Keep the flag flying

Through the actions of a humourless neighbour, a Surrey man is facing prosecution for hoisting the Jolly Roger outside his home for his daughter's pirate-themed 8th birthday party. The father of four was ordered to lower his colours after complaints from a neighbour, since the skull and cross bones breaches advertising regulations. Escape meddling neighbours – exchange a galleon for a big orange truck, fearsome crew for like-minded travellers and head out on the open road - keeping the flag flying for real adventure!

Dragoman Overland’s 22-night Lost World’s & Jungles overland explores the stunning beaches of Venezuela’s Caribbean coast (keep watch for pirates) then heads upriver to the jungle town of Manaus, departing Caracas 12th June and 17th July 2008.

From the bustling city of Caracas, begin the journey at Playa Colorado relaxing on the Caribbean’s stunning beaches, trying out numerous watersports, exploring the surrounding landscape, and sampling great seafood. At Caripe, situated in a mountain valley surrounded by spectacular scenery, enjoy a tour to nearby Cueva del Guacharo, the country’s largest cave where a 10½km crystal clear stream supports an abundance of wildlife, including Guacharos (Oil Birds).

Continuing to Tucupita, one of the hottest places in Venezuela, head by boat into the Orinoco Delta for two nights, exploring the region’s 40,000 sq. kms of jungle, mangrove swamp and tropical forest. The area is still inhabited by the Warao people (meaning ‘people of the boat’), who still maintain their ancient tribal lifestyle. Next, the Spanish colonial city of Ciudad Bolivar (originally named Angostura - Angostura bitters were invented here!) on the banks of the Orinoco River is the base for three nights. From here travellers can explore the national park or take a canoe trip to the base of the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls.

Continue through the Amazon basin and across Southern Venezuela, to Gran Sabana, where the surrounding area dominated by the tabletop mountains of the Gran Sabana Plateau. The largest is Mount Roraima (2,810m), inspiration for Conan Doyle’s classic adventure, The Lost World.

Today, there is no evidence of dinosaurs, fossils or traces of prehistoric life on the top of the tepui, as described by Doyle, but instead a fantastic world of crystal valleys, gorges, sandy beaches, fissures, rock formations and waterfalls. At the unique jungle town of Manaus, there is time to explore its colourful markets before the journey ends.

The overland costs £695 p/p plus kitty of US$420 (£214) including travel aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz truck, camp, hammock and hostel/hotel accommodation (65%/35%) all camp meals, many activities, entry fees and the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and a local guide.

Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more information, visit Dragoman.com.