chameleon tailor-made holiday brochure 2013-2014

activity adventure culture cruising desert discovery diving honeymoon nature wildernesss wildlife

the adaptable tailor-made holiday experts

the adaptable tailor-made holiday experts Chameleon Worldwide

adventure

distinctive, colourful, highly specialised, wonderfully diverse and superbly adaptable, the chameleon is the natural choice to champion our worldwide range of tailor-made holidays. No matter

what kind of travel experience you are looking for – whether it’s a trekking holiday with a taste of culture, a honeymoon safari or an adventure with the kids – Chameleon Worldwide’s team of experts can design an individual itinerary to suit your needs.

wildlife

discoverywildernessmorocco

zambia

malaysia

nepal

vietnam

costa rica

galapagos

honeymoonindia

desert

botswanacruising

ecuador

activitytanzania

colombia

sri lanka

www.chameleonworldwide.co.uk Tel: 0845 304 8670 Chameleon Worldwide 3

openerWelcome to the magazine of tailor-made specialists Chameleon Worldwide

ravel has changed. The last ten years have seen the big companies move into more specialised areas of travel which were previously the domain of small, independent entrepreneurs and individuals who lived and breathed travelling. They loved exploring amazing places, rather than monitoring numbers on a spreadsheet or assessing ‘scalability’. The big companies have tried to commoditise travel, to manufacture, mass produce and package it.

But there is hope. There are still beautiful parts of the world to discover, wonderful places to stay and incredible experiences to be enjoyed. And there are still a few independent companies, like ours, who love to explore and share their travel experiences with others.

A few weeks ago, at the age of 52, I had the best travel experience of my life. I abseiled down a waterfall, explored virgin rainforest, discovered charming villages, ate wonderful food, met fascinating people and witnessed a gathering of around 50 humpback whales off the Pacific Coast of South America in what must surely be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Where? It was in Colombia – one of the unique destinations offered by Chameleon Worldwide.

Nature and adventure. These are the big themes of Chameleon Tailor-made. Nature is what we town-dwellers are most out of touch with in our comfortable humdrum lives. Adventure is what gets us out of our cosseted, dulled selves. Stops the rot. Brings us back to life. Provides an edge.

But what does tailor-made mean? Well, we see ourselves as a bit like a fine restaurant where you can choose food from the set menu or go a la carte. Choosing a set menu is equivalent to booking a holiday on one of our small-group fixed itineraries, which have regular pre-planned departures. Choosing tailor-made, on the other hand, is more like going a la carte, allowing you to pick the elements you want: the level and type of accommodation, the airline and seat class, activities and interests, the number of nights and the exact itinerary. It costs a little more to go a la carte, but you can choose just what you want and we advise you throughout, put it all together and save you time and money.

So, enjoy these pages. We hope they’ll inspire you to try something new. Travel is definitely not a commodity. It is about experiencing new things that make you think differently, stop you in your tracks, broaden your mind and open your eyes.

Our experienced consultants can help you put together some special travel experiences in a personalised way that’s based on their own passion for exploring our beautiful world. Our biggest kick is sharing it with you.

Mark WrightFounder, Chameleon Worldwide

the adaptable tailor-made holiday experts4 Chameleon Worldwide

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Now that’s differ

ent! Anyone

fancy paddleb

oarding with

humpback whales

off the coas

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of Colombia...?

Oriental Desert ExpressOriginally built for transporting French

troops in colonial times, this 305km

single-track railway line probes the

fringes of the Morrocan Sahara. A truly

pioneering train adventure, the Oriental

Desert Express runs between Oujda

and Bouarfa, with unscheduled stops to

meet nomadic tribespeople and to clear

windblown sand from the tracks.

>> More adventures, page 10

Honeymoon in Zambia • Costa Rica • Vietnam • India • Nepal>> Tailor-made suggestions in Zambia (pages 6-7), other wildlife trips (pages 14-15), Indonesia (pages 16-17), Morocco (page 18) and more...

When mush comes to shove...

there aren’t many things more thrilling than

driving your own team of huskies across the

frozen backcountry of Finland or the Yukon

Find the small five>> elephant shrew • leopard tortoise • ant lion • buffalo weaver • rhino beetle >>family safaris, page 14

Costa Rica – one of our favourite destinations. We have

fixed itineraries and tailor-made options for adventure addicts, families, students,

honeymooners, trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts..

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Stunning places to stay: check out the view from this kasbah on page 18


insideFrom Indian palaces to African

safaris, we’ve got the world covered

6 Flights of fancy

Zambia tailor-made: wildlife, wilderness,

world wonders and wow-factor places to stay

8 Adventure calling

10 great adventures from around the world,

guaranteed to get your pulse pounding

12High ideals

Nepal tailor-made: how to get footloose

and fancy free in the mighty Himalaya

13Disconnect: get away from it all

Offline and off-the-beaten-track: six

special places to really escape the rat race

14Wild things

Where to take the kids on safari, plus

adventures in Borneo and beyond

15Stars of India

Plan a tailor-made trip or join a fixed

itinerary to the sub-continent

16Great expectations

Nature’s big events: make a date with

whale sharks, meteors, wildebeest...

18Viewpoint

Feast your eyes on the ins and outs

of Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco

The Halong Violet,

fitted out in 1930’s

Indochina style,

features a boutique

dining room, library

& lounge, plus six

individual themed cabins

with Jacuzzi & balcony.

>> More places to stay, page 13

Clean windowsVaccinations*Book Holiday*Car service

AFRICA- Kenya- Botswana- Morocco- Tanzania- Mozambique- Zambia

15-day itinerary: Saadani, Selous and Zanzibar

10-day Great Rift Valley

ORTailor-made options: Add on a trek up

Kilimanjaro + a Serengeti safari...

11SafariSome beach time

A bit of adventure

What we’d like to do

Our options

ChameleonWorldwide

0845 304 8670

chameleonworldwide.co.uk


ofCarmine bee-eaters find Zambia’s wonderful wild places irresistible, returning year after year to the Luangwa Valley – a trait shared by many human visitors

TAILOR-MADE • ZAMBIA

nce you’ve experienced ‘The Real Africa’ it’s difficult not to become addicted. Zambia’s intoxicating cocktail of wildlife, wilderness and world wonders comes with the added perks of sensational camps and lodges, leading safari guides and few other tourists. Landlocked in the heart of southern Africa, this rugged land of plateau, plain, river and swamp promises some of the continent’s definitive travel experiences, from gazing upon the legendary Victoria Falls to paddling a canoe along the River Zambezi.

Long renowned as the place in Africa for walking safaris, South Luangwa National Park’s mosaic of dappled woodlands, lazy river channels and lily-covered lagoons has abundant wildlife and is perfect for exploring on foot. Imagine following a game trail in the company of an expert guide, smelling the pepper-sweet tang of the African bush, your senses fine-tuned to every crackle of leaf and slightest movement, your eyes riveted to fresh elephant tracks at your feet…

Zambia lends itself perfectly to a tailor-made holiday. Simply choose a national park or two, add a few days at Victoria Falls and perhaps a lakeside break in Malawi and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable African adventure. You can find out more about the various tailor-made options opposite – and we’ve also suggested an itinerary for an irresistible two-week trip.

ABOVE: Carmine bee-eaters arrive each September to nest in sandy riverbanks along Zambia’s Luangwa RiverFAR RIGHT: Elephant wading in the River Zambezi


Walking safarisFew wildlife experiences are more thrilling than a walking safari in Zambia. You can get a taster on an afternoon’s stroll, but try to allow a few days, walking to a succession of bush camps.

Lower Zambezi National ParkCanoeing is a highlight of this beautiful reserve, but you can also join game drives and walking safaris, or perhaps try a spot of fishing – all from the comfort of sublime riverside camps, like Chongwe.

South Luangwa National ParkThere are some fabulous camps and lodges in South Luangwa – all offering game drives (by day and night) as well as walking safaris. Your chances of spotting leopard are very good.

Victoria FallsAfrica’s adventure capital, Victoria Falls is awash with adrenaline activities like whitewater rafting and bungee jumping, but you can also seek serenity at luxury lodges upstream of the Falls.

Lake MalawiA glittering gem within easy reach of Mfuwe (gateway to South Luangwa), Lake Malawi makes the perfect beach partner to a Zambian safari. Snorkelling in the crystal clear waters is excellent.

