First Steppes Family Holidays Brochure

FIRST STEPPES

Family Holidays

B E YO ND THE O RDIN A RY 1

First Steppes, where family adventures begin...

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“Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

-Through the Looking Glass, and what Alice found there by Lewis Caroll

The Steppes Difference A

s parents ourselves, we understand that you are likely to have only a twelve year window for family holidays – just four to six truly memorable family holidays. Before the age of six your children want to be near a pool or the sea and may not remember the experience. Once they are eighteen you become a distant memory as they want to travel with their friends.

Thus planning and presentation are needed to ensure you make the most of these precious opportunities.

Planning ensures that we design and deliver a range of complementary holidays for you over this twelve year period. It means that you are not stymied by availability and price given the constraints of school terms and holiday dates. Meanwhile personalisation makes sure you have the

very best family memories.

Whilst we know which destinations, lodges and experiences are best for children of different ages - because we’ve travelled there with our own families - we also understand the need to find out what is right for your family. We are happy to come and meet you and your children or grandchildren to explore all possibilities so we can design and deliver those ‘golden snitch’ moments.

There is no such thing as an off-the-shelf family holiday – what might work for one family will not work for another - but here are a few of our favourite destinations to whet your appetite. We look forward to opening your children’s and grandchildren’s eyes to the wonderful world of travel.

Justin Wateridge

Managing Director - Father of three mini-explorers

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About Us O

ur team of travel experts here at Steppes Headquarters have 48 children between them, ranging from newborns to those with families of their own.

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We have travelled to over 100 destinations worldwide.

By travelling with our own families we understand how important it is to get it right.

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What’s your story going to be?

• Become a junior ranger and track meerkats, pangolin and rhino in South Africa’s Tswalu Kalahari • Snorkel alongside sealions in the Galapagos • Sleep in a hammock in the Amazon rainforest canopy

• Learn about the Pharaohs on a Nile cruise • Go dog sledding in Swedish Lapland • Cycle along the backwaters of Kerala • Go on a bug-hunt in Madagascar

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What to expect...

On a Steppes Family Holiday

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Before • Our travel experts will meet with your family and buy you lunch to chat over your holiday plans at your convenience

• We will create a personalised journey and itinerary to suit your exact needs

• We offer expert advice, planning and help with honing your wish-list

•S pecific reading lists and ‘Know Before You Go’ documents • The best accommodation selected to suit your family’s needs

During • A friendly face to meet you on arrival in your chosen destination •A ll children 12 and under receive Steppes’ Family Explorers’ travel pack; containing a pack of Steppes top trumps, a Polaroid instant-camera, travel books and binoculars • Lounge pass at the airport

• You can access your personalised documents: itinerary, points of interest and live updates either online or offline via My Steppes or our Steppes Travel app • Fully ATOL protected and 24-7 assistance if needed on the ground • Valet parking at point of departure from the UK for ease of mind and security

And After • A call from your travel expert when you arrive home

• Photo-book of your family adventure

• Loyalty travel vouchers once you have travelled for your next Steppes adventure

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February Half-term

WHERE TO GO WHEN...

Our Top Picks for the School Holidays

Easter Breaks 1. SOUTH AFRICA 2. COSTA RICA 3. NAMIBIA 8

4. MALDIVES 5. JAPAN

1. OMAN 2. COSTA RICA 3. KENYA 4. ZIMBABWE 5. ZANZIBAR

May Half-term 1. GALAPAGOS 2. PERU 3. KENYA

4. CROATIA 5. MAURITIUS

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Summer Breaks 1. CANADA 2. USA 3. CHINA 4. INDONESIA 5. PERU

Autumn Half-term 1. JORDAN 2. MOROCCO 3. EGYPT

4. MADAGASCAR 5. BRAZIL

Christmas Breaks 1. GALAPAGOS 2. BRAZIL 3. INDIA

4. TANZANIA 5. AUSTRALIA

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The Galapagos Islands T

hese magical islands are the stuff of childhood dreams.

A veritable wildlife haven with other-worldly volcanic islands to explore and unique bizarre looking creatures unafraid of humans.

