Anti-poaching initiatives
Our team spent a day with the Northern Rangelands Trust to better understand their mobile anti-poaching unit, and how our funds might help. This group of highly trained men and women from the Kenyan National Police Reservists are tasked to protect the whole area. The rangers are extremely skilled in several disciplines – physical training, first aid, weapons handling, navigation and legal briefing; they also work with a K9 task force, making them a unique influence for stability and safety in the community.
Their efforts have contributed significantly to a reduction in the illegal killing of several endangered species in this part of Kenya. In fact, since their introduction, the local elephant population has bounced back from an all-time low. The success and continuation of the unit provides an example to other communities of what can be achieved with the right resources and training.
Overall, our time in Kenya was enriching and insightful. This magnificent country of epic landforms stirred in us deep longing for the rest of the African continent. And, when you depart, you feel you’re leaving not just a continent, but also a state of mind. Our hearts are full from the staggering beauty of the local people we came to know; they brought soul and colour to the earth. And we’ll never forget the vast multicoloured grasslands and those immense herds of wildlife.
As with many of our expeditions, it’s not so much about the destination but more about the journey itself. The conservation mission is difficult and urgent, and the odds are seemingly stacked against us. The path is rocky, steep, hard and dusty. At times we feel overwhelmed, and it’s difficult to take another step forward; but then we see our teammates, just as thirsty and tired as us, and we know that we’re not alone. Together, we lift each other up and it inspires us to keep going, because this pursuit is too important. We must never give up.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend two Christmases in Canada now and I don’t think you can get much more festive! In Winnipeg, you’re guaranteed a white Christmas. It’s absolutely breathtaking and there’s so much to do. We went tubing and snowmobiling, spent a day at the hot springs, and even rode in a one-horse open sleigh.
We stayed in the city for a few nights and went to see the Assiniboine Park Zoo, which was a real highlight of the trip. The zoo only takes in rescues and you can see up to seven polar bears in a huge exhibit. Besides seeing the animals, there’s a Zoo Lights festival at night. It was stunning but make sure to wrap yourselves up as it was minus 18 degrees when we went – not that we could tell once we got a beavertail pastry (look it up) to keep us warm!
Another highlight of the city was Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature – such a great spa day. We had a giggle running from pool to pool in minus 25 degrees and watching our hair freeze. If you have time, head out to one of the lakes and rent a cottage. Nothing like it – it’s magical. I stayed with family for the trip, so unfortunately I don’t have any recommendations for accommodation, but I’ve heard that there are some great spots in the city.
Michaela Bisset
Our favourite winter destination is Alpe di Siusi in the Dolomites in Italy. We fly into Munich directly from Singapore and from there it’s about a four-hour car ride. We recommend staying at Alpina Dolomites – it’s an amazing five-star ski-in/ski-out boutique hotel with a touch of wellness. Offering views of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, the hotel also has a kids’ club so parents can enjoy the amazing five-course dinner every night!
Winter here is all about skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You’ll also have easy access to Val Gardena and the Stella Rhonda, so there is so much snow to ski. In the summer, you can do plenty of hiking and climbing, as this is Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow.
Natalie Dau
Morocco is an unconventional winter destination, with both the snowy Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. When I went there with my family last December, we visited all of the major cities – Rabat, Marrakesh, Chefchaouen and more – but the highlights were Fes and Merzouga.
Fes, with its car-free streets and narrow walkways, has managed to maintain its old-world charm. The medina, or old town, is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to experience Fes is to simply explore. Taking random side streets might lead you to some unexpected surprises. And when buying, don’t be afraid to haggle for a good price. One must-see spot is the Chaouwara leather tannery. The smell of the hides and dyes can be overwhelming, so don’t skip on the mint leaves! But if you can get past that, you’ll get a chance to see the traditional leather dyeing process, and even purchase some of the end products.
Merzouga, in the Moroccan Sahara, is a welcoming respite from the city. We stayed at the Royal Luxury Camp, which has tents with hot water and charging points. Riding camels was an exotic experience, but even more enthralling was seeing the night sky without light pollution. Visiting in winter helps beat the heat, but the strong winds will leave you shaking sand out of your clothes for the next week or so!
Natasha Lee
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Club Med PeiseyVallandry in the French Alps! Emirates flies from Singapore to Dubai and then onto Lyon. From there, it’s approximately a two-hour drive from the airport, with stunning views on the way. The all-inclusive resort is located at Plan Peisey, with a view of Mont Blanc, Beaufortain and the Tarentaise Valley. It’s one of the five Savoy villages – Landry, Peisey, Nancroix, Vallandry and Plan Peisey – which are inhabited all year round.
Besides skiing, you can enjoy a bit of après-ski. The village is also stunning – very quaint with loads of lovely shops, delis and cafés. Just outside Club Med, there is Sainte Trinité Church, which has the highest stone church tower in the Tarentaise Valley. And a 45-minute walk from the resort is Notre-Dame-desVernettes, a chapel located at 1,816 metres, at the foot of the Grande Aiguille Rousse – it’s accessible throughout the year. There’s also an old silver-lead mine about nine kilometres away.
Jacqui Young