$9,000 Kenya Safari Up for Grabs in iExplore's Photo Safari Contest; Weekly Prizes Awarded

NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning travel site iExplore has kicked off a new contest for those who love to document their travels with photographs – no matter where in the world they were shot.  The "Photo Safari Contest" winner, as judged by nine award-winning travel photographers, media writers and popular vote, receives a $9,000 "Classic Kenya Safari" for two.  A paradise for animal lovers, the Kenya safari includes accommodations in a luxury tented camp at Masai Mara, at Elementaita with easy access to Lake Nakuru National Park, and a top hotel; expert guide escorts on game drives, most meals and flights from NY or DC. A second place winner enjoys "His & Her" ExOfficio Storm Logic Jackets and a $500 iExplore travel voucher; all finalists as well as 50 "Judge's Favorites," also receive prizes. The contest runs from February 8 through April 22, 2011. No purchase is required for entry.

The process for entry couldn't be simpler: visit http://photocontest.iexplore.com/, register, upload your best photograph, and then spread the word.  Entrants easily share entries (to garner votes) with friends and family via social media tools or word of mouth. Each week one judge will select five to six of their favorite shots for display on the "Judge's Favorites" page. Those photographers will receive $100 Adventure Center travel vouchers.  At the end of the contest, the top 20 photos vote-getters move on as finalists.  iExplore's judges will choose  the winner and runner-up based on creativity, photographic quality and composition. Winners will be notified on or around May 6, 2011. Contestants can enter more than once by registering with a different e-mail address.

Anyone feeling inspired by the world-class photos on display can head over to iExplore's website to check out hundreds of adventure tour offerings. Although there is no purchase requirement for the contest, iExplore adventures, such as exploring India on a nine-day cultural tour ($1,879), or sailing off to the White Continent (Antarctica) for 13 days ($5,690) will surely tempt any visitor to the site – especially after seeing some of these destinations highlighted in the photo entries.

Founded in 1999, iExplore has won numerous awards for "Best Adventure Travel Website" by Forbes Magazine, Travel + Leisure and Time Magazine and is the leading North American website for adventure and experiential travel with over one million unique visitors each month. www.iexplore.com.

SOURCE iExplore