA Tucked away on the Central Coast, Pretty Beach House is an The tiny Apple Isle is a culinary heavyweight and The Henry Jones exquisite all-inclusive boutique hotel on the beautiful Bouddi Art Hotel in Hobart sets the tone from the get-go. A former Peninsula operated by acclaimed restaurateurs Stefano Manfredi jam factory, this boutique property houses a restaurant where and Julie Manfredi Hughes. Expect cooking classes, mouthwatering dishes brim with exciting flavours drawn from Tasmania’s fertile modern Italian fare and rare vintages from the well-stocked cellar, valleys. Farther afield on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula sits the with the option to lunch at elegant nearby sister property Bells architecturally splendid Saffire Freycinet, where you can slurp at Killcare. bivalves with bubbly whilst knee-deep in estuarine waters. www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 23 INDIA A FEAST FOR THE SENSES he landscapes of the subcontinent are a visual feast, with sights ranging from gleaming Tsnow-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.

24 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 TAJ, TEMPLES & TIGERS Escorted Small Group Tour – India Departing Tue 06 Feb 2018 o in search of the magnificent Bengal tiger. GContemplate 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 EX SYD EX BNE EX ADL EX PER $10,916 $10,930 $10,925 $10,918 $10,944 per person per person per person per person per person twin share twin share twin share twin share 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 ESCORT A 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. www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 25 ANTARCTICA: ADVENTURE WITHIN REACH he final frontier for most travellers, Antarctica is unlike any other destination on the planet. TAccessible 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.

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

26 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 27 UNCRUISE: ALASKAN INSIDER 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. ADVENTURE INTIMACY SERVICE Every UnCruise vessel comes with Carrying just 22-84 guests, UnCruise UnCruise have an exceptional either a custom-built dock or “swim ships guarantee a close personal team, trained to look after logistics step” so passengers can launch connection with the Alaskan wilderness. such as luggage and to oversee the kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or UnCruise vessels are small, allowing little details that matter. Expect experience a signature “polar bear access to channels larger boats simply for instance, a belly-warming soup plunge” with ease. A hallmark of can’t enter, while skiff excursions take after a chilly glacier tour or a freshly UnCruise explorations is the ability to you to the base of secret waterfalls. baked cake to celebrate a special get up-close to natural attractions on Ashore, private tours of caves and occasion. The crew won’t rest unless your feet, with a paddle or a snorkel, Tlingit villages uncover legends and you leave a satisfied member of the guided or on your own. wildlife you’ve never heard of. UnCruise family.

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

28 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 29 KATMAI WILDERNESS LODGE BROOKS FALLS REDOUBT BAY LODGE BEAR WITNESS THREE OF ALASKA’S BEST orth America’s wildest state is where you’ll find some of the BROOKS LODGE Nplanet’s best grizzly viewing. May to September are prime The closest lodge to Brooks Falls, where many a famous bear fishing months, with bears at their most active, foraging for clams in mud photograph has been captured. Up to fifty bears reside by the river flats, feasting on spawning salmon and ransacking bushes for berries. running past Brooks Lodge during salmon season, and guests are Shortlisted by our team for their location, service and scenery, here just a short drive from the “Valley of 10,000 Smokes”. are our top Alaskan lodges to watch these great creatures in the wild. REDOUBT BAY LODGE KATMAI WILDERNESS LODGE This remote fly-in property offers just three guest log cabins with Company founder and CEO Stephen Cameron found it hard nothing but dramatic mountains and rushing waterways all around. to argue when this lodge claimed to offer “the world’s most The emphasis here is on the great outdoors, with opportunities to spectacular bear-viewing” as he saw 20 bears there in just one kayak, canoe and hike deep into bear country. afternoon. It also happens to be the only property on the coast of Bear lodges fill up fast so please ensure you book well in advance. Katmai’s 3.6 million acre wilderness - how’s that for special? Contact us on 1300 363 302 to secure your place today.

30 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 CANADA SECOND TO NONE

t may only be the second-largest country in the world, but Canada certainly comes out on top Iwith 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.

2017 - Volume 1 Supplement A FAMILY AFFAIR ritish Columbia’s Farewell Harbour is home to an exceptional largest intact temperate rainforest on earth to uncover a multitude of Blodge, whose neighbours include grizzly bears, black bears, mammals and birds. Group sizes are restricted to guarantee intimacy, wolves and orcas. Partly built on land and partly afloat, this cedar- whilst viewing takes place on foot or in small, quiet vessels. hewn property is only accessible by float plane and provides visitors In the evenings, the lodge’s wraparound deck provides spectacular with the opportunity to observe the amazing wildlife which inhabit views of sunset whilst the lounge area, complete with fireplace, the pristine Broughton Archipelago. provides an inviting place to relax after a rewarding day outdoors. Run by two local families, Farewell Harbour Lodge boasts some of the Sumptuous meals are followed by fascinating presentations about the most passionate and experienced guides found on Canada’s unspoilt environment or First Nations culture. west coast. Guests here enjoy daily forays either out on the water for To include Farewell Harbour Lodge in your Canadian itinerary, close encounters with killer whales and seals or excursions into the contact our Canada specialists on 1300 363 302.

