About Galapagos Islands

Considered one of the world’s preeminent destinations for wildlife viewing are The Galápagos Islands. Straddling the equator, this volcanic archipelago is a province of Ecuador and lies about 1,000 km off its coast in the Pacific Ocean.

The terrain harbors a diversity of plant and animal species. Known for their variety of local species, the islands were visited by Charles Darwin 1835. His study of Galápagos’ endemic species later inspired his theory of evolution and natural selection.

The Galápagos Islands and their surrounding waters form the Galápagos National Park, and the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. The islands have a population of slightly over 25,000.

Wildlife

One of the best-known is the Galápagos tortoise, which lives on seven of the islands. It has an average lifespan of more than 150 years. The marine iguana is also extremely unusual, since it is the only iguana adapted to life in the sea. Land iguanas, lava lizards, geckos and harmless snakes can also be found in the islands.

Around 56 species of birds live in the archipelago, of which 27 are found only in the Galápagos. The most outstanding are penguins, which live on the colder coasts, Darwin’s finches, frigatebirds, albatrosses, gulls, boobies, pelicans and Galápagos hawks, among others. The flightless cormorant, a peculiar bird which has lost the ability to fly, and the Galapagos crake, nearly flightless, are also part of this rich fauna.

Exotic fish, rays, sea lions, sea turtles, octopus, Hammerhead Sharks, Galapagos Bullhead Shark as well as other species of shark are prolific in the sparkling waters of the islands.

Tourism

A variety of cruises exist to tour you around the islands, from small sailboats carrying 6 passengers to ships catering to 100 passengers. In addition, cruises utilize yachts of varying degrees of comfort, from budget to luxury. A cruise will take you from island to island, exploring the terra firma as well as allowing you to snorkel in the crystal blue deep waters. You will discover amazing aquatic and birdlife in just a few days of exploration.

Since a few of the islands are inhabited, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana, you have the opportunity to stay on land. Spending a few days on one of these islands allows you to take day trips to nearby islands to hike, kayak and snorkel or dive. There are a selection of specialized yachts meant for diving the Galapagos. These are specially equipped for divers and will allow you to explore many regions of the Galapagos Islands.

Contact us for information on tours or see a selection of Galapagos tours here.

Major Islands

There are 18 main islands in the Galapagos archipelago, and here are some of the highlights.

• Santa Cruz Island

  This island hosts the largest human population in the archipelago. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the headquarters of the Galápagos National Park Service are located here. The Highlands of Santa Cruz offer exuberant flora, and are famous for the lava tunnels. Large tortoise populations are found here as well as sea turtles, rays and small sharks.

·         Bartolomé

Bartolomé is a small island just east of Santiago is best known for Pinnacle Rock, the stark remains of an eroded tuff cone that juts like a large sail out into Bartolomé’s northern bay and which is easily one of the most familiar landmarks of the archipelago.

·         Española

The most southerly island in the archipelago, dramatic Española is also one of the oldest and breathtaking. It plays host to several unique species and sub-species and is a great Galapagos environmental success story.

·         Fernandina

The third largest, youngest and westernmost of the islands that form the Galapagos archipelago, Fernandina’s 642 m2 is mostly barren black lava with La Cumbre Volcano dominating the landscape. Its massive domed cone continues to grumble, erupting on average every five years making Fernandina, alongside neighboring Isabela, one of the most volcanically active of the islands.

·         Floreana

Several curiosities are associated with Floreana, the sixth largest island in the archipelago, not least the whiff of scandal and intrigue that surrounds three groups of German settlers who arrived on the island in the 1930’s and that, one by one, mysteriously began to die or disappear.

·         Genovesa

The horseshoe shaped island of Genovesa is one of the youngest in the archipelago, being a mere one million years old. As it is the only island north of the equator that allows visitors, this makes it an even more special destination.

·         Isabela

By far the largest island in the archipelago at 4,588 km2 and measuring 130 km north to south and 70 km at its widest point and occupying over 58% of the Galapagos’ entire land mass.

Weather

Although the islands are located on the equator, the Humboldt Current brings cold water to them, causing frequent drizzles during most of the year.

From June to November the temperature by the sea is 22 °C. A steady and cold wind blows from south and southeast, frequent drizzles last most of the day, and dense fog conceals the islands.  From December to May, during the warm season, the average sea and air temperature rises to 25 °C . Normally, there is no wind, though there can be sporadic rain to accompany the sunshine.

