Venture a little further into our world…

Best place to…

• KISS THE SKY: NAMIB DESERT
  It must be said that the sky in the Namib Desert is special. During the day, it’s the contrast of the heaven’s blue hues against the brilliant burnt orange sands that makes it stand out. At night, just after the sun has sunk beyond the desert’s burning surface, the cobalt sky starts to sparkle. As the blue darkens, countless more stars take their lofty perches, eventually dotting the jet-black blanket laid across this African nation. Take off your watch, lay your back onto the warm desert floor and stare up at more of the universe than you’ve ever witnessed before. If you’d really like to smooch the sky, visit Swakopmund on the Namib’s edge and leap out of a plane – you can kiss until your heart’s content (or until your rip cord is pulled).
  The Namib Desert at Sossusvlei and Swakopmund feature on several of Kumuka's African overland tours.
• ENJOY THE SUNSHINE: ANTARCTICA
  Antarctica? Yes! Are we crazy? No! Hop aboard MV Ushuaia in Argentina and slide into the Southern Ocean from the world’s southernmost city. While cruising through the infamous Drake Passage, wave to killer whales, ogle icebergs and count your lucky stars that you’re on your way to the least visited continent on earth. During the trip you’ll test your might in Antarctic hot springs (only for the brave), spot a slough of penguins, fur seals, humpback whales and birds, and learn about the geology of this mysterious land of rock and snow. All the while, you’ll be experiencing almost 24 hours of sunlight each day.
  For pricing for Kumuka's 11-day Antarctica Exploration visit www.kumuka.com.
• BUY A CAMEL: PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR
  For a week each October or November, the diminutive holy city of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India, erupts with dromedary action. It’s the most famous camel fair in the world, and you’ll see thousands of camels loping in from the surrounding desert, as well as huge numbers of colourful pilgrims, musicians, acrobats, sadhus, and traders. The trading reaches its peak during the first half of the festival, while religious events dominate the latter half. There are also camel races by day and entertaining folk dances by night. A highlight for many is the full moon candle offerings made along Pushkar’s holy lake – its waters are known to bestow salvation on devotees.
  Two of Kumuka's India tours are timed to coincide with the Pushkar Camel Fair.

• We all remember the first time we went shopping for shoes after our feet officially stopped growing… Gone were our parents’ pressing fingers and their debates over the amount of room left for our wee toes to grow. After that, shoe shopping became easy: a shoe either fit or it didn’t. The only question really left needing an answer was whether the shoe caused the dreaded ‘slipping heel’. Even then, a simple lap of the shop would do the trick.
• We hate to say it, but buying the right hiking boot involves you playing the parent of old. You’ll need to ask a lot of questions, and yes, you’ll even have to worry about how much room is sitting in front of your ten precious toes. Why? Well, while trekking you’re usually carrying a backpack, which will slightly flatten your feet, and thus lengthen them. And most importantly, as you make long descents, each successive footstep will force your toes forward in your boot. If you’ve sized your boots like you size your trainers, you’re in for a world of hurt.
• While shopping for boots, a quality store should be able to supply you with a weighted backpack and a ramp to test walking both downhill and up. Besides taking steps down the ramp, try everything in your power to make your toes hit the front of the boot – even kick the toe of the boot into the floor if necessary. An ideally-sized shoe will have enough room to protect your toes, while at the same time fitting snugly enough around the heel and the length of your the foot to stop it from sliding around.
• Taking strides up the ramp will enable you to feel if the heel cup is properly suited to your feet. If your heel slides up, or if the cup puts too much pressure on the Achilles area, the boot is not for you (even if it passed the mighty toe test).
• For long treks with a backpack, boots should have a shank. This is typically a rigid piece of plastic or metal running along the length of the boot. It’s shaped to help your stride, as well as to prevent your sole from feeling rocks underfoot. Both will greatly reduce fatigue over long treks and add to your comfort. Ankle support is also important, so before trying on a boot see if you can bend the ankle section with your hands. If the boot gives, it’s not even worth trying on.
• If you may be trekking through wet weather, waterproof boots are best, as having wet feet causes more blisters. Leather styles, which can be treated with various waterproofing agents, are great, though be careful of options with abundant stitching (the fewer pieces of leather the better). If the best fitting boot for you isn’t waterproof, consider GORE-TEX socks.
• Another key thing to keep in mind while shopping is that there is not one brand of boot that will suit everyone. Your friends may rave about a particular boot company, but there is no guarantee that brand will be comfortable for you.
• Be wary if a store is pushing one brand at you, particularly if they are saying it is the best. A boot can never be the best unless it first fits your foot!
• Lastly, after purchasing your boots, wear them around the house for a week or two. You’ll quickly come to realise if there are any issues. If there are, the fact you haven’t worn them outside should ensure you can return them without a problem. Happy hunting! And happy trekking!

• Kumuka Travellers Send us your best shots of yourself or your friends on tour. Whether it’s bungy jumping at Vic Falls or trekking to Everest Base Camp… the more adventurous the better.
• Landscapes, Landmarks and Wildlife Extraordinary shots from extraordinary places. We take you there; now we want to see your pictures!
• People and Culture Kumuka’s tours are rich in opportunity to meet friendly locals. Whether going about their daily business or attending festivals or rituals, all images reflect life around the globe.

Full terms and conditions, details of the prizes and how to enter, can be found on our website at www.kumuka.com/Competitions.aspx. All submissions to be sent to photocomp@kumuka.com.