Darren and Mark from our office met up with TV presenter and explorer Simon Reeve this week, chatting about his BBC2 programme 'Indian Ocean' and his adventures in this beautiful part of the world.
If you want to follow in Simon's footsteps then catch the next installment of his programme this Sunday on BBC2 at 8pm, or visit the destinations yourself by visiting www.indianoceanescapes.co.uk or calling Escape Worldwide on020 8989 0970 today.
Snorkelling in the Maldives
"Before I went I presumed the brochures must have been airbrushed or photoshopped, but the Maldives really is that beautiful! When we went snorkelling, I found myself surrounded by 8 giant manta rays swimming in formation - it was so mesmerising I forgot to breathe and my snorkel fell out of my mouth!"
Our Top Tip
At the Kuramathi Island Resort, guests can visit the Eco Centre to get involved with the coral reef research and to learn about the programme to improve environmental awareness, while the kids can learn all about the marine world with special presentations at the kids club.
Zanzibar - the ultimate in Far Flung places!
"When I was growing up in West London there were a few places that really sounded exotic and far flung, and Zanzibar was one of them, along with Madagascar that I also visited when I made the 'Indian Ocean' series. Zanzibar's history and influence over the region make it one of the most fascinating places to visit."
Our Top Tip
Don't just head to the beach on a visit to Zanzibar - spend a night or two in fascinating Stone Town, where Simon visited the old Slave Market on his recent trip (and where Mark always ends buying far too many spices!) to really get an insight in to the long and varied history of the Island.
Southern Sri Lanka - National Parks & Galle
"I think it's really important that we visit national parks and marine parks when we visit developing countries, as they won't exist without visitors - you can play a fundamental part in protecting a country's wildlife by getting out of your resort and visiting these area. Our time in Galle was marked by downpours, but that was as we ended up there at a less than ideal time due to me returning to the UK for the birth of my son!"
Our Top Tip
The Elephant Transit Home that Simon visited in Southern Sri Lanka is located at Udawalawe National Park - it's possible to foster an elephant at the Transit Home, which helps towards the Department of Wildlife Conservation's programme to rehabilitate elephants.
Eating Fruit Bat in the Seychelles
"It was my guide's suggestion for me to try fruit bat curry in the Seychelles, even though she hadn't tried it herself, and my crew willed her on! Fruit bats aren't endangered and are commonly eaten in the Seychelles, but I should have guessed from how powerful the curry was that the bat itself wasn't a highlight of the trip! I'd always urge visitors to a destination to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to trying new things."
Our Top Tip
For $12 visit Moyenne National Park, the smallest national park in the world, just off the north coast of the main island of the Seychelles, Mahe. Here, Simon met with Brendon Grimshaw, who bought the island in 1962 for £8000 and now lives amongst giant tortoises.
Download your copy of Kuoni's Indian Ocean with Simon Reeve brochure and special offers now!
It was a pleasure meeting Simon Reeve, and learning all about his travels.
Happy Travelling!
Darren
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk
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