The perfect playground for children who lack the patience to sit and wait for wildlife to appear. There are endless options whether exploring by boat on a cruise around the archipelago (great for budding snorkellers) or based on land from one of the four inhabited islands. Our team have

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travelled extensively with their own children and can give you our insider tips into the different boats and what to see on each island. Your National Park guide will be on hand to personally show you all the islands have to offer both above and below the water. Expect the extraordinary – volcanic giant lava tunnels, pirate caves, comedic dancing bluefooted boobies and nostril squirting, prehistoric-looking marine iguanas. Don’t forget to blow bubbles at the playful sea lions and see their reaction…

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Family Favourites •C harter a private boat for your family with a dedicated crew and park guide •M aximise your time away with a stop-over in the Ecuadorian Amazon or Cloud forests •S tay on Santa Cruz island at the family friendly Galapagos Safari Camp

ROXY DUKES - Steppes Galapagos Specialist Up close wildlife encounters are frequent and a large camera lens is not needed.

However, an underwater camera or waterproof camera casing can certainly help capture the incredible marine life found in the underwater world of these islands.

• J oin a dedicated cruise with activities aimed for children • T rack giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz •K ayak around the bays to see sea lions, rays and turtles • L earn about ongoing conservation of the islands at the Charles Darwin Research Centre

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Sri Lanka T

he beauty and enchantment of Sri Lanka truly lies with its people. Their wonderful attitude towards children and the fantastic laid-back nature of this gem of an island, combined with the glorious climate make it an ideal destination for children.

You will be met by beaming smiles and immediately feel at home. This tiny island has a huge variety to offer and is small

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enough to experience without arduous travelling times and diverse enough to satisfy curious minds of any age.

From high adventure, tracking wildlife in Yala National Park and the excitement of seeing their first elephant or leopard in the wild, to downtime on the golden beaches.

Let our experts share their secrets of Sri Lanka now.

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Family Favourites •S ee the wild elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park •P ractice your bowling with a game of cricket on the beach • T ake the Leopard Trails Mini Ranger course or track leopards from Noel Rodrigo Safari Camp •C ycle around the giant stupas and temples at the sites of the Cultural Triangle •F or a summer holiday with a difference visit in August when Kandy hosts a colourful festival with parades, drumming and costumes •P ick your own tea and taste the difference in the highland plantations • T ake an exhilarating seaplane flight from tea country to the coast

JOE PARKES - Steppes Sri Lanka Specialist The perfect place for dipping your family’s toes into Asia.

Easy to travel around with short driving times, Sri Lanka punches well above its weight.

In just two weeks you can spend time exploring ancient Buddhist sites, track leopard and elephant in game-rich parks such as Yala or Wilpattu, travel by train through the tea hills, and end up on a glorious stretch of white sand beach. Throw in fabulous food, huge welcoming smiles and I guarantee you will be returning home both relaxed and energised.

• Charter a private yacht for dolphin and whale watching at Mirissa beach • Stay at Jim’s Organic Farm in the heart of the spice country • Release your inner Indiana Jones with a behind-the-scenes tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura

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G

Canada

et the children back to nature amidst some of the most pristine landscapes in the world. A perfect self-drive destination, explore the soaring mountains, wide open spaces and incredible wildlife by hire car or Winnebago, at a pace to suit your family.

Introduce the children to whales, bears and a host of thrilling outdoor pursuits and stay in a range of exciting accommodation from floating lodges to glamping. Spend days in search of grizzlies, kayaking, zip-lining, before heading to the beach to relax, rock-pool and surf.

The summer months of July to September boast long days and warm temperatures plus orca and bear sightings. Peak season is always in high demand so do let us know your family’s interests and favourite outdoor pursuits so that we can book well in advance and make sure no incredible adventures are missed out on…

Canada really is a wonderful destination for families with an adventurous spirit.

Family Favourites •W hite water raft or bob sleigh in Whistler during the summer holidays •G o whale watching, paddle boarding or rock climbing •S earch for grizzly bears from a floating lodge

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• Take to the saddle and ride horses with real-life cowboys

• Learn to surf in Canada’s surf capital, Tofino

• Family sleepover underwater at Vancouver Aquarium

• Journey on the world recordbreaking gondola ride in Whistler, crossing rainforests, glaciers and volcanic peaks

• Kayak alongside orcas and humpback whales

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ROXY DUKES - Steppes Canada Specialist Such an amazing place for famililes with both younger and teenage children. So many adrenaline fuelled activities from glacier hikes, kayaking, jet boating to a chance to glimpse a real life grizzly bear. Plus a little bit of adventure and luxury for Mum and Dad too with a heli-hike or pampering spa treatment.

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SOUTH AFRICA Our Cape Escape

Steppes MD Justin Wateridge travelled to South Africa with his family

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ight from our midday arrival in Cape Town we hit the ground running. Or rather cycling.

We were out as a family pedalling the streets of Cape Town with the charismatic Skizo as our guide.

