The biggest news this month is the historic peace agreement signed between the government of Nepal and the Maoist rebels – fantastic news after so many years of unrest. In this respect, we have written an update on our Responsible Tourism projects in Nepal, focussing on how much benefit tourism can bring during disrupted times.

For our “Off the beaten track” series Exodus veteran Phil Normington writes about Oman, whilst Ben Evetts writes about his adventures in Kenya and Tanzania in our "Next Month go to..." feature.

Our Marketing Executive Natasha Owen recalls her journey through South America, the second of our three chapters on this beautiful part of the world.

To have a great camera and a good eye helps of course, but to be able to take a really good picture it is essential to have a good subject too. India will open our new series of Top Ten places in the world to take a photo.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

The Exodus team

What’s new Jubilation over Nepal’s peace act The Nepalese government and the Maoist rebels have signed a historic agreement that formally ends a 10-year insurgency that killed 13,000 people. We are very glad that peace is reigning again in this incredibly beautiful country and hopefully unity and co-operation are now replacing terror and violence. Click here to read the BBC News article. For an overview of our holidays to Nepal please click here.
NEW Leisurely Collection brochure Our new Leisurely Collection brochure is out! 44 gently paced holidays make this brochure ideal for those who think life’s tough enough and prefer to take it a little bit slower. From a week to Andalucia to a wine tasting holiday in South Africa, what all these trips have in common is the leisurely pace of the holiday and the comfortable accommodation, selected for its character, hospitality and location. Typical local food, good wine and the chance to explore the attractions of a particular country at a relaxed pace are all characteristic of this type of holiday. Don’t wait any longer, request our new Leisurely Collection brochure now! >>>
NEW Photographic album Want to have a lasting memory of your holidays? Are you looking for a creative present for your friends and relatives? Then look no further. At Exodus we have created a new Photo Service Centre for you, where you can make the best of your travel photographs. Print your favourite holiday pictures into your own photo album or on mugs, calendars and t-shirts, and get the memento sent straight to your home! >>>
Exodus vouchers Are you still looking for a Christmas present for your friend or relative? Then why not buy your loved ones an Exodus travel voucher? Coming in denominations of £10, £30 or £50, they are the perfect Christmas, birthday or wedding present. Call us on 0870 950 0039 for more information and to purchase our vouchers.

Top 10 places to take a photo – Land of the Tiger

The tiger is no doubt one of the most fascinating predators. To see it live, with its huge paws and its captivating look, is an experience second to none. Arguably, the best place to see the tiger is Bandhavgarh, in India. One of the least visited National Parks of the country, Bandhavgarh enjoys an impressive setting and boasts fantastic wildlife. With the number of tigers decreasing dramatically, don’t delay a visit. >>>

Exodus has set up a project to help to preserve the tigers in Bandhavgarh. For more information, and for contributing to the project, please visit our dedicated tiger project page.

Continuing the journey through South America

Join our Marketing Executive Natasha Owen on the second part of her 8 and a half month journey through South America. After Colombia, the Caribbean and Bolivia, this month Natasha writes about her adventures in the beautiful countries of Chile and Argentina. >>>

Off the beaten track – Oman

Have you ever wondered what to see in the Sultanate of Oman? Phil Normington, Exodus Production Manager, gives us a clue. >>>

Next month go to … East Africa

East Africa offers an incredible variety of wildlife. Ben Evetts, from our Africa Product Team, has recently visited the area and has written down his impressions of this amazing country. >>>

What are … Ger Camps?

Do you know what and in which country Ger Camps are used? If not, you can find out here! >>>

Through the lens – Raise your glass

Are you keen to improve your travel photography? Then don’t miss Paul Goldstein’s hot tips for you. This month his focus is on lenses. >>>

Explorer of the month – Ibn Battuta

Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Batuta was born on 24 February 1304 in Tangier, Morocco. During his life, he covered a staggering 73,000 miles (117,000 km), nearly the entirety of the known Islamic world and about twice as much as his contemporary Marco Polo. >>>

Responsible Tourism – Nepal

For many travellers, whether they are trekkers or not, Nepal is a dream destination. Yet, despite the relatively high number of visitors, Nepal remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Exodus has proven how beneficial tourism can be for a host country, by building an orphanage in the Kathmandu Valley. Valerie Parkinson, Exodus leader in Nepal, gives us an update. >>>

Photo competition

Congratulations to Miss Glenda Skidmore for winning this month's Photo Competition with the fantastic shot on right, taken on our Namibia Lodge Adventure in November 2006.

Paul Goldstein's Wildlife Photography book is on its way to you!

Why is it a winner?
Glenda has caught the passion of the lions mating ritual in this fabulous shot, and it is easy to see why this picture is the winner of our Photo Competition this month. Mating usually occurs between the pride's dominant male and a female in oestrous, with the two lions leaving the pride for a short period of time. During mating the male lion generally bites down on the females neck before letting out a loud roar. This shot captures that moment, just after mating has occurred where emotions are at their highest.

To read our Photo Competition entry rules and see the past winning photos, please visit our NEW Picture Library.

Meet the Exodus team – Travel presentations

Want to see who is sitting at the Exodus’ telephones? Then come and meet us at one of our free slideshow evenings.

Americas: 9 Jan 2007
(Presented by Ian Picken)
From Anchorage to Ushuaia, Ian Picken, our ex Overland Leader and now America Product Team Leader, covers the Americas from tip to toe. Don’t miss it!

Polar: 10 Jan 2007
(Presented by Paul Goldstein)
Join us on a fantastic evening of dazzling images, provocative commentary and hilarious anecdotes. Enjoy a feast of icebergs, penguins, Humpback and Orca whales, albatrosses, polar bears and much, much more on this very special night that should not be missed.

Africa: 23 Jan 2007
(Presented by Paul Goldstein)
Africa is one of Paul’s favourite parts of the world and his amazing images clearly reflect his passion for this wonderful continent. If you’re even remotely into wildlife then this is an event you should not fail to attend.

All the above slideshows take part at the Barkston Gardens Hotel, 34-44 Barkston Gardens, London SW5 0EW, at 7 PM. To reserve your place please click on the respective link above or for more information visit our slideshow page.

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