Sunday, 22 May 2011

What are adventure games?

Since its inception in 1977 with ADVENT, adventure games have been the most story-driven computer game genre. Many have found adventure games to have a true immersive quality that can be compared to reading a good book or watching a movie. If you are interested in playing games that can be thoughtful, funny and intelligent, and provide a little mental challenge, you might just have landed on the right website.

Adventure games are about stories, exploring worlds and solving puzzles. Play as Ray McCoy on assignment to track down replicants in Blade Runner the game. Or embark on a four-year journey through the mystical Land Of The Dead in the Mexican folk art and film noir inspired Grim Fandango. The game Bad Mojo even lets you play as a scientist trapped in the body of a cockroach. When you’re playing an adventure game, you never quite know what you’re going to get. Detectives, comedies, westerns, mysteries, horror, noir or sci-fi; there’s an adventure game for everyone.

There are in fact so many adventure games to play that it can be hard to find a place to start. Fortunately, this article should help you along your way.

Genre definition
Adventure games focus on puzzle solving within a narrative framework. There are generally few or no action elements. Other popular names for this genre of computer games are “graphic adventure” or “point-and-click adventure”.

Adventure games are not: role-playing games that involve action, team-building and points management; 3D action/adventure games such as Tomb Raider; side-scroller action games such as Mario or Rayman; puzzle games like Pandora’s Box or Tetris.

Characteristics
There are three characteristics that are always present in an adventure game to some degree. Some sub-genres focus more on one aspect than another.

Narrative
In adventure games, the story line is essential. The narrative is predetermined and unfolds one step at a time. The stories range in scope, tone and setting as much as movies and novels do. For instance, in Gabriel Knight you are attempting to solve a voodoo murder mystery in New Orleans, whereas The Secret Of Monkey Island tells the comedy tale of the oddly named pirate wannabe Guybrush Threepwood and his quest to defeat the Evil Ghost Pirate LeChuck. It’s hard to give any indication of what to expect, though adventure games are known for their original stories.

Puzzles
Inventory puzzles: accumulating an inventory of items that are then used to solve puzzles. In the first scene of the pirate adventure The Curse of Monkey Island, you have to attach a plastic hook to a ramrod in order to fetch a cutlass from the ocean. This is a typical inventory puzzle as found in most graphic adventures.
Dialogue-based puzzles: interacting with computer characters to accumulate clues, directions, or to persuade them to help your cause.
Environmental puzzles: puzzles requiring you to analyze and often alter your surroundings in the game.
Non-contextual puzzles: these can be anything, like a game of chess or a jigsaw puzzle. This type of puzzle usually has little or no relevance to the game’s narrative.

While a lot of adventure games contain basic inventory puzzles, some games provide more exotic types of challenges. For instance, in the game Spycraft you are a CIA agent and your tasks involve tapping into phone calls and analyzing photo evidence.

Saturday, 21 May 2011

Is Egypt safe for Tourists? These tours show you the best sights all while keeping you out of harm’s way


