TNT Destination Features - Issue 3

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PLUS:PLUS: MARRAKESH MARRAKESH EGYPTEGYPT AFRICA OVERLANDING AFRICA OVERLANDING SOUTH AMERICASOUTH AMERICA UNITED STATES BREAKS UNITED STATES BREAKS THE BEST OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALANDTHE BEST OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

TOP SIXTOP SIX

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EGYPTIN THE FOOTSTEPSOF THE PHARAOHS

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tntmagazine.com/destinations

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Welcome to TNT’s Destinations Afar supplement, in which we’re

focusing on unforgettable

long-haul adventures.

From shopping in the

colourful souks of exotic

Marrakesh to taking

a felucca ride on the mighty

Nile, we have identified

some of the world’s best

travel experiences.

Escape the established

routes in South America,

with our guide to spots that

are off the beaten track.

Be amazed at herds of

wild elephants in the

Serengeti and goggle at

awesome sights like the

Victoria Falls on an overland

trip through Africa.

For ideas on a fun-filled

city break, read our guide to

the United States. From San

Francisco’s characterful

neighbourhoods to the

sizzling nightlife of New

Orleans, it’s impossible to

get bored across the pond.

If you’re on the hunt

for unique culture, top

tucker and white-knuckle

adventures, make a beeline

for Australia and New

Zealand – but be sure to

read our stopovers feature

for some fabulous

suggestions on where to

break that long journey

down south.

Happy travelling!

The Destinations team

Deputy editor Samantha Baden Subs Jahn Vannisselroy, Laura Adcock Travel editor Janine Kelso Contributing writers Tom Sturrock, Daniel Landon, Frankie Mullin Art director Shabir Mahmood Picture editor Shila Sultana Head of production Libby West Production manager Jon Cooke Sales Steve Warman, Tyler Harrison, Matt SyderFinancial director Nick Crampton CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken HurstPrinted by St Ives Web Ltd Distribution by Emblem Direct Ltd Published by TNT Publishing Ltd 14-15 Child’s Place, London SW5 9RX Enquiries +44 (0)20 7373 3377; +44 (0)1603 343267 Email [email protected] Fax +44 (0)20 7341 6600

WELCOME LETTERcontents

6 COME TO AMERICATick off five of the most

interesting cities in the

United States

10 SUPER STOPOVERSFantastic places for a break

on your way to Australia

and New Zealand

16 BOAT PARTYDiscover Egypt while

drifting on a felucca along

the mighty Nile

20 LATIN FEVERGet off the beaten track in

South America for an

adventure of a lifetime

24 AFRICA OVERLANDDiscover cultures and

wildlife on a journey through

iconic African landscapes

28 BIG ADVENTUREHead to the Antipodes for

exquisite scenery, delicious

food and a brilliant time

4 SOUKS AND THE CITYShoe shopping mayhem

in the colour and chaos

of Marrakesh

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SOUKS AND THE CITYIn Morocco’s cultural capital, even shopping for shoes is an adventure steeped in colour and chaos WORDS TOM STURROCK

T he square at the heart of Marrakesh,

Djemaa el Fna, is a hive of

restaurants, shops and street

entertainers. Snake charmers sit beneath

umbrellas, and leashed monkeys scour the

pavements for unguarded fruit. Motorbikes zip

past in all directions – it’s like being in the

middle of a sprawling roundabout with no

traffic lanes.

Extending back from the square are the

souks – the market maze where vibrant

disorder reigns. Donkeys idle on the kerbs, like

drivers waiting for a fare. Dusty avenues are

overrun with cats, snoozing in matted, furry

piles on every step. An old man passes by,

bent double, dragging a cart piled 2m high

with flattened cardboard boxes.

I wander into a larger souk – a three-storey

stack of wheeling, dealing and wink-wink

commerce, its axis a spectacular mosaic spiral

staircase. A young grifter who works in the

souk sizes me up and closes in.

“I need some shoes, and a bag,” I offer.

My new friend, Amine, holds up a single finger;

a light bulb gone off.

“Follow, follow,” he says, and leads me out of

his souk, round countless corners and cobbled

paths, until we come to a small doorway, which

he pushes open.

We step into a cavernous souk three times

the size of any I have seen before. The

concrete floor is cool, and the air smells of

mint tea – otherwise known as Berber whiskey.

Amine waves an older man over. Mohammed.

Mohammed gestures to the wooden shelves

that run the length of the store, lined with soft

slippers of different colours. “These are the

Berber Adidas,” Mohammed says, “perfect for

travelling, very comfortable.”

