Green Travel Auction

Patagonia trip offered at the STI aGreen Travel Auction

Sustainable Travel International (STI) is hosting a Green Travel Auction October 15-31, 2009.

STI has a fantastic assortment of eco-vacations, green hotel stays and incredible tours donated by travel and tourism providers across the globe who are committed to responsible travel.

All proceeds support Sustainable Travel International’s mission to promote responsible travel and ecotourism, support sustainable development, and help travelers and travel providers protect what’s best about the destinations we visit.

Adventures Within Reach has donated a 5-night/6-day Kayak Trip for Two in Spectacular Patagonia, Chile, and bidding starts at just $1500!

Don’t miss this chance to get the vacation you’ve always dreamed of, at a fraction of the retail price, and support a great cause!

Green Travel Auction >>

Remote Bushmen Tribe of Tanzania

Making arrows for hunting

You can visit the Bushmen (also known as the Wahadzabe) tribe on a safari in Tanzania near Lake Eyasi.  A typical safari would be a minimum of 6 days.

The Bushmen still maintain their traditional hunter-gatherer way of life. There are few members of this tribe left in in the world, so it is a rare glimpse of this fading culture.

A visit to the village will be led by a local guide who will describe their lifestyle. The Bushmen will make fire from sticks and will show you their very few belongings. They will take you on a simulated hunt in the area with their bows and arrows, and visitors can try a little target practice. The visit concludes with a traditional singing and dancing.

Making fire

In the rainy season, they live in caves, and in the dry season, they live in the trees and bushes. Homes are marked by upright sticks in a semi-circle. Beds and floor mats are hides from kudu and impala.

The men hunt for wild animals and birds with bows and arrows. There are different arrows for different types of animals. Poisoned arrows are used for large animals. They also eat honey, tubers out of the ground, and fruits from the Baobab tree. In the dry season, they must dig down in the dry river bed to find water.

Men and women socialize in very separate groups. Small children and babies stay with the women and boys of 7 and older group with the men.

Women and children in the tribe

The Bushmen are monogamous. The dowry to get married to a woman is 2 big baboons and many liters of honey.

Men wear shorts and animal hides. Women wear colorful cloths wrapped around them. Jewelry is made from beads, porcupine quills, fur, and hide.

Arrows and jewelry can be purchased from them with TZ shillings or traded (baseball hats, etc.).

Gary and Barbara Coombs Climb Kilimanjaro to Raise Money for Moshi Children

The monument is a 110m/360ft hike over about 1/2 mile, so the Coombs would go up and down 5 times to get the 550m/1,800ft day's effort.

In August 2009, Gary and Barbara Coombs of Swindon, Great Britain (UK) will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895m or 19,340ft) on the 7-day Machame Route.  Gary and Barbara were already planning the adventure of a lifetime but were further inspired by the 2009 Kilimanjaro climb with 9 UK celebrities as they raised over £3 million for the Comic Relief charitable organization.

Gary Coombs on Mt. Snowdon in Wales

“The celebrities’ trek really crystallized our thinking and watching the Red Nose Day extravaganza on 13 March, with its emphasis on that great achievement and the relentless fight against malaria, in the very area we would be visiting, made up our minds and we decided to dedicate our climb to this amazing organization,” said Gary Coombs.

Training

Although it is quite low in elevation and flat where they live, the Coombs go to wherever they can find hills and hike up and down as much as they can.

Packing for Kilimanjaro

During their training, they accumulated 17,000m (55,775ft) vertical height gain walked about 400 miles in the process. That is over 4 times the Kilimanjaro climb in terms of vertical gain.

About TunaHAKI

The TunaHAKI Centre for Development is an arts-based center for street kids in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. TunaHAKI is Swahili for ‘We have the RIGHT’, the right to a better life, the right to learn and grow in a nurturing environment. We are dedicated to providing these children what they have a right to have.

Barbara Coombs training for Kilimanjaro

The Main objective of TunaHAKI Centre for Development it to “FIGHT POVERTY” which is the greatest enemy of the present world.

The Centre provides each child with shelter, food, clothing, medical care, and ensures that each child attends school. Since its inception in 1998, the TunaHAKI Centre has rescued over 100 children from the streets of Moshi.

See the Coombs website >>

Tanzania Laptop Cooperative (TLC)

Have an old laptop?  Donate it with some TLC!  The Tanzania Laptop Cooperative, that is….

As a recent college graduate, Dan Thorngren knows how critical a personal computer can be for academic success.  After living in Tanzania during summer 2007, he witnessed the immense need, craving in fact, that students there have for technology.  As these young Tanzanians will soon be the leaders of their country, it is imperative that they develop computer skills in order to work successfully with other people around the world.

It is out of this need that the Tanzania Laptop Cooperative was formed.  “When people in North America buy a new laptop, frequently their old one gets put into storage,” says Dan, “this is a waste of perfectly good technology.  Our goal is to recycle that technology by moving it where it is needed most.”

“Adventures Within Reach encourages our travelers to give back to countries where they visit. This is a great way to get rid of an old computer and to personally help the children in Tanzania,” said Robin Paschall of Adventures Within Reach.

