Chilean Patagonia was beautiful! As self-confessed city slickers, the day hikes were perfect for us and we got to experience the typical windy but fair weather of the region. Actually we were pretty fortunate with weather in general.
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Nicknamed, Alger La Blanche, these glistening white buildings give the impression of sloping up from the sea, located on the Mediterranean, in the Central region of the country, take time to view a number of surrounding islets turned into part of the port.
Annaba situated near Wadi Seybouse River, is 100 kilometres from the Tunisian border and 150 kilometres southwest of Constantine, surrounded by areas of agriculture. For this reason, it became prevalent among the French colonialists, hence the city reflects a strong French heritage.
Situated in the Tassili National Park, Djanet borders Niger on its southern border. There are no urban buildings in the Djanet oasis, just tranquillity and the peace this area provides. The inhabitants are friendly and humble and take traditional care of their visitors and travellers.
Essendilene is an uninhabited oasis in the Algerian Sahara, belongs to the Tassili Cultural park, the largest of the Algerian National Parks and is located in Tassili n'Ajjer Canyon, about hundred kilometres northwest of Djanet.
Surrounded by the granite peaks of Argentina’s iconic Mount Fitzroy massif which rises vertically out of the desolate Patagonian steppe, El Chalten is a small frontier town, 2 hour’s drive from Calafate perched at the very foot of the mountains.
Nestled amidst 6000 hectares of wild Patagonian landscapes in the foothills of the Andes, Los Huemules Mountain Reserve is a unique, all-inclusive tented camp accessed along a 20km track from the frontier town of Esquel.
Stretching some 400km along the spine of the mountains from San Martin de los Andes though Bariloche and on to Esquel, the Lake District is one of the most captivatingly beautiful areas of Argentina. To the north, monkey puzzle trees (the famous Araucaria araucana) straddle the flanks of the snow-capped Lanin Volcano amidst a chain of picturesque lakes and densely forested lagoons.
A'Ali is a lively residential town located in the middle of Bahrain island, south of Isa Town and north of Riffa. It's also home to Bahrain's famous pottery district, where many local Shia families run their workshops and fire their crafts in traditional kilns and can be bought from different potters and boutiques.
Abomey, the original capital of the Dahomey Kingdom, developed around the year 1600 CE when the kingdom became a significant regional power. Built around conquest, slavery and international trade, this ancient civilisation was one of the most important practitioners of the Vodun religion in Africa.
Ganvie is a fascinating town built entirely on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué, home to more than 20,000 people, and can only be reached by pirogue (dug-out canoe).
The fertile shores of Lake Ahémé, particularly around lively Possotomé, the area's biggest village, are a beautiful place to spend a few relaxing days. Enjoy a swim in the lake or explore the area's wildlife. Meet craftspeople at work, learn traditional fishing techniques, or get to know about local plants and their medicinal properties.
The glacier-topped Andean peaks of Bolivia’s Cordillera Real tower above Lake Titicaca, a huge mountain range that runs south-east through the country and separates the highland plateau from the semi-tropical lowlands. With seven peaks over 6000m, the Cordillera Real offers some of the finest hiking in the Americas.
Thirty kilometres from the entrance of the Nxai Pan National Park Baines’ Baobabs are a must-see highlight for any visitor travelling this area of Botswana.
Seven huge, gnarled baobab trees, named after the 19th-century explorer Thomas Baines, artist, naturalist and cartographer are s sited on a promontory overlooking and surrounded by the white, crusty Kudiakam Pan.
South of the Okavango Delta and dominating central Botswana, the five million-hectare Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the most significant protected areas in Africa, its diverse wildlife and magnificent scenery offering a fantastic contrast to the rest of the country.
Chobe National Park has an abundance of wildlife throughout the year and is famous for its migratory population of over 50,000 elephants as well as predators such as Lion, Leopard, Hyena & if your very lucky Wild Dog.
Covering approximately 11,700 square kilometres, Chobe National Park is the second largest in Botswana.
Kasane is a point of debarkation for the nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia. Spread out along the banks of the Chobe River, Kasane now boasts small shopping malls with all essential commodities and a plethora of arts and crafts shops. While its main attraction is the park, there are nevertheless attractions in and around the town.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park located at the border of South Africa and Botswana was declared as Southern Africa’s first peace park between the two bordering countries by former South African President Thabo Mbeki and former President Festus Mogae of Botswana.
Khutse Game Reserve established in 1971 is the second only to the Moremi Game Reserve in Okavango Delta to be established on tribal lands. With gently sloping grasslands, fossil dunes and river beds. Khutse is a remnant of the ancient river that uses to feed Lake Makgadikgadi.
Kwando is an extension of the Linyanti ecosystem on the northwestern side of the interconnecting rivers. The northern Lagoon part densely forested with a variety of trees such as the baobab, sausage trees, lead woods, jackal berry and knob thorns.
Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta lies the Moremi Reserve, which was the first wildlife sanctuary to be set aside by indigenous people. Moremi encompasses a network of waterways surrounding two large islands; Chiefs Island in the west and Mopane Tongue in the east.
The Northern Tuli Game Reserve established in 1964 is located at the historic site connecting the country with its neighbours Zimbabwe and South Africa where the Shashe and the Limpopo Rivers meet.
Nxai Pan National Park located on the northeastern part of Botswana embedded in the middle of grassy terrain spotted with umbrella thorn trees.
The Okavango Delta is one of the most awe-inspiring wilderness reserves in Africa with 15 000 square kilometres of water channels, lagoons and islands. Each year, floodwaters flow from the central African highlands over 1 000 km away into the Delta to create this unique wetland within a desert.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tsodilo is one of the highest points in Botswana as a relatively flat country, and a wonderful place shrouded with mystic and fascinating history. There are four main hills, the highest of which is at 400 metres, the male hill. The three main hills are referred to as a male, female, child, and the fourth is named as the grandchild.
