Despite the Nyami Nyami giving us a little too much water for the beginning of the season, our first few trips have been fantastic! Having to get on at number 10 rather than number 1 didn’t stop Barbara and her family having loads of fun on our first Zambezi Blast trip to celebrate her 70th Birthday, under the watchful eye of Tembo they breezed all the way down to Moemba, no swims, loads of laughs, big smiles all round! We’ve sent three guides down to Zambia for the season his year, Steve from the UK, who’s fresh from our seasons in Morocco and Turkey, Andy from the US who you might have seen out in Morocco with us before, and was out on the Zambezi last year, and Anika, also from the US, proudly representing for the ladies and ripping it up in her kayak as well as in the rafts, they’re a great team and we’re really excited that they’ll be looking after you guys on each of our trips this season. Anika and Andy flew into town to guide our first seven day trip of the season, and were joined on the first few days by a fun … Continue reading
Why go Kayaking in Turkey?
There’s one very simple answer to this question – the Çoruh. It’s fast and furious, but one of the gems of Eastern Europe for sure. On our ‘Paddling Playground’ trips you’ll get the chance to paddle the very best sections of the Çoruh as well as sampling the delights that the Barhal River has to offer too. This year is going to be very special in Turkey as it’s the last time that certain sections of the Çoruh will be free flowing due to the dam at Ispir nearing completion, so we’re planning on going out with a bang! Our rafting trips are almost all booked up now, and it would be great to know that we were able to share these beauties with as many kayakers as possible too. You’ll paddle the famous Yusefeli and Ispir Gorges, and throughout the trip find great play holes, surf waves and more white water than you can shake a stick at! A trip to Turkey isn’t all about the river though, there’s so much else to explore! Istanbul is a fascinating city, young and vibrant yet full of history, it’s definitely worth a stop over on your way through to Erzurum. All … Continue reading
Moroccan Madness
If you believe in karma you sometimes wonder what some creatures did in a previous life to deserve their present state. Questions like this riddle the brain when you travel in Morocco. For example, what creature deserved to be reincarnated as the Moroccan donkey that suddenly collapsed dead in front of my van under a load of two tonnes of cement causing a horrific traffic jam in Marrakech. An even more severe example are those who revisit this earth as Berber women, the hardest working souls in Northern Africa, whose husbands lounge in the tea and coffee shops sipping strong brews and generally do nothing. Yet another example of severe karmic debt repaid in Morocco are those Water By Nature guides who experienced the most difficult rafting and kayaking season to date. Morocco is a beautiful country with a rich culture, varied geography, and interesting people. It is a land that is not quite Africa and not quite Europe. Some say its Islamic roots classify it with the Middle East but even still its geographical displacement keeps it separated from this region as well. As a result, this No Man’s Land of a country is a unique destination. In addition … Continue reading
Kayaking In Morocco?
Its about this time of the year that UK and European paddlers get itchy feet and want to jet off somewhere a little warmer for some fun in the sun. Fed from the Atlas mountains, the clear waters of the Ahansel River in Morocco provide the perfect escape! The perfect time to visit this exotic destination is March and April when the snow melts and feeds into the rivers. The trip is around 100 kilometres in length and makes for a comfortable 4 days paddling in the heart of Berber country. Drag your eyes from the river and you will be streated to stunning gorges and Kasbahs dotted across the hilltops. This year has seen record rainfall (and snow) so we can expect a long and water filled season. Your journey starts and finishes in the amazing city of Marrakech. This ancient town filled with history and fascinating culture is a feast for the senses. From the moment you arrive in the main square in the Medina (old town) you will be treated to sights, smells and sounds unique to Marrakech. Snake charmers, jugglers and story tellers entertain onlookers in the Djeema El Fna, alongside the many food stalls selling … Continue reading
