Unique expeditions for 2008...
On this page:
Greenland, Polar Explorer 18th March - 5th April 2008
Guatemala/Belize Rafting, Sailing and Archaeology 2nd May - 17th May
Philippines, Palawan Island Explorer 4th May - 21st May 2008
Madagascar, Matsiatra River Descent and Trek 23rd May - 10th June 2008
Tanzania, Selous Safari and Adventure 14th June - 28th June 2008
Mozambique Cabo Delgado / Quirimbas Dhow Expedition 31st May - 14 June 2008
Peru Cotahuasi Canyon Trek 16th September - 3rd October 2008
Tanzania Safari Extraordinaire
Greenland, Polar Exploration: 18th March - 5th April 2008 Download dossier
 Polar camping in Greenland |
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS • Trek over 70 miles through remote polar wilderness • Experience living and travelling in polar
conditions • Be part of a real expedition with an objective
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This expedition aims to make the first north to south skiing traverse of Liverpool Land - a little explored peninsular on the east coast. Situated at a latitude of 71 degrees north it is well inside the Arctic Circle.
Over 19 days we shall trek approximately 75 miles and experience the
Arctic in all its raw natural beauty. Along the way we will enjoy the mountain
range of Liverpool Land and views to the west of Hurry Fjord and Jameson
Land. We will start at the frozen coastline and travel over sea ice, glaciers
and valleys. It will be a physically and mentally challenging expedition
and will instil a fantastic sense of achievement. Travel to the start
of the trek will be via skidoo and at the end we will experience an exhilarating
helicopter flight with stunning views over sea ice, mountains and the
distant ice cap.
Explore the primitive beauty of Greenland and tread where few people have
gone before. We will be travelling self sustained through polar landscapes
learning the skills and techniques required to become a polar explorer.
This is an opportunity to experience first hand the untouched wilderness
of one of the few remaining true arctic landscapes.
Pulling pulks and travelling by skis you will traverse polar ice caps and mountain ranges enjoying the haunting beauty of the polar world.
Following fresh polar bear tracks
On the trek there will be majestic views of the range of peaks that stretch the length of the landscape. Over the traverse of alpine valleys, icecaps and sea ice you will experience a truly significant polar expedition. You may even have experienced the thrill of seeing the ‘King of the Arctic’ – polar bears - yes they really do exist here!
The first longitudinal traverse of Liverpool Land will be complete upon reaching Scorbysund where, time permitting, we have the opportunity to take a dog sledge journey experiencing the traditional method of travel in Greenland.
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be a polar explorer this is your chance to experience it.
Although no prior experience of polar travel is required for this trip it is expected that clients have an above average level of fitness. Clients should be fit enough to carry out a full day’s trek with a reasonable pack. You will also need to be a competent skier (intermediate level) and should ideally have some experience of wilderness camping.
The group size will be four-eight people. If there are over four people there will be an assistant leader accompanying the group. If you would like to reserve a place or receive the latest updates for this expedition please contact us.
Maximum of just eight parcticipants.
Dates & Prices - The Greenland Polar Traverse will take place from Tuesday 18th March to Saturday 5th April 2008. The price for this expedition is £4500/ €6750/ US$8995 (Please see booking). If you would like to join us on this expedition please download the dossier, or contact us a booking form and general information.
Read the diary from the 2007 Polar Explorer expedition
Call our office for more details. +44 (0)845 0047 801
email: info@pioneerexpeditions.com
Guatemala/Belize Rafting & Archaeology 2nd-17th May 2008 Download dossier
 Whitewater Rafting the Cahabon |
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS • Whitewater rafting the rapids of the Lanquin and Cahabon rivers • Visiting the Cancuen excavations containing one of the largest palaces of the Maya region • Exploring the intricate formations inside the Mico and Nacimeinto caves by boat • Sailing on the Rio Dulce into the Belize Barrier Reef |
This adventure combines both whitewater and cave rafting, sailing and diving with visiting archaeological sites - viewing the incredible hotspots of Mayan archaeology. All this in one adventure into the hidden wonders of Guatemala!
We will raft the Cahabon, a classic pool drop river with class IV rapids of blue-green water, swim in the enchanting pools of Semuc Champey and traverse underground through the Cave of Candelaria in specially equipped small boats designed for cave rafting.
