Looking for a real adventure? Don’t miss these exclusive opportunities to expand your travel portfolio and learn from experts in the field. Our Trips and Adventures are suited to a variety of interests, and schedules, and feature locations that come alive when paired with our rich and diverse programming. Check out our upcoming offerings and mark your calendar today!
The Garden has teamed with Arizona Outback Adventures for these amazing trips designed exclusively for Garden members. Through careful planning in collaboration with the Garden and utilizing highly experienced, knowledgeable guides, AOA is dedicated to providing an optimal member experience. AOA trips integrate a host of educational components and unique experiences, interdisciplinary sciences, and premium guest care and comfort, regardless of location. A Garden trip host accompanies these trips to add an additional layer of service and hospitality to an already fantastic experience. A complete itinerary for each of these trips and registration information can be found at www.aoa-adventures.com/dbg/. To register for this tour or for more information contact info@aoa-adventures.com or call 1-866-455-1601.
Grand Canyon and Havasupai Adventure
When the first European explorers came to the edge of the Grand Canyon they had no idea what they were witnessing. The visual vocabulary for a gorge a mile deep, six miles wide and 287 miles long was simply not available; the distances were deceptive, the scale unimaginable. On this adventure, you will descend into one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, the heart of the Grand Canyon at Havasu Canyon. There, we will hike and explore this incredible landscape, swim in travertine pools of turquoise blue, and enjoy relaxing evenings at our comfortable permanent base camp. The trip begins and ends with a ten-mile trek from the rim to our base camp. Along the way you will pass through the remote village of Supai, an incredible cultural experience where the mail still arrives via packhorse. Each day will be filled with adventure and exploration of the many side canyons and secret passages. Search for western tanagers and California condors perched high above, or explore hidden caves beneath waterfalls. Packhorses will carry all the heavy gear, allowing you to hike unhindered and allowing us to provide amenities and food not often found in such remote areas. Some say you have not lived until you have taken a journey through Grand Canyon. This journey takes you through the heart of the canyon and will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, awe and a true appreciation and love of the grandest place on earth. Price includes roundtrip transportation from the Garden, one night lodging and three nights luxury camping – all gear included, all meals and snacks (dinner day 1 through lunch day 5), packhorses to carry your gear, activities and related equipment, guide fees, and a contribution to the Garden. Limit 23.
Thursday-Monday / April 29-May 3, 2010 / $1,448 per person (double occupancy)
Experience the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeast Arizona
Explore the Natural History and Wonders of the Sky Islands at the American Museum of Natural History’s Southwestern Research Station. This unique educational adventure is designed specifically for members of the Garden. It affords the opportunity to stay, learn, hike and play at the beautiful American Museum of Natural History’s Southwestern Research Station nestled in the mountains near Portal, Arizona. Scientists from across the nation and overseas come here to study the incredible diversity of plant and animal life of the Chiricahua Mountains, the biological Grand Canyon of North America. Surrounded by jaw dropping scenery, this is truly a North American safari with exceptional animal and plant discoveries around every corner. Expert guides and naturalists will lead you to the hidden secrets of this fascinating wonderland of rock spires, soaring peaks and riparian edens. At the end of the Ice Age, the Chiricahua Mountain range gave rise to a rich biological stew of plant and wildlife communities, stirring in ingredients from the Chihuahuan Desert to the east, the Sonoran Desert to the west, Rocky Mountains to the north, and Sierra Madre to the south. The uniqueness and diversity of the local species attract many naturalists and is also celebrated as one of the top birding localities in the United States. Our travel will take us through the hotspot of North American bird watching to seek one of its greatest treasures: the elegant trogon, a large brightly-colored bird that is related to the Central American quetzal revered by Mayan priests.
Highlights of the trip include exploring Cave Creek Canyon, hiking across the crest of this 9,800-foot mountain range, and immersing yourself in the hoodoo filled maze of the Chiricahua National Monument. Price includes roundtrip transportation from the Garden, three nights lodging, all meals and snacks (lunch day one through lunch day four), all activities and related equipment, guide fees, and a contribution to the Garden. Limit 11.
Thursday-Sunday / March 18-21, 2010 / $985 per person (double occupancy)
Birding at Rancho Esmeralda
Join Pinau Merlin, author and naturalist, and birding guide Larry Liese for a fun-filled four-day natural history weekend of exploring beautiful and lush Rancho Esmeralda in Sonora, Mexico. Explore diverse habitats on this 20,000 acre, solar-powered, ecotourism ranch that is home to well over 130 species of birds. Each day with our expert guides provides amazing memorable adventures and time to do some birding from the patio or sitting poolside. The beautiful, rustic lodge is laid out in the traditional Mexican ranch style of curtain divided dormitory rooms with double beds. The pool and Jacuzzi are perfect for lounging and watching the zillions of stars at night. The trip includes round trip transportation from the Garden, three nights’ accommodations at the elegantly rustic Rancho Esmeralda Lodge (completely reserved for our group), all activities, excellent meals, expert guides and maximum fun.
Friday - Monday / April 2-5, 2010
$1,049 per person
Click here for more on the Rancho Esmeralda trip.
Journey to Galapágos aboard the National Geographic Endeavour
May 21-30, 2010
Forever linked with the name Charles Darwin and often referred to as the birthplace of the theory of evolution and natural selection, the Galapagos Islands are the destination of a lifetime that should not be missed. 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Next year, the Garden is proud to offer this collaborative expedition with Lindblad Expeditions.
Small ship expedition cruises to the Galapagos Islands are an opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind wildlife in a spectacular setting with a top-tier expedition team. Lindblad was the first to offer this kind of cruise to the Galapagos Islands, giving it more than 40 years experience in the land of Darwin. Thanks to Lindblad’s long history of expedition cruises, you will do much more than observe this precious ecosystem – you will interact with it. Grab a snorkel. Hop in a kayak. Discover the wonders up close that make the Galapagos Islands one of the world’s most unparalleled adventure travel destinations.
Join hand-picked naturalists and engaging expedition team members for a thrilling exploration of this magical land. This could be the most exciting educational travel experience you will ever have. Expeditions to the Galapagos Islands are fascinating, informative and fun. Expedition team members will help you to indulge in your surroundings while the leadership of passionate experts will help you see more, learn more, and gain the fullest possible understanding off the remarkable wildlife that surrounds you.
Discover More with Unmatched Sea Exploration
Feel the freedom that comes with kayaking under your own power amid spectacular scenery. Take part in extensive undersea exploration complete with snorkeling (Lindblad will provide the mask, fins and wetsuit), underwater video, glass-bottom boat, hydrophone and Splash-Cam. This technology, along with expert guidance, provides unparalleled insights into the underwater wildlife surrounding the islands.
Travel with Lindblad Contributes to Conservation
Since 1997, Lindblad Expeditions has demonstrated a commitment to the Galapagos Islands, working with guests to support the conservation of the islands. As of September 2008, more than $4.5 million has been raised for projects such as the removal of invasive species on Santiago and the support of National Park Marine Reserve patrol boats. Funds are contributed entirely toward local projects as determined by an independent board and implemented by the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station.
About Your Experience in Galápagos
Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands provide a natural habitat for some of the world’s most interesting and unusual animals. Only in Galápagos will you come face to face with wildlife that has never developed a fear of people. Study blue-footed boobies performing a courtship dance, snorkel with playful sea lions, watch a male frigatebird balloon his crimson chest pouch to attract a female, kneel beside marine iguanas, and marvel at Galápagos penguins.
Our Galápagos vacation features nimble Zodiacs and kayaks that take us to the volcanic shores and pristine beaches of Galápagos. An undersea program utilizes underwater video, glass-bottom boat and hydrophone that bring seldom seen or heard worlds to life. Every expedition in Galápagos is led by a team of five naturalists, including an underwater specialist, videographer and expedition leader, providing a multitude of resources for a rich and unmatched understanding of all that you will experience.
Click here for Itinerary at a Glance and pricing
For complete details, information or reservations, contact Judi Glass at McCabe World Travel at 602-448-4099 or email judi@mccabeworld.com.
See Best of Baja
April 10-17, 2010
Experience Baja California as you have never imagined before as the Garden has teamed with Lindblad Expeditions for a ‘Best of Baja’ getaway. Experience the natural wonders of this amazing peninsula and the Sea of Cortez whether whale watching from the deck of the expedition ship or exploring miles of uninhabited beaches and scenic desert. This unique journey is designed with no set itinerary, adding flexibility and a stimulating sense of adventure to each day.
Features:
• Isla Angel de la Guarda to hike among elephant trees and magnificent cardon cactus.
• Isla Santa Catalina where you will search for marine life and hike among giant barrel cactus.
• Isla Rasa to witness thousands of nesting Heermann’s gulls and terns.
• Isla San Pedro Martir, a small island home to thousands of seabirds including blue-footed
boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans and frigatebirds.
• Isla Carmen to explore via kayak, walks and snorkel.
Cabin Prices from $3,392
Call 480-481-8146 for more information.
Tour South African Gardens and More
October 2-18, 2010
Prepare for an experience of a lifetime to a destination unlike any other. South Africa is world-renowned as one of the finest countries to visit for garden and nature enthusiasts. This is the only African country that has been able to make botanical gardens a priority. The gardens are well maintained and magnificent and feature some of the most interesting and fascinating plant life on the continent. This specially designed tour for Garden members provides a behind-the-scenes look at many of these gardens, with specially arranged meetings with the directors and curators who have made them their life’s work. In addition to these magnificent gardens are the fascinating and deeply stirring history of the country’s political challenges, amazing cities, quaint villages and towns, delicious wine and food, and incredible southern coast. Last but certainly not least, is the commanding African wildlife.
Holbrook Travel Mission - Holbrook Travel was founded on the mission of establishing a true connection between its travelers, the natural world and the people of destinations traveled. Through careful attention to the needs of travelers, Holbrook combines experienced, reliable travel support with a deep knowledge and network within its destinations to create experiences that last a lifetime.
Philosophy – On every trip you can expect to experience new realities - learning about the true nature of things and acquiring new perspectives on life. Holbrook invites you to leave your comfort zone. Enjoy the gifts of being placed in the middle of different cultures and in areas of incredible natural beauty. Let us introduce you to people whose lives are in some ways vastly different than yours and in other ways very similar. Let us show you incredible natural and cultural wonders that will leave you with abiding memories. At Holbrook Travel we all have the same goal: to help all of our travelers experience incredible journeys.
Click here to view itinerary
Price: $7,048 (Double Occupancy) / $1,798.00 (Single Supplement)
Price includes: Accommodations as listed, including taxes and service fees, meals as indicated, private transportation, specialist guide services, activities as indicated, internal flights from Johannesburg to Skukusa to Johannesburg, and a $250 contribution to Desert Botanical Garden.
Not included: Personal expenditures, gratuities to drivers and guides, international airfare, flight from George to Johannesburg, optional activities, and departure taxes.
