Rafting is an exciting outdoor sport that is mainly done with the help of an inflatable boat. One has to navigate an entire river with the help of this boat and the roughness of the water and the unpredictable flow thrills the raft lovers. This is almost a leisure sport today and dates back to the 1970s. sometimes it could be dangerous so caution is the keyword.

With the multi layered boat which is very durable the boat comes in different shapes and sizes and one only has to learn to know to maneuver it. In India, river rafting is a popular sport and the river rafting at River Ganges is considered one of the best. The River Ganga, the sacred Indian river, revered by all and worshipped fervently. This river provides one of the best rafting locales with its mystical nature and rapid flow. The smooth flowing river gives enough thrill and excitement to the rafters and the starting point is crucial to have perfect pleasure.

With Rishikesh as the ideal starting point, the long path of 36 kms to Kaudilyala is very exciting and joy unfounded. The 12 major rapids provide river rafting in Ganges a perfect score and the adventure lovers would never go back disappointed from here.

Many rafters across the world come here and the very fact that they are in the world famous River Ganges, overwhelms them. With the number of rafters overflowing, the river with its rapids needs the alert maneuvering of the rafter to have a well planned experience.

It is the rafter who should have perfect balancing methods and the powerful rapids are to be overcome with a lot of tact. It is a strange thing that after the exciting flow through rocks and forests, the River Ganga becomes exceedingly calm at Rishikesh.

River Rafting has its own specific gear. A pair of goggles, outdoor gear, antiseptic cream etc is a must. Besides it is better to carry a swim wear, sandals, tennis shoes and a pair of nylon shorts and hat during the months of summer.  It is a good idea to wear clothes in layers, so that if necessary you can take it off as necessary.

A rafter should be physically fit and have mental resilience. The person should be fearless of water sports, and should carry enough bags, clothes and boxes, mosquito repellents, enough medicines, and similar medicine kits. These are some of the requisites of river rafting and it is best followed.

River Rafting involves a lot of training so it is advisable to take some training before performing, this sport.

In this way river rafting is a great adventurous activity in the River Ganges and one should not miss a chance to get this experience.

Here’s why:

It’s great for kitesurfers. Sea temperatures rarely fall below 18C, conditions remain excellent for all standards, and destinations are really well developed.

Kitesurfing on Egypt’s flat waters

It’s a scuba fans dream. While all we are seeing above the surface is drama, under the water Egypt has some of the best dive spots in the world. As well as a collection of reefs, there are submarine canyons and the submerged wreck of the SS Thistlegorm to discover.

Culturally, it will always attract tourists. Ancient Egypt dates back 5,000 years to a time when the cities of the Nile were united under the Pharaohs. It’s a period of pyramids and dynasties; one that spawned discoveries in mathematics, medicine, agriculture and calligraphy: it’s a fascinating visit.

Adventurers love it: From the Indiana Jones wannabies to the hardcore over-landers, even for the gap year travellers, Egypt attracts. Huge swathes of desert, the Nile Delta, Bedouin villages, camel trains, multi-activity holidays and outrageous 4×4 adventures in the Sahara desert, there’s much to be endured but even more to be enjoyed.

It’s a bargain: There are few places where you can enjoy adventure sports in such luxurious surroundings for such little money. Egypt is cheap and has been a firm favourite of holidaymakers for many years.

And if you won’t take our word for it, here’s what an expert for the tourism industry, Marcus Bull, senior travel consultant at Planet Travel, has to say:

“It is inevitable that, in the short term, some holidaymakers will not wish to travel to the region, although we continue to take new bookings. Nowhere else can you find such a perfect climate, incredible value and perfect conditions for watersports all year within just a five hour flight from the UK.”

On top of a mountain

Photo from Flickr user: M. Janicki

Just about any mountain will do. It could be Everest after a short trekking holiday in Nepal, or even one of the Lake District’s peaks after a day walk. Popping the question on top of a hill is one of the best ways to do it. Why? Well, having made it up there you’ll both be elated, your hearts thumping, with broad beaming smiles; a great time then to dig that ring box out of the waterproof case in the bottom of your day sack – and as you can be completely alone, you will also avoid any embarrassment should it go wrong!

