Issue 164: Bariloche Hut to Hut Trek

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

• Diving: Diving with Cow Sharks in South Africa

• Hiking: Trek hut to hut in Bariloche

• Cycling: Botswana mountain bike safari

Diving with Cow Sharks in South Africa

Imagine plunging into waters the color of kryptonite, only to find yourself face to face with a living relic—a broadnose sevengill shark, also known as the cow shark, emerging from the swaying kelp forest.

These sharks are considered the most primitive of all, with skeletons that closely resemble their ancient, extinct ancestors. For hundreds of millions of years, they have glided through our oceans, untouched by the ravages of time and nature’s relentless evolution.

Cow sharks can be found in the cool, temperate waters of California, Japan, China, New Zealand, and South Africa. However, South Africa is where they truly thrive, gathering in large numbers just offshore, within the shallows of the kelp forests.

For those eager to encounter these remarkable creatures, several local operators offer day trips. But if you’re a true shark enthusiast, the South African Endemic Shark Photography Expedition, run by Big Fish Expeditions, is your ultimate ticket to experiencing the full array of South Africa’s unique and fascinating shark species.

Explore more:

• Diving with Dinosaurs (article)

• Cow Sharks of South Africa (video)

Trek Hut to Hut in Bariloche

When people think of hiking in Patagonia, catching views of the Torres del Paine and Mt. Fitz Roy come to mind. If you’ve already been there and done that, here’s a route that will let you see another side of this part of the world - the Hut to Hut trek in Bariloche.

Wander through the lush lenga forests of the Río Van Titter Valley, where the trail leads to striking rock formations, a signature of the Patagonian landscape. Pause at the tranquil Lake Jakob, with Refugio Jakob providing a cozy retreat amidst the towering peaks.

The ascent to Cerro Navidad rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, showcasing Patagonia’s raw, untamed beauty.

Explore more:

• Bariloche Trekking Guide (article)

• Hut to Hut Trekking in Bariloche (video)

Unique Adventure Lodges to Travel in 2025

With summer being over it’s now the best time to plan next year’s trip. Truly unique lodges tend to have limited spots, particularly for the best months, so they tend to get sold out many months ahead of time.

Here you have some suggestions if you’re looking for an adventure lodge to go in 2025.

Ratua Private Island Resort »

Wa Ale Island Resort »

Nellim Wilderness Lodge »

Bale Mountain Lodge »

For a complete list of truly unique adventures to take on next year (or earlier), don’t forget to check out the latest edition of our Trip Planner Guide.

Botswana Mountain Bike Safari

Imagine pedaling through the vast African bush, where the only sounds are the crunch of your tires on dusty trails, the distant calls of birds, and the rustle of dry grasses as wild creatures move unseen. No buzzing notifications, no hum of electricity—just you, your bike, and the untamed wilderness.

This is adventure in its purest form: no distractions, just the thrill of the open trail and the raw beauty of nature.

In Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve, often called the "Land of the Giants," you can immerse yourself in this extraordinary experience. Known for its towering baobabs, expansive plains, and legendary wildlife, Mashatu offers a rare chance to explore an unspoiled part of Africa.

As you ride, you’ll navigate varied landscapes—from rugged rocky hills and sweeping savannahs to riverbeds lined with lush vegetation. With every turn, you might encounter a giraffe elegantly striding across your path, a herd of antelope darting through the brush, or the distant silhouette of an elephant beneath a golden sunset.

Explore more:

• Ride of the Giants MTB Safari (trip)

• Botswana MTB Safari: Spotting African Wildlife by Bike (video)

Wow: Rock Gongs of the Kidero Mountains

Travel: This overlooked Central African country is the continent’s most thrilling safari destination

Nature: Why China’s largest volcano is so unusual

Animals: Witness the world’s largest snake gathering at Manitoba's Narcisse Snake Dens

Photography: Close up photography of tiny mushrooms

Where in the World

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

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

I’d love to hear what you think of this issue, scroll down to the poll to let us know.

Until next time…

Keep exploring,

-Amanda

 ANSWER: Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand