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Chitwan National Park

April 28, 2021 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

Chitwan National Park

Situated in south central Nepal, Chitwan National Park brings to mind rhinos and tigers. The park was named a rhinoceros sanctuary in 1963 and UNESCO ultimately declared Chitwan a World Heritage Site in 1984. So, whether you embark on a Himalayan trek or not, a safari in Chitwan is high on the bucket lists of the world.

Endangered fauna resident in the park are Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Gaur (wild ox) and of course the infamous Bengal Tiger. Other captivating wildlife are Wild Asian Elephants, Four- horned Antelope, Pangolin, Golden Monitor Lizard, Python, Bengal Florican and Giant Hornbill, to name a few. Chitwan houses more than 50 mammal species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles. During the winter months (Northern Hemisphere), migratory birds join the residential birds and create spectacular bird watching opportunities.

The Chitwan valley consists of both tropical and subtropical forests. Sal forests cover the majority of the park. The leaves are used locally for plates in festivals and religious offerings. 50 different types of grasses, cover almost all of the remainder. Elephant grass (Saccharum), is known to grow up to 8m in height.

The park consists of a diversity of ecosystems. There is also a range of climatic seasons. The months of October through February offer the most comfortable and enjoyable climate with average temperatures of 25^oC. In late January, local villagers are allowed to cut thatch grasses to meet their needs, which provides a better viewing of wildlife. From March to June temperatures can reach as high as 43^oC. During the monsoon season, June through September, causes rivers to become flooded and roads become impassible.

Public buses, tourist coaches, and airlines service link Chitwan.

For Nepal adventures that include Chitwan National Park, below are a few of the many on offer.

Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure – 15 days, from $1614 CAD ($1221 US approximately). This trip contrasts the colourful culture of India with the pristine serenity of Nepal’s Himalayan mountains. From the ghats that line the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi to a 4×4 safari in Chitwan National Park, our expert CEOs will take you through a region of unsurpassed natural beauty and spirituality before revealing to you the rugged Himalayan landscape of Nepal’s magical capital, Kathmandu.

https://benefactours.com/tour-detail/?tour=delhi-to-kathmandu-adventure&id=24314

Nepal Adventure Plus – 10 days, from $1232 CAD ($993 US approximately). From the colours and magic of Kathmandu’s markets to the serenity of Himalayan trails, this 10-day adventure offers an intriguing blend of well-paced excursions. The rugged foothills of the Annapurna Range will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning views of mountain vistas. Experience Nepal from a different perspective as you explore Chitwan National Park on a 4×4 safari.

https://benefactours.com/tour-detail/?tour=nepal-adventure-%E2%80%94-plus&id=25465

Private tours in Nepal with BenefacTours are customizable.

For more adventures in Nepal or elsewhere, Contact Us.

Serengeti National Park

September 29, 2020 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

A World Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Covering an area of 14,763 sq km, it is the largest national park in Tanzania.

The Great Migration

The phenomenal display of The Great Migration occurs annually, when 2 million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles begin migrating in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of the southern Serengeti in Tanzania and loop through the Serengeti National Park and north towards the Masai Mara reserve in Kenya. This event is a natural phenomenon determined by the availability of grazing.

Between May and July, when drought sets in, Serengeti is the site of one of the most breathtaking events in the animal kingdom – the migration of thousands of wildebeest heading southwest, north or west in search of water and greener pastures. The Lobo area remains rich in wildlife during the dry months of August to November when most of the game has moved from the grass plains in the south. This is also true of the Western Corridor towards Lake Victoria when the migration usually lingers in the area between June and July. Serengeti provides sanctuary to the highest concentration of plains animals in the world. Survey estimates indicate an animal population of over 4 million including 3,000 lions, 1,600,000 wildebeest, 300,000 Thomson‘s and Grant‘s gazelle, 500,000 zebras, not to mention over 400 species of birds in the Serengeti.

Crossing the great plains of The Serengeti allow you a chance to spy all big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo as well as giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, topi, hartebeest, impala, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, hyenas, jackals, serval, caracal, baboon, large cobras, monkey, eland, bushbuck, dik-dik, waterbuck, reedbuck, hippos, crocodiles, Patas monkey, turaco, antelope, oribi, grey bush duiker, black-and-white colobus, flamingos, Kori bustard, secretary bird, ostrich, and much more.

Tanzania Safaris

Covid 19 Safety Protocols

September 15, 2020 By Cynthia Holmes

Covid 19 Safety Protocols

BenefacTours’ vendors comply with World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Protocols to adhere to Covid 19 safety. Travellers are assured that hotels, restaurants, and transport providers have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols.

