ARGENTINA

Destination: The Southern Patagonia Ice Cap, Argentina

Essence of the trip:

Embark on a new challenge and trek through the harsh wilderness of the Earth’s third largest glaciated area on an epic expedition that will see you explore and appreciate the scale of Southern Patagonia. Circle world famous mountains such as Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre and walk the entire length of Argentina’s biggest glacier, Viedma. With our trusted local guides we’ve created this new trip to challenge you and get you out into the wild and barren landscapes to accomplish one of the hardest treks in the southern hemisphere.

This trip will give you:

  • The chance to trek one of the most unique  routes in the world, where you’ll scale nearly 60 km of an ice field smaller only than the Antarctica and Greenland sheets and covering an epic total area of 13 000 square meters.
  • The opportunity to push yourself to new limits as you brave the stormy showers and whistling winds of the world-renowned Marconi Pass.
  • The unrivaled experience of camping on the ice itself, waking up to the sparkling expanse of an uncharted universe of ice and snow.
  • Insight from our team of expert guides into how to survive and cope and in polar conditions like a true pioneer.

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Details:

Arrive into the small town of El Chalten at the foot of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre where you will receive an invaluable briefing about the Ice Field and pick up your provided camping and technical gear. The following morning you will be transferred to the bridge over Electrico River, the starting point of the trek towards the base of Marconi Glacier. For two hours you will follow a well marked path before bidding farewell to civilization at the Piedra Del Fraile campsite. The great glacier valley awaits. Cross moraines and rocky formations left by the glaciers less than 70 years ago before coming to camp on the Western shore of Lake Electrico.

Your third day will see you ascending 800m on ice and snow as you use crampons and ropes to climb the Marconi Glacier and enter a kingdom of snow and ice. Push yourself to new limits as you brave the winds and snows of the Marconi Pass. The fantastic sunset later enjoyed at the most aerial campsite of the expedition will serve as a worthy reward.

Over the next two days sledge and trek to the Circo De Los Altares, taking in unbeatable and rarely seen views of the active Lautaro Volcano and Mariano Moreno Range. Your sixth day will see you enjoying a well earned rest at a campsite near the rustic Paso del Viento hut.

Feeling refreshed, embark on the final two days of trekking that will take you to the epic Viedma Glacier, the largest in Argentina. This challenging route offers several spectacular viewpoints including an aerial view of the glacier’s snout as it calves into Lake Viedma. Tackle the steep descent to the lake and Cabo de Homos Bay before you return to El Chalten – aching and weary but carrying a sense of achievement that few other feelings can beat.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

CHILE: THE WINTER CHALLENGE

Destination: Atacama Desert, The Andes & Chilean Patagonia

Essence of the trip:

The winter months in Chile enable intrepid explorers to challenge themselves in a number of unique and exciting ways. From sand-boarding down steep desert dunes and trekking the infamous Torres del Paine to jumping out of a helicopter to ski down the fresh powered slopes of the Andes; this is Chile from endless perspectives.

This trip will give you:

  • An in-depth introduction to the varying terrains in Chile; from snow-capped mountains to the driest desert in the world.
  • The opportunity to reach incredible speeds on both sand and snow.
  • An experience of the immensity of Chilean Patagonia.
  • A look at the fascinating history of an ancient South American country.

Details:

Landing at Calama Airport, you’ll immediately be transferred to Hotel Awasi for a spot of relaxation before your foray into the driest desert on earth begins.  Over the next few days you’ll be traversing sand dunes, salt lakes and vast mountains whilst gaining an insight into the fascinating human and geological history of the area. Day one will involve a short hike across ruins of Atacamenian settlements dating as far back as 800 BC and then on day two, things really get into full swing. Think horseback riding along seriously narrow pathways, desert sandboarding down vertical dunes and intrepid hikes amongst abandoned salt mines with views out to the Domeyko Range. Each of these private excursions will be led by an expert guide, who is there to ensure your safety as well as encourage you to push yourself to your limits.

After a few days exploring the Atacama region on foot, horseback and sand board, you’ll fly to Santiago for your transfer to The Andes and your accommodation at Puma Lodge, where things are set to become even more exciting.  This is the home of heli-skiing, and over the next few days you can opt to fly to fresh powdered slopes as many times as you’d like. Equipped with the latest avalanche protection equipment and given a full day’s safety briefing, you’ll be taken to some of the most incredible slopes the Andes have to offer. If you’re a beginner, you can trust that you’ll be taken to the safest parts of this area. If you’re an experienced skier, however, we’ll make it our challenge to find you some of the most adrenaline-inducing vertical drops around. After a day out in the highlands, Puma Lodge will serve as the perfect retreat to unwind and prepare yourself for another day of epic explorations. The area surrounding the lodge is perfect for hiking and biking too, and we can arrange any number of challenges should you want to skip the skiing for a day.

Your final destination on this winter adventure will be the famous Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia. Here you will hike a steep ascent towards a lookout at the base of the astounding Paine Towers. Having reached the top after climbing 754 meters, the views will leave you truly awe-inspired. The magnitude of these famous granite towers will finally hit home.

The day after your mammoth climb, you’ll finish your trip with one last challenge: a hike towards the Paine River and Lake Pehoe. historis A hike that will take you on a very demanding ascent, you’ll gain views of Lake Grey and the incredible ice barrier of the Southern Ice Fields as you climb. It’s a view that will signal a perfect end to what has been a challenging and inspiring trip across the best of Chile during the country’s stunning winter months.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

Belize: Back to Basics

Destination: Belize, Central America

Essence of the trip:

Prepare for an action packed 10 days as you fly, sail, hike and swim across Belize while getting to grips with its alluring forest land, captivating historical sites and fascinating underwater attractions. See all sides to this three dimensional country as you move from North to South, before finishing up on one of its tropical islands.

This trip will give you:

  • The experience of getting off the grid and into a tropical world.

  • The chance to trek, sail and swim across some of the country’s most untouched terrain.

  • The chance to experience remote Belizean culture.

  • The opportunity to sleep beneath starry skies, surrounded by indigenous wildlife.

PLAN YOUR TRIP >>

Details:

Step off the plane and into your private transfer as you are transported to the intimate Lamanai Outpost Lodge, hidden within the Orange Walk District of Northern Belize. Perched on the banks of the Lamanai Lagoon, this tranquil accommodation gives guests perfect access to observing the local wildlife. So, for the next three days prepare to totally immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of your surroundings with help from the hotel and their choice of unique wildlife experiences.  From sunrise canoe expeditions across Dawson’s Creek, to night time boat safaris in search of crocs, expect to get back to basics as you explore and discover the incredible wild life and nature that Belize has to offer.

Come day four you’re off to Belize’s southernmost location; Punta Gorda and the stunning eco-lodge of Belcampo. Nestled within the lush and fertile land of the Laughing Falcon reserve, this tranquil lodge boasts a number of elegant cabanas, each equipped with a private veranda and hammock from which to gaze over the vast forestland. To really make the most of your time in this green utopia, we suggest spending your afternoon kayaking down the stunning Rio Grande River or mountain biking through some of the reserves winding trails.

The next morning you’ll be up bright and early for your trip to the ruins of Uxbenka, whose ancient plazas tell a tale of the ancient Mayan communities and their culture. Aided by a private guide, you will spend the morning leaning about the rich history of this age old civilisation, before setting off on your hike to the Yok’ Balum Cave. Not for the faint hearted, this trek will take you through the dense rainforest, passing villages along the way, and on to spectacular ancient cave formations, full to the brim with geological treasures. You will have no doubt worked up quite the sweat (and the appetite) so before turning back you’ll have a moment to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, and a dip in the cooling River Rio.