ZimbabweLike Malawi, above, Zimbabwe is another of Zambia’s neighbours that’s perfect for incorporating into your holiday. Striking scenery, amazing wildlife and a warm welcome.

Falls, Bush and Beach14 nights

Zambia

Your choices

Our suggested itinerary

Day 1 London - Jo’burgDay 2 Fly to Livingstone; stayin a luxury lodge near Victoria FallsDays 3-4 Two nights at a private island camp on the Zambezi RiverDays 5-6 Fly to South Luangwa National Park; two nights in a lodgeDays 7-10 Walking safari in South Luangwa; overnight in bush campsDay 11 Fly to Likoma Island in Lake Malawi for three nights at a stunning beach lodgeDays 12-13 Two days exploring Lake Malawi, diving, snorkelling, cycling, walking...Day 14 Overnight flight to London


A hot-air balloon flight at sunrise treats tourists to an unforgettable view of the Namib Desert, near Sossusvlei, before touchdown and a champagne breakfast


callingDo something different. Escape the everyday. That’s the essence of true adventure travel, whether you set your sights on the high passes of Ladakh or spend an hour or two drifting over the Namib Desert in a hot-air balloon

nce the exclusive realm of scientists, explorers or the seriously wealthy, adventure travel is now within reach of anyone. From rafting rollercoaster rapids in the Peruvian Andes to husky sledging through the taiga forests of Finnish Lapland, never before have so many destinations and activities been available. The world has been transformed into a giant adventure playground, with specialist operator Chameleon Worldwide offering the expertise and enthusiasm to take you to the back of beyond – and back again.

Of course, there are still plenty of prizes awaiting pioneers in adventure travel: the mighty 100ft wave still eludes extreme surfers (the current official record stands at a knee-trembling 78ft), while only a handful of tourists have flown into orbit on multi-million dollar joyrides to the International Space Station.

For most of us, however, bucketloads of adrenaline or money are no longer prerequisites for adventure travel. The industry has diversified to such an extent that it now caters for everyone, from safety-conscious families to shark-diving fanatics. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things – stepping outside their comfort zones to realise personal dreams and ambitions, experience spectacular landscapes, cultures and wildlife or simply for the sheer fun and fascination of adventure travel.

Chameleon Worldwide’s new portfolio of adventure holidays (www.adventureworldwide.co.uk) has been researched and fine-tuned by a team of specialists dedicated to finding the most original and inspiring trips out there. They’ve hiked, cycled, kayaked, rafted and explored parts of the world many of us only dream about. Mountains, deserts, jungles, wild rivers, ancient cities and remote cultures have become the ingredients of one of the most exciting collections of adventure travel available.

>> Read on for 10 adventures guaranteed to get your pulse racing

Mountains, deserts, jungles, wild rivers, ancient cities and remote cultures have become the ingredients of one of the most exciting collections of adventure travel available


3 Sahara Desert AdventureEight-day camel-supported trek in Morocco

Experience the timeless magic of the Sahara, walking alongside your camel caravan, crossing dunes and camping wild beneath the stars. This atmospheric journey begins with a spectacular drive through Draa Valley to the desert frontier city of Zagora.

2 Total Adventure Peru11 days of full-on action in the Andes

Raft, bike, hike: it’s the ultimate adrenaline-charged trio for exploring the Peruvian Andes. Start with a full-throttle descent of the mighty Apurimac River, then mountain bike through the Sacred Valley before tackling the legendary Inca Trail.

adventure calling | pick of the trips

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1 Tropical Adventures in Costa RicaEight days of non-stop jungle action

Spot monkeys, macaws and hummingbirds while rafting the Pacuare River, mountain biking beneath Arenal Volcano and zip-wiring through the canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

4 Namibia AdventureNine-day overland trip in northern Namibia

Eyeball cheetahs and lions at Africat’s conservation centres, stake out a waterhole in Etosha National Park and ogle seals on the Skeleton Coast. Wild wonders aside, this adventure also immerses you in Namibia’s Himba culture and dramatic desert landscapes.

5 Taiga Snowshoe AdventureSeven days in Finland’s winter wonderland

One of Europe’s last great wilderness areas, the taiga forests of Finland are home to reindeer, wolf and lynx – and you may spot their tracks as you set out each day on snowshoes, hiking across frozen lakes and spending the nights in remote log cabins.

