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Racing To Cross Antarctica - Ibex Expeditions

Antarctica Matters: Racing to Cross Antarctica

Adventure Travel, Antarctica Matters, Ecotourism, Responsible Tourism, , , , ,

Racing To Cross Antarctica - Ibex Expeditions

Two adventurers are attempting to cross Antarctica alone, without support, without being resupplied by food, or assisted by any means of transport other than the power of their legs. If either or both succeed, they will be the first to do so. No one has been able to cross Antarctica on foot, unsupported, yet.

The two adventurers are attempting this feat separately, and couldn’t be more different than each other.

Lois Rudd is a 44-year-old British Army captain. He wishes to slide into the record books, tracking two other British explorers—Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton.  Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole in 1911. Ernest Shackleton wrote that “there remained but one great main object of Antarctic journeyings — the crossing of the South Polar continent from sea to sea”. 

Mr. Rudd is a grizzly British Army adventurer, carrying hot chocolate powder, dried porridge, along with the rest of his kit.

The second explorer is a 33-year-old American mountaineer and explorer—Colin ‘O’ Brady. Mr. Brady is a chiselled professional triathlete-turned-mountaineer. He has over 70,000 Instagram followers, a YouTube channel, and brought his own custom-made energy bars called Colin Bars.

While for Mr. Rudd the reason for taking on this journey is a personal one, Mr. Brady wants to win the race, and make history. 16 people have attempted to cross Antarctica so far. All failed. Waiting to see what happens now.

Source: Financial Times

We are going on an epic voyage to this expansive continent in March 2019. The journey aims to create ambassadors for Antarctica, who will pledge to protect and preserve the region from exploitation of all kinds. Check this link for more details of the journey, and send in your enquiries to us at ibex@www.ibexexpeditions.com

 

UPDATE: Colin O’Brady eventually won the race in 53 days. For more, read this BBC story.

Antarctica Matters - Journey With A Purpose March 2019 - Ibex Expeditions

Antarctica Matters—Join Us On Our Journey with a Purpose March 2019

Adventure Travel, Antarctica Matters, Ecotourism, Responsible Tourism, , ,

Antarctica Matters - Journey With A Purpose March 2019 - Ibex Expeditions

Antarctica has always been a land held with intrigue. The whitest, driest, coldest, windiest continent on earth was collectively decided to be preserved by twelve countries, including Russia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and the United States.

The Antarctica Treaty System was signed in 1959, and an environmental protocol was added to it in 1998.  It states that Antarctica is to be a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science,” and prohibits all activities relating to Antarctic mineral resources, except as is necessary for scientific research. But the treaty is not set in stone. In 50 years’ time, 1948, the part of the treaty that prohibits mining and resource extraction could come under review.

Meanwhile, climate change is playing its part. One of its largest glaciers was splintered off sometime last year, while its sea ice is shrinking at a rapid pace. Recently, scientists, discovered a whistling sound coming from the Ross ice shelf, which many scientists are linking to the decreasing ice. Krill, the main food source for all wildlife of Antarctica is also reducing at a fast pace.

Keeping the urgency to protect this pristine land in mind, we at Ibex Expeditions, in partnership with Polar Latitudes, will be taking an expedition to Antarctica in March 2019. Led by artist and explorer Himali Singh Soin, this journey with a purpose is meant to turn all participants into Antarctica Ambassadors, pledging to support all causes related to preserving the big white continent.

Previously, our Antarctica journey has been supported by United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO), Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Skal International, and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Our journeys are never without their share of fun of course! You will witness wildlife you can perhaps only witness in Antarctica. There might be times when you feel like you are on another planet, as is beautifully explained by Himali Soin in this essay titled “Voyage to a White Mars”. There might be a moment when you feel an urgent need to take a dip into the icy cold water, as Himraj Soin had while on his journey described here. 

Join us in our mission to preserve Antarctica.

Details of the journey here: https://www.facebook.com/events/254332385079622/

Email us at ibex@www.ibexexpeditions.com for more details.

Adventure Travel - Ibex Expeditions

Adventures in Tuscany with Adventure Travel World Summit 2018

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Adventure Travel - Ibex Expeditions

The past few days have been a whirlwind for us at Ibex Expeditions.  The Adventure Travel & Trade Association’s (ATTA) annual Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) is taking place in the dreamy, historic, high cultured land of Tuscany, Italy.

The week-long summit, 14th to 19th October at Montecatini Terme has been a wonderfully educational, fun-filled event so far. The best adventurers, explorers, outdoor educators, tour operators from all over the world have gathered here in one space to talk about ethical adventure travel and think about ways of creating a better space for the planet. The theme of summit, “Wellspring” is an apt one, inspiring us to truly understand the richness of our planet. Adventure travel, in its truest, raw form, means going back to the source — the source of our relationship with nature. “The source of vitality and inspiration, the wellspring, that renews our joy in life and our sense of stewardship in this fragile world.”

