Summer 2011 NewsletterOur Summer newsletter is still available! Click here to view the electronic version. |
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NEWS ARCHIVES
Brian Keating Presentation
Sun. Mar. 18 @ Telus Science Centre
Join Brian as he shares video and stories about his adventures. Proceeds go to the Calgary Zoo's conservation fund. $20/adult; $10/youth. Click here for details!
New Trip Announced: CHINA, with TIBET
Jan. 20, 2012: Travel to China with a full team of a trip host from Canada, a National Guide who travels with the group throughout China, plus local guides at each destination. Stay in 4 star hotels. All meals are included except on free days. Hotels are chosen for excellent locations so you can easily explore on your free days. For more information, click here.
"3 paw" safaris changes: KENYA & TANZANIA
Dec. 29, 2011: We're made exciting changes to our 3 Paw safaris as we enter a new partnership with Jean du Plessis at Wayo Africa in Tanzania for these trips. We've shifted our lodges to bring you a very authentic safari experience as we stay in smaller more intimate properties with a strong connection to the local communities. PLUS, Wayo's guides are trained by Jean, so they are some of the best in Tanzania. Check out the new itineraries (with slightly lower prices and now including the flight Arusha-Zanzibar):
August 4 safari, hosted by the Calgary Zoo's Dr. Malu Celli
September 7 safari, hosted by pro photographer Kyle Marquardt
Eclipse AUSTRALIA
Updated Dec. 19, 2011: Although we have released unspoken for rooms on this trip, anyone still interested in joining Don Hladiuk to observe the solar eclipse in Australia should still contact us. We'll do our best to secure a room for you. For trip details, click here.
Join Denell in PAPUA NEW GUINEA!
Updated Dec. 19, 2011: This may be your last chance to cruise the length of the Sepik River. As of 2013, the MV Sepik Spirit will be permanently docked, and it will become a floating lodge. If you'd like to experience what has truly become a once-in-a-lifetime trip, please contact us. The October 22 trip has some space; the Nov. 17 trip has only 3 seats left. For trip details, click here.
NEW: Safari with Denell Falk to ZIMBABWE!
Dec. 19, 2011: We have new, reduced pricing on this amazing adventure! Denell returns to Zimbabwe in September 2012. Zimbabwe is one of the most diverse wildlife viewing areas in southern Africa, and you'll explore it in the company of some of the best wildlife guides in Africa. See the details here.
Safari with Brian Keating to
TANZANIA & RWANDA
Dec. 28, 2011 update: these trips are "waitlist" only. If you're keen, please get in touch so we can keep you informed.
Dec. 5, 2011: Brian hosts two incredible safaris in 2012 combining rarely visited parks in southern Tanzania (Ruaha & Selous) PLUS chimpanzee and black & white colobus treks PLUS mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. These trips INCLUDE internal flights valued at US$1300. Click here to access trip details, then call us. The trips are slightly different and we can explain why.
Discover India with Denell Falk
Dec. 5, 2011: We have limited space on Denell's India adventure. Denell would love to show you India in our Civilized style. Click here for details!
Specials on Winter Trips - Save up to $200
Specials expire SOON!
Updated Nov. 22, 2011: Our winter trips have some seats left that we want to fill. We can hold rooms in most cases until the end of November. If you book now on these trips, we'll take up to CA$200 off the trip price, per person. These specials are extended until Nov. 30. See our Specials Page for details.
NOTE: only 2 spaces left on Kenya & Tanzania departing Jan. 19 '11. We release all space on Friday Nov. 25!
Chile & Argentina Wine Tours
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER EXTENDED-
SAVE $245; book by Nov. 22.
Updated Nov. 16, 2011: We are pleased to present upcoming wine tours with Linda Garson of Calgary's Vine & Dine.
Chile & Argentina Vine & Dine, Feb. 24 - Mar. 7, 2012. Take part in the Wine Harvest festival in Mendoza, plus tour the great vineyards of these amazing wine-growing regions. Tastings and fine dining are included. PLACE YOUR DEPOSIT BY NOV. 22 AT SAVE $245 PER PERSON!
Wine Regions of Spain, September 2012. Enjoy Barcelona, San Sebastian, and the Wine Harvest Festival in La Rioja district. Details coming soon.
"Vine & Dine" teams up with Brian Keating
Nov. 1, 2011: Join LInda Garson of Vine & Dine fame as she teams up with Brian Keating to bring you a new "Corks & Talks" evening at the Safari Grill on Monday, Dec. 19. Brian will take you to remote tropical places through his images, film footage and live narration, which will surely inspire you. Enjoy a new menu of 6 courses of outstanding African cuisine and learn about the 6 wines that complement each course. Contact Linda Garson fore information at 403-870-9802 or linda@vineanddine.ca
Going Wild: World Premiere!
