This November 3rd 2013, a team of Secret Compass explorers heads to Sudan to start a pioneering camel crossing of the Bayuda Desert, led by renowned desert explorer and Arabist Michael Asher.
(TRAVPR.COM) UK - September 18th, 2013 - This November 3rd 2013, a team of Secret Compass explorers heads to Sudan to start a pioneering camel crossing of the Bayuda Desert, led by renowned desert explorer and Arabist Michael Asher.
Asher, author of more than 20 books mostly connected with the desert and its nomadic peoples (including a biography of Wilfred Thesiger), said, “I’m looking forward to introducing the Bayuda Desert to the team. It’s a little-visited section of the Sahara, created by a huge, horseshoe bend in the Nile.
“I’m thrilled that Secret Compass have asked me to front this unique camel expedition, in such a fascinating country as Sudan. It’s where the Blue and White Niles meet and is the place where the Arab world meets Africa, creating a huge variety of tribes, languages and cultures. We’ll meet nomads en route, crossing the desert with their herds and flocks.”
Levison Wood, co-founder of Secret Compass, said, “This is no walk in the park. It’s an arduous, unsupported, 280km-long trek by camel, the famous ships of the desert. Our desert traverse from Metemma to Korti promises to be both physically and mentally challenging.
“Michael Asher is a font of desert knowledge, wit and wisdom, so they couldn’t be in more qualified hands. With his proficiency in the languages of the lands the caravan will pass through, this is a rare opportunity to truly get beneath the skin of Sudan with an unparalleled expert in the field.”
A life-long lover of the desert and all things Arab, former SAS man Asher will introduce the local geography. This includes absolute desert; acacia forests; rolling savannah; arid Red Sea uplands; deep Nile Valley cataracts; volcanic ridges; and the mountains of Darfur and Nuba. The team will also venture to the pyramids at Old Meroe and Musawwarat as-Sufra temples.
Secret Compass’s marketing manager, Kerry O’Neill, added, “Crossing the Bayuda Desert by camel is the stuff that dreams are made of for anyone who grew up reading about nomadic desert tribes, Lawrence of Arabia, Gertrude Bell or Wilfred Thesiger.
“We’ve selected our team members for their proven adventure and expedition stamina and experience. We look forward to sharing their stories, encouraging others to visit this starkly beautiful yet misunderstood country whose reputation is so often mired in tales of political unrest.”
For information about Secret Compass’s upcoming or 2014 expeditions to Sudan and South Sudan, contact Kerry@secretcompass.com or call 00 44 7815 896 533.
Visit our Bayuda Expedition page (with image gallery)
------- ends -------
NOTES TO EDITORS
Secret Compass is a pioneering expedition company creatingworld-first experiences for teams of like-minded adventurers. Through group and bespoke adventures, Secret Compass helps each team member achieve the extraordinary in the world’s wildest places. Founded by ex-British Army Parachute Regiment officers, its expeditions reach the planet’s most remote regions in the spirit of exploration’s earliest pioneers. Itshighly trained professionals deliver well-planned and safe experiences, while encouraging daring leaps out of comfort zones. Secret Compass is passionate about returning tourism to post-conflict zones and emerging economies to stimulate local development and challenge preconceptions.
Specialist Film and TV services
Secret Compass also takes film crews, journalists and photographers toremote and previously inaccessible areas thanks to its unrivalled locationmanagement expertise. Clients to date include the BBC, National Geographic, Animal Planet and Channel 4, in countries from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan.
www.secretcompass.com
press@secretcompass.com
Press enquiries: 0203 2398 038
www.facebook.com/secretcompass
###