Don’t say goodbye to your walking boots just yet, because you’re off on another hike, but this time to the district of Toledo. Here you’ll meet and interact with a local Kek’chi farmer who will reveal the local and sustainable methods used to farm the resident tropical fruits, including bananas, pineapples, oranges, avocados, and the popular cacao plant. Feel free to taste and try the local cacao or fruits, but be sure to save room for the delicious, traditionally prepared lunch, made using only home-grown ingredients.

On day seven you’re off to Belize’s glistening Caribbean coast and the island of Ambergris Caye. The largest of all the country’s islands, this tropical slice of paradise is a popular destination for diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking and windsurfing enthusiasts alike. So expect the usual Caribbean tiki bars, sandy streets and waterfront eateries as you sink into island life. Boasting some of the globe’s most beautiful reefs, Belize’s islands are known for being top diving spots, as well as being home to the ‘Great Blue Hole’. An intriguing natural formation, this deep hole presents an incredible array of underwater species from hammerhead sharks to spotted eagle rays, so keep your eyes peeled as you swim through this incredible deep sea composition.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

EPIC WEEKEND: WESTERN MONGOLIA

Destination:Bayan-Olgiy, Western Mongolia

Essence of the Trip: This Epic Weekend will take you on a breath-taking journey to Mongolia’s wild west for an incredible and unique nomadic experience. For three nights you’ll stay in ger camps with local nomadic families, set against the vast landscapes of the Bayan-Olgiy region. This remote area of Mongolia that lies close to the border with Russia and Kazakhstan is still untouched by mass tourism and honest to its cultural roots, traditions such as hunting for food and fur with golden eagles are still very much alive in Bayan Olgiy.  During your stay here you’ll learn how to master the art of hunting with these majestic birds on horse back, a thrilling ancient practice that not many people get the chance to experience.

This Trip Will Give You:

  • Discovery of Mongolia’s most remote regions and unexplored deserts that will ignite a feeling of complete isolation.
  • The chance to camp with local Mongolia families in the middle of the Mongolian Steppe, and learn their way of life.
  • The opportunity to learn how to hunt on horse back with Eagles using age-old techniques.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s fascinating capital city where you will be met by guide and driver. Situated on the Tuul River, this ex-soviet city is a mixture of traditional and modern, where flowing eaves of monastery temples stand beside communist planned courtyards and modern sky scrapers. Settle into your hotel  for a quick freshen up before visiting the Museum of National History to gain an understanding of Mongolia’s remarkable past. You’ll end your first day in the country with dinner at one of our favourite Mongolian restaurants where you can sample the delicious local fare.

Day 2 starts early as you wake up for a flight arriving in Ulgii at around breakfast time. The capital of the westernmost aimag, Ulgii is a predominantly Kazakh city where a Muslim influence is widespread – from street signs, religion, clothes and food, and gives the town its diverse atmosphere. From here drive east to Altantsogts stopping on the way at Oni mountain to see some nests where eagles lay eggs in early march – the chicks stay their until mid July until they can fly themselves so the nests will be empty now. At Altantsogts, meet your host for the next two nights; the Eagle Hunter, his family, and his magnificent bird and experience first-hand Kazakh hospitality and the nomadic lifestyle. The Eagle hunter will be one of the most experienced eagle hunters in the region and trains the rest of the family to become an eagle hunters. Here he’ll give you an introduction to Kazakh eagle hunting skills and history.

Spend time with your host family, learning about the nomadic way of life in this hostile environment. You’ll be about a 6 hour drive to the nearest town so you’ll get a real sense of how life is lived out into the middle of nowhere. Amid the arid yet strikingly beautiful landscape is where these nomadic hunters still live a very traditional way of life that has defied history, geography, and political change. Roam the vast, empty lands learning the unique skills and techniques of eagle hunting. Before embarking on a hunt, you’ll take training sessions with an eagle against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and breath-taking glaciers.  Then on horseback, or on foot if you wish, you’ll trek deep into the Altai Mountains to begin the hunt, watching the eagles soar to monumental heights before swooping down to catch rabbits or foxes.

After a few days out in the harsh environment you’ll soon appreciate the practice of hunting with eagles as a life’s profession and way of existence that the hunters have mastered over years of toil; master and bird have an intimate relationship which is built on over 20 years of trust.  As legend goes the man trains the eagle, so does the eagle train his man.

For a insight into these communities you can meet a shaman who will give you an idea of his rituals. From here its back to Ulgii and Ulaanbaatar for your departure home.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-917-765-9703 (US) to start planning your trip.

EPIC WEEKEND: NORWAY

Destination: Lofoten Archipelago, northern Norway

Essence of the Trip: This Epic Weekend will take you on a breath-taking journey to some of the most hidden and remote fjords of Norway – reaching as far north as the Arctic Circle – for an incredible and unique trekking and skiing experience. For three nights you’ll stay on a yacht sailing around the snow-covered fjords and peaks, including the mighty Geitgaljen and majestic Middagstindan mountains. You’ll be taken to the hidden fjords of Lofoten, where you’ll find yourself in the prime spot for witnessing the northern lights and the Aurora storms. Lofoten is a truly epic location, sitting in an archipelago of islands stretching 200km southeast into the Atlantic Ocean north of the Arctic Circle; here you can expect to find yourself trekking and skiing the most dramatic mountain scenery amidst awe-inspiring views of the mountains disappearing into the icy ocean. The peaks might not stand as tall as the other Alps of Norway, but with untouched powder covering the steep slopes sliding all the way to the sea, you can literally hike to the top of a mountain before you ski right to the water’s edge.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

You’ll fly into Svolvær airport before being whisked off to your home for the next three nights – a beautifully kitted out sail boat. Your classic yacht is made for handling the icy arctic conditions and is equipped to the highest standard, making this the perfect boat for the intrepid explorer. You’ll meet the Captain and crew before having a delicious dinner cooked for you by the on-board professional chef, ready for your adrenaline-inducing trip into the fjords.

Day two of this snowy adventure sees you travel towards Geitgaljen – an amazing mountain approximately two hours’ sailing time from Svolvær. Start the trek from the boat to Geitgaljen (1085m above sea level) before hitting the untouched powder and steep slopes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean for some of the most incredible views imaginable.

On the third day of this epic weekend you’ll sail towards Trollfjorden – a spectacular small fjord with steep walls and a narrow entrance, where you will have breakfast on board before you set off towards Middagstindan (929m above sea level) for more thrills skiing down the steep fjord slopes.

On your final day, enjoy breakfast on board as you travel back to Svolvær, stopping by Vaterfjordpollen to climb Rundfiellet (803m above sea level). This mountain north of Svolvær provides a spectacular panoramic view in every direction; the perfect ending to your epic weekend.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts please get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

Photo’s: copyright – Fredrik Schenholm VisitNorway.com

EPIC WEEKEND: MOROCCAN DESERT

Destination: Sahara Desert, Morocco

Essence of the Trip: Your Moroccan Epic Weekend away takes you to one of the world’s most culturally rich cities – Marrakech – before setting off into the heart of the Moroccan Sahara desert close to the border with Algeria. For two days you’ll embark on an epic trek through the vast expanse of the Erg Chegaga sand dunes, where these mighty sand structures reach up to 120m in height . You’ll sleep out under the stars in traditional Berber accommodation in the middle of the desert and soar over the Moroccan landscape in a helicopter on your way back to civilisation.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

Your epic weekend begins in the cultural hub of Marrakech with a day spent exploring the vibrant city and an overnight stay at Riad Farnatchi – an urban bolthole right in the heart of Marrakech – before your desert adventure begins.

