Welcome to the Zegrahm Expeditions resources page! Here you will find inspiration for your next adventure and information from your last adventure, produced by our field leaders, Seattle office staff, and contributing writers. From blog posts and field reports (daily recaps of a past expeditions with images) to photo galleries and videos, explore your world from our perspective.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Darwin, Australia
We all arrived safely, some a little later than expected, to a cool Darwin. The capital city of the Northern Territory was in the grip of what locals call a “deep freeze” with temperatures only 75ᵒF; usually it is 90ᵒF! Once settled into our rooms the excitement of what was ahead began to break through the fatigue of long-distance travel. A welcome drink and a shared dinner was our first encounter with fellow...
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Egypt, there’s never been a better time. The country has suffered a long-lasting tourism drought due in large part to the Arab Spring. But nowadays, though the political situation is stable and the country is once again open for business, western tourists remain few and far between.
Those who do choose to tour Egypt will be rewarded far beyond their expectations....
China is home to some of the oldest cultures in the world, and its rich history is a deep well from which to draw.
Chinese farmers have been growing grains and domesticating animals for over 7,000 years now. Artisans have been making distinctive pottery, baskets, and woven hemp cloth for nearly as long. The wheel was actually invented in China, as were paper, gunpowder, compasses, and alcohol. The umbrella. Silk. Cultivated tea. Porcelain. Bronze. The kite. The list goes on…
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Sunday, April 8, 2018
Praia, São Tiago Island, Cape Verde / Embark Island Sky
Our Sea to Sahara adventure began on a warm and sunny day in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde Islands. We enjoyed an excellent lunch of traditional Cabo Verdean dishes in the cozy Quintal da Musica, accompanied by the lively music of a local band before setting out for the old town of Cidade Velha, the former capital, now a...
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Panama City, Panama
Early in the evening we gathered outside on the top floor of the Le Meridian Hotel in downtown Panama City to meet and mingle with our fellow travelers over cocktails and dinner. We had flown in from places all over the world for this Canal to Cuba adventure. A warm tropical breeze blew steadily. From our rooftop vantage point we could see ships in the bay queuing up for their transit of...
Before it was known as Sri Lanka, the country was called Ceylon. Before Ceylon, Arab traders called it Serendip. It’s a lovely name for a beautiful country that is also referred to as, “The pearl of the Indian Ocean.”
Located just south of India, on the path of maritime trading routes that traversed the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has long been exposed to diverse cultural and religious influences. Today, the country’s ethnic mosaic...
Exploring the underwater world of coral reefs is an extraordinary experience. Snorkeling or scuba diving in places like Australia, the Galápagos Islands, and Polynesia is a must for anyone's travel bucket list! Here are 21 fascinating facts about coral reefs that you might not know, from general information and the benefits of coral reef systems to the world's most impressive sites that are simply must-sees. And, for even more facts about coral reefs, be sure to check out our blog, ...
When most people think of Ethiopia, usually it’s the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela or the indigenous tribes of the Omo Valley (including the Hamar and Karo people) that spring to mind.
But did you know that the birds of Ethiopia include a total of 924 species, of which 23 are endemic to the country? And...
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Havana, Cuba
Today was a busy day as people arrived in Havana from all over the world. We enjoyed a great welcome dinner at the Iberostar Parque Central Hotel and then headed to bed, excited for our circumnavigation to begin.
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Whether it’s art, dance, food and wine, music, or religion you’re most interested in, festivals offer a great chance to mingle with the locals and get a taste of the region’s culture in the process. Check out our guide to 10 of the world’s best cultural festivals, from South America and the South Pacific to Africa, Asia, and Europe:
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