REI Adventures Unveils First Round of New Trips for 2015

SEATTLE, May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading adventure travel company, REI Adventures, announces their first iteration of new trips for 2015, with several adventures beginning in late 2014. The new line-up features trending hot spots and hidden gems, including Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way and several African destinations on the New York Times' "52 places to go in 2014" list: Cape Town, South Africa; Laikipia Plateau in Kenya; and Namibia.

Coastal Cycling in Ireland
REI Adventures mapped a dream trip through diverse landscapes, isolated castles and vibrant local culture. Cyclists travel through the dramatic rocky terrain of Burren, old-world culture of the Aran Islands, and mountains of Connemara. They will also enjoy unique aspects of local culture, including quintessential Irish "craic," music, tea at the house made famous by the sitcom "Father Ted" and tall pints of Guinness.

Virgin Islands Volunteer Vacation
U.S. Virgin Islands National Park provides a beautiful backdrop for those looking to give back through "sweat equity" to preserve natural spaces. In partnership with Conservation Volunteers International Program, travelers work alongside National Park Service rangers on critical conservation and maintenance projects to stabilize important sites and maintain high traffic trails.  With departures starting in 2014, the itinerary balances 10 rewarding days of volunteer work with two days of well-deserved relaxation.

Africa Adventures
As a leading tour operator in Africa, REI Adventures continues to pioneer travel on the continent with the addition of four innovative new trips to explore its diverse countries. The adventures involve immersion with local tribes, active safaris (on foot and in the ocean), untracked routes, unforgettable wildlife viewing, and family specific voyages.

• Kenya Walking Safari: This safari enables travelers to experience life like a local tribesman – on foot. Adventurers will explore the varied landscapes of Kenya and integrate with indigenous tribes on a truly unique walking safari. The trip includes three days following a Samburu guide on foot through the Laikipia Plateau, visiting remote and pristine Meru National Park, and exploring the Maasai Mara – one of the world's premier wildlife viewing destinations.
• South Africa & Botswana Safari Family Adventure: Designed specifically for the entire family, the South Africa & Botswana Safari Family Adventure is loaded with unforgettable, active experiences unique to South Africa and Botswana. Highlights include kayaking with penguins, ocean safaris, hiking coastal trails, night safaris with rangers and plenty of up-close wildlife viewing. To ensure family members of all ages are comfortable, travelers stay in each location for three days, allowing for maximum safari fun and adventure and minimizing time spent moving, packing and unpacking. On every REI Family Adventure, kids receive their own Kids Adventure Pack, include an REI Flash Pack with a cool T-shirt and travel journal inside. Families will love traveling with REI's Family Games Bag filled with travel-friendly games for the whole group to enjoy.
• Namibia Ultimate Adventure & Safari: REI enhanced the Namibia Ultimate Adventure and Safari to create a longer, active yet more affordable safari. As a wilderness experience, this trip offers total immersion in the desert – climbing some of the world's tallest sand dunes in Sossusvlei, exploring the austere beauty of the iconic Skeleton Coast and stalking the diverse wildlife in Etosha National Park. At night, a once-in-a-lifetime star displays welcome adventurers in one of the continent's only dark sky reserves, the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Trip departures start in late 2014, and travelers get to be among the first to stay at the highly-anticipated Hoanib Skeleton Coast camp.
• Kenya Classic Safari: For wildlife enthusiasts, lions, elephants, giraffes and more are abundant on this classic Kenya safari. REI Adventures sought out the very best wildlife parks, reserves and local guides to showcase the incredible wildlife in Kenya, including the opportunity to view rare white and black rhinos in their natural habitat. Expert Kenyan guides reveal the wonders of Africa's grasslands on bush walks and game drives at Amboseli National Park, the Laikipia Plateau, and the world-famous Maasai Mara. Travelers will relax each night in exotic luxury, staying in deluxe safari camps specifically chosen for comfort and game-viewing access. REI's camps are among the "greenest" in Kenya with sustainability initiatives incorporated in every aspect.

REI Adventures will announce the second phase of new trips for 2015 in October. For more information about REI's trips, visit www.rei.com/adventures or call (800) 622-2236.

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 http://www.rei.com/adventures.

About REI
REI is a $2 billion national multichannel retail co-op headquartered outside of Seattle. With more than five million active members, REI serves the needs of outdoor adventurers through innovative, quality products; inspiring classes and trips; and integrated customer service that allows shoppers to buy great gear and clothing in any way they want. REI has 135 stores in 33 states and REI.com and REI.com/outlet. Anyone may shop with REI, while members pay a one-time $20 fee to receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on patronage. Membership in the co-op also includes special promotions and discounts on REI Adventures trips and REI Outdoor School classes.

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