More information Contact us.

About Mount Kilimanjaro

Looming over the town of Moshi in northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro rises from the dry plains, through a wide belt of forest and high alpine heath to an almost bare desert and finally the snow-capped summit, Uhuru Peak. At just 3 degrees south of the Equator it is one of the world’s highest free standing mountains. Mt. Kilimanjaro is composed of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo 5895 m (19340 ft.), Mawenzi 5149 m (16896 ft.), and Shira 3962 m (13000 ft.). Almost every kind of ecological system is found on the mountain: cultivated land, rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and an arctic summit.

“As wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white in the sun was the square top of Mount Kilimanjaro”, wrote Ernest Hemingway of this highest mountain in Africa rising to 5,895 metres above sea level.

Routes

A climb on Africa’s highest mountain leads you through magnificent forest terrain. The ascent of Kilimanjaro can be done from six routes: Mweka, Umbwe, Shira, Rongai, Machame, and the Marangu Route which is the easier and the most popular. Depending on which route one wants to use, the climb of Kilimanjaro can take between four nights to six nights on the mountain. The two most popular routes are Marangu and Machame. On the Marangu Route, accommodation is in alpine huts while on Machame Route it is camping throughout. While expert guides and porters will accompany you on your climb, no technical equipment is required.

Weather

Snowfall can occur at any time of year but is mostly associated with northern Tanzania’s two rainy seasons. Precipitation in the summit area occurs principally as snow and graupel of 250 to 500 mm (9.8 to 19.7 in) per year and ablates within days or years.

The two rainy seasons last from March to May and another around the month of November. The northern slopes receive much less rainfall than the southern ones. The lower southern slope receives 800 to 900 mm (31 to 35 in) annually, rising to 1,500 to 2,000 mm (59 to 79 in) at 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) altitude and peaking “partly over” 3,000 mm (120 in) in the forest belt at 2,000 to 2,300 metres (6,600 to 7,500 ft). In the alpine zone, annual precipitation decreases to 200 mm (7.9 in).

The average temperature in the summit area is approximately −7 °C (19 °F). Nighttime surface temperatures on the Northern Ice Field (NIF) fall on average to −9 °C (16 °F) with an average daytime high of −4 °C (25 °F). It is possible for the NIF to cool to as low as −15 to −27 °C (5 to −17 °F).

Wildlife

Large animals are rare on Kilimanjaro and are more frequent in the forests and lower parts of the mountain. Elephants and Cape buffaloes are among the animals that can be potentially hazardous to trekkers. Bushbucks, chameleons, dik-diks, duikers, mongooses, sunbirds, and warthogs have also been reported. Zebras, leopards and hyenas have been observed sporadically on the Shira plateau. Specific species associated with the mountain include the Kilimanjaro shrew and the chameleon Kinyongia tavetana. There are several stupendous game parks in Tanzania and nearby Kenya.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli, one of the oldest national parks in Kenya, is located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is famous for its tranquil beauty and easily approachable animals, where the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro form a majestic backdrop to one of Kenya’s most spectacular displays of wildlife.

Due to the open nature of the park, lions are easily spotted, and can occasionally be watched stalking their prey. Zebra, giraffe and gazelles abound.  The elephant population of 1500 is one of the longest studied and best researched.  Buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeests, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, and baboons are all present here.

All Kilimanjaro trekking routes

High Altitude Climbing and Altitude Sickness

 

Travel to Europe

– What you will need to know about travelling in the Schengen Zone

Canadians travelling to Europe’s Schengen countries will need to complete some additional paperwork prior to travel, starting in January 2021.  The new requirement is called European Authorization and Information System (ETIAS).

The travel authorization will give pre-approval to enter the Schengen zone. What is the Schengen Zone and which countries are in it? is an area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. It is a great benefit to the many people who would otherwise  have to cross borders to go to work each day. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement.

The Schengen Area consists of 26 states, including four which are not members of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Currently the Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. In addition, there are 3 states that are not part of the Schengen agreement but still have open borders with Schengen countries; Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.

You will note that Ireland and United Kingdom are not part of Schengen agreement. Therefore, be sure to check before you travel whether any other authorization documents are required. Canadians can check here. Citizens of other countries need to check with their own Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

Here is more information on the Schengen visa – https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/

Contact us for more information about travel anywhere.