He was unwavering in his watchfulness as the children negotiated the streets and traffic of Cape Town, lavish in his descriptions to the benefit of the adults and equally lavish in his distribution of cakes and ice creams much to the delight of the children.

A lazy lunch on Cape Town waterfront fortified us for our assault of Table Mountain. We took the cable car up 16

Cape Town’s iconic landmark as the cloud began rolling in from the sea.

The next day we headed into the Winelands. A day of respite for the adults or so we thought. A wine tasting brought meagre joy; far greater joy was watching our children interact with the animals of Spier Wine Estate.

Unlike the cheetah outreach centre that we visited earlier that morning, this was far more intimate and engaging.

They got to hold baby tortoises, have pythons draped around their necks. Best of all was being in a cage with owls flying all around, over and above them – it was like

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being in a Harry Potter film set but with real owls. Not only that but they were privy to one of the best bird displays that I have seen. All the way back to Cape Town, various facts were regurgitated with glee: “Soft wings and soft feathers means silent flight and a deadly predator.”

“The owl swallows its prey whole.”

We headed east along the whale route, and stopped to see the penguins of Betty’s Bay (far less touristy and infinitely more enjoyable than Boulder’s Bay). The wonderment at getting so close to an animal that they had only hitherto seen in ‘Happy Feet.’ The penguins were great and so too the visitor centre.

Driving into Hermanus we were immediately swept away by the charm of the Marine Hotel. After a quick check-in, the children were almost swept away by the surf crashing into a rock pool.

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It is one of my (many) images of the holiday – the girls standing in the rich colour of evening sunshine, arms held aloft in defiance to the oncoming waves. And then an even bigger wave crashes against the rocks and they are last seen retreating fast as they are engulfed by the spray. Hours of fun.

The next morning the wind had abated, replaced by bright sunshine. As if to complete the change we saw whales breaching out in the bay. Again and again they would leap out of the water. We would see the splash and three seconds later hear the thud as they hit the water.

“If the speed of sound is 340 metres per second and we heard that splash three seconds after we saw it, how far away is that whale?” A moaned protest of “Daddeeee.”

Thankfully for the children, we were lucky to see whales a little closer on a whale watching trip and their mental arithmetic was not tested again. However, the southern right whale we did see was with a calf and thus not as acrobatic as the ones we saw from the hotel. And whilst much of her remained beneath the water you were able to get an impression of her size.

Next it was to Camp Jabulani in Kapama Private Game Reserve on the edge of Kruger National Park. A camp renowned for its fourteen elephants - from Pisa, the baby of the herd, to Sebokwe, the largest male, from Tokwe the matriarch to Mambo, the playful hooligan of the herd.

What really lit up the children’s faces was interacting with the elephants. Isabel, my eldest daughter, was enthralled by the experience. The smile of joy on her face was glorious to behold, pure enraptured delight. So too Jabulani, the elephant. He seemed to be beaming with pride and behind his thick curly eyelashes his eyes were smiling with real pleasure at being so appreciated.

Jabulani turned the end of his trunk upwards inviting

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contributions. The children with huge smiles on their faces poured pellets into his trunk. I didn’t know who was happier – Jabu in receiving his treats, the children in touching, feeling his trunk or me in enjoying my children’s delight.

The children came away with their minds full of elephant facts. The trunk contains an estimated 100,000 muscles and tendons. Elephants are left or right handed, similar to us. They have an organ in their mouth, the Jacobsen’s organ, that allows them to recognise smiles as much as forty years ago – hence the phrase, the memory of an elephant.

But it wasn’t just elephants they learned about. “Geez you guys know a lot,” admired Kevin our guide as the boys rolled out statistic after statistic: “A baby giraffe is heavier than a baby elephant which only weights about 100kg at birth.”

We saw a warthog reversing into his hole like some proud house-owner parking outside his house. We saw genet, bush baby and white-tailed mongoose. And yes, we did see the Big Five. We heard the guttural growl of the impala, the distant roar of lion, a leopard crunching noisily on bones and the maniacal laughter of hyena. We learned the collective nouns for a whole host of animals: a dazzle of zebra, a crash of rhinoceros, a tower of giraffe and an implausibility of wildebeest.

But above all the children loved ‘doing’. They loved using our cameras – thanks to digital we were able to delete all photos of headless animals and the ground. Perhaps most of all, using the spotting scope at night was a big thrill.

For me there were two key highlights. The first more of a guilty pleasure – guilty as I am not sure how much the children appreciated the enormity of what we were doing – was being involved in the darting and notching of a rhino.