Start planning your adventure>> Spring Morocco <hike beneath snow-capped peaks> Finland <late winter activities> Himalayas <superb trekking until May> Summer Central Asia <explore Kyrgyzstan> Tibet <high ideals> Autumn Mongolia <eagle hunting season starts October> Vietnam <not too hot, not too humid> Rajasthan <festivals galore> Peru <less rain in the Andes> Winter Belize <reef, rainforest & Mayan ruins> Kerala <explore tropical south India> Patagonia <summer adventures in the southern hemisphere>

10 Great Adventures


Adventure WorldwideChoose from a selection of adventure holidays and activity holidays which include walking, culture, discovery, cycling, whitewater rafting, kayaking, winter activities, wildlife, wilderness, cultural tours and much more. Visit www.adventureworldwide.co.uk or call our adventure travel specialists: 0845 304 8679.

Don’t forget we can tailor-make any of these trips for individuals

9 Altai Adventure12-day adventure in Mongolia’s ‘wild west’

On this spectacular journey to the far-flung Altai Mountains of western Mongolia, you’ll experience nomadic life on the great steppes of Central Asia, walking, riding horses and meeting the legendary Kazakh eagle hunters.

6 Albania Highland AdventureEight days exploring ‘a hidden Europe’

The Eurozone may be in a state of flux, but some things in Europe haven’t changed for centuries. This guided trip ventures into the heart of the Accursed Mountains to experience the traditional crofting lifestyle of a tiny community of Albanian Highlanders.

7 Caspian and the Karakum14-day adventure in little-visited Turkmenistan

From Ashgabat to the Balkan Mountains and Caspian Sea, three nights wild camping in the vast Karakum desert and a visit to the legendary Silk Road city of Merv, this is overlanding at its best: an intoxicating mixture of landscapes, culture and history.

8 Celestial Adventure10-day adventure in the Celestial Mountains

Merely mention the Tien Shan and it’s enough to send a tingle down the spine of even the most travel-hardened adventurer. Rarified realm of the snow leopard, this magnificent and little-visited mountain range is just one of the highlights on this Kyrgyzstan adventure. You also get to mingle with Kyrgyz nomads, visit ancient inns (or caravanserai) on the Silk Road and swim in the world’s second largest alpine lake.

It’s always the sign of a great trip when it creates a buzz in the Adventure Worldwide office. Our Cycle Bangkok to Saigon adventure in Southeast Asia is proving to be so popular we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.

It’s an epic journey that takes you from Bangkok, through the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, all the way to Saigon in Vietnam. The trip is vehicle-supported throughout, so you don’t have to carry heavy baggage – and you can hop on board for a lift whenever you feel like a break from the saddle. The use of good quality bikes is included in the price, saving you the hassle of dragging your own bike half way around the world, or the extra cost of renting one.

Cycling is a great way to travel. You’ll be an active, living part of the land you travel through. You’ll see some of the most impressive sites in Southeast Asia – including Angkor Wat, the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and several national parks – as well as impromptu and chance encounters with local people in the many towns and villages that you cycle through.

adventure milestones>> 1884 <Swiss Army Knife born> 1872 <Around the World in 80 Days published> 1943 <scuba invented> 1953 <Everest conquered> 1977 <bungee born in Bristol> 2001 <first tourist in space>

0 Active Cambodia13 days by bike, kayak, foot and overland

There’s never a dull moment on this in-depth Indochina adventure, cycling between Khmer villages, trekking and kayaking through the jungle, visiting the remote Kachah tribe, touring temples in a 1970’s jeep and taking in classic sites like Angkor Wat.

Chameleon can adapt to create a private departure for you, add a city escape, a beach break or an extra few days walking or relaxing. Chat to one of our experts on 0845 304 8670

Top tip from the expertspedal power


idealsThe hallowed trail to Mt Everest ranks as one of the ultimate adventures, but there’s plenty more to do in Nepal, whether you set your sights high or low

TAILOR-MADE • NEPAL

t’s a walker’s dream: to follow in the footsteps of Hillary and Tenzing to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and beyond into the realm of Himalayan giants like Everest and Ama Dablam. Equally mesmerizing, the Annapurna region provides a range of hiking opportunities, from short treks in the foothills culminating in viewpoints of the iconic Fishtail Peaks, to epic journeys lasting two or three weeks, scaling high passes and probing remote valleys. That’s the beauty of trekking in Nepal. You can choose to be as footloose and fancy-free as you like.

