Take a hike - up Kilimanjaro!

For intrepid travellers and mountaineers the personal challenge of climbing Africa's highest peak ticks all the boxes. At 5,895m, it stands majestic at the border between Kenya and Tanzania, its snow-capped peak visible for miles around.

Now adventure-seekers cab conquer the highest mountain in Africa. The Machame Route requires no prior mountaineering experience and is supported by a high level of safety including oxygen bottles and portable altitude chamber. Porter endorsement is by the International Porter Protection Group, making this - the organisers say - the safest and most ethical way to climb Kilimanjaro

You will begin your trek at Machame Camp (3,000m). Walk through dense forest with a stop for lunch. From the park entrance gate (Machame), you will walk for about two to three hours through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonias and other tropical vegetation. A stop for lunch will be made halfway to this evening's campsite. As you continue your ascent, you will find that the tropical forest has given way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge, to the left of which is the Semira stream, and on the right, the Weru. 

On this and subsequent mornings, the wake-up call is around 6am. You will be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee and, weather permitting, by a fabulous view of Uhuru peak. Today's trek takes you up a steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather. You will encounter giant groundsels as you hike through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foaming streams. Make a stop for lunch below the Shira Plateau. Shira is one of the three craters of the Kilimanjaro volcani

For the final stretch you are awakened after midnight and, following a light breakfast, begin the climb around 1am. Climb for approximately six hours before reaching the edge of the crater, between Stella and Hans Meyer Points. Another hour of climbing brings you to the summit: at 5922m, this is the highest point on the African continent.

Commence your descent to Kibo Hut, where you can rest before continuing your descent. Arrive at Mweka Camp late this afternoon after a tiring but rewarding trek. Here, amidst the thick forest, you celebrate your success, reliving one of the definitive moments of your life. Find out more......

Go wild in the water

Outdoor lovers will adore Tasmania's latest white water rafting experience courtesy of new white water adventure company, Franklin River Rafting. The company's 10-day Franklin River Rafting Tour takes in the haunting beauty of the wild and isolated Franklin River in the World Heritage listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, located in Tasmania's rugged remote south west.

The adventure is a professionally-guided experience on an expedition raft, allowing adventure-goers to encounter wilderness otherwise too remote and inaccessible to reach. Included in the trip are quality rafts and white water equipment, delicious meals, camping equipment and return transfers from Hobart. No previous experience is necessary, but a thirst for adventure is highly recommended.  

Interested in knowing more? See the video.....

Go gorilla tracking

The beautiful central African country of Uganda is one of the continent's most surprising. It is best known for its population of mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but has many other wildlife experiences to offer. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is your base for gorilla tracking where the inquisitive primates pay the lodge a visit on occasion and you'll visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Highlights include Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust Mountainside luxury camp and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two full days tracking Mountain Gorilla, and a stay in a remote and exclusive part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. More details......

Take a kayak and head north

When the adventure travel route becomes too predictable and routine, it's time to look beyond the standard map and guidebook.

That's the philosophy behind the new Natural Habitat Expeditions that launched recently when the world's premier nature travel company, Natural Habitat Adventures, merged with the former Explorers' Corner.

In an age when adventure travel is often standardized and watered down, Natural Habitat Expeditions explore unusual and remote natural destinations via kayaking, hiking, sailing and snorkeling. 

This new set of active adventures includes serious expedition material such as kayaking in Greenland and Kamchatka, or a 28-day Antarctica trip aboard a private sailboat with camping ashore. Softer offerings include paddling Portugal's Douro River through port wine country, or sailing, kayaking and hiking combinations in the Galapagos and Croatia.

To see a full listing of trips with Natural Habitat Expeditions, as well as Natural Habitat Adventures' regular small-group nature and wildlife offerings, visit.....

Jacada Travel's Adrenaline Tours offer action-packed getaways to the best of South America. Get your adrenaline fix with breath-taking views and hair-raising action adventure as you experience the stunning peaks and valleys of Peru.

This electrifying journey through South America is sure to keep the thrills up and your heart racing. 

Step in to your own South American version of an action-packed thriller as you take on the Sacred Valley river rapids of Peru and experience ice-trekking the Perito Mereno Glaciers in Argentina. Unwind as you enjoy the spectacular views of the ancient Machu Picchu ruins, trek to the majestic Torres Del Paine peaks, and ride the South American pampas. 

And when you're not being a daredevil or taking in the breath-taking views, take a moment to explore the captivating cities of Cusco, Lima and Buenos Aires as you immerse yourself in an unforgettable cultural experience too. More details......