IN THIS EDITION:
Does $100Billion really mean you're rich?
For 3 days all 16 members of our recently returned Great Southern Safari were Billionaires. See if you can get your head around this.
Our Great Southern Safari always starts with 3 days in Victoria Falls, a smallish town located in the far south west of Zimbabwe on the border with Botswana and Zambia. For decades it has had a well earned reputation as a relaxed, safe and friendly tourist centre. Nearly 95% of the income of the town is derived from tourism. It’s only a 10 minute walk from our Chalets in the town centre to the rim of the majestic Falls. We are always out and about in Vic Falls and of course we require a little of the local currency for out of pocket expenses, drinks, souvenirs etc..
Two weeks before we arrived in Zimbabwe in September, the government took 10 noughts off the currency value leaving the valuation of the Zimbabwe dollar as ZIM$80 =USD$1.
Since that revaluation, the Zim dollar gradually spiraled downwards again. It passed a number of record breaking milestones and while we were there the valuation stood at approximately, ZIM$600,000=USD$1.
Add the 10 noughts previously dropped and you have a valuation of ZIM$6,000,000,000,000,000 = USD$1.
Unfortunately having a pocket full of 100 billion notes doesn’t mean you’re rich, but for just a brief moment you can pretend. Join our 2009 safari and become a member of the Billionaires Club.
Call Back Track now on:
1300 669 780
NOT ALL ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS ARE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGINGIf you peruse our 2009 holidays below you’ll soon note that many of our adventures are ‘relaxed and indulgent’ or in other words you don’t have to get very physical at all to enjoy the holiday. Marianne is leading a relaxed ship board journey down the North West Passage, Jim’s leading another very comfortable Great African Safari and of course we have Tuscany with Dave Lowe . So peruse the list and find the holiday that’s right for you. Of course if you want a great physical and mental challenge we can accommodate you as well in 2009. START PLANNING YOUR 2009 ADVENTURE HOLIDAY NOW AND SAVE.It’s a big and exciting world out there and Back Track will be visiting many of the more exotic and exciting destinations in 2009 and we would love to have you along. With some of our 2009 holidays we will have group flights available but for some destinations if you want to save money, now is the time to get in and let us find the best airfare for you. Many of the cheaper seats available on flights are sold very quickly to early purchasers. If you know your going, be an early bird and save. Call us for more information 1300 669 780, email us, or visit our website: |
**WIN**
|
Egypt, Jordan & SYRia
From 6-25 Days, April 2009 | Grading: Easy
Meet your holiday leader: Ray Baker
Visit one or all three of these historic destinations. The sheer majesty of the pyramids of Giza, the sublime beauty of the lost city of Petra and the colour and vibrancy of the covered markets of Damascus will astound you.
The EGYPT highlights include a cruise on the Nile, a 4WD journey into the Western Desert and the fabled temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel. JORDAN offers up crusader forts, Wadi Rum where we enjoy the warm hospitality of the Bedouin and the well preserved Roman city of Jerash. SYRIA is living history. We visit Crak des Chevaliers described by Lawrence of Arabia as “the finest castle in the world”, the ancient ruins of Palmyra; and Aleppo, a picture postcard maze of cobblestoned laneways. Click here to learn more >>
EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES
23 Days, 2 Trips: April/May & September/October 2009 | Grading: Challenging
Meet your holiday leader: Ian Arnold
If your ambition is to walk amongst the highest, most majestic mountains on earth then this is the trek for you. The Sherpa people who inhabit Khumbu, as the area is called, are well-known for their cheerful hospitality. This trek visits their villages and monastries and provides a wonderful opportunity for cultural interaction. The 5623m “hill” of Kala Pattar, is the highest point of the trek.
Trek the Kokoda Track
12 Days, 14 Teams: April through to October 2009 | Grading: Challenging
Walking The Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea's Owen Stanley Range is one of our favourite and most challenging treks both mentally and physically. We have been operating treks and expeditions in remote and exotic locations worldwide since 1984. You would be hard pressed to find any other Australian tour operator or travel agency that could match our experience or record. Click here to learn more >>
Click here to view dates for upcoming FREE Information Nights >>
Shaggy Ridge
12 Days, July/August 2009 | Grading: Challenging
Meet your holiday leader: Steve Foster
Our 2008 exploratory trek was a great success. We have refined the itinerary for 2009 to make it an 8 day adventure, which is plenty of time to explore this remote and fascinating battle site. Few have ever been there since the war and you will locate many war relics, historic sights, and stand in fighting positions along the 6 kilometre knife edged ridge. The welcome in villages is outstanding as they see very few westerners. This is a perfect follow on trek for anyone inspired by their Kokoda Track adventure. Click here to learn more >>
Boots in Borneo
15 Days, August 2009 | Grading: Challenging
Meet your holiday leader: Garry Thompson
Remember the 2500 soldiers who lost their lives in Sandakan POW Camp and on 3 Death Marches in 1945. We will attend the 2009 Sandakan Day Memorial Service, walk selected sections of the Death March route and visit historic war sites. We’ve added some other exciting outdoor activities to our itinerary; visit the Sepilok orang-utan rehabilitation programme, trek to the summit of Mt Kinabalu, learn jungle survival techniques and go white water rafting. Click here to learn more >>
THE GREAT Southern Africa Safari
26 days, August/September 2009 | Grading: Easy
Meet your holiday leader: jim Drapes
We have refined this trip over the years to produce a superb world class safari suitable for anyone on their first or tenth trip to Africa. The wildlife viewing is outstanding and hard to match on other safaris, the scenery is spectacular and the cultural interaction is meaningful.
Maximum group size is 18, with 5 dedicated staff accompanying the group to ensure your enjoyment. Accommodation has been specially selected for character and comfort. All meals are included and we visit 4 countries, Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls only), Botswana (Includes Okavango Delta), Namibia and South Africa. If you want to experience the best of the wilds of Africa in comfort, safety and have a lot of fun, download the brochure or we will mail one out to you. It is a fantastic experience suitable for anyone with a lust for life and a love of the great outdoors. (pictured bottom left is your personal Safari Crew; their express purpose is to ensure you are comfotable, relaxed and ready for the most incredible safari adventure of a lifetime.) Click here to learn more >>
TRAVERSE THE NORTH WEST PASSAGE
16 Days in September, 2009 | Grading: Easy | from $9568 per person
Meet your holiday leader: Marianne Acreman
The search for the North West Passage captured the imagination of explorers for centuries. Many risked fortunes, and some their lives to be the first to find the route to the orient. Join Marianne Acreman, your holiday leader, on our own bid to voyage through this elusive sea route and experience everything the Arctic has to offer – isolation, sea ice, stunning scenery and of course, incredible wildlife. We’ll see polar bear, walrus, musk ox, astonishing birdlife and possibly even narwhal, the legendary tusked whale, as we trace the passage made famous by legendary explorers.
Contact Marianne: 1300 669780 or marianne@backtrack.com.au.
The Inca Empire
22 Days, September/October 2009 | Grading: Moderate
Meet your holiday leader: Megan (Megs) Davidson
Peru provides the perfect setting to step inside a world so fascinatingly different to our own. The history of the Inca Empire underpins our entire journey. Wander through colourful country markets of Peru and Bolivia, explore fascinating ancient Inca sites, stroll through little towns and villages, walk sacred trails high in the Andes watching the condors soar around us and stay as guests of the Taquile Islanders. A classic adventure holiday and simply - a fun trip!! Click here to learn more >>
discover the magic of MOROCCO
20 Days in October 2009 | Grading: Moderate
Meet your holiday leader: Michelle White
Wander through mysterious bazaars, ancient Roman sites and the quaint villages of Morocco, one of the most fascinating exotic destinations in the world. Walk easy trails in the Atlas Mountains, venture by camel into the never ending sand dunes of the Sahara desert, travel the ancient trade route of a 1000 Kasbahs, relax on an Atlantic beach and explore the legendary cities of Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech. Discover the magic of Morocco. Click here to learn more >>
HIDDEN ANNAPURNA
19 Days in October 2009 | Grading: Challenging
Meet your holiday leader: Ray Baker
From the historic Gurung village of Siklis, a mighty ridge-line snakes northeast to it's apex beside the snow peak of Lamjung Himal (6983m), the eastern outlier of the majestic Annapurna Range. To the east of Lamjung Himal, a holy lake called DUDH POKHARI lies in a hidden valley at an altitude of 4050m. Dudh Pokhari is visited each summer monsoon by devout pilgrims who make the difficult journey there to bathe in its sacred waters. Click here to learn more >>
Kilimanjaro safari
21 Days, October 2009 | Grading: Challenging
Meet your holiday leader: Nerida Hopkins
At 5890 metres above sea level you will find the highest point on the African continent. Back Track offers you the best chance of success in summitting this peak with a special acclimatising pre-Kili trek on the extinct volcano of Meru and extending the normal itinerary by an extra day. But this trip is not all mountain walking. Why go to Africa and not see the wildlife? At the conclusion of your ascent we head into the world famous Serengeti Eco System on a camping safari. Click here to learn more >>
The seasons of italy
22 Days in Spring, May/June 2009 | Grading: Relaxed and Indulgent
22 Days in Autumn, September/October 2009 | Grading: Relaxed and Indulgent
Indulge and pamper yourself in beautiful Italy. Dave Lowe, tour leader, has made an art form of taking special care of his small groups that he escorts around the tantalizing sites of Tuscany, the Lakes and the Amalfi Coast. From the time you sip your first complimentary champagne, you know you have made the right choice. Dave strives for a very relaxed, fun and light-hearted approach to travel and his charming Italian assistant Dante certainly adds flavour to the experience.
While you stay at 3 and 4 star hotels, the emphasis is still on informal relaxation. You will soon slip into the wonderful Italian style breakfasts as well as the 3 course dinners. There is plenty of time for shopping and exploring and Dave will also assist you with any arrangements during your free time. For holidaying in SPRING, click here. For holiday in AUTUMN, click here >>
Click here to view dates for upcoming FREE Information Nights >>
BACK TRACK ADVENTURES - 25 YEARS YOUNG!!
2009 is an exciting year for Back Track Adventures - we're celebrating 25 years of exciting adventure travel to exotic locations across our amazing planet. We'll be celebrating throughout 2009 with exciting announcements and giveaways, so stay tuned to see how you can join in the fun.
*** WIN BARSKA BINOCULARS EVERY MONTH IN 2009 ***
In 2009 we celebrate 25 years of travel. As a small part of our planed celebrations, you have the opportunity to win a pair of Barska quality, lightweight, travel binoculars each month throughout 2009. All you have to do is be on our email newsletter list, or book a holiday, or join our mailing list. It’s that simple. We will draw one lucky winner each month commencing January 2009. The winners will be listed on our web site.
FREE INFORMATION EVENINGS AT BACK TRACK ADVENTURES
Back Track Travel Centre conducts regular information nights using digital image projection. We provide detailed
information about the world’s most exciting Adventure Holidays. Although there is no charge, we do ask that you phone
and make a reservation. If you would like to arrange an information evening for your group, contact us to see what we
can arrange. We generally run these sessions on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6.30pm. Click here for a complete programme of upcoming presentations.