Egypt has engrossed both historians and travelers alike for centuries. Some historians even say that tourism began in Egypt when, long before the birth of Christ, Greek and Roman travelers would visit mystical Egypt to see the grandeur of the Sprinx and the pyramids, visit the ancient Luxor and ride a river boat down the longest river in the world. Today, travelers to this desert country with a rich and impressive history see and do many of the same things as those first tourists. From standing at the foot of the magnificent pyramids to floating down the majestic Nile River and exploring the busy streets of Cairo, modern day travelers can enjoy an exciting and enticing mixture of experiences in Egypt.
However, with growing global tension between the Middle East and the United States and higher rates of violence against American tourists in Muslim countries like Egypt, some travelers are finding themselves too nervous to go on an Egyptian adventure. A great way to see and experience Egypt for those travelers who may be a little nervous of venturing into the desert alone is to go on an adventure tour. So, ok, I know what you are thinking, and no, travel tours aren’t just for old ladies on big buses anymore. The truth is travel tours have come a long way since the days of giant air-conditioned buses and blue-haired tour goers named Edna. Today there are tours designed specifically for the independent, adventure traveler. That’s right—active, interesting and adventurous tours that allow travelers to explore and experience a foreign place. The groups are kept small, usually capping out at 16 people, so you won’t be traveling around with some awkwardly huge group of gawking tourists. Instead, you’ll be taking in the beautiful vistas of the Nile River valley, exploring one of man’s most mystifying and impressive creations at the Pyramids of Giza, be awed by the creations of ancient civilizations, riding camels and visiting the Valley of the Kings. These tours don’t just scratch the surface of the places you visit, you truly get a chance to explore, understand and experience some of the most treasured places in the entire world. In fact, by using a combination of local and experienced guides, you’ll often see and experience MORE than you would on your own. The local guides know the best places to take you and best foods for you to try. Oh, and don’t worry, you will be safe. Sticking with guides who know where to go, what to do and what to avoid will assure you of coming home with stories only about the magnificence of the pyramids and not of being harassed or kidnapped. After visiting the birthplace of one of the world’s most impressive ancient civilizations, you won’t be sorry you booked one of these great adventure tours and journeyed to Egypt.
Mimic the life of a Bedouin desert explorer on this tour, which goes from Petra to Abu Simbel. You’ll be awed by ancient wonders of civilizations which date back to 9000 BC, float in the Dead Sea, drift down the Nile, count the stars above Wadi Rum and ascend Mount Sinai. Jordan and Egypt have some of the oldest cultures on earth and this tour will bring alive the spectacular significance of this region. The fully escorted tour with a professional guide and driver will show you the most exciting sights all while making sure you stay safe (and hydrated).
This 16 day tour which starts and ends in Cairo will have you floating down the Nile in a felucca, riding a camel, bicycling in the desert oasis Siwa, going on a desert jeep safari and camping in the beneath the stars in the desert. You will also see the impressive Pyramids of Giza, visit King Tut’s tomb, going to Luxor, seeing the Sphynx and experiencing all of the best attractions Egypt has to offer, all while being guided by a knowledgeable and experienced guide who will make sure you not only stay safe, but that you don’t miss a thing.
If you have less time, but still want to see and experiencing all the best sights in Egypt, than this is the perfect tour for you. This 8-day tour, which starts and ends in Cairo, will have you traveling on a Felucca down the Nile and experiencing Nubian village life. Explore the ancient sites of Luxor and discover the most famous of them all, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Stroll the streets of Cairo, go on a camel ride and learn all about Egyptian history on your guided tours of the historical sights.

the Craddle of Civilization: 3 Middle East Adventure Tours


The cradle of civilization, the Middle East is a treasure trove of beautiful temples, amazing ruins and home to some of the world’s most important and cherished spiritual sights. In fact, it is the very mixture of diverse people, scared lands and varied cultures that has also caused this part of the world to be at the center of some sort of conflict for centuries. But with vast deserts, mountain ranges, the pyramids of Egypt, bustling and unique cities, great open air markets and a certain exoticism, it is hard to not fall in love with this part of the world. Visit the old capital of the Ottoman Empire and explore the streets of Istanbul, ride a camel across huge sand dunes, get lost in the spicy, sweet scents of the open-air markets and visit the location and ruins of the cradle of civilization. In no other area of the world will you see such a delightful mixture of people, cultures, religion and scenery as in the Middle East. So, awaken your senses and discover the treasures this arid and spectacular part of the world has to offer.
While some may feel hesitant about traveling through the Middle East as an American right now, the great majority of this part of the world is perfectly safe for tourists. A great way to get the most out of your trip and avoid any potentially dangerous situations is to sign up for a small group adventure our. And, before you even have time to ask the question in your head, I’ll say that no, travel tours aren’t just for old people anymore. So, you don’t have to worry about touring around in some giant air-conditioned bus sitting next to blue haired Edna and her husband Bob. The truth is travel tours have come a long way since the days of giant air-conditioned buses and old ladies. Today there are tours designed specifically for the independent, adventure traveler. That’s right—active, interesting and adventurous tours that allow travelers to explore and experience a foreign place. First off, they keep the groups small, usually capping out at 16 people, so you won’t be traveling around with some awkwardly huge group of gawking tourists. Second, these tours don’t just scratch the surface of the places you visit. In fact, by using a combination of local and experienced guides, you’ll often see and experience MORE than you would on your own. Not sure where the absolutely not to miss sights are? Want to know which places are tourist traps and should be avoided? These tours will showcase the best of the best, saving you from countless hours of potentially pointless research trying to find out where to go and what to eat. Oh, and don’t worry, you definitely won’t be experiencing any part of the Middle East from the window of some bus the entire time. In fact, you’ll be riding around in special desert vehicles, riding camels, walking, and/or riding in a traditional boat down the Nile all while being shown this magnificent part of the country by an experienced and knowledgeable guide.
A magical journey that takes you from Istanbul, a cultural melting pot of different people, cuisines and architectural styles, to Aswan, where the mighty Nile was tamed, and to Cairo. The pace of life and variety of culture experienced on this tour is mesmerizing and most visitors don’t want to leave. Highlights include exploring Roman Ephesus, the cave villages of Cappadocia, bargaining in the fabled souks of Aleppo, standing in awe at the entrance to Petra and marveling at the never-ending splendor of the giant ancient Egyptian monuments. Travel by truck, mini bus, traditional felucca and train. Try mint tea, Turkish kebabs, baklava, spicy mezes and a plethora of other Middle Eastern delights as you soak up the atmosphere and wonderful hospitality of this region. This tour truly has it all.
Get a true taste of Egypt and the Middle East. Travel on a Felucca down the Nile, rub shoulders with Nubian villagers in Egypt and Bedouin people in Jordan, and take in the ancient sites of Petra, Luxor and the most famous of the all, the Great Pyramids of Giza!
You asked for an adventure in Turkey, and now we have delivered!
BootsnAll World Adventures has prepared what we think is one of the best active tours in Turkey. This adventure trip includes hiking, cycling, rafting a jeep safari, and a 4-day cruise on an old world sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea, with swimming, snorkeling and seafood.
You are guaranteed to see the following places on this tour:
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Goreme Open Air Museum, Red Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Gorge, Taurus Mountains, Olympos, Pirates Cave, Sunken City of Kekova, Gokkaya Bay, Kas, Butterfly Valley, Samanlik Bay, Grand Bazaar.
All our hotels are quality, loaded with charm and character, including a cave hotel in Cappadocia, one night in a tree-fort and 3 nights sleeping on a sailboat at sea. In the previous years, our guides have been ranked by national magazines as the best.

