Boundless Journeys Blog

On 17 December 2011, Wilderness Safaris Abu Camp in Botswana announced the wonderful news – Shireni had given birth to her third calf, Warona.

So far she’s been a thrill a minute as guests have been able to watch her antics and how the whole herd interacts with her. Enjoy this fabulous YouTube video (courtesy of AfriScreen) of Warona at three days old, getting used to her surrounds and trying to work out how to use her trunk!

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Planning an African Safari: When is the best time to go?

Migration time

With expert advice, it is possible to plan an unforgettable African safari at nearly any time of year. That being said, each country, and specific regions within each country, have high seasons and low seasons, and varying highlights at different times of year. If you’ve been contemplating a safari in Africa, the following is a primer to help you get figure out that most common of questions: When is the best time to go?

Best time to go to Botswana: Year-round; June-October for easiest wildlife viewing

The classic safari route from Maun, Botswana to Livingstone, Zambia threads through the famed Okavango Delta to the Linyanti/Selinda reserves, and ends in the vicinity of Victoria Falls just over the Zambezi River in Zambia. For this itinerary, the best game viewing is from June-October, but really the game viewing is very good year-round in these regions, and we can help you select the very best places to go based on your specific dates.

Best time to go to Kenya: Year-round; July-September for the Great Migration

Kenya is a year round destination and has many highlights to offer visitors throughout the year. In January and February the animals gather around water sources, making for easy game viewing. There are also large concentrations of bird life on some of the Rift Valley lakes around this time. From July to September the famous wildebeest migration is traditionally present in the Masai Mara. The incredible migration only happens in East Africa, and around this time the grasslands of the Masai Mara are often covered by massive herds of migrating wildebeest as far as the eye can see. For those who want to extend their safari with some time at the beach, October to January is also a good time for snorkeling and diving off the coast.

Best time to go to Namibia: Year-round; June-October for peak game viewing in Etosha

Namibia is a year round destination with coastal areas offering excellent game-viewing all year. Mainly comprised of the Namib desert — the oldest desert on the planet and one of the driest on earth — Namibia offers unique desert-adapted wildlife, landscapes of startling beauty, and well-preserved Himba culture.

Best time to go to the Republic of the Congo: December-February and May-October

The Republic of the Congo is a small Central African country that is not to be confused with the larger, and currently unsafe for travel, Democratic Republic of Congo (or DRC, formerly known as Zaire). Enjoying peace since a cease-fire ended a civil conflict in 2003, this country is slowly developing its tourism infrastructure. Although facilities are limited, there are some very exciting developments happening in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, where Western Lowland Gorilla trekking is offered with several distinct advantages over gorilla trekking in more traditional places like Uganda or Rwanda.

Best time to go to South Africa: Year-round; July-November for peak game viewing in Kruger’s private reserves

South Africa can be a year round destination with careful planning. In addition to great game-viewing opportunities (particularly in the private reserves bordering Kruger National Park, such as Mala Mala), South Africa offers diverse adventures and an important cultural heritage. A stay in Cape Town is a worthy addition to any safari in Southern Africa.

Best time to go to Tanzania: December-April (Migration in the Southern Serengeti) or July-October (Migration in the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti)

Tanzania is a year round destination. Due to its close proximity to the equator there are only subtle climatic variations throughout the year. Generally the coastal areas have a tropical climate, the highlands in the north a temperate climate and the vast central plateau is hot and arid. The great migration arrives in the southern Serengeti by December, and during February and March the wildebeest give birth to their young in the southern Serengeti.

Best time to go to Zambia: July-October

The national parks and private reserves in Zambia are best for wildlife viewing during the traditional safari-going months of July-October. A visit to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls (Livingstone) is best during the high-flow months of February-May, but due to its proximity to the prime safari areas in Botswana, an overnight or two in Livingstone to see the falls and have a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is a worthwhile add-on at any time of year.

Best time to go to Zimbabwe: July-October

The national parks in Zimbabwe are best for wildlife viewing during the traditional safari-going months of July-October. Walking and canoeing opportunities abound with Zimbabwe boasting some of the most experienced walking safari guides on the continent. Zimbabwe is a great choice for an adventurous safari that will get you up close and into the wilderness!