Candelaria CaveDuring our time in Guatemala we shall visit the
awe inspiring Antigua - a UNESCO World heritage site and, with the aid of
a local archaeologist, we will visit the excavations of Cancuen, an important
Mayan archaeological site which houses one of the Largest Palaces of the
Maya region yet discovered. We will visit the various digs throughout
the site.
For the last few days we will sail out the Belize Cayes where spectacular diving can be found in the Belize Barrier Reef. This is the second largest barrier reef in the world and has an endless mountain range of dramatic walls and undulating coral ridges blessed with calm waters and hundreds of coral pinnacles and patch coral heads. Sailing the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean we can enjoy the beaches, snorkel or just relax.
Only ten places available.
The Guatemala expedition will take place from Friday 2nd to Saturday 17th May 2008. The price for this expedition is: £1795 / €2695 / US$3350. (Please see booking). If you would like to join us on this expedition please download the dossier, register your interest by email or complete our contact form for more details.
Philippines, Palawan island explorer: 4th-21st May 2008 Download dossier
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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS • Experience truly beautiful, uninhabited islands a million miles from mass tourism • Guided Canoe Trip along the world's longest underground river • Trek through tropical rainforests • Dive and snorkel wrecks and pristine dive sites •Search for the rare and elusive dugong
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Known as the last frontier, this unique island in the Philippine archipelago is a treasure trove of natural wonders . Pristine primary rainforest, deserted tropical islands and underground rivers, unsurpassed coral reefs and abundant marine life thrive in its crystal clear waters.
Pioneer Expeditions is delighted to offer what promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience on the Philippine island of Palawan. This tour is the first of its kind ever offered by an adventure, expedition or tour company and will provide an in-depth exploration into an unimaginably vibrant, colourful and addictive island.
Monitor LizardPioneer Expeditions has researched
the island thoroughly and has created an itinerary which will leave even
the most experienced traveller inspired by this unspoiled and spectacular
territory. A lot of our time is spent island hopping and we enjoy the
marvels of the colourful marine life and coral gardens. Spectacular for
both the snorkeller and diver, the waters around Palawan are regarded
as some of the best in the world.
Participants will require no more than a reasonable level of fitness.
After an overnight stay in Manila, we fly to Palawan. We start in the capital Puerto Princesa and then proceed to Sabang where we will take a canoe into St Paul cave, the longest underground river in the world.
From here we sail by outrigger boat to a magical offshore island where we acclimatize and explore the uninhabited interior. There is a stunning palm fringed beach - perfect for snorkelling - with mature coral gardens just 20 metres from the shore.
Next, after a short boat trip, we arrive in the small village of Port Barton. From here there is an easy trek to the beautiful Pamuayan waterfalls.
Crossing the island, we drive towards the ancient Palawan capital Taytay with its ruined 17th century Spanish fort and 300-year-old church.
We set out on a 2-day trek through tropical rainforest to Lake Danao
. We then embark on an optional 2km swim
North Cay, Busuanga, Palawanacross the lake (resting midway on
an island) accompanied by a safety support boat. We aim to be the first
to accomplish this.
After the rigours of this trip we shall rest in Tay Tay before spending two nights at a luxurious eco island resort in the spectacular Bacuit Archipelago.
Suitably refreshed we take a light aircraft to Busuanga. Basing ourselves on a tropical island we will spend five days exploring this fascinating region; snorkelling and wreck diving (a fleet of 12 ships went down here, all in shallow waters), searching for the rare dugong, picnicking on incredible Robinson Crusoe style islands where you can sleep overnight if desired. Surprisingly, there is an opportunity to view large African animals including gazelle, zebra and giraffe!
Then, after generally spoiling ourselves, fly to Manila.
Only eight places available.
Dates & Prices - The Palawan expedition will take place from Sunday 4th to Wednesday 21st May 2008. The price for this expedition is: £1895/ €2850 / US$3600. (Please see booking). If you would like to join us on this expedition please download the trip dossier or contact us for a full itinerary, booking form and general information.
Matsiatra river descent and trek - Madagascar: 23rd May-10th June 2008 Download dossier
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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS • A first rafting descent of an unexplored river combined with exploring the remote and spectacular canyons • Observing at close hand, from boats and on foot, the unique endemic flora and fauna • Relaxing at the end of our adventurous river journey at a luxurious beach resort
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On our 19 day Pioneer expedition we shall immerse ourselves in the island's natural history whilst making an adventurous rafting descent of the river and trekking across the remote and spectacular canyons. This is the first time this route has been attempted.