Day two starts with a transfer to the beautiful Draa Valley via Ait Benhaddou an ancient fortified city that’s renowned for its impressive earth coloured kasbahs. Along with your guide you’ll explore the impressive surroundings, or head off on a mountain bike tour where you can explore the oases and learn about the unique geography of the area before heading to your remote Kasbah for the night – Kasbah Azul.

After a good night’s rest, your desert adventure begins; you’ll wake before dawn as you begin your journey further into the vast expanse of the Moroccan Sahara Desert. Today you’ll begin the first part of the trek through the desert from M’hamid, the last settlement before the road runs out and only the Sahara lies ahead. Throughout your half-day trek into the dunes with your guide and support vehicle you’ll spot Berber communities camping out amidst the dunes. Here, you can stop for a break and experience the welcoming nature of the communities over a cup of mint tea and learn about their nomadic existence.  As you hike further into the Erg Chegaga area you’ll notice the distinct change in the landscape, where dunes reach up to 120 meters high. Tonight you’ll set up camp under the star-flecked sky where you’ll get a real taste for life in one of the most remote locations in the world.

The following morning you’ll be woken before dawn to the watch the sun rise over the sand dunes. These incredible landmarks look completely different in the morning light, as the shadows are cast over the towering dunes. Today you’ll take on the most challenging part of the dune trek as you embark on a full day’s trek for 25 km through the heart of the Erg Chegaga dunes. After a full day of journeying through the spectacular landscapes you’ll be greeted at the end of the day with a luxury camp setup in a sheltered area of desert, where you can rest your aching muscles around the campfire as your guide lets you in on a few star-gazing secrets of the desert night sky.

After your final night in the desert (and after re-fueling with a hearty breakfast) you’ll be air-lifted out of the desert via helicopter, giving you one last glimpse of the dramatic landscapes on your way back to Marrakech international airport for your flight home.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

OMAN

Destination: Oman

Essence of the Trip:

An unforgettable adventure across Oman’s stunning landscape with an insider’s insight on ancient Omani culture and traditional way of life. From vibrant Salalah to the ruined mountain villages of Wadi Bani Habib and the souks of Muscat, this is a trip that encapsulates the very best that Oman has to offer in a truly epic style.

This Trip Will Give You:

  • Discovery of Oman’s most remote regions and unexplored deserts that will ignite a feeling of complete isolation.
  • A true insight into Omani culture; witnessing religious rituals and learning directly from nomadic mountain dwellers.
  • The opportunity to stay in traditional Bedouin settlements.
  • Genuine Omani expertise from the unrivalled knowledge of our guides who will ensure you make the most of your time in Oman on a life enriching adventure.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

Arriving in Salalah you will in be met by your specialist guide who will brief you on your upcoming expedition.

Salalah has a distinctly African feel to it and is a unique corner of Oman that sees it transformed by annual monsoons from arid desert into a lush oasis. In Salalah you will immerse yourself in Omani culture as you visit the fishing village of Taqah (the Sultan’s mother was born here) and discover its ancient castle. You’ll visit Khor Rhori, the ruined city of Samhuram and capital of ancient Arabia’s exotic Frankincense trade. Sample local foods before heading into the mountains to the dizzying heights of the tomb of Prophet Job.

The days ahead will have you experiencing true desert life as you fly from Salalah deeper into the wilderness, stopping off on route to watch adrenalin inducing camel racing and exploring Ibra, one of the oldest cities in Oman and once the capital for trade and religion. Transported to the spectacular Wahiba Sands we will arrive in time for sunset, one of the most enduring visions on your Arabian adventure.

In Wahiba Sands, you’ll be staying at a private camp that is completely remote and beautifully positioned against the dunes. A place that is eerily quiet and suffers no light pollution, star gazing opportunities in Wahiba Sands are plentiful and your guide will be on hand to guide you through the night sky. There is no use of electric light here in the desert so we will be using candles and open fires too cook and eat. We will have an early morning start to climb the nearest sand dune and watch the sun rise over the expanse of golden mounds that spread out to the horizon. You’ll feel as though you’re the last person on earth as you quietly take in this giant expanse of unconquered territory.

From Wahiba Sands you’ll stop at a traditional Bedouin settlement for a further taste of desert living. With your expert guide on hand this will be an enlightening experience as you learn first-hand how the Bedouin survive in these harsh conditions. Your next stop will be Nizwa for a day exploring Oman’s forts and castles constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries. You will have the opportunity to visit Nizwa’s local market with your guide on hand to explain the local foods and traditions. After a night in Nizwa, we again gain altitude as we climb Jebel Shams, over 3,000 meters above sea level and the highest peak in Oman. Hiking around 3 hours from the summit of Jebal Shams will take us to a hidden mountain village only accessible by foot. With views over terraced landscapes and cultivated gardens and the opportunity to meet members of the Bedouin inhabitants, this will be total immersion into authentic Omani life.

On the coming days you will journey between remote villages in the Jebal Akhdar region to gain a true understanding of Omani’s mountain culture. Wadi Bani Habib is a stunning ruined village built into the side of the mountain and is a sight that leaves most that visit speechless. The last days of your Omani adventure will be spent in Muscat where your day may start with a visit to witness morning prayers at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the fifth largest in the world. The mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. As you wander through the labyrinthine Souks nearby, you’ll end your epic trip feeling as though you’ve truly earned an experience that few have had the opportunity of realising.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

 

EPIC WEEKEND: RWANDA

Destination: Mt. Visoke & the Virunga Mountains

Essence of the trip: On this Epic Weekend you’ll first head to the base of the Parc National des Volcans chain for a tough trek through the forests, towards the summit of Mt. Visoke at 3700m. We’ll then transfer you to the Virunga mountains to track gorilla families through the dense jungle.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

With Epic Weekends, you’ll be taken across the crater rims of dormant volcanoes and deep into cloud forests to track the elusive mountain gorilla.

Step off the plane, onto the tarmac and our private helicopter will transfer you directly to the northern border of Rwanda. 140km away lies the Parc National des Volcans; the base of the Virunga mountain chain and your camp for the night. This verdant expanse of dense vegetation and soaring hills is a haven for mountain gorillas, and the site of Dian Fossey’s important studies into their behaviour.

It’s an early start on your first morning in Rwanda. Take in the spectacular view from your lodge, before you begin the unrelenting trek up the mountain. You’ll climb up  through bamboo and senecio forests, bringing you to the cool summit at 3700m above sea level. Take a moment or two to soak up the spectacular view of the glass-like crater lake and the sheer expanse of surrounding volcano range. It’s a physically demanding climb that will test your endurance but with rewarding views up and from Mount Visoke.

The next day the true Rwandan adventure begins, as you leave to start tracking the rare and endangered mountain gorillas.  Leave the lodge as dawn breaks: you’ll spend the day searching for these creatures amidst the forest of the steep Virunga slopes. Seven gorilla families inhabit the area, from the Sabinyo group to the Amahoro. Your chances of seeking them out are high, but will rely on your physical stamina as you hike through miles of hot, steep, jungle paths. Once you’ve spent the afternoon with these incredible mammals, you’ll be taken back to the airport. Journey home thoroughly challenged, but with the memories of a lifetime.