For more safari planning advice, see www.boundless-safaris.com, or call 1-800-941-8010 to speak with a Boundless Journeys Africa Specialist today.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

The all inclusive experience

The day finally arrived and we were ready to go. Even though our flight was canceled and we were rerouted to Puerto Rico for the night, we didn’t care, we were headed south. A day late and more than ready to begin our vacation, we arrived at our all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. Check-in took over an hour as they only had three of our five rooms reserved. When we arrived to our room we noticed there were stains on the couch, the porch table was cracked, and the shade over the bed was broken. Later on we tried to make a dinner reservation and we found there were none available – at the 11 restaurants on site. We were left wondering if this all inclusive vacation was really the carefree trip we had been dreaming about.

What happened? After all, we had investigated everything thoroughly.

Here is the problem. The internet is filled with beautiful pictures and low prices for vacations. Everything looks good online. Booking through a vacation consolidator, we were an anonymous reservation amongst thousands. Birth dates were entered into the reservation system incorrectly, the wrong number of rooms was reserved, our request for a first floor room was never received, and this was just the beginning . . .

The Boundless Journeys Experience

Here is the solution. Book your trip with Boundless Journeys – a trusted leader in small group travel. Our trip specialists have done the scouting for you – we know first-hand the trails you will walk, the hotels where you will stay, and the places you will dine. Our home staff knows you by name and will make sure all of your requests are taken care of – before your trip begins.

Probably your best ally on the trip, and the person who will make your experience seamless, will be your local Boundless Journeys guide. Experts in your chosen destination, and seemingly friends with everyone in town, your guide will make magic happen along the way. You will undoubtedly feel embraced by local people and culture, and experience a true sense of place. Gone are the hassles of negotiating for a hotel room or dinner reservation, or figuring out how much extra it will cost to actually leave the grounds of your sprawling resort.

For myself, the choice is clear. No more all inclusive resorts. An extraordinary journey begins with a call to Boundless Journeys.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

by Ashley Morton

Patagonia

I never imagined I would visit a country whose national food is the hot dog. Yet, the idea of indulging in this generic American food on my two week journey from the northern Pacific coast to the southern Patagonian mountains was, I felt, a small price to pay to see the splendor that is Chile. As a new member of the Boundless Journeys team, I wanted to get my travel feet back underneath me, and so I set off to a place that has captured the imagination of adventurous travelers for centuries. Stretching over almost half of the continent of South America, Chile is comprised of nearly any landscape you could imagine – from expansive, uninhabitable deserts in the north, to the iconic Patagonia, immense glaciers, volcanoes, lakes, and islands in the south. For me the difficulty was choosing a two week itinerary to make the most of my adventure, while not overdoing it.

Now reflecting back on my journey, I feel fortunate to have fit in quite a variety of experiences, but I’d have to say the most unique and memorable stopover was a visit to Chiloe, an enchanted, verdant island off the coast of the Lakes District in southern Chile. Over the course of several days I wandered the pathways of misty seaside settlements, dotted with Palifitos – houses mounted on stilts- and iconic wooden churches splashed in pastel hues, experiencing firsthand the mythical allure distinctive of this island. This was certainly a world away from hot dogs and American culture.

Still feeling invigorated from trekking the trails of Patagonia, immersing myself in Chilote culture, surfing on the pacific coast, and yes even trying a Chilean hotdog, I would be more than happy to talk with you about our uniquely crafted Chile: The Lakes District and Patagonia adventure. Incorporating off the beaten path destinations such as Chiloe, with visits to the awe-inspiring well-known sights of Patagonia, and tasting world-famous wines, it is an experience to not be missed. Give us a call and we’d love to share more.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

While we always strive for #1, and most definitely think we are, being selected #2 on the “Best Tour Operator” list is certainly something to be proud of.

Global Traveler honors the best travel acts of 2011.

Step right up as Global Traveler magazine announces the winners of the 2011 GT Tested Reader Survey awards. From the high flying to the grandest ground performers, the travel industry enhanced the show in 2011.