We will descend the river learning rafting technique and tackling sections of rapids. The scenery will be spectacular and each day will present new wonders and challenges for the expedition team. Parts of the river have a reasonably steep gradient so a few portages are necessary.
Expedition members do not need previous rafting experience as full training is given. There are four days spent trekking over undulating terrain so no more than a basic level of fitness is required. It will be possible to opt out of some of the longer treks.
Sunset on the river: courtesy of Rob BurtonEach day on the rivers
and trekking in the canyons we shall encounter truly fantastic landscapes
and see much of the endemic wildlife including many species of lemur,
reptiles and birds. As well as the exotic fauna, we can expect to spot
the crocodiles that inhabit parts of these river systems in Madagascar.
Inside the range we will trek thorough the canyons - a unique and uncharted
environment, camping on riverside beaches and in natural caves.
As this is a full-on camping expedition we plan to spend our last few days relaxing by the beach at a luxurious resort on the warm waters of the Mozambique channel before flying back to Antananarivo where the tour ends.
This expedition is a great combination for the adventurous and the wildlife enthusiast.
Maximum of just ten participants.
Dates & Prices - The canyon river rafting and trekking in Madagascar expedition will run from Friday 23rd May to Tuesday 10th June 2008. The price for this expedition is £2450/ €3675/ US$4895 (please see booking). If you would like to join us on this expedition please download the dossier or contact us for a booking form and general information.
Read the diary from the 2007 Madagascar rafting expedition team
Call our office for more details: +44 (0)845 0047 801
email: info@pioneerexpeditions.com
Mozambique Quirimbas Dhow Expedition: 31st May - 14th June 2008 Download dossier
 Indian Ocean |
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS • Historic Ibo Island |
Northern Mozambique is one of the most beautiful, yet least explored
parts of southern Africa. On this one-off expedition we will explore this
fascinating area by dhow, on foot and by 4x4.
Our time here will be spent discovering the little known and little visited
wilderness of the Quirimbas Archipelago National Park, sailing the warm,
blue waters of the Mozambique channel on a dhow then camping surrounded
by breathtaking rainforest nestled between three dramatic inselbergs which
shelters a huge diversity of bird life and primate species.
Combining adventure with culture and history, this expedition offers something
for everyone and will leave even the most experienced traveller in awe
of this fantastic region.
We begin the expedition with a light aircraft flight
to magical Ibo Island. Steeped in history and rich in culture, this World
Heritage nominated site is the perfect place to acclimatise with a walk
round the ancient town and opportunities to relax on the idyllic beaches
or paddle through the mangroves in kayaks. We shall then set sail by dhow.
This ancient tradition is the most practical means of travelling around
the islands and we will see beautiful scenery, grand towns and maybe even
spot an extremely rare dugong. Camping on tropical islands and headland,
we get back to nature, enjoying spectacular views and amazing sunsets.
After enjoying the pace of life on the sea, we shall travel South again by 4x4. Passing through several villages in this sleepy, but colourful corner of Mozambique, getting a flavour of the 'real Mozambique', with ordinary people going about their business along the roadside.
Dugong
Finally we will spend our last three nights soaking up the comfort of
Guludo, a small, friendly eco-lodge, situated on a lovely beach in the
north of the new Quirimbas National Park. Here we will be able
to pursue our own activities....
Wildlife-focussed such as scuba diving, guided walks from an
elephant viewpoint, birdwatching and canoeing
People-based including a visit to Guludo village
Mozambique is an extraordinary setting for this unique expedition and will leave us with an inspired view of this remarkable country, with its outstanding landscapes, fauna, flora and local communities.
There are a limited number of places available on this one-off itinerary. The price for this expedition is £1995/US$3800. If you would like to join us on this expedition please download the dossier, register your interest by email or complete our contact form for more details.
