Stuart, FL (April 29, 2013) – “Sustainable travel is not only the road to the future,” said Ashish Sanghrajka, president of Big Five tours & Expeditions.  “It represents the best of our present.  In developing these journeys, we strove to share the authentic face of Australia; its true self.”

Much like it has already done in Kenya, Tanzania and Ecuador, Big Five built these journeys from the beginning to feature genuine experiences with traditional cultures and the natural world.  Arnhem Land, for example, has been home to indigenous people for tens of thousands of years, with relics discovered that may date back 35,500 years.  It also has some of the finest examples of ancient rock art to be found anywhere.

“Arnhem Land today is the homeland of some 20,000 people, who represent living history.  And we want our guests to engage with this remarkable community.  These are not people selling trinkets on the side of the road.  They are professional guides and drivers, lodge staff, historians and community leaders,” Sanghrajka added.

Big Five has committed to the path of becoming fully sustainable in terms of product by 2016.  This deliberate refocusing began in earnest in 2010 with a major shift to private conservancies in Kenya and, where available, Tanzania.  It continued with a rebuilding of its Ecuador and Galapagos journeys to be more inclusive of the rich cultures and natural landscapes of mainland Ecuador.

Big Five defines its sustainability policy in three areas: conservation and protection of biodiversity, wildlife and natural habitat consistent with sustainable tourism practices; the support for poverty alleviation and community development, including capacity building, education, and healthcare in tourism destinations; and support for cultural heritage, archaeological and historical preservation in and around tourism destinations.   These Australia programs are the latest journeys to qualify.

One of three new itineraries, the 14-day Kipling Collection Wild Australia utilizes small camps that derive most or all of their energy through solar panels.  Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, with just nine

luxury tents, works to minimize its impact on its surrounding ecosystem.  Its carbon footprint is greatly reduced by its sustainable practices that include generating 100% of its energy needs through solar panels, a predominantly clean source of energy that also preserves the natural peace and quiet of this pristine area.  Each en-suite bathroom has an effective composting toilet, and the grey water from the showers and hand basins is carefully managed to ensure only filtered water is dispersed back into the ground.  Bamurru Plains also utilizes solar panels to generate about 75% of their energy.  The camp considers every aspect from waste disposal to the choice of linen to recycling bottles in terms of environmental impact.

“Sustainable travel and experiential travel are one and the same when done properly,” Sanghrajka added. “These programs were created after countless hours inspecting everything from the activities to the solar panels and dry cell batteries that power the camps.”

Big Five Tours & Expeditions

With more than 40 years experience in premier adventure travel, Big Five Tours & Expeditions offers luxury guided travel to Africa, Middle East, Asia and the Orient, South and Central America, and the South Pacific.  For more information, contact Big Five, (800) 244 3483, or email: info@bigfive.com; in Canada, (888) 244 3483, info@bigfivetours.ca.

Wild Australia: http://www.bigfive.com/tour/wild-australia-from-coral-coast-to-bamurru-plains/
Southern Australia & Tasmania: http://www.bigfive.com/tour/tasmania-southern-australia/
Australia:  http://www.bigfive.com/tour/australia/

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Press kit available

Media contact:   Deborah Kilcollins, Communications Liaison
(888) 244 3483, (772) 287 7995, ext. 2214. Email: deborah@bigfive.com

The post AUSTRALIA BEYOND THE REEF appeared first on Big Five.

Stuart, FL (April 16, 2013) –  On the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman offers the traveler sunrises on a solitary beach, traditional Bedouin settlements and dramatic desert landscapes.

For the sixth year, one of Big Five Tours & Expeditions’ adventures has been ranked among National Geographic Traveler’s 2013 “50 Tours of a Lifetime.”   OMAN: CARAVANS OF THE BEDU journeys into the heart and culture of this fascinating country.  It article appears in the May 2013 issue.

“We are proud that this is Big Five’s sixth appearance on this list,” said Ashish Sanghrajka, Big Five’s president.  “This is a forum that embraces originality and destination knowledge.  Another important factor is that this program was crafted in keeping with our commitment to luxury sustainable tourism.”

Oman has a sustainability plan that is geared toward limiting the number of travelers who come to Oman at any one time in order to preserve the authentic nature of the country and its culture.  For example, this itinerary is designed to take a limited number of guests on a luxury, mobile-tented camping journey like no other.

It takes in some of Oman hundreds of miles of deserted beach and includes the ruins of the fabled Lost City of Ubar, chronicled in classical works such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ “Atlantis of the Sands.”  Travelers also spend a night camping in the great Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world.  Bedu caravans set out from here on a rigorous journey into a vast, vacant land.