Not to say that the children were excluded. In fact to my surprise, the opposite. They were all given roles. Anna was to

place a blanket over the rhino’s eyes to protect its eyes. Ear muffs – a pair of woollen green socks – were given to the seven year old boys, Benedict and Charlie, to stuff in the rhino’s ears. Isabel was in charge of monitoring the rhino’s respiration and Izzy had to administer eye ointment - a rhino’s eyes stay open during the anaesthetic and thus need lubrication in the form of ointment.

Emotion reigned amongst us throughout the whole process, whilst Pete, Colin and Ginelle, the veterinary team, were calm and composed – efficiency personified. It is a spiritual, surreal experience, to have subdued, without stress, such a prehistoric animal. To hear its deep breaths, to smell it, to touch its skin, to see how delicate and vulnerable they really are. These are primordial sympathies. Nothing quite compares to the sheer emotional power of being so close to a wild creature of that size and stature (rhinos have been around for millions of years). For my eldest daughter, Isabel, it was all too much. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

The second highlight was the joy of seeing wildlife of learning through my children’s eyes. Their response both emotionally and intellectually was energising. Perhaps most so in Isabel for whom there were a number of defining moments from the rhino darting to her revulsion at seeing a zebra used as decoration on the floor. She was clearly moved by much of what she saw. She wanted to do something about it.

“Daddy, how can I make a difference?”Kevin interjected, “You have (made a difference) just by coming here.”

SOUTH AFRICA CAPE ESCAPE 15 day family holiday from £4,795 pp including flights

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Our Guides O

ur guides are experienced and fun and have a knack of knowing just the right level of adventure and learning children will respond to.

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Kilimanjaro was all I hoped it would be. My lasting impression was that we were in verygood hands. All our guides were as helpful as can be. Sam was excellent, knowledgable, friendly,efficient. He has a great sense of humour and was caring and fun. Cannot fault him. The encouragement and professional support we received from everyone was overwhelming.

Liz & David travelled with their son and 13 year old grandson to Tanzania

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FAMILY TIME

Travel With Your Tribe W

e love a challenge at Steppes and with our experience, knowledge and contacts, we are well placed to create an itinerary to meet the diverse needs of multi-generational holidays.

Getting it right in the planning stage by taking into account the broad spectrum of needs of those from six

to seventy-six means you as a family can spend the time relaxing, safe in the knowledge we have it covered.

It is crucial to find the right accommodation and we also have an enviable black book of lodges, camps and private houses that can be booked on an exclusive basis.

Some of which you can see on the following pages.

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YOUR HOME, AWAY FROM HOME

Your Home, Away From Home Our family-travel specialists have hand-picked their favourite places for families to stay around the world.

ULAGALLA: SRI LANKA, ANURADHAPURA Why: The beauty here is the close proximity to nature and the freedom to discover it within the extensive grounds, either by bicycle or by walking to the larger lagoons.

Catering for all age ranges with dedicated children’s menus, cots, and highchairs.

BORGO EGNAZIA: ITALY, PUGLIA Why: A huge variety of activities. For the active there’s tennis, football, bike hire, windsurfing and even go-karting.

Plus a playground, swimming pool and games room.

Authentic pasta and pizza making lessons and an excellent spa for some grown-up relaxation time.

CONSTANCE HALAVELI: MALDIVES Why: Barefoot, laidback beach life, building giant sandcastles, chasing hermit crabs and snorkelling in the Constance Halaveli’s private lagoon. When the need arises to do something a little more energetic, kids (and parents) can put on their trainers and take a tennis lesson with the hotel’s resident tennis pro. Private villas have their own garden, pool and beach access while the children’s club has some of the longest hours in the Maldives, running from 0900 to 2100.

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PACUARE LODGE: COSTA RICA Why: Getting to Pacuare Lodge is an exhilarating adventure in itself. Arrive by a combination of 4x4 and trekking through rugged rainforest terrain or by rafting along a stretch of world-class white-water rapids. There is an abundance of activities suitable for families. The guides are fantastic with children and will show them all of the jungle delights, from creepy crawlies to incredible waterfalls or zip wiring through the canopy. They can also go hiking or visit local communities. We love the food too and how the whole property twinkles at night with all rooms glowing from the oil lamps and candles.

CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT: CANADA Why: This tented camp offers a raft of activities from horse riding, fishing and heli-hikes to bear viewing, whale watching and mountain biking.

Fully catering for families of all ages, there is no need to pre-plan your activities, just see how you all feel on the day. And when in need of some down time with a book or a massage, there is a fantastic games tent as well as outdoor ping pong, tree climbing, fairy house hunting, stone skimming and trampolining to keep the kids busy.