Example of a few of our vendors’ Covid policies

And Beyond – &BEYOND is committed to monitoring and amending our approach to travel, providing guests both flexibility and security during COVID 19.
https://www.andbeyond.com/notices/travel-in-times-of-uncertainty/covid-19-terms-and-conditions/

Exodus Travels – We are dedicated to creating incredible adventures, that are run responsibly, so as the world reopens, our guests can continue to book and travel with confidence.
https://www.exodustravels.com/ca/book-with-confidence

G Adventures – Effective now until December 31, 2020, book travel with us departing before December 31, 2020 and you can cancel and rebook up to 14 days prior to your departure date, or for tours departing between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 you can cancel and rebook up to 30 days prior to your departure date. Terms and conditions apply.
https://www.gadventures.com/coronavirus-travel-faq/

Geo-Reisen – Our team has developed protocols to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff. We are following the protocols established by Ecuador’s Ministries of Public Health and Tourism as well as the WHO, UNWTO, and WTTC (World Tourism and Travel Council).
https://www.georeisen-ecuador.com/

Goway Travel – Special offer details for land only bookings made/deposited between June 7 and October 31, 2020. https://www.goway.com/goway-travel/our-policies/

Intrepid Travel – Due to the ongoing impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve made a number of updates to our safety guidelines, flexible booking conditions and trip departures. The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, suppliers and staff remains our priority and as the world begins to open up again, we look forward to having you travel with us soon.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/ca/covid19

Trafalgar – If you have a booked trip during this suspension period, please rest assured that you have a Future Travel Credit automatically available to you for the full value of the land portion of your trip, to use for travel before 31 December 2022.
https://www.trafalgar.com/en-ca/resources/coronavirus-travel-update

Please feel free to contact BenefacTours if you have any questions about these policies or safety protocols in general.

Travel Safely

July 2, 2020 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

Exodus Dolomites

As we all await the opening of more borders, you wonder about how to travel safely during and after Covid-19. Now is a good time to plan those bucket list trips like safaris, epic treks or small ship cruising. People are starting to book tours again for the end of this year, 2021 and 2022.

Airlines and small group tour companies are constantly adapting to new safety measures to allow you to book with confidence. As a result, local guides are being trained on new procedures as well. Likewise, cancellation policies are being adapted with rebooking up to end of 2021 or 2 years hence. Here is an example from G Adventures:
“For a limited time, tours departing before Dec. 31, 2020 can be cancelled and rebooked up to 14 days prior to departure and those departing between Jan. 1st 2021 and July 31, 2021 can be cancelled and rebooked up to 30 days prior to departure. Terms and conditions apply.”

If you are wanting to get going sooner than later, consider these options to allow you to feel safe as you travel. Time to get dreaming and scheming.

1. Smaller is Better

Think small! The smaller the group. the safer you may feel. Small group tour companies are revamping tours to accommodate new safety protocols. This means that hotels, restaurants, and means of transport are all being adapted. For example, G Adventures, one of our vendors, has implemented new health and safety measures on all of their tours.

In addition to that, they have created a collection of 37 new tours branded “Plus”. These 37 PLUS tours have added steps that go that extra, physically distanced mile. These tours are scheduled to run starting this October and will continue until the end of 2021.

– Group size is reduced to maximum 12 passengers (average 8 – 10)
– Private vehicles will be used exclusively (except for airplanes),
– Seating – seats will be assigned each day while traveling and vehicles are thoroughly cleaned each evening
– My Own Room- Double or single rooms only will be assigned (no multishare) or if a traveller wants their own room, they can request “My Own Room” at half price. They will also get extra leg room on vehicles as no-one will be seated next to them.

Iceland Northern Lights and Golden Circle PLUS – 5 days, explore Iceland’s glaciers and waterfalls, keep your eyes peeled for dazzling displays of the Northern Lights, explore the famous Golden Circle. On sale from $1470 CAD ($1083 US).

Highlights of Scotland PLUS – 7 days, all the best cultural highlights with visits to important Jacobite sites in Inverness like Culloden Moor and picturesque spots (like the Glenfinnan Viaduct) along with moments to soak in the country’s natural beauty in Cairngorms National Park. On sale from $2379 CAD ($1753 US).

Morocco Kasbahs and Deserts PLUS – 8 days jammed packed with the highlights. Save 15% on select departures May 1 – July 31. Also on sale for Jan 5 departure, from $892 CAD ($652 US).

2. Self-guided tours

Self guided walking or cycling tours are a great way to stay socially distanced while exploring a country. Move at your own pace. Stop to take in a view or make a side trip. Linger over lunch or depart earlier than usual. Luggage is transferred and everything is arranged beforehand with 24/7 support. Exodus Travels is the world’s leading walking and hiking tour specialists, operating for 46 years. They are another awesome vendor for our clients.