At the bottom of the ocean

Yes, it’s been done before; people have even got married in full scuba gear. However, it’s not an easy one this: You’ll need to work on your hand signals, perhaps spell out your devotion on a marker board – it’s either that or write it out in seashells on the ocean’s floor.

At 50,000ft

No, not taking on some high altitude parachute jump, but in the aircraft on your way to a holiday together. Book some champagne for your in-flight meal, and once it’s served do the honourable thing and get down on one knee. This bold move is almost the exact opposite of popping the question at the top of a mountain: there’s nowhere for your partner to run, and should it go wrong, you’ll be left bright red with embarrassment pretending you were just looking under your seat for something. If successful, you can always announce the good news over the intercom and receive a round of applause for your bravery.

On an overland trek

You really can get to visit just about every region of the world, it just takes a little time and a lot of planning. Either pick up a ring beforehand or keep your eyes open and spot a little bling along the way. With so much variety scheduled, it’s just down to you to make the final decision: pop the question during a campsite sunset? Or in the wilderness, sat on the bonnet of your vehicle, sharing that can of cold beer you stashed long ago?

Pop it on the piste

Everyone’s making the most of a fantastic European winter season, so why not make yours a magical one and get hooked up during your skiing holiday? Try it half way down a black run or half way up the mountain on the chair lift. Whichever you choose, you can guarantee the extra thought you put into popping the question will be repaid in full in the years to come –not just during the après ski celebrations!

Cruise Ship Docking at St Thomas

After a long time thinking about the shore excursion marketplace, Viator now offers a very diverse and rapidly growing range of shore excursions as an alternative to the cruise line offerings. Here are some of the reasons you might want to consider us, next time you cruise:

Don’t be taken for granted!

As a passenger you are a captive market, and the cruise lines do tend to charge premium prices for a limited range of shore excursions. You can, on the one hand, rush to the sign-ups on board, get your name down for whatever’s left, pay full price (or more!), and then get treated like the people who bought the cheap seats when you’re on shore. Well, you wanted to do this excursion, and you had no choice, right?

Wrong! Your alternative is to check out Viator’s offerings in your ports of call before you leave home. You’ll find an extensive product range, reviews by actual customers like you, and excellent pricing.

Don’t be one of the crowd!

Relax as the rest of the herd race off, sheep-like, when you reach port. Your personal driver and tour guide await you, and you can take a little more time about everything. As Dee explained in her review of our Grand Cayman Shore Excursion: West Bay Sightseeing Tour:

“This was the trip of the a lifetime!!! The tour consisted of my family and another couple, therefore we didn’t feel rushed. We could ask as many questions as we wanted. Leonardo was very knowledgeable and made our tour run. For this reason we are glad that we booked our shore excursion independently.”

And here’s the big payoff: tonight, over dinner, when your fellow diners note that they didn’t see you on shore today, you can let slip that “We took a private tour that we arranged a few weeks ago…” One-upmanship works best when you are actually on a ship, don’t you know?

Just relax!

One of the concerns cruise passengers often have about “3rd-party” shore excursions is that they’ll get left behind as their ship leaves port. Really? Look, it just doesn’t happen. All our operators are tuned-in to the comings and goings of the cruise ships, and will always have you back in port on time. And just in case you still don’t believe me, Viator shore excursions come with a Worry-Free Guarantee:

We will ensure your timely return to port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. See our terms and conditions for full details.

And also: if you booked a shore excursion for Monday and for some reason you don’t arrive in that port until Tuesday, don’t worry, we already know. We’ll be there!

