Traveling has always been a central theme in human lives. We have made do the past couple years while the world went through a massive change and transformation. But you can’t replace what traveling can do for individuals & families – unique experiences, time to bond, rejuvenate. Now, with easing restrictions on travel around the globe, it’s time to pack those bags and set off to see new sights!
For this blog, we wanted to feature some whimsical yet unique adventures that will give you bragging rights, possibly an eye roll but most likely a high-five from your friends. As they say, the world is your oyster, so why not live it up!
Here are a few of our recommendations to some quirky places to stay that provide very local experiences:
Camping near the Pyramids in Sudan
Did you know that the pyramids in Sudan are actually older than the ones in Egypt? In ancient times, the Nubian kingdom controlled much of the river Nile in trade until they were eventually invaded by their Egyptian counterparts. You can travel in 4x4 SUVs through Sudan’s magnificent desert to sites such as Nuri and Meroe, and visit Coptic churches in Old Dongola and Kerma, the then Kingdom of Kush. In Meroe, we set up a camp site in the shadow of the ancient pyramids. Imagine a moonlit night amid the dunes and rocks, and waking up to the silhouettes of these monuments built to honor their deities. Camp comes with all meals, communal bathrooms, and all furnishings.
Sounds too good to be true? Contact Us to plan this adventure!
The Elephants in the Lobby
Zambia is the destination for walking safaris, and nothing beats staying at Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park. Mfuwe’s location on a seasonal river bed also attracts elephants who love to eat from the fruit trees. Every year, around November or so, a herd walks right through the open lobby but to the amazement of guests, these elephants make their way to the fruit trees along the river bank and spend a few hours grazing, trumpeting, and generally allowing themselves to be photographed. This is also an opportunity for the matriarch of the herd to introduce any new babies and grandbabies who were born earlier that year. It is quite a phenomenon and a not-to-be-missed annual event.
Check out this video to see what the experience would be like! Click here
Going Batty!
Still in Zambia. Every year, between October and December, about 10+ million Straw Colored Fruit Bats migrate down from the Congo to Zambia’s Kasanka National Park to feed on the wild Masuku fruit. Sightings take place twice daily at dawn and dusk where you can see them return to and depart from their roosting forest, respectively, from platform hides. Each sighting lasts about 1-1.5 hours, with a peak intensity of about 30 minutes. Your guide is at hand to explain this mysterious migratory ritual.
Learn more about these mystic fruit bats here.
Breakfast with Giraffes in Kenya
Everyone needs a pick-me-up first thing in the morning. For some, it’s tea; for most of us, it’s coffee! But how about the giraffes to jolt you out of bed? Well, the famous Giraffe Manor in Nairobi offers a chance to have your breakfast with these elegant animals. Giraffe Manor and their immediate neighbor, the Giraffe Center is host to several of the endangered Rothschild giraffe species. The goal is to create awareness of the conservation efforts to reintroduce this species back into the wilderness. So, while you may complain that giraffes are picky about how their eggs are made (!), remember that you are playing role conservation.
Call us to arrange a play date with the giraffes!
Sunrise Over the Himalayas
It is hard to describe the awe felt when the first rays of the morning sun hit the stark white peaks of the Himalayan Mountain range. For one fleeting moment, you can feel how small you are compared to the towering monuments before you, yet you are so much part of the earth. This famous mountain range separates India from China, Nepal and Bhutan, yet for millennia, traders, herdsmen, monks, and armies have traversed the canyons and deep valleys between these territories, which were essentially kingdoms ruled by family dynasties.
Check out our East India trip.
Planets in Clear Skies
Visit Atacama (Chile), the world’s highest and driest desert.
As an astronomer’s delight, thanks to the clear southern skies and also high altitude, the Atacama Desert is considered the world’s highest and driest desert, yet an incredible place to visit. Guests can look through the telescope and easily point out the planets. The landscape is totally barren and rocky and is considered the best site for Earth and Mars expedition simulations. Guests can experience the desert by horseback, do a bit of hiking or simply soak in the spectacular landscape.
To book a trip to South America, please contact us at info@immersionjourneys.com.
So what did you think of these weird and whimsical travel experiences for your next vacation? Tell us your pick! Let’s connect on curating your next authentic sojourn!