These days we are all wondering about passenger compensation and travellers’ rights. The federal government of Canada has laid out some new regulations, as of 15th July, 2019.  Are you wondering what to do when stuck on a plane, your flight is delayed or cancelled, or luggage is lost? You may have questions about transporting certain objects like musical instruments, assigning seats for children and more.

For additional information and details on travellers’ rights in Canada, click this link to a CBC news article outlining the new regulations.

In Europe, flight delays of 3 hours, cancellations, or being denied boarding due to overbooking more entitle a traveller to compensation.  This is called Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004. The EU has a website outlining more information and how to claim. Website click here.

For group tours or private tours, contact us.

Corona Virus Info

For information regarding Covid 19 corona virus cancellations or disruptions to your travels, contact your airlines, tour companies, and insurance companies to see what steps you should take. Pay attention to your own Government’s travel warnings. If  they tell you it is time to go home, listen to them. You could be stuck in a country with closed borders and your own country is not responsible for you or your health in that case.  Take care of yourself and others.

 

Travel Morocco. Let the sights, sounds and tastes of Morocco envelop you. Morocco is becoming a hotspot for travellers as of late. Having just returned, I understand why. I was pleasantly surprised and my expectations were completely exceeded.

The country boasts a variety of terrains, culture and history. From 2000 year old roman ruins to Kasbahs to the Sahara sand dunes to bustling modern cities. It has been one of the most politically stable countries in North Africa,

Morocco is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among them the Fez Medina, with over 9000 alleyways and considered one of the world’s largest pedestrian only zones. Fez also has the world’s oldest university.

Destinations

Marrakesh, the fourth largest city, is one of the busiest cities in Africa and serves as a major economic centre and tourist destination. The Marrakesh Medina is over 1100 acres in size and is also a UNESCO site. The city boasts beautiful gardens and investments in real estate have allowed the city to flourish as well as attract over 2 million tourists a year.

Ait Benhaddou is a fortified kasbah, using typical clay architecture, and is also a UNESCO site. It is situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara desert and Marrakesh. Many films have been made here using Ait Benhaddou in their sets.

Casablanca is Morocco’s chief port city and boasts the 5^th largest mosque in the world, Hassan II Mosque. A portion of the mosque projects out into the Atlantic Ocean and it has a retractable roof. It is a work of architectural genius and holds 25,000 worshippers.

A trip to Morocco is not complete without a camel ride into the desert, and a night in a Berber tent for a taste of Berber culture.

Tours

I have just completed this tour in November 2018, an 8 day fast paced spicy intro to a beautiful country. 8 days from $971 CAD On sale Jan 8 departure. https://benefactours.com/tour-detail/?tour=morocco-kasbahs-&-desert&id=22843

For a more upscale experience taking in more sites, here is Sahara and Beyond for 15 days from $3259 CAD.  https://benefactours.com/tour-detail/?tour=morocco:-sahara-&-beyond&id=23741

Discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and ride into the desert on a camel or a 4×4. Meet musicians, Berbers, and artisans, and soak up the exotic beauty of Morocco.

Contact us for more information on these or any tours in Morocco.

Where to go in Colombia? From snowy peaks to deserts, jungles and beaches, not to mention history and culture, Colombia is a jewel. You can learn history, watch humpback give birth, take cooking classes, relax in a spa, or take some epic hikes in their national parks. The good news is citizens of many countries do not require a visa to visit Colombia. Find out which countries require a visa here.

The country is divided into regions, most notably The Andes, The Caribbean, The Pacific, and the Amazon Region part of The Amazon Rainforest. The Insular region is comprised of islands in both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, and Orinoquia Region borders Venezuela.

Here are some highlights:

The Andean Region

The Andes mountains form the most populous region of Colombia and contain the majority of the country’s urban centres. The region is divided into three branches known as “cordilleras” and include the cities of Bogota and Medellín. Colombian coffee is among the world’s best so visiting a coffee farm or staying on a hacienda will immerse you in the trade.

Bogota – is the capital and largest city, and the third highest capital in South America. It is a city known for its many museums, especially the Gold Museum, with over 55,000 pieces. The mountain Monserrate dominates the city center of Bogotá, so you cannot miss it. Rising to 3,152 metres above the sea level. Take the cable car to relish in the views of the city or visit the church and shrine at the top.