From city to city and country to country, their esteemed readers took in all the travel industry’s acts before voting on the best of the best in the biz. Over an eight-month period, frequent travelers voted for their favorites in nearly 70 different categories covering airlines, hotels and travel products. 2011 marks their eighth year conducting the survey.

So welcome to the Big Top as they announce the winners.

BEST TOUR OPERATOR

1. Lindblad Expeditions

2. Boundless Journeys

3. Abercrombie & Kent

4. Classic Journeys

5. Geographic Expeditions

6. African Travel, Inc.

7. Travoca

8. International Expeditions

9. Big Five Tours & Expeditions

10. Quark Expeditions

For the complete list of all the categories and the winners please visit: Global Traveler magazine.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

It’s tough having perma-wanderlust. Regardless of whether I’m freshly back from some amazing adventure or completely desperate for anything remotely resembling a three day weekend, I can’t stop looking ahead to where I’m going next. To help me narrow down a seemingly infinite world of possibilities, I have created my own “Bucket List” – places I must see or things I want to experience in my lifetime.

One place that is top on my list is Antarctica. The “white continent” remains a mystery to most and an object of curiosity for those of us who revel in the awe-inspiring beauty and overwhelming power of nature. Encountered by Shackleton, Amundson and Scott less than a century ago, this frozen wilderness still looms in all of its purity. Overwhelming wildlife, blue-tinted icebergs, and white snowfields stretching to eternity . . . there is no journey like it on the planet.

Beginning in 2012, Boundless Journeys will offer a 12-day trip to Antarctica on the Polar expedition ship the Sea Spirit. With a team of naturalists who are passionate about their subject, and zodiac outings bringing us close to an extraordinary array of wildlife, this spell-binding atmosphere provides an experience of a lifetime.

Before I had a child, I heard other parents say how fast the time passes. This made sense in my head, but I still cannot grasp just how much faster time passes since I became a parent. Of all the things on my “Bucket List,” there are still so many I have not done. I realize that I may never get to fulfill all of my travel fantasies, however, my goal for 2102 is to cross Antarctica off my list. How about you?

If Antarctica is on your “Bucket List,” please visit our trip Web page, or call 1-800-941-8010 to learn more.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

December 2011 – Sherini, one of the famed elephants of Abu Camp, is to give birth to her third calf in mid to end December 2011. Sherini is one of the original six young elephant orphans saved from a cull in the Kruger National Park. Known for her maternal attributes of calmness, patience and a loving nature, she has given birth to Pula and Abu, and all at Abu Camp are waiting with bated breath for the latest arrival of the Abu elephant family.

This wonderful event however means that certain steps have had to be taken at Abu Camp to ensure the safety of both humans and animals, from Sherini herself (to ensure a healthy birth) to the herd as a whole.

Therefore, prior to the birth, and in order to have as little stress as possible on the expectant mother, Sherini will not be ridden from the end of November 2011 until the end of January 2012 – only three guests at a time will be able to ride over this period.

Because elephants tend to become very excited at the birth of a calf, as well as very protective – particularly for the first few days of a calf’s life – no elephant experiences will take place for five days following the birth. After the initial five days, the calf should be stronger and move more confident, allowing guests to participate in our elephant activities. We believe the arrival of a new born calf will provide guests with an exciting and personal window into the life of a family herd of pachyderms. Of course the activity is immeasurably enhanced as the focus of the herd – and the guests – is all on the newest member of the Abu family. As with all our elephant safari activities, the safety of the herd and our guests during this exciting time takes precedence.

For the first few days while the calf “finds its legs,” the elephants will remain close to camp and guests will be able to participate fully in all the other elephant activities in camp – game drives, mokoro excursions, the Star Bed and more – aside from the once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching the herd interact with the days-old calf – something only a privileged few get to witness.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

I have the best job in the world. Last month, for work, I was sent to visit some of Kenya and Tanzania’s most spectacular areas, and discover their most exciting and classic safari activities. I went horseback riding, mountain biking, walking miles through incredible wild areas, and experienced some of the most unforgettable game drives ever. It was, in a word… awesome. All this so that I can come home and provide our travelers – you – with even better advice about where you should go on safari, when you should go, and the all important, WHY you should go.