The Bewildering Beauty of Argentina


With the grandiose and impressive Patagonia sitting in the south of the country and the vibrant and bustling city of Buenos Aires in the North, Argentina is a destination with the perfect blend of rugged and wild beauty and sophisticated urban centers. One of the most developed countries in South America, Argentina is also known as a destination fairly easily traveled by newcomers and appreciated by almost all. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan and unique city, boasting impressive architecture, a colonial feel and a spirit all its own. In the south, the mighty Patagonia awes visitors with its impressive peaks, sheer cliffs, deep valleys and breathtakingly beautiful vistas. Add to the beautiful scenery and culturally rich cities amazing beef, delicious wine and any foodie traveler is also bound to be a happy camper. But, for any new traveler to Argentina, the enormity of things to do and numerous places to visit can be totally overwhelming. That’s why signing up for a small group adventure tour could be the perfect way to see, taste and experience Argentina.
So, ok, I know what you are thinking. “A travel tour? Isn’t that what old people do?” The answer is no. The truth is travel tours have come a long way since the days of giant air-conditioned buses and old ladies. Today there are tours designed specifically for the independent, adventure traveler. That’s right—active, interesting and adventurous tours that allow travelers to explore and experience a foreign place. First off, they keep the groups small, usually capping out at 16 people, so you won’t be traveling around with some awkwardly huge group of gawking tourists. Second, these tours don’t just scratch the surface of the places you visit. In fact, by using a combination of local and experienced guides, you’ll often see and experience MORE than you would on your own. Also, because these tours have already been developed to showcase the best of the best, you’ll save yourself from countless hours of potentially pointless research trying to find out where to go and what to eat. Argentina is not a destination for the wimpy. As you scale mountains, make friends with llamas and take in some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the entire world you’ll be glad you decided to come to Argentina. Pack your best coat and get ready to do some serious shopping in Buenos Aires—a trip to Argentina will prove to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Hike through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world on this active foray into Argentinean Patagonia. You will be awe inspired by towering, snowy peaks and breathtakingly beautiful glacial lakes. Watch behemoth ice chunks calving off Perito Moreno in Glacier National Park. Get your body moving and work up a sweat while being awed by Mother Nature on this active and scenic six day tour.
On this adventure to the Patagonia region of Argentina you will want to make sure to pack the right gear for outdoor pursuits. This trip is not for the bus tourist. In fact, if you are thinking about joining a bus tour, you might want to look elsewhere. On this epic 15 day journey you will be inspired to get out into Nature to see what Argentina has to offer the adventurous traveler.
Are you ready to sweat? If so, then this is the adventure trip for you! As you travel through multiple national parks and see what makes the Andes Mountains so beloved by mountaineers and skiers alike, you will see first-hand that your choice to spend your hard-earned vacation time and money on our End of the Earth adventure is quite possibly the best decision you could make this year.
Then, after you have earned your travel credibility in the Andes, kick back with a stay in exciting Buenos Aires and see why Argentina is fast becoming a hot spot for wine and culinary delights.
Travel overland from Santiago to Buenos Aires, taking in some awesome scenery and opportunities for outdoor sports along the way. Beginning in Chile’s buzzing capital, this trip takes you through the volcanic landscapes of Puerto Varas, into the Lake District around Bariloche and finally ends in flamboyant Buenos Aires, where the party never stops. Get a taste of Patagonia on this action-packed adventure that is sure to leave you wanting more.