Three hours’ drive from Campo Grande, southern gateway to Brazil’s great Pantanal wetlands, the crystal clear waters and limestone caves of Brazil’s Serra do Bodoquena attract visitors from far and wide.
500km inland from the picturesque Bahian coast, Brazil’s “Lost World” of the Chapada Diamantina rises out of the landscape, a vast area of table-top “Chapada” mountains, cascading waterfalls and beautiful caves. For hikers, this is one of Brazil’s most spectacular destinations and best explored on foot from the small colonial mining town of Lencois.
South of the Marau Peninsula, Bahia’s coastline showcases picture-postcard Brazil where beautiful beaches are framed by cocoa plantations and large tracts of virgin Atlantic Rainforest.
Banfora may appear as a sleepy town, but it is best described as one of the most beautiful areas in Burkina Faso. It makes an ideal base for exploring the lush surrounding countryside: scaling up the magnificent Dômes de Fabedougou and taking a dip in the Karfiguéla Falls and a boat ride on Tengréla Lake.
Bobo-Dioulasso may be Burkina Faso's second-largest city, but it has small-town charm. Its tree-lined streets exude a languid, semitropical atmosphere that makes it a preferred rest stop for travellers.
Ouagadougou the nation’s capital or Ouaga, as it's affectionately dubbed, is a thriving, metropolis, resplendent with dance, live bands and theatre companies. The town has a busy festival schedule and beautiful handicrafts.
The island closest to the African continent, Boa Vista, covered with peachy dunes, stark plains and small oases, appears like a lunar landscape. In contrast, the island has fifty-five kilometres of stunning white beaches and emerald green water.
Though the island offers incredible windsurfing, it’s the desert like interior attracting visitors who are keen to go off-roading.
Santiago is the largest island in the archipelago, fifty-five kilometres in length and twenty-nine kilometres wide. One of the islands best attractions are the deep valleys, the result of erosion with the passing of time.
Santo Antao combines the dizzy heights of a vertical Island, punctuated with deep valleys and gorges carved out of volcanic rock. We can offer you the most exciting hiking experiences anywhere in Western African.
Petite, unambiguous and undulating, the island of São Vicente, remained practically uninhabited until the mid-nineteenth century. Of volcanic origin, it is semi-flat, Monte Verde, the island’s highest peak. Cabo Verde's prettiest city Mindelo, complete with cobblestone streets, candy-coloured colonial buildings and yachts bobbing in a peaceful harbour, resembles the French Riveria.
Battambang, meaning “disappearing stick”, is named after a powerful staff used by a legendary Khmer king to achieve and maintain power and is Cambodia’s second city. Located on the Sangker River, 40 kms west of Tonle Sap Lake, it retains the character of a sleepy local market town and is still host to a good number of colonial buildings.
Mondulkiri is the eastern most, largest, least populated and least accessible province in the country. The main town, Sen Monorom, is a sleepy laid back place with a Wild West kind of feel about it. The area is famed for its waterfalls, indigenous culture, national parks and elephant treks. If you plan to visit this region a stay of 3 days would be the minimum recommendation.
Tucked away in the far northeast of Cambodia is the unique, rarely visited region of Ratanakiri. The area has a rich culture and is home to a number of minority ethnic tribes famous for their traditional ceremonies and burial practices. Chinese, Vietnamese and Laotian communities can also be found in the area.
The awe-inspiring temples of Angkor are undoubtedly one of the most impressive and important historical sites in Southeast Asia. Many assume that there is just the one temple “Angkor Wat” but in fact there are well over 40 monuments to explore, they are not technically all temples but rather the remains of an ancient city and include places of worship, learning and healing to name but a few.
Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It forms a natural floodplain reservoir that is drained by the Tonle Sap River into the Mekong River near Phnom Penh.
Featured in the movie, Greystoke the Legend of Tarzan, Ekom-Nkam Waterfall is located in a magnificent rainforest, eighty metres high and located thirty kilometres from Bafang.
Korup National Park is the most remarkable tropical forest, and nature lovers will be astonished by the virtual plethora of fantastic wildlife that calls Korup home.
As well as a distinct and colourful array of birds and fish, Korup is home to a variety of rare primates including chimpanzee, red colobus, red-capped mangabey drill and red-eared monkeys.
The Lobéké National Park is in a gorilla protected region known for several western lowland gorilla sightings that live in the dense forests of the Congo River basin in southern Cameroon. Boumba National Park borders this area in the North West and Sangha River in the east separating Cameroon from the Central African Republic and Congo.
Mount Cameroon National Park is the highest mountain in West and Central Africa and is one of the eight biodiversity hotspots in the area known as the Gulf of Guinea. With a rich, diverse, and endemic flora and fauna, the park and its surroundings host a variety of ecotourism potentials.
Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve nestled in the northeast of Chad is a magnificent natural sandstone the landscape crafted over centuries by wind and water leaving cliffs, natural arches and canyons, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016.
The Lakes of Ounianga include eighteen interconnected lakes in the hyper-arid Ennedi region of the Saharan Desert.
This area constitutes an exceptional natural landscape of great beauty with striking colours and shapes. The saline, hypersaline and freshwater lakes are supplied by groundwater and are found in two groups forty kilometres apart.
Siniaka Minia Wildlife Reserve stretches over 4,260 km2 of an extraordinary landscape, set against the impressive backdrop of a massif mountain formation, where the Siniaka River and Tourda River snake through this important savanna ecosystem.
In northeastern Chad, three times the size of Switzerland, and a hundred kilometres from the nearest roads lie the Tibesti Mountains, void of people and barely explored.
Greater Zakouma Ecosystem covers an expansive of 30,693 km2, of which 7,692 km2 includes Zakouma National Park and Siniaka Mania Faunal Reserve. Both are protected ecosystems, situated just south of the Sahara Desert and above the fertile rainforest regions, comprises critical conservation areas for key species in Central Africa.