I like the look of the snazzy blue ones.

“The air smells of mint tea, also known as Berber whiskey ”

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NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Summer heat means you might need to head to the coast, or wait until it’s cooler.GETTING THERE EasyJet fliesto MarrakeshGETTING AROUNDTaxis, but set the fare before riding.VISAS Australians and Kiwis don’t need visas. South Africans do.CURRENCY Moroccan Dirham. 1 GBP = 13.8 MAD.LANGUAGE Arabic, French and Berber.GOING OUT A beer is about 25 MAD.ACCOMMODATION You can grab a room in a riad for 180-300 MAD a night. SEE travelmarrakech.co.uk.

BEYOND MARRAKESH Head east from Marrakesh, through the remarkable Todra Gorge – amid these sheer red rocks, you’ll find a stillness that only exists in the world’s remote corners. If you carry on further, you’ll find yourself in the Sahara. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, riding a camel across the burnt-orange sands, before relaxing on the undulating dunes to watch the sun go down, plunging the alien landscape into complete darkness but for the stars above.

Back in the other direction, explore the Agadir coast, whether it’s the laid back beaches of Taghazout or the windswept vistas of Essaouira.

Wherever you go, Morocco will capture your imagination – that’s why it’s a destination people return to again and again.

Marrakesh

MOROCCOEssaoeira

Agadir

“No, not blue,” Mohammed declares, with

a mixture of concern and contempt. “Blue is

for ladies. You want these,” he says, pointing

to his own mustard-coloured slippers. “This is

the best colour.”

I’m sold. I haggle insipidly for a few minutes,

but end up buying a leather backpack too. On

our way back, Amine leads me into what looks

like a doctor’s waiting room. A small man

dressed in a white robe meets us – Mustafa.

“This is a herbal house – like a friendship-

based pharmacy,” Mustafa says. He sets out

an array of ointments, and launches into

a practised spiel about their applications.

“This cream,” he says, holding up an orange

tub, “you can use it as aftershave and it keeps

mosquitoes away. You can also use it to treat

herpes.” Impressed, I buy two tubs.

Back at the square, I pay Amine a small fee

for being my guide. We part, and I head off

with my purchases wrapped in blue bags.

Later I learn that blue bags are reserved for

customers who’ve shown themselves to

be poor negotiators, identifying them as

easy marks.

» Tom Sturrock travelled with On the Go Tours

(020 7371 1113; onthegotours.com) on the

11-day Marrakesh Sahara & Surf tour which

departs all year-round. Eight-day tours to

Morocco start at £319.

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Discover five of the best

cities in the United States

WORDS FRANKIE MULLIN

a

AMERICACOMING TO

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NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GOAnytime. The USA is massive and climates vary from state to state. Decide if you want sun or snow.GETTTING THERE British Airways, Virgin, Air Canada and many other airlines fly direct to cities in the USA.GETTING AROUND Taxis are cheaper in the

US than they are in the UK. Some cities have better public transport than others. VISAS Australians and New Zealanders do not need a visa but must fill in a visa waiver form ahead of travel. South Africans need a visa. CURRENCYUSD. 1 GBP = 1.59 USD. WHERE TO STAY This varies from city to

city. A night in a hostel costs from £17, a night in a three-star hotel costs from £50. LANGUAGE English.

7

NEW YORKThe Big Apple is one of the world’s iconic cities

and features so much in contemporary culture

you feel you know it without ever setting foot

there. Landmarks like the Empire State

Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty

and Central Park are certainly worthy of a visit

and it is exciting to be somewhere you’ve seen

in so many films.

However, there is more to New York than

it’s big name sights. Williamsburg in Brooklyn

is a hub of creativity and is a good place to

browse interesting shops and hipster-watch.

Lower Manhattan’s new High Line,

a unique aerial park blossoming above the

Meatpacking District is also worth a look.

New York is a foodie heaven and between

the delis and fine-dining restaurants you’ll be

loosening your belt by the time you leave.

SAN FRANCISCOA city of many personalities. Hang out on

historic, hippy Haight Street with its buskers,

artists, vintage and coffee shops. Eat

a burrito or drink cocktails in one of the bars

of the Mission district, where Latino and

hipster cultures mix under dusty palm trees.

Fisherman’s Wharf is passable unless you

go there for a boat trip around the bay, a

good way to see Alcatraz and the underside

of the Golden Gate Bridge. For upmarket

boutiques, head to the pretty Marina District,

then wander in the Golden Gate Park

or venture over the bridge to majestic

Marin County.