Finally…

We also do transfers, to and from airports, hotels and your cruise ship. In places like Rome, (where making your way to Civitavecchia from the city is such a hassle that passengers worry about it for weeks in advance) our Private Transfer is a Godsend. As SylviaIan C states in their review:

“I was very impressed with this transfer. The driver arrived early. It was a nice car – black Mercedes. He was very professional and very handsome. I arrived at the port ahead of schedule. I would not hesitate to use this service again.”

Viator transfers are available in many cities around the world; browse our site for all the details.

-Rod Cuthbert

A brand new fleet of twelve 70-foot racing yachts has been announced for the 2013-14 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Sir Robin Knox Johnston will be celebrating 15 years at the top of global yacht racing events with the announcement, which heralds the third generation of Clipper racing yachts.

Photo from Flickr user: Eric The Fish (2010)

He said: “Racing around the world still remains one of life’s great challenges and I’m extremely proud to have witnessed over the past 15 years how the Clipper Race has changed people’s lives and turned almost 3,000 sailing novices into experienced ocean racers.”

Naval architect Tony Castro’s Clipper 70 will be built in China and fitted out in the UK. His design is believed to be perfectly suited for this kind of gruelling sailing event.

The Clipper fleet will increase from 10 to 12 yachts and retain an option for a further four. The new yachts will also have an increased crew capacity of 22, up from 20.

Among the new features are twin rudders, twin helms and a six-foot bowsprit, allowing the inclusion of the huge Code Zero sail to complement the Yankee headsails, staysail and the main.

This new sail will improve the performance during light airs, delivering higher daily average speeds across the 40,000-mile race. The mainsail will be set from a 92-foot mast and have three reefing points.

Sydney’s city lights

Views and Tunes

From the top deck of the MV Sydney 2000, Sydney Harbour is showcased brilliantly. Sydney’s icons shine from this vantage point. Nobody can guarantee a warm, clear night like the one we had but you can be sure views don’t get much better than this city on the Harbour from the water.

Where else can you dance to Waterloo and Brown Eyed Girl on a weeknight? A live band got us up and bopping and even snaking a conga line around the dining room. “You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life” (I cannot tell a lie, there was even a bit of Dancing Queen involved).

All This and Dinner Too

This is, of course, a dinner cruise and dinner doesn’t disappoint. In between running from one deck to another to gawk at the view and dashing to the dance floor, we were treated to an elegant three course dinner. I started with a satisfying gnocchi topped with parmesan. But I have to admit I was eyeing my neighbor’s plate of fresh seafood.

Scrumptious seafood

In my defense, I had ordered the salmon for my main course. For dessert I shouldn’t have had the “Captain’s Mess” which was a yummy sweet concoction that I couldn’t resist. Resistance is futile. Just blame it on the moonlight.

Reaching the Summit of Mount Kinabalu

At over 13,435 feet Mount Kinabalu stands as the tallest peak in Southeast Asia, higher than anything between New Guinea and the Himalayas.  The mountain’s horny crown of granite peaks spread out in a bizarre moonscape that seems to trade in all vegetation for views too beautiful to blink.  Of course there is a physical price to pay for such a view and it doesn’t come cheap.  The summit trail is a relentless chain of steps that stretch end to end for 9km (but between you me that 9km doesn’t account for the incline).  We gathered ourselves in Kota Kinabalu or KK, the Malaysian state of Sabah’s capital city and about a 2.5 hour flight from Singapore.  The city is far from breathtaking by itself, but serves as a great launching pad for several different adventure tours around Borneo.  Another benefit is its proximity to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a collection of 5 small islands 15 minutes away by boat that offer great beaches, hiking, and snorkeling.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

DAY 1

We leave behind the island life of KK after taking down one last meal of pasta for the adventure ahead of us at Kinabalu National Park.  Our driver stops off at the entrance to the park before driving on to the trailhead in order to secure the mandatory permits, insurance, and guide.  Our guide Veronica is one of only a few woman guides in a job that demands the endurance to summit every couple of days and the patience to wade through our bad jokes.