A short flight south of Santiago followed by an hour’s drive from Temuco, Pucon is the adventure capital of Chile, a bustling town ringed with picture-postcard national parks at the foot of the spectacular Volcano Villarica. Overlooking Lake Villarica, the town brims with colourful bars, hotels and restaurants and is the ideal base from which to explore the breathtaking scenery.
Established in September 2014, the Vira Vira is a charming hotel and working farm overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Liucura River set against a backdrop of towering volcanoes.
Chile’s last, wild frontier, the Carretera Austral is a remote highway that snakes south from Puerto Montt through 1200km of ever-changing landscapes to reach the lake-side village of Villa O’Higgins just across the water from Mount Fitzroy in Argentina and Chile’s great southern icefield.
The face of Patagonia, the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine adorns tourist brochures the world over and is South America’s most spectacular national park. Perched at the tip of the continent, the park was established in 1959 and encompasses some 2,400 km² of mountains, ice and rolling Patagonian steppe close to the border of Argentina.
More than just spectacular scenery, Jiuzhai Valley National Park is home to nine Tibetan villages, over 220 bird species as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda, Sichuan golden monkey, the Sichuan takin and numerous orchids and rhododendrons.
Nestled in a stunning valley below the snow capped peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the wildly picturesque UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Lijiang. It is the stronghold to a ethnic minority called the Naxi, originally migrants from eastern Tibet, they are matriarchal and speak a Tibeto-Burman language. The Naxi use a unique picture-script and have a strong musical tradition.
Zhongdian, which in the Naxi language means Yak Plateau, is nowadays usually referred to by its Tibetan name - Shangri-La. It is located at a lofty altitude of 10,500 feet (3,200 metres) on very edge of the Tibetan plateau. Tibetans make up around a third of the population with another 12 minorities constituting the balance.
Jinghong translates as “City of Dawn”, is the capital of Xishuagbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and located in the centre of Xishuagbanna region. There are 13 towns and 86 villages in Jinghong with a population of around 440,000. It is for the most part an unchallenging place to spend a couple of days investigating Dai culture.
West of Bogota, straddling the lush forested slopes of the Andes, Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle spans three departments – Quindío, Riseralda and Caldas – and produces arguably the finest coffee in the world. Yet not only do the lush valleys provide the perfect conditions for coffee they also showcase a dizzying array of beautiful landscapes.
High in the Sierra Nevada mountains above Santa Marta, Colombia’s “Lost City” is an ancient city and archaeological wonder cloaked in eerie, tropical forest. Dating back to 800 AD, some 650 years before Machu Picchu, the site was only recently discovered by the outside world.
Secluded and romantic look forward to languid, leisurely days simply revelling in each other's company and the surroundings.
Unlock its mysteries, explore ancient caves, observe rare tropical birdlife, and discover 36 secluded coral sand beaches. Rich in culture and history, Atiu is an eco-lover's paradise
Mauke called the garden of the islands, is home to approximately 300 people, roughly half the size of Rarotonga in circumference, but a world away in landscape and lifestyle.
As the warmth of the tropical sun envelops you, and the scent of frangipani washes over you, the most crucial decision that you face is should you climb the summit of the islands majestic volcanic peak or explore the crystal clear turquoise waters and swim with schools of tropical fish.
Arenal is the country’s most active caldera, a spectacular volcano that gently smoulders during the day and for years has lit up the night with spellbinding lava flows and firework displays. It sits at the heart of a 7000 hectare national park of primary and secondary rainforest, tumbling waterfalls and crystal clear streams that harbours an extraordinary array of wildlife.
The spa town of Banos de Agua Santa is Ecuador’s adventure capital, a bustling tourist haven perched at the foot of the breathtaking Tungurahua Volcano. Surrounded by mountains, raging rivers and over 60 waterfalls that tumble down towards the tropical lowlands, the town was originally a pilgrimage centre following a vision of the Virgin Mary.
70 miles south of Quito along the breathtaking “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, the beautiful snowy peak of the Cotopaxi Volcano and national park dominates the countryside. Just under 6000m above sea-level, Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s second tallest peak and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.
Bahariya Oasis, was a critical agricultural centre in Pharaonic times, exporting large quantities of wine to the Nile Valley. Today it is famed for its dates and olives.
Bawiti, the main village in the oasis, is very picturesque with palm groves surrounding a cluster of mudbrick houses.
Cairo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Though some of its suburbs have spilled over onto the Nile’s west bank, its attractions lie on the eastern bank. Central Cairo is the heart of the modern city and boasts beautiful Nineteenth-century architecture.
With hundreds of springs set in a lush, verdant landscape, Dakhla is regarded as the prettiest of the oases. A long band of pinkish rock sits along the northern horizon and olives, dates, wheat and rice thrive on the fertile farmland.
The capital, Mut, has an Ethnographic Musuem, displaying figures sculpted by a local artist.
Farafra is the most isolated and least populous of the New Valley Oases and is an incredibly peaceful and relaxing place to visit. Its mainly Bedouin inhabitants are well known for their strong traditions and religious piety.
The Gilf El-Kebir sandstone plateau is located in the southwest corner of the Western Desert. Has a rocky surface sloping south-eastward and is partially covered by the Great Sand Sea to the north gradually encroaching on the plateau.
Once little more than a fishing village, Hurghada has undergone a complete transformation, with year-round sunshine, fantastic coral reefs and dozens of attractions in a relaxed atmosphere.
Spanning forty kilometres of pristine coastline, Hurghada City has year-round sunshine, and dozens of exciting attractions in a laid back, relaxed atmosphere.
Kharga Oasis, the largest of the oases, rose to prominence as the penultimate stop on The Forty Days Road, the infamous slave trade route between Sudan and Eygpt.
Standing in palm groves just north of the city, is the well preserved Temple of Hibis built by Persian emperor Darius I in the 6th century, the only sizeable Persian temple left in Egypt.
After a long hot drive through the barren landscape, Siwa is an Edenic island full of mineral springs, salt lakes and endless olive and palm groves.
Siwa, just 50km from the Libyan border this fertile basin, sits 25m below sea level and is brimming with olive trees and palms.