LA SELVA: ECUADOR, AMAZON Why: You and your family can become an Amazon explorer swinging through the vines searching for monkey or sloths.

For budding junior naturalists, visit one of the indigenous communities to learn about life in the jungle and maybe join in with a game of football. Endless outdoor activities exist to keep everyone happy including; bug collecting, kayaking, swimming, tree climbing and night walks. Relaxing is also an option with a spa at the lodge and plenty of hammocks to rest and take in the jungle sounds.

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FINCH BAY HOTEL: GALAPAGOS, SANTA CRUZ Why: Spend time as a family in this beachfront property, relaxing by the pool or get active. Follow marine iguana tracks on the beach, swim in the sea, stake out the giant tortoises, kayak or visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre. The open-air pool sometimes gets visits from marine iguanas and herons and the town of Puerto Ayora is only a short water taxi ride away. If you still have energy to burn, then hop on a mountain bike, jump in a kayak or head back into the water with a snorkel.

SARUNI MARA: KENYA, MASAI MARA Why: Saruni Mara stands out for its brilliant, immersive programme, known as the ‘Warrior Academy’. This is ideal for families or children, with its focus on tracking, toolmaking and other bush skills. Hidden within a quiet valley of the exclusive Mara North Conservancy, it is also one of the smallest camps in the area, giving it an intimate and personal feel that it stands out for.

ANJAJAVY LODGE: MADAGASCAR Why: A beautiful beachside lodge, full of activities, including snorkelling, sailing and water skiing. Given its remote location, spectacular coastline and the incredibly welcoming team, it is no wonder that Anjajavy is one of our favourite family retreats.

The wildlife in the neighbouring Anjajavy Reserve is also considered by many to be some of the best on the island.

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THE ANT COLLECTION: SOUTH AFRICA Why: Ant’s lodges are renowned for their family-friendly adventures, all within the malaria-free Waterberg Mountains.

With horses and dogs around the homestead and no dangerous game in the vicinity, Ant’s is a very popular destination where children can freely explore the African bush. Owned and run

by Ant and Tessa Barber, both camps ensure exemplary service, home-from-home living and an easy-going tailored safari.

ENASOIT: KENYA, LAIKIPIA Why: Enasoit is a stylish, exclusive-use property, perfectly suited to large groups or families. With an emphasis on very personal service, it is set in its own private game rich reserve. There is a lovely pool set within tropical gardens, but if you drag yourself away from here, there are a host of activities, from day and night game drives to the chance to charter Enasoit’s private helicopter.

EXCLUSIVE-USE FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY

COCO SHAMBHALA: INDIA, GOA Why: Cocoa Shambhala lives up to its name – a place of peace, happiness and tranquillity set in a tropical garden, each villa is designed in complete harmony with the landscape with a tree top living room providing panoramic vistas and a private plunge pool. A wonderful place to celebrate a special birthday or a family reunion – you can book two , three or for complete exclusivity take all four villas accommodating up to 20 people.

Cookery lessons, birding trips and nature excursions plus a private car and driver on hand so you can explore further afield.

EXCLUSIVE-USE FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY

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Costa Rica

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osta Rica is a magical destination for a family holiday.

It’s believed to be the inspiration for Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’ and we can see why. Wildlife is abundant and so too the chances to swing through the trees, climb volcanoes or career down rapids. A hugely diverse country,

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a holiday here can include rainforest, beach, sloths and monkeys, mountains, rivers and mangroves, all in two weeks. Distances are small so the family can be ziplining in the morning, surfing in the afternoon and spotting multicoloured frogs by nightfall.

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Family Favourites •R aft and zipline through the jungle canopy • Abseil down and swim in waterfalls •S earch for crocodiles in the mangroves where the movie Jurassic Park was filmed •S norkel with manta rays and see nesting turtles on the beaches of Tortuguero •E xplore the rainforest after dark with your guide and see and hear it come alive •P eer into a volcano crater

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Japan J

apan is an incredibly safe and child-friendly country with a culture and history to fascinate the whole family.

Legendary samurai swordsmen, karate lessons, origami and ancient temples blend seamlessly with modern tech museums, bullet trains and bright manga images.

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Family Favourites • T ake a martial arts lesson in the birthplace of karate - Okinawa • T okyo and Kyoto are fantastic cities to explore by bicycle •W atch the snow monkeys bathing in the warm springs • Learn samurai sword skills • Experience a sumo tournament • L earn how to make a ‘bento box’ meal in a traditional Japanese house •E xplore the quirky side of Japan at the Cup Noodle Museum •S wim and snorkel in the turquoise waters surrounding Okinawa Island

PAUL CRAVEN - Steppes Japan Specialist In a country where children are respected and adored, visitors will feel secure and cared for, as will their children.

