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contents
WELCOME LETTER
4 SOUKS AND THE CITY
New Zealand Tourism, TNT Images, Getty Images
Shoe shopping mayhem in the colour and chaos of Marrakesh
6 COME TO AMERICA
10 SUPER STOPOVERS
16 BOAT PARTY
Tick off five of the most interesting cities in the United States
Fantastic places for a break on your way to Australia and New Zealand
Discover Egypt while drifting on a felucca along the mighty Nile
20 LATIN FEVER
24 AFRICA OVERLAND
28 BIG ADVENTURE
Get off the beaten track in South America for an adventure of a lifetime
Discover cultures and wildlife on a journey through iconic African landscapes
Head to the Antipodes for exquisite scenery, delicious food and a brilliant time
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 Syder Financial director Nick Crampton CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Printed 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 sales@tntmagazine.com Fax +44 (0)20 7341 6600
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SOUKS AND THE CITY
In Morocco’s cultural capital, even shopping for shoes is an adventure steeped in colour and chaos WORDS TOM STURROCK
T
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 air smells of mint tea, also known as Berber whiskey ” 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.
TNT Images
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.
NEED TO KNOW
“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.”
“ The axis of the souk is a spectacular mosiac spiral staircase ” 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-
Justine Walker, Getty Images
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-alifetime 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.
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.
WHEN TO GO Summer heat means you might need to head to the coast, or wait until it’s cooler. GETTING THERE EasyJet flies to Marrakesh GETTING AROUND Taxis, 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.
MOROCCO Essaoeira
Marrakesh
Agadir
O T G N I M O C
A C I R E M A best e h t f o tes er five Discov he United Sta t cities in FRANKIE MULLIN WORDS
a
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A SAN FRANCISCO A 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 YORK The 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.
NEED TO KNOW
British Airways, Virgin, Air Canada and many other airlines fly direct to cities in the USA.
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.
GETTING AROUND
WHERE TO STAY
Taxis are cheaper in the
This varies from city to
WHEN TO GO
Anytime. The USA is massive and climates vary from state to state. Decide if you want sun or snow. GETTTING THERE
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city. A night in a hostel costs from £17, a night in a three-star hotel costs from £50. LANGUAGE English.
USA San Francisco Las Vegas Los Angeles
New York
New Orleans
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GOING TO AMERICA LAS VEGAS Not 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.
“Vegas is the ultimate playground in the sand” 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 ORLEANS The 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.
LOS ANGELES There’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.
MUST-SEE NATURAL WONDERS 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. TNT Images, Getty Images
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SUPER STOPOVERS The best places to take a break on your way to Australia and New Zealand WORDS DANIEL LANDON 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.
I
DUBAI Visit for the climate, the beaches … and the fact that Dubai is arguably the fastestchanging 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.
TNT Images, Getty Images
TOKYO
HONG KONG
Stopping 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 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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SUPER STOPOVERS ROUND-THE-WORLD ADVENTURES If 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.
BANGKOK A 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.
For 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
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SHANGHAI The 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.
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TNT Images, Getty Images
BALI
beaten track and visit the north of the island for a more authentic experience. Don’t miss Ubud for hippy, trippy adventures.
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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 and AITO, you have no worries whatsoever booking your holiday with us. 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 £299 AFRICA: 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.
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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 £629 With 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 feedback 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 Nile WORDS SHILA SULTANA
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
“L
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
BOAT PARTY NEED TO KNOW WHEN 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 EGP LANGUAGE Arabic GOING OUT A beer is about £2
one would succumb to the notorious Egyptian tummy.
WHERE TO STAY A dorm
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
“Cheery children jump on board and sail with us” 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.
TNT Images
CAPITAL IDEA: CAIRO Traffic-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
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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.
bed costs from £3 a night, while a hotel room about £15. SEE egypt.travel
CAIRO The Nile
EGYPT
is
We 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
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.
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.
BONFIRES AND BELLY DANCERS
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LATIN FEVER
Trump your mates’ travel experiences by getting off the beaten track WORDS JANINE KELSO
a
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 TESTED ANIMAL SPOTTING IN THE AMAZON, BRAZIL
TRIED AND TESTED PARTYING AT RIO CARNAVAL, BRAZIL
Getty Images,TNT Images
Wild 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 TRACK PARTYING AT SALVADOR CARNAVAL, BRAZIL Those 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
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From 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 TRACK ANIMAL 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 TESTED CYCLING THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS ROAD, BOLIVIA A 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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LATIN FEVER
Moonstone Sun Temple Trek which passes a pre-Inca fortress.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK CYCLE BETWEEN VINEYARDS IN MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
TRIED AND TESTED INCA TRAIL, PERU The four-day hike to the dramatic city of Machu Picchu is a tick-box activity for most backpackers exploring Peru.
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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 sevenday remote High Inca Trail and the
Colombia’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 multicoloured chemicals.
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TNT Images, Getty Images
The 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.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK CIUDAD PERDIDA TREK, COLOMBIA
Journey through Africa on a trip of a lifetime WORDS DANIEL LANDON
oing 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.
G
THE WILDLIFE Undoubtedly, 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 SCENERY Along 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.
AFRICA OVERLAND NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO Travelling in the
“ 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.
Africa’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
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CURRENCY
Take plenty of US dollars with you.
NAIROBI
Masai Mara Serengeti
TANZANIA
TOP SAFARI ROUTES Kenya 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.
TNT Images, Getty Images
THE LOCALS
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 eightday 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.
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 are exempt in places. Take precautions for malaria and organise jabs KENYA beforehand.
And overnight you’re in a whole new world. Flights from London to Windhoek via Frankfurt.
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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 flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Visit your travel agent for more information and bookings or email us at: reservations@air-namibia.co.uk Telephone: 0870 774 0965 Website: www.airnamibia.com.na
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BIG ADVENTURE
Head to the Antipodes for unique culture, plenty of adventure and flavours you’ve never tasted before WORDS JAHN VANNISSELROY
ADVENTURE AUSTRALIA With 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
a metre above the water.
NEW ZEALAND This 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!
TNT Images, Getty Images, New Zealand Tourism
FOOD AND WINE AUSTRALIA Whether 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
tntmagazine.com/destinations
wine trail, tour historic wineries, take a tutored tasting or even go on a winemaking 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 ZEALAND Whether it’s kiwifruit, green-lipped mussels and paua, hokey-pokey ice
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BIG ADVENTURE NEED TO KNOW WHEN 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
NEW ZEALAND
AUSTRALIA Hawke’s Bay Uluru
WELLINGTON SOUTH ISLAND Christchurch Queenstown
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.
Great Barrier Reef
Darwin
NORTH ISLAND
Waiheke Island Auckland
QUEENSLAND SOUTH AUSTRALIA Sydney VICTORIA
Melbourne
dance: it’s an excellent way to gain insight on one of the world’s oldest races.
NEW ZEALAND Maori 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.
CULTURE AUSTRALIA
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Getty Images
There 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
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