 

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

EPIC WEEKEND: MOROCCO MOUNTAIN

Destination: Marrakesh & Jebel Saghro

Essence of the Trip: Take to the mountainous region of Jebel Saghro with this four day adventure into the heart of Morocco. Stay in the heart of Marrakesh for a night, before you drive into the foothills of the shadowing Atlas Mountains to begin your trek. Here you’ll trek alongside a nomad family of the Ait Atta tribe learning the bush craft and shepherding skills along the way.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

An early morning start and set off on a rumbling 4X4 climb up through the High Atlas Path and down into the deserts of Southern Morocco, towards the village of Hamdor for  two more night away from your home comforts, hiking through the wilderness of Jebel Sahgro. This small settlement is perched on the desolate outcrops of the Jebel Saghro region. Here, you’ll be provided with some nourishing pre-trek tajine and a night in the local gite d’etape before you begin your mountain-spanning trek.

This area is home to, amongst many wandering tribes, the Ait Atta. As the heat of summer descends upon the region, this semi-nomadic group of desert dwellers migrate north en masse into the cooler climes of the High Atlas mountains. With Epic Weekends you will dip into this extraordinary journey, travelling alongside a family of the Ait Atta as they travel through mountain passes open plains to their destination. You’ll meet your host nomad in Hamdor and from then on, your life will become intimately entwined with his family as you hike alongside them for a tough five hours each day through the wilderness.

At night, you’ll camp beside the travelling bivouac like one of the tribe. There will be numerous opportunities to extend your route, including some mountain summits for the more adventurous and challenge thirsty. Immerse in cultural experiences as afternoons are spent learning traditional shepherding and Berber survival skills from the Ait Atta themselves. Expect to return home on Monday feeling like a true pioneer that has been immersed in a unique cultural and physical expedition.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

 

EPIC WEEKEND: JORDAN

Destination: Wadi Rum & Petra

Essence of the Trip: Over three spectacular nights, experience the deserts and ancient cities of Jordan. This trip will take you across the sands; challenging your personal endurance whilst relying on the use of 4×4, quads, camel and Arabian horses.  This is a truly epic expedition through the inspiring landscapes of Wadi Rum and Petra.  A weekend desert trek that combines startling scenery, incredible history and desert survival.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

Experience the deserts, mountains and ancient cities of Jordan over one non-stop Epic weekend.

Land in Amman before jumping straight into your adventure. Take in the magnitude of Jordan from the skies as you cross over to Aqaba in the east of Jordan and its only coastal city on the Gulf. From here we’ll transfer you 70km westwards across the desert to the awe-inspiring Wadi Rum and The Valley of the Moon. You’ll stop off at a Bedu camp to undergo crucial desert survival training.  You will be taught genuine desert survival expertise, as you will learn how to cope within the desert’s unforgiving environment with instruction from local Bedouins alongside your Epic lead guide, who have thrived within this setting for countless generations.

Taking your new skills and learnings of one of natures most challenging environments you’ll set off on a gruelling trek around Wadi Rum.

Whilst taking in the incredible rock formations, this is truly a challenging desert trek that combines startling scenery with incredible history.  Taking a well deserved rest after 4 hours of trekking, you’ll work with berbers to set up an traditional underground feast, a local means of cooking that has been handed down generation to generation. Once revived, a support RV and camel trek through the challenging desert will lead you to your quads where you will fight the wrath of the desert’s force to find your way to your next berber tented camp.

The next morning will be an early rise, before we pack you off for a hot air balloon ride up and over the sandstone mountains of Southern Jordan to take in the all consuming desert – your challenge for the day ahead.  We’ll take you by off-road vehicles towards the iconic Petra before changing your modern day mode-of-transport for something a little more traditional.  Return to the desert on Arabian horses through Petra’s surrounding mountains and plains and the ancient Nabatean ruins of Petra to take in the aeons-old architecture that used to be home to an entire civilisation.

To ensure a smooth connection home we’ll leave Petra and head back to Aqaba to connect to Amman for your continued journey home, leaving the desert having experienced it’s incredible force yet leaving with an appreciation of how to survive and move around its vast expanse.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

ICELAND

Destination: Eyjafjallajökull Volcano & Midgard plains

Essence of the trip:

This weekend adventure takes you on a phenomenal journey across the dramatic Icelandic landscape. You’ll experience bunking under the shadow of the active Eyjafjallajökull Volcano before we transfer you by private helicopter over the Sprengisandur region, a remote part of the country. On this adventure you’ll explore some of the landscapes that appeared in the film from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano to the vast volcanic desert of Mýrdalssandur. With our team of expert guides you’ll then head towards Midgard, a remote and expansive snow plain, where you will spend your time snowkiting, ice fishing and learning polar survival skills in this unforgivable region.

This trip will give you:

  • The chance to visit some of the most startling geothermal landscapes on the the planet from the skies as you helicopter into the interior.
  • The thrilling experience of exploring the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano by super jeep.
  • The opportunity to learn essential survival skills such as building ice caves for shelter, and ice-fishing.
  • The opportunity to see the other worldly Northern Lights far removed from any light pollution.

PLAN YOUR TRIP >>

Details:

After your plane hits the tarmac in Reykjavik, we take you on a two-hour drive to the base of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, home for your first night in Iceland, where spectacular views of star fields await just outside our private lodge. After a night spent watching the dance of the Northern Lights, we will transfer you northwards by private helicopter, deep into the isolated highlands of Midgard. This 250km journey takes you across the sprawling volcanic sands of Sprengisandur and onwards, over the mountains and geothermal fissures scattering the landscape.

Your refuge, the Midgard Hut awaits your arrival: a small log-fire warmed cabin alone on the plains. Dump your bags and head straight out to try your hand at snowkiting, blazing across the white expanse at 30mph.The afternoon brings another change of pace as you cut through the nearby frozen lake to catch your food for the evening. Like a true hunter gather prepare and cook the catch with a local Icelandic teaching you the ways of culinary survival in this raw and brutal polar climate.

It’s an early-rise the next morning and straight into a polar survival tutorial; dig out snow cave shelters, learn how to construct fires and fashion makeshift snow shoes in this unforgiving environment. Leave in the afternoon and we’ll take you south, to the natural hot springs of Landmannalaugar, flowing through the lava fields and vividly-coloured mountains. This will be your last taste of Iceland; you’ll return to Reykjavik and then home (or straight to the office) with incredible stories, awe-inspiring photos and the knowledge that if winter gets too rough where you live, we’ve given you the skills to survive it.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.


NEPAL

Destination: Nar Phu Valley and the Annapurna Massif

Essence of the trip:

This is a stunning trek into a secret part of Nepal that time forgot; an area once known as the “Forbidden Valley”. With a combination of scheduled and charter aircraft you will access, trek and wild camp in parts of central northern Nepal that very few outsiders have had the privilege of visiting. As an undeveloped area with no lodges, you will be camping in the wilderness and journeying through deep valleys, narrow paths and towering gorges experiencing awesome vistas across the infamous Annapurna Massif and the remote mountain ranges of the northern border of Nepal and southern Tibet.

This trip will give you:

  • A chance to access extremely remote communities, normally cut off from the outside world, interact and learn from the Nepali Tibetans.

  • A test of physical endurance and mental determination; trekking at high altitude over hidden mountain passes and through narrow gorges.

  • An incredible fixed wing flight over Himalayan peaks in the Annapurna Massif from Pokhara towards the remote airstrip at Hondge.