Malolotja is one of the very best highland reserves in southern Africa, its 18,000ha wilderness of high rolling hills and deep forested river gorges offering a genuine wilderness in which hikers can lose themselves for days. The Malolotja river rises in the reserve, plunging over the 95m Malolotja Falls on its way to the Nkomati river, which cuts east towards the Indian Ocean.
Mkhaya Game Reserve, a private reserve, located between Manzini and Big Bend, is Eswatini’s most exclusive safari retreat. Here you leave your vehicle behind to join an expert private guide for game drives and bush walks. You then dine beneath the stars, before drifting off to sleep in your chalet to the noises of the night.
Mlilwane is Eswatini’s best-known nature reserve. It was here in 1961 that Ted Reilly – whose father had settled at the property in 1906 – first took action to save what remained of the kingdom’s wildlife, converting it into a sanctuary and rounding up animals from elsewhere around the country before they were hunted out.
Ethiopia's most important biodiversity regions, Bale Mountains National Park supports a rich mosaic of high-altitude habitats including lush evergreen forest, stands of giant bamboo, pastel-shaded moorland, and sheltered river valleys swathed in fragrant juniper-hagenia woodland.
Danakil is one of the world’s lowest-lying places, and it officially ranks as the hottest inhabited place on earth, with an average daily maximum of 41°C. Much of the region comprises sun-cracked salt-flats that stretch like blinding-white crazy paving towards a shimmering flat horizon.
Ethiopia’s largest national park Gambella National Park is bordered to the north by the Baro River, a wide tributary of the Blue Nile navigable all the way to its confluence with the White Nile at Khartoum. At its most beautiful between March and June, when Africa’s second-largest antelope migration, an estimated 1.2 million white-tailed kob, crosses into Ethiopia from South Sudan
Centred on the lush green town of Jinka, South Omo and the Omo Valley is Ethiopia’s most culturally and linguistically diverse region, supporting 16 different ethnic groups who all staunchly keep to their unique traditional costumes, customs and beliefs.
Ethiopia’s premier trekking and walking destination, the 412km2 Simien Mountains National Park was inscribed as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1979, whereupon UNESCO lauded it as “one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, with jagged mountain peaks deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500m”.
To get a taste of the beach life, you do not need to leave Viti Levu. Hugging Viti Levu's southern coast, the Coral Coast's brilliant palm-lined beaches and sparkling fringing reefs can be reached on a 1-2-hour drive from Nadi. Scattered in little pockets along this stunning coast, are sprawling family-friendly resorts.
Kadavu's vine-tangled jungles, rocky headlands and isolated beaches feel wild and raw. The Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the most extensive barrier reefs in the world, hugs Kadavu's southern border reaching up eastwards to wrap around Ono and a cluster of other small islands in the archipelago.
Off the coast of Nadi, this string of 20 idyllic islands is one of Fiji's most popular and accessible islands destinations.
As the home of Fiji's international airport, this multicultural town links Fiji to the world. It is also your transition port to other parts of Fiji. Whether you are stopping off here at the start or end of your journey or staying nearby or in transit, you are encouraged to explore the region if you have more than four hours between flights.
Outer Islands City is squeezed between two harbours, Manukau Harbour on the west coast and Waitemata Harbour on the east coast. Take a cruise on Hauraki Gulf out to Rangitoto Island, or Waiheke Island. Around the coastline, there are many great beaches, bays and islands made for the boating enthusiast, a favourite past time.
This quiet leafy nook sandwiched between a gorgeous stretch of coast and a championship golf course, and background of dramatic mountains, winding waterways, and the spectacular Beqa Lagoon this region is jam-packed with activities.
Picturesque Savusavu, a quaint coastal town built on the back of the copra, beche-de-mer and sandalwood trades, is the island's tourism hub. Here you will find more palm trees than people. This northern tropical getaway is irresistible.
Follow the road out of Nadi along Viti Levu's western and northern coasts and fall in love with the rugged blonde beauty of Viti Levu's sun-drenched Suncoast. This scenic 2 ½ hr. drive north, winds its way through quaint market towns, rural villages, and sugarcane fields to the foothills of the imposing Nakauvadra Mountains.
Taveuni is called the 'Garden Isle'. Bouma National Heritage Park makes up more than a third of the island. With the Somosomo Strait on its northern shore and an extensive marine park at Waitabu, Taveuni is the place to go if you want to lose yourself in nature.
Blessed with dramatic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches, the Yasawa Islands is the quintessential paradise lying Northwest of the main island of Viti Levu. This region is a haven for nature lovers and a mariner's dream for an adventurous ocean escapade.
Lambarene with glossy lakes, fast-flowing rivers, thick green foliage and ingrained sweetness, the essence of the town feels kind and gentle. The humanitarian efforts of Albert Schweitzer Nobel Prize winner in 1952 for his work here, changed the character of the land.
Libreville is Gabon’s most central city boasting a beautiful coastal boulevard, bustling markets, fantastic road networks and other infrastructure testifying to the city’s oil wealth.
Framed by the Ogooué River, Lopé National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where undulating hills meet the Savannah and enclaves of rainforest where elephants, buffaloes, gorillas, chimpanzees and the most prominent mandrill troupes in the world are found.
Nestled on a thin strip of land in the southern region of Gabon bordering the Republic of the Congo, Mayumba National Park is home to the most stunning natural sights Africa has to offer. The small coastal town of Mayumba serves as the steward for the nearly 900 square kilometres of protected land and sea that comprises this country’s premier national park.
Ghana's capital, Accra, is a busy metropolis, existing between the old traditions and a vibrant modern city extending towards the sandy beachfront.
Built to house construction workers involved in the completion of the hydroelectric dam, Akosombo is the location of the world's second-largest artificial lake, making that mark, until the Three Gorges Dam was completed in China.
Located on the western coast, Elmina is rich in gold and ivory resources and was home to thirty or so slave forts concentrated along the coast, becoming the first European slave-trading post in sub-Saharan Africa.
