Elite Traveler March-April 2018

INSPIRE TOP 50 ADVENTURES LAND

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR LAKE TURKANA, KENYA Despite being a hot spot for archaeologists, Lake Turkana’s National Park is virtually unknown to tourists. It holds Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake and the fourth largest alkaline lake in the world. Unleash your inner Indiana Jones (or Jane) with one of Africa’s leading paleontologists, the rock-star Dr Louise Leakey. The adventure begins with a helicopter flight over the Matthews Range, offering panoramic views over the northern frontier and cycad forests. You’ll then experience a private tour of the sites at Turkana Basin Institute research center with Dr Leakey, seeing ancient stone tools and hominid fossils, and see live fossil digs on the eastern side of the lake to learn how collections are managed and prepared by specialists from local communities. The tour also includes a visit to the El Molo tribe on the shores of Lake Turkana, where houses are built on stilts right in the Omo Delta. The return flight will take in some of the region’s most stunning sights, including Von Hohnel Cone, one million flamingos on Lake Logipi and the sand dunes in Kerio Valley. The five-day tour will finish with a picnic lunch on the Maralal escarpment, with views over the dramatic landscape of northern Kenya. From $14,200 per person for five days, based on four people. Contact Sasha Taylor, reservations manager, sales@thesafaricollection.com, +254 725 675 830, thesafaricollection.com

THE ULTIMATE COMB INATION BRITISH COLUMBIA, ALASKA, HAWAII, US This 13-night itinerary combines all of our adventure categories in one epic multicenter itinerary. With something to suit the whole family, the journey begins in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the chic boutique hotel L’Hermitage. Located in the downtown area, it’s within easy reach of the shopping and entertainment district and famed Granville Island Public Market. In complete contrast, then head to Anchorage, Alaska, to spot the incredible wildlife of Denali National Park. Look out for bears, moose and caribous while staying at Denali Backcountry Lodge. With no internet or phone service, you can truly connect with the surrounding wildlife and fully disconnect from your devices. Lungs full of fresh air, journey to the Four Seasons Hualalai for a whole host of water activities — learn to paddle traditional outrigger canoes, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak or deep-sea fish. From $60,000 for two people for 13 nights. Contact Greg Salmon, Canada specialist, americas@ scottdunn.com, +1 858 703 4748, scottdunn.com

Photo Lorna Buchanan-Jardine