Summit Trail to Mount Kinabalu

The trail begins with a few hundred yards of downhill, an ironic joke for those who know the trail ahead holds nothing but up.  Seemingly endless steps along the trail have been built out of stones, roots, planks, dirt, and more stones.  Frequent breaks are our best friend, and compliment nicely Veronica’s motherly words of “jalan palang palang” which roughly translates to “slow and steady.”  A relentless 6 hours of stair stepping brings us to a small cluster of mountain rest houses, our accommodations for the night.  The digs are dorm room style with an adjacent restaurant that serves decent grub.  The food is made all the more appreciated when you realize that every ounce of ingredients has to be carried up a mountain on foot.  The view from the rest house during sunset is incredible as you’re now over 10,000 feet and amidst the dramatic clouds that spread out across Borneo.  As soon as the sun went down we crawl into sleeping bags and crash in preparation for our 2am wake up call to conquer the summit.

DAY 2

The sound of a pre-recorded rooster lets everyone know it’s time to wake up.  We shuffle out of our dorm room and collect the things we would need to summit: headlamp, camera, snacks, water, etc..  The weather atop Mount Kinabalu can change quickly, with temperatures commonly dipping close to freezing and wind that will blow you off the mountain.  The stretch of trail to the summit is a combination of built stairs between large boulders, ropes climb with through the steep sections, and finally an open granite landscape near the summit.  Of course all of this is hidden from us under the darkness of night (which can be a bit unnerving at times).  As we arrive at the summit there is a faint light growing off to the east and we know the best part of our tour is only minutes away.  Each passing minute brightens the vistas around us, which in turn ushers in a fresh round of photo ops and camera clicking.  The view as the sun rises over the horizon is unreal.  The sky in every direction holds colors of pinks and reds overlaid on a blanket of deep blues.  The lush topography of Borneo some 10,000 feet below is laid out in front of us like we’re looking at a map.  To witness a complete sunrise from the top of Mount Kinabalu is an incredibly powerful experience, and makes every last strenuous step worth it.

Sunrise From Mount Kinabalu

Once we thoroughly capture the awesome panoramas from the summit we begin the grueling task of reversing our tracks.  On our way down we opt for the Via Ferrata (Italian for “iron road”) which is a novice rock climbing route that offers a technical twist to the hike down for an additional cost.  To the uninitiated it would seem that the hike up would be the more physically taxing, but there is unanimous consent among hikers that the hike down is far more arduous.  Our legs felt numb by the time we reached our transport to carry us off to the Poring Hot Springs, where our legs would begin their slow recovery.

Poring Hot Springs is located further inland from Mount Kinabalu and doubles as a nature research center.  There we are able to soak our aching muscles in pools of steaming sulfuric water (fresh water pools also available) while toasting ourselves with several well deserved rounds of Tiger Beer, the proverbial Bud Light of Malaysia.  I would strongly encourage the booking of the River Lodge, a luxurious 2 bedroom with living room detached unit, for any accommodations instead of the group dorm rooms.  After Mount Kinabalu you’ve earned it!

DAY 3

Canopy Walk Poring Hot Springs

The last day of our tour begins with the much-anticipated Canopy Walk .  After a short walk from the Hot Springs up a few switchbacks (uugghh my legs) we arrive at the start of a suspended foot bridge that spans between canopy trees 120 feet off the rainforest floor.  At 8am the sounds of the rainforest are alive and thick, giving one the sense that he or she is in a truly wild place.

The transport back to KK takes about 3 hours by car but depends in some part to how much your driver wants to race in formula one.  Ours would not hesitate to pass slow moving semis on a blind curve two gears too low.  We arrive back in KK in one piece (albeit with a quick blessing under our breath), but with our legs feeling like razor blades.  Our 3 day 2 night tour is complete but not without a mountain of memories, accomplishment, advil and great photos!

Because trekking doesn’t have to be a struggle, I have picked out five special hikes for next summer.