If it’s your first visit, though, try not to keep entirely to the high ground. Nepal’s lowlands are as diverse and fascinating as its mountains. In the jungles of Chitwan National Park, for example, you can search for tiger and one-horned rhinoceros by elephant back. Further off the beaten track, Bardiya National Park is a stronghold for rhino, tiger and Asian elephant, while the wetlands of Koshi Tappu support Gangetic dolphins, wild buffalo and a profusion of birds.

As if Himalayan trekking and Asian safaris weren’t temptation enough, Nepal also exudes a rich culture. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan are ‘living museums’ of intricate architecture, colourful temples and traditional crafts. Add them to your tailor-made itinerary of walking and wildlife watching and you might well find yourself on the trip of a lifetime.

The fluted peak of Ama Dablam rises above a bed of morning cloud in the Everest region of the Nepal Himalaya

Classic Nepal11 nights

Nepal


Day 1 London - KathmanduDay 2 Explore the incredible architecture of BhaktapurDays 3-4 Head into the hills and explore the area around NuwakotDays 5-6 Search for tiger and rhino in Chitwan National ParkDay 7 Travel north to the old trading town of Bandipur, staying overnight in a converted Newari mansionDay 8 Walk to a spectacular camp with views of the Annapurna RangeDay 9 Continue through forests of rhododendron to lakeside PokharaDay 10 Fly back to KathmanduDay 11 Overnight flight to the UK

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1 Jacket Choose an outer shell that’s windproof, waterproof and breathable like this Rohan Mountain Guide Jacket. For polar expeditions, consider a mid-thigh length down parka 2 Fleece Essential mid layer 3 Gloves and socks Keep hands snug with thick waterproof mitts. Wear a pair of thin socks beneath thick wool outer socks 4 Warm hat Minimize heat-loss through your head 5 Sunglasses Protect your eyes from glare with wrap-around sunglasses and apply sun screen to face and lips (minimum SPF 30)

1 Shirt Long sleeves are best. This Rohan Expedition Shirt is breathable, loose fitting and UV resistant, with under-arm vents for keeping cool 2 Desert boots High-sided boots, with breathable canvas or suede uppers, guard against rocks and thorns 3 Hat A wide-brimmed sunhat is essential. The T5MO Tilley Hat is made from organic cotton and has an airflow mesh to keep your head cool. Don’t forget sunglasses with full UV protection and side shields 4 Daypack Combat dehydration by taking a daypack with built-in water reservoir. The CamelBak Mule is ideal 5 Drywash When water is scarce, keep your hands clean using an antibacterial drywash

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disconnect: get away from it all

Kasbah du Toubkal MoroccoRising like a cluster of quartz crystals beneath the ice-sculpted ramparts of Mt Toubkal, this spectacular kasbah has rooftop views to die for. Trekking basecamp or mountain hideaway, you won’t find a more comfortable spot from which to admire the High Atlas.

Finch Bay Eco Hotel EcuadorSmall-ship cruising isn’t the only way to experience the Galápagos Islands. This oceanfront hotel is close to some excellent snorkelling, diving and sea kayaking spots, while mountain bikes will get you into the highlands of Santa Cruz – a refuge for giant tortoises.

Gunn’s Camp BotswanaWith just six stylish ensuite tents, this exclusive camp provides an intimate brush with the Okavango Delta. Elevated decks offer sweeping views across wildlife-speckled floodplains, while activities include game walks and gentle paddles in mokoro canoes.

Himalaya Lodge NepalCombining comfort, Gurkah hospitality and an enviable location in the heart of the Annapurnas, Himalaya Lodge is the perfect place to relax after a day’s trekking. A large terrace offers dreamy views of the mountains, while inside there’s a cosy lounge with fireplace.

