Adventure Alternative Newsletter

Adventure Alternative is an independent responsible adventure travel company founded in 1991 by mountaineer and adventurer Gavin Bate, operating from Portstewart on the north coast of Northern Ireland. Since its earliest expeditions, the company has built a reputation for professionally guided mountain climbs, wildlife safaris, and jungle treks across Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal, Borneo, and Morocco. At the heart of the business is a commitment to social purpose: Adventure Alternative simultaneously established the Moving Mountains Trust, a registered charity that has funded schools, clinics, orphanages, and vocational training programmes in Kenya and Nepal. Rather than chasing volume, the company emphasises long-term staff retention, responsible tourism, and reinvesting profits into local communities.

Adventure Destinations and Highlights

Adventure Alternative offers itineraries across some of the world's most celebrated wilderness areas. In East Africa, guided ascents of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya give trekkers the chance to stand on the roof of Africa with professional support at every stage. Nepal routes include Island Peak in the Himalayas, combining high-altitude trekking with dramatic mountain panoramas. Morocco provides a contrasting desert and High Atlas experience for those seeking something closer to Europe.

Borneo Wildlife and Adventure

Adventure Alternative's Borneo programme is operated through a dedicated local team and is consistently praised for the quality of its guides and lodges. Travellers can explore the jungles of Sabah in search of wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and nesting sea turtles. The bike and hike challenge offers ten days of cycling, trekking, and white-water rafting through tropical rainforest to the South China Sea. Private and small-group tours can be tailored to suit specific dates and interests, making Borneo accessible to solo travellers, couples, and families alike.

Responsible Travel and the Moving Mountains Trust

Adventure Alternative describes itself as "The Responsible Adventure Travel Company," putting purpose at the same level as profit. The Moving Mountains Trust, founded alongside the company in 1991, has built sixteen schools across Kenya and supports disadvantaged children and communities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nepal. Guides and local staff benefit from long-term employment and ongoing training, with many team members having served the company for fifteen to twenty years. This ethos has led to Adventure Alternative being studied as a case study in social entrepreneurship.

Who Adventure Alternative Is For

The company serves a wide range of travellers – from first-time trekkers wanting a supported Kilimanjaro challenge to experienced mountaineers tackling higher Himalayan objectives. Family adventure holidays, school expeditions, charity challenge treks, and yoga retreats are also part of the programme. Clients can search by category to find the right style of trip, whether that means a wildlife safari, a multi-day hike, or a cultural volunteer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Adventure Alternative still operating?

Yes. Adventure Alternative continues to operate from Portstewart, Northern Ireland. The company has run expeditions and adventure holidays since 1991 and remains active across its core destinations in Africa, Asia, and beyond.

What is the Moving Mountains Trust and how does it relate to Adventure Alternative?

The Moving Mountains Trust is a registered charity founded at the same time as Adventure Alternative in 1991. It uses a portion of the company's tourism revenue to fund schools, clinics, and community projects in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nepal. Booking a trip with Adventure Alternative directly supports this charitable work.

Is Adventure Alternative covered by UK Package Travel Regulations?

Adventure Alternative publishes a dedicated policy page on UK Package Travel Regulations, confirming that their holidays are covered under the relevant consumer protection framework. The company is based in the UK and operates under UK law.

What routes does Adventure Alternative offer on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Adventure Alternative offers guided climbs on several of Kilimanjaro's established routes. Guides follow professional mountaineering standards aligned with UIAA and Mountain Leader Training Board guidelines. Pre-trip advice on fitness, acclimatisation, and equipment is provided to help clients achieve their summit goals safely.

What wildlife can you see on an Adventure Alternative Borneo trip?

Borneo itineraries are designed around sightings of wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and nesting sea turtles. The local guide team has extensive knowledge of Sabah's rainforest habitats, and lodge locations are chosen to maximise wildlife encounter opportunities.

Can families or school groups travel with Adventure Alternative?

Yes. Adventure Alternative caters for school expeditions, family adventure holidays, and charity challenge treks alongside its individual and small-group programmes. Itineraries can be discussed directly with the company to find a suitable level of challenge and appropriate destinations for younger travellers.

This newsletter is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Adventure Alternative. For current details, visit the company's official website.