Pyramid selling
Great Pyramids, Giza Egypt
Why is it special?
One of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids at Giza in Egypt remain one of the world’s most instantly recognised symbols.
What can you do there?
A special oriental tent will be specially erected in the desert on a cliff overlooking the Great Pyramids. At night guests are invited to enjoy the hospitality of the Egyptian countryside. Upon arrival to the venue guests are welcomed by the famous Egyptian Zaffa of drummers, singers, horse dancing shows while an oriental welcome drink is served, inside the cheerfully decorated oriental tent full folkloric program will be on display while rich authentic Egyptian buffet is served. Alternatively, you can enjoy a Mameluke Night, where you will be taken back in time to magic and enchantment tales of Shahrazade in the one thousand and one night; guests are invited to the Sultan's tent, our steel structure tent will be erected facing the Pyramids; a path lit by flaming torches leads guests through the desert to the fabulous Sultan's tent. Inside you will observe that the decoration of tent is completely innovative, all white from inside with swathes of fabrics covering the ceiling and plush carpets covering the whole ground.
On every step, tent is fully decorated with old treasure boxes, incense burners, pottery, ornaments, statues, and old rugs, truly an evening worthy of a Sultan or a Sultana.
Contact
Tel: +202 26962139
Village people
Hatta Pools and Heritage Village, Dubai
Why is it special?
The major draw of the place is Hatta Pools, a miniature canyon full of rock pools and waterfalls. The Hatta Heritage Village was opened to the public in February 2001 after careful and extensive renovation. The village represents a fine example of the Heritage of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Situated 115km southeast of Dubai city in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, it provides the visitor with a fascinating glimpse into Dubai's historical past. The two towers overlooking the village, known as the "two stones" were used as defence fortresses against hostile invaders. Today, the Hatta Heritage Village has become an important historical site for tourists.
What can you do there?
Says Shane Jameson of D for D (Dubai for Destination) Tourism a local destination management company: “When I think of Dubai, I think of a Disneyland that is crazy with tourists and extremities. For me, Hatta is at the other end of the spectrum. Always a few degrees cooler, the peaceful air that allows you to consider reason against a backdrop of the jagged Hajar Mountains. The Hatta day trip is one of our most popular excursions, like fire and ice; it portrays the two faces of this explosive emirate.”
Contact
+971 4258 3803
Walkover at the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon, Nevada, USA
Why is it special?
The Grand Canyon is an enormous natural wonder in the Nevada desert. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a transparent platform that extends over the canyon offering a safe experience with a death-defying feel, the drop below is 4,000 feet. The platform can take the equivalent of 70 fully loaded jumbo jets.
What can you do there?
Travel from Las Vegas International Airport by luxury helicopter to the Grand Canyon West Ranch 45 minutes away flying over the scenic route on the way.
The ranch is an exclusive retreat available for corporate groups of up to 20. Executive corporate retreat programs include executive chefs cooking authentic 1800’s Western-style meals of menu such as fresh elk and venison prepared around an authentic ranch house with log fires.
Grand Canyon West Ranch offers a high quality incentive program for corporate executives. The Grand Canyon West Ranch boundary is located only five miles from the edge of the Canyon. Clients can also enjoy panorama sunsets reflecting off of Spirit Mountain or helicopter back to Las Vegas for entertainment or gaming.
Your day trip to the Skywalk at Eagle Walk can be combined with a trip to a Hualapai Native American village, who have lived in the Grand Canyon region for generations. Whitewater rafting or rides on horse trails can also be arranged.
Contacts
Rajasthan by rail
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, India
Why is it special?
Rajasthan is a magnificent land of numerous kingdoms, majestic forts and palaces, diverse cultures, varied landscapes and vibrant colours. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels’ tour is extensively planned to take you through the whispering sands of the desert, the intriguing sagas of forts and palaces; while you witness the luxuries on the train in a truly royal fashion. This train is newly built and designed in a contemporary royal style. You will enjoy the magnificent interiors, sumptuous meals, expensive wines, and personalised service by the Khidmatgars, the likes of which you would rarely experience.
