Adventure

Adventurer's Paradise in Wadi Rum, Jordan

robinfinger — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:13:44 +0000

Adventurer's Paradise in Wadi Rum, Jordan robinfinger Fri, 11/19/2021 - 11:13

To describe the sensory experience of Wadi Rum, Jordan will require you to suspend a substantial amount of disbelief. How an area so terrestrial could have such a Martian feel to it can make you wonder about your origin as you feast your eyes upon the cliff formations from the valley where you stand. What initially appears to be a slightly heightened plateau from a distance reveals itself to be a monolithic feat of Earth’s naturally proficient engineering. Panorama from the depth of your vantage point will seem endless, but you’ll also feel small without feeling insignificant. The vast expanse of the scenery will swallow you whole, but you’ll know right where you are. Red sand will sink beneath your feet on the inclines, but you will feel so deeply rooted that you won’t be worried about sinking.

Rock Climbing

If your calf muscles are eager for a challenge, then you’re in luck. Rock formations jut out of the ground in a multitude of formations; inclines range from a gradual climb to cliffs at a sharp 90 degree angle. From whatever skill level you may be, you can feast your eyes at the glory and splendor of Wadi Rum from above, whatever the climb of your choosing may be. Endless horizons will make you question your own senses as you try to calculate the vastness of it all.

Wadi Rum photographed by Lior Dahan

The Desert Sky

You might find yourself wandering through the desert using the sun as your compass, only to be met with streaks of cumulus clouds that trail off endlessly. Sure, you’re oh so far away from your hometown's annual carnival, but the delicate precipitous ballet soaring above you reminds you of cotton candy from the fairgrounds of your youth. You try to reach out and grab a piece, but you know it’s impossible. Silly as this may seem, you can’t blame yourself for trying.

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp photographed by Qais (@qais.visuals)

Hotels from Mars

The lodging options in Wadi Rum transcend what you might be used to in more conventional settings, but the accommodations will not let you down. You’ll be led to believe that you’re bunking at a space station on Mars in comparison to your usual inland hotel. Often referred to as “star pods,” “bubble tents,” or “martian domes,” these hotels allow you to sleep under the stars and take in the desert sky as the world cools down, but with the comfort of modern amenities that allow you to find comfort in your preferred climate.

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp photographed by Vanessa (@vanessawild93)

A New Perspective

While Wadi Rum is off the beaten path, the beauty of the landscapes and rock formations will humble you. The peaks and valleys silhouetted against the sky will resemble the EKG that keeps your pulse beating steadily. The endless skies will make you feel small until the soil beneath you reminds you of how grounded you actually are. Whether you are traveling to stargaze, to climb, or to just get lost, you will find a depth within yourself that was previously unknown.

Wadi Rum, Jordan photographed by Karol Nienartowicz (@karolnienartowicz)

GPS location

29.5478115619559, 35.43439860000363

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

Arabic

Adventure Unique lodges

Asia

Adventurer's Paradise in Wadi Rum, Jordan

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Jordan

Discover the Mysterious and Absolutely Beautiful Socotra Island

robinfinger — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:32:15 +0000

Discover the Mysterious and Absolutely Beautiful Socotra Island robinfinger Fri, 11/19/2021 - 10:32

It’s time to roll your sleeves up, and to take a deep dive as you explore Socotra Island. Considered one of the world’s best kept secrets, Socotra Island lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean, hidden from the rest of civilization. The mysteries within this landmass are especially unique. As you feast your eyes upon the myriad flora and fauna by the likes of which you’ve never seen, you will find yourself losing count of all the endemic species you come across. You are far from home, but you feel awake. You’re weary from your travels, yes, but the raw beauty of the nature surrounding you will replenish you as you explore a place that appears to have never been touched by another human. You’ve discovered your own Garden of Eden, and the unspoiled beauty doesn’t seem real, but rather like a beautifully lit lucid dream.

Endemic Biodiversity

There’s no mystery as to why Socotra is often referred to as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.” Hundreds of flora and fauna are endemic to the island, and you will only be able to see them here. Unique species of reptiles, birds, spiders, and scorpions alike have made their home on this island, and there are no known duplicates anywhere else in the world. Because of the delicate ecosystem, it is encouraged to travel with as light of a footprint as possible. While tourism is on the rise, education of the ecosystem may not catch up as quickly with the increasing number of travelers. As a tourist, it is your responsibility to help keep Socotra as untouched as it needs to be to maintain balance.

Socotra Island photographed by Kristina Makeeva

The Shade of Dragon’s Blood

Known for its crimson sap, the Dragon’s Blood tree can only be found in Socotra, Yemen. Boasting tall branches that resemble an inverted umbrella high up above the roots, the Dragon’s Blood tree provides shade from its imposing height. The tallest of the elder evergreens are as old as 800 years. The tree’s design of survival inspires awe as it majestically overlooks the gorge below. Its blood colored sap has been once thought to have healing properties. While mostly used for digestive issues, Dragon’s Blood sap has also been used for fractures, wounds, inflammation, rheumatism, blood circulation dysfunctions, and cancer. Folk medicine aside, the sap has been used as a varnish for musical instruments. It may be hard to believe, but you may have heard music that was from an instrument that was treated by this healing tree.

