At Your Pace

Travel and adventure go hand in hand, each new destination offering a wealth of exhilarating trips and unforgettable excursions. With possibilities as limitless as the stars, it’s easier than you might think to find your perfect pace.

Words: SOPHIE GREEN

For as long as humans have walked the earth, they have sought out adventure. Guided by the stars, they braved the seas for new lands and trekked across frozen plains to the South Pole. They conquered Everest’s mighty summit and even jetted into space.

Some might say this curiosity makes us human. We are all united by a desire to discover more about the world. Not everyone has an inner Amundsen, Hillary or Aldrin. But, these visionaries inspire us and have made the world more accessible for us all, from Antarctic cruises to African safaris.

It’s easy to dismiss ‘adventure’ as not for you. It’s for the bold, the brave, the strong and the super-fit. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. An adventure can be an unusual, exciting or daring experience, and means different things to everyone.

Regardless of the difficulty level, if the thought of a journey or experience thrills your soul and captures your imagination, then you too are an adventurer. Pack your suitcase, book a flight and learn how to make an adventurous trip work for you.

To the roof of Africa

Nothing symbolises adventure like a superlative. Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro is both the tallest peak in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. At 5,895 metres (19,340 feet), Kilimanjaro is known as the roof of Africa. The climb is a fearsome challenge but there are multiple ways to experience its lofty heights.

From the plains: a luxury safari in Amboseli National Park

You can still enjoy fantastic views and thrilling experiences with your feet firmly on the ground. In fact, the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro are from a safari in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, where the cloudwrapped peak looms beyond lush, acacia-studded plains.

On game drives, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring sight of elephant herds, zebras and antelope roaming Amboseli’s grassy landscapes. Then retire to the comfort of camp at Angama Amboseli to watch the sunset illuminate Kilimanjaro over an intimate private dinner.

In the foothills: a full-day hike on the lower slopes

If you’re seeking a taste of Kilimanjaro’s challenges without committing to a multi-day trek to the summit, a day hike on the mountain’s lower slopes offers the perfect blend of adventure and endurance.

Navigate the cultivated foothills as you’re led by a qualified mountain guide, who’ll bring your experience to life with expert knowledge of the mountain and surrounding areas. After four hours of hiking, your efforts are rewarded by a scenic picnic lunch before heading back to the gate and returning to the comfort of your lodge.

To the summit: the Kilimanjaro climb

You’ll conquer Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak after a rewarding eight-day climb to the top. Ascending this dormant volcano is a demanding challenge, but with the support of professional guides and porters, your journey will be lighter. Custom-designed sleeping and dining tents allow you to rest and refuel properly for each day’s climb.

The final push for the summit begins at midnight, leading you to the crater rim just in time for a breathtaking sunrise. As the first light spills across the horizon, you'll feel as though you're truly on top of the world, glorious views stretching out beneath you.

The jewels of New Zealand

To think of New Zealand is to conjure panoramas of jewel-toned lakes, soaring mountains, epic hiking trails and scenery worthy of a fantasy series. These storied landscapes, more fitting for a hero’s journey through mystical realms, invite adventure at every turn.

Easy strolls: a day on the Abel Tasman Coast Track

Golden sands stretch for 60 kilometres (37 miles) alongside New Zealand's Abel Tasman Coast Track. This scenic trail offers a mosaic of options for every walker, ranging from quick strolls to six-hour treks.

Interspersing your route with scenic boat rides and relaxation on the beach, you can slow down the pace, tackle the path at your leisure and develop a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Lakeside trails: trekking beneath Mount Tarawera

A strikingly beautiful 15-kilometre (9-mile) native bush walk follows the contours of Lake Tarawera, finishing at Hot Water Beach in Te Rātā Bay. The route showcases nature’s power, with landscapes reshaped by the 1886 volcanic eruption. Here you can witness Earth’s ongoing transformation through vibrant geothermal activity.

Those who complete the walk are rewarded with a soothing soak in nature’s own heated pools at Hot Water Beach. A water taxi ride back offers a final glimpse of the North Island's awe-inspiring scenery.

The ultimate ascent: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing is New Zealand's ultimate one-day trek. This exhilarating journey covers 20.2 kilometres (12.5 miles) and is not for the faint-hearted. You'll navigate steaming vents and ancient lava flows, tackle steep ascents and face the whims of unpredictable weather. It’s a challenging experience that promises breathtaking landscapes for those daring enough to embrace it.

Tongariro National Park’s spectacular setting is what ultimately makes this trek so worthwhile. The UNESCO World Heritage site has awe-inspiring panoramas from every angle. Glacial valleys, vivid crater lakes, alpine vistas and volcanic peaks make this one of the most astonishingly beautiful hikes you’ll ever experience.

Extraordinary safari encounters

Africa holds some of the world’s greatest destinations for wildlife spotting. Encounters range from witnessing the astonishing scale of the Great Migration to the sublime sight of big cats prowling the plains. With so much to see, it’s no wonder there are countless ways to envision an unforgettable safari, each one tailored to a different kind of adventurous spirit.

On foot: a walking safari

What better way to experience Africa’s most captivating animals than to get on their level? In Kenya’s Mara Conservancies, bordering Maasai Mara National Park, a walking safari removes the last barrier between you and these magnificent creatures. Away from the hum of engines and the confines of vehicles, a more intimate and immersive experience unfolds.

While the idea of walking through Big Five territory may seem ludicrous at first, you’ll remain at a safe distance. Led an experienced guide and tracker into the quiet of the bush, you’ll observe the smaller ecosystems that tend to pass unnoticed from a vehicle listening intently to the sounds of the wild. The moment you lay eyes on a big game animal will be an encounter you’ll never forget.

On horseback: across the grasslands

There’s no better way to navigate the diverse habitats of Kenya’s Lewa Conservancy than on horseback. Saddle up and let your gentle steed traverse grassland plains, forest, wetland and hills in search of rare Grevy’s zebras and black rhinos, in addition to the Big Five.

Even for seasoned safari-goers, this is one-of-akind adventure. Accompanied by nothing but the melodic clip-clop of hooves, you immerse yourself in the immense beauty of your surroundings and feel the freedom of exploring the glorious outdoors.

Into the jungle: gorilla trekking

Perhaps one of the most captivating natural experiences on the planet, gorilla trekking is the ultimate wildlife encounter. Porters are on hand to aid your journey, although there’s no telling where the gorillas will be each day. Your expert tracker may have to guide you through unpredictably long or difficult terrain to catch sight of these powerful and revered creatures –always at a respectful distance.

Uganda is often a more challenging trekking experience than its Rwandan counterpart, but both are equally rewarding, from witnessing the silverbacks’ awe-inspiring presence to the playfulness of the young.

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