What can you do there?
Very much targeted at the high-end incentives the luxurious Royal Rajasthan on Wheels takes you through a seven-day exploration of vibrant Rajasthan. Your royal journey begins from Delhi and takes you through various princely states of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur and Bharatpur. After experiencing the multi-faceted Rajasthan, you will be ushered to a new exploration at Agra. The entire expedition has been thoroughly planned like the Palace on Wheels, to take you back into history.
Contact
African adventure
Tok Tokkie Trails, Namibia
Why is it special?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore southwest Africa’s hidden corner. Namibia’s bird and animal life are rich and abundant and the desert is home to all sorts of creatures. The clean air and unspoilt wilderness are an ideal location for off-track teambuilding and bonding.
What can you do there?
This is certainly only recommended if your team is both fit and adventurous but the rewards are awesome. The trail is not difficult, but challenging. Fitness and good condition is essential as the trails entail seven to eight hours walking. Your main luggage will be transported by a back-up vehicle; you only have to carry a day pack, including a lunch pack, water and your camera equipment. As some of the routes lead through rough terrain and over sand dunes it requires well-balanced and secure walking.
Contact
r.jvanvuuren@namibia-safaris.com
Let off steam
Atacama, Chile
Why is it special?
“Atacama can claim to be the only desert situated between the Pacific Ocean and mountains and is a very different desert landscape from those in Africa or the Middle East. I think it is an excellent option and there are some of the top luxury hotels in the world now in Atacama – in particular the Explora and also the Awasi, which opened 18 months agao and has won many awards,” says Diana Marshall of SASPO Tourism Services.
What can you do there?
Towards the Cordillera de los Andes, mountain peaks rise to over 6,000 metres and volcanoes rise in the highlands. Towards the south, crossing the Atacama Salt Flats, one reaches the oases of Toconao and Peine. On the way, facing the Licancabur Volcano, flamingos at the Los Flamencos National Reserve can be watched. To the north are the Tatio Geisers, best seen at dawn. There are also thermal waters in this stunning landscape.
Your group can enjoy other unique experiences. An informal Chilean barbecue can be arranged at the front of the Explora hotel by the stables. A folkloric group will perform Andean music while the group selects excursions for the next day. The bar will remain open until the last guest retires. For the farewell evening a local band will meet everybody at the lobby to lead you to the Quincho along torchlit pathways for a candlelit farewell dinner. The Quincho is a rustic dining area with a central bonfire made especially for a Chilean barbecue. Dinner will be a typical “asado” with live music, dancing and an open bar.
Contacts
Aboriginal skills
Northern Territory, Australia
Why is it special?
The Northern Territory is home to Australia’s largest population of Aboriginal people and a culture rich in traditions over 40,000 years old, the NT Government has established Indigenous Tourism Hubs to encourage the development of unique indigenous tourism products. The NT now boasts more than 80 different indigenous experiences in some of the most environmentally and culturally significant areas of Australia.
What can you do there?
Conference and incentive groups can undertake unique indigenous team-building activities such as dot-painting workshops, didgeridoo-making and learn-to-play sessions, boomerang-making and tossing, jewellery-making and weaving, bush tucker excursions as well as bush craft and survival skills. Some tour companies now take groups into desert areas never before open to the public, to view extraordinary and priceless rock art paintings and engravings. These activities are hosted by the traditional custodians, who are delighted to share their stories and the cultural significance of their timeless land.
Lynn Fairbrass, manager of the Northern Territory Convention Bureau says: “Our Northern Territory provides desert adventures quite unlike those offered anywhere else in the world. They range from adrenaline-fuelled activities through to more sedate but equally unforgettable cultural experiences – in essence something for everyone. Our adventure specialists are experienced professionals with client safety and comfort being the highest priority – we are confident that our track record speaks for itself.”
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