Issue 128 | Chagos

Plus: Rafting the Zambezi, climbing the stairway to heaven and more.

 

ISSUE 128

 

 

 

In partnership with

This week’s issue is sponsored by Better Help. Help is just a few clicks away.

 

 

Happy Friday! This is Adventure Fix, the weekly email that takes you away from a busy week and immerses you into a world of exploration and once in a lifetime experiences.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

  • Paddling: Whitewater rafting journey down the Zambezi  

  • Remote Places: Chagos Archipelago

  • Conservation Expeditions: Help conserve the desert species of Arabia

  • Extreme Experiences: Climbing Austria’s stairway to heaven

 

 

PADDLING

Whitewater rafting journey down the Zambezi

Photo: Bio Bio Expeditions

Flowing through the rugged gorges below Victoria Falls, the Zambezi offers some of the most intense and challenging white-water rapids on the planet.

The Zambezi's rapids range from Class III to V, offering a diverse array of challenges for rafters of various skill levels. From the raging whitewater of the infamous "Devil’s Toilet Bowl" to the adrenaline-fueled drops of "Oblivion," each rapid promises an adrenaline rush like no other. Navigating these tumultuous waters requires teamwork, precision, and unwavering trust in your experienced guides.

One of the most remarkable aspects of rafting the Zambezi is the sheer beauty of the surroundings. The river cuts through the stunning Batoka Gorge, where the landscape is nothing short of breathtaking.

Beyond the rapids, the Zambezi offers moments of serenity where you can soak in the natural wonders of the region. Drifting through calm stretches, you'll have the chance to spot a rich diversity of wildlife along the riverbanks, including elephants, hippos, and an array of bird species. These tranquil interludes provide a welcome contrast to the high-octane excitement of the rapids.

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TOGETHER WITH BETTER HELP

Help is just a few clicks away

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It's time to prioritize yourself again, and BetterHelp is here to help. Start feeling better today with BetterHelp.

 

 

REMOTE PLACES

Chagos Archipelago

Photo: Marine Blue Foundation

If you’re dreaming of visiting a remote and exotic paradise, it doesn’t get any wilder than the Chagos Archipelago.

This cluster of atolls and islands is located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, approximately halfway between Africa and Indonesia.

It contains the largest coral atoll on earth and over 23,000 square miles of shallow limestone reef.

The Chagos Archipelago has a complex history, with a population that was forcibly removed in the 1960s and 70s. Today, the islands remain under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom and are largely uninhabited.

There are no cruise ships or guided tours making stops at the atoll. This means that the sole means of experiencing its wonders involves either becoming part of the U.S. or British military and securing a posting there, or embarking on your own voyage by boat. This exclusivity adds to the allure of the Chagos Archipelago, making it a true gem for intrepid explorers.


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CONSERVATION EXPEDITIONS

Help conserve the desert species of Arabia

Photo: Getty Images

This is a new section where we spotlight volunteer opportunities that combine fieldwork and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Hit reply and let us know what you think of this new section.

When many people think of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), many conjure images of Dubai's towering skyline set against a backdrop of an unforgiving, arid desert. However, this seemingly barren landscape is far from devoid of life. In reality, the iconic sandy expanses of the Arabian Peninsula teem with a variety of fascinating wildlife.

Here’s an opportunity to see this unique part of the world and do some good at the same time.

Join a small international team, working alongside scientists from the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to monitor Arabian oryx, Gordon’s wildcat, red and sand fox, and sand gazelles.

Stationed at a comfortable oasis field camp, you'll embark on expeditions in specially-equipped 4WDs and on foot to observe antelope behavior, delve into their social structures, employ cameras and live traps for Gordon's wildcat, red and sand fox, and employ advanced tracking techniques using radio and GPS telemetry.

All of these efforts are geared towards securing the continued existence of these vital flagship species of the desert. This volunteering experience promises not only to be an adventure but also a meaningful contribution to the preservation of an integral ecosystem.

Explore more:

 

 

TOGETHER WITH ADVENTURE TRAVEL HUB

Premium guides for adventure travelers

Are you a serious adventure traveler, not an armchair explorer?

If so, we’ve got something just for you.

For the last few months, Antonio and I have been building a portal for planning and preparing for journeys of a lifetime.

Adventure Travel Hub offers tailored guides, from comprehensive travel insurance plans for your peace of mind to a thoughtfully crafted gift guide for fellow wanderers.

As an Adventure Fix subscriber, you’ll get free access to all of our guides.

Start preparing for your next epic adventure today.

 

 

EXTREME EXPERIENCES

Climbing Austria’s stairway to heaven

Photo: Jess Dales

Suspended between two towering mountains, this unique ladder offers an experience unlike any other. As you stand on the rungs of the ladder, there's nothing but an inch-wide metal bar separating you from a staggering 2,000-foot drop to the ground below.

Spanning 130 feet, the via ferrata connects the lower portion of Austria’s Donnerkogel Mountain to the Grosser Donnerkogel summit, which peaks at 6,740.

While no climbing experience is necessary, the ladder's ascent requires strength, agility, and an unwavering focus on each step. Climbers are attached to a harness using steel cables rungs and pegs.

The experience is made all the more thrilling by the knowledge that you're in the heart of the Austrian Alps, surrounded by towering peaks and sweeping valleys.

The terrain, with steep sections and precarious traverses, challenges you at every turn. Yet, the rewards are immeasurable. The views from this vantage point are nothing short of spectacular, providing an unparalleled perspective of the Alpine landscape.

Explore more:

 

 

QUICK FIX

Space Tourism: Virgin Galactic’s 1st mission is taking paying customers to space.

Parenting: Nature can be as engaging as video games.

Animals: Footage that captures a rarely seen sperm whale birth, it’s beautiful.

 

 

THE COMPASS

Where in the world

Photo: Unknown

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Guess where this pic was snapped!

Stumped? No worries. The answer is at the end of this email.

 

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“A map says to you. Read me carefully, follow me closely, doubt me not...I am the earth in the palm of your hand.”

– Beryl Markham

 

 

 

Founders’ Journal

Location: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

Amanda on the way to the Lost City of the Tayronas.

The trek to Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City has been our most memorable hikes Amanda and I have done in Latin America to date. These ancient ruins are located deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mysterious region of Northern Colombia that is full of exotic animals, venomous insects and indigenous people.

It is a place with a dark past, for years greedy grave robbers pilaged tombs and sacred sites searching for gold, the bloody cocaine industry flourished in the foothills and military conflict raged in the dense rainforest. A lot has changed since then, and it is now considered one of the best hikes in the country.

We trekked for 5 days through the jungle to one of the most sacred sites of the ancient Tayrona people, The Lost City.

-Antonio

We Would Love To Hear From You!

We enjoy hearing from other adventure travelers like you. We’re not a traditional magazine where you never get to talk to the editor. We’re different.

Tell us about you. Do you have a cool story to share? What’s your next trip? What was your favorite one? We can’t wait to hear about your adventures.

Hit reply and say hi.

We read and reply to every single email.

-Amanda & Antonio  

The team behind Adventure Fix

 

 

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