Cultural Options for Borton Overseas Travelers
04-14-2009
African Bushmen, King Crab Fishers & Happy Danes Broaden
Minneapolis, Minnesota April 14, 2009 – Borton Overseas, well known for its travel products with an emphasis on soft adventure and personal service, has stepped up its programs that enable consumers to travel authentically and support local communities.
Already an industry innovator in programming related to cultural interaction, conservation, and giving back, Borton Overseas has recently enhanced existing programs with unique cultural components that promote awareness and understanding of different peoples and their lifestyles. The King Crab Safari, Dining with the Danes and Bushmen Initiation Hunt Safari are just a few among Borton’s options for travelers seeking cultural immersions as well as adventure in their travels.
Set in a remote settlement in Botswana's Western Kalahari, the 8-day Bushmen Initiation Hunt Safari, offers a rare opportunity for travelers to witness this traditional culture in a dignified and sensitive manner. The program features two different ways for travelers to interact with locals: participation in an actual, ritual hunt and interactive tribal discussions around the campfire, where elders talk about their ancestors dating back 30,000 years and reveal the complex political changes that confront them today. Travelers observe the tribe’s preparation of the food, spiritual rituals, and share in ceremonies revered by the Bushmen. Guided by one of Africa’s most respected guides, Ralph Bousfield, this itinerary is offered once a year. The guided Bushmen Initiation Hunt includes renowned guides, all meals, local transfers and accommodation. Borton can also arrange cultural visits for independent travelers wishing to combine this type of activity with a safari program in the Okavango Delta.
“It is truly important, especially in these challenging times, to work with local communities in preserving the areas travelers frequent,” notes Borton Overseas’ Marketing Coordinator Jen Schak. In seeking its cultural partners, Borton selects only African licensed companies that employ and support local villages and communities and that make culturally and environmentally wise choices part of their company mission. Further, Borton supports US and Africa based charities, churches and non-profit organizations committed to making a sustainable difference in Africa.
In North Norway, travelers snowmobile to the fjord for an ice fishing adventure and an incredible haul -- the largest King Crab in the world -- during Borton’s 7-day King Crab Safari. This Arctic adventure program was selected by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of their 25 Best New Trips in the World for 2008, and is available during the summer or winter. Trip participants stay in Kirkenes, Norway on the border of Russia, in a town with history, nature and exciting adventures, depending on the season. During the winter, visitors overnight in the Kirkenes SnowHotel, mushing a dogsled team, and hunting the Northern Lights. Summer highlights include fishing, hiking and boat trips. Visitors will also learn about the local Sami culture and their lifestyle.
For a cultural foray tinged with social joy, Borton Overseas offers a unique experience which can be added to any of the company’s Denmark programs. Dine with the Danes lets visitors gather round the dinner table with a Danish family for a glimpse of Danish culture. Conversations in English will cover daily happenings, news topics and general customs. Hosts and guests are matched in advance based on personal interests and occupations, and the evening exemplifies Danish hospitality, proudly termed by Danes as "hyggelig" (cozy).
For additional information on these and other programs, contact Borton Overseas 1-800-843-0602, www.bortonoverseas.com. [Back to Press Releases Main]
