The Scientific Exploration Society Explorer Awards 2014

The SES are delighted to announce awards totalling 15,000 available to 'Pioneers with Purpose' who will inspire others through their scientific research and daring journeys. There are 3 sponsored awards, each with a different focus: THE SESZENITH EXPLORER AWARD 2014 is for an outstanding entrepreneur, who will be applying for an award of 8,500 and a Zenith El Primero VpH 3600 watch. THE SES RIVERS FOUNDATION AWARD FOR HEALTH AND HUMANITIES is an award of 5,000 and aimed towards those who's expeditions will improve the lives of communities in under-developed regions of the world.

We are also keen to hear from those who's expeditions have a cultural interest within these communities. THE SES CADOGAN TATE EXPLORER AWARD is an award of 1000, and aimed towards those who's expeditions focus on natural, sustainable and organic practices, or on those with conservation and environmental purposes - seeking to preserve our planet and life on our planet. Two SESEXPLORER AWARDS 2014 will be made granted by the Trustees, recipients may be selected from those applying but unsuccessful in their application for sponsored awards, they may be selected from other planned expeditions which the SES learn about during the year.

Full details and criteria can be found at www.ses-explore.org/awardsor contact ses@ses-explore.org.

Kayak Aswan to Luxor, or more of the Egyptian Nile

"Hi, I had wanted to kayak a lot more of the Nile, but I apparantly alot of it is very dangerous still. So I'm reconciling to Kayaking a little bit for now. I'd like to kayak from Aswan to Luxor. Who if anybody would I need to get official permission from? I've heard people say that a river guide has to be part of the group.

Does anybody know if there are still a lot of restrictions on travelling along the rest of the Nile?

Kind regards,

Alasdair

New Dawn Traders - Help the Good Pirates of the World

In October, New Dawn Traders Alex and Lucy set sail on a 7-month voyage around the Atlantic with the cargo vessel Tres Hombres and her crew. The beautiful Tres Hombres is pioneering a renaissance in shipping cargo by sailboat - 100% wind-powered and emission-free. This 32 meter, engine-less brigantine has been successfully trading between Europe and islands in the Atlantic and Caribbean since 2009. This year will be the ships first voyage to Brazil.Through the physical act of trading goods between countries we will also be trading in skills, knowledge and culture. The ship is not only a perfect metaphor for this voyage of discovery but is itself a microcosm of social and ecological issues. Through our human-scale adventures, both on-board the ship and in port, we will find and develop tools for sustainable living that will be of interest far beyond our own needs.

In short New Dawn Traders is divided into two mutually supported departments: Trading Under Sail and Storytelling. Our ultimate goal is to manifest a self-sustaining, theatrical cargo ship, trading in goods, knowledge and culture by the power of the wind. Environmental and social change for the better requires a groundswell of many individual efforts, and we hope to motivate this through documenting and sharing our own path towards a healthy, happy, enchanted and fair planet. This voyage will further develop the multi-faceted business and campaigns model needed to achieve this goal and WE NEED YOU!Please check out our page on Indiegogo for further videos / pictures and information. We are raising funds for our imminent voyage and we are very grateful for all contributions.If you are interested in: becoming a trainee, shipping goods to or from the UK, sponsoring our voyage, selling our products. or volunteering time and knowledge.please get in touch.email: info@newdawntraders.com

Secret Compass explorer to 'Walk the Nile'

Secret Compass co-founder Levison Wood this month sets off to complete an epic, world-first journey to become the first person to walk the length of the Nile.

He'll start at the Nile's source in Rwanda then walk through countries including Uganda, South Sudan and Sudan en route to Egypt and the Nile's mouth on the Mediterranean shores.He leaves the UK this weekend and will then spend a few days ironing out last-minute issues before setting off on December 1 2013.

Watch Lev online as he introduces his upcoming adventure (with thanks to Outside TV) or visit Levs Walk the Nile site.

If you'd like to join Levs historic walk on one of three expeditions to Uganda, South Sudan or Sudan, Africa in 2014 with Secret Compass, visit our Walk the Nile expedition page now.We'll be posting regular updates here and on the Secret Compass blog and if you have any questions or would like to join him, get in touch with Secret Compass today!

Samba Soccer Stadium Cycle Safari - Teammates Wanted

I'm going to cycle 5,500 miles across Brazil visiting each FIFA World Cup 2014 stadium prior to the tournament - check out my website - http://smudgersambacycle.org/ - for more info on the route.

When: early January to early June 2014, so pre-World Cup which starts 12th June and then I've applied for tickets to follow England (if they qualify!) with some mates from home.

Who/Why: I'm Andy, a 35-year-old from London, and an ex-corporate employee who's quit in search of adventure. I also love sport. Join me: for the whole thing, or just one stage, eg. Sau Paulo to Rio, or meet me along the route to say ola!

You can also contact me on @SmudgerAndy on Twitter.