Print   Close

Nature's Bounty: Critters and Places

by Sheri Leigh

The power of nature is undisputable. All you need do lately is pick up any newspaper to see her destructive forces. Man's assault on nature has also had serious repercussions and a balance needs to be drawn between the desires of Man and the world's natural resources.

Luckily today's travelers and tour companies alike have embraced the delicate relationship between tourism and local cultural needs and philosophies such as Eco-tourism and Responsible Tourism are the rules rather than the exception. A leave no footprints ideology has insured that minimal damage is done to fragile environments and tour operators frequently give back to communities and reserves they visit, thus insuring the land for future trips as well as future generations.

This month's tour hosts not only visit some of our planet's most beautiful scenery but encourage and contribute to developing programs that meet the needs of both the local populations and the flourishing travel sector as well.

Name: Eco Voyager
Location: Latin America
Specialty: Cultural, archaeological and nature tours
Why We Like Them: For more than a decade Eco Voyager has been organizing private tours throughout Latin America. With over 30 different itineraries, the company has a vast array of romantic, family and eco-tours to fit all travel interests, including cruises and hotel packages. Their trips visit the Amazon in four of the nine countries it covers and provide fully hosted services stretching from the Amazon, to Patagonia and the Galapagos. A one-stop shop for your Latin America nature needs.

Name: Global Gypsies
Location: Australia
Specialty: 4WD guided tours
Why We Like Them: A great way to see the way off the beaten path, is a Global Gypsies 4WD excursion into the outback of Australia or an East Africa excursion. Drive your own, or go with the lead car, either way the tour leader Jeremy Perks is guaranteed to show you a great time. The company offers a great selection of camping treks and some lodge based tours.
Article: The Colours Of Rudall

Name: World Wise Ecotourism Network
Location: Russia
Specialty: Eco and cultural tourism
Why We Like Them: Operating in Eastern Russia and Siberia for over a decade, World Wise Ecotourism Network works with a number of local operators and environmental groups to insure that the developing tourism in this region protects the environment and benefits the native cultures. Trips to many nature reserves are created by sponsoring organizations and the company is happy to plan individual trips for travelers interested in exploring this fantastic and unknown region.
Article: Nature’s Dilemma

Name: Midnight Sun Adventures
Location: No America, So America, Australia
Specialty: Small group exploratory travel
Why We Like Them: Their small group Signature Trips (8-10 travelers), are designed for explorers rather than hard core adventure seekers, but do require a fair bit of walking so if you are passive, these may not be suited. The company’s staff Gryphon’s are Sales reps and tour guides, and from your first contact you’ll be working with these experts to choose the perfect trip for your needs. Accompanying the Signature Trips, Gryphon’s work with the local guides Midnight Sun Adventures recruits in every destination for a perfect combination of local knowledge and efficient organization.
Article: Gentle Giants: Getting up close and personal with Whale Sharks

Name: Explorations Inc.
Location: Peru
Specialty: Amazon jungle safaris and cruises
Why We Like Them: A fun and educational experience introduces the traveler to both natural wonders and indigenous cultures. A small group size promotes preservation of natural resources and cultural traditions while offering developing countries much needed tourist dollars and the traveler a personal look into the various regions’ unique cultures.
Article: Peru, Natural Wonder

Name: Duma Explorer
Location: Tanzania
Specialty: Photo safaris, mountain treks, beach holidays, and cultural journeys
Why We Like Them: Company owned and operated equipment and dedicated guides provide travelers with a personal and highly specialized holiday. Duma Explorer offers many itinerary suggestions to choose from and all trips are custom designed to assure the most targeted tour imaginable. The web site provides great information on various regions and describes the differences in parks as well as providing bios on some of the staff you’ll meet.
Article: Serengeti National Park

Name: Hondoo Rivers and Trails
Location: SW United States
Specialty: Horseback and multi-sport adventures
Why We Like Them: Trail rides, hiking, 4WD tours, no matter how you’d like to experience the South West, Hondoo can handle the arrangements with personal and knowledgeable local guides, be it a custom designed trip, or one of their scheduled departures. With over 30 years operating in Utah, they love their land and insure that the trips are eco-sensitive.
Article: Red Canyons and Fall Foliage