A Young Nation in Ancient Lands

By: Ralf Korbner, SITA World Tours

*View from the crater rim-based Serena Ngorongoro*

Our modern jetliner lifted off the runway and gently climbed into the African sky. To the left Dar es Salaam slowly disappeared in the pink evening light and soon we would cross Zanzibar on our return to Doha and Los Angeles.

During the prior week the northern part of Tanzania had been explored. The city of Arusha is arrival and departure point for many of us interested in Tanzania’s flora and fauna and impressive parks. We visited Manyara National Park, the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The Serena Lodges we spent nights in were impressive. The rooms and tent accommodation were beautifully decorated. Common areas are well presented, and breakfast and dinners left nothing to be desired. The usually young Tanzanian service personnel at our lodges were attentive, friendly, well trained and always helpful. My favorite lodge was the Serena Ngorongoro located on the rim of this ancient crater. Standing on the balcony of the room watching the night sky’s Milky Way impresses anyone living in light-polluted American metro areas. We explored the caldera below during the day. Many animals make it their home. Whether there or while driving through the Serengeti, animals are plentiful and often very close. A photographer’s dream.

Many animal species live inside the Ngorongoro dormant caldera

Yusuf, our driver not only crisscrossed the Serengeti safely with us but also looked after our wellbeing. His vehicle was new. At night he would somehow manage to clean it, inside and outside. While the public roads from Arusha to the parks were in excellent condition, driving inside the parks on unpaved tracks can occasionally feel rough. The vehicles handle these challenges well. The Serengeti presented us with gorgeous cloud formations and a couple of times with rain showers which gave the landscape a special atmosphere.

Not too far from Ngorongoro lies the Olduvai Gorge with its visitor center and museum, a gift by the European Union. The gorge represents one of the most important paleo-anthropological sites in the world. It is here that Louis Leakey found evidence relating to human evolution long before modern man. The view into the gorge is breathtaking and a studied young Tanzanian gave us a lecture taking us through the human development stages as currently understood.

*Entrance to the Olduvai Visitor Center*

This lecture at the Olduvai Gorge Museum together with our participation in a Catholic service in the town of Karatu caused me to look a bit deeper into Tanzania’s current statistics. But first: one of my travel companions had expressed interest in the church service. It was the last Sunday of the month, and it happened to be ‘children’s day’. The rather large Catholic church was filled. Many did not find seats inside the building and participated in the outside plaza in front of the church. Children were numerous, so many as I had not seen in a long time. We were the only white folks. Overwhelming friendliness and warm, open curiosity confronted us. When tithing time came, we moved to the middle, walked to the altar, deposited the donation into a small bucket, got a blessing with the sacrament from the priest and then moved back along the sides of the church facing row after row of children, many smiling and high fiving us. A delightful experience. An experience reflected in Tanzania’s population statistic.

As of 2020 42 percent of Tanzanians were under 14. With a total estimated population of 69 million, this translates to just under 29 million children under 14. If we have 330 million people in the USA, imagine our country with 138 million children under 14 years old.

Children require services, and that’s where tourism is poised to provide significant help.

The World Travel & Tourism Council assesses that Tanzania’s Tourism sector currently experiences significant growth. It made up 9.5 percent of the economy last year. Tourism employment climbed to I.4 million with just under 100,000 jobs added. Over the next 10 years strong growth projections indicate that almost one in 15 workers will find employment in the sector, a most welcome development for this highly desirable East African safari destination. And that growth will provide meaningful employment for many of the young Tanzanians soon coming of age.

Data from CIA Worldfactbook; UN Data; World Population Review; World Travel & Tourism Council

About Ralf Korbner – SITA World Tours

Growing up on a horse ranch in Germany with a younger brother, two cousins and lots of animals, travel was part of our annual family rhythm as long as I can remember. Summers were spent in Italy or Spain, winters in Austria for skiing and there were trips to the Baltic Sea or along the Rhine and Mosel with visits to castles and towns along those rivers. After graduating from high school on an island in the North Sea and while a university student in Germany, friends and I drove all over Europe during summer vacations. Those trips also included Turkey, Morocco and several of the countries then still behind the Iron Curtain. I became a member of the travel industry community after completing my studies at a California university. Visits to countries in Asia, Africa and travel in Australia and New Zealand have since broadened my geographic and cultural knowledge

About SITA World Tours

With 91 years of exemplary service in travel, SITA remains as the go-to tour operator for exotic destinations worldwide. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SITA is renowned for its highly experienced team of international specialists and is dedicated to travel excellence in every element of its programs. As a deluxe, luxury tour operator specializing in Packaged, Independent, Customized and Groups travel, SITA has become a key source for both the Consortium and Agent network nationwide. SITA’s well-planned tours focus on a destination’s culture, history and unique geography providing the greatest value to clients.

Experience Aromatic Adventures in the Amazon Rainforest

By: Visitbrasil.com

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most impressive and biodiverse natural wonders on the planet. Considered the largest tropical forest in the world, it harbors an incomparable wealth of wildlife, unique ecosystems, and ancient indigenous cultures. Spending six days immersed in the Uatumã Sustainable Development Reserve, departing from Manaus, is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature and explore new horizons. Those who embark on a journey like this return home transformed. It’s an experience that goes beyond a simple trip; it’s a journey for the senses, mind, and soul.

What is an Aromatic Tour?

Led by an aromatherapy specialist, this six-day adventure takes you deep into the Amazon Rainforest. Travelers you will visit fairs with oils, coffees, chocolates, and local spices; practice the distillation of white breu essential oil – a resin extracted from the tree of the same name, native to the Amazon; extract copaiba oil-resin, and much more.

Explore the everyday life of the forest by participating in a typical party in the Caribi community, engaging in roundtable discussions, listening to stories and legends with the river dwellers, visiting a forest recovery agroforestry system, observing the night sky from canoes, and even taking a river bath.

Six-days of immersion

Your 6-day immersion in the Amazon Rainforest is a blend of cultural encounters, sensory experiences, and deep connection with nature

On the first day, the acclimatization begins. You will stay in a hotel in downtown Manaus and can take the time to visit places like the Amazon Theatre, one of the most important in Brazil and the main postcard of the city. You will be dazzled by its architecture, grandeur, and pink color! Don’t miss exploring the Mercado Municipal, where you will have the pleasure of tasting regional food, learning about herbs and typical products, and buying crafts, decorations, and souvenirs from the Amazon. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner with regional cuisine.

The second day starts with a two-hour boat trip. You will stay at a lodge in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. The entire tour takes place in the Uatumã Sustainable Development Reserve. Enjoy the regional lunch because it is divine. At night, you will experience a unique and indescribable connection with nature: aboard a canoe, you will contemplate the sky directly from the Amazon. It’s thrilling.

The more intense activities begin on the third day. You will witness the release of tracajás – famous freshwater turtles – and learn about Breu trees. In the late afternoon, you will experience cultural immersion in the Caribi community. The experience includes roundtable discussions with forest stories and legends and lots of music. End the day with a delightful river bath. It’s incredibly relaxing.

This tour wouldn’t be complete without a hike. On the fourth day, you will walk through the Amazon Rainforest to understand the entire process of extracting copaiba oleoresin, a typical Amazonian tree, carried out by the river dwellers living in the region. Additionally, you will learn about several ancient trees along the way. An incredible sensory experience. Later, choose a spot by the river to enjoy a beautiful sunset and update your travel photo album.

The fifth day will be full of activities. In the morning, a visit to an Agroforestry System will give you an insight into the work of recovering Pau Rosa – a native plant that was exploited inadequately and is now undergoing sustainable management. You will meet the forest guardians who will talk about 16 years of recovery of a degraded area and teach the difference between predatory and sustainable management.

In the afternoon, you will accompany the distillation of Breu essential oil at the oil cooperative. It’s a very fragrant and educational class. Afterward, you can enjoy some time at the Amazonian products fair and even buy souvenirs from your trip. The day ends with a facial spa using clay and Breu hydrate, incredibly relaxing.

This experience comes to an end on the sixth day. It begins with breakfast at the lodge, followed by a river and road journey back to Manaus. Lunch in the city center is guaranteed in this experience. Check into the hotel and enjoy your last night in the capital of Amazonas.

Stay Updated!

A tour like this happens all year round, but departures are scheduled. It’s ideal to keep an eye on available dates to organize your trip. Another important point is safety. So, hire tours that follow safety standards and provide necessary equipment. It’s worth noting that this 6-day tour can be adapted for English speakers, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy this incredible experience.

Curious about what you can experience in the Amazon Rainforest and other Brazilian destinations?

Follow Visit Brasil on social media to learn more – @visitbrasil.

About Visitbrasil

Our mission is to present Brazil to the world as a country of incredible and sustainable destinations, fostering local economic and social development.

Leave Your Mark, Not Your Footprint: A Guide to Sustainable Travel in Spain

By: Turespaña

It might not come as a surprise that Spain is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world for its vibrant culture, rich history and stunning landscapes. But did you know that Spain is a global leader in sustainable travel innovation? Hop on a reduced-emission train to explore a sustainable Spain – from eco-conscious adventures through protected national parks and stays on organic farms to socially conscious experiences like community cultural exchanges. Ready to leave a positive mark on Spain, while creating memories that will last a lifetime?

Eco-Friendly Hiking Trails

From north to south, Spain is brimming with protected national parks and hiking trails that not only offer opportunities to immerse yourself in stunning nature, but also to learn about its world-class conservation efforts.

Whether it’s a trek into the UNESCO protected mountains of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in the north, the coastal cliffs of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in the south, or the ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park on the Canary Islands, there is a protected trail for every type of trekker.

Want to travel across the country the way pilgrims have been doing for centuries? The Camino de Santiago is an immersive way to experience Spain’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Leading to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, this network of pilgrimage routes is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the country the way pilgrims once did, while visiting the small rural towns and lesser-traveled cities of today. You can choose to do the journey on foot, bike, or even horse! Pilgrims are encouraged to minimize their footprint with Leave No Trace principles and support local businesses along the way.

Bardenas Reales
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Immersive Experiences: Organic Vineyard Visits, Bike Tours & Sustainable Surfing

Throughout the country, locals are finding ways to showcase their home to visitors in uniquely eco & socially conscious ways.

In La Mancha, organic vineyards offer tours and tastings that showcase sustainable viticulture practices. Visitors can participate in grape harvesting experiences while, of course, trying some of their delicious wines.

In Bardenas Reales Natural Park, biking tours allow travelers to discover otherworldly landscapes on wheels while learning about local conservation efforts to protect the park’s unique ecosystem.

On the Basque coast, the surf schools of Zarautz are inviting students to join in on beach clean-up initiatives, learn about the ocean, and take part in marine conservation projects.

In cities, you can find “intercambios” or language exchanges happening nearly any day of the week, offering a unique opportunity to connect with locals and share your language and culture, while learning theirs.

Travelers looking to dive even deeper into a local community can participate in a cultural exchange program, where they can experience a truly authentic side of Spain by living with a host family, joining in on cultural activities, and volunteering in the local community.

Casa Rural Navarra
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Sustainable Accommodations: From “Casas Rurales” in the Countryside to Eco-Lodges in the Mountains

Trade in the chain hotels for a more authentic stay in Spain’s countryside. Throughout the country, you can find family-owned “casas rurales” that showcase the perfect blend of rural hospitality and sustainable living. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Spain’s rolling hills, visitors can participate in hands-on activities like harvesting fresh produce on organic farms or participating in permaculture workshops.

For a different perspective of Spain’s natural beauty, head into the mountains to unplug in sustainable eco-lodges, found throughout the country. Guided hikes through ancient forests lead to hidden waterfalls and centuries-old chestnut groves, while connecting with local communities to learn about their rural revitalization efforts.

Asturias, Spain
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Eco-Friendly Transportation

Now, how to get to all these places? Spain has created low-emission transportation to move within its cities, and across the country.

To cover ground in bigger cities throughout the country, you’ll find local bike sharing apps that allow you to cheaply and easily rent a bike to see the city. You can find bike sharing in capital cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and mid-size cities like Santander, Seville, Zaragoza, and Bilbao – to name a few! Just download the local bike sharing app, hop on a bike, and you’re off.

To zip across the country, jump on a high-speed, low-emission train, generated by 100% electric power.

Another option is to travel with locals on trusted ride-sharing apps that safely connect you with drivers heading to the same destination.

Valencia, Spain
*Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*//Visit Valencia*

Valencia: European Green Capital 2024

Valencia has been recognized as the European Green Capital for 2024, a testament to the city’s dedication to sustainability and environmental innovation. This prestigious title highlights Valencia’s efforts to promote eco-friendly urban living, enhance green spaces, and implement sustainable mobility solutions. Visitors to Valencia can explore its numerous green initiatives, such as extensive bike lanes, eco-friendly public transport, and urban gardens that contribute to the city’s vibrant, sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re strolling through the lush Turia Gardens or enjoying a bike ride along the coast, Valencia offers a shining example of how modern cities can embrace sustainability.

Garajonay National Park
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Discover EDEN Destinations in Spain

Spain is home to several EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) award-winning locations, recognized for their commitment to sustainable tourism. The EDEN award celebrates destinations that have successfully developed a tourism offering based on their local assets while respecting the environment and enhancing the well-being of local communities. Among these, regions like the Sierra de las Nieves in Andalusia and Ribeira Sacra in Galicia stand out for their breathtaking natural beauty and sustainable tourism practices. These destinations offer travelers a chance to explore Spain’s diverse landscapes while ensuring that their visit leaves a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

Tenerife, Spain
Photo Courtesy of *Turespaña*

Ready to experience sustainable Spain?

Spain has taken massive strides to transform its everyday practices to a sustainable way of life, and locals are proud to share that with visitors. Touching every corner of its culture – from eco-conscious daily practices to socially conscious initiatives – sustainable adventures await in every corner of the country. So, hop on some low-emission wheels and experience firsthand Spain’s commitment to conservation and community – from hiking through protected mountains and surfing on conscious coastlines, to connecting with local communities to learn their way of life and contribute to their community. Now, the only question left for you is, where will you leave your mark?

10 Amazing Lion Facts

By: Lion World Travel

Nothing represents the essence of Africa more than the symbol of the lion.

Lions are one of Africa’s most recognizable animals in the wilderness. Lions signify courage, strength, and power. Spending up to 20 hours a day sleeping or resting, they are the laziest of the big cats.

1. LIONS ARE SOCIAL

The most sociable of the big cats, they live in prides of related females and their offspring. The typical pride consists of ten to fifteen lions, with adult females, their cubs, and a few males.

2. LIONS NEED TO EAT EVERY DAY

Lions can go up to four days without drinking water, but they need to eat every day. Adult lionesses eat about 11 pounds of meat each day, while adult males eat 16 pounds or more. They prey on large herbivores like zebra and wildebeest, and occasionally feed on smaller animals like mice, birds, hares, and lizards.

3. LIONESSES DO THE HUNTING

Lionesses are the primary hunters. They are smaller, more agile than males and use teamwork to bring an animal down. After a successful hunt, all the lions in the pride share the meal. There is a pecking order, with adult males eating first, followed by the lionesses and finally the cubs.

4. LIONS ARE SUPERB HUNTERS

Lions hunt by ambush. Fanning out, they form a semicircle, with the smaller lionesses herding the prey towards the center. A lion’s vision is roughly six times more sensitive to light than humans, giving them a distinct advantage when hunting at night.

Lion Jumping
*Photo Courtesy of Desert & Delta*

Lion’s claws reach up to 1½ inches in length, allowing for incredible control when going in for a kill. Lions can reach speeds of up to 50 miles/hour and can jump up to 36 feet. 

5. LIONS DO NOT LIVE IN JUNGLES

Although lions are known as the “king of the jungle”, lions in Africa do not actually live in a jungle. Their primary habitats are Africa’s grasslands and plains. Three of the five largest lion populations are found in the savannas of Tanzania.

Lion and Lioness
*Photo Courtesy of Frans Hakkenberg*

6. HOW LIONS COMMUNICATE

Lions communicate by using roars, growls, moans, and grunts. A lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles away as a warning to other predators and to protect their territory. Also, by leaving scent markings and through visual signals, such as the darkness of the mane. They rub their heads on one another as an act of bonding and to spread the “family scent.”

7. RAISING THEIR CUBS

Females in the pride tend to give birth around the same time, allowing for multiple litters to be raised together. Lionesses take care of their cubs until they are two or three. The mother then goes through estrus (heat cycle) and carries another litter. During this time the pride forces the male lion cubs and some female lion cubs out.

Lioness and Cub
*Photo Courtesy of Ruvan Grobler/Lion Sands*

8. LION CUB FACTS

When they are born, the cubs eyes are closed, opening when they are three weeks old. This is when they are vulnerable to attack from large birds, and even male lions. A lioness will keep her cubs hidden for six weeks until they are old enough to follow the pride.  The cubs are full of life and grow up playing with the other youngsters in the pride building strength and family bonds.

9. LIONS ARE THE SECOND LARGEST BIG CAT

Only slightly smaller than the Siberian tiger, the lion is the second largest of the big cats, with a muscular deep-chested body. Unlike other big cats that are solitary hunters, lions are social hunters. Male lions can weigh up to 550 pounds, while female lions weigh up to 390 pounds.

Lion Skirmish
*Photo Courtesy of Sabi Sabi*

10. LIONS CAN CLIMB TREES

Tree-climbing lions can be found in Tanzania, with, Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Tarangire National Park being the best places to see them. They have also been spotted in the Serengeti. The reason why lions climb trees is to get away from flies and insects on the ground, and they have a higher vantage point to see if any other animals are nearby.

Tree Climbing Lions
*Photo Courtesy of Elewana Pioneer Camp*

At Lion World Travel, our love for Africa is embodied in our name and mascot – Lionel.

About Lion World Travel

Lion World Travel has been in business for 60 years. Lion World Travel is one of North America’s largest tour operators to the African continent, specializing in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa and Egypt. Lion World Travel is a member of The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of brands, the largest privately owned travel company worldwide, which includes Trafalgar Tours, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection to mention a few.

Clients continue to benefit from Lion World Travels’ Africa destination knowledge, expertise, and emphasis on customer service. With their Africa Specialists all having first-hand knowledge of Africa, Lion World Travel confidently assists clients in creating an African adventure that fits their interests and budget with enjoyable, enriching travel experiences. Extraordinary service, affordable luxury and value for money are what keep clients coming back to Lion World Travel.

Places In New Zealand That Don’t Feel Real

By Katie Manly, Swain Destinations

New Zealand is for adventure seekers of all levels.

Its Māori culture is renowned for being welcoming and wise.

The adventure on offer ranges from mild to high octane. 

Its landscapes have become immortalized thanks to the many films it has set the backdrop for, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, because of its otherworldly natural formations. Here are just a few amazing places in New Zealand that will make you feel like your life is a movie…

On the South Island, witness the pristine wilderness of the Fiordland National Park. Experience the unspoiled beauty of the Southern Alps with a helicopter tour of Fiordland National Park’s breathtaking wilderness. A landing at Milford Sound, where you can indulge in a delightful picnic lunch, will be an absolute highlight of your time in New Zealand as its beauty is so legendary, that it is almost folklore.

There’s no place quite like Queenstown for adventure seekers. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder that it is considered the adventure capital of the world – who wouldn’t want to see this iconic destination from every angle? Take a leap from an airplane or bungee from the iconic Kawarau Bridge for a bird’s eye view. Prefer to keep your feet closer to the ground? Get the adrenaline pumping from a more reasonable height; try jetboating or whitewater rafting on the Shotover River. But, if your stomach does somersaults at the thought of it all, you can still enjoy Queenstown’s picturesque scenery from aloft by scenic helicopter flight, ATV, cycling, or hiking the countryside.

After an action-packed adventure in Queenstown, an escape to blissful seclusion in the Ahuriri Valley, a destination truly off the beaten path, is a must-do. Home of the Ahuriri River, a legendary spot for world class fly fishing, it is considered to be in the top five best places to cast a line across the planet. If fly fishing isn’t your area of expertise, there is still plenty of adventure on offer. Hiking, horseback riding, and star gazing all top the list as must-dos in this beautiful part of the country.

After recharging your spirit in the expansive wilderness of the Ahuriri Valley, put your explorer boots on and hike the estimated 16,000-year-old Tasman glacier and marvel at the beauty of Mount Cook. Spot dolphins, whales, seals, and adorable little blue penguins at Marlborough Sounds before traveling through the rolling hills of the Marlborough wine region in search of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc.

Stay a few nights in the cultural and architectural capital of the South Island, Christchurch, a city on the sea with a small-town feel. Christchurch also serves as the gateway to Akaroa and Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a seaside settlement renowned for its variety of marine mammals, including the giant sperm whale and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins. Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic, snow-capped mountains. Experiencing this stunning alpine scenery while swimming with dolphins is a memory which will stay with you for a lifetime.

On the North Island, visit the ancestral home of the Te Arawa, a Māori tribe whose people came by canoe and settled the area more than 600 years ago. This is Rotorua, famous for its geothermal springs, bubbling pools of sulfuric mud, and geysers. Allow the locals to show their Māori history and hospitality in all its glory, sharing a meal cooked from the steaming ground, a traditional Haka performance, and indulgent spa therapy.

A couple hours’ drive away through dairy farms and kiwi fruit orchards, Waitomo Caves are subterranean limestone caverns with something unique deep within. Arachnocampa Luminosa, or glow worms as they’re lovingly called, are found exclusively in New Zealand and light up the Waitomo Caves as though they were decorated for the holidays.

This is just a small sampling of the awe-inspiring destinations in New Zealand that don’t feel as though they belong to this planet. Well worth the trip, these places will have you wondering how you’ve lived this long without bearing witness to these otherworldly vistas for yourself.

About the author:

Katie Manly, VP of Sales & Marketing at Swain Destinations

As the VP of Marketing and Sales at Swain Destinations, I craft the communications and advertising that represent a truly knowledgeable and purpose-driven team of master designers of luxury travel – a responsibility that I am honored to have been given. As part of my job, I am lucky enough to travel to our destinations all over the world, just as our clients do. Traveling as a Swain Destinations client would is a privilege of my job and also part of what makes Swain Destinations so successful, as we experience what our clients experience – whether on safari, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, or even taking my family to meet the real Santa Claus in the Arctic Circle. I truly believe that travel has the capacity to create personal connections and fulfillment so strong that it changes us for the better, which is why I am so passionate about what we do here at Swain Destinations.

About Swain Destinations

Swain Destinations are Master Designers of luxury travel. Our Team has been meticulously planning personalized vacations to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Middle East for over 35 years. Nothing we ever do is cookie-cutter. We have access to places and excursions that can only come with time, relationships, and experience. It is our culture of integrity, value, and personal service that makes us the luxury traveler’s choice and is why our philosophy is “luxury with heart”.

The Plight of the Forest Person

By: Ralf Korber – SITA World Tours

Wake up is at 3am. Breakfast. At 4am we get into our two boats, ten of us in each simple, open craft to go down the lower Kinabatangan River to the Bornean village of Sukau where a bus will be waiting returning us to Sandakan airport. The river is wide here. It is dark and low fog is hanging over the water. The stars and half-moon are beautiful, but we cannot see the riverbank. A strangely delightful experience. The remoteness of this place is palatable. And how do the boat drivers navigate safely in this foggy darkness?

Our small group had spent three days in a rainforest lodge at the Kinabatangan, Orangutan and other wildlife trekking. We were folks in our 60s, 70s and three of us were octogenarians, all nature and animal lovers. Most of us visiting were aware that the world we had entered was under threat. Three days earlier on our two-hour ride from Sandakan to the tiny hamlet of Sukau, where the boats were waiting to take us upriver, we had transited a landscape of rolling hills with palm oil plantations. These palms lined up in orderly rows to the horizon. A man-made landscape. Impressive and at the same time ominous. The home of the Orangutan no more.

The rainforest the Orangutans call home today is a relatively narrow stretch of secondary forest along the river. Primary forest lands here had been logged decades earlier we learned. Classroom style information shared with us at the rainforest lodge was honest and thorough. Informative maps highlighted the remaining wildlife space in comparison to the vast surrounding palm oil lands truthfully.

Patches of rain forest along the river, a few square miles each and not all connected to each other. “Does this mean the Orangutan population cannot cross breed to keep the gene pool healthy”? “Do they cross over the palm oil plantation space to the next forest patch”? Those were questions we had. They were met by euphemistic answers. “The government is aware”, we were told. And “Orangutans are the slowest breeding mammals and inbreeding issues would earliest become a challenge in 100 years”.

Nevertheless, trekking through these forests is a rewarding adventure. The nature guides we had contracted were phenomenal and much needed. All of us were from US metro areas and therefore had developed urban sensory expertise. Useless here. The guides saw things we would not. The trekking itself is not always easy. One must cross creeks and ditches and while it is fun to slide down a muddy embankment, try to climb up on the other side. Some of us needed help, a push or pull. The nature guides performed well in this, too. It made for good laughs as did the ever-present leech avoidance efforts. The lodge sells leech-socks at a nominal fee, a garment most were unfamiliar with, but all added quickly to their wardrobe. And one can rent rubber boots.

With the help of the guides, we found orangutans in the forest including a mother and son duo. Magic moments. For a minute the thought of danger confronting these amazing animals is forgotten.

Some of us also took boats to travel to the forest. Ideal for older visitors. There are plenty of natural side channels to the Kinabatangan, some of them narrow. It is easy to meet a variety of rainforest creatures. During one such moment, we came across a 23-member troop of Long-Tailed Macaques. The sun was setting; bedtime. The adults were already resting on various branches of a large tree right at the water’s edge, yet one juvenile couldn’t settle down and visibly annoyed the seniors by jumping around. We lingered for a while watching the spectacle. An Asian elephant family delighted with considerable noise a few moments later.

The touristic service part of our visit was impressive. Nature guides enhance the experience. The river lodge was well done, built on an elevated wood frame construction to keep distance to the forest floor. There were two-bedroom units to each chalet. The units were air conditioned. The power is solar cell generated with traditional generators as emergency backup. Daily fresh food. Malaysian cuisine is fusion cuisine by cultural default, a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian. Very tasty.

We learned a lot. A question remains: how will the Orangutan, a creature with about 97 percent of our own DNA, survive man’s relentless expansion into their habitat? Or will they?

About SITA World Tours

With 89 years of exemplary service in travel, SITA remains as the go-to tour operator for exotic destinations worldwide. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SITA is renowned for its highly experienced team of international specialists and is dedicated to travel excellence in every element of its programs. As a deluxe, luxury tour operator specializing in Packaged, Independent, Customized and Groups travel, SITA has become a key source for both the Consortium and Agent network nationwide. SITA’s well-planned tours focus on a destination’s culture, history and unique geography providing the greatest value to clients.

About Ralf Korbner – SITA World Tours

Blooming Marvelous!

The Gardens of Britain and Ireland

By: Noreen Bowden, CIE Tours

The splendid gardens of Britain and Ireland are treasure troves of history and heritage. Many are located on the grounds of the most magnificent castles, palaces, and stately homes, offering a wonderful natural counterpoint to the grand architecture nearby. Let’s explore some of the most intriguing.

*Kensington palace and gardens, London, UK*
*©Shutterstock*

Kensington Gardens: Kensington Palace in the heart of London has been a royal residence for centuries – and the garden is one of Britain’s most beloved. This beautiful oasis includes The Sunken Garden, with elaborate plants and an ornamental pond. The Serpentine Pavilion features the latest architectural innovation in gardening. Don’t miss the Elfin Oak sculpture, made from the hollow trunk of an ancient tree and carved with figures of fairies, elves, and animals.

Leeds Castle Gardens: Leeds Castle is one of England’s most romantic castles. The fragrant and colorful gardens reward visitors with something wonderful to see in every season. The Culpeper Garden, a wild oasis inspired by a cottage garden, is full of rustic, fragrant blooms. The Lady Baillie Garden is full of succulents, with plenty of park benches to relax on.

*Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the farmhouse where the wife of William Shakespeare lived as a child, is in the village of Shottery, Warwickshire, England, about 1 mile west of Stratford-upon-Avon.*
*©iStock*

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon is a thatched-roofed cottage, surrounded by 12 acres of grounds, that was once the home of William Shakespeare’s wife. The picture-perfect garden was largely designed in the 1920s, and features many plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. It also includes many heritage plants that have been grown in England since the 17^th century. An ornamental orchard blooms with spring bulbs.

Blenheim Palace Gardens: Formal gardens surround the magnificent Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The majestic Water Terraces, the Italian Garden, the delicate Rose Garden, and the tranquil Secret Garden with its hidden treasures, all offer their own unique beauty and charm.

Inveraray Castle Gardens: The fairytale Inveraray Castle features two acres of formal gardens with a stunning collection of flowers, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and bluebells. Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens, see the many fine trees, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest sea loch.

*Castle of Glamis in the highlands of Scotland*
*©Shutterstock*

Glamis Castle: Like the 650-year-old Glamis Castle, the gardens are full of stories. The Italian Garden is reminiscent of the Edwardian era, with a thrilling kaleidoscope of color, a stone fountain and gravel walks. The Walled Garden, with its bridge set among rows of shrubs and perennials and a large central fountain, was inspired by Monet; it has supplied the castle with fresh fruit and vegetables for centuries. The Nature Trail offers spectacular trees planted by the 13^th Earl in 1870; many are among the tallest of their species in Scotland.

Abbotsford House Gardens: The gardens at Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, could come straight out of one of the famed writer’s historical romances. The South Court includes fabulous Gothic details. The Morris Garden is a sunken garden with old roses and peonies among the paths. The Walled Garden, where Scott grew his fruits and vegetables, includes a rare glass house. Visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the River Tweed, flowing along the scenic border region between Scotland and England.

Mount Stuart House Gardens: Mount Stuart House on Scotland’s Isle of Bute is an innovative Victorian home inspired by astrology, art, and mythology. The 300 acres of gardens include collections of global significance, with plants that have been introduced over centuries. The mix includes unexpected tropical plants, winding woodlands, and The Pinetum, home to more than 800 towering conifers. It’s all set against the striking Firth of Clyde.

©*Blarney Castle and Gardens*
*Courtesy Blarney Castle and Garden*s

Blarney Castle and Gardens: Ireland’s Blarney Castle is famed for its legendary stone that bestows the gift of the gab, but visitors shouldn’t miss the 60 acres of gardens and arboretums. They are full of surprises, including the Carnivorous Courtyard, with plants that lure their victims with colorful leaves and pungent scents only to trap them with glue or tentacles. The Poison Garden includes plants that are used in modern medicines. The Rock Close is said to be the site of an ancient Druidic settlement.

*Irish National Stud and Gardens*
©*Failte Ireland*
*Courtesy Failte Ireland*

Irish National Stud and Gardens: Located in the heart of Ireland’s horse country in County Kildare, the National Stud is the home of thoroughbred champions. The gardens are equally winning, with a splendidly serene Japanese garden that traces the journey of a soul from birth to the beyond. St. Fiachra’s Garden, named for the patron saint of gardeners, was inspired by the lives of medieval monks; it is designed with a focus on rocks and water to create a tranquil atmosphere for reflection and contemplation.

About CIE Tours

Travel with CIE Tours, the premier tour operator into Ireland and Britain – offering dozens of expertly crafted vacations to Ireland and Britain to suit every travel style and taste, from the camaraderie of coach tours and custom group travel to a variety of independent adventures, small group tours and personalized private driver experiences.  See CIETours.com for more information.

Noreen Bowden is the Content Manager for CIE Tours. She is a writer and editor who has lived and worked in Ireland and traveled extensively throughout Ireland and Britain.

The images above are being shared solely for the promotion of CIE Tours and may not be used or distributed for any other purpose.

Germany’s Wood Wide Web

By: Ralf Korbner of SITA World Tours

About 30 percent of German lands are tree covered. Germans have long had a mythological identification with their forests.  In German literature, the forest has often been portrayed as a place of happiness and contentment where people feel protected from social pressures and the chaos of everyday life.  

Hermann Hesse comments: “A longing to wander tears my heart when I hear trees rustling in the wind at evening. If one listens to them silently for a long time, this longing reveals its kernel, its meaning. It is not so much a matter of escaping from one’s suffering, though it may seem to be so. It is a longing for home, for a memory of the mother, for new metaphors for life. It leads home.”  

Prussian poet Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff expressed how the forest embodied freedom and the idea of home: “Gentle rustling in the treetops – Little birds flying afar – Springs bursting from silent peaks – Tell me where my homeland lies.” 

Towards the end of the 18th century, Romanticism became a dominant theme in poetry, painting and music including in the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. The forest is the stage: Little Red Riding Hood meets the Wolf, Hansel and Gretel are abandoned, four mistreated animals become the Town Musicians of Bremen. German Romanticism also stylized the forest as a symbol of unity. The forest is more than the sum of its trees. It is a central part of German identity and culture that today is becoming a defining symbol of a sustainable future.

Fast Forward:

Wood Wide Web is a term Canadian research scientist and professor of forestry Suzanne Simard first coined twenty-five years ago. Simard tells us that trees communicate with each other. She describes how they are interconnected, send each other messages and she speaks about the prominence of all important mother trees.

Simard and the German forester Peter Wohlleben are on the forefront of a much-needed new understanding of how trees live, and forests thrive. A few years ago, Wohlleben described the Hidden Life of Trees in his New York Times bestseller.

Modern Germans understand that the mystical and religious connection of their long-ago forbearers, who believed their Gods resided in tree groves, is today the very practical knowledge that healthy forests are needed for our survival.

Four experiences of many available:

Sixty miles south-east of Berlin is the Spree Forest, a water meadow setting that has managed to stay largely natural in spite of centuries of human activity. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Spree Forest Biosphere Reserve mixes a mosaic of meadows, fields and forests with waterways. Ideal for a variety of plant and wildlife, a visit also highlights the customs and traditional costumes of the Slavic Sorbs minority living here. One-day or multiple-day visits can be included in any itinerary. The area and waterways allow for bikes, canoe or very enjoyable, traditional Spree Forest barge travel.

Some fifty-five miles south-west of Cologne (35 miles from Bonn) we will find the Waldakademie (forest academy) Wohlleben in the small town of Wershofen. The aforementioned Wohlleben is Germany’s tree whisperer. His academy provides guided tours and overnight adventures in the protected, adjacent forest reserve familiarizing the visitor with the emerging understanding of how trees communicate with each other through their root- network, warn and protect each other from danger, and look after their off-spring. 

The town of Neuschoenau, some thirty-five miles from Passau, puts you at the center of the Bayerischer Wald. Munich is under three car hours to the south. Here the woodland of beech, spruce and fir is densely packed with tall trees, wild and ancient. However, it is accessible offering many hiking paths and even a treetop walkway with gorgeous views of the surrounding Bavarian landscape.

The UNESCO World Heritage site Hainich Forest, twenty miles from Eisenach of Luther and Wartburg fame, features the last remaining central European beech forest. The forest offers miles of hiking paths, a canopy walk and horseback riding. During winter one can take horse drawn sleigh rides. And there are guided tours available, explaining every aspect of the forest and how care is taken to safeguard its continued health.

Find your dream vacation to Germany with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/germany

About the author: Growing up on a horse ranch in Germany with a younger brother, two cousins and lots of animals, travel was part of our annual family rhythm as long as I can remember. Summers were spent in Italy or Spain, winters in Austria for skiing and there were trips to the Baltic Sea or along the Rhine and Mosel with visits to castles and towns along those rivers. After graduating from high school on an island in the North Sea and while a university student in Germany, friends and I drove all over Europe during summer vacations. Those trips also included Turkey, Morocco and several of the countries then still behind the Iron Curtain. I became a member of the travel industry community after completing my studies at a California university. Visits to countries in Asia, Africa and travel in Australia and New Zealand have since broadened my geographic and cultural knowledge.

Living the Outdoor Life in Finland

By Mila Kickert, Product Manager Northern/Central Europe, Avanti Destinations

Nature is practically the national religion of Finland.

If you don’t know this sparsely populated, little-touristed Nordic country that sits between Sweden and Russia, you owe it to yourself to get familiar with it, especially if you love nature.  There is no other place like it.

No matter what the season, Finland gives you plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities: hiking, trekking, biking, cross country skiing, ice skating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, Husky and reindeer sledding, snowshoeing, fishing, bear-watching, and picking wild mushrooms and berries while strolling through its nearly 50 million acres of forests. Since we’re talking numbers – there are more than 180,000 lakes in Finland. “Land of 1,000 Lakes” is an understatement.

You’ll be happy to know that most Finns speak excellent English – because who in the world is going to learn to speak Finnish? It’s a complex language completely unrelated to any other, except Estonian and Hungarian. With so many Finns speaking English – and eager to practice – it’s easy for Americans to get around.  Finland also has an excellent road system if you want to rent a car, as well as a great public transportation system and good air connections between destinations. Keep in mind that if you rent a car, gas is quite expensive compared to the US –  like most other countries.

Because of its extreme northern latitude, you can also experience two natural phenomena in Finland. Between October and March, when the days are short and the nights are long, you can see the Northern Lights or aurora borealis, that spectacular kinetic light show dancing in the night sky. In the late spring through the summer, you have the wonderful long days of the Midnight Sun, when the darkest it gets in the middle of the night is like twilight. For two months in the far north, enjoy “White Nights” when the sun does not set at all.

The only thing as sacred to Finns as being active outdoors is relaxing from all that exertion in a real Finnish sauna – which usually involves several dips in rivers, lakes or the sea in water that can be quite – shall we say, invigorating? In the winter, Finns cut holes in the ice to take a quick swim after a sauna. I personally am sold on saunas, and saunayoga – the best way to relax after hiking, skiing or kayaking or whatever you want to put your body through.

For those seeking some adventure, one of my favorite places is Lapland – specifically Ruka and Kuusamo, near Oulanka National Park. When I visited in February we “hunted” for the Northern Lights by snowshoe one evening, by a sled pulled by huskies the next.  During the day, we went cross country skiing, and successfully tried ice fishing.  On a subsequent trip during June, there were so many things to do: we canoed, went whitewater rafting, rode fat-tire bikes on forest trails, fished for brown trout in a nearby river, patiently watched for bears, and picked wild berries – blueberries, lingonberries and

Ah – heaven. No wonder Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the past four years!

Since 1981, Avanti Destinations has been selling independent travel products and custom-crafted vacations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Central and South America. The Portland, Oregon-based wholesale tour operator offers a wide range of FIT components to travel agents only, including air, rail, rental cars, hotels, sightseeing/attractions, transfers, and hard-to-find experiential travel options.  Avanti specializes in hand-picked, locally-owned hotels in both large and small cities and in connecting all the pieces of complex, multi-destination itineraries. The company also creates complete packages for custom groups of 15-100 passengers.

For more information: https://book.avantidestinations.com

Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle

By YMT Vacations

Iceland’s Golden Circle is one of the world’s most impressive day trips. The route from Reyjkavic to Iceland’s three biggest attractions highlights the dramatic natural beauty of the rugged island nation, connecting geysers, waterfalls, and the collision point of two vast continents. With countless sightseeing opportunities and dining options along the way, the Golden Circle has something for everyone.

What Is the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is an extremely popular daytrip from Reyjkavik. The 190-mile scenic route to three of Iceland’s most iconic attractions is most often travelled clockwise, stopping at Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and then the Gullfoss Waterfall. Almost 2 million people toured the Golden Circle in 2019. The majority of visitors come during the relatively dry summer, when temperatures hover just above 50℉. Tours of the Golden Circle last all day, and include sites beyond just the main three.

Can’t-Miss Attractions

The official Golden Circle route is made up of just these three stops, which are easily accessible and spectacularly beautiful. They’re essential for a reason.

Thingvellir National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is in the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It is one of few places on earth where tectonic plates are visible above ground. This is also where Iceland’s early settlers created the world’s first parliament in the year 930. Snap a gorgeous picture at Öxarárfos Falls, or at a viewing area where both plates are visible at once.

Geysir Geothermal Area

See hot springs, gurgling mud pots, and the natural spectacle of geysers. You’re virtually guaranteed to witness Strokkur Geyser erupt, as it has been shooting superheated, highly pressurized water up to 130-feet in the air every ten minutes since 1963. A short walk to the peak of nearby Mt. Laugarfjall provides incredible views and photo opportunities of the geothermal area to one side, and the sprawling Haukadalur Valley to the other.

Gullfoss Waterfall

The glacial water of Gullfoss Waterfall thunders more than 100 feet down two spectacular drops. When the sun is out, the water itself can light up in a dazzling shade of gold, appropriate given Gullfoss’ literal translation of “Golden Waterfall.”

Other Must-See Stops

Hot springs, colorful craters, and miles of idyllic countryside line the route of the Golden Circle, and shouldn’t be missed.

Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is the country’s oldest geothermal swimming pool. Dating back to 1891, the warm, healing waters come from nearby hot springs and Litli Geyser, which erupts several times an hour to the delight of bathing guests. Come here to relax like a true Icelander.

Kerid Crater

Kerid Craster is a volcanic caldera made up of red and orange lava rocks with a bright blue lake in its center. A magnificent contrast in colors, the stunning oval-shaped natural feature was formed nearly 7,000 years ago.

Where to Eat on the Golden Circle?

All this sightseeing is bound to work up your appetite. Thankfully, there are plenty of stops you can make on the road. For breakfast before leaving Reykjavik, stop by the brightly colored Braud & Co., and order one of their world-famous cinnamon buns. In between Thingvellir and Geysir, the Efstidalur Farm’s restaurant is a welcome sight. Family run, the centuries-old farm grows and raises much of what they serve guests, including the fresh cream that makes Efstidalur’s ice cream such a treat.

Take a Guided Golden Circle Tour

If the magnificent Golden Circle, a highlight of the perfectly named “Land of Fire and Ice” appeals to you, we suggest taking a guided tour with YMT Vacations. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sites of the Golden Circle, as well as black sand beaches, a geothermal greenhouse and horse farm, the Reyjkanes Peninsula, and more on Enchanting Iceland. We will take care of all the details, leaving you free to enjoy a dream Icelandic vacation.

YMT Vacations has been providing affordable guided tours for mature travelers since 1967. Our guided cruise and land tours, to destinations around the globe, are designed with value in mind. By thoughtfully bringing together each separate element of your vacation, we can guarantee you the best price and an easy, worry-free trip. Visit ymtvacations.com to learn more!