El Cantil ColombiaNuzzling between verdant rainforest and exuberant shore on Colombia’s little-visited Pacific coast, this exquisite ecolodge is a nature lover’s paradise. Imagine trekking to a jungle waterfall in the morning and kayaking with humpback whales in the afternoon.

kit for peak & desert

Our Trip Dossiers contain full details of what to pack

Adapted from Wildlife Travel by William Gray (footprinttravelguides.com)

Great Bear Lodge CanadaA floating lodge tucked away in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, this low-impact, five-bedroom hideaway is reached by floatplane from Port Hardy, Vancouver Island. Grizzly bears steal the show here, but other wildlife includes wolves, eagles and otters.

Check out the view on on page 18

Offline and off-the-beaten-track, try one of these six blissfully remote boltholes for a stay that’s wifi free, has no mobile signal and where tweeting is just for the birds


Families WorldwideFor families who want to explore new landscapes, discover new cultures, try new activities, learn about life... Travel as a group with other families, join a centre-based activity week or tailor-make your own trip.

Schools WorldwideAssisting schools, colleges and youth groups to take young people on overseas adventures where experiencing new challenges, different environments and diverse cultures become unforgettable life changing moments; Education by Experience.

thingsSafari. If ever there was a word to inspire wanderlust in a child this is the one. A good safari combines fantastic adventure with the ultimate I-Spy. But where is the best place to take your cubs in search of the Lion King?

Bear! Where? There!See brown bears in the wildImagine tracking bears in Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains, following their prints and looking for other signs like scratches on tree trunks... Contact Families Worldwide for the bear essentials. familiesworldwide.co.uk

Sri LankaSee large herds of Asian elephants at Minneriya from June to September. Yala is great for leopards, while blue whales can be spotted off the south coast.

3 more really wild places to

take the kids >>

Costa RicaFly through the jungle canopy on a zip-wire, eyeball hummingbirds and tree frogs, watch turtles nesting on beaches and basilisk lizards walking on water.

BorneoGlimpse an orang-utan in the Danum Valley, peer at proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River and snorkel over coral reefs in the Sulu Sea.

o see an elephant in the wild is thrilling, but to place your hand in the dimpled crater of its footprint or break open pachyderm poo, crusty as freshly-baked bread... now that’s the stuff that childhood memories are made of. It’s also the reason why great guides can elevate old-school ‘tick ‘em off’ safaris into unforgettable adventures for kids. By talking to one of the experts at Families Worldwide, they’ll be able to tailor-make your safari to include camps and lodges renowned for the quality of their guides. They will also be able to recommend your ideal safari destination.

If you’re travelling with young children, for example, you may wish to stick to malaria-free game reserves in South Africa (ideal for combining with Cape Town and the Garden Route). With its excellent roads and guest lodges, South Africa makes a superb self-drive destination, but more adventurous families may want to tour Namibia instead – the scenery is spectacular and you can drive yourself on safari in Etosha National Park. Namibia also offers some unique wildlife activities, from watching seals on the Skeleton Coast to chasing tok-tokkie beetles in the desert. Zambia and Botswana offer a more exclusive, off-the-beaten-track experience with outstanding lodges and guides at wildlife hotspots like South Luangwa and the Okavango Delta. You can even rent your own safari house, complete with guide, cook and private 4WD vehicle! A few days at Victoria Falls makes a great safari add-on. Kenya and Tanzania, meanwhile, are best for families in search of wonderful wildlife (think Masai Mara, Serengeti, Selous), a chance to meet Maasai warriors and the promise of chill-out time on the Indian Ocean coast.

TAILOR-MADE • FAMILY ADVENTURES


VaranasiCrowding the banks of the Ganges, the ancient city and pilgrimage site of Varanasi provides a fascinating insight into Hindi rituals of life and death.

Few places match India for sheer diversity – which is why it’s such an ideal destination for planning a tailor-made holiday. Mix safaris and adventure with cultural highlights like Varanasi and the Taj Mahal

stars indiaTAILOR-MADE • INDIA

KeralaA maze of canals, lakes and rivers, the fascinating Kerala Backwaters can be explored in luxury aboard elegant houseboats like this one.

Wildlife safarisNational parks like Corbett and Kanha protect prime tiger territory, while Sasangir is the final refuge of the Asiatic lion. Head to Kaziranga for Indian rhino.

Golden TriangleEasily linked by road or rail, the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are renowned for their forts, bazaars, mosques and street life – not forgetting the iconic Taj Mahal.