This park is an undisturbed rainforest, extending over an area 357 kilometres with trees as high as 65 meters, made up of undisturbed coastal forest and is home to Africa's only rainforest canopy walkway. This walkway is one of only a dozen or so in the world.
It's not every day you can get up close and personal with elephants. Why not have a face-to-face encounter with these majestic animals, plus roving gangs of baboons, warthogs, waterbucks and antelopes? The park consists of easy walking flat savannah, with corridors of forest along the rivers and streams.
The hills and terrain of Shai Hills is a beautiful glimpse of what is called ‘natural’. Africa
Welcome to The Shai Hills Nature Reserve combining nature conservation, rich cultural and archaeological sites with splendid scenic views.
The city of Ardabil, as the capital of the province, and one of the ancient cities of Iran, sits on a high, windswept plateau., and is located 639 kilometres from Tehran near the Azerbaijani border.
Considered one of the coldest cities in the country, and long considered a gateway to historic towns and dry mountains of eastern Azerbaijan, Ardabil makes for an interesting stopover.
Considering Iran is home to the hottest places on earth in its deserts, has almost a dozen fantastic ski resorts. At an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea-level heading out of Tehran from the northeast of the city, it’ll be a 70 km mountainous ride, and take you around an hour and a half to get there.
Garmeh encircled by date palms, a small mountain spring irrigates this tiny 1500-year-old mud-brick village, and has been welcoming and accommodating travellers for hundreds of years and was one of the pitstops on the famous silk road.
Known in classical times as Ecbatana, Hamadan is a green mountainous area on the foothills of the snow-capped Alvand Kuh Mountain and was one of the ancient world’s greatest cities.
Kerman lies on a sandy plain, under the shadows of barren rocky hills, and surrounded by mountains on the north and east and experiences a cool climate and frequent sandstorms in the autumn and spring.
The city of Kermanshah located in the centre of the province was developed in the 4th century AD under the patronage of the Sassanian kings. The city squats astride the former Royal Road to Baghdad and such strategic positioning has brought both prosperity and attack, suffering brutal damage during the Iran–Iraq War.
With dramatically eroded mesas and picturesque landscape with towering dunes, it's not hard to see why the Dasht-e Lut is considered one of Iran's most exciting adventure destinations and identified by NASA as the hottest place on Earth.
Iran’s second largest city and spiritual centre, Mashhad is in the northeastern province of Khorasan, a historically significant transit city along the Silk Road. Governed by different ethnic groups over the course of its history, the city enjoyed relative prosperity in the Mongol period.
On the highest part of the rocky mountain of Rahmat and in the plain of Marvdasht, lies the ruins of Takht-e-Jamshid palace, located seventy miles northeast of Shiraz in present-day Iran. It is considered one of the great wonders of the ancient world.
Qazvin, a restored caravanserai-turned arts precinct, is filled with fascinating museums and a handful of varied eating options. Famed for carpets and seedless grapes, Qazvin is primarily a staging point for excursions to the famous Castles of the Assassins and trekking in the Alamut Valley.
The historic oasis of Shushtar lies on the scorching plains of southern Khuzestan, advantageously located on the Karun River, where a fascinating ancient hydraulic engineering system provides water for surrounding irrigation and industry.
With winding lanes, mud brick houses and a forest of a badgirs-an ancient system of natural air-conditioning, designed to catch even the lightest breeze, directed it to the rooms below, Yazd is located on a flat plain ringed by mountains and faces the desert.
On a high plain, surrounded by the mountains of Qanavol and Angooran, the town of Zanjan is composed of two broad valleys known as Zanjan Rood and Sefid Rood.
Next to the Dead Sea appears an oval-shaped flat-topped mesa, and a mountain surrounded by a virtual sheer drop. This site, unlike the rest of the landscape, was secure for King Herod to build himself a palace fortress in which he could retire in the case of emergency.
In the heart of the western Negev, lies the mysterious and beautiful Mount Karkom.
Presented in an unspoiled landscape, with its 847-meter-high limestone plateau slashed by dramatic ravines, Mount Karkom is believed to be the site of the biblical Mount Sinai mentioned in the Book of Exodus, as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
The Negev invites the visitors to a unique view of an untouched vastness, both silent and majestic and an unmistakable backdrop for encountering the Bedouin tribespeople of the desert, where traces of past civilisations of agriculture as well as archaeological sites can be discovered.
For many visitors Mt Fuji is the most beautiful symbol and icon of Japan. The snow-capped summit atop a glorious, near symmetrical volcano is a perpetual reminder of the country’s connection with the earth and the deities within. It 3776m above sea level Mt Fuji is the highest point in Japan and is located approximately 60 miles from central Tokyo.
Hakone is located to the south of Mt Fuji and has been a popular spot since the Samurai warriors ordered an onsen (natural hot water spring bath) be built here in 1590 and to this day, the area is home to more onsen than any other in Japan.
Koya-san is the centre of Buddhist study and practice that was founded around 12 centuries ago by Buddhist monk Kobo Daiashi Kukai as a centre for Shingon Buddhist training. His wish was to establish a monastery deep in the mountains away from worldly distractions where monks could practice and pray for peace and the welfare of the people.
Dana Biosphere Reserve encompasses four different bio-geographical zones of the country. Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian and Sudanian and a melting pot of species from Europe, Africa and Asia.
Jordan has beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture, a standing testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. With their beautiful mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings and illustrations, and inspired by the best in Persian and Graeco-Roman traditions, these Desert Castles, tell countless stories of life as it was during the 8th century.
Irbid has a tale to tell, all its own. With a mix of authentic Arabian society and flashes of western influence, this city is the second largest in population, located in the Northern part of Jordan, and boasts panoramic views of the West Bank and ancient architecture from the Roman era.
Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired for its sophisticated culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
An outstanding natural wonder the Dead Sea is a mix of beach living and religious history. Here you can soak up the sun while Biblical scholars get their daily dose of religious history. The leading attraction is the warm, soothing, super salty water. Ten times saltier than seawater, but rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others.
Umm Al Jimal, an Arabian Oasis for desert caravans, is eighty-sixed kilometres away from the capital, and well known as the Black Oasis, built using black basalt blocks supported with similar rectangular blocks in an ancient Nabataean settlement. The history of this city goes back to the Romanian Byzantine Age.
Wadi Rum is an Arabian fairy-tale waiting to be discovered. Home to nomadic Bedouin tribes, this fascinating place is a quiet getaway of stars, sand, and sun, and the perfect hideaway from the rush of city life. Once inhabited by the Nabataeans of prehistoric times, Wadi Rum allows you to get lost in vast landscapes and horizon lines.
Nairobi known as the safari capital of Africa is surrounded by 113 km² of plains, cliffs and forest that makes up the city's Nairobi National Park. Tourists can have their pick from numerous safaris, be it wildlife, cultural, sport, adventure, scenic or specialist ecotourism tours, restaurants, culture, shopping and entertainment.
Getting to Turkana overland is no mean feat. While it is possible to fly to the lake by chartered aircraft, it must be said that flying to Turkana somewhat distils the adventure.
The area near Wat Phou where the Mekong River is at its widest point, some 14 kilometres, is the vicinity known as 4000 islands or Si Phan Don. The islands range in size with Don Khong being the largest. You can stay on some of the smaller remote islands but the accommodation is extremely basic.
Just an hour by road from the town of Pakse, at an altitude of just over 600 meters above sea level and set amongst coffee, tea and cardamom plantations, you will find the picturesque Bolaven Plateau.
Along with north-western Cambodia, the far north of Laos is one of the truly adventurous destinations in Asia. Due to the lack of facilities and infrastructure travel in the remote region is arduous but ultimately rewarding.
The once sleepy town of Vang Vieng, located in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Nam Song River, makes an ideal breaking point for anyone who chooses to travel by road between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The limestone karst scenery is quite simply stunning and makes the area ideal for those looking to do some day trekking or gentle walking.
Afriski is one of only two ski resorts in southern Africa, located 3222m above sea-level in the Maluti Mountains, operating in Southern Africa near the northern border of Lesotho and South Africa.
Sani Top is the highest point at 2874 metres above sea level located at Lesotho border post in the district of Mokhotlong. The road descends the torturous meandering of the Sani pass.
Amber Mountain or Montagne d’Amber National Park is an example of a montane rainforest habitat. Its unique microclimate gives growth to some impressive flora and fauna, in particular, the large conifers and epiphytic bird’s nest ferns growing out of them, giving the park a unique prehistoric feel. Lemurs are a common sighting, particularly Sanford’s brown lemur and crowned lemur.
World Heritage Site, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is famous being home to many endemic species, including 11 lemurs, of which the indri, the largest of all lemur species. Other species in the park include chameleons and tenrecs, and birdwatchers can expect to see velvet asity, blue coua, and nuthatch vanga.
Anjajavy is a remote private game reserve in the northwest of the island which is only accessible by air. Made up of 450 hectares and bordering the coast, it is home to over 1,800 plant species.
Also known as Nosy Ambariovato, meaning the island surrounded by rocks. Nosy Komba is known for its many small and inhabited beaches as well as for its emerald like water and is a small jewel of nature, increasingly visited like its big sister Nosy Be. The island also has a diverse range of flora and fauna with over 188 species of tropical flora.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1927. The Tsingies are karstic formations created by acidic water eroding the surface of limestone cracks, the result vast underground drainage systems and dramatic limestone structures. In between these lies the Manobolo River, surrounded by riverine and mangrove swamps.
Majete Wildlife Reserve is situated in the lower Shire valley in the South West of Malawi, approximately 70kms – (one and a half hour’s drive) from Blantyre’s Chileka international airport and three hours from Lake Malawi.
The scale of this truly magnificent mountain must be seen to be appreciated. Its bare rock flanks tower to almost 3000m, dwarfing all that surrounds it. It lies to the east of Blantyre and is easily accessible. Visitors can drive around the foot of the massif in a day, but even more attractive is to trek and camp on the mountains.
Nkhotakota, to the east of the region and near the Lake, is one of the two large game areas in the Central Region. Its vast 700 sq miles (1800 sq km) is of rugged terrain crossed by a number of rivers which tumble down the edge of the escarpment as they make their ways to the Lake.
Nyika is Malawi’s largest park. It extends across the great plateau. The name, Nyika, means "where the water comes from" and is, one of Malawi’s most important water catchments. The breathtaking scenery is at its best in the rainy season when over 200 types of orchid are in flower. The grasslands of Nyika are rich in wildflowers in other seasons.
Sabah, as well as being home to the most impressive array of flora and fauna in Southeast Asia, is also home to its highest peak, namely Mount Kinabalu. Standing at 4093 meters to climb to its peak is an extraordinary adventure. The ascent takes two days of pretty strenuous, but achievable trekking, with an overnight stop in en route.
Take time out after strolling through the colourful markets, to visit the new National Park of Mali, a space of 103 hectares within a protected forest reserve of 2,100 hectares, forming a significant greenbelt in this mainly arid country.
World heritage city Djenné, located on an isle in the Bani river, has about 24,000 inhabitants and is mentioned as one of Africa’s oldest cities. It’s the mud culture, which gives Djenné its unique character. Djenné’s Great Mosque is the world’s largest mud structure and a delight to look at.
Dogon Country is unique, where time seems to have stood still. Life is lived on the rhythm of the seasons. Beautiful mud mosques, Dogon style granaries, centuries-old cliff houses in the Bandiagara Escarpment, a unique atmosphere, a rich history, evenings underneath starry heavens, masked dances and the melodious greetings of the Dogon people.
Mopti's port is a dynamic place, where boats from up and down the river unload their cargo. You'll see slabs of salt from Timbuktu, dried fish, firewood, pottery, goats, chickens and much more.