New Orleans

San FranciscoUSA

Las Vegas

New York

Los Angeles

A



LAS VEGASNot everywhere lives up to your expectations,

but Vegas will blow them away. However weird,

wild and excessive you were imagining this city

in the desert, it will be even more so.

A neon wonderland in the sand, Vegas is the

ultimate playground for grown-ups. Hotels

along The Strip compete to outdo each other

with lavish madness. Sail on a gondola through

The Venetian and marvel at the operatic

fountains outside the Bellagio.

If you’re not a gambler then even more

reason to visit: hotels and food are amazingly

cheap and as casinos are window and

clock-less there is no better place to go

on an epic bender.

NEW ORLEANSThe tragedy of Hurricane Katrina will never

be forgotten in New Orleans but the city’s

party spirit lives on. Mardi Gras remains the

bead-throwing, boob flashing, rum-soaked

carnival it always was.

Year round, the city is a haven of music and

you’ll find live jazz playing in the bars of the

historic French Quarter most nights of the

week. To soak up the booze, don’t miss New

Orleans’ seafood and Creole dishes.

There’s a spooky side to the city too as New

Orleans has a history of Voodoo magic being

practiced by its inhabitants. Take a voodoo

tour then buy yourself a doll that reminds you

of your ex.

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“Vegas is the ultimate playground in the sand”

GRAND CANYON – Carved 446km long and sometimes 29km wide into Arizona, its sheer size is overwhelming.

YOSEMITE – Visit just after the snow’s melted to see almighty waterfalls cascading from rocky heights.

ROCKY MOUNTAINS – A majestic range of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes between the USA and Canada.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – Camp and hike among geysers, waterfalls and grizzly bears.

DEATH VALLEY – Distinctly other-wordly, in summer this basin of coloured rock is the hottest place on earth.

MUST-SEE NATURAL WONDERS

LOS ANGELESThere’s no denying that LA is home to

a certain crowd of fame-hungry celebs,

but observing these creatures in their

own environment is fascinating. Rodeo

Drive is a good place to start if that’s

your mission.

The City of Angels also has a thriving

community of artists, musicians, actors and

writers and its liberal attitudes mean that

a wide variety of lifestyles flourish. Hang out

on Venice Beach for a dose of American

counter-culture.

GOING TO AMERICA


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SUPER STOPOVERS

The best places to take a break on your way to Australia and New Zealand WORDS DANIEL LANDON

I f you’re travelling from Europe to Australia

or New Zealand you don’t have to subject

yourself to a marathon 24-hour flight to

get there.

There are some great places en route that

make excellent stopovers on your journey.

DUBAIVisit for the climate, the beaches … and the

fact that Dubai is arguably the fastest-

changing city in the world. It’s an artificial

paradise in the most unexpected place – it’s

hard to ignore spectacular man-made islands,

seven-star hotels, indoor ski slopes and the

world’s tallest building. That said, it’s still

possible to explore a quieter, more traditional

side, notably the shops and souks (markets)

of the Deira and Dubai Creek districts – or

jump in a 4WD for a spot of high-speed

dune bashing.

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TOKYOStopping over in Tokyo is like going home via

the future. It’s a neon-infused assault on the

senses, where all that is shiny, new, hip and

hi-tech is king. Experience singing toilets,

super-fast trains and Lost in Translation-style

nightlife that is like nowhere else on earth.

For culture vultures, there are more

museums here than in any other city on earth

and plenty of art galleries too.

The only downside is that Tokyo is an

expensive place to visit, and there’s so much to

do that a stopover might be too short a time to

really get to grips with the place.

HONG KONGHong Kong is pretty much the perfect city to

visit. A fast-paced, capitalist, 21st-century

outlook is allied to traditional Chinese culture

– think skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls

alongside alleyways full of dim sum restaurants

and locals playing mah jong.

From budget street-eats to fine dining, the

food is among the best in the world, while the

views from the Victoria Peak are unrivalled. For

something a bit different, head to the more

traditional outlying islands, which are a short

ferry ride from the hustle and bustle of central

Hong Kong.



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BANGKOKA favourite among travellers, Bangkok is

a great budget stopover destination but is also

a useful base for exploring South East Asia.