Oct. 19, 2011: Brian Keating was interviewed by the Calgary Herald while he was in the Galapagos Islands only a week ago. Read the article here.
Sept. 26, 2011: Catch the TV premiere of Brian Keating's new TV series "Going Wild" on Saturday, Oct. 15, 8PM EST (6pm MST). The first in the series showcases Madagascar. The buzz is already growing, with the likes of Conde Nast Traveler saying "you won't see the world the same way again...and you'll like it!!" Click below for the official announcement.
Your positive feedback is important! Discovery really does take this into account for future show development. If you'd like to see more nature, and more nature-oriented travel shows hosted by Brian, please send your feedback to
Jane Goodall in Banff: Oct. 21, 2011
Sept. 19, 2011: This is one of only two stops in Canada, as Dr. Jane Goodall, acclaimed environmentalist, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of Peace, will present an exclusive screening of Lorenz Knauer's 2010 documentary film, Jane's Journey, followed by a question and answer session. Tickets are available through the Banff Centre or Ticketmaster. Click here for more info.
Join Denell in PAPUA NEW GUINEA!
August 23, 2011: Denell Falk, our Managing Director, travelled with a small "recky" group to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2010. Everyone enjoyed the trip so much that Denell will return as host of two trips in 2012. Highlights include staying in truly remote lodges in the highlands, visiting unique and warmly welcoming villages whose culture is true to ancient ways, and cruising for 4 nights on the Sepik River. Not only will you meet the people of PNG, you'll explore pristine tropical rainforests on nature walks and boating excursions. Each trip ends with 4 nights at a seaside resort. PNG is laid back, unspoiled and unique.
2012 Photo Safaris Enhanced: New Lodge
July 28, 2011: This past June, Anne Wolever (our product manager) inspected several properites in Kenya, accompanied by our Kenyan affiliates. Our original choice of lodge in Amboseli did not meet our standards and we felt it was important for our clients' experience that we switch to the lovely Ol Tukai Lodge set right in the middle of the reserve. This change does affect the price (as does a recent price hike from Tanzania), however we are confident that the trip has been improved and that your stay in the area will be greatly enhanced.
We'd also like to congratulate Kyle Marquardt, who will host our 2012 Photo Safaris to Kenya and Tanzania. Kyle was recently listed in the Business insider's Top 104 Photographers list on Google Plus! Click here to see the list.
Please click here to review a report on Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli.
To learn more about these Photo Safaris:
February 2012 trip - click here.
September 2012 trip - click here.
Thailand News
July 27, 2011: we were saddened to hear of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana of Thailand. For anyone travelling to Thailand in the next few months, please be aware of the following:
For the 15 days following 27 July, Thai Palace protocol requires that public social events should be low key and restrained.
In the 100 days following 27 July anyone planning to visit the Grand Palace should wear dark colours or black. This adjustment in requirements for entry to the Palace will remain in place until the beginning of November.
Drought Update
July 21, 2011: We are increasingly aware of the drought situation in Somalia and other parts of East Africa. We are in constant communication with our colleagues in Nairobi and Arusha, and while this situation is severe, it is not affecting areas that our groups travel into.
The current statement from Kenya can be reviewed here.
If you would like to assist, we refer you to the CBC website, which lists several organizations that are involved in the area. Civilized Adventures does not support or endorse any particular group or organization. http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanalysis/story/2011/07/13/national-somaliadrought.html.
Civilized Adventures, our clients and our colleagues in East Africa continue to assist selected schools and organizations as part of our Lift Up Program. (read more about it here).
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Indochina Trip announced
July 19, 2011: Our newly designed and refined adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia is now available. We have revamped the trip to include upgraded accommodation and meals, plus new stops including the Imperial city of Hue, a journey through the Mekong to Phnom Penh in Cambodia, plus two nights in Phnom Penh. We have many special inclusions and experiences, from cooking classes to meeting one of only seven who survived Tuol Sleng prison of the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia. Denell Falk, Managing Director of Civilized Adventures, will host this trip. Click here for full details!
Midsummer Maritime Expedition 2012:
Very LIMITED space left!!
July 14, 2011: we have 4 twin semi-private cabins (1 bathroom is shared between 2 cabins; great for families), 3 twin cabins (shared bathroom), and 2 triple cabins (shared bathroom) left on the ship. If this trip intrigues you, we urge you to get in touch quickly. Get the trip details here.
Madagascar Trip now available
July 13, 2011: Travis Steffens is looking forward to showing you Madagascar. Travis has a BSc and MA in Primatology from the University of Calgary, and as a PhD graduate student he lived in Madagascar for part of the year conducting research on the Coquerel's Sifaka. He has been leading trips for a leading active travel company since 2005, hosting over 30 expeditions in Africa, Central America and the Canadian Rockies. For details of this amazing adventure, click here.
India Group Trip Announced!
May 18, 2011: Denell Falk (Managing Director of Civilized Adventures) returns to India hosting a small group in February, 2012. Check out the trip details here!
New Photo Safari Announced
April 20, 2011: Kyle Marquardt will once again host a fun, interactive photo safari to Kenya & Tanzania, departing on Feb. 2, 2012. Kyle is not a secretive photographer - instead, he really enjoys sharing tips and techniques. Not only will you experience wonderful wildlife viewing and cultural interactions, we are quite sure you'll be pleased with how much your photographs improve over the course of the trip. For trip details, click here.
Spring Specials and other Trip News:
April 19, 2011: we are pleased to announce that Margie Woo will now be hosting our summer Ecuador trip listed below. Margie has hosted many trips to Kenya, Tanzania, Peru and Ecuador.
April 8, 2011: Prices drop again due to our strong dollar. These prices will EXPIRE on May 31. On those dates, we will have to release unused space. These are great savings on top-notch, fully escorted trips.
Ecuador now hosted by Margie Woo. Save at least $750 (depends on
cabin). We have chartered a deluxe yacht and there are only a few cabins left!
Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, hosted by Gillian Cardwell. Save $625
China with Tibet, hosted by Gayleen Jorgensen. Save $499
Zimbabwe Safari, hosted by Denell Falk. Save up to $400.
Kenya & Tanzania Safari: hosted by Trish Lund - save $845
Bhutan Adventure, hosted by Barb Campbell. Save up to $580.
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Brian Keating is now hosting our Peru & Ecuador adventure departing Sept. 28, 2011. We've upgraded hotels in Cusco and Quito. The price remains the same. Click here for details. Brian's trips always sell out, so act soon if you're interested.
NEW:
Brian will be a guest naturalist on board two Antarctic expedition cruises:
Falklands, S. Georgia & the Peninsula - departs Dec. 28, 2011
Expedition to the Antarctic Circle - departs Jan. 15, 2012.
New Zoofaris for 2012
Prices are coming in for the 2012 season starting with two favorite safaris:
Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe - NEW 3 paw safari.
Kenya & Tanzania - classic 4 paw safari.
Win a walking trip in Southern Spain!
Thanks to all who entered. A winner has been announced and contacted.
Applies to September and October departures in 2011.
Enter by April 28 to qualify.
You must choose your trip by June 30, 2011.
Brian Keating Goes Wild!
Mar. 9, 2011: Brian Keating's new website is on-line. Have a look by Clicking Here.
Thailand Closes Dive Sites!
Mar. 4, 2011: Thailand has closed a range of popular dive sites to halt the affects of coral bleaching caused by warmer sea temperatures. More than a dozen dive sites in the southern provinces of PhangNga, Trang, Satun, including areas of the popular Similan Islands National Park, were recently closed and will be off-limits for at least one month.Penalties for non-compliance will incur and authorities havedeclared to closely monitor the coral bleaching while the ban is in place.
Now in Outpost Magazine
Mar. 3, 2011: See our listing in Canada's Outpost Magazine online "Outpost Traveller" section.
See us at the
Outdoor Adventure & Travel Shows
Civilized Adventures will be pitching our tent at the Calgary and Vancouver Outdoor shows in March. Drop by to learn about our new trips.
Mar. 19 & 20: Vancouver Convention Centre.
Click here for a 2-for-1 admission coupon.
Mar. 26 & 27: Calgary's BMO Centre (Roundup Centre), Stampede Park. Click here for a 2-for-1 admission coupon.
Egypt Travel Advisory
Mar. 22, 2011: Canadians are still advised to "avoid all non-essential travel" to Egypt.
Feb. 17, 2011: Although protests have disbursed, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada still advises against all travel to Egypt. We are working with any clients who had planned to go into the region to design alternatives. Non-essential travel should be avoided to Tunisia as well.
2011 Ethiopia trip launched
Jan. 14, 2011:Consider one of the most scenic and historic countries in Africa. Attend the Meskel Festival, cruise on Lake Tana (source of the Blue Nile), visit Gondar, the "Camelot of Africa", the stunning Simien Mountains (home to the endemic Gelada baboon), Axum, and Lalibela, famous for its churches hewn from solid rock. Click here for details of this exciting adventure.
2011 "China with Tibet" trip launched
Jan. 7, 2011: Pricing and trip details are now available. Join veteran trip host Gayleen Jorgensen on a return trip to China! Click here for more details.
Madagascar Travel Advisory Lifted!
Exciting news! The Canadian Government has lifted their advisory against travel to Madagascar. Interested in exploring this unique island-country? Consider travelling with Travis Steffens (primatologist and expert guide) on a hosted adventure - now offered for September 2012. Click here for more details.
Stay in the Loop!
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