Using public transport is key to a holiday in Japan so build in plenty for time for this when travelling with children and take advantage of some of the quirky ideas on offer, the kids will love it.

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Oman

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afe and friendly with endless sunshine and plenty to do and see, Oman is the perfect family destination.

Only a seven-hour flight from the UK brings families to a charming, stylish and welcoming Middle Eastern country.

Brimming with history, Oman has khanjar daggers,

embroidered clothing, wildlife such as green turtles and the elusive Arabian oryx. Adventurous evenings under the desert sky and dolphins swimming offshore, Oman is the ideal destination from beach babies to young explorers alike.

Family Favourites

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•C amp under the stars in Wahiba Sands or the Empty Quarter

• Cycle the trails in the Jebel Akhdar with bikes suitable for all ages

•S et sail to the Daymaniyat Islands or swim with humpback whales

• Cruise the Arabian fjords on a traditional dhow from the Six Senses Zighy Bay

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KATIE BENDEN - Steppes Oman Specialist Take advantage of our family friendly ‘meet and greet’ on arrival and allow yourselves three or four nights at one of the lovely beach hotels. Many of the kids clubs start from age four, however, a babysitter can be booked to accompany younger children. We can also help organise sightseeing early in the morning before it becomes too hot.

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C

Kenya

ombine all of Kenya’s highlights on a fun, familyfriendly holiday that includes both spectacular wildlife and lots of activities. Go mountain biking, horse riding and dive off waterfalls in Laikipia, before learning Maasai bush skills and spotting big cats in the conservancies of the Masai Mara. Kenya’s interior offers a mix of adventure and wildlife for all ages, whilst the coast is the perfect place to unwind and relax on beautiful white beaches.

Family Favourites • Adopt an orphaned elephant and visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi • At the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, spot big cats and meet the last three surviving northern white rhinos • Explore on camel-back, camping by rivers and jumping off waterfalls • Snorkel, sail, kayak, wakeboard and more from the beautiful beaches that carpet Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast • Learn bush skills, such as tracking and making bows under the tutelage of fantastically knowledgeable local guides • Visit a local community, see the school and dine with the elders • Gain an insight into growing up in the bush at Elephant Watch Camp

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ILLONA CROSS - Steppes Kenya Specialist Upgrade to a private vehicle, so it is just you and your family. This gives much greater flexibility and privacy.

Also consider adding in extra days at each place, so that you don’t have to pack up quite as frequently.

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Madagascar

Family Favourites •S earch for pirate graves and snorkel over submerged shipwrecks off Ile St Marie

• Sail, windsurf, snorkel and canoe off the beaches of Anjajavy

• L ook for elusive aye-ayes and get up close to leaping lemurs on a guided forest walk through one of the many national parks

• Take a night walk spotting noturnal animals like chameleons and tenrecs by torchlight

• I sland-hop onboard your skippered yacht along the north-western coast

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• Take a marine safari in search of humpback whales and turtles • Make bows and arrows and hunt for bugs

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CHRIS JOHNSTON - Steppes Madagascar Specialist Whilst October half-term is one of the best times to travel, consider visiting Madagascar during spring half term.

Communities come together for the rice harvest, the temperature is still wonderfully warm and you will have the country almost to yourself.

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Experiential Learning EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

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rom the pharaohs of ancient Egypt and the Rajput Kings of India, to the biodiversity of Costa Rican rainforests, the evolution of the Galapagos Islands or the technology of Japan, today’s school curriculum covers a

wide range of topics. So what better way for your children or grandchildren to learn than by taking them on location with insightful guides to bring these subjects to life.

Your children will return to school more passionate about learning and with enviable bragging rights.

Luke horserides with the nomads in Mongolia.

Will, Luke and Ollie bathe elephants in India.

Anna learns how to track, dart and micro-chip a rhino in South Africa.

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George mushes a dog sled in Sweden

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Christmas in Antarctica.

wildlife in Olie gets up close to

the Galapagos.

Helping local communities in Kenya.

Benedict discovers wildlife conservation in South Africa.

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Brazil

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our family options here are hugely diverse - just like Brazil itself. Home to the largest jungle in the world.