EXPLORING TUSCANY

Apart from a number of scintillating lectures and workshops, we have also had the opportunity to take out time and explore Tuscany. A bunch of us went on a three-day hike up the Pania della Croche in the  Apuan Alps. On our way, we made organic pasta, peeled hazel nuts, goofed about, all the while soaking in the serenity of our surroundings. The colours of nature are bright and beautiful; they stand out even more in the Apuan Alps.

 

 

The breakfast session with the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) members was an eye-opening event. The ATCF is a non-profit that funds local projects engaged in the conservation of unique natural and cultural resources of adventure travel destinations. We learnt about good conservation projects and practice around the world. As board member, we were fortunate to participate as jury members for the 2018 grant finalists.

On 19th October, Mandip Singh Soin will be heading to Florence to give a talk on his personal experiences and adventures as a traveller and explorer.

This has been a wonderful, fulfilling journey for us!

Tales Of An Explorer – Talk By Mandip Singh Soin In Florence | Ibex Expeditions

Tales of an Explorer – Talk by Mandip Singh Soin in Florence

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Tales Of An Explorer – Talk By Mandip Singh Soin In Florence | Ibex Expeditions

 

Soon after finishing an epic Adventure Travel Summit 2018 in Tuscany #ATWS2018, explorer and Ibex Expeditions’ founder Mandip Singh Soin will be heading to dreamy Florence to give a lecture on his favourite subject – Tales of an Explorer. In an evening session at the Rifugio Gualdo Sede Sesto Fiorentino, a recreational sports and cultural centre, Mandip will regale the audience with his tales of adventures in lands far and beyond.

Details of the event

Tales of an Explorer by Mandip Singh Soin

Date: Saturday, 19th October
Time: 6:30PM onwards
Place: Rifugio Gualdo Sede Sesto Fiorentino: Via corsi salviati 46, Sesto Fiorentino
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/584780935258045/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1539329859739312

 

The Stillness of the River at Satpura

Satpura Explorer – A Trekking and Safari Adventure

Ecotourism, Responsible Tourism, Wildlife, , , , ,

Ibex Expeditions is organising The Panchmarhi Trail in Satpura National Park with partners Reni Pani Lodge for the delegates of ATTA’s Adventure Connect. The journey, led by Mandip Singh Soin and a senior naturalist is designed to capture the explore spirit, and more similar journeys are in the offing! 🙂

Dates: 28th November to 2nd December 2018

TRIP OVERVIEW

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is an extensive forest covering a broad array of unique Central Indian flora and fauna. The Satpura mountain range, after which the park is named, runs across Central India from East to West. Satpura is the only park of its kind in Central India where enthusiasts are allowed to explore pristine tiger country on foot. Guests will start their adventure by walking on the foothills of the Satpura Mountains exploring this unique ecosystem. While they are out on this adventure they will be using well-appointed mobile camps as their accommodation.

After a 2 night walking adventure, participants will be transferred to Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, one of the premier safari lodges in Central India. Here a more conventional safari experience will be offered to guests where they will go tracking leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, tigers and other Central Indian animals using 4X4 vehicles.

Guests will also do a lovely canoe ride on the Denwa River looking for birds and mammals on the water’s edge. Experience local hospitality and interact with the local populace. You are always on the move and it is indeed a trip of a lifetime in a beautiful part of Central India.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP

  • Traverse the historic Forsyth Trail on foot – The Forsyth Trail was used by Captain James Forsyth, one of first officers of the Madhya Pradesh Forest department, when he explored the Pachmarhi Region
  • Enjoy an adventurous mobile camping experience – While on the walk guests will stay in well- appointed mobile camps that afford an experience that is very close to nature, with a minimal footprint.
  • Experience the magic of Satpura in its many ways – Satpura is a lesser known park in Central India, but it is unique in terms of its landscape and what it can offer its patrons. Here guests can enjoy walks, canoe rides and the more popular 4X4 safaris
  • Get a glimpse of rural life – Satpura and the areas around it are dotted with villages that are inhabited largely by the indigenous Gond People. While on this trip, we will visit a local school and a market. This will give guests great insight not just into the landscapes wildlife, but also how the local communities co-exist making wildlife conservation possible.
  • Bhimbetka Caves – UNESCO world heritage site.
  • Special culinary experience – family recipe of kebab and an exotic Indian cocktail with the Mahua flower as the main ingredient.

Contact us at ibex@www.ibexexpeditions.com for a full itinerary of the journey.

Antarctica Matters | Ibex Expeditions

Antarctica Matters

Antarctica Matters, , ,

Antarctica Matters | Ibex Expeditions

In 1959, world governments came together to sign the Antarctic Treaty, to ensure that Antarctica was used only for peaceful and scientific research purposes. In 1991, they proposed a 50-year agreement, declaring the great white continent as a natural reserve, banning mining and drilling activity for mineral resources. Although Antarctica remains unexploited, we can see the effects of climate change through retreating glaciers and rising temperatures in the region.

After a successful launch in the International Year of Sustainable Tourism in March 2017, Ibex Expeditions has pledged to promote Antarctica as a destination, where the journey has a purpose–to create a movement of building awareness around protecting such pristine spaces. Join us for our next voyage to the last true wilderness on Earth.

Details here: https://www.ibexexpeditions.com/place/antarctica/