Dear Kumuka Traveller

I have just returned from a discovery trip to Fiji with Helen Dwyer, our head of operations, plus my husband and son (a two year old Kumuka veteran). In a destination where you expect to take it slowly and dwell in an island resort, we were surprised and delighted to find ourselves up to our armpits in adventurous activities, stunning mountainous and island scenery, friendly locals and off the beaten track locations, OK we also indulged in just a bit of beach life… as they say...” when in Fiji”.

Helen is now frantically putting the finishing touches on our Asia and Family Adventures brochures which will boast new tours in Australia and New Zealand. To keep up to date with our ever evolving product range, keep your eye on this page www.kumuka.com/New-Tours.aspx

Happy travels
Meg Hall

Only in America!

There is no doubt that America is a colourful destination, politically, historically, musically, geographically, socially, culturally and the list goes on.

Most of the world knows America through Hollywood and the news, sensationalized and extreme, a skewed perception if you speak to the man on the street. You won’t find everyone driving in Hummers, adopting multiple children from foreign countries, carrying a Chihuahua instead of a handbag or waving an American flag every time someone says ‘Presidential Election”.

On the ground you’ll find a theme of grounded friendly charm and a good sense of humour in the American people and soon learn that there is a quieter side to American life. That said you’ll soon be jolted back into sensational territory as you visit some amazing geographical sites. There is nothing quite like travelling to a country to really get to know it and America is no exception!

Did you know… that the state of Utah is home to one of the best examples of entrenched river meanders in the world? “What is an entrenched river meander”, I hear you ask? Well according to Wikipedia “An entrenched river is a river that is confined to a canyon or gorge, usually with a relatively narrow width and little or no flood plain, and often with meanders worn into the landscape”. Goosenecks State Park (visited on the Kumuka Canyons and Parks tour) offers a spectacular view of this phenomenon.

For more information on Kumuka Worldwide’s new small group North America program including Canada and Alaska visit our website.

Back to top

Meet Steve Murphy - Sales Manager USA/Canada.

A Kumuka addict, we just can’t get rid of Steve! After many years already in the travel industry Steve started with Kumuka Worldwide as a consultant in the Sydney office then left for the exotic climes of Central America where he worked for Kumuka as a tour leader, love then got the better of Steve so he moved to the USA and married his beau. He can now be found talking his way around North America about the 50+ countries he has visited, on 6 continents around the world, in his role as Sales Manager for Kumuka Worldwide.

In Steve’s words.

If I had one free flight and tour to any where in the world Id go to: Russia and travel on the Trans Siberian Railway followed by, Antarctica and East Africa. This flight is around the world right??

The thing I like most about adventure travel is: It lets you feel like you are a part of where you are and where you are travelling to.

If I was holding a travel theme dinner party... I wouldn’t cook, I'd get the guys from the Colonial Club in Huanchaco Peru to come and cook, best food this side of the Andes

My favorite foreign drink is… Cerveza of course!

Back to top

• Special Offers - fantastic discounts available.
• Late Deals - last minute offers.
• Early Deals - the early bird gets the worm.

Back to top

This Month's Facts

• Orangutans warn people to stay out of their territory by belching.
• Mosquito's are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
• A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out
  

Back to top

Dear Kumuka

Who would have thought that so many kings were called Ramesses? And to add to it Ramesses II was narcissistic. Royalty… makes you wonder if it’s something they are born with it. Did you know that he has built larger than life idols of himself all over the country?

And the century before that the only ever female Pharaoh faced up to the men of her time by ruling for 20 years! Yes it was an eye opener and one of the most wonderful experiences of my life!

The cruising on the Nile broke up the history lessons perfectly. And the markets! All those beautiful colours….all that shopping… Paradise. If you can’t get to the market the market comes to you. Yes it’s true, there we were sipping our evening tea on the cruise boat deck only to be interrupted by locals on their own little boats selling us linen and table cloths. They just put it in a plastic bag and threw it up to us! Buy it or throw it back. That’s what I call a salesman.

Thank you Kumuka, I wish we learnt history like this in school. And of-course thank you Mohamed (that’s almost every man is Egypt!)

Natalia Banks

Natalia travelled on Kumuka’s Oases and Pharaohs tour.

Send your post card to Kumuka

Back to top

Dear Kumuka,

Africa rocked my world! From the wild animals, to the amazing and changing scenery, to the people and their happiness despite what little they might have, the enthusiasm to which Africans share their culture and to last but not least the tour leaders... Rene, Nicho, Lawrence, Justin, James, Karen... all so helpful, fun and fantastic!

Aneeta!

Rock your world on the same tour that Aneeta travelled on, African Contrasts.

Back to top

Safari Survival

When travelling to Africa don’t forget to pack…

• Binoculars – a good pair of binoculars are invaluable if you want to see all those amazing animals up close and personal.
• Camera & excellent zoom lens - to capture those moments and make all your friends jealous on your return (also remember a battery charger, spare card or film).
• Anti bacterial hand wash or antiseptic wipes – priceless for those dusty, dirty moments.
• Sunglasses – if you wear prescription, take a spare pair.
• Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Insect Repellent – wear it religiously, from dusk until dawn. Cover your arms and legs at these times too, make sure they are high factor and double strength.
• Wide Brimmed Hat - to shade you from the sun.
• Light weight waterproof jacket - in case of a sudden shower
• A Good Book – I suggest “Whatever You Do, Don't Run” an adventure of a Botswana safari guide.
• Warm Jacket - For the early morning and evening game drives as it tends to get a bit chilly.
• Small First Aid Kit & Small maglight or torch.
• Water Bottle - it’s thirsty work.
• Gifts - A small supply of pens/pencils are an excellent gift for local children but never give them out without consulting an adult, or your guide first, we try to avoid fueling the begging mentality in Africa.
• A sense of humor - remember, it won't be like home!
• An open mind is the essential ingredient to enjoy the home to the big five and all that a Kumuka safari (Swahili for ‘journey’) has to offer.

Take your survival skills to Africa with Kumuka.

Back to top