Issue 178: Underground Elephants

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:

• Hiking: Jabal Rum Crossing

• Wildlife Encounters: Underground Elephants

• Films: Falkland Islands

Jabal Rum Crossing, a Bedouin Route in Wadi Rum

The Jabal Rum Crossing is a legendary trek through Jordan's Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its striking desert landscapes and cultural history.

This challenging journey takes adventurers across Jabal Rum, Jordan's highest peak, through narrow canyons, sweeping dunes, and ancient rock formations etched with petroglyphs.

The 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) route starts with a steep climb over boulders, leading into a canyon filled with sand, water pools, and hardy desert plants. Along the way, hikers can spot ancient Thamudic inscriptions, adding a fascinating historical element to the journey.

The trek also includes several abseils, with the longest descent stretching 148 feet (45 meters), making it both physically demanding and exhilarating.

Guided by experienced locals, this adventure not only tests your endurance but also offers a deep dive into the rich culture and history of the Bedouin people. It's a must-do for any adventure lover visiting Wadi Rum.

Explore more:

• Jabal Rum Crossing (blog)

The Underground Elephants of Mount Elgon

The Underground Elephants of Mount Elgon are a fascinating phenomenon found in the caves of this volcanic mountain on the Kenya-Uganda border.

Unlike most elephants, these ones venture deep into caves like Kitum to scrape salt from the walls with their tusks. The salt is a vital nutrient missing from their usual diet, and their underground adventures showcase just how adaptable and resourceful they are.

Watching these elephants mine for minerals is both rare and remarkable, though not without challenges.

The caves are dark, narrow, and unstable, making it tricky for researchers to study them. But their unique behavior offers a glimpse into how animals can survive in unusual environments.

Explore more:

• Elephant Cave - The Salt-mining Elephants of Elgon (BBC film)

• The Elephants of Mount Elgon (article)

Falkland Islands

Viktor Posnov is one of my favorite independent YouTube creators, so when I saw he uploaded a video on the Falkland Islands, I knew it was something worth sharing with you.

There’s no dramatic narration, just 40+ minutes of stunning footage showcasing the raw beauty of the Falkland Islands.

From the rugged coastlines and windswept landscapes to the abundant wildlife, including penguins and sea lions, Viktor captures the essence of this remote destination.

His minimalist approach allows the natural sights and sounds to take center stage, providing an immersive experience that feels both peaceful and awe-inspiring.

If you're curious about this unique part of the world, this video is a must-watch.

Watch the film for free here »

Liveaboard diving: From Banda Sea to Raja Ampat

Wildlife: Incredible footage of lynx in northern Minnesota

Exploration: Will the discovery of Sandy Irvine lead to solving Everest's greatest mystery?

Read: In the Kingdom of Goldhorn

Photography: This photographer immortalized an exceptional shot of a volcano in the shape of an eye

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: Cerro Ventana, Bariloche, Argentina