  • The challenge of the Kang La high pass; a steep ascent that takes you to over 5,200 metres above sea level.

PLAN YOUR TRIP   

Details:

The flight into Kathmandu on a clear day really brings home the epic extent of the greater Himalayan range; to the north the horizon is filled with white snowcapped peaks, to the south the sprawling Indian subcontinent; this is a vista that will remain with you for the rest of your life. Kathmandu is the historic and cultural heart of Nepal and presents an intriguing mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and a western mountaineering influence. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighbouring cities, bear immense cultural and religious significances and as part of your high altitude acclimatization you will be taken on a gentle half day guided tour taking in the largest Nepalese-Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath and the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal.

The following day you will journey north, flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, with exceptional views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, and then by private fixed wing aircraft up to Hongde. Once at this high mountain airstrip, overshadowed by Pisang Peak (6,091 m) you will start your trek to Dhikur Pokhari. The route takes you downhill along the Annapurna Circuit with the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for a refreshing drink and a chance to interact with the local inhabitants. For your first night wild camping (3,060m above sea level) you will be surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna Range to the west and Pisang Peak to the east.

Following a good night’s rest you trek further onto Chame and then to Koto (2,600m) from where your route turns north and you enter the ‘Hidden Valley’ – an area that until very recently was closed to trekkers. The valley remains relatively untouched by modern life and the inhabitants of the exotic communities of Nar and Phu, comprising roughly 350 Nepalese Tibetans, have retained their practices and cultures that date back centuries. Most of them are still engaged in Yak herding and farming. The trail initially enters a narrow gorge and follows the Phu Khola River climbing steadily, eventually passing behind a big waterfall and leading you to your high camp at 3,200m near Singenge Dhamamshala.

Today you’ll make an early start as there is an intense day of trekking ahead. Shortly after starting out the trail divides, either dropping down to Nar Phedi or continuing north to Nar village, your next port of call. Depending on our progress you should arrive in Kyang by early afternoon giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery in this truly wild valley. From Kyang the trail cuts into the rocks high above the Phu Kohola River giving you spectacular views into the upper Nar Phu Valley. Once at Phu village, you either have the opportunity of a full rest day or exploring the route into Tibet a little further up in the valley.

Day 11 will see you cross the Phu Khola River at Nar Phedi (two bridges) and climb steeply up under the north face of Pisang Peak and into Nar where you will enjoy a traditional Nepalese meal with a local family before spending the night camping on the out skirts of the village. The next couple of days are short but you will have to climb steeply to reach Kanmgla Phedi by lunchtime on day 13 in order to rest and prepare for the high pass crossing the next day. You will camp by the small lake often referred to as the ‘Ice Lake’ due to its milky blue colour. The penultimate day of your epic exploration of Nepal is a long one, however it is very rewarding and will leave you with a sense of achievement that is hard to replicate. You cross the high Kang La pass (5,280m) via a very steep ascent to the top of the pass where there are some breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif and plenty of incredible photo opportunities. From the top it is a fast descent to the valley floor and the village of Ngawal where there is time for a quick lunch with the local community before pressing on to you extraction point at Hondge.

This trip will take you to an exceptionally remote part of the Himalaya, giving you a rare insight into the secluded communities that survive at this high altitude. Whilst the trek is sure to be challenging, the earned experiences will stay with you a lifetime.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

Charley Boorman’s Interview by Epic Tomato

Epic Tomato caught up with actor and motorbike adventurer Charley Boorman just days before his latest expedition to Canada to find out what inspires him and what he hopes to learn from his upcoming journey…

What inspired you to go on these adventures, to travel and see as much as you have seen?
I think it was my Dad; he was a film director (producing works such as Deliverance and Point Blank) and would shoot all over the world from the South Pacific to South Carolina and Brazil. As a child I went everywhere with him and was always in his movies…I vividly remember dad’s stunt man teaching me how to shoot a hand gun at age 4, leaning out of the window and shooting sign posts. I guess it was his way of getting a bit of free work…he used to say ‘if you go and sit over there I will give you a tricycle’. Becoming an adult I carried on making movies but was choosing them for location rather than for script. When I met my wife we went to Oz and Africa together to make films and this eventually led to making the TV shows. Now it’s my kids who come out to meet me wherever I am, from Cape Town to Kenya to Tokyo, I think it is really important to instil the travel ethos in kids.

How do you prepare for these kinds of trips, is there a routine that you follow?

(Jokingly) Aside from getting other people to do everything for you? (I am a great believer in delegation!)
When you do go on an adventure and film it, there are endless issues with visas, work permits, film permits etc…for example in Russia every region we travelled through required a separate letter of sponsorship to permit filming.

In terms of dealing with extreme cold or heat like you have had to in the past, is there anything that really gets you through it and enables you to cope?

When we trained with the ex-SAS guys for hostile environmental training, we were taught how to survive and react to border crossings (amongst loads of other things of course) and it was this in particular that I found so useful.
I reckon if you can survive all the preparation then the journey is easy. When you spend all that time and effort preparing for your journey not matter who you are or for how long you are going, it’s very easy to forget to enjoy it; you are always rushing towards your destination but at the end of the day does it matter if you make it that night…or you end up sleeping in the car?
The thing I have noticed over the years is that it’s not the things that that go off without a hitch you remember, it is the things that go wrong; the break downs, the ‘dodgy’ situations, the immigration officials demanding money off you and the ensuing arguments that really stick in your mind…

Is there anything you miss whilst you’re away…something you always take with you?
It’s funny, you fantasise about food a lot; travelling through Africa and Mongolia and all those sorts of places you find there is not much to eat and the food you can buy in shops is not that great, I guess because the indigenous population are so self-sufficient.

 

So it’s rations all round?

Yeah, a lot of the time we go for those gooey, orange boil in the bags … not very pleasant and it’s at times like those when I start really craving one meal in particular, and strangely enough it is one that I don’t even have that much at home; Bresaola…a dried beef Carpaccio with rocket, shavings of parmesan, olive oil and balsamic with a squeeze of lemon….it’s on my mind a lot oh as well as American hot pizza with extra cheese!

So you are off to Canada in the next few days and are planning to visit all the different provinces…

Yeah, we will be doing all sorts of different things from really fun extreme stuff to interacting with the indigenous Inuit of the north. It’s going to be interesting to just be in one country for once with much fewer language barriers yet massive contrasts between say the Northern provinces and over on the West Coast. I am particularly looking forward to going down to the border with Montana to the areas where there was prohibition to see the tunnels they used to smuggle the booze in from Canada.

Is there one particular thing you have you have learnt about yourself through all your travels?

When you are travelling, the mistakes you make tend to become more apparent so I always hope you can improve on them. I think I am much more tolerant now, I used to be very impatient; as a kid my nickname was short fuse but I think I have got a handle on that now.
I also now have huge faith in humanity; you hear terrible things about certain places; for example we went through Libya a few years ago…people’s impressions are of torture and tyranny but when you are there it is not nearly as bad…I am sure it all goes on, but we stopped in villages where we were made to feel incredibly at home and people were so friendly…the same in Egypt and Sudan…filled with some of the loveliest, beautiful people.

How did you find it riding through the deserts?

Hot! Really hot…but it’s great, it’s what you fantasize about when you are planning the trip; about being baking hot with tyre sets melting beneath your wheels.
It was brilliant at night, still baking hot, lying there in your little silk liner under just a mosquito net looking up at just the most incredible stars in a pitch black African night sky. Once we came off the road and made camp when it was dark, in the morning we woke up to find ourselves right in the middle of these 3 huge kilns that were used for making bricks out of mud…all we could see was a load of guys looking down at us and a whole lot of commotion.

What are you looking forward to most about Canada?

I am really keen to get up into the mountains and the wilderness. We have arranged a whole host of amazing activities including kayaking, heli-mountain biking and swimming with minke whales in Newfoundland tempered with some time with indigenous tribes whose ancient ways of living remain unchanged to the present day.

back to Epic Tomato

NEPAL

Destination: Lower Kali Gandaki

Essence of the trip:

Grasp the opportunity to navigate a wild and remote river that sees only a handful of people a year.  This journey offers an intoxicating combination of wild camping, trekking in the Himalaya, and a chance to embark on a white water rafting expedition down the stunning and truly isolated Kali Gandaki River in Nepal.

This trip will give you:

  • The opportunity to undertake an adventure along one of Nepal’s wildest rivers offering world class rafting waters, spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife rarely experienced by anyone in the world.

  • The memories of camping under star-lit skies on white river beaches, deep in the Nepalese interior.

  • A chance to immerse yourself in Nepalese culture and trek amongst the breathtaking landscape surrounding Pokhara.

  • A trek that allows you the opportunity to enjoy an evocative landscape that offers one of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas, taking in incredible peaks such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m).  Individual summits can be picked out by the sun’s rays and each day of the trek reveals fresh glimpses of this environment and the inspiring people who live there.

  • The sense of achievement from having trekked deep into an imposing mountainous landscape to take on the wild challenge of a mighty river over a demanding but hugely rewarding two weeks.

  • A chance to isolate yourself in the depth of this spiritual heartland. This rugged and wild region provides the perfect environment for a journey of reflection, challenge and wonder.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

Travelling through three separate countries, Tibet, Nepal and India, the Kali Gandaki River runs for 391 miles and is older than the Himalayas. There are no roads to the river banks making this trip the epitome of isolation.

The adventure begins with a stay in Kathmandu before continuing on to Pokhara to begin the second phase of your trip and then onwards to the Lower Kali Gandaki. This gives you a good insight into the people and the Nepalese culture, as well as a good acclimatisation to the area before your river adventure takes off.

With an epic backdrop of lakes reflecting the might of the Himalayas in the distance, Pokhara is the perfect setting for the starting point of your trek. The next four days will take you on a spectacular trek around this region before taking to the waters.

The trek takes in some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas, including peaks such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Throughout it you will stay in traditional tea houses and pass through the beautiful Modi River Valley, with lush valley walls, passing waterfalls with deep pools.

At the end of the trek you will begin preparing your for the next stage of adventure in the wilderness. getting backlinks Starting at Ramdi over the next five days you will raft through challenging rapids in some of the most beautiful and isolated stretches of river on Earth. At night you will make camp on untouched shores of the river.

The expedition guides will be on hand to teach and develop your rafting skills throughout the journey and it will ensure you are fully prepared for negotiating high grade rapids that will both intimidate and inspire you. These days of rafting will make you feel totally at one with your surroundings, and you can expect not to see another living soul in this beautifully isolated region.

On the eleventh day you will exit the river and head to the Chitwan National Park – 932 km² of some of the richest flora and fauna in the region, as well as being one of the oldest National Parks in Nepal.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.


COSTA RICA

Destination: Pacuare Valley and Ossa Peninsular

Essence of the trip:

A journey from the highlands of Costa Rica to its stunning coast that includes interacting with the indigenous and deeply private Cabecar tribe, extreme white water rafting and traversing the Ossa Peninsula by foot and kayak. This trip brings to life the extreme and varied environments of this tropical country and goes off the beaten track to arenas where few people travel. From beautiful highlands to beguiling lowlands, this is the quintessential tropical expedition.

This trip will give you:

  • The opportunity to meet and spend time living with and learning from the deeply private Cabecar Indians which few people are able to do.

  • The experience of rafting some of the most extreme waters in the world over a three day intense river expedition.

  • The euphoria on completing your lowland trek and sea kayaking expedition along the Ossa Peninsula knowing that you have completed an incredible remote highland interior to sea expedition through challenging environments whilst also learning from and being inspired by a deeply spiritual people.

  • The stunning contrasts and scenery that Costa Rica has to offer whilst combining a fantastic selection of water based activities from canyoning and rafting in the rainforest to sea kayaking and trekking along the remote Pacific coastline.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

The trip begins in San Jose from where you will set out on the morning of the second day to Turrialba area for a first day of canyoning and running the Rio Pejibaye in kayaks, the perfect fix of adventure to introduce you to the expedition. Following this, the next day will see you travel to the stunning Pacuare rainforest to begin a days work of journeying through the verdant, mountainous region. The day will begin on mountain bikes with your guides taking you through extreme terrain before transferring by foot to walk for half a day to the remote Pacauare Valley where few tourists ever get to and brings an imposing sense of isolation.

In the Pacuare Valley you will meet and spend time with the Cabecar Indians who over the course of the next two days will bring you into their community, show you how to live off the land and introduce you to a way of life that is very spiritual and which few people have ever had access to. Included in this experience will be time spent learning how to hunt and then heading into the depths of the rainforest with tribal members to find food for the community.

After two days with the Cabecar you then begin the start of your epic river expedition through the Upper Pacuare valley on class 3 -4 rapids. An area of river that is seldom run, this is a spectacular experience high in the rainforested valley with lush jungle and cascading waterfalls around you. Over the following two days you will then raft the extreme sections of the Lower Pacaure, recognised as being one of the top rivers in the world for the beauty and of environment and quality of rafting.

Moving from the lower reaches of the Pacuare Valley your journey will continue to the lower level of the country and specifically the Ossa Peninsula where on the seventh day you will sea kayak along a stunning stretch of coastline that will test your physical fitness in the waters and also allow you to see some of the incredible marine life in the area. Moving inland, the following day sees the start of the two day Corcovado trek. This journey takes you deep into lowland rainforest where you will have the opportunity to see a wonderful variety of wildlife from monkeys and jaguar to eagles and American crocodiles. The area you will be trekking through is extremely remote and is rarely visited by tourists giving you an exceptional experience of isolated, immersive trekking in a beguiling environment.

At the end of the Corcovado trek you will arrive at the mouth of the Rio Sirena where you can see an abundance of caiman and sharks. From here you will take a boat to San Pedrillo and trek to Bahia Paraiso and Drake Bay where for the next two days you can enjoy the beautiful warming waters and relaxation that this tropical paradise brings. The Eco lodge where you will stay is a great location to end your adventure; relaxing in luxury tents with beds and electricity. Bahia is situated in an area only accessible by foot or boat. Here you can swim in its protected bay along the beach, sea kayak, snorkel or just relax. It is a stunning beach location; the birdlife is amazing and it really is exotic and off the beaten track place to relax and reflect on your adventure.

Take an unusual boat transfer out via the coastal mangroves to Sierpe, situated on the Rio Sierpe and catch your aircraft back to San Jose.

A fitting way to end your epic rainforest to sea expedition.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

CHILEAN PATAGONIA

Destination: Chilean Patagonia

Essence of the trip:

An incredible expedition that will take you from mountain summit to the Pacific Ocean on one continuous journey. En route you will climb the imposing Tres Monjas, journey along remote Andean cowboy routes and negotiate some of the most challenging white water in the world in order to complete a unique journey through one of South America’s last true frontiers.