Hadrian’s Wall Path, UK

How to celebrate the 1,600th anniversary of the end of Roman Britain? Why not hike the entire 84-mile length of Hadrian’s Wall. It takes 6 to 9 days starting from the Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend to ending at the Cumbrian coast (at Bowness). No peaks, no high passes – just lots of sheep and farmlands in Tynedale, the occasional rainy day and the best of England’s countryside.

Hiking the stunning Hadrian’s Wall Path

Many barns, B&Bs, campsites and hostels are available along the entire path and you don’t need previous experience of long-distance hiking. Feasible all year round but strongly suggested between May and October (to avoid harming the ancient paths during the winter months). Check as well the tide predictions for the Cumbrian coast before you start. For more info visit nationaltrail.co.uk.

Mare e Monti, France

The GR20 in Corsica is a tough trek, and it’s the ultimate trail for many European hikers. However it comes with drawbacks: basic accommodations, strenuous trails and few options to buy food (let alone, enjoy a fine Corsican meal). It’s also crowded, especially in July and August.

Any better options here on Europe’s most mountainous island?

Corsica does offer less demanding and beautiful trail options: two Mare e Monti (from sea to mountain) and three Mare a Mare (from sea to sea) trails. And mixing the GR20 with the less popular Tra Mare e Monti and Da Mare Mare trails gives you a few benefits: in Calvi, a frozen Pietra, an amber beer brewed from a mix of malt and chestnut flour; the independence museum in the old city of Corte; and most of the maquis for yourself (even in August).

Allow some extra time for the beautiful, quiet and remote towns of Galeria and Girolata. No fellow hikers for hours and no need to book an expensive cab to reach the path, just board the Trinighellu train that runs from Corte – Calvi – Ajaccio – Bastia (where you can catch a ferry or a flight back to the continent). May, June and September are the best choices for a hike in Corsica. Plan at least 10 days. For more info visit parc-corse.org.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Hiking on the Italian Riviera, in the rugged portion of coast between Riomaggiore and Monterosso, is breathtaking. No cars are allowed here, and an amazing trail connects the five famous towns of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

The beauty of the trails in Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre is that they are ideal for novice hikers, or even for non-hikers who have a free weekend to spare. You can choose different hikes, including the very famous Via Dell’Amore, a semi-strenuous hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola; or the easier stretch from Manarola to Corniglia.

For a longer or more challenging hike, try the high road or Sentiero Rosso. You don’t have to hike between all five villages at one time (many B&B and hotels are available in the area) and, best of all, you can hike here all year round. (If you want to do book a Cinque Terre day hike from Florence, visit the Viator site.)

Estérel, France

Nice, St. Raphael, Cannes, Antibes: when you think about the French Riviera, hiking is not probably the first activity that comes to mind. But there’s more to the French Riviera than sunny beaches and a film festival. A spectacular network of footpaths allows you to hike the entire region, including a challenging hike above the seaside into the Estérel mountains, with superb views of the islands of Lérins and Cannes.

If you stay close to the coast and avoid the highest peaks, you can hike from March until November. There are also plenty of easier options – you can always put together your own combination of trails in the French Riviera. If you are looking for longer distances, you can choose between the Sentier du littoral, the GR49 or GR51.

North Down Way, UK

Want to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims without hiking the long (and frankly boring) Camino de Santiago de Compostela? Then the 153-mile  North Down Way is for you. It offers a peaceful Southern England landscape with spectacular views of Surrey and Kent.

From Farnham to Dover, the path is never far from a train or a bus to London or a flight to the Continent, while still offering plenty of honest-to-goodness wilderness and pure, glorious nature. The pilgrimage? That comes at the cathedral city of Canterbury along the way (just two days before reaching the White Cliffs of Dover). April to July and September to November are the best times here, though it can be managed year round. Give yourself 10 to 14 days to complete the entire circuit.

The creation of the first permanent platform by A J Hackett at Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand in the late 1980’s saw bungee jumping take off as an extreme activity. Variations on fixed-platform jumps are now also popular, as are leaps from hot air balloons and helicopters. Listed below are ten top bungee jumping locations.

1. Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, Canon City, Colorado

The highest suspension bridge in the world is 321m (1053ft) above the Arkansas River. Bungee jumping from the bridge takes place during the Go Fast Games once a year, making advance booking a necessity. Adding to the dizzying effects of the height is the walk across the wooden boards to the jump site; looking straight down through the gaps you can see the river below. Take in the majestic view of the canyon walls, the distant river and the trains passing below before leaping into the air.

2. Nevis Highwire Bungee, Queenstown, New Zealand

Set between two hills and suspended on steel cables, the jump pod can only be reached by cable car. The drop looks much further than 134m (440ft) when viewed through the car’s glass floor. Take a minute to enjoy the scenery while your safety equipment is checked. The canyon you are about to jump into is wide at its top but narrows dramatically. There is also plenty of time to enjoy the scenery on the way back up too.

3. Colorado River Bridge, Costa Rica

A tropical rainforest with lush green vegetation as far as the eye can see, this is one of the most beautiful bungee locations. The bridge is 81m (265ft) high and has been closed to traffic for many years. As you stand at the edge of the bridge, heart-in-mouth, waiting to jump, you get to really appreciate the majestic nature of the rainforest. The site is a real must for adrenalin lovers, as once you have completed your jump you can try also rock climbing as well as paragliding.

4. Verzasca Dam, Val Verzasca, Switzerland

The dam is 220m (721ft) high with the huge Lake Vogorno as its backdrop. Since James Bond was filmed jumping here for the film ‘Golden Eye’, this has become one of the most popular bungee destinations. Now you too can be an undercover agent – if just for a few seconds. Courage and determination are needed for this one, as well as real faith in your equipment – beginners should think twice.

5. Volcano Bungee, Pucon, Chile

Not for the faint hearted, this jump involves leaping from a helicopter into an active volcano. The jump itself is about 106m (350ft) from the helicopter to the furthest reach of the cord. Be prepared to feel the heat, as you come within 200m (700ft) of molten lava. The excitement doesn’t end there: You then dangle from the cord beneath the helicopter as it returns to base, over 35 miles away. Jump and ride.

6. Blue Thunder Bungee, Centre of Gravity, Edmonton, Alberta

Located at a the World Water Park in the West Edmonton shopping mall and at 32m (106ft) above the wave machine, this is the highest indoor bungee in the world. Once you have committed to jump, you then get to select a full or ankle harness and can also opt for a full body dip in the pool’s 1.8m (6ft) of water. With shoppers stopping to look through huge glass windows and swimmers in the neighbouring pools, this must be one of the most intimidating bungee audiences.

7. Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa

Bloukrans Bridge is a single-span arch in the Western Cape above the Bloukrans River. As part of the Tsitsikamma national park it guarantees fantastic views. You can walk under the road to the top of the arch or use the Flying Fox, a zip wire, which will deliver you at speed to the jump site. After the countdown the jump of 216m (710ft) is smooth, as it utilises pendulum technology. After conquering your fear of heights, perhaps enjoy the rest of the Garden Route from the water in canoes, or take a walk into the mountains.

8. Ledge Urban Bungee, Queenstown, New Zealand

Imagine the fear moments before a jump, now imagine taking a running jump: the Ledge Urban Bungee takes you to this place. A runway leads to the edge, allowing jumpers to run, then leap out into the sky above Queenstown . If that isn’t terrifying enough, do it at night with the town’s lights twinking 400m (1312ft) below.

9. Bhote Kosi River, Himalayas, Nepal

A steel suspension bridge connects two sides of a valley through which the Bhote Kosi River races. Here, freefalling for 160m (524ft) is an exhilarating experience, made more intense by the view across the Himalayas. To keep the adrenalin pumping and see the river from a different angle, why not later raft its white-water rapids.

