Jetsettersblog

Abercrombie & Kent celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a collection of specialist group journeys. Founded in 1962 by Geoffrey Kent with the vision of offering the most inspirational travel experiences, A&K introduces its new Specialist Journey Brochure, a collection of expert-led trips which push the boundaries of travel to excite, challenge and inspire.

Mark Carwardine – expert wildlife photographer, outspoken conservationist, award-winning writer and presenter of the BBC’s Last Chance to See with Stephen Fry will accompany two trips:

The Galapagos (24th May – 3rd June 2012) – explore the wildlife of these unique islands with the benefit of Mark’s wisdom and photographic eye.
Spirit Bears in British Columbia (8th – 14th September 2012) – search for the revered Kermode bears of British Columbia with Mark and a local native guide.

Jon Nicholson, acclaimed UNICEF photo-journalist and official photographer for London 2012 Olympic Games, will lead a number of journeys, discovering the true spirit of the destination while instilling technical photographic expertise, an understanding of composition and the confidence to capture the real story.

Burma Photographic (1st – 13th March 2012) – capture the former Royal City of Mrauk U, seeing the Ayeyarwady River on the RV Paukan and exploring rural Burmese life.
Bhutan Photographic (26th March – 8th April 2012) – explore the mountain kingdom, its ancient dzongs, mountains strewn with prayer flags, the vibrant Paro Festival and the farming communities at work in the paddy fields

Jodhpur Photographic (8th – 14th April 2012) – capture life in the ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur and explore Osian on the edge of the Thar Desert, known for its ancient temples.
Varanasi Photographic (29th September – 3rd October 2012) – discover Varanasi’s secrets and the traditions that surround the ghats of the sacred RiverGanges.

Ian Redmond OBE – an expert in gorilla conservation who has been involved in over fifty documentaries about these captivating primates:

Gorillas of the Central African Republic and Congo (September 2012) – Search for western lowland gorillas in Dzanga-Sangha Reserve with Ian Redmond, exploring the forests of the Ba’aka pygmy tribe and the Dzanga Bai, famous for its forest elephants.

Rob Caskie – the principal lecturer at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge under David Rattray, who has achieved eminence through his compelling storytelling to audiences worldwide, Rob has a unique talent of bringing history to life:

• Zulu Battlefields (April 2012) – recreating the drama of the Zulu War, Rob will shine light on the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift from Fugitive’s Drift Lodge.

• The Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs (13th – 21st October 2012) – experience the dramatic events and battles of the late 19th century, including the Mahdi, Gordon of Khartoum and Kitchener.

Dr Christoph Schwitzer – an expert in conservation of lemurs and Head of Research at BCSF:

Lemurs of Madagascar (7th – 17th October) – Discover the diversity of Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna, seeking out its many species of lemur, exploring sacred forests, sand dunes, mangroves and beaches.

Michael Jay – the only Westerner to hold a samurai rank since William Adams in 1600, Japanese speaking and fluent in Geisha and Samurai history:

In the Footsteps of the Geisha and Samurai (25th September – 8th October 2012) – explore the enigmatic Geisha culture in Kyoto’s Gion district and understand the honour, traditions and weapons of the Samurai.

Denise Heywood – Asian Art specialist Denise is a lecturer, expert guide, author, journalist and photographer, specialising in Laos and Cambodia:

Artistic Heritage of Laos and Cambodia (6th – 18th January 2013) – explore local markets, Buddhist and Hindu temples and the French Indochinese architecture of Luang Prabang.