Want to go to but don’t speak Spanish? No problem. Let our tours help


So, you’ve always wanted to go to South America—whether it’s scaling the Andes, exploring the Amazon, seeing Machu Picchu, hanging out on the beaches of Brazil or skiing in Chile—but you’re a little nervous that your lack of Spanish skills could hold you back. If you’re like me, you’re pretty sure your French won’t help you out too much when you’re trying to haggle for a sweater in Peru or discussing the dangers of the jungle with a local in the Amazon. On the scale of things, a language barrier can seem like a pretty silly reason not to venture into these amazing areas of the world. At the same time, however, not knowing the language can make the trip more complicated, logistically more difficult and generally less comforting. If you want to travel to South America and understand your hotel owner’s great story, get good directions and order the best thing on the menu without taking years worth of Spanish class, then traveling with a tour group can be the perfect solution. You’ll still see all the amazing sights, plus you’ll have someone there who speaks Spanish and knows where to go, so you won’t waste time getting lost or ending up frustrated.
So, ok, I know what you are thinking. “A travel tour? Isn’t that what old people do?” The answer is no. The truth is travel tours have come a long way since the days of giant air-conditioned buses and old ladies. Today there are tours designed specifically for the independent, adventure traveler. That’s right—active, interesting and adventurous tours that allow travelers to explore and experience a foreign place. So you’ll be hiking the Inca trail, taking a canoe into the Amazon and exploring Patagonia, not sitting in a bus. The groups are also kept small, usually capping out at 16 people, so you won’t be traveling around with some awkwardly huge group of gawking tourists. These tours also don’t just scratch the surface of the places you visit. In fact, by using a combination of local and experienced guides, you’ll often see and experience MORE than you would on your own. Want to have a guide who can translate an important sign or help you find the best restaurant in town? I certainly do. Because these tours have already been developed to showcase the best of the best, you’ll save yourself from countless hours of potentially pointless research trying to find out where to go and what to eat. Oh, and don’t worry, you definitely won’t be experiencing South America from the window of some bus while sitting next to blue-haired Edna the entire time. These tours have you up and about, courageous exploring these region by foot, hanging out with llamas, biking and canoeing. So, buckle up, book your trip today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Take an in depth look at the best of Peru on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. Explore the country’s lush jungles, expansive lakes and harsh deserts. Enjoy local homestays, hike the famed Inca Trail and be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities. This three-week tour starts and ends in Lima and will take you through the diverse, varied and totally incredible regions of Peru.
A wealth of South American highlights, packed into five weeks. Wind your way down the spine of the Americas, from Lima’s bustling markets to Santiago, set in the shadow of the Andes. Along the way discover marine life at the Peruvian coast, the lost city of Machu Picchu and gleaming salt lakes. Add to that hot springs and geysers, the changing shades of the altiplano’s multicolored lakes and the San Pedro oasis with its moon-like rock formations in the Atacama Desert. You’ll see all the best that this amazing continent has to offer from coastlines to mountains to desert to jungle. What a trip.
Travel overland from Santiago to Buenos Aires, taking in some awesome scenery and opportunities for outdoor sports along the way. Beginning in Chile’s buzzing capital, this trip takes you through the volcanic landscapes of Puerto Varas, into the Lake District around Bariloche and finally ends in flamboyant Buenos Aires, where the party never stops. Get a taste of Patagonia on this action-packed adventure that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Hike through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world on this active foray into Argentinean Patagonia. Be awe-inspired by towering, snowy peaks and breathtakingly beautiful glacial lakes, and watch behemoth ice chunks calving off Perito Moreno in Glacier National Park. Work up a sweat and get ready to be wowed by the power and beauty of Mother Nature on this active and scenic six day tour.
Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Discover the outstanding natural beauty, interesting history and unique wildlife by foot, boat, bike and snorkel on this active adventure. Trace Darwinian evolutionary theories, spot colorful, bizarre and beautiful creatures and experience an archipelago adventure completely out of this world.