Search for jaguars in The Pantanal, see pumas and monkeys, parrots and piranha in the wild. With 4,000 miles of coastline, head to one of the best beaches for

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some surfing, snorkelling, swimming or the nation’s favourite pastime - football. Rio and the rainforest beyond it are buzzing and vibrant and will very much occupy and enthral a young mind.

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Family Favourites • T rack jaguar, anaconda, macaw and giant anteaters in the Pantanal

• Try out your monkey skills and climb a 60-metre tree in the Amazon

• L earn the Brazilian dance-based martial art - capoeira

• Surf, swim, snorkel, or simply relax at one of the many beaches

•D iscover which wild plants are used for both food and medicine in the Amazon rainforest

• See the impressive Iguazu waterfalls • Play volleyball, a game of ‘keepie-uppie’ or bicycle on the beaches

JAMES ARMITAGE - Steppes Brazil Specialist Brazil is vast so don’t try to do too much. Three destinations in two weeks will give you huge variety and diversity but without packing and unpacking all the time. Don’t forget to buy your Havaiana flip flops!

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Italy T

here is no denying the Italians love children. Days out with grandparents and extended family are to be cherished and family is all important. You will find a visit here is filled with Mediterranean warmth and a huge welcome wherever you go.

In just two and a half hours from the UK you can be basking in sunshine and dining al fresco surrounded by history

and culture. We have hand-picked some of our favourite places to stay and activities from a wide choice of regional specialities and highlights with plenty to do for all ages.

Choose from a city break which brings alive the history of Florence, Rome and Venice, to staying in rural family farms and helping with the olive harvest. Or get away from it all on the Amalfi coast and explore the endless beaches of Puglia.

Family Favourites

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• Bring history to life and learn to be a gladiator for the day

• Try your hand at authentic pizza-making and throwing in Naples

• Taste

delicious hand-made gelato and make masks in Venice

• Discover the history of Pompeii • Explore the beautiful Amalfi coast

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KATIE BENDEN – Steppes Italy Specialist We recommend sightseeing in the mornings, hitting the pool in the afternoons and avoiding the busy restaurants surrounding the main squares. The real gems are tucked away in the side streets.

Where available travel by train – fast, efficient and great value for money. For an exceptional holiday with a difference, why not charter a crewed yacht around the Amalfi coast.

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India

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ndia can be overwhelming, but frequently we find children embrace the experience head on. It is one of the most enriching, colourful and culturally diverse destinations, brimming with activities to satisfy even the most adventurous of children.

Our key advice is don’t try to fit in all that India has to offer and plan well ahead. We can help create the ideal itinerary meaning travelling time is kept to a minimum with carefully crafted and insightful experiences for a holiday packed with variety. Go beyond the normal sightseeing itineraries.

Get the children involved in local experiences that hold an interest for them for an exciting, rewarding and challenging trip.

North India and Rajasthan basks in the sheer beauty of its monuments – all of which come with interesting stories of battles, heroes, kings and princesses. Travelling doesn’t always have to be in an air-conditioned car. Why not travel by train, auto rickshaw, camel and bullock cart to really experience the country. South India offers a wonderful combination of river cruising, wildlife safaris, coffee and spice plantations, and gorgeous laid-back coastline.

Family Favourites • Become a naturalist guide and learn the art of jungle craft

• Take tea with a Maharaja

• Track a wild tiger straight out of Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’

• Go horseriding in the land of Rajput kings

• Take a rickshaw ride and visit a local school

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• Cruise the backwaters of Kerala • Discover the heritage and history of the palaces and forts

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JOE PARKES / KATE HITCHEN Steppes India Specialists Without a doubt one of the most stimulating and exciting countries to visit with children as it offers incredible diversity from epic historical and natural wonders, exciting wildlife experiences, and stand-out experiences such as camel riding, river cruises and tuk tuk rides. What’s more the Indian culture places family at the epicentre of every day life and people will welcome you with open arms and treat you as their own.

An utterly memorable and thrilling destination for any family.

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INDONESIA Private Charter Onboard Tiger Blue by Steppes MD Justin Wateridge

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fter a week in Indonesia and the success of spending time with the orangutans of Borneo and the joys of cycling through the countryside of Ubud in Bali – we didn’t feel our time could be bettered. Two families, four adults and six children take some entertaining. However, within seconds of boarding Tiger Blue we realised this was going to be the pinnacle of our time in these islands.

Full of unbridled joy, the children scamper around the boat in a whirlwind of excited discovery. Checking cabins, unearthing the nooks and crannies of the ship and testing the rigging before over-conscious western parents bring them back to deck.

I have rarely seen my eleven-year old daughter so animated and with such a huge smile on her face.

