Best beginner adventures in 2022 to start planning now

As the dust settles after the rather traumatic past two years, there is a bulging enthusiasm by most outdoor buffs for 2022. So, we decided to put together a shortlist of the best beginner adventures that you can start planning right now. With a global vaccination campaign in place, the COVID-19 pandemic slowly wanes in the rearview, and most countries have started to open up to tourists (with some conditions to be met).

 

Regardless of our beliefs or culture, we are all united by travel. The adrenaline pump as you bungee jump off the Macau Tower or the satisfaction of completing the challenging Inca Trail to Machu Picchu appeals to the innate human being inside all of us.

 

We are a trusted team of committed travel enthusiasts working around the clock to ensure you have the best experiences in any part of the globe. So whether you are planning your first trip or are a top-tier traveler, we have some action-packed destinations for you to consider. So please mark your calendars and adjust your schedules. These are our pick of the bunch for the best beginner adventures for 2022.

 

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

 

The glorious pilgrimage is hot on the bucket lists of most travellers, and a perfect “first expedition” for those with little experience. Unfortunately, there aren’t many trails on the globe where you can hike past 500-year-old archaeological treasures with some of the most picturesque mountains in the background.

You will never forget your experience in Andes Mountains. The Classic Inca trail runs about 26 miles, approximately 42km long. This trail tucked away in the gorgeous Andes Mountains is usually trekked over four days and three nights. Most of the track is still the initially constructed trail, a true testament to Incan engineering. There are 500 permits issued per day which may sound like a lot but aren’t, given that about 300 are for guides, porters, and support staff.

For those wanting some extra challenge, you can do the Salcantay route which is usually 5-6 days and almost 46miles. Not forgetting, Peru is filled with wonderful things to see and do – so whatever you decide, make sure to add a few days either side to see it all! Start planning your trip today using our expedition planner.

 

Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro

 

Africa’s highest mountain should make for a pretty exciting itinerary. Kilimanjaro is 19,340ft. For quick comparison, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is 2,716ft. So Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent and one of the seven summits. Typically there are no technical requirements to climb reach the summit, although the difficulty does vary by the route – see our Kilimanjaro Guide here.

Climbers usually set off from January-March or June-October, so starting to prepare for this adventure now gives you plenty of time to get into shape, do some practice treks in your own country, and buy any equipment you might need – here is our basic mountaineering kit list.

One thing is for certain- with Kilimanjaro there is no shortage of wildlife and flora as the route passes through multiple ecosystems on the way up and some truly otherworldly sights. Plus, if you have time you can extend your stay to include an eco safari, or get some beach time to unwind in Zanzibar – just a short flight away.

 

Head off on a rally

 

 

You don’t need anything other than a drivers licence and a fire in your belly to head off on a rally (and a set of wheels). Rallying can be can fun because it’s challenge based and not restricted by flights or locations. Grab a bunch of friends, a set of wheels and set yourself a challenge. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Pick a car for less than £200 and race your friends to get from point A to point B (point be could be in another country, or even a country far away (like the Mongol Rally, or the Baltic Run)
• Good old fashioned Top Gear Challenge- buy a 4×4 for less than £X and attempt to get from A to B over 3 days, car vs public transport, scooter vs car and so on

You can start to plan these types of trips really easily, and quickly (or not plan them at all and just go for it). If choosing the later option you will still need to consider safety, visas and the route as a minimum if you’re going on any long distance rally. Check out this cool site for some examples https://www.theodysseyto.com/

 

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

 

 

There are only three destinations on the globe where you can track gorillas. Uganda is undoubtedly the best. Mountain gorillas are earmarked as an endangered species, with only a few left in the entire world. With 18 recognized Gorilla families, 17 are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and one in Mgahinga Forest. In Bwindi, there are four tracking sites, namely, Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.

Each site has numerous gorilla families, each perceptible to a unique family name. As the name suggests, Bwindi is a very dense rain forest that tends to be almost unnavigable in the rainy season due to muddy and slippery slopes. Therefore, the best time to visit is the dry season, from June to August.

 

Do the ‘O’ trek in Patagonia

 

Located near the bottom of the southernmost region of Chilean Patagonia, the “w” shaped mountains make for the artistic background as you go hiking in the wild. The park area of 700 sq. miles includes blue lakes, glaciers, and rivers.

The splendid landscapes, unique fauna, and friendly natives make for great reception after a long journey. The trip to Torres del Paine is quite a lengthy one but has improved in the past half-decade. You can take the 3-hour flight from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas, then take a 5-hour drive to reach the Torres del Paine.

Another alternative would be flying to Puerto Natales, from which you will need a 2-hour drive to get to the park. However, the latter is only available in peak season where the park receives many tourists, around November to March.

 

The Milford Track

 

The 53-kilometer walk beginning at Lake Te Anau past suspension bridges, boardwalks, and a mountain pass, will leave you with memorable tales. Milford has enchanted the minds and hearts of hikers from all corners of the globe for a century now. Most hikers on the Milford are spellbound by its rather moody weather, where you might experience all four seasons in a single day.

The summer months of December, January, and February are moderately warm, with highs peaking between 18-20 degrees Celsius- making this one of the best beginner adventures for the next 12 months. However, it is usually in January and February when the usual summer weather kicks in. The trail is busiest, with hikers looking to enjoy the warmer temperatures and long summer twilights. Summer is also the best time of the year to enjoy the majestic splendor of the mountains.

 

Start planning your adventure today