Socotra Island photographed by Daniel Kordan

Weary upon arrival

The Airways have been consistently open for some time now, but with limited access. While some travelers may have direct contacts with Socotra Island, it is recommended that you find a touring company to help facilitate the visa process. While tourism has been beneficial for the economy, it is still not a massive industry. As of now, the flights are traveling in and out of Cairo on Wednesdays, so be prepared to stay in Socotra for a week. You will also need to book your flight in person, in Cairo. The extra steps might seem a bit egregious, but your stay on Socotra will be worth the effort.

Socotra Island photographed by Daniel Kordan

Off the beaten path

While some trails are not worth trekking, Socotra Island is worth the trip. There are interim steps to take, and paperwork to acquire, but the destination is one of a kind. As we all know, the best rewards require sacrifice, and what better reward to have than your own private island inhabited by such biodiverse mystery?

Socotra Island photographed by Daniel Kordan

GPS location

12.523666597089772, 53.81818941742886

October to May

Soqotri

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Discover the Mysterious and Absolutely Beautiful Socotra Island

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Yemen

The Amazing Homes of The Korowai Tribe

dhaval — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:38:31 +0000

The Amazing Homes of The Korowai Tribe dhaval Fri, 10/22/2021 - 06:38

The semi-nomadic Korowai Tribe has a detailed history that dates back centuries.

However, there are even more reasons why this tribe, which historically inhabitants the jungle of Papau, garners so much attention. For hundreds of years, this tribe has lived a truly self-sufficient existence, however, the tribe may be on the precipice of major change. As the impact of our modern culture creeps in, and the Indonesian government expands their reach, the Korowai Tribe may face changes that completely uproot their existence. For now, the Korowai Tribe and other tribes that live deep in the jungle are left alone under Indonesian law, although recent changes have threatened that peace. For the time being, the tribes continue to live the way they have for centuries—high up in the trees.

A lower house around 8-12 meters high. These are used by all of the families and can host 5 to 6 fireplaces. Surrounding this lower house there is a wooden barrier intended to protect the young children. Images by © Martin Gros

These houses are sometimes built over water or the jungle floor, and have different types of ladders that allow for easy access to the structurer above. You will typically find these individual settlements far away and completely isolated even from other members of the tribe. Experiencing the sky-high Korowai Tribe homes is truly something that must be seen to be believed, but why does this Indonesian tribe choose to live only in tree houses?

According to some clan chiefs, the idea started out of a commitment to protection. This tribe believes that evil spirits live on the ground, and that staying in these tree homes can help protect people from these evil spirits. These tree houses have other practical benefits as well. They are located well above flood-water levels and have defensive benefits. They can keep rival clans at bay and prevent them from capturing members of the Korowai Tribe. Many of the tribes feel as thought their women and children are at risk for being stolen for slavery or by cannibal tribes.

The Design Behind the Korowai Tribe Homes

Most Korowai settlements have a mix of lower and higher tree houses. The low homes are built around Wanbom Trees, or Banyan Trees, which aren’t as high but have a thick “main pole” in the middle for support. This trunk will go through the middle of the home. Some of the higher tree houses are actually built on top of living trees in the settlement. These houses are actually placed on top of the canopy of the tree.

No matter where on the tree these homes are built, they are constructed entirely from materials that come from around the jungle. Tribe members are able to build sturdy frames from the branches from surrounding trees and typically use Sago Palm bark to make the walls and floor boards inside the home. As for the roof? Tribe members will actually weave together large leaves and rattan bindings to create a durable roof that keeps these homes well protected.

When you are physically inside the homes, you can actually feel them moving, similar to the feeling of a boat out on water. Even slight breezes through the jungle can sway the structure, but overall these high-flying tree houses are extremely durable and weather resistant.

How Long Do These Homes Last?

What is most impressive is that these homes can be built in as little as one to two days. After these homes are built, they typically last anywhere from three to five years, with the occasional repair needed. Typically, when its time to build a new house, the tribe will determine whether or not they can build a house in the same clearing, or if the clan needs to move to an area with better resources and hunting territories.

Hunting is a very important part of choosing a location for these homes. The tribe primarily hunts pigs with bows and arrows, cassowaries with ropes or they will fish using handmade basket-traps, bows or poison. They also use dogs for hunting as well. Every so often, the tribe will make a decision to move for the betterment of their clan as they continue to value and hold true to their unique way of life. While you may never have the opportunity to experience life up among the trees like the Korowai Tribe, you can take in the beauty of photos of these stunning homes and see the magnificent design that goes into these houses up in the trees.

Oni, the chief of the clan we met, during a scouting outing inside his territory. Photo by Martin Gros Image by © Martin Gros

The Korowai Tribe is made up of a close-knit society (approximately 3,000) and strong family bonds, as the entire community is forced to work together in order to survive. One of the ways they are able to survive in this thrive in this sense jungle is by living in their truly awe-inspiring tree houses. Located high up in the tree canopies of this jungle, the Korowai Tribe has mastered the art of relying on their environment in order to live off their land and stay protected while they do it. These tree-bound homes are some of the most unique and historically-significant homes in the world. They are also piece of architecture that the average person will never have the opportunity to see in person. However, a better understanding of these home and the tribes that inhabit them can open you up to a world that is truly unlike any other village in the world.

Inside the Korowai Tribe Settlement

In most situations, the Korowai Tribe will live small, isolated groups or settlements. Typically, each of these settlements has approximately five individual tree houses. Depending on the area of the jungle and the potential risks and environment in the area, the homes can range in height from 8 to 12 meters to as high as 45 meters.

GPS location

-4.366322667480417, 141.52173589855707

Adventure Secret places

Asia

The Amazing Homes of The Korowai Tribe

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Indonesia