This trip will give you:

  • The chance to take on a uniquely challenging and diverse adventure through the incredible landscapes of Patagonia which will require you to successfully negotiate a huge range of physical disciplines from climbing to abseiling, downhill mountain biking and white water rafting.

  • The challenge of conquering the 2,010m summit of Tres Monjas, before descending back down its face by abseil.

  • The experience of learning traditional riding skills from Andean cowboys, before riding along remote trails that few tourists have ever accessed.

  • The chance to tackle some of the most thrilling Class V white-water rafting imaginable on the Rio Futaleufú River, before finally completing your expedition by kayaking across Lake Yelcho to the Pacific.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

After arriving into Argentina and meeting with your guides, you will be transferred for approximately six hours across the Andes Mountains to the Futaleufú Valley on the Chilean border, before spending your first night at a private lodge located on the shores of the mighty Rio Futaleufú.

The following morning you will undergo intensive horse riding training led by local cowboys, before heading off across some of the most rugged trails in the Southern Andes to a high mountain base camp.

The next leg of your expedition will then be spent summiting the towering, volcanic spires of Tres Monjas (2,010m). Beginning with mountain scrambling, the climb will get technically more difficult as the day extends, ending with a final rock climb to the pinnacle of the summit. From here you will be able to enjoy endless views across the wild Patagonian landscapes, before abseiling down the mountain face to the glacier below.

The following day you will trek down the Futaleufú Valley, before moving onto mountain bikes for the remainder of the descent. Cycling on downhill routes that are not at all well-travelled, you will carve your own path towards the shores of the Rio Futaleufú, where you will then take on some of the harshest white water rivers in the world.

Over the next two days you’ll negotiate seemingly endless Class V rapids on the Rio Futaleufú, before finally reaching the glacial Lake Yelcho, where you will set up your beach camp for the night. The final leg of your epic journey will then entail a kayak across the lake, and along a short river section before you finally reach the Ocean at the end of your totally unique adventure across Patagonia.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

MOROCCO

Destination: The Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert

Essence of the trip:

A unique journey in wild mountains and remote desert. Beginning with time in a remote Berber village in the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll summit Mount Mgoun, the most challenging mountain in North Africa, before continuing your expedition by heading deep into the Sahara desert.  Cross vast dunes and travel as nomads do in order to reach your final destination of the salt flats of Lake Iriqi on the Algerian border.

This trip will give you:

  • The opportunity to summit the challenging Mount Mgoun after two days of un-routed trekking. You will be carving your own path through unpredictable terrain.

  • The experience of journeying deep into the Moroccan part of the Sahara desert by camel and quad bike, crossing imposing sand dunes and reaching areas that few tourists ever get to en route to the ethereal salt flats of Lake Iriqi.

  • The chance to travel as nomads do through the desert, moving quietly across a beautiful landscape and camping in traditional tents still used by the nomadic tribes.

  • The opportunity to meet nomadic Berber tribes and learn first-hand the methods they use to survive the harsh desert environment and which will be key for the completion of your trip.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

As soon as you arrive into Marrakech, your expert guides will transfer you towards the Atlas Mountains, which are home to the highest and most dramatic peaks in North Africa. As you ascend higher and higher by 4×4, you will journey through increasingly dramatic mountain passes, before eventually heading off-road towards the incredibly remote Berber village of Magdaz, which is far beyond the reach of any normal tourist. On your arrival some hours later you will be welcomed with a traditional feast, which will be attended by the village elders, for a totally unique cultural experience.

The following morning the physical side of your adventure will begin, as you will begin a 2-day trek up Morocco’s second highest mountain, Mgoun. Due to its remote location, Mgoun is far less travelled than Morocco’s highest peak, Toubkal, so you are highly unlikely to see any other people at all as you make your way to the summit, which provides truly spectacular views as far as the iconic Erg Chebbi sand dunes on a clear morning.

After summiting Mgoun at sunrise, you will then descend to a 4×4 pick up point, before being transferred through the stunning Tiz n Outfi pass towards the Skoura Oasis east of Quarzazate, where you will spend the night at the Ben Moro Kasbah. The next day you will rise early to begin a trek towards the desert, where you will meet traditional nomadic tribes and learn first-hand how to survive within the unforgiving environment of the Sahara, before sleeping in a traditional camel wool tent that night.

The following day, you will rise before dawn to mount your camel and venture deeper into the desert, crossing the high dunes towards the Algerian border as you watch the sun rise in the distance. The soft sand and steep gradients make this journey impassable by any other means, so you will be covering ground that only nomads have ever previously traversed and will eventually end the day at a nomad encampment, where you will enjoy some traditional Saharan hospitality and a goat meshui.

Having used the age-old way of crossing the Sahara up to this point, the next morning you will increase the pace of things as you race a quad bike across the rolling sand dunes until you reach the salt flats of Lake Iriq, which is a vast barren area, ringed by mountains and famous for its mirages. Here a helicopter will be waiting for you and will take off from the flats to transport you back to Marrakech via an unforgettably scenic flight back over the Sahara and the stunning regions you will have journeyed through during your epic adventure over the last week.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

BOLIVIA

Destination: The Apolobamba Mountain Range

Essence of the trip:

Climb a series of five peaks over 5,500 metres during an epic mountain expedition within the remote Apolobamba Mountain Range in the Peruvian and Bolivian borderlands. Then take a private light aircraft flight to land in the heart of the largest salt flats on the planet, for a unique South American adventure which is the very definition of life-enhancing.

This trip will give you:

  • One of the most unique mountain-led journeys on the planet, where you’ll explore a region that very few others ever visit, culminating in the challenging ascent to the 6,100 metre icy summit of the awe-inspiring Chaupi Orco.

  • The experience of staying in a hotel made entirely of salt, deep in the heart of the beguiling Bolivian interior.

  • The genuinely mind-blowing experience of landing in and travelling across the largest salt flat in the world, a landscape that can only be described as other-worldly and utterly captivating.

  • An aerial perspective of Bolivia’s stunning landscapes, punctuated by volcanoes and ending with a landing on a natural salt flats – something only a handful ever experience.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

After arriving into El Alto airport, the highest international airport in the world, you’ll spend your first day acclimatizing to the altitude by exploring the fascinating city of La Paz. The following morning you will then travel to Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, where you will be able to enjoy a 3-hour walk across the island, before returning to La Paz and heading up Chacaltaya at 5,500m the next day in order to continue your acclimatization.

As your body finally adjusts to the altitude, the physical intensity of your trip will increase significantly, as you will take a 12-hour journey up through the pass of Pelecheco into the very heart of the Apolobamba range, which is very seldom visited, meaning that you are almost certain to be the only people there as you set up expedition tents for your first night under canvas.

From your base camp at the shores of Lake Chucuyo Grande, over the next two days you will then take on four different peaks of between 5,300m and 5,600m in height and enjoy incredible panoramic views that stretch out over the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes.

Having successfully scaled these, the following 72 hours will provide one of the highlights of your trip, as you will attempt to summit Chaupi Orci at 6,100m. With gradients of up to 50° in some sections, this is a challenging climb and will require a good level of confidence on the ice with equipment.  Depending on your level of experience and technical expertise the acclimatisation peaks on this trip will help prepare you for this leg of the journey.

After descending back down the mountain eventually returning to La Paz, for a final highlight of your trip you will then take a light aircraft flight to the iconic Uyuni Salt Flats, where you will be one of only a handful of people to actually land upon the largest salt flats on the planet. This experience and the otherworldly scenery that will greet you on exiting your plane is something you will never forget and you will then spend the evening in a hotel that is built entirely out of salt.

The next morning you will drive across the altiplano to Sabaya, before continuing to Sajama National Park, which is home to Sajama, Bolivia’s highest mountain and a volcano that has been extinct for the past 10,000 years. The summit is covered by a permanent ice cap hiding all trace of any volcanic crater, so you will spend your final night in the mesmerising shadows of Sajama, before returning to La Paz the next day at the end of your epic adventure.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts please enquire here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US).

GUYANA

Destination: The Amazon & Rupununi Savannah

Essence of the trip:

Take on a truly epic adventure which takes you deep to a rarely visited corner of the earth. From Guyana’s deep, mist-shrouded uncharted jungle and mighty thundering waterfalls to its rolling savannahs; traverse this mysterious land by foot, dug-out canoe, 4×4 and horseback whilst learning vital survival skills and living with the Amerindians and Vaquero cowboys, which few have ever encountered.

  • The experience of soaring in a light aircraft over the rainforest canopy and dropping over the edge of the thundering Kaieteur Falls – the world’s largest and most spectacular single drop waterfall – in the heart of the jungle.

  • A rare chance to join the Vaquero cowboys on horseback as they race across the rolling savannahs, following their hunting tracks whilst rounding up the cattle.

  • The opportunity to camp in the heart of the Amazonian jungle, live and learn survival techniques from the Amerindians, surrounded by the most exotic and endangered creatures in the world.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

Flying into the Amazon jungle you will arrive in the heart of Amerindian territory, to the remote village of Surama. This ancient tribal setting is where Amerindian people have lived for hundreds of years, passing down generations of jungle skills, folklore stories and the ability to survive in the remote Amazon rainforest.

Here you will be briefed for the intrepid two week journey will be accompanied by ex SAS and ex military experts. You will be taught jungle survival skills in a challenging Amazon environment – your expert guides will instruct you in how to forage for food, what plants to avoid and how to hunt using traditional bows and arrows. There is no better place, or mentors, to guide you in the art of self preservation. You will need to accurately apply these vital insights throughout your time in the jungle.

The next morning journey into the lush Guyanan rainforest, home to some of the world’s largest species of rainforest animal – the elusive Jaguar and Giant Otters and Harpy Eagle – begins. The sheer remote, intrepid nature of this experience will enable you to encounter extraordinary wildlife usually witnessed only by wildlife explorers.

Initially on foot and then by boat, forging a path through this jungle wilderness is your challenge. For the next three nights you will sleep in natural shelters at a jungle base camp – the sounds of the jungle at night are utterly bewitching. There are very few opportunities in life to be truly enveloped in the pure sound of nature, and the sense of calm that brings; this is unquestionably one of them.

On day seven you will head back to Surama and settle back into lively village life whilst you de-kit and prepare to embark on the next phase of the trip. In the morning, swap dense jungle for Guyana’s dramatic Amazonian plains and journey to a remote Vaquero ranch in the isolated southern Rupununi savannahs of South West Guyana, by 4×4. Here you will be staying on the traditional ranch, sleeping as the cowboys do, in an authentic Barracon (bunkhouse). Resting in a hammock, sheltered by a palm thatched roof is a unique taste of Vaquero ranch life.

Spending time with the Vaqueros is a truly memorable experience. By day you will be cattle ranching on horseback, galloping alongside your hosts on the rolling expanses of the savannah. This is not an experience created for your benefit; you will be taking part in an activity vital for the Vaqueros. Camping at night and free form the dense jungle canopy, you will glimpse the clearest, awe-inspiring night skies.

On day eleven you’ll take a 4×4, followed by a boat trip to spend a night at Yupukari Village at the Caiman house Research project base. This base is literally in the middle of nowhere beside the Rupununi River. Here you’ll see passing caiman and the elusive anaconda and giant otters that congregate here below the giant lilies that tile the water’s surface. This is your last night in the jungle.

The following day it is time to leave Yupukari and fly to Georgetown for the final part of the trip. Jumping into a light air-craft, you will fly up over the jungle, skimming the canopy hiding remote areas, visited in previous days, towards the mighty Kaieteur Falls. Five times higher than Niagara, Kaieteur Falls is the world’s largest single drop waterfall. To fly above and then drop over these falls is a heart-stopping experience and one that will live long in the memory. Touching down on a remote airstrip at the top of the waterfall to explore the upper reaches of the falls; the sheer power of the cascading water is awe-inspiring. There are many unforgettable moments in this trip and the last day is no exception, ending this epic adventure on an absolute high.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.

BORNEO

Destination: Sarawak and Mulu National Park

Essence of the trip:

A trek through the pathless wilds of the Borneo rainforest, the oldest jungle in the world. Here you will spend time living with and learning from semi-nomadic Penan tribe before concluding your trip by summiting the majestic, jungle-clad peak, of Mount Mulu.

This trip will give you:

  • Experience of living in some of the wildest jungle in the world, where few westerners have visited.

  • The opportunity to trek through the oldest rainforest on the world and through areas so untouched that trails don’t exist. You will be carving your own paths through the intoxicating landscape.

  • The experience of living with and learning from the Penan tribe, famed hunter gatherers who live off the jungle and will teach you how to do so also. This will be key for the completion of the trip.

  • The opportunity to summit the majestic Mulu Peak after 12 days of wild and extreme trekking with one of the last truly ancient tribes.

  • To enjoy a travel experience that only a handful of people have ever done. In short, undertake an epic Jungle trip.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Details:

Arriving in Miri, Sarawak, you will take a small light aircraft across swathes of the oldest rainforest in the world and land in Long Seridan to begin your trek the following day.

You will begin the start of the first day with a two hour trek to Long Meraan, a Penan village where you will meet your guides and porters and prepare your kit for the commencement of your entry into the jungle on the following day. Early next morning you will set off on a six to seven day trek towards the Mulu World Heritage Park on the Brunei border which is set in primary rainforest and is home to a number of the remaining semi-nomadic Penan.

Over the course of the next six days you will trek through dense and stunning sections of rainforest, where you will witness an incredible array of wildlife and spend time with the semi-nomadic tribes who you will meet as you pass through the forest. The trek will require you and your guides to carve out your own trails due to the remoteness of the area and by night you will set up expedition hammocks to sleep in above the jungle floor. As part of the experience of the trek, the Penan will teach you how to live off the jungle and your ability to learn off them will allow you to source additional supplies for the trek.

At the end of this week’s trek you will arrive into the incredible Mulu National Park. Here you will spend time exploring the park and its giant caves that feature regularly in television documentaries on the natural world.

The accommodation provided at the World Heritage Site is comfortable and offers a welcome respite after the week of living in the jungle. Following time exploring the park, you will begin your journey towards the summit of Mulu Peak. It starts with a trek to Camp 3; a beautiful but tough climb of 11 km reaching a noticeably cool 1,300 m. After overnighting you will trek the following day to Camp 4. This climb is a further 7 km through a mesmerising landscape and will take you to 1,800 m above sea level. On Day 13, you will begin the final ascent with an early start as you aim to summit the 2,376 m peak before sunrise, where you will have the pleasure of watching dawn break over the oldest rainforest on Earth. A truly life-enhancing experience.

The descent can be broken up with a stay at Camp 3 or Camp 1 depending on your pace and on the following day you will return to Mulu National Park Head Quarters for the conclusion of this intrepid and inspiring rainforest journey.

If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.