REI Adventures Debuts 2013 Trips

SEATTLE, Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Adventure-seekers can cure their wanderlust by taking one of REI Adventures' 16 new trips for 2013. Highlights of the travel leader's new trips include adventures through Africa's exceptional landscapes, plush signature camps in Bryce and Zion, escapes to lands "down under," and family getaways to Greece.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121015/SF93527)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120306/SF65403LOGO)

Explore Africa in Style

REI Adventures' new Africa trips are designed to highlight the continent's incredible wildlife, unique cultures, and impressive activity options throughout the year.

"Africa is the place to be – whether it's a safari, a family trip or a remote getaway with your favorite travel mate, we've pulled together incredible, experiential itineraries," says Cynthia Dunbar, REI Adventures manager.  "These trips combine premier wildlife viewing, muscle-powered activity, and deluxe accommodations for travelers interested in exploring the many wonders of Africa."

To experience this region, guests can now choose from six itineraries that take them on safari through the pristine wetlands and mopane forests of Botswana's Okavango Delta, across Namibia's breathtaking desert landscapes and red dunes on foot, and on a hike to the top of 19,341-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro. New trips for 2013 are available for booking now to the following destinations:

• Botswana -- In each of the three new Botswana trips experienced local safari guides navigate guests through one of the earth's largest and most pristine inland deltas or deserts for an abundance of wildlife viewing by day, with a variety of accommodations ranging from comfortable canvas tents to deluxe safari camps, depending on preference.  
• Namibia -- On the Namibia Ultimate Adventure & Safari guests will enjoy glowing red desert sunsets combined with hiking and mountain biking in awe-inspiring landscapes and luxurious camping and lodging in some of the most remote, untouched places in all of southern Africa.
• South Africa -- Explore the very best of South Africa's town and country, Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve on the South Africa Ultimate Adventure & Safari.
• Mount Kilimanjaro -- Experience the complete thrill of trekking to the roof of Africa. In addition to the Marangu route, REI will begin taking guests on the less-traveled Lemosho route. African guides lead guests on this eight-day trek to the top of one of the seven summits on this expedition adventure. 

Be Pampered in Bryce and Zion

Now this is camping! For those looking to add some "cush" to their camping experience, REI Adventures now offers "Signature Camps" in Bryce and Zion. After a day of exploring, guests return to fully outfitted campsites brimming with the comforts of home, from hot showers and flush toilets to spacious tents, comfortable sleeping pads on-top of sturdy cots, and amenities galore. Combined trips to Bryce and Zion, weekend and family trips are also available.

Seek Adventure in the Lands "Down-Under"

See the icons of the South Pacific with the new trips in Australia and New Zealand.  On these trips, guests will experience action-packed adventures surrounded by the beauty of these famous islands.

Australia's 12-day Ultimate Adventure is almost like taking three different vacations in one, as guests get to explore lush rainforests, ultimate deserts and the world's famous Great Barrier Reef. Or, leading guides will share the best New Zealand has to offer including kayaking on Milford Sound, hiking on Franz Josef glacier and thrill-seeking activities in Queenstown.  

Opa! Explore Greece with the Entire Family

Show kids the true beauty of being outdoors and help build memories with more than a dozen REI Adventures Family Adventure offerings. New highlights for 2013 include a family trip to Greece with itineraries built specifically with the kids in mind.  

On any REI Family Adventure kids can look forward to receiving an REI day pack, a t-shirt, access to REI's family games bag throughout their trip, an REI travel certificate upon completion of their adventure and some other surprise items prior to departure and during the trip.

About REI Adventures:

Award-winning REI Adventures has been a global leader in worldwide guided active adventure programs since 1987. The company offers unique itineraries focused on sustainable, human-powered outdoor adventure including: hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and more. Guests will experience iconic destinations as guides take them off the "beaten path," and provide opportunities to explore a destination, get to know the local people, their culture, the flora and fauna and discover things they would not be able to duplicate on their own or with another travel company. REI members receive a special discount price on most trips. For more information, full itineraries and trip reviews provided by guests, visit www.rei.com/adventures.

About REI:

REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

SOURCE REI Adventures