This journey includes accommodations; most meals; all transfers/transportation on a private basis; English-speaking private guides; entrance fees at sites; Big Five’s 24-hour White Glove Service^® guest assistance; and Big Five’s complimentary basic trip interruption insurance.  It begins at $15,000 land price, per person, double occupancy,

With more than 40 years experience in luxury adventure travel, Big Five Tours & Expeditions offers luxury guided travel to Africa, Asia & the Orient, South & Central America, and South Pacific.  For more information, contact Big Five, (800) 244 3483, or email: info@bigfive.com.   For information about Big Five and sustainability, visit www.bigfive.com/40ways.

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Press kit available
Media contact: Deborah Kilcollins, Communications Liaison
(888) 244 3483, (772) 287 7995, ext. 2214, Email: deborah@bigfive.com

The post Big Five journey selected by National Geographic Traveler appeared first on Big Five.

Big Five Tours & Expeditions has teamed up with two like-minded partners – Silversea Cruises and Hacienda Zuleta – to provide a true luxury experience in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.  Like Big Five, both companies offer award-winning services presented in luxurious surroundings, all the while remaining committed to sustainable principles.

“This is a niche that has needed to be filled in the Galapagos for a long time,’ said Ashish Sanghrajka, president of Big Five Tours and Expeditions, “Our goal with this partnership is continue to move away from the mass-market approach that has been predominant in the Galapagos for years.  Discounting is ruining the experience of these fragile ecosystems and ultimately has the potential to destroy them.”

Big Five’s goal in Ecuador and the islands is to counter that trend by choosing to create truly luxury journeys such as Luxury Ecuador with Silversea Silver Galapagos, which also encompass communities who have until recently been left out of the tourism equation.

Silversea Silver Galapagos, for example, is the newest ship in the Silversea line, and the most luxurious in the islands.  Once onboard, guests need only relax and enjoy.  A butler will even do the unpacking.   This all-inclusive experience offers guests all the creature comforts from nine different pillow types, to sumptuous gourmet cuisine, to complimentary beverages, wines and spirits served aboard a ship was specially designed for cruising the Galápagos Islands.

From the moment guests step inside the homestead of Hacienda Zuleta, they feel instantly at home.  This working farm has been the guardian of 300 years of tradition.  Today, the hacienda is also an award-winning boutique hotel that welcomes guests with warm touches such as antiques, family portraits and hand embroidered linens.  Every night, the staff lights the fireplace in each room, and places hot water bottles to warm each bed while guests are at dinner.

“We look for that attention to detail.  This is exactly the combination of luxury elements we were searching for when we created this program,” added Sanghrajka. “Yes, the price is going to reflect this change, but so, too, will the experience.”

Beyond that, guests can learn about the local community.  They explore the importance of textiles in preserving the heritage of the local Zuleta village, and meet members of the Zuleta women’s cooperative.  These woman create and sell colorful, handmade embroidered articles; and by doing so, help keep the traditional art form alive as well as provide income for their families and support for the entire community.

The 13-day Luxury Ecuador with Silversea Silver Galapagos journey, part of the Magellan Collection, melds Ecuador’s lesser-visited areas in the north of the country with the seven-day luxury cruise, creating more intimate and authentic cultural and wildlife experiences.  That includes a wide range of outstanding activities from horseback riding in the Andes, to snorkeling the sparkling waters of the islands.  The land cost of this luxurious adventure begins at $7,450 cruise price plus $3,684 land cost, per person, double occupancy.

Big Five Tours & Expeditions

With more than 40 years experience in luxury adventure travel, Big Five Tours & Expeditions offers luxury guided travel to Africa, Asia, the Orient, South and Central America, and the South Pacific. For more information, contact Big Five, (800) 244 3483, or email: info@bigfive.com; in Canada, (888) 244 3483, info@bigfivetours.ca.

Luxury Ecuador with Silversea Silver Galapagos: http://www.bigfive.com/tour/ecuador-with-the-silverseas/

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Press kit available Media contact: Deborah Kilcollins, Communications Liaison (888) 244 3483, (772) 287 7995, ext. 2214, Email: deborah@bigfive.com

The post Big Five creates luxurious experiences in Ecuador appeared first on Big Five.

In July 1982, Mahen, his wife Usha and their five-year-old son, Ashish, set out from Nairobi on a four-hour drive through the country over rough, bumpy roads to Lake Baringo in northern Kenya in the Rift Valley.  They carried with them bottles of champagne carefully wrapped to protect them from breaking.

These were to be presented to Mrs. Sigrist and her son Ernest.  Mrs. Sigrist came to Kenya every July from 1976 to 1984 to celebrate her birthday with the people and animals of Africa.

And, this year, 1982, was even more special — Mrs. Sigrist was there to celebrate her 80th birthday!

“We always called her Mama Sigrist,”  Mahen recalls. ”I did not want to miss such a special event for our friend and loyal guest.  I never forgot the look on her face as she stepped onto the verandah of the lounge and spotted me and my family.  She started to cry.  It was very moving to me.”

“I have met such wonderful people like Mama Sigrist during my life that I feel so blessed that I have been able to follow my dream.

The post 187,200 Hours of Enriching Lives and Counting! appeared first on Big Five.

 Stuart, FL, (Feb 12, 2013) –  In honor of its 40th anniversary, Big Five Tours & Expeditions  is expanding its current sustainable practices initiatives with the creation of a 40-point sustainable roadmap that will lead the company to becoming fully sustainable in terms of product by 2016.

 “This is the perfect time to launch this,” says Ashish Sanghrajka, president of Big Five. “February 12 was the day Big Five began, so it’s fitting that we begin our 40 Ways campaignnow.”

 Big Five is also asking the public to join in the process. “We wanted to have a little fun along the way so we are challenging them to share their ideas with us over the coming year. We will use the best ideas to help us create even more powerful journeys that encompass responsible tourism,” Sanghrajka added.

 “We know that some countries and regions are more advanced than others; so we take that into consideration.  Our concern is to see that the ideas of sustainability are being embraced and whatever resources are available are being fully utilized.” 

 The goal of this year-long project is to develop a comprehensive set of guidelines that will serve to further enhance Big Five’s journeys in meaningful ways.   

 This is a continuation of our tradition of caring for the planet. Since its inception in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1973, the company has been committed to what is today known as sustainable tourism practices – environmentally-friendly practices, protection of cultural and natural heritage, and support for the well-being of local people.  Company founder and CEO, Mahen Sanghrajka, joined several local tour operators in Kenya in the 1970s to form a code of ethics regarding behavior on safaris that included prohibiting drivers and guides from harassing animals on safari. 

The entries for 40 Ways to Sustainability will be judged by Mahen Sanghrajka, chairman of the nonprofit Spirit of Big Five Foundation; and Costas Christ, well-known sustainability expert and Ambassador-at-Large for the Spirit of Big Five Foundation.  Four winners will be selected, one for each of these deadlines: May 1, Aug 1 and Nov 1, 2013 and Feb. 1, 2014. Each winner will receive a Google Nexus Tablet.  People can submit ideas via Facebook, use 40 Ways at the beginning of the post; Twitter #40Ways, Pinterest #40Ways and Google+ #40Ways. They can also email 40Ways@bigfive.com.  For more information, visit www.bigfive.com/40ways. 

 Celebrating its 40th year in adventure travel, Big Five Tours & Expeditions offers luxury guided travel to Africa, Asia & the Orient, South & Central America, Arctic and the Antarctica.

Press kit available

Media contact: Deborah Kilcollins, Communications Liaison

(888) 244 3483, (772) 287 7995, ext. 2214, Email: deborah@bigfive.com

The post Big Five targets sustainability for its 40th Anniversary appeared first on Big Five.

When in Rio, visiting the beach is a must. The Brazilian days are so beautiful, it’s a shame to waste them staying inside. Spending the day at the Copacabana Beach is very entertaining. Not only is it one of the most famous beaches in the world, it is also a great place to do some beautiful people watching. There are sun bathers, surfers, and volleyball players all enjoying the white sand beach. Be sure to keep aware though, as pickpockets are common. If you are looking for a less active beach, check out Ipanema Beach for a change of pace.

After spending the day soaking up the sun, you will want to hit other Rio hotspots and cultural attractions.  Take a cable- car ride for amazing views on the 390-foot granite Sugar Loaf Mountain. No trip to Rio is complete without paying a visit to the famous Cristo Redentor, or Statue of Christ the Redeemer. There are many other great destinations to see, such as the Jardin Botanico, Tijuca National Park and the Palacio do Catete. Don’t wear yourself out exploring during the daytime; you will need your energy for the evening.

The nightlife of Rio de Janeiro is legendary and there is something for everyone. If you are in search of some dancing, be sure to stop by Baronneti or Bunker. There is also incredible live music at the Carioca de Germa or the Café Sacrilegio. These are all great places to samba the night away.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has become a sought-after travel destination for travelers from all over the world.  A stay in Rio is sure to be filled with excitement, relaxation and adventure!

The post A First-Timer’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro appeared first on Big Five.

Built in the early 19^th century, the palace grounds were designed by feng shui experts to optimize the energy flow. The structures within the city were meant to resemble the Forbidden City of Beijing. The Forbidden Purple City grew to have hundreds of different rooms and became a vast property.

The Forbidden City has gone through many hardships. What termites and typhoons have not destroyed, war did. Only a few of the historic buildings remain standing after the war with the US. Much of the once majestic city is now covered with rice fields.

Currently, a handful of the structures have been restored and its possible to tour them. Efforts will continue to try and bring the city back to its former glory. A visit to these ruins gives a very hopeful yet sometimes haunting vibe. The story of rebirth for this Forbidden City is very intriguing and is definitely well worth a visit.

The post The Forbidden Purple City of Vietnam appeared first on Big Five.

If you are in search of an outdoor adventure, be sure to bring your hiking boots. A tour of the mountains in Laos will have you in awe. Not only is the scenery beautiful, there is also some beautiful culture to be found too. There are some very old hill tribe societies that still thrive here. They adhere to their traditional ways of life and craft everyday items as they have for many years. After the hike, be sure to explore the lush forests. These remote areas are home to misty waterfalls and a variety of wildlife. From colorful birds to simple tree-dwelling mammals, you are sure to spot something exciting.

If you are looking for a less wild experience, staying within the city limits is also pleasurable. As you wander the streets, you might encounter Buddhist monks traveling to and from temples. Seeing how calm and peaceful these monks are will resonate with you, perhaps even giving you some inner peace. If you are eager to do some shopping, there are many places to do so in the capitol city of Vientiane. Here you will find shops, restaurants, and other ways to find entertainment. Despite its high population, Vientiane has a laid back feel to it.

While Laos may not be the most popular tourist destination, it boasts some wonderful landscapes and rich culture that is a must-see for any experienced traveler.

The post The Adventure of Laos appeared first on Big Five.

Culture and tradition are the lifeblood of the Maasai as both a core belief system and also as a way to make a living. Many of the Maasai have jobs in the tourism industry as guides. They lead visitors through the rich, ritual-filled culture. Tourists can visit traditional homes and view cultural shows, such as the Eunoto ceremony. This is when young boys “graduate” to warriors. This experience is an unforgettable look into the heart of the Maasai community.

While visiting the Maasai, visitors will see a number of desirable souvenirs during their visit. A favorite is the beadwork made by the Maasai women. This jewelry is adorned with blue, red, and green beads that are highly symbolic. The most popular piece features a large, flat disc with rows of beads secured by cow hide strips.  These are prized fashion accessories that are traditional sources of income for the Maasai.

The best way to get a full feel for the Maasai culture is to pay them a visit. Walking among the warriors and embracing a way of like that is completely different than the modern world.

The post The Culture of the Maasai Tribe appeared first on Big Five.

Why not start with the food?  There’s nothing like feasting on a dish of local cuisine – or even professional chef cuisine.  Even notable names like Gordon Ramsay have carved out a little niche within Dubai, particularly hotels where fare can range from traditional to worldly.  But when you’re not enjoying the succulent morsels on your hotel plate, travel down to Al Dhiyafah Road where you can find cheap eats that are sure to make you want more.  Lamb, fresh seafood, salads, Indian food, Iranian food, Pakistani food – all if it can be found on this road alone, so try something different each day and expand your palate like never before.

It may seem strange to bother with a shopping mall while on vacation (after all, most of us see them where we live), but Dubai takes theirs to a whole new level.  The Souk Madinat is actually inside the Madinat Jumeriah Hotel – but that’s not all.  You don’t walk to the shops; you hop onto a boat on a waterway to get from one place to another.  The Mall of the Emirates is so huge it has an indoor ski slope with real snow.  And though not available until 2013, the Mall of Arabia strives to be the largest yet at a jaw-dropping 10 million square feet, complete with dinosaur park (mechanical, of course).

Gold Souk is an excellent place for gold buying, and is something to see even if you’re not in the market for something gleaming.  Haggle to get a lower price – you won’t find the same prices for something in your home town!

Naturally if you visit Dubai, you have to see some of their most well-known sites.  The Burj Al Arab is said to be the first seven-star hotel.  While there is no such thing as seven stars for a hotel, this one definitely gets five gold ones.  You can’t get in without a room or a reservation at one of their restaurants, but just seeing it may be well worth the visit.

If you do get tired of the march of man’s progress in Dubai, then fall back to the traditional parts of the city where stone buildings still stand and sip mint-and-lime juice at a local café.  The Bastakia Quarter is where you want to be to feel a little older world.  Relax here before heading back into the future once again.

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