The Tanzania Laptop Cooperative needs help in two ways:

• Donations of laptops, flash drives, other used goods
• Help in getting the laptops to students in Tanzania

For more information about the Tanzania Laptop Cooperative and to help out, visit their Facebook page:

• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29942241841

100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life

Adventures Within Reach is listed in The 100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life by Pam Grout.  The trip that is highlighted is our Tanzania volunteer trip, which includes

• Cleaning up trash while climbing Kilimanjaro
• Going on safari in Tanzania
• Volunteering at an orphanage or medical clinic

Get a group together, and you can do this tour any day of the year!

Buy The 100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life >>

Adventures Within Reach and Make A Difference Team Up to Provide Adventure Travel that Makes A Difference in the Lives of Children

Volunteer Travelers Climb Kilimanjaro While Sending Orphaned Children to School

Volunteer with MAD in Tanzania

Adventures Within Reach (AWR) and Make A Difference (MAD) have partnered up to provide an opportunity for travelers to enjoy adventures such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, wildlife safaris, scuba diving and beach exploration while making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children at orphanages and schools.

Make A Difference (MAD), a non-profit international organization based out of Ketchum, Idaho helps support and run orphanages and schools in Africa and India. Volunteers from around the have joined them in their mission to help empower disadvantage children and youth. Volunteers can choose between living at a volunteer guest house near the foot of Kilimanjaro or with host families while helping with the daily activities of the children, including teaching them about HIV/AIDS, Malaria and sanitation, literacy, gardening, fitness, jewelry making, construction and more. Volunteers can stay for at least one week and up to six months or more.

Once a year, MAD sponsors a charity climb up Kilimanjaro. Climbers are encouraged to raise donations to support the orphanage as well as raise awareness for the project in their home area. Each climber has the goal of raising $365 to sponsor one child from an orphanage in Tanzania. It only takes a $1 a day to feed, uniform and educate one of the children a year. AWR who has been handling treks and safaris in Tanzania for 9 years will handle the logistics of this year’s climb. AWR donates 5% of all Kilimanjaro treks and safaris booked via MAD to the project.

“Many of our travelers want to do more than just be a tourist when they visit a new country. By volunteering, they give back to the local people where they are traveling. They make personal connections and are changed as a person after this experience. We are excited to join up with Make A Difference to make it easy for travelers to be effective in the community,” remarked Robin Paschall, Founder of AWR, an adventure travel company in Boulder, Colorado.

“We couldn’t be more delighted to work with such a well experienced travel company such as, AWR. They are well respected in both the USA as well as Africa. We greatly appreciate their desire to give back. Now you can go on holiday and know that you are making a difference both in your life as well as the lives of those in need, “ stated, Founder of MAD, Theresa Grant.

Make A Difference helps empower orphaned children and youth. They do this by providing programs and services that focus on education, health, job skill training and income generating activities at orphanages and community schools.

Adventures Within Reach offers treks and cultural tours to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos, Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. AWR sends thousands of people each year on their dream adventure. For more information about specific packages and prices, contact Adventures Within Reach at 303-325-3746, or visit http://www.AdventuresWithinReach.com/media/

For questions about volunteering for Make A Difference visit their Web site at: http://www.MakeADifferenceNow.org/
info@MakeADifferenceNow.org
208.309.2100

FACTS TO NOTE FROM UNICEF:

Children out of education worldwide: 121 million

According to UNICEF, 26,500-30,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.”

Around 27-28 percent of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted. The two regions that account for the bulk of the deficit are South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Based on enrollment data, about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005.

Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.

Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn’t happen.

Infectious diseases continue to blight the lives of the poor across the world. An estimated 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, with 3 million deaths in 2004. Every year there are 350–500 million cases of malaria, with 1 million fatalities: Africa accounts for 90 percent of malarial deaths and African children account for over 80 percent of malaria victims worldwide.

Climb for Charity

Many people climb Kilimanjaro as a fund-raising activity for their favorite charity. A fund-raising trek is an adventurous once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants while serving a humanitarian or environmental cause. We can help your charity climb with group rates, by sponsoring t-shirts, and helping with your travel plans.

Upcoming charity climbs will benefit Close the Gap, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), Prostate Awareness Foundation, Woman on Top, TunaHAKI Orphanage of Moshi (Canada), and Shalom Orphanage.

These charity climbs are always looking for people to join their trek to help raise awareness and money.  They are also looking for donations and sponsorships.

CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young (August 2008)

CRY’s Vision 2008: to work with cardiologists and family doctors to promote and protect the cardiac health of our young by establishing good practice and screening facilities devoted to significantly reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death throughout the U.K.

Close the Gap (September 2008)

It is Close the Gap’s mission to contribute closing the digital divide between the Western World and developing countries, by offering communities access to much-needed IT equipment. Since Close the Gap was founded in 2003, thousands of computers have been donated by Western companies. They have been put to work once more in developing countries where they offer a springboard for both individuals and communities to make steady progress as they bridge the digital and economic divide.