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Passage to Pushkar15 nights

India


Day 1 Arrive in DelhiDay 2 Take the Shatabdi Express train to JaipurDay 3 Drive to Pachewar Garh; overnight in a 300-year-old fortDay 4 Drive to Khimsar Fort on the edge of the Great Thar DesertDays 5-9 Spend five days travelling by jeep, camel and on foot to the Pushkar Camel Fair, spending your nights in local villagesDays 10-11 Enjoy the special atmosphere of Pushkar Camel FairDay 12 Train back to DelhiDay 13 Sightseeing in Old DelhiDay 14 Return flight to UK

Indian HimalayaThe mountain regions of Ladakh and Garhwal reward trekkers with a heady blend of cultures, religions, festivals and dramatic landscapes.

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expectationsHere come the whale sharks... the migration of these marine heavyweights is just one of many amazing events marking the world’s natural calendar

TAILOR-MADE • NATURE’S BIG EVENTS

ou don’t have to be a BBC wildlife film-maker to witness the world’s most spectacular seasonal natural events. With expert advice, it’s possible to plan a tailor-made adventure designed specifically to coincide with one of these epic spectacles – whether you’ve always dreamed of seeing the northern lights or yearn for a rendezvous with a migratory whale shark or humpback whale. Chameleon Worldwide can not only get you to the right place at the right time of year, but can also advise you on the best accommodation and activities

to maximise your chances of witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event. Special expert-led trips coinciding with certain natural spectacles will be featured on the website, so be sure to visit regularly.

We’ve listed some of our favourite natural events opposite. Skywatchers will find plenty to keep their chins up over the next year or so – not only is the aurora borealis at the peak of its 11-year cycle, but there’s also a total solar eclipse on 3 November 2013 and the annual Geminid meteor shower, peaking in mid-December. For those who like to keep their heads down, there are some exhilarating opportunities to snorkel with whale sharks or witness the feeding frenzy of the Sardine Run when vast shoals of baitfish migrate towards South Africa, straight onto the menu of whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and seabirds.

ABOVE: Whale shark cruising the tropical seas of the Mozambique Channel ABOVE RIGHT: Southeast Asia’s Coral Triangle contains the world’s most biodiverse reefs, teeming with 450 species of coral alone

Contact us to discuss special trips to witness these events

Diary datesMay-Jul Sardine Run, KwaZulu Natal, South AfricaAug-Sep Great Migration river crossings, Masai Mara, KenyaAug-Oct Humpback whales, Pacific coast of ColombiaOct-Nov Polar bears, ChurchillOct-Mar Aurora borealis, FinlandNov Solar eclipse, East AfricaNov-Apr Whale sharks, Mozambique Channel

Dec Geminid meteor shower, Moroccan SaharaDec-Apr Blue whales, Sri Lanka


Take the plunge in some of the world’s top diving destinations

MaldivesWith over 100 resorts, superb dive training facilities and

several liveaboard options, the Maldives are a year-round diver’s paradise. Beginners learn the basics in shallow lagoons, while experienced divers ride deep-water currents in the company of manta rays, turtles and sharks.

SulawesiLying at the epicentre of the most biodiverse seas on

earth, the northern tip of Sulawesi offers incredible diving. Close to Manado, the Bunaken National Marine Park is renowned for its coral walls, while Banka Island’s seamounts attract rays, sharks and large shoals of barracuda. In Lembeh Straits, small wonders like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs captivate divers and snorkellers.

MicronesiaWidely scattered across the western Pacific, Micronesia

requires at least three weeks if you plan to do justice to its three most popular dive destinations. Palau has everything from wrecks and caves to drift dives, Yap is famed for its Valley of the Rays (where mantas somersault through plankton-rich seas), while Truk Lagoon contains the coral-clad wrecks of a Japanese fleet

sunk in 1944.

Whether you’re planning to

take the plunge in the Java Sea or hit the trails of the Atlas Mountains, we’ve found one seriously tough camera in the new Olympus TG-1. Waterproof to depths of 12m, its extra-wide f2.0 aperture lens captures great quality images above and below the waves, while rock-solid construction ensures the camera is shockproof to heights of 2m, freezeproof to -10ºC and crushproof to a force of 100kg. An equally robust specification includes a 12-megapixel sensor, 1080HD video and 3-inch screen.

The shark is right there – its mouth agape – gliding past me with the irresistible ease of a trident submarine; its skin a hypnotic mélange of spots and stripes, caressed by flickering sunlight

Chameleonrecommends

into the blue: six masked wonders

Best for snorkelling: Borneo (five reef-fringed islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu), Galápagos Islands (unforgettable encounters with sealions and penguins) and Zanzibar (try Chumbe or Mnemba Island).


Kasbah du Toubkal, Moroccopoint

Hiking boots forgotten, the sumptuous rooftop of this charismatic kasbah is the perfect spot to let your eyes wander over the rocky ramparts and high passes of the Atlas Mountains. Inside the Kasbah du Toubkal, ornate windows frame the extraordinary views, while beautifully carved walnut furniture and rustic Arabian designs vie for attention. Located just 60km from Marrakech, the lofty bolthole can be visited in a daytrip – but try to stay for at least a night, relax in the steam bath, sip mint tea on the terrace and then tear yourself away for a hike in the Atlas.

www.chameleonworldwide.co.uk Tel: 0845 304 8670 Chameleon Worldwide

Chameleon Worldwide Calendar: inspiration for a nonstop year of travel highlights

Track wolves in YellowstoneFollowing their reintroduction in 1995, Yellowstone has around 100 of these canny canines – best tracked during winter. Also try: meeting mountain gorillas in Rwanda and chasing the aurora borealis in Finland

January

Jaguars in the PantanalAs the dry season begins, now is the time to spot this elusive big cat, stalking prey around dwindling pools in Brazil’s 210,000-sq-km wetland wonder.Also try: watching turtles nest on beaches in Costa Rica

July

Party in VietnamAlso known as Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year (10 February 2013) marks the first day of spring, and is celebrated with parades and traditional feasts.Also try: a tiger safari in India or a river safari in Luangwa, Zambia

February

Get active in CanadaPaddle in search of orcas off Vancouver Island or glide across a lake in the heart of the Rockies, before trying your hand at heli-hiking or whitewater rafting.Also try: witnessing the arrival of wildebeest in the Masai Mara

August

Cruise the GalápagosDarwin’s ‘Enchanted Isles’ are amazing at any time of year – but March coincides with the arrival of the waved albatross. Also try: looking for lemurs in Madagascar or proboscis monkeys in Borneo

March

Hang out with orang-utansStrongholds for the beleagured great ape include Sabah’s Danum Valley Conservation Area and the Kabili-Sepilok Reserve. Also try: seeing carmine bee-eaters in Zambia or South Africa’s Namaqualand in flower

September

Hike the Atlas MountainsTrek in the desert ranges of Morocco before the heat of summer kicks in, or through Himalayan foothills ablaze with spring-flowering rhododendrons.Also try: watching lowland gorillas in Gabon’s rainforest

April

Be bowled over by BuddhasExplore the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, falling under the spell of some of Asia’s richest archaeological wonders. Also try: a close encounter with polar bears as they gather on the shores of Hudson Bay

October

Look out for brown bearsStake out a patch of Slovakia’s ancient ‘Wild Wood’ from the comfort of a hide, waiting for a brown bear – perhaps with cubs – to amble past.Also try: looking for black bears and grizzlies in British Columbia

May

Have fun at the camel fairAttracting 300,000 people and 20,000 camels, Pushkar Camel Fair is one of Rajasthan’s most colourful and lively spectacles. Also try: snorkelling with whale sharks in the tropical waters of the Mozambique Channel

November

Spice up a Tanzanian safariSpend a week chilling on the spice island of Zanzibar after climbing Kilimanjaro or game watching in the Serengeti. Also try: birdwatching in the Okavango or eyeballing a great white shark in South Africa

June

Voyage to AntarcticaTake a peek at life in the freezer during the Austral summer, a time of plenty for seals, whales and vast colonies of penguins.Also try: gazing skywards at the Geminid meteor shower over the Moroccan Sahara

December

Chameleon Worldwide Travel LtdSutton Manor Farm, Bishop’s Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 0AA, UK

Tel: 0845 304 8670 or +44 (0)1962 737 647Email: [email protected] Fax: 0845 130 6984

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChameleonTailorMade Twitter: @ChameleonWW

www.chameleonworldwide.co.uk

chameleon tailor-made holiday brochure 2013-2014

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