Highlights of China: 4 Trips that are 3 weeks or less


Because of China’s size, the country can be a totally overwhelming place for a lone traveler to try to explore. Language barriers and signs using characters instead of the alphabet can also make things a little more complicated. Want to know what exactly you are ordering off the menu? A great way to see and explore China is by going on an adventure tour. So, ok, I know what you are thinking. “A travel tour? Isn’t that what old people do?” The answer is no. The truth is travel tours have come a long way since the days of giant air-conditioned buses and old ladies. Today there are tours designed specifically for the independent, adventure traveler. That’s right—active, interesting and adventurous tours that allow travelers to explore and experience a foreign place. This means you’ll be hiking through amazing scenery, strolling along the Great Wall and eating authentic Chinese food, not sitting on an air-conditioned bus next to Grandma Sue. The groups are also kept small, usually capping out at 16 people, so you won’t be traveling around with some awkwardly huge group of gawking tourists. Plus, by using a combination of local and experienced guides, you’ll often see and experience MORE than you would on your own. Also, because these tours have already been developed to showcase the best of the best, you’ll save yourself from countless hours of potentially pointless research trying to find out where to go and what to eat. What better than to get to tour around China with someone who speaks the language? So whether you want to journey through the Himalaya highlands of Tibet or soak in the bustling movement of Beijing and visit the Olympic village, these tours of China will offer you a little of the best of everything.
Have less than a month? Here are three tours that will allow you to get the most out of your Chinese adventure in 3 weeks or less.
This 9 day tour will allow you to experience the ancient wonder of China’s most famous attractions on a journey from Beijing to Shanghai. Feel the sturdy rock of the Great Wall beneath your boots, imagine the artisans who carved an army from terracotta and take time out to sit with the locals and sample the fresh cuisine. This trip will combine the imperial grandeur of palaces and temples with the vibrancy of modern cities and famous waterways for the perfect taste of China. From shopping to exploring, this is the perfect tour for someone with limited time who wants to get the most out of their Asian adventure.
If you’ve got a little more time to explore China, this three week tour will allow you to see a little bit of everything China has to offer. Visit cosmopolitan cities, quaint tea houses, the immense Great Wall and the inspiring Three Gorges in this incredible journey. The tour will lead you through China’s major cities of Beijing and Shanghai, transport you into the interior to see the impressive Three Gorges and have you riding bikes alongside the quaint villages along the Li River before ending in Hong Kong. In just 21 days you’ll get to see, taste and experience a wide diversity of everything China has to offer.
If you are looking for a truly physically challenging adventure, this tour 11 day tour is just for you. Be challenged by this active trip through Yunnan province and the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of Asia’s finest geological wonders, and hiking high above the Yangtze River is the best way to experience it. Snow-capped peaks, narrow winding trails and sublime views await those who make the trek. Time spent in the chilled-out towns of Lijiang and Dali provide a relaxing contrast and a great chance to meet the local people.
If you are looking to go to the more outer reaches of China to catch a glimpse of the towering Himalayas and see Tibet, this adventure tour will lead you through the mountainous regions of China into Tibet and Nepal. Explore Tibet and discover its hidden soul on this journey across the roof of the world. Travel across three spectacular regions – China, Tibet and Nepal. The beauty of Lijiang, the remoteness of the Tibetan Plateau, the awesome Potala Palace, the stunning scenery of Everest and rich Buddhist history make this trip a true adventure. If you feel at peace in the mountains, this trip cannot be beat as it showcases some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the entire world, all the while allowing you to soak in local culture and cuisine and venture into the mysterious snow-capped villages of western China, Tibet and Nepal.