Located on the Niger river bank, Ségou is known for its relaxed atmosphere. A perfect place to re-energise, to let sink in the travel experiences and to get to understand life on the river and in the surrounding villages.
Experience a city walk: along the river quay, through the Somono quarter or the grand structures of the colonial neighbourhood.
Time to leave the usual beaches and try a few excursions inland to get a feel for the heart of the island. Cooler than the coastal regions, the central plateau is situated between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. Starting from the South of Port Louis, this vast urban area is home to about 400,000 people, representing over one-third of the island's population.
560 kilometres north-east of Mauritius lies Rodrigues: the jewel in the crown of the Mascarene Islands – an 18 kilometre by 8-kilometre pearl surrounded by a crystalline blue lagoon twice its size.
The East coast with its succession of beaches is undoubtedly one of the island’s most beautiful coastlines set alongside emerald coloured lagoons. Punctuated with numerous luxurious hotels and authentic villages, this coast has the particularity of being exposed to the constant south-east trade winds. The several kilometres long Belle Mare beach is its main attraction.
The wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the island are in the South: sandy beaches bordered by cliffs carved by waves, rocky shores, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, and mountainous terrains offering magnificent panoramas. The integrated tourist area of Bel Ombre is also a model of its kind.
The West and South-West coasts of Mauritius are the driest areas on the island. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the African bush. Protected from the prevailing winds, the region boasts some superb hotels and lagoons calm enough for swimming, snorkelling, diving, water-skiing, kayaking, pedal boats and sailing activities.
Deep in the Tarahumara Mountains in Mexico’s north-west state of Chihuahua, the breathtaking Copper Canyon (“Barranca del Cobre”) covers close to 65,000 km² of rugged mountains, forests and canyons.
The largest seaside resort in Morocco, located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, destroyed and then rebuilt following an earthquake in 1960, is the most modern of the country’s cities. Hike to the Kasbah a set of fortifications perched up atop a hill in the city’s oldest districts, and relish in the breathtaking view across the city
No trip to Morocco is complete without a visit to Ait Benhaddou, the iconic, UNESCO World Heritage site that has graced Hollywood blockbusters from the Mummy to Gladiator alike. Founded along the age-old caravan trail that linked Marrakech to the Sahara, the crumbling adobe Kasbah and surrounding fortress sits against the backdrop of the High Atlas and served as a Berber trading post.
Tucked away in the hills of the Middle Atlas Mountains, Azrou named for the large, black volcanic outcrop in the centre of town. The city serves as the foundation of regional trade and social life.
Forget the romance of the film, Casablanca is one of the largest cities in Africa, a vast, sprawling metropolis at the heart of Morocco’s industry and commerce. The modern city, however, belies its colourful history which can be traced back to the Roman and Phoenician traders and has been shaped by Portuguese, Spanish and French colonial powers.
Chefchaouen is a picturesque town in northern Morocco, a vibrant splash of blue set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains. Founded in 1471 as a fortress town to curb the advances of the Portuguese invaders, the city multiplied, with the arrival of Jewish and Moorish refugees following their expulsion from Spain in 1492.
Towards Morocco’s south-eastern border with Algeria, the rocky canyons and spectacular gorges tumble into the Erg Chebbi – huge wind-sculpted dunes measuring up to 350m high. Welcome to Morocco’s Saharan desert. One of the country’s most captivating corners, a sea of ever-changing sand that evokes the romantic mystery of North Africa.
Shifting dunes over 28km from north to south and reaching heights of 160m, Erg Chebbi may be a modest example compared with the vast sand seas of Algeria, Libya and Namibia, but it is extraordinarily picturesque. The rose gold dunes rise dramatically above a pancake-flat, black hammada and glimmer in stunning shades of pink orange and violet as the afternoon sun descends.
Located in the southern central part of the country the town of Errachidia is situated on the borders of South-eastern Morocco and is home to Tafilalet regarded as one of the most historical regions of Morocco.
700km south of Tangier, Essaouira is Morocco’s prime coastal resort, a charming UNESCO fortress city on the Atlantic seaboard and a beautiful destination for winding down at the end of the trip.
Dating back to the 8th century, the imperial city of Fez was the capital of Morocco for over 400 years and an intriguing centre of political and religious power. At its heart, the famous walled medina of Old Fez, Fès el-Bali, has changed little over the centuries and stands in stark contrast to the French-inspired “Ville Nouvelle” built pre-independence in the 1950s.
Nicknamed ‘small Switzerland,’ Ifrane has a diverse landscape as well as a climate more lenient than elsewhere and is home to the largest cedar forest in the world, Ifrane National Park.
Imouzzer is a small Berber town, that was isolated until the 1930s. It is known for the spectacular Cascades or waterfalls.
While only 60kms north of Agadir, the terrain and landscape is not for the fainthearted as you travel long steep mountainous roads to reach the town, but the journey is worth it for the tranquillity and breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.
If Fes is the cultural heart of Morocco, then Marrakech is undoubtedly the tourist epicentre, an imperial city that resonates across North Africa and which evokes the mystery and charm of Morocco. Nestled amidst the foothills of the High Atlas, the town is centred around the bustling Jamaa el Fna; the first market square set deep within the medieval medina.
Founded in the 11th century as an Almoravid fortress town, Meknes is a charming imperial city and former capital of Morocco just 40 miles south-west of Fes. Its regional importance can be traced back to the Sultan Moulay Ismail who in the 17th century set about transforming into a regional powerhouse replete with palaces, mosques, gardens and mansions.
Nkob is the capital village of the Berber Ait Atta tribe and belongs to the Confederation Ait Atta spread along Ouarzazate, Errachidia, and Azil Provinces. This ancient Berber tribe existed before Arab and Islam’s entrance into Morocco in the seventh century.