Tanzania, Selous Safari and Adventure: 14th June - 28th June 2008 Download dossier
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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS • Walking in the African bush – the most tantalising way to experience safari • Luxury fly camps under huge starry skies surrounded by the sounds of the night • Observing the animals in the river and at the lakeside on a boat safari • Fascinating ancient ruins and spectacular marine life of the Indian Ocean at our island resort |
Pioneer Expeditions have planned a unique itinerary, penetrating deep into the African bush in the truly immense Selous Game Reserve. For the first week we will explore and travel on foot – by far the most exciting and deliciously exposed safari experience. Guided by our knowledgeable and professional team, we will witness the bountiful wildlife and enjoy our splendid wilderness camps under spectacular African skies. Upon reaching the Rufiji river and our permanent luxurious safari camp we will explore the surrounding rivers, lakes and forest by four wheel drive vehicles and boats.
After we leave the interior we shall drive east to the coast and down
to the island of Kilwa Kisiwani where we can discover ancient ruins, swim
at quiet sandy beaches, dive or snorkel the coral gardens or simply relax
at our sumptuous resort.
Big cat, Selous, TanzaniaTanzania is a wild, adventurous and naturally
diverse nation. It contains Africa’s biggest mammal population,
three quarters of east Africa’s plant species and the continent’s
second largest number of bird species. A totally compelling destination
for lovers of the outdoors and the natural world, its mainly undiscovered
coastline bordering the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean boasts superb
beaches, unexplored offshore islands, beautiful coral reefs, large sea
mammals and exotic tropical fish. With its rich seafaring history and
ancient ruins, Tanzania’s coastline is a fascinating cultural experience
as well as being a diver’s and snorkeller’s paradise.
The Selous, home to 750,000 mammals, is considered by safari connoisseurs to be one of the finest reserves for viewing game, not least because of the very few other guests whilst on safari; the amount of visitors to the reserve is severely limited by the relatively small number of camps within the boundaries of the park and the sheer immensity of the area - equivalent to the size of Switzerland.
Walking safaris are the most rewarding and unobtrusive way to observe
the surrounding wildlife. We shall follow spoor, detect the unusual insects,
hear the sounds of beasts and birds, notice the indigenous fauna and sight
magnificent mammals from ground level. Always under the protection of
an armed ranger and with the benefit of a local crew added to the unparalleled
experience of camping in the bush, this is a thrilling, inspiring and
magical expedition.
We expect to see lions, elephants, giraffe, hippopotamus, zebra, crocodiles,
wildebeest, warthog, buffalo, kudu, impala, hyena, baboon, colobus and
vervet monkeys, plus a myriad of bird life.
Huge prides of lions prowl the landscape and pick off the unwary at watering holes, rivers and lakes. Other predators such as leopards and african hunting dogs take their share of the numerous game and scavengers such as the spotted hyena, and six species of vultures crowd round for the afters. There are over 1,100 species of birds recorded so far in Tanzania including 40 endemics; the variety is stunning.
This richness of wildlife results from the Miomba Woodland which covers three-quarters of the Selous. The leaves shed by these deciduous trees form the basis of a surprisingly complex food chain, which creates an ideal habitat for masses of mammals, reptiles, insects and birds.
African elephants
Only six places available.
Dates & Prices- The Selous Safari will take place from 14th June - 28th June August 2008. The price for this expedition is £2250/ €3375/ US$4255 (please see booking). If you would like to join us on this expedition please download the dossier or contact us for the dossier, booking form and general information.
Peru Cotahuasi Canyon trek: 16th September - 3rd October 2008 Download dossier
 Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru |
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS • Trekking the full length of the world’s deepest canyon, the Cotahuasi. With spectacular scenery of lofty peaks and rushing rivers • Beautiful colonial architecture of the city of Arequipa • Spectacular altiplano and volcanic scenery on our mini
jeep expedition |
This expedition explores the wild, remote region of the Andes mountain range around Cotahuasi in southern Peru. Below Cotahuasi the river flows though the deepest canyon in the world. Although the canyon has been run by a handful of extreme rafting / kayaking expeditions there are no records of a group attempting a trek of its entire length; this Pioneer expedition aims to be the first group to achieve this.
This challenging expedition encompasses real adventure with the natural
wonders and fascinating ancient history of the region. We will trek along
wild and rocky trials accessible only by foot, encountering spectacular
mountain scenery and picturesque hamlets deep in the canyon. We shall
visit the world’s largest petroglyph field with mysterious figures
carved into the rocks well before Inca times. In Arequipa there are fine
colonial buildings, at Luicho we can soak in steaming thermal baths and
at 3500m above sea level, we shall visit the ‘Valley of Volcanoes’
with its 80 small inactive cones.
Petroglyphs at Toro Muerto, PeruTraversing the deepest canyon in
the world (3354 m), sometimes crossing the river using harnesses on cable
crossings and over rustic but sturdy suspension bridges, will take ten
days. Trekking through this impressive gorge a lot of time will be spent
in unknown isolation with chances to see ancient civilisation, including
evidence of past occupations, amphitheatres and the burial sites of the
lost city of Marpa.
The headwaters of the River Cotahuasi have their source in the Cordillera
de Huanzo, a remote and very rarely visited part of the Peruvian Andes
in the extreme north west of the Department of Arequipa, and discharge
some 300km later into the Pacific Ocean as the River Ocoña. Although
the Cotahuasi region was declared a Zona Reserva Turistica in 1988 very
little was known about the area and even less about the canyon until a
kayak / raft expedition first ran it in 1994. Subsequent interest and
a surveying expedition confirmed the deepest point of the canyon (at Ninochaca
just below Quechualla) to have a depth of 3354 m, making it the deepest
canyon in the world and 163m deeper than nearby Colca Canyon which was
previously thought to hold the record. In pre-Colombian times the canyon
was a more travelled route; an Inca road ran through most of the length
and many sections still remain, as well as agricultural terracing and
ruins. This Inca road may well have been based on routes previously built
and used by the Huari culture, an important power in the highlands of
central and southern Peru from 600-1000AD.
This expedition will take place 16th September - 3rd October 2008. There is a maximum of 8 places on this one-off itinerary. The price for this expedition is £1595/ €2395/ US$3050. If you would like to join us on this expedition please download the dossier, register your interest by email or complete our contact form for more details.
Tanzania Safari Extraordinaire - Date TBA Download dossier
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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS • Canoeing on Ngurdoto Crater Lake and cycling down the Great Rift Valley • Visiting the Chagga people on Mount Kilimanjaro • Visiting the Serengeti National Park • Viewing the fossils of Olduvai Gorge • Descending the Ngorongoro Crater |
Adventure deep into the heart of northern Tanzania, visit all the must see sights of the area as well as the less known and little visited areas of wilderness of this vast region.
During our time here we will undertake different types of wildlife safari – from the traditional means of driving and walking to the more extraordinary approach of observing the wildlife by canoeing and cycling. We will see the wide ranging landscapes of Tanzania’s national parks – from volcanic craters to flat grassland plains.
Giraffes in the SerengetiOur time in Tanzania will begin with the
unforgettable experience of meeting the Chagga people who inhabit the
slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, observing and taking part in their traditional
way of living. From here we will take a canoeing safari on a volcanic
crater lake - a great way to see wildlife from a completely new perspective.
There will be game drives around some of the finest reserves in the world
and we will get to see a vast range of wildlife including hippos, elephants,
buffalos, zebra, monkeys, warthogs, wildebeest, leopards, hyenas, giraffes
and possibly even the extremely rare black rhino, as well as many other
mammals and birds.
We will see The Great Rift Valley - part of a gigantic tectonic plate fault line running from Lebanon to Mozambique which is arguably at its most spectacular in East Africa – and cycle down the escarpment of this long and unbroken ridge to the shores of Lake Manyara at the foot. From our bikes we can enjoy the natural sights and sounds of this wonderful region.
Grazing The Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest and largest national
park, and - together with the Ngorongoro - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and International Biosphere Reserve. This ‘must see’ site
is our next stop and we will spend a day observing the wildlife from 4x4s
and a morning exploring – with the help of an armed ranger - on
foot before visiting the Olduvai Gorge – a spectacular ravine with
the fossilized remains exposed in the rock on the steep sides of this
impressive gorge. Our last destination is The Ngorongoro Crater - the
world’s largest unbroken and unflooded crater with a spectacle of
at least 25,000 large mammals living on its 300 square kilometre floor.
We will be taken to Arusha or Kilimanjaro, where we can transfer to a
coastal destination for a few days of relaxation before our flight home.
There are a limited number of places available on this itinerary. The price for this expedition is £1895 / €2850 / US$3575. If you would like to join us on this expedition please download the dossier, register your interest by email or complete our contact form for more details. This itinerary is also available as a bespoke expedition for small groups.
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