Movember and Different Traditions Masai – the giant spring ear contortionists! These fascinating people have many dances (of which I may have tried to start a trend in some hot spot clubs). The most famous of these, is when they leap as high as they can into the air. This is done as a sign of strength and stamina as tribal warriors, or perhaps back in the days of Gondwanaland they lived closely with kangaroos? They are traditionally a semi nomadic tribe, and live almost entirely off their cattle. Their version of custard is something that should be entered in “fear factor” next year, a mixture of blood and milk, which is then curdled! Yummy! The Masai pierce and stretch their earlobes. In fact, their earlobe holes can get so big that they are able to wrap them over the top of their ear. Ear contortionists of note! Visit the Masai on a Rift Valley Wildlife tour Uros – the gingerbread men Uros are pre-Incan people who live on about forty man-made floating reed islands in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (about 3,800m above sea level). They were originally built as a defense mechanism, as they are movable, and some also say it was to avoid the steep land taxes from the Incas! Can’t catch me I’m the gingerbread man! Everything in their world is made of reeds which grow in the lake. Boats, houses, watch towers and even the islands themselves! The dense roots that the plants develop and interweave, form a natural cork (about one to two meters thick). Square chunks of this “root cork”, are then cut out, and tied together. On top of this simple puzzle, about 2m of alternating aligned reeds are placed on top of each other to form a soft ground, and voila you have your very own little island. Please do not try this at home folks. Discover the Uros Islands on a Peru Adventure Xa Pho – The human Nightingales Their language is said to sound like birds singing. The Xa Pho community are more close than a close knit stitch (forgive me for failing to know the name, I am from the .com generation)! If a family has no food, they can visit their neighbours for every meal. If both families have no food, they will go to another family together. When no one in the village has any food, they all go to find fruit and vegetables in the forest, and when a family kills a chicken or a pig, everyone in the village can come to have some without an invitation. I guess we are kind of the same but on a smaller scale with Halloween? Although in general they have a friendly open home atmosphere, the doors are strictly closed after a women gives birth, and strangers are prevented from coming into the house. The family either hang a hat on a pillar in front of their house, or use a blackened pilllar with leafy branches attached to warn people away. A name-giving ceremony is carried out 12 days later, when two names are given to the new born - one is used in a normal situation, and other when worshiping the ancestors and being worshipped after death. Meet the Xa Pho tribe on a Northern Vietnam Trek back to top

Pride of Africa

Once agian all I can say is that Mwangi and patrick probably had alot to do with my overall experince. They were very friendly and informed a real joy to be around. Mwangi's knowledge of Africa was extensive and informative and patrick's driving skills were incredible. They always had smiles amd were very personable, patient, and always tried to make things go smoothly which they did for the most part (they had no control over the weather). All and all I still get goosebumps thinking about my adventure and al;ways will.

The whole trip was a nonstop highlight, what an incredible journey. Highlights were the African people, Gorillas, Masi Mari, Ngorongoro Crater, all the wildlife, and probably the single most incredible thing I have ever done which was the Lion walk.

Todd Johnston

Todd travelled to Africa on The Pride of Africa tour 

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New Tours in Indonesia

The ever expanding Kumuka are now offering some fabulous tours in Indonesia!

We have 2 tours to kick off with, both of which start and end in Bali. Arrival / departure airport is Denpasar International Airport, transfers and domestic flights are included.

ASID1 – Komodo Kayaking Adventure – 11 days

Introduction: This 11 day tour leaving from Bali is a unique and rewarding way to experience one of the most pristine National Park areas of Indonesia - by sea kayaking through tropical archipelagos and searching for the world’s largest living lizard, the Komodo Dragon. Starting on the bustling island of Bali, we spend a day getting to know the culture and beauty of this popular destination before flying off to the remote Komodo National Park. Here we paddle our way (no experience necessary!) through crystal clear waters and over untouched tropical reefs, stopping to visit the friendly locals, snorkel in the warm waters and explore pristine beaches. We spend a day discovering the island of Flores and visiting stunning waterfalls, swimming in rock pools and canyons, and trekking through forest before returning to Bali. SCUBA diving can also be arranged for those with a diving licence.

ASFID1 – Save the Orang Utan Family Adventure – 8 days

Introduction: An 8 day adventure like no other to the Indonesian Tanjung Puting National Park, where we have the rare opportunity to see and interact with the Orang Utan, one of our closest relatives. These magnificent creatures are in danger of becoming extinct and on this tour we visit two wildlife sanctuaries where they are trying to save these animals by maintaining their eco-systems and aiding in their re-habilitation. Beginning in Bali, we spend a day getting to know the culture and beauty of this popular destination. We then fly out to the Indonesian side of the Island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Here our accommodation is on board a traditional river boat and we cruise the river systems searching for the many forms of wildlife abundant in this region. This life changing experience will leave you with a life-long desire to help these creatures overcome the many pressures which threaten their existence.

We can arrange pre / post tour accommodation in Seminyak, Bali at The Breezes Bali Resort and Spa.