32 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 ‘TIS THE SEASON TO VISIT CANADA’S ALBERTA f you’ve ever dreamed of seeing snow-capped mountains, In Jasper, you’ll embark on an excursion to Medicine Lake, source Ievergreen forests blanketed in frost and glittering frozen of the largest underground river system in Canada. Large winter- waterfalls, Alberta should be at the top of your list. From adapted species such as moose, coyote and bighorn sheep are November to April, this Canadian state turns into the ultimate often observed on its icy shores. winter playground, with gorgeous white landscapes and Then travel along the jaw-dropping Icefields Parkway to world- picturesque alpine towns to explore on skis, by snowmobile famous Lake Louise, whose glassy surface often perfectly mirrors or dogsled. surrounding glaciers and firs. In beautiful Banff, board a gondola for Our 9 day Winter Wonderland journey from Vancouver to breathtaking views of Sulphur Mountain and snowy peaks beyond. Calgary (or vice-versa) takes in all the highlights of this magical Your adventure ends in Calgary, with a ride up the city’s most season starting with an overnight trip aboard VIA Rail’s flagship, identifiable physical landmark - the 191m Calgary Tower. “The Canadian”. This grand locomotive rolls leisurely through Prices start from $1640 per person twin share ex Vancouver with the magnificent Canadian Rockies, passing notable sites along the departures between November and April. Contact us on Fraser River such as Hell’s Gate Gorge and the Cisco Tunnels. 1300 363 302 for more information.

www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 33 ROCKY MOUNTAINEER: MORE THAN JUST A TRAIN iscover a world of mind-blowing beauty as you are conveyed wine and experience “picture-perfect speed”, where the train slows Don rails from cosmopolitan cities on Canada’s shimmering down so you can enjoy the best photographic opportunities. coastlines and prairies to the Canadian Rockies, an alpine Your only responsibility on board is to relax and soak up the majestic wonderland of snow-shrouded mountains and glacial lakes. The scenery. GoldLeaf Service passengers ride in a bi-level, glass-domed world-class Rocky Mountaineer train traverses the most scenic coach with panoramic views, have access to an exclusive open-air landscapes in daylight only - for maximum visual impact. vestibule and dine on gourmet a la carte meals in a downstairs carriage. Every journey is different, but what remains the same is the The luxury extends to overnight hotels, where premium rooms are professional charm of your Hosts, the quality of the food and wine offered where available. SilverLeaf Service travellers indulge in delicious served on board and the constant surprises awaiting around every hot entrees in their seats and can enjoy fresh mountain air on the deck bend. Listen to your Host tell stories about adventurers, prospectors between coaches. Accommodation is in comfortable hotels. and robbers who sought their fortunes in the region, savour lightly The popular 8 days/7 nights Western Explorer journey starts from roasted salmon fillet with a crisp glass of British Columbian white $3476 per person. Call 1300 363 302 to book your seat today.

34 Contact Us to Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Journey on 1300 363 302 SAFARI ON ICE rctic Kingdom offers travellers the polar experience of a Alifetime. 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 WILDLIFE Enjoy 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 PHENOMENA The 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 HISTORY Discover 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 & DIVE With 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 MEALS No 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 CAMPS Arctic 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! www.africanwildlifesafaris.com.au | www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au 35 AURORA BOREALIS LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT ature’s most impressive light show takes centre stage in These Yukon properties all offer warm, cosy settings to return to Nnorthern Canada from November to April, and the vast, after a night out tracking, watching or photographing the Northern undeveloped wilderness of Yukon offers dress circle seats, being well Lights. Curl up by the gas stove in your lakefront cabin at Southern within the “Aurora Oval” (the region where auroras appear most Lakes Resort, located amid untouched boreal forest, or sit down frequently). There are also few city lights here to distract from the to a late supper of seared sockeye salmon at romantic Inn on the dancing arcs and ribbons of colour swirling in the clear velvet sky. Lake. Family-run Northern Lights Resort & Spa goes the extra mile, Chronicled for centuries in literature and mythology, the exact cause providing an open-air Jacuzzi and a range of saunas to relax in. All of aurora borealis is still not known. However, the phenomenon is provide a range of exciting optional activities during the day, from widely believed to be caused by collisions between solar particles learning to mush to snowshoeing and snowmobiling over the frozen and Earth’s magnetosphere. Whatever its origins, a display of aurora landscape. borealis will delight and there are an array of lodges outside Yukon’s Prices start from $1101 per person twin share ex Whitehorse for capital Whitehorse, which offer visitors the life-changing opportunity the 2017/18 season. Please contact our Canada specialists on to experience this magical - and often elusive - event. 1300 363 302 to book your Northern Lights experience.