Kumuka Venture, September 2006, The best destinations in South America

Dear Traveller

We’re all very excited in the land of Kumuka as our new brochures are getting set for print. We’ve got new and improved itineraries, tours and prices that remain as competitive as ever. However you don’t need to wait for the brochure to be released to find out what’s new; just visit www.kumuka.com as all tours are posted the minute the itineraries have been finalised. Don’t wait for snail mail to venture a little further, when everything you need to know is already online!

In this month’s Venture, Andrew Lange gives us the low down on the hot spots in South America, Christine writes in fresh from the Asian Explorer, Michelle is chilling on Zanzibar and we hear from Tom Song in China.

Happy Travels
Meg Hall

General Manager
Kumuka Worldwide

Our old favourite Andrew Lang (ex South America) writes in!

Hi, I am a South African who spent the last 2 years driving a big blue Kumuka truck around Latin America.
In that time, I lost count of the number of people who asked me: which is my favourite country?

I am always glad to promptly reply: "South Africa". However of course the question is about the continent of Latin America. And it is a good question, because there are so many tours out there, and they all look like great fun, so how do you know which is the one for you? Well the reply I give is "all of them". And it is the truth. I absolutely cannot choose one above another. Every country has a unique and interesting character and experience. To help you decide where to go, I will introduce them as follows:

ECUADOR
This is the fun, active country. Tropical forests, rivers and outdoor activities. Very good to bond with
your fellow travellers, as generally smaller groups travel here.

PERU
Peru has everything. From beaches, to mountains, desert to jungle, cultural ruins to modern shopping. No surprises that it is the most popular destination of them all.

BOLIVIA
Real adventurers will love Bolivia. A country of extremes. From freezing high altitudes to sweaty
jungles. You should be prepared to rough it more than the rest. This is the untamed Andean kingdom. Photographers will never be bored.

CHILE
Chile is another country with everything for the outdoor enthusiast. Here you will never be without something to do. From climbing mountains, to rafting rivers. It is also a country of extremes: temperature, distance, altitude, wind.

ARGENTINA
Looking for a gentle introduction to Latin America. Look no further. Beautiful, friendly people, easy travelling, fantastic food & amazing natural beauty. Argentina is where you would consider living.

BRASIL
The sun seems to shine here 365 days a year. Exotic beaches, tropical wildlife, jungles and parties. You'll never forget the food, and most of all, you'll never stop drinking the caparinhias!!!

So where do you go???

Remember to consider Latin America in 2 halves:
1. Andean Latin America includes Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia. This is where you will see villages, children peering out of mud huts, llamas and locals dressed in traditional clothing.
2. The more westernised Latin America includes Chile, Argenina and Brasil. These countries will suit the outdoor & adventure traveller, who enjoys partying. The natural attractions from mountains & waterfalls to wildlife are what will bring you here...

So although I can't tell you which are my favourite countries, if pushed I would recommend these top 3 attractions:

1) The Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
2) Iguazu Falls, Brasil/Argentina
3) Macchu Pichu, Peru

There are so many more... go and find them yourself.
My top tip is this: After you have booked your trip, RELAAAXXXX and go with the flow. Nothing can ruin your trip more than expectation. Just forget about what lies ahead and be pleasantly suprised!!

Enjoy!
Andrew :)

To visit South America with Kumuka click here

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Greetings from Zanzibar!

I’ve been hot, I’ve been thirsty, I’ve been down and out an dirty, but more than anything I’ve been completely blown away! Travelling north through Africa in a big blue Kumuka truck has been nothing short of life changing. I’d never camped before I came to Africa – what a place to start! Africa is raw (though there are more amenities in the campsites than I actually expected) it has been fantastic to just get back to basics and forget all the luxuries we call necessities back home.

I’ve managed to see the big 5! Yes first time in Africa and they’re all ticked off. The game parks have been just amazing! The culture in Africa is so different to home, they have nothing yet they seem so happy! The children run around in rags with huge smiles on their faces, pushing tyres as toys and waving madly as we go by. The women are always laughing and joking, the men walk around hand in hand – no they’re not gay.