10. Victoria Falls Bridge, Zimbabwe/ Zambia

On the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight, and stretches more than 1.6km (1m). The bridge is roughly 152m (500ft) above the Zambezi River and commands an awe-inspiring view. Plummeting towards the fast-flowing water, you soon appreciate the expertise of the safety crew and their equipment. A crew member retrieves you after the jump, then you are winched back up – all the while probably asking for another go.

And such is the celebration of Tuareg Festival which has been happening each spring, from last three years, in the hot desert of Sahara. It’s just two hours drive in north of Agadez, Niger, that’s actually in middle of desert- the Sahara.

The Niger’s national government along with the local Tuareg tribal people organizes this Festival Tuareg.

What’s that making it so exciting that you come from half way through world in middle of Sahara desert? Well its these tribal people, and experiencing with them, their own life and living. To have sumptuous, delicious delectable, to hear the music and dance underneath the sky littered with tiny little bulbs of stars. And well there is more to go…

This is a three-day event, in world’s largest desert, on sandy patch earth, here becomes center of the Tuareg world.

Once you arrive at this Tuareg world of Tuared festival, upon its first sighting all you will see is the traditional and customs of Tuareg Tribe.

Men will be seen in head-covering with cheches, with their traditional blue bubu robes that trails to ground. As men and women keep dropping in by Land Cruiser and Camel cruiser for the days of festival, the tribe of Tuareg gets together to meet up, greets, and even trades. The tribe’s women will be seen in plenty all socializing, and reuniting with their family and friends, sighted gossiping around the edges.

This is a semi-nomadic tribe of Tuaregs, which is also called as “the blue men” and tahts because they seem to have blue skin. Hey nope these are no different, but have normal skin like us. Rather this blue tinge on their skin is because of the blue color robes that they wear, uses ground lapis that’s used for coloring their robes, keeps rubbing off on their skin and that’s why these men are men in blue! Tuareg people are known to be initially standoffish when with strangers, but once acquainted, you will be their bosom pal and they are most genial and welcoming of hosts.

At Tuareg festival you can shop till you drop if you like to have the authentic goods, very intricately made handmade local handicrafts as well as Berber silver jewelry. These are damn beautiful and could become a superb piece of décor at home and souvenir to take home as well as some different gift to give.

Well you must have sexy legs of stunning and stupendous models walking on ramp, wearing exotic designer wear, at Tuareg Festival there is another beauty pageant which can match no other in world and that is beauty pageant of camels other then beauty contest that are held. But the most exciting is of camel! Because they have to be judged for their beauty, strength, by a race and how they have been decorated. And that’s fun and very hilarious event, but you ought to see the spirit of competition in Tuareg people, as how they cheer for their camel as if some lover is passionate.

Other then that there are singing competitions, beauty contests, and artistic prowess, while these Tuaregs take all these competitions very seriously as they shout and cheer for their representatives. And such is the enthusiasm which is very much commendable.

The festival craze draws Tuaregs from far away as Mali, Libya and Algeria.

The excitement doesn’t just keeps to day time but heightens with night at night, as day’s scheduled programs are out of way, festival’s central stage gets cleared, where the uniquely North African style of rock and roll shows breaks out, which takes place each night, people reveling till wee hours of dawn.

Feast: That’s the yummy part and all foodies, this will be three day paradise. There is tasty grilled mutton kebabs and aroma filled fresh breads to eat, and don’t miss to try traditionally sugary with mint Tuareg tea which is served as screaming hot to drink. Well the kebabs here are of many types and taste and you will love licking o your fingers.

Like amazing Sahara itself–as its long chains of the sand dunes that keeps shifting with each movement of the sun and its shade–the character and spirit of festival also changes by very hour. That’s the fun and excitement of being at Tuareg festival but it’s with grain of sand!

Next year’s Festival Tuareg has not been officially scheduled, though it occurs in mid-February. The festival will give you a chance to live a life of nomad and have the best time of desert camping but most of all will give you chance to mingle with men in blue and take in your system some grains of sand.