3 Best Trips to See the Big Five


If lions and tigers and giraffes (oh my) sound like a part of your next vacation, then heading out on an African adventure tour could be the trip for you. If you are into wildlife, Africa is the place to go. Here you can see some of the world’s rarest and most impressive animals in their national habitats. The “Big Five” (nicknamed such for their difficulty in being hunted)—Lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinoceroses and leopards—are some of the rare African animals you may be lucky enough to spot when you head out to explore this huge, diverse and beautiful continent. From the amazing heights of Victoria Falls to the mountain gorillas of Uganda and the savannahs of Kenya, Africa is home to a world of spectacular sights for the adventure traveler. However, traveling in this huge continent, where many of the best destinations are remote and infrastructure poor, can be truly difficult all alone. Many of the roads require 4WD vehicles and are difficult to navigate. It’s also not the best idea to venture into a land of lions and crocodiles without someone who really knows what they are doing. So, if you are dying to see an elephant face to face or explore the jungles of the Ugandan rainforest with someone who knows where they’re going, an adventure tour could be the ideal way to see this amazing continent (and its amazing wildlife).
So, ok, I know what you are thinking. “A travel tour? Isn’t that what old people do?” The answer is no. The truth is travel tours have come a long way since the days of giant air-conditioned buses and old ladies. Today there are tours designed specifically for the independent, adventure traveler. That’s right—active, interesting and adventurous tours that allow travelers to explore and experience a foreign place. Want to camp out in Serengeti National Park (without being lunch for a lion)? Interested in canoeing in the Okavango Delta of Botswana and seeing hoards of pink flamingos and wallowing hippos? Then an African adventure tour is the best way to get out into the wild and up close and personal with some amazing wildlife.
The groups are also kept small, usually capping out at 16 people, so you won’t be traveling around with some awkwardly huge group of gawking tourists. Also, by using a combination of local and experienced guides, you’ll often see and experience MORE than you would on your own. If you want a better chance at spotting that lion or elephant, a tour is definitely the way to do so. The guides know where these animals like to hang out and will do their best to make sure you see the most. Also, because these tours have already been developed to showcase the best of the best, you’ll save yourself from countless hours of potentially pointless research trying to find out where to go and what to eat. Oh, and don’t worry, you definitely won’t be experiencing Africa from the window of some bus the entire time. These tours have you exploring the regions of Africa by going on game drives, bush walks, and canoeing the rivers.
This two-week tour which departs and ends in Nairobi will allow you to experience the captivating wildlife and charming tribespeople of Kenya. Take in the beauty of the Great Rift Valley Lakes, wander beneath the ancient canopy of the Kakamega rainforest and learn the ways of the Luo tribe. There might be long hours of traveling along dirt roads and simple accommodation every night, but this is definitely one adventure that will let you fully explore the country’s natural highlights while ensuring you get to meet the diverse communities that have lived here for thousands of years. You’ll also have a chance at spotting some big cats near a Masai village, see monkeys in the Kakamega Forest Reserve, take a photo of thousands of pink flamingos at Lake Nakaru and catch a glimpse of some hippos, giraffes and leopards at Lake Naviasha.
If you really want to see and do it all during your African vacation, than this is the tour for you. Start with Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park then come face to face with mountain gorillas in Uganda. Experience the great variety of game parks and wildlife in Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia, as well as rainforests, deserts, savannah and wetlands. But there is a lot more to this tour – idyllic islands, the largest sand dunes in the world, awesome Victoria Falls, vast canyons and tranquil lakes. Finish your tour in Cape Town with its blend of cultures, foods and colors of the east and west, overlooked by Table Mountain. This is Africa at its best. Journeying into all of Africa’s best preserved and most beautiful natural areas will allow travelers not only to get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife, but also fully explore and appreciate all that this immense continent has to offer.
If you are more limited time-wise or would like to squeeze a tour in as part of your larger travel plans, this is the perfect way to see some remote areas and experience wildlife with an expert. This four day tour which begins and ends in Livingston, will take travelers into Chobe National Park to camp out and spot some amazing wildlife. Starting with the roar of the Victoria Falls, adventurers will be awed by the spray rising up from the bottom of the gorge that can reach over 400 m above the waterfall. The surrounding basalt cliffs are covered in lush forests where a first glimpse of big game might be had. The tour then takes a slow cruise along the winding blue-green waters of the Zambezi, providing an opportunity to spot wildlife including hippos, elephants and all kinds of wonderful birds. Then the land safari kicks off at dawn in the Chobe, with game drives all over the grasslands, passing watery marshes pulsing with a profusion of animals. At night, experience the haunting sounds of the savannah before drifting off to sleep in a comfortable bush camp.