Issue 2
R o b B ic k f o r d A d ve n t u r e s
12 March 2004
M i rr a b a c M o m e n t s
Tour Update
2004
• South America special price deal and new
schedule.
• Spectacular Namibia –
you’d better be quick!
• Wild on Wildlife going, going…
• Namibian Explorer too late, full up.
• Namibia 2 Capetown+
– still seats available.
W h e r e ’s ‘ T h e B o o k ’ ?
We’ve had lots of enquiries
regarding the ETA of Rob’s
photographic book on Namibia. The short answer is:
we’re not sure Due to circumstances beyond our control (yes, folks, that’s the real
dinkum oil) printing of the
book is more than a month
behind schedule. But we’ve
sighted the first proofs
(looking good!) and Rob is on
standby for a quick trip to
Singapore to over-see the
print run.
However, because of the delay,
we won’t be able to have our
local launch function prior to
Rob’s earlier-than- normal
departure for South Africa.
Rob Bickford’s Photographic Record of Namibia
But the book has been such a
major undertaking that we want
to celebrate it’s arrival anyway,
so the local launch will now be
held in late September/early
October after Rob’s return.
We’ll let you know the details
later in the year.
In the meantime, above is a
Escape the Winter
‘‘Why go in winter?”
Elephant heading for a
5 o’clock ‘sundowner’.
Sunshine & Smiles
The weather omens for February were looking suspicious as
early as Sunday the 1st, when
we had our annual RBA ‘GetTogether’. The month’s storm
clouds were already gathering
but, fortunately, that’s all they
did, so sunshine and smiles
flavoured our boerewors and
braai. There was a good turnout of ‘oldies’ and ‘newbies’
and lots of “remember
when….”. A number of new
adventurers have since signed
up for one of this year’s safaris
so if you come along this time
next year you’ll be able to hear
their tales and see their pics.
That’s what most people ask
about a trip to Namibia. The
reason for heading off in the
winter is because, unlike New
Zealand, that’s the best time for
visiting Namibia. Days are dry,
sunny and warm - usually midhigh 20˚sC compared to high
30˚sC in the summer. More
importantly, winter is the best
time for game viewing. During the
wet summer season the wildlife
are well provided for in their lush
habitats, often inaccessible to
tourists. But in the drier winter
months they’re forced to forage
further afield and must trek to
waterholes to quench their thirst.
A herd of elephants rolling up
for their 5 o’clock swill is easy to
spot and makes for compulsive
viewing.
So if you’re not a snow bunny and privilege of sharing six days
you’d like to escape the New
and nights with the wildlife at
Zealand winter, read on…
Pilanesberg and Etosha NaAre you looking to
take-off sooner rather
than later? Check out
Spectacular Namibia,
specially for noncampers, departing
Auckland on 18 April.
You’ll travel from Johannesburg to Windhoek
via some truly spectacular natural treasures
including: Augrabies Falls, the
world’s 5th highest falls; Fish
River Canyon, the world’s
second largest canyon; Sossusvlei, the world’s highest
sand dunes; the Namib, the
world’s oldest desert; and
Hoba, the world’s largest intact
meteorite. You’ll also have the
Fish River Canyon
tional Parks.
If you’re a wildlife fanatic,
there’s just one space left on
the ‘Wild on Wildlife’
safari, departing 12 June.
Adventure Alert
Flying High on Kiwi Wings
Thanks to all those who filled
out and returned the survey
form sent out with the last
newsletter. Your feedback
confirms what we’ve always
suspected: RBA travellers have
a nose for adventure. Your
‘wish list’ destinations range
from east to west, from the
familiar to the exotic. Egypt
and Turkey are the most
popular, followed closely by
Kenya and Tanzania. But it
seems temptation lies everywhere from Australia to
Samarkand, Nepal to Mexico
and, as we all know, ‘footprints
in the sands of time are not
made by sitting down’ so it’s a
safe bet there’ll be tales of
more adventures coming your
way in the future.
If you’re into exporting you’re probably not too happy
with the flying kiwi and the flailing greenback. On the
other hand, as a traveller the high-flying NZ dollar probably has you checking that your passport is up to date and
tossing up which ‘love-to-visit-one-day’ destination you
can now set your sights on.
The good news from RBA is that the favourable exchange
rate means we can now do our bit for your cause and offer the Mysterious Moais on Easter Island
South American adventure at the considerably reduced price
of $7,785. And if you’re quick, there’s a further $200 reduction for bookings made before 31
March. That leaves you quite a bit of extra pocket money to spend up large at the wonderful craft
markets, such as Pisac, or at duty-free or simply to salt away for your next adventure. Any way you
look at it, it’s a ‘great value’ proposition.
The other good news is that this adventure has been rescheduled to the spring. Seems April is a
little early in the year for many Kiwis who still have their batteries charged from their summer break
and need a little longer to recharge the credit card before their next break! The trip now departs on
23 August and returns 11 September, same daily schedule in between times. Contact us for the full,
fascinating itinerary including Peru. Bolivia and Easter Island.
Meet Maureen
As Rob will still be on safari in Africa in August, Maureen McDonald will lead the newly-scheduled South American adventure. Maureen has travelled widely (including to Sth America) and is experienced in organising and leading tour groups. She has dusted off her
‘Spanish For Beginners’ so, come August, will be able to help you
with your bartering at the colourful markets… “Buenos dias, senor,
¿cuánto cuesta?. Whaat!!! You cannot be serious….”
Looking ahead to 2005
April/May - Turkey
June- Namibian Explorer
July - Namibia 2 Capetown
August - Wild on Wildlife
The Southern African itineraries
are now available and we’re
working on the Turkey itinerary.
Enquiries for all of next year’s
trips are running hot. So if you’re
planning on joining an RBA adventure in 2005 you’d be wise to
send your deposit ASAP.
Rob Bickford
Adventures
Maureen looks forward to sharing this uniquely special adventure
with you.
Escape the Winter (cont’d)
You’d probably be crazy to
miss it! As well as exploring
six game reserves (cont’d over)
including the ‘Big One’ Kruger, this safari transits
PO Box 100-751
North Shore Mail Centre
Auckland, New Zealand
Ph: +64 9 413 7399
Fax: +64 9 413 7391
Email:
[email protected]
We’re on the web:
www.rob-bickford.co.nz
Life's an Adventure
Young Lion at Kruger NP
Swaziland and visits the Battlefields of Kwa Zulu Natal
and the Blood River Memorial.
Namibia 2 Capetown,
departing 5 August,
offers the best of all
worlds – magnificent
scenery, hordes of wildlife, intriguing natural
phenomena, deserted
diamond ghost town,
craft markets plus the
cities of Windhoek and
Namaqualand Wildflowers
Capetown. If you’re lucky –
and the weather reports suggest
There are still spaces available
you should be – you’ll also pass
on this safari and, what’s
through breath-taking displays of
more, you have a little time to
spring flowers in Namaqualand as
save up additional spending
you head down the coast to
money before your deparCapetown.
ture.
Compiled by Maureen McDonald
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