Here are the top ten adventure travel destinations for the year 2009 prepared by travel consultants of AwimAway.com based on their research and client enquires. These are just few of the destinations that have proven most popular and shall invite definite interest in the year 2009. If it is a challenge you seek, these are the definite adventure travel hotspots. So if you or your friends are planning your next adventure holidays and want to know where to go then here are the top 10 places to go.
1. GREAT RIFT VALLEY SAFARI
Lead by guides of the Masai Mara itself, trek into the Loita Hills Forest of the Great Rift Valley, Kenya. Scale the heights of Mount Longonot, or perhaps a week on this walking safari in a National Park. The Great Rift Valley is a wild, untouched land and home to the Masai Tribe. This is an invitation to have a true African experience. The region known for Elephants and Buffalos is home to less well known species such as Columbus monkeys, Impalas, and the shy dik dik. These wild animals are unaccustomed to vehicles and walking offers the unique opportunity to see those smaller but equally fascinating lives of the bush.
2. MOZAMBIQUE ADVENTURE
Hidden between South Africa and Tanzania, Mozambique is fast becoming the next tourist destination. It boasts 2,500 coastlines most of it white beaches and great for the diving enthusiast. Travelling to the North of Mozambique’s is no easy feat but there is luxury in the bush. The Gorongosa National Park is set to become one of the best National Parks in the region. Best go early and be the first to discover its wilderness and take full advantage of the sun in luxury on its Pemba beach.
3. NEW ZEALAND WILDERNESS
A definite must for the adventure travel enthusiast. North Island. The smaller of the New Zealands two islands and yet home to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the capital Wellington. Experience the North Island on a self-drive tour.
Venture into some of New Zealand’s most famed natural and cultural attractions. Travel through such noted locations like Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula and Napier, the lands of geothermal wonder, and vineyards. Explore the charming villages and experience the ancient Maui culture. Explore the magnificent coastal attractions enriched with marine life. Don’t just drive; investigate the many water-based attractions and activities in this beautiful region.
4. MALAYSIA, THE DEATH ROAD TREK
Re -enact history. Between 1942-43, Allied POWs forced by their Japanese captors, undertook long marches across the jungle-clad Malaysian Island of Borneo. Despite appalling conditions, the prisoners never gave up. Almost half of them reached their destination, only to die later. Of the 2434 prisoners 641 were British. The six Australians who were fortunate to have escaped were the sole survivors.
Call it ‘Test your resolve’ or ‘Honour the valiant’; trekking tours now cover the last 140 km of the route across the mountains, of which about 100 km involves actual walking. This is by far the most interesting, scenic and challenging section and can be undertaken by bike.
5. BORDERLANDS OF NORTHERN THAILAND
Ride elephants across the famous bridge over the River Kwai and visit the ancient Buddhist capital of Sukhothai. Travel to the ancient Lanna Kingdom through a large array of temples and its neighbouring provinces. The scenery is stunning with waves of mountains and it’s green and lush valleys.
6. NORTHERN INDIA, FORBIDDEN FRONTIERS
Explore Nagaland, once closed to foreigners and with a reputation for head- hunting. The north-east region of India is most fascinating and yet little known. Travel to Nagaland, Arunachal and end your visit with Sikkim, one of the most beautiful Himalayan states. You can visit a Kaziranga National Park, known for one-horned Rhino but the most fascinating adventure is to experience the local culture. I walked across the Himalayas but believe you me, this is a fascinating region that waits to be explored.
7. EL SALVADOR – VOLCANIC CRATER DIVING
El Savador is the ultimate adventure destination. There is so much to do here; climb the volcanic ranges, rafting in the rivers, diving in the lakes or battle with the great surf off stunning beaches. For those looking for a great adventure, try active volcanic diving. One of its beautiful lakes is actually an active volcano, known as Lake Ilopango. The scenery is beautiful and the water warm. Beneath the surface is the actual dramatic scenery created by the ongoing volcanic activity.
8. TRANS-ICELAND EXPEDITIONS
The Icelandic Krona has fallen in value sharply since the start of this year. This means that visitors can now enjoy the best exchange rate in years. There are great deals available. Reykjavik is home to many museums and restaurants and adventure abounds in this land during winter. Try snowmobiling trips on the Myrdalsjokull glacier and see some of the Islands premier attractions like the Geysir and Gulfoos waterfall. For those who want to try something more adventurous and try traversing the snow-bound interior of Iceland on a Super Jeep Expedition. The six-night journey can be the highlight of your life.
9. AUSTRALIA, TRUE WILDERNESS
The greatest Australian blockbuster by Aussie director Baz Luhrmann is named – Australia. With spectacular scenery of the north and Western Australia, it shows true wilderness of the largely uninhabited regions of the red-earthed outback. From Darwin to Kununnurra, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley the extreme terrain seeks travellers with passion and adventure.
10. SOUTH AFRICA, SWIMMING WITH SHARKS
South Africa’s Eastern Cape is achingly beautiful with hills and gorges but its coastline is wild and rugged. Every year in June and July, off the Eastern Coast, a spectacular migration event takes place in the sea. Billions of sardines swim northwards in a tongue of cool waters hugging the coast. Sardine shoals become so concentrated that it is worthwhile for dolphins, sharks and gannets to assemble here and offer a great opportunity to see these large predators. Take a diving adventure and be enthralled with Bond like views.