Not anymore!  There’s a great new solution on the market- Universal Travel Adapter Kit with USB Charger.  Multiple brands now offer this handy adapter, available at most electronics stores or online. The all-in-one design eliminates the need for carrying a variety of adapters and the USB plug is especially handy. For use with cameras, cell phones, iPods, laptops, tablets, etc.

Headlamps!

• Fits easily in your suitcase or backpack
• Versatile enough to light up a trail or to use as a reading light in bed
• 3 white lighting modes; red & flashing lights for safety
• Headlamp tilts to point light where you need it
• Only requires 2 AAA batteries

Click here to order your headlamp from rei.com

• so comfortable
• great for packing light
• wrinkle resistant
• have a hidden zip pocket
• back zip secured pocket
• quick dry
• straight leg
• tab waist
• work well in the bush
• work well in the city
• look good on various sizes and body types

“What I experienced in Africa was not life as a tourist but life as a fully engaged participant.” Paige Hasson

Some of the special things they experienced:

• seeing Victoria Falls from Zambia and Zimbabwe
• visiting the studio of a local renowned artist and activist
• attending a “Girl Power!” workshop in Victoria Falls funded by the GSGC
• experiencing a braai (b-que) in the home of a GSGC partner in Victoria Falls
• visiting a local primary school
• teaching games and reading to children at a pre-school
• listening to Hugh Masekela at an outdoor concert at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens
• a wine and cheese picnic at a winery while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean
• seeing lions feast on their prey in Hwange National Park
• attending a special sports day for disadvantaged youth
• cooking “shima” with the chef at the B&B in Livingstone
• shopping at the Biscuit Mill in Cape Town

Experiences such as these offer our clients an insight, perspective and respect for local people and culture that other visitors may not be lucky enough to have.

[[Show as slideshow]]

For more on their adventures, check out the GS Giving Circle Blog and FaceBook.

What makes this one of our all time favorite places?

• the endless vistas and unspoilt wilderness

• the interesting and varied outings with expert guides who make nature and history come alive

• the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets

• the privilege of being with the Bushman in a truly authentic manner

• Uncharted Africa’s camps that keep to the tradition of being un-electrified while having all the comforts (and great style!)

• it’s a perfect place to “unplug” and take in the energy and wonders of nature

You’ll find this special place located in the

heart of the Kalahari Desert

in Botswana

[Show as slideshow]

For many climbers and adventure seekers, ascending Kili is an achievement long sought after. But the price tag can be daunting (upwards of $6k per person) and so, many would-be climbers will comb the Internet searching for cheap deals. Problem is, these cheap deals are very often to the detriment, and even abuse, of the welfare of the workers whose families and livelihood depends on Kili. Unethical, local operators overbook their climbs, overload and underpay their porters and guides, and don’t adhere to high safety standards.

In fact recently, we’ve learned of instances on one of the more popular routes, where guides and porters were forced to sleep outside in the freezing cold, as their “sleeping tents” are used to accommodate the clients of operators who have overbooked their tours. Many operators in the West/US aren’t even aware of these common practices. Such disregard for human welfare happens too often. Even though additional legislation has been put into effect to guard against these outrages, they still occur on a daily basis and workers are often so poor (and illiterate, making them unable to read their “contracts”) that they will accept these unfair working conditions because of a lack of employment elsewhere.

Therefore, be mindful when price shopping and do your research to make sure you are booking with an ethical and responsible outfitter. Work with tour operators who are truly committed to responsible travel and look into monitoring organizations such as the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project. Everyone wants a deal, but not at the expense of another human being.

Remember that the more “off the beaten path” routes and regions tend to carry with them a higher price tag – which has little to do with the level of luxury and much to do with safety and fair practices. It takes a small team to help one person climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, and every member of that team must be compensated fairly and treated justly. If a price seems to good to be true, it usually is.

At Global Sojourns, we are committed to working with responsible, ethical suppliers with good safety practices and we always have an eye on good value for money for our clients.

This month (3/12), Conde Nast features one of our all time favorite safari destinations. We are thrilled they are featuring Zimbabwe’s re-emergence in the tourism market.

Conde Nast’s team travelled to Zimbabwe to see for themselves if the ‘re-born hype’ surrounding Zimbabwe as a tourist destination is well founded. In an interesting yet honest reflection of Zimbabwe, Joshua Hammer titles his article ‘A New Day for Zimbabwe?’ and writes, “For many years travelers have avoided Zimbabwe, aware that the country was ruled by a brutal regime. But Robert Mugabe’s time is growing short, safari lodges are filling up, and the spectacular wildlife is flourishing again.”

Having visited the country several times during both its hay-day and the turbulent political and economic situation, Hammer states , “This time, everywhere I go on my ten-day tour, I’m struck by the beauty, the abundance of wildlife, and the optimism that’s taking hold.”

Check out this informative article (and don’t miss the slideshow on page 2): zimbabwe-safari-lodges-hotels-resorts-restaurants-wildlife-national-parks

Photo: Beks Ndlovu, Founder of African Bush Camps, floating in “the hide” at Somalisa Camp in Hwange.

Join me as I take advantage of an incredible opportunity to visit and assist our GSGC partners in Livingstone, Zambia, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Cape Town, South Africa.

I’ll be learning listening and gathering information to share with you.

I will also:

• provide English tutoring for girls that the GSGC supports
• train pre-school teachers
• deliver learning materials made by students in the US
• meet with our old and new GSGC partners and friends

I invite you to follow my journey as I share my experiences, photos and impressions on the GSGC blog and our GSGC Facebook page.

Stay tuned!

Paige Hasson

It’s been on my “I sooo want to do this” list forever- to attend one of the summer concerts offered at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town.  I loved it!  Listening to local jazz artists, enjoying a picnic with friends, sipping great wine and being in a FABULOUS setting made for one terrific evening.  I can’t wait to do it again!

-Priscilla

But it was the walk in the lush forest to look for elephant with the Samburu warriors that ensured  Kitich would become one of my all-time favorite places. For those who love getting well off the beaten track, we highly recommend putting this on your list of must-see places!

• Pristine mountain wilderness
• Lush indigenous forest with cycads and wild orchids
• A truly unique forest wildlife experience
• Walk along forest footpaths guided by Samburu warriors and Ndorobo guides to see elephant, buffalo, bushbuck, warthogs…
• Learn traditional ways of tracking wildlife
• Remote yet accessible
• Only 6 guest tents
• High eco and cultural preservation standards