The city is close to the stunning Salt Cathedral, Zipaquirá. It is bizarre and amazing, with vast halls, crosses and altars carved out of an old salt mine. Zipaquira is near Bogota and can be visited on a day trip.

Medellin – Cable cars traverse the slopes of this fashionable Andean city, home to illuminating museums, enticing restaurants and legendary artist Fernando Botero. Medellin is situated in a narrow valley, and the moderate temperatures give the city its nickname – the City of Eternal Spring.

Parque Nacional Natural los Nevados – The national park boasts high mountains and beautiful scenery. There are many high altitude lakes, deep gorges, rainforest, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls. There are five main volcanoes, and many smaller volcanic cones, so hiking and climbing is varied. Travel time is 11 – 12 hours by vehicle from Bogota or 9 hours from Medellin.

Caribbean Region

The region is traversed by a number of rivers from the Andean highlands to the sea, including the Magdalena, Colombia’s principal river. The Caribbean region is also the location of the historic port cities of Santa Marta and Cartagena.

Cartagena – Latin America’s colonial queen of cities, Cartagena is a city of Baroque churches, elegant mansions, shady plazas and giant Spanish walls. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and massive churches. Outside the walled city, Bocagrande is a place to sip coffee in trendy cafes and dine in upscale restaurants.

Ciudad Perdida – The name means ‘Lost City’ as it was lost around the time of the Spanish conquest and only ‘discovered’ again in the 1970s. Deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, it remains only accessible on foot by doing what is easily one of Colombia’s most exciting and breathtaking hikes.

Tayrona National Park – The park is a large protected area covering the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains as they meet the Caribbean coast. It’s known for its coastal coves and lagoons, rainforest and rich biodiversity. The region was once the territory of the Tayrona people, and some archeological remains have been found in the park. One of Colombia’s most popular national parks, Tayrona scenery varies from sandy beaches along the coast in the north to rainforest at an altitude of 900 m on the southern limits of the park. Accommodations vary from hostels to upscale spas.

Amazon Region

The Amazon Region is a region in southern Colombia over the Amazon Basin. The region is mostly covered by tropical jungle, which is a part of the massive Amazon rainforest. You can stay in Leticia and do day activities in the jungle, or alternatively go to Leticia then take a speed boat and stay in a lodge deep in the Amazon. Note that it is compulsory to have yellow fever vaccination taken at least 10 days prior to your arrival date.

There’s no shortage of things to do in the Amazon, so for the adventurous it’s a great place to visit. Activities include the following:

• Observe pink dolphins, exotic birds, alligators and other indigenous fauna and flora
• Visit indigenous communities
• Fishing and traditional craftsmanship
• Walks in the forest or to nearby lakes with native guides
• Swimming in natural pools

Pacific Region

This region is distinguished by its high humidity. Precipitation is among the highest in the world, with an average of 4,000 mm (160 in) per year and some areas that receive as much as 12,000 mm (470 in) per year.

Whale watching at Colombia’s lush Pacific coast is one of the world’s best places to see humpbacks and their new-born calves. Between July and November, humpbacks arrive from Antarctica to mate and give birth to their young. Whale watching programs are offered in places like Bahia Solano and Nuquí (both in Chocó) and Gorgona Island (Cauca).

Orinoco (Orinoquia) Region

This less-visited region borders Venezuela and covers the departments of Meta, Arauca, Casanare and Vichada. The region is rich in oil and suitable for extensive ranching but sparsely populated.

Insular Region

The Insular Region is considered by some as a sixth region, comprising those areas outside continental Colombia, including the department of San Andrés y Providencia in the Caribbean Sea and the islands of Malpelo and Gorgona in the Pacific Ocean.

So, again where to go in Colombia? I say stick to The Andes, Caribbean, Pacific or Amazon for the best bang for your buck adventure.  Here are a few tours to inspire you:

Colombia Express 9 days from $1889 CAD ($1495 US). Check out the resurgence of culture, art, and food in Bogotá and Medellín, dive deep into the Caribbean vibe in Cartagena, and enjoy the Latin-Caribbean fusion of flavours in local cuisine.

Caribbean Coast and Lost City  14 days from $2459 CAD ($1947 US). Trek through Tayrona National Park’s picturesque trails and have some downtime on the beach. Later, head to deep into the jungle to Teyuna – the fabled Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) older than Machu Picchu.

For these or any other tours in Colombia, contact us.