Paths of the Amalfi Coast – 8 days on one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines in Europe. Mountains rise steeply out of the Mediterranean far below and picturesque towns nestle neatly in isolated coves. From $1799 CAD ($1325 US).

Walking Portugal’s Lands End – 9 days, following a mix of forest, valley and coastal trails as well as some wonderful cliff-top routes on the south coast, enjoying superb scenery as you go. From $1899 CAD ($1399 US).

3. Customize Your Own

Create your own tour, with your family or group of friends. You set your own travel dates, choose a group of 2 or more people, design action packed or leisurely pace, all to suit your interests and budget. Enjoy private local guides for your entire trip as well as a private vehicle and driver.

Classic Kenya Safari – Encounter the abundance of wildlife on your first game drive while gazing at the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro. Seek out the thrilling big five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lions on your unforgettable Kenya wildlife safari. Options are to add on days or other game parks. Also consider gorilla tracking in Uganda, camping in The Okavanga Delta, viewing the power of Victoria Falls or sipping wine in Capetown. Other Wildlife Safaris with BenefacTours.

Annapurna Trek – Absorb the glorious views of the Nepalese countryside on this Annapurna Trek. Explore the greater Himalayan landscapes of northern Nepal, observing the Gurung, Magar and Manangi tribes and their lifestyles. Other Trekking Tours in Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania, and South America with BenefacTours.

Other ideas for tailor made adventures – Galapagos small ship cruising, explore the diverse eco-systems of Costa Rica, cycle from Vienna to Budapest, conquer Mont Blanc. Certainly you can come up with your own ideas of a dream holiday.

Air Canada’s Covid Safety

June 5, 2020 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

Air Canada Covid Safety Guidelines

You can fly confidently, knowing Air Canada’s Covid Safety measures are in your best interest. They include HEPA filtration systems that capture 99.9% of airborne particles, and continually refresh cabin air. All high-touch areas are sanitized with a hospital-grade disinfectant before every flight and each time an aircraft overnights it receives a thorough cleaning.

Additional preventive measures like blocking the adjacent seat in Economy Class, mandatory face coverings, and adjusted on board service are also in place to better protect customers and employees. Seat buckles, over head bin handles, light switches and controls, armrests and are sanitized regularly between flights.

More about Air Canada’s Clean Care here.

Prior to your flight:

Here are some tips in a nutshell as of today 5th June 2020. See the website for complete details.

Confirm eligibility – if you are sick with a cough or temperature, you will not be able to travel
Baggage – Pack minimal for carry-on
Check in – Options for online or self service counters, and touch free bag check (at select airports). Use a face mask at the airport. Use credit or debit cards for payments at airport or on the aircraft.
Boarding – You will be asked health questions prior to boarding. Remain seated until your zone is called. Scan your own boarding card.
On board – Cabin grooming augmented. Customer care kits provided with masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, etc. No pillows or blankets with be offered. Bar service will be bottled water only. Boxed meals will be served on international flights or in business class on flights over 2 hours. No duty-free service will be offered on planes. For now, no adjacent seats are assigned.
Deplaning – Remain distanced.

People are starting to book for the end of this year and next spring and summer already. Knowing that you can breathe easy about safety measures ensures a relaxed and enjoyable flight experience. For more detailed and up to date travel guidelines, see Air Canada’s Covid page.

Masai Mara

June 3, 2020 By Cynthia Holmes Leave a Comment

Male Lion — Photo courtesy client Emily Bowie

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is the perfect wildlife sanctuary with expansive savannah and unmatched wildlife. The greatest animal spectacle in the world, The Great Wildebeest Migration, occurs here every year when more than 2 million animals migrate from the adjoining Serengeti. July through October are typically the best times to witness the migration.

Besides the numerous zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles, elephants, buffaloes and hippos exist in large numbers. Lions are found in large prides everywhere, leopards and cheetahs are less visible, but still fairly common. Thomson’s gazelle and Grant’s gazelle are the most prevalent of the antelopes, as well as large numbers of impala and topi.

The park hosts all of the big five (rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant) including the rare and elusive black rhino. Other wildlife to be found in the reserve are impala, giraffe, topi, jackals, hyena, bat-eared fox, 450 species of birds including Verreaux’s eagle owl, ostrich, kori bustard, martial eagle and more.

Masai tribes people live peacefully in and around the park. Traditionally nomadic, Masai can be found herding cattle and goats. These days many Masai villages welcome visitors and take pride in explaining their way of life.

Kenya safaris are customizable, and typically designed for 2 or more people. Masai (Maasai) Mara can be visited on safari from Nairobi. It is possible to fly from Nairobi, although most safaris include travel by road.