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Archive for August, 2013

Climb Kilimanjaro by the Light of the Supermoon

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Celestial Phenomenon to Look for in 2014

On August 10, 2014 the full moon will be closer to Earth than usual causing a phenomenon known as a “Supermoon”. This event occurs approximately every 14 full-moon cycles and results in the moon appearing larger and brighter than normal. Climbers on the August 2014 Kilimanjaro expedition will get to experience the supermoon from the comfort of our camp high on the mountain. The dramatic moon will rise shortly after 6pm just as the sun is setting over the shoulder of Kilimanjaro.

But the magnificence in the sky doesn’t end there. The climb also falls during the Perseids Meteor Shower which occurs from July 17 to August 24 peaking on the night of August 12 and early morning of August 13. This shower produces about 60 meteors per hour at its peak and is famous for being particularly bright. Don’t miss it! Join us on Kilimanjaro August 2 – 15, 2014.

A starry night in the Caucasus Mountains (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

A starry night in the Caucasus Mountains (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

The full moon on Mount Elbrus summit day, Russia (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

The full moon on Mount Elbrus summit day, Russia (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

Other Noteworthy Celestial Events of 2014 and Where to See Them

January 1-5: Quadrantids Meteor Shower – This meteor shower peaks at up to 40 meteors per hour and this year it will be particularly bright thanks to an early setting of a small crescent moon. Watch the celestial show at its peak on January 2 from the comfort of your safari lodge in Tarangire National Park.

Kilimanjaro Climb with 6-day Safari: December 21, 2013 – January 7, 2014

The first light of the day shines on the glaciers of Kilimanjaro

The first light of the day shines on the glaciers of Kilimanjaro

April 19 – May 28: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower – Prepare to be awed by one of the more active meteor showers of the year capable of exhibiting up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. This show is most pronounced in Southern Hemisphere, but those in the Northern Hemisphere will still be able to enjoy the show. When the show reaches its peak on May 5, the moon will be in its first quarter and will set early in the evening in Nepal. Everest Base Camp trekkers will be in the remote Khumbu Valley where the sky is dark and viewing is ideal.

Everest Base Camp Trek: April 19 – May 12, 2014

The moon rises dramatically over the snowy peaks of the Himalaya

The moon rises dramatically over the snowy peaks of the Himalaya

December 7-17: Geminids Meteor Shower – Many consider this to be the “king” of meteor showers producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. The waning moon will potentially block some meteors from view this year, but the Geminids are so bright and numerous that it will still be a spectacular show. The meteor action reaches its peak on December 13 where you can view it from the comfort of your safari lodge in the Ngorongoro Crater. No light pollution here!

Kilimanjaro Climb with 6-day Safari: November 29 – December 16, 2014

Sunset in Ngorongoro Crater

Sunset in Ngorongoro Crater

Customized Trips are Always Available

Is there an astrological event you would like to see next year that either isn’t listed here? Or would you like to see an event from a different location? Contact us. We’re always happy to accommodate your travel requests for dates and destinations that work for you!

Travel Brings Family Together – Plan a Family Trip with Berg Adventures

Wednesday, August 7th, 2013

Nothing brings people together like shared experiences. Think outside the box and plan your next family reunion abroad for an epic experience you will never forget! Many of our adventure destinations are great for families, but we have a few that are particularly suitable for groups with a range in physical fitness levels, stamina, outdoor prowess and age.

Tanzania

Tanzania is a perfect destination for families. Those members looking for a physical challenge can climb Kilimanjaro and after the climb everyone can join together for an exciting wildlife safari through the Serengeti. Those wishing to forego the climb can simply arrive in Tanzania later or we can help them arrange alternate activities. Zanzibar is a great place for those family members who prefer beach to mountain and a cultural tour of the Kilimanjaro region is perfect for the more adventurous.

Families on top of Kilimanjaro

Families on top of Kilimanjaro

Close to the summit with a BAI guide

Close to the summit with a BAI guide

Fresh off the mountain after a successful climb

Fresh off the mountain after a successful climb

On safari post-climb

On safari post-climb

Patagonia

Patagonia is the region Chile and Argentina that makes up the southern tip of South America. This region offers some of the world’s finest trekking opportunities with a variety of options in intensity. On the Torres del Paine trek, we stay in comfortable mountain lodges instead of tents which will satisfy the family members who are not keen on camping. Furthermore, each day there are easy and extended hiking options so everyone gets the level of physical activity that they desire. Some days we even offer the option to travel by boat instead of by foot!

Trekking lakeside in Patagonia

Trekking lakeside in Patagonia

Looking back on the Torres del Paine

Looking back on the Torres del Paine

Loading into a boat in Patagonia

Loading into a boat in Patagonia

Turkey

Berg Adventures Turkey itinerary is another that is well-suited to families. Our first two destinations of Istanbul and Cappadoccia are accessible to everyone. We will tour these two beautiful places to soak in the culture and the scenery. We will do some day hikes in the Cappadocia region, but there are always other alternatives such as a hot air balloon ride or a spa day. Finally we travel to Mount Ararat to climb Turkey’s highest peak. Not interested in the climb? The Turkish Riviera is a great place to relax while other family members sweat it out on the mountain!

Enjoying a rooftop dinner in Istanbul

Enjoying a rooftop dinner in Istanbul

Taking a break on Mount Ararat

Taking a break on Mount Ararat

Exploring in Cappadoccia

Exploring in Cappadoccia

Nepal

Nepal is a fantastic family destination for those families keen on trekking. What makes trekking in Nepal different from climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking in Patagonia is that you are actually trekking from village to village so you will meet local families, visit schools, shop at a local market and even receive a blessing from a local monk. If you are concerned about the hiking abilities of all of your family members, we offer modified itineraries with shortened days and more down time. We crafted our Christmas Trek in Nepal with families in mind and have designed the trip to work with school schedules. December is a great time to visit Nepal because it is the sunniest and driest month in the Everest region!

Grandfather with granddaughter in Nepal

Grandfather with granddaughter in Nepal

Trekking to Base Camp

Trekking to Base Camp

A Note about Kids and Altitude

We are frequently asked about children at altitude and from our experience children are not affected any differently than adults. If anything children and young adults do better at altitude! On both Kilimanjaro and at Everest Base Camp we have had kids as young as 11 and adults as old as 75+ complete the climb/trek. If you’re not interested in an altitude climb, Patagonia is a good option for you as the highest point on the trek is only at about 3,000ft/915m.

Start Planning Today!

As is the case with all of our trips, if you do not see dates that fit your schedules we are happy to create or alter trip dates to better suit your family. Contact our office to start planning your family trip today!