Khao San Road is where most backpackers

congregate, with its multitude of cheap hotels

and bars. The sleazy, yet fascinating, red-light

district of Patpong is a popular drawcard,

but take time to delve into Bangkok’s more

spiritual side by visiting the cultural Old City

and the Grand Palace.

BALIFor a stopover destination that provides plenty

of sun, sand, surf and relaxation, Bali is hard

to top.

It’s the hub of Indonesia’s tourist scene, and

offers plenty of places to party. Or get off the

ROUND-THE-WORLD ADVENTURESIf you’re planning an adventure, booking a single round-the-world (RTW) ticket can be much cheaper than booking flights individually.

RTWs vary in price but are generally reliant on the number of stops you make and the total mileage, and can range from around the £800 mark to thousands of pounds.

You can buy ready-made deals online from numerous travel agents, particularly Trailfinders-affiliated Round the World Experts (roundtheworldexperts.co.uk) and STA Travel’s RTW route planner (statravel.co.uk). But the best way to tap into expert knowledge is by talking to a specialist travel agency in person.

The main airline alliances are Star Alliance (staralliance.com) and One World (oneworld.com). Others include The Great Escapade (thegreatescapade.com), including Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic; and World Discovery – a British Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Air Pacific package.

beaten track and visit the north of the island

for a more authentic experience. Don’t miss

Ubud for hippy, trippy adventures.

SHANGHAIThe world’s eighth largest city is 21st-century

urban Asia in microcosm: pockets of history

are overwhelmed by spectacular feats of

modernity. It’s the best place to see how

China is becoming a global superpower.

A walk along the Bund, a 2km stretch of

historic buildings lining the Huangpu River

offers a stark contrast to the futurism on show

on the opposite bank.

The bars and nightlife are amazing, as you’d

expect of the cultural and creative powerhouse

of modern China, while the Shanghai Museum

is a world-class, must-see attraction.

SUPER STOPOVERS


tntmagazine.com/destinations12

ADVERTORIAL

O N THE GO offer an extensive range of group tours to

far flung destinations such as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco,

China and India as well as African safaris and South

American expeditions. Being members of ABTA, ATOL

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Our membership of these organisations ensures 100% protection of the

money you pay for your holiday. In addition, you are assured of

exemplary service standards, high customer satisfaction levels and a

commitment to Responsible Tourism practices.

EGYPT: Experience Egypt’s breathtaking sights and rich culture with

like-minded travellers! All of our tours are escorted by an Egyptian tour

leader, who has a degree in Egyptology. With weekly guaranteed

departures, no compulsory single supplements, no local payments,

carefully planned itineraries, exciting sights and comfortable 4 and 5

star hotels, we’ve got Egypt well and truly covered!

A Middle Eastern Medley: If you have a little more time up your sleeve

then you can combine Egypt & Jordan visiting the stunning Rose city of

Petra and exploring the wilderness desert of Wadi Rum, or perhaps

you’re looking to venture even further and include Syria or Israel?

6-day tours from £299AFRICA: Trek in search of mountain gorillas in Uganda and enjoy

close encounters with the Big Five in Africa’s best national parks. Ride

the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe, climb the apricot coloured dunes

of Sossusvlei, or simple laze on the white beaches of Zanzibar. Whether

you’re travelling to Africa for a week, 2 months or somewhere in

between, on the go offers a comprehensive range of camping

expeditions from £425 including local payment.

AWAYAWAY WE G

O!

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tntmagazine.com/destinationstntmagazine.com/destinations 15

MOROCCO: Experience the magic of Morocco with on the go -

explore the Sahara on the back of a camel and camp out under a

blanket of stars, trek or ski in the beautiful Atlas Mountains or learn to

surf in laid back Taghazoute, pick up a bargain in the local souks or

relax by the coast in charming Essaouira. We offer a select range of

hotel, camping and trekking group tours year-round from £519!SOUTH AMERICA: With a focus on Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, our

group tours take in all of the highlights, including the Salar de Uyuni salt

flats, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, hiking the Inca Trail, exploring the

Amazon and cruising around the Galapagos Islands. We offer several

group tour itineraries of varying length, using private & public transport

as well as local accommodation, to help you cross those cultural

boundaries and unearth the real Latin America!

8-days from £629With over 11-years of operating successful tours we can guarantee our

travellers the quality and satisfaction they deserve. We offer excellent

value for money and support responsible tourism operating our tours in

a responsible manner and giving back to the countries and communities

we visit! Using local guides in each destination adds to the experience

as at On the Go we believe the best way to truly experience a country is

through the eyes of the locals! Many of our travellers are repeat

customers – we rely on ‘word of mouth’ and take all our travellers feed-

back seriously so that we can continually maintain and improve the

quality of our holidays.

Discover more – call 020 7 371 1113 to discuss your

next adventure! www.onthegotours.com

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BOAT PARTY

Discover Egypt on a boat cruise on the

mighty NileWORDS SHILA SULTANA

“L adies and gentlemen: get

ready, this is the moment

you’ve been waiting for,”

our grinning tour leader, Sheriff,

announces as we jump on board

our home for the next few days

– a Nile felucca.

With Bob Marley booming in the

background and a deck loaded with

cushions, the felucca, a sail boat, is so

good for lolling about that it doesn’t

take long to slip into relaxation mode.

That is, until Sheriff informs us there

is no toilet on board.

Panic stricken, we set sail, clutching

hand disinfectant and praying that no

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NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Avoid summer months, when temperatures exceed 40˚C. GETTING THERE Fly direct from London to Cairo. GETTING AROUND Trains, buses and cabs operate in most major cities. There are trains between Cairo and Aswan, Luxor, Alexandria, Port Said and Suez. Take a tour if you’re short on time and want to see the major sights. Check out operators such as On The Go Tours.VISAS Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans all need visas.CURRENCY Egyptian pound. 1 GBP = 8.87 EGPLANGUAGE ArabicGOING OUT A beer is about £2WHERE TO STAY A dorm bed costs from £3 a night, while a hotel room is about £15.SEE egypt.travel

CAPITAL IDEA: CAIROTraffic-choked Cairo is an exuberant and lively city, with endless treasures waiting to be discovered.

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the majestic pyramids were built by highly-skilled craftsmen and more than 10,000 slaves. You can explore

the narrow inner shafts, but they are airless and not for the claustrophobic.

Don’t forget to jump on a camel for a snap in front of the famous landmarks.

Once you’ve seen the sights, the next stop has to be Cairo’s market: it’s filled with colourful fabric stores and men carrying teapots on their heads. The first

rule of the market is to haggle. It might seem a waste of time for small objects but it’s a big part of Egyptian culture and it’s fun to get involved.

The market is also a great spot to get stuck into some traditional Egyptian food. Hummus, grilled meats and tasty falafel can be found on every corner.

one would succumb to the notorious

Egyptian tummy.

VILLAGE LIFE The felucca we are on is a basic sail

craft of the kind that have transported

materials and Egyptians along the

river since ancient times, helping the

country to flourish.

During our voyage past rolling fields

and tropical palms growing on the

flood plain, children jump on board

and sail along with us before hopping

back on to the river banks. As dusk

falls, the boat docks at a Nubian

village where more enthusiastic

children greet us.

We learn about Nubian customs and

traditions as we tour the village,

catching a glimpse of a fragile way of

life vulnerable to urban development

and changes in landscape – the Aswan

dam flooded fertile Nubian pasture in

the first half of last century.

Nubians are

generally close-knit

and private, often

inter-marrying to

maintain their

identity, and entire

villages will

contribute towards wedding

ceremonies. Our five-year-old hostess,

Lucy, glows with pride as she shows us

the entrance to one of their hand-built

mud houses; it has a beautiful pattern

etched into its facade. Back on the

boat, we retire to bed before an early

morning start.

BONFIRES AND BELLY DANCERSWe wake just in time for a knockout

view of the deep-red sun rising over

the Nile, and tuck into a tasty

breakfast. The felucca sails towards

a beach where we dive into the Nile;

the cool water is welcome respite

EGYPT

The Nile

CAIRO

from searing heat.

As evening draws in, Sheriff lights

a bonfire on the beach and teaches us

traditional belly dancing. Pretending

we’re dripping in gold and decked out

in sequined clothes, we attempt to

shake our booties to Arabic beats.

After a few beers around the fire,

we dress each other up in mummy

costumes, laughing madly at the

results. Tipsy from drink and high on

the night’s activities, we tumble into

our beds knowing that this is a night

we’ll never forget.

» Shila Sultana travelled on the

nine-day King Tutankhamun Tour with

On The Go Tours (020 7371 1113;

onthegotours.com/egypt). Tours

range from eight to 15 days with

prices starting at £519.

“Cheery children jump on board and sail with us”

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BOAT PARTY

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LATIN FEVERTrump your mates’ travel experiences by getting off the beaten track

WORDS JANINE KELSO

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TRIED AND TESTED PARTYING AT RIO CARNAVAL, BRAZILWild and sexy, Rio Carnaval is

a hedonist’s paradise with four days

of music and dancing by the most

bootylicious bunch of revellers you’ve

ever seen. Held in the steamy month

of February, Carnaval is one of the

world’s biggest parties so it’s essential

to book flights and accommodation

months in advance.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACKPARTYING AT SALVADOR CARNAVAL, BRAZILThose in the know say that Brazil’s

second biggest carnaval in party town

Salvador is the best in the country.

Local bands play on huge trucks

stacked with beat boxes, and

drumming groups pound the

streets, beating out unbelievably

catchy rhythms. Ladies beware:

whichever Carnaval you decide

to attend, expect to be groped.

TRIED AND TESTEDANIMAL SPOTTING IN THE AMAZON, BRAZILFrom piranha fishing to caiman

spotting, an Amazon jungle trip is

a great way to see wildlife in its natural

habitat. Most trips involve an evening

or early morning canoe trip where you

can keep your eyes peeled for

dolphins and caiman. Guides often

scoop baby caiman out of the water

to pass around for the group to hold

while posing for photos. You’re likely

to sleep in hammocks, swim in the

Amazon every day and feast on locally

caught fried or barbecued fish. Bring

along a bottle of cachaça, limes and

sugar to make your own caipirinhas

as the sun sets.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACKANIMAL SPOTTING IN LOS LLANOS, VENEZUELA Like the Amazon, wildlife-rich Los

llanos (The Plains) is home to

freshwater dolphins and caimen, but it

is also easy to spot an amazing array

of bizarre creatures. Anteaters, huge

boa constrictors and the super-cute

world’s biggest rodent, capybara (above),

can all be seen in these vast plains.

TRIED AND TESTEDCYCLING THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS ROAD, BOLIVIAA bike ride along Bolivia’s infamous

Death Road has become a rite of

passage for any traveller worth

their mettle. Just outside La Paz,

Bolivia’s hilly capital, the narrow,

bumpy track inclines very steeply and

has earned a reputation for danger:

more casualties are suffered here

each year than on any other road in

the country. Travellers have died while

undertaking the 64km bike ride, so

cycle with caution.


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OFF THE BEATEN TRACKCYCLE BETWEEN VINEYARDS IN MENDOZA, ARGENTINAThe student city of Mendoza is all

tree-lined avenues fringed with bars,

restaurants and cafes. Hire a bike and

explore the city’s surrounding

vineyards, tasting the delicious local

vino as you go, just don’t get too

sloshed as you do have to get back in

the saddle afterwards. Bike hire shops

will give you a route to follow which

passes the main vineyards. The wine

is amazingly cheap (as little as £1

a bottle) so it’s worth taking an empty

backpack to fill up with bottles to

enjoy later. En route is a chocolatier

and liquor factory, as well as plenty of

scrumptious olives to get stuck into.

TRIED AND TESTED INCA TRAIL, PERUThe four-day hike to the dramatic city

of Machu Picchu is a tick-box activity

for most backpackers exploring Peru.

Visitors are advised to book the Inca

Trail about six months in advance as

only 500 people a day are permitted

to trek the well-trampled route.

Beginning in Ollantaytambo, the hike

is 26 miles long and reaches the

dizzying height of 4200m. Walkers will

be rewarded at the end of the route

with a sunrise at Machu Picchu. If you

fancy getting off the well-trodden path,

there are several alternative treks to

choose from, including the wild seven-

day remote High Inca Trail and the

Moonstone Sun Temple Trek which

passes a pre-Inca fortress.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK CIUDAD PERDIDA TREK, COLOMBIAColombia’s jungle-rich Caribbean

coast is a land where indigenous

tribes roam and coca plantations

thrive. Hidden deep in the steamy,

jungle. Ciudad Perdida is a beautiful

and ancient city dating back to

800AD. It takes three-days of hardcore

trekking to reach the mountain that

marks the entrance to the

archaeological site. From here, 1200

moss-encrusted steps rise from a river

and lead to the ancient city, where

you’ll find more than 100 palm-fringed

and weed-covered terraces that once

provided the base for huts, linked by

a labyrinth of winding paths and steps.

A highlight of the trek, which takes five

to six days in total, is a visit to a small

cocaine factory, loaded with coca

leaves and pots topped up with multi-

coloured chemicals.

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Journey through Africa on a trip of a lifetime WORDS DANIEL LANDON

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Going on safari in Africa.

