Off the Beaten Path
December 2018     
In This Issue
From Priscilla's Desk
Special Experiences
Special Places
Upcoming GS Small Group Trips
Featured Camps
Conservation
Products We Love
Just for Fun
Quick Links
FROM PRISCILLA'S DESK
 
It's been a busy year and we have much to share with you! 
 
From the remote park of Kidepo near South Sudan to private concessions in the Okavango Delta to exclusive hiking trails on the beautiful coast of South Africa and to communities in Zimbabwe and Zambia, we've gone in search of those special gems that let you sink deeper into the African wilderness and connects you in an authentic manner with the peoples of this amazing continent.

As travel becomes more corporate and wilderness and wildlife become more threatened, GS works all the harder to find those special gems.  And through our GS Giving Circle and your support, we work to preserve the land and wildlife and uplift communities.  We love sharing these gems with you and are grateful for you and your support.  

Read on and join us on an adventure!

  
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Gorillas in the Wild- A Lifelong Dream Come True for Shawna 

Shawna Renga has dreamed of seeing gorillas in the wild since she was a young child. Her dream came true as she joined our recent GS trip in Uganda, trekking chimps and gorillas and going on safari.  

I am overwhelmingly grateful for the chance to live out my dream during this first trip to Africa. It is the first of many, I am sure, and I am so excited to see what new dreams the future holds for me. Dreams that I can pursue with confidence, gratitude, and the new sense of self that I found on the side of a mountain in Uganda. 

Read about her reflections and check out photos from this soul-fulfilling trip.

SPECIAL PLACES 

Kidepo National Park

If you seek wildlife viewing in remote and untrodden locales, add Kidepo to your list! Why we love it:
  • Expansive vistas
  • Gorgeous landscape
  • Untrodden- one feels like you're in a private park
  • Large herds (elephant, Cape buffalo, hartebeest, waterbuck, giraffe and more...)
  • Apoka- wonderful lodge- wildlife at your doorstep, peaceful, great service
UPCOMING GS SMALL GROUP TRIPS  

Namibia Adventure- September 2019   

Join us on an active adventure in Namibia that gets you into stunning and exclusive locales with outstanding private guides. We are so excited for this trip! 

Cool Things You'll Do:
  • Explore and travel through vast tracts of remote, unfenced and pristine wilderness
  • Search for desert adapted wildlife
  • Climb some of the world's highest free-standing sand dunes
  • Experience a fascinating "Living Desert Tour"
  • Take in the fresh coastal air while exploring the breath-taking scenery of the world's oldest desert
  • Track rhino

View itinerary here. Space is limited and going fast. 

Contact us to join in!

FEATURED CAMPS  
 
This issue: Botswana 

We've visited 19 camps in Botswana in the past few months- checking out new ones and seeing refurbishments at some favorites. Here are some of our findings:

Sandibe: Modern Luxury + Fantastic Concession + Outstanding Guiding = Wow!

Sandibe offers all the modern comforts (spa, fitness room, wifi, espresso) while retaining a high quality bush experience with their game rich concession and quality guides and tracker system. Outstanding food, service and great wines top off the experience!


Bushman's Plains :  Traditional  Old World Safari

We love this camp for its simplicity, intimacy and focus on quality guiding.  Majority owned by Bushmen and owner hosted (rare these days!), Bushman's Plains takes us back to what we so love about safari- the focus on the wildlife experience and connection with nature.  On top of this, it is located on a great concession.  For those who appreciate the stripped down traditional safari experience, we highly recommend it!  


CONSERVATION    

Great news from Botswana!

At a time when news is all too often about shrinking habitats and decreasing wildlife numbers, we are thrilled to share news of areas opening up and providing greater movement for wildlife. In and around the Makgadikgadi National Park in Botswana, fences are coming down and old migration routes are being rejuvenated. This is a gorgeous area and with the wildlife increasing, it's one to put on your list.

Kuddos to all of those behind this project!

PRODUCTS WE LOVE  

For Photo Enthusiasts...

I normally shoot with my tried and true Canon 70-200mm lens but after getting the opportunity to use the Canon 100-400mm lens last week in Botswana, I have a new love! 

WOW! I was so impressed with the sharpness of this lens. My only complaint is that... when the leopard, the lion and hyena came close to the vehicle, I couldn't get clear shots as they were too close for the lens! 
  
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Our dependable sources for photos supplies: B&H Photo and Amazon
JUST FOR FUN


QUICK LINKS  
We hope you've enjoyed our newsletter, Off The Beaten Path. May it provide you with travel ideas, stories and tips that inform and inspire. Spread the word! Global Sojourns works only on a referral basis. Let us design your next adventure! Contact us at [email protected] or call 503-616-3232 to speak with Priscilla or Pam or text us at 503-622-9101. Check out our website at www.globalsojourns.com.

Priscilla Plummer    Founder, Global Sojourns
Global Sojourns customizes itineraries for individuals and small groups to Africa and around the globe. Through a commitment to responsible tourism and relationships with local experts, we provide you with trips that balance outdoor adventures with cultural insights and authentic interactions with local people. We are passionate about our work and provide you with fun, meaningful and memorable travel experiences.