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Flying in from Bali we had been transfixed by the islands strung out beneath us and the impressive conical volcano of Mt Sangeang emerging from the clouds. Landing on the island of Flores we were whisked off to board Tiger Blue, a thirty-four metre wooden schooner that was to become our home for the next five nights.

A two-masted Indonesian phinisi with burgundy sails and a swashbuckling feel, reinforced by the ten-man and one woman crew and in particular the strutting swagger of Escobar, who was to become so much more than our snorkelling guide.

Each day is dictated by various activities and as fluid as the sea herself. We feast on delicious fresh food served from desertisland escapes whilst lounging on bean bags. The children scurry

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around scavenging on private beaches and try their hand at kayaking and paddle boarding as well as burying their siblings in the sand.

The first dive is from Siaba Besar and we submerge just below the water level, kneeling on the sand and rehearsing taking our regulators out of our masks and expunging water.

Drills successfully completed we head into deeper water, but never more than nine metres. I watch with pride my children experiencing diving for the first time with new-found confidence and a sense of liberation.

We are only down for some twenty minutes but nevertheless the experience is exhilarating and the first thing that my daughter Anna says on getting our heads above water is, “Can we do that again?” There can be no better endorsement.

that all they want to be is a dive instructor or at least, albeit five years premature, they have mapped out what they want to do on their year-off.

There is little time to reflect on our new-found skill as we board the dinghy for a snorkelling trip. We drop into the water and a strong current – a conveyor belt that is a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colour – drags us along at a rate of knots.

Benedict, my eight-year old son, dives down to meet a turtle rising for air. A wonderful stand-off between the two.

In spite of all the activity, time passes slowly on board. When sailing we play chess, teach the children backgammon, read books, fall asleep in the sun and delight in dolphins riding the bow wave. On one voyage, we were treated to the hoisting of the sails. One of the crew – of course, it had to be Escobar - scaled the rigging like an orangutan and balancing on a single rope worked quickly and with his typical shouts of joy to unfurl the sails.

Tiger Blue relocates and we are at another dive site, Tatawa Besar. The light overhead streaming through the water is glorious. I float with huge pride seeing my girls diving alongside me. The circle of index finger to thumb is signalled again and again in the sheer joy of the bubble of diving and also the huge and diverse amount of fish all around us.

Another turtle comes right up to Anna. They stare face to face.

She might be a little apprehensive and but beneath her mask, I can see that she is smiling from ear to ear.

Each afternoon we leaf through the various marine books identifying what we have seen that day – evidence that they are engaged and engrossed, even more so than when on safari.

I fear that any money spent on their education will be wasted in

One of the girls enthuses, “It is like swimming in an aquarium.”

The last supper is a volcanic (in structure) feast of rice and prawns that is greedily consumed by all. Replete and ready for bed the crew emerge to play and sing for and with us. The setting, the activities might be superlative but, as ever in travel, it is the people that make it.

INDONESIA BORNEO, BALI AND PRIVATE CHARTER OF TIGER BLUE 15 days from £4,850 pp inc flights

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Your family, your holiday, your way

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We really enjoyed our time with Iresh, our guide and driver. We got to know him really well, and he us, and he was able to make small changes each day to better suit our family’s needs. I have to say that it was really helpful having him with us for the duration of our stay in Sri Lanka.

Excellent in every way. Particularly Super Sande, he really is super. Super by name, super by nature and super by profession. On my mobile safari in Moremi, Botswana, he was fantastic with my grandchildren, he kept them occupied the whole time and also kept them learning more about the environment they were in.

Please pass on our thanks to all the team at Steppes, a great company with fantastic focus on amazing family holiday experiences, we hope to travel with you again.

As a family we are not well travelled so we were delighted with the level of detail that Steppes provided. All of the pre-holiday information was excellent especially the ‘Know Before You Go’ and the reassurance that there was 24-hour help abroad should we need it!

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“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.

It’s not.”

-The Lorax by Dr Seuss

Conservation Matters GET INVOLVED IN OUR CONSERVATION PROJECTS AROUND THE WORLD “Children are the future of conservation: they will inherit this planet, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the resources to protect and preserve the environment and the myriad species that inhabit it.”

- Justin Wateridge, Managing Director of Steppes Travel We have a number of projects your family can visit and get involved with - whether that be tree planting in Borneo’s rainforests or helping with community based projects which provide vocational training to women and help sustainable sources of income such as the Omwani Coffee Cooperative in Uganda or the Restless Development Projects helping mentor young people around the world. Ask the Steppes team for the supported project or initiative in the country you are next visiting.

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