For many, the huge continent of Africa is an intimidating mystery. If you only watch mainstream news, it would be easy to think that much of Africa is a dangerous mess, and that all of the wild places have been destroyed by careless management and the pillaging of Africa’s natural resources. In truth, there are places where that has happened. But there still remain immense tracts of unspoiled wilderness, full of inspiring wild animals, and dedicated naturalist guides striving to protect these great places for their kids and ours. It can seem like there is a huge disconnect between the incredible comfort of a deluxe African safari, and the challenging lives that many people in Africa lead. That brings me to WHY a safari is a great way to travel, and how tourism dollars can effect change in Africa.

Just one example of the change tourism dollars can bring to the local population is perhaps best told by my accomplished Maasai guide from Olonana Camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara, Joseph Koyie. He shares his incredible story on the Web site for the school he co-founded, Loita Hills Academy, describing how as a Maasai warrior, he was mauled by a lion and ultimately inspired by his doctors and parents to seek out a different life. His career as a naturalist guide has allowed him not only to provide a more comfortable life for his family, but also has enabled him to co-found a school in his village, some 100 kms from the Mara, which now educates 300 local children who previously had few resources. It is an inspiring story – just one of many – and a great reason to consider travel to Africa.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Many Islands to explore

Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with “sting less” jellyfish, forests, waterfalls and caves that have never been ravaged by man, and hundreds of islands of the purest beauty . . . this is Micronesia’s Palau. Featured in National Geographic 50 tours of a lifetime, Boundless Journeys Palau: Oceania Odyssey tour includes 10 days of world-class sea kayaking and snorkeling, hikes to archeological wonders and hidden waterfalls, full-service camping on the Rock Islands, and deluxe beachfront lodging.

Often a highlight of the tour, our camping portion includes full days immersed in nature with the most experienced local guides and camp staff. Our days begin early as guests quickly fall into the habit of waking up with the sunrise and going to bed early after gently paced but full days of adventure. Coffee, tea, and biscuits greet us with the sun, followed by a sit down breakfast and a briefing of the day. After everyone has their bearings, we depart camp by kayak for a day of gentle paddling, calm water snorkeling, bird watching, caving, beach combing, and natural history talks. A picnic lunch is typically on a secluded beach en route. After refueling we jump back into natural history touring for the afternoon, and generally return to camp in the late afternoon or early evening. The decision on when to end the day depends largely on the energy level and enthusiasm of the group. A grand reward at the end of the day, we indulge in a freshly prepared multi-course dinner served after cocktails and sunset on the beach. For those adventurers who are not ready to retire, we frequently offer excursions for night fishing, land crabbing, night snorkeling, or after dinner bonfires.

Great for a family adventure

If this sounds like a bit of paradise to you, give us a call at 1-900-941-8010 to learn more about this epic adventure in Micronesia’s westernmost island chain, or visit our Palau Web page by clicking here.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

November 2011 – Namibia was chosen as the first location for the 10th anniversary of the TODAY Show’s popular “Where in the World is Matt Lauer?” series. TODAY’s “Where in the World” features Lauer’s exotic travels around the world and Namibia was selected by its producers to kick off the week-long series, thanks to the country’s stunning scenic landscapes, incredible wildlife and successful conservation initiatives.

The Skeleton Coast

As Namibia was revealed as Lauer’s first secret location with him standing atop a sand dune – which he later skied down – at the start of TODAY, he remarked, “We’re in one of the most amazing countries we’ve been to in the 10 years I’ve been doing this series. It’s like something out of a movie.”

TODAY’s crews experienced a number of the regions in which Boundless Journeys operates, from the stupendous Sossusvlei dunes to the starkly beautiful Damaraland. Matt marvelled at the conservation success story of Namibia, including the protection of the unique and endangered desert-adapted black rhino.

Savannah Guthrie — who was waiting for Matt on the coast — was in awe of the amazing desert-adapted elephants that thrive in the area. TODAY crews also spent time interacting with the people of the country, including the Himba.

“The people are the best part about the country,” said Guthrie. “They are so friendly and welcoming.”

To see the extensive coverage of Namibia: View the videos.

For more on Boundless Journeys trips to Namibia click here.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.