To those of us who grew

up in large western

cities, the phrase

conjures images of the trip of

a lifetime. From seeing the Big Five

(lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and

elephant) in their natural habitat, to

journeying through the iconic savanna

landscape – an overland trip through

Africa is a must-do travel experience.

THE WILDLIFEUndoubtedly, the star attraction of

Africa is the Big Five. You may have

seen elephants in captivity, but having

a herd of 30 meandering toward you

as you round a bend in the Serengeti is

a different experience altogether.

Some people on overland trips

worry they’ll be viewing the animals

from a distance that makes the beasts

look like rocks on the horizon. Rest

assured, you’ll be getting as close as

you’ll ever want to – unless you’d like

to be eaten. On one afternoon in our

troop-carrier we spent half an hour

about 15m from four lions having an

afternoon rest up a tree. Two hours

later we stumbled upon said elephant

which passed within metres of us.

Remember to soak up the moment

– don’t spend the whole time behind

your camera’s viewfinder trying to get

that perfect shot. Even if you’re not an

avid photographer, it’s hard not to get

caught up in the excitement and

hoping against the odds that you’ll jag

that perfect shot. Make a concerted

effort to put the camera down and just

watch for your own enjoyment, without

trying to capture that Kodak moment.

THE SCENERYAlong with the animals, the other big

highlight of going bush in Africa is

the scenery.

The images that most of us have of

Africa: boundless plains dotted with

the umbrella-like acacia trees, with the

odd waterhole dotted around, come

vividly to life as you bump along

a dusty track in the middle of just

such a landscape.


NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Travelling in the wet season (check regional variations) is possible but dry periods reveal more game.GETTING THERE Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town are the usual arrival and departure points.GETTING AROUND An organised tour is by far the easiest – self-drives in Africa aren’t for wimps. See tntmagazine.com/toursearch.ESSENTIALS Visas are needed for most countries – South Africans areexempt in places. Take precautions for malaria and organise jabs beforehand.CURRENCY Take plenty of US dollars with you.

TOP SAFARI ROUTESKenya and Tanzania: The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater are two of the world’s greatest wildlife watching locations.Victoria Falls to Cape Town: Check out the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta and the famous bushmen of the Kalahari.West Africa: See the real Timbuktu and discover Mali’s remarkable musical culture.Rwanda and Uganda: Explore jungles and forests and marvel at gorillas and chimps in their natural habitat.

“ Africa’s scenery is wonderfully diverse ”

That said, the scenery of Africa is

wonderfully diverse. From the dense

jungles of Uganda to the vast plains of

the Serengeti to the awe-inspiring

sight of Victoria Falls, memories of its

natural beauty will last as long as any

encounter with a lion.

THE LOCALSAfrica’s landscape is about as different

from Europe and Australasia as you

could hope for, and it’s worth talking

to locals to learn more.

Hearing stories about a teenage

member of the Masai tribe being sent

into the bush with a spear and told to

kill a lion to mark their entry to

adulthood, or visiting schools

that educate children for the cost

of a couple of pints, is

a humbling experience.

Whether it’s getting an audience

when you pull up in what looks like

the middle of nowhere to being

offered banana beer after a day

on the road, locals are keen to

rub shoulders with tourists

– which certainly adds an extra

dimension to what is already

a remarkable destination.

» Daniel Landon did the eight-

day Serengeti Trail Safari with

Intrepid Travel (020 3147 7777;.

intrepidtravel.com) including

guide, driver and cook, meals

while on the road and national park

entrance fees. Trip departs year-round.

KENYA

NAIROBIMasai Mara

TANZANIA

Serengeti

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And overnight you’re in a whole new world. Flights from London to Windhoek via Frankfurt.

Experience a world full of adventure. Unforgettable encounters wild animals and the breathtaking landscapes await you in Namibia. And if you want to experience more of Africa just take a connecting fl ight to Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Visit your travel agent for more information and bookings or email us at: [email protected]: 0870 774 0965Website: www.airnamibia.com.na

Prices start

from£781£781** Terms and conditions

apply. Including taxes.

Subject to seat

availability.


BIG ADVENTURE

Head to the Antipodes for unique culture, plenty of adventure and flavours you’ve never tasted before WORDS JAHN VANNISSELROY

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ADVENTURE AUSTRALIAWith such a large coastline, the

natural choice for adventure is surfing.

It’s part of the Aussie way of life and

a healthy, adrenaline-producing

pursuit. Where there’s a beach, you’ll

be able to find a surf-school and be

standing up in no time.

Try scuba diving at the Great Barrier

reef. Sadly, global warming is having

a negative effect on the famous reef

so jump in and exerience some of the

finest and most exotic scuba diving in

the world now – one day it may not

even be there.

If you’re after something a bit more

dangerous, try a crocodile adventure

in Queensland, Northern Territory or

Western Australia. One of the most

famous adventures is the Jumping

Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River,

near Darwin: crocodiles leap out of the

water to take bait held on long poles

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a metre above the water.

NEW ZEALANDThis is the land of adventure tourism.

Get your dose of adrenaline by leaping

off the bridge at the Kawarau Gorge,

near Queenstown – with a bungee

attached to your feet.

While you’re in NZ’s adventure

capital you could also go jetboating,

white-water rafting, hot-air ballooning

or tandem skydiving. The mountains

aren’t far away, so hit the slopes for

a day or two of skiing and boarding.

Like Australia, New Zealand has

plenty of coastline, which makes it

ideal for surfing. North Island is the

warmest place to do this; wetsuits and

booties required in the cold south!

FOOD AND WINEAUSTRALIAWhether you want a fresh seafood

platter, a racy riesling, a modern

Asian-fusion meal or a crocodile

sausage, Australia is the place to

be for foodies.

If you’re in Victoria try the 55

wineries of the Yarra Valley. Dine

in gourmet restaurants and taste

chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling

wine in an area reminiscent of

European wine-growing regions.

Explore Australia’s wine capital,

the Barossa Valley, in South Australia.

You can match your favourite vino with

locally made cheese on a food and

wine trail, tour historic wineries, take

a tutored tasting or even go on a wine-

making masterclass.

In Sydney, there’s only one place to

go – Bondi. Watch the surfers as

you dine at one of many beachside

eateries. Enjoy a gelato at the 1920s

Bondi Pavilion or watch the sun go

down from one of the suburb’s many

fine restaurants: you’ll find everything

from tapas to the world’s best brunch

to classic fish and chips.

NEW ZEALANDWhether it’s kiwifruit, green-lipped

mussels and paua, hokey-pokey ice



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NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Australia: Anytime, although summer is great for the Aussie beach lifestyle. New Zealand: Anytime but bear in mind that the south gets cold in winter.GETTING THERE There are daily flights from London to Australia and New Zealand.

GETTING AROUND Australia: Vast distances mean a car – either bought secondhand or rented – will make your journey much easier and cheaper if you’re staying a while. New Zealand: A car is also a good option although there are good intercity bus and rail options.LANGUAGE English

cream or the soft drink L&P, visitors

to New Zealand are almost certain

to love the country’s food.

New Zealand’s wine and food is

among the best in the world. Taste is

everything. The nation’s innovative

chefs use ingredients freshly

harvested from sea, garden and land.

Pacific influences, organics and

indigenous foods make it unlike

anything else in the world.

New Zealand is a premier

new-world wine country and produces

award-winning drops that reflect the

country’s clean air and sunshine.

Top quality wines are exported to

cellars worldwide. Try a tipple from

Auckland, Waiheke Island, Gisborne,

and Hawke’s Bay in the North Island

and Marlborough, Central Otago and

Canterbury in the South Island.

CULTURE AUSTRALIAThere is growing interest in Aboriginal

culture and where it was once hard to

to tap into them, Aboriginal customs

are now becoming more accessible.

Head out of the cities and into the

Outback to visit sacred sites, such as

Uluru; learn to throw a boomerang;

camp under the stars with a guide and

feast on bush tucker. You may even

want to participate in a ceremonial

dance: it’s an excellent way to

gain insight on one of the world’s

oldest races.

NEW ZEALANDMaori culture has always proved

fascinating to visitors. The Maori,

a warrior people, have a rich and

varied culture with arts such as

carving, weaving, kapa haka (group

performance) and moko tattoo,

a traditional means of skin decoration

that originally used albatross bone

as a kind of skin ‘chisel’.

Maori is an oral culture, so there are

always plenty of stories to hear – and

the sense of humour is superb.

Sydney

Darwin

AUSTRALIA

Great Barrier Reef

QUEENSLAND

MelbourneVICTORIA

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Uluru

Christchurch

NEW ZEALANDHawke’s Bay

NORTH ISLAND

Waiheke Island

SOUTH ISLAND

WELLINGTON

AucklandQueenstown

BIG ADVENTURE


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TNT Destination Features - Issue 3

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