I’m currently chilling out on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, I have washed the dust from my body and chilled… Now I’m rested, I cant wait to get back on the road.

If I could say what I have learnt from my trip to Africa it is that I need to shed my life from clutter, basics are best. I have never felt more content than I do now.

Kwaheri
Michelle Deitey

Michelle Travelled on Kumuka Worldwide’s East Africa Express

Do you have a postcard you wish to send us? Email Meg

Lights camera action…

The one thing you will be sure to pack on holiday is a good camera.

Here is our list of basic camera tips to help you prepare.

• For culture and wildlife shots ensure you take a good zoom lens, your subject won’t always be up close and personal.

• For scenery and architecture shots a good wide angle lens is a God send.

• Put a UV filter on your lens for protection.

• Ensure you pack good cleaning equipment for your camera; it can get dusty on the road in some destinations.

• Pack extra memory cards (or film), you will take more photos than you assume.

• Back up your photos on the way if you can, some internet café’s have disc burning facilities.

• Ensure you pack the correct international adaptor (all good electrical stores can advise you on this) to recharge batteries for your camera and video camera you will be able to recharge batteries in the most unexpected places, but don’t take that for granted – think ahead.

• Take extra battery for back up.

• If you have waterproof housing and plan a trip in the wet, don’t forget to pack it.

• Swap email addresses at the end and share photos when you get home.

Meet Tom Song, Kumuka Guide, South China

Having lead tours for over 5 years, Tom Song is a proud Chinese National. His favourite pass time is leading people through his colourful and mysterious home land in southwest China. Watching their satisfied smiles, he says, is incredibly rewarding! After 5 years of working in the mountains, in the forest and in the town in all different situations has made Tom Song as hardy as a camel!

In his own words

Tiger leaping gorge trekking in Shangri-la Yunnan is really one of the most unforgettable tours for me.

Try to imagine: Standing on top of the mountain watching people walking under your feet just like a group of ants, the tender wind blows on your sweaty shoulders and face and every part
of your tired body.

Try to imagine: Sitting on a Chinese style yard with an icy cold beer, watching the pure and holy snow mountain right in front of you.

Every time these images burn in my mind, I always want to go back to the gorge with my people, because if you share your happiness with
others, you will get twice as much as you can feel it. So, join me. It's time to share nature.

• Lions cannot roar until they reach the age of two.

• The fastest running bird is the Ostrich, which has been clocked at 97.5 kilometres per hour.

• Gorilla's have unique nose prints just as humans have unique fingerprints.

• In Europe a hamlet is a village without a church and a town is not a city until it has a cathedral.

• Damascus, Syria, was flourishing a couple of thousand years before Rome was founded in 753 BC, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in existence.

Returning from Africa Pedro writes in.

Dear Kumuka,

I have just finished the Asian Explorer tour through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. It was an absolutely fantastic trip. Extremely well organised with lots to see and do. I had the best time on this trip made all the better by a fantastic tour leader, Kerry thanks for everything. Met lots of amazing people on this trip and would recommend it to anyone with the time to do it, such a worthwhile experience; I will definitely be travelling with Kumuka again, already looking into a few trips. Thank you for a great holiday.

Christine

Check out Kumuka Worldwide’s Asian Explorer tour.

Click here and speak to an expert.

Kumuka Worldwide has been one of the leading specialists in adventure travel for the last 23 years. Our successful operation spans six continents, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe and Asia where we operate exciting tours renowned for their quality and reliability. Our combined expertise and experience adds new scope to the destinations and styles of trips available throughout the world. Together with the accumulative knowledge of our enthusiastic staff we are able to map out itineraries to 57 countries.

Our clients tend to be between 18 and 45 with the average age being 28. It is however attitude that is more important than age and we do take some clients over 45 if the style of travel suits them. In general our clients are professionals with 65% travelling solo.

www.kumuka.com - for more information on the ultimate adventure.