If you're anything like me, you go on holiday to have a good time, not
to save the world. But, be honest, wouldn't you like to know your break could be about giving, not just taking?
Here's my top tips on what's new for holidaying with a tinge of conscience...
1. Tanzania
Situated on the relatively undiscovered southern Tanzania coastline, just 35km south of Dar es Salaam, Ras Kutani is a unique boutique beach retreat, which sits within 100 acres of lush tropical, coastal forest. As
much of Tanzania’s coastline has suffered from heavy deforestation,
this truly is a hidden gem which offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the most bio-diverse indigenous coastal forests in East Africa.
Thanks
to owner and keen conservationist, Charles Dobie, this idyllic forest
has been saved, cultivated and is now continuously patrolled in order to
protect it and retain its natural beauty. The
forest boasts 132 different species of trees, including mango trees
(famous for their spectacular fruit) and the Marula tree (prized for its
rich bounty of fruit, and the oil from the kernel, which is used to
make moisturizer). Guests can enjoy watching the antics
of four species of monkey, including the spectacular black-and-white
colobus, as well as many species of birds, baboons, wild pigs, the
elusive Civet Cats and other wildlife.
Africa Odyssey is offering a seven-night break during the turtle’s hatching season from £1,907 ($3005) per person - a saving of £183 ($288 ) Valid for selected dates throughout February, the price
includes return flights from Dublin (via Heathrow), internal transfers,
accommodation at Ras Kutani on a full-board basis, taxes and surcharges.
Complimentary
snorkelling equipment, kayaks and boogie boards are available for those
that wish to venture from their hammock or beach bed.
2. Grand Canyon, USA
Grand Canyon Tour and Travel have launched a new range of tours they’re
calling VIP Spirit. At the heart of VIP Spirit concept are their top of
the line Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vehicles. As
the company’s Mike Rancilio told me,
“we chose the Mercedes Benz Sprinter
for reliability and comfort but, most of all their BlueTEC Clean Diesel
technology. BlueTEC is one
of the cleanest automotive options on
Earth. It is at the forefront of
minimizing emissions and creating a smaller environmental footprint and,
operating as we do, primarily in our world famous National Parks, that
is
critical to how we want to be working in the future”
The luxurious version of the BlueTEC Mercedes Benz Sprinter features tandem wheel suspension adding to both safety and a smoother ride. Even more obvious to the customer are the company’s upgrades including extra large picture windows, flat screen TVs, surround sound, upgraded seating, limousine lighting and the indulgence of sharing the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam experience in the intimacy of a vehicle with as few as twelve seats.
The luxurious version of the BlueTEC Mercedes Benz Sprinter features tandem wheel suspension adding to both safety and a smoother ride. Even more obvious to the customer are the company’s upgrades including extra large picture windows, flat screen TVs, surround sound, upgraded seating, limousine lighting and the indulgence of sharing the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam experience in the intimacy of a vehicle with as few as twelve seats.
3. Germany
Based in foothills near Bad Harzburg, the conservation teams will be working within the park and will have the opportunity to really get a real feel for the majesty and beauty of the place. The Harz National Park stretches from the low mountain range near Herzberg in the southern part of the mountains, across the Harz massif to its northern slopes near Bad Harzburg and Ilsenburg. It offers the entire range of characteristic ecological systems, variations in height, slopes and rocks.
Much of the practical work carried out in the park relates to either restoration of natural habitats and maintenance of traditionally managed habitats, or ‘visitor management’ to ensure people can enjoy appreciate and learn from nature whilst having the minimum negative impact on it. During the eight day break visitors will learn meadow mowing,
hay-making how to repair footpaths, bridges and signs.
Accommodation is at the Jugendwaldheim Brunnenbachsmühle – a huge and comfortable outdoor centre near Braunlage at the northern end of the park.
A continental breakfast and packed lunch will be prepared for guests, with dinner self-catered as a group. The holiday takes place July 14 to 22 and costs £390 ($615) excluding travel.
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