Prostate Awareness Foundation (September 2008)

The Prostate Awareness Foundation (PAF) offers information, support, and education about the treatment options available to those with prostate cancer. PAF is different and unique in its approach to preventing and healing prostate cancer through its emphasis on a healthy life style, diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, and stress reduction techniques. PAF does a charity trek every year.

Woman On Top (September 2008)

Woman On Top is a philanthropically-inclined organization of outdoor enthusiasts who’s goal is to raise funds for qualified organizations through the achievement of amazing feats in human stamina. These climbers with a cause, feel that through a combination of their skills, determination, dedication to philanthropy, and fundraising efforts, substantial donations can be garnered that will make a difference in our world. In September of 2008, seven climbers (five women and two very brave men) will endeavor upon the Machame Route, on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Over 6 days, they will ascend over 13,000 feet to reach the summit of the highest peak on the African continent. Towering at 19,340 feet above sea level, Mt. Kilimanjaro is no “walk in the park.” Our fundraising goal for 2008 is $75,000 to be divided between our two benefiting non-profit organizations: Positively Kids and The Odyssey Foundation. And, they have great t-shirts!

TunaHAKI Canada (December 2008)

The TunaHAKI Centre for Child Development, located at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Moshi, Tanzania, was founded in 1998. Perhaps the most dynamic and unique feature of the Centre is its focus on the performing arts, including aerials, acrobatics, gymnastics and drumming. The self-esteem, confidence, cooperation skills, and sense of family garnered from working together empower these abandoned children and give them a sense of home. The Canadian non-profit set up to support TunaHAKI is climbing Mt. Meru in December 2008.

Shalom Orphanage (June 2009)

The Shalom Orphanage is located in the village of Karatu, which is located between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Started in 2004, there are currently 40 children living in the orphanage, and they currently range in age between 1 and 13 years old. There is a staff of 12 people, including teachers, cooks, cleaning help, and gardeners, who take care of and educate the children.

KILIMANJARO CHARITY CLIMBS >>

Charities Within Reach Update

There has been a lot of activity with our non-profit Charities Within Reach! We encourage all travelers to give back to the countries to which they visit, and we can help.

Garage Sale — Eco Fundraising

CWR is encouraging local Colorado people to reduce, reuse, and recycle at our second annual fund raiser garage sale. Besides the basic sale of quality used items, there will be a bake sale, lemonade stand, and photo sale.

It will be held on June 28, 2008 behind the Adventures Within Reach office, and we can use donations and volunteers with this fun event!

Free A Child

CWR is sponsoring a volunteer trip to Nepal in honor of the 10th anniversary of Free A Child. This 13-day itinerary shows you the project in motion in the remote at-risk villages as well as taking you to some of the most beautiful and interesting regions of Nepal.

Shalom Orphanage

This is a popular stop for volunteers and donors while on safari in Tanzania. We have received donations of goods, time, and money from churches, schools, various organizations, and many individuals.

Global Porters Project

CWR is now working with the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) to gather and transfer clothing and gear to Tanzania and Nepal. Thanks to all the volunteers who have taken over extra bags of gear to be donated to the local porters!

Peru Schools

CWR continues to support remote schools in various parts of Peru. Our focus is to assist schools that are not in the main tourist areas and do not see many visitors or donations. CWR is now supporting children in Boca Amigo, a village in the remote jungle of Peru, the Children’s Land Promotion Center (CPTiNi) in Puerto Maldonado, and the Rumira public school near Ollantaytambo.

We can use your help!

CWR is always looking for volunteers to help with the various projects. You can live anywhere in the world and still help.

• Events and fund raising
• Volunteer programs
• General office work, recordkeeping
• Graphics for brochures, etc.
• Website

READ MORE >>

Carbon Offset Your Travel

Greenhouse gases (GHG), like carbon dioxide (CO2), are emitted when fossil-fuels are consumed. We all emit CO2 emissions when we drive a car, fly in a plane, use electricity, or generate waste.

• Offsetting CO2 emissions is an act of counterbalancing the amount of gases we emit.
• When you travel, a “carbon offset” payment can be made which will be put towards a number of projects providing offsets.
• All projects provide a positive contribution to sustainable on-site development and are compatible with all dimensions of sustainability

Carbon offsets for a 14-day Tanzania trip with 7-day Kilimanjaro trek and 5-day safari with international flights ranges from $150 to $200/person depending on your origination city.

Calculate your carbon offset from Sustainable Tourism International (STI)>>

Volunteer Trips to Nepal and Tanzania

Adventures Within Reach is now offering volunteer trips to two of our hottest destinations: Nepal and Tanzania.

Learn about the Free A Child program in southern Nepal in our two-week itinerary which also includes the best of Nepal: Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, and Pokhara. A trek in the Annapurna region can be added to the end of the trip.

In Tanzania, volunteers will clean up Kilimanjaro while trekking (optional summit) and work in an orphanage for a week. Our full itinerary also includes a safari to the best game parks in Tanzania.

READ MORE >>