Exciting Changes to Papua New Guinea Tour

We have replaced the AUPNG1 Kokoda tour with a slightly revised AUPNG2 Kokoda Track – which is now live on the website and is cheaper than the previous tour. Click here for tour details.

The tour is 10 days instead of 11 and is led by a Local Papua New Guinea Guide. All clients will be given a copy of the “Kokoda A Field Guide” by Bill James to give additional information on all the historical aspects of the trek.

Group porters are included to carry equipment eg tents etc - but many trekkers prefer to carry their own pack and so personal porters are not included but are available as an option.

Our dossier includes details on what to pack and fitness training recommended prior to the trek. An info document will also be sent to clients once they confirm so that they are well prepared.

Gorilla Trekking Permits Reduced

Gorilla trekking permit costs have been reduced in all currencies except the USD, for further information please contact jackie@kumuka.com or your nearest travel agent. Click here for Gorilla Trek Information.

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Travel Tip of The Month

Don’t wait for your friends to book

Months ago, I had an idea germinate upon the horizon, to begin planning a nice getaway for New Years, to “get the worm” and good accommodation for our buck (yes in Zimbabwe we barter everything by impala, kudu etc. I may be telling a mild fib there).

I did a bit of research and suggested Victoria Falls to my mates, as there is a massive (by Zimbabwean standards anyways) 2 day concert with semi-famous people happening there! I was shut down by the lack of enthusiasm from everyone, too scared to make a commitment cause they weren’t sure if it would be “the in thing”! I decided to leave the idea for a while, mildly injured by the stubborn brick wall I had run into, and wait for someone else to come up with an idea. Twenty seven guesses what happened...

A few months later, with nothing but a futile drawing board, I said to myself, “self, stuff it, let’s just organise this trip, even if I end up Norman No Mates”. No sooner did I say right I AM going to the Falls and if anyone wants in let me know asap. Suddenly everyone jumped around like frogs on a hot plate, and I have now had to organise a place to stay for a group of 22!

Being so close to the actual event, all decent cheap accommodation was sold out, and I had to make 1257 calls to try find a half reasonable place/cost. If I had just done this months before instead of waiting around for my friends I would be paying half the amount I am paying now!

So my advice to you all, is if you decide you want to go to a destination, don’t hang around waiting for your friends to get their act into gear. Choose a trip and book it. Once you have done so, they can always book on at a later date if they change their mind. If the spaces are all gone, then you would have missed out on the trip to! Travelling alone is actually probably one of the greatest experiences I have ever had anyways! JUST BOOK IT!

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Brendan's Blog

Every place has its own charm and character

I’m not one to knock a city, or any destination for that matter. I believe that every place has its own charm and character. It’s just that some places you have to dig a little deeper to find these attractions; whereas the vibrancy of other cities just jumps out at you. Lima, unfortunately for most tourists, falls more in category A than B.

However, Peru’s capital is full of gorgeous architecture. The streets are walled by brilliant buildings dating well back into the colonial time period. However, a city’s character generally doesn’t lie within the stone pillars of its buildings but rather in the heart and soul of its people. So where do the citizens of Lima go on their own time? Parque de las Aguas.

To read the rest of this article please click here

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LATE DEALS

Check out the fantastic late deals on the following departures:

SA015 Altiplano Explorer
15 Days - Departs: 16 Jan 11
Countries Visited: Chile - Bolivia

SA011 Andes to Coast
21 Days - Departs: 30 Jan 11
Countries Visited: Bolivia - Peru

SA22 Coastal Express
14 Days - Departs: 30 Dec 10
Countries Visited: Bolivia - Chile

SA5 Essence of The Andes
35 Days - Departs: 09 Dec 10
Countries Visited: Peru - Bolivia - Chile

SA3 Inca Heights
21 Days - Departs: 09 Dec 10
Countries Visited: Peru - Bolivia

SA014 Latin Discoverer
35 Days - Departs: 16 Jan 11
Countries Visited: Chile - Bolivia - Peru

SA010 Latin Explorer
56 Days - Departs: 16 Jan 11
Countries Visited: Chile - Bolivia - Peru - Ecuador

SA013 Northern Adventure
42 Days - Departs: 30 Jan 11
Countries Visited: Bolivia - Peru - Ecuador

SA29N Patagonia High Road with 4 Day Navimag Cruise
51 Days - Departs: 09 Jan 11
Countries Visited: Chile - Argentina - Uruguay - Brazil

SA030 Patagonian Horizons
21 Days - Departs: 13 Dec 10
Countries Visited: Argentina - Chile

SA25N Pure Patagonia with 4 day Navimag Cruise
30 Days - Departs: 09 Jan 11
Countries Visited: Chile - Argentina

AF1307 The Southern Star
21 Days - Departs: 19 Dec 10
Countries Visited: South Africa - Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe

AF13R Victoria Falls to The Cape
21 Days - Departs: 12 Dec 10
Countries Visited: Zimbabwe - Botswana - Namibia - South Africa

For more great special offers and late deals click here >

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It is not down in any map; true places never are

Herman Melville - American novelist

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Contact Us:

email: adventuretours@kumuka.com website: www.kumuka.com