Ouarzazate, located at the intersection of the valleys of Ouarzazate and Ouad Dades-in the High Atlas-which forms the Oued Drâa downstream, is the nerve centre of the vast region of southern Morocco, and a beautiful mixture of oases, Kasbahs and flourishing valleys and a vast desert that attracts tourists of different nationalities to discover the natural beauty of this city.
The capital of Morocco, Rabat is a charming imperial city on the Atlantic seaboard that provides a relaxing contrast to the hustle and frenetic traffic of Marrakesh and Casablanca. Like many Moroccan cities, it is divided between the French-inspired “Ville Nouvelle” with pleasant leafy boulevards and the original 12th-century medina and walled town.
Previously a former Spanish enclave, Sidi Ifni is the ideal starting point for a hike or a bivouac to discover the surrounding Berber villages. Between the sea, the mountain and the vast desert of the south, built on a rocky plateau, the town overlooks the Atlantic.
Tamegroute’s Zawiya Nassiriyya is said to be a cure for anxiety and high blood pressure. Besides its miracle cures, Tamegroute is best known for its labyrinth of ksour, explored by yourself or with a local guide.
Tamraght is a small Berber fishing village situated on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean seventeen kilometres north of Agadir.
Eat brunch at the Babakoul cafe in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere inspired by a view of the beach, wooden benches and overshadowing trees. Take a seat with the local cats and puppies who famously make their beds amongst Babakoul’s cushions.
Tangiers sits at the entrance to the Straits of Gibraltar, a fascinating city of intrigue, colour and power at the very tip of North Africa. Formerly a Berber settlement founded in the 5th century BC, its strategic importance at the crossroads of Africa and Europe has dominated its rich history and seen it shuffled between the regional powers of the time.
Tetouan located at the foot of the Rif Mountains is just a few kilometres from the sea. The medina, a Unesco World Heritage site, appears to not have changed in several centuries.
Perched at the very end of the magical Draa Valley, the desert outpost Zagora lies on the famous caravan trail to Timbuktu – “52 days away” as the village’s renowned sign announces. Surrounded by traditional Berber villages, several of which slowly being engulfed by the desert, the area offers an alternative to the towering Saharan dunes of the Erg Chebbi further north-east.
The Gorongosa National Park is in the southern end of the African Rift Valley which covers a widespread area of 3770 square kilometres. This park lies in the heart of Mozambique.
The island has interesting historical and fascinating sites, hosting one of the most ancient settlements in Mozambique, after Ilha de Mozambique. As early as AD600 Arab traders had established contact with the local inhabitants and subsequently found fortified trading posts along the coastline. Via these trading posts slaves, gold and ivory were shipped to the Arab world.
Lake Niassa is the 9th largest freshwater lake in the world, the third largest in Africa and one of the world’s most bio-diverse. Though utterly stunning it is still only visited by a handful of tourists heading to Malawi with the lake forming the border between the two countries. It has been declared a reserve and Ramsar site, protecting its abundant species and natural habitats.
The Limpopo National Park was born when the status of that wildlife utilisation area in Gaza Province, was changed from a hunting concession to a protected area.
The gateway to the north, Pemba sprawls across a small peninsula that juts into the enormous and magnificent Pemba Bay, one of the world’s largest natural harbours. Established in 1904 as administrative headquarters for the Niassa Company, Pemba was known for much of its early life as Porto Amelia. Today it’s the capital of Cabo Delgado province.
The best way to appreciate the scale of this temple site is to see it from the air. We can arrange a spectacular hot air balloon ride, taken at sunrise and including a light breakfast and a glass of Champagne. The flights, which drift serenely over the temples allowing perfect photo opportunities, generally last about 45 minutes.
In the days of the British occupation Kalaw was a popular hill station retreat. The area is populated by Nepalese and Indians, which is reflected in the cuisine, as well as local hill tribe people. The colonial architecture mixed with the stunning alpine forests make this a great place to visit. It is an excellent base for walking in the cool picturesque mountains.
Only recently opened to tourists and tucked away in the far north of the country is the small quiet town of Putao. Formally known as Fort Hertz, Putao was one of the British Empire's most remote outposts. During the Second World War, even the Japanese were unable to conquer this remote and isolated area.
Sittwe, the capital of the Rakhine State, is located on the northern coast near the Bangladesh border and home to a large Muslim community. Originally built by the British in 1826, the town’s most popular sites include the Payagyi Pagoda, the Rakhine State Cultural Museum, Payamya Monastery and the riverfront market.
Namibia's highest mountain the Brandberg Mountain Range is situated in the Erongo region in the western part of Namibia, ninety kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean and covers an area of 760 square kilometres.
The Range gets its name from an almost black appearance and the bright colours that the setting sun paints onto the mountains as if the whole area was on fire.
Bwabwata situated on an old dune system runs north west-south east across the whole length of the park. Discover buffalo, hordes of elephants, lions and leopard, African wild dogs, sable, roan, giraffe as well as the usual impala, kudu and zebra. Large concentrations of Elephant and Buffalo roam freely in the park. Bwabwata is one of the last refuges of the renowned wild dogs of Namibia.
Cape Cross has both historical and biological significance with its rocky bay, sandy beaches and salt pan. Tourism enhancing viewing of the seals, includes information signs along the walkway, renovated picnic areas, five campsites with fireplaces, and timber-plastic windshields.
The river begins its existence as a small mountain spring in Angola, where it is known as the Kwando (a Hambukushu name). From here, it travels great distances through the Kalahari sands before it reaches Botswana and becomes the Linyanti (a Subiya name).
Known for its outstanding natural scenery with panoramic views out over the Great Fish River, the Great Fish River Nature Reserve is home to one of South Africa's largest populations of Black Rhinoceros, located 200 kilometres from Port Elizabeth.
Kolmanskop’s history is short and in a span of forty years the town had lived, flourished and died.
Mudumu National Park is richly rewarding. The Natural features of the Kwando River floodplain and lush grasslands, and riparian woodlands enhance the completely flat area. The main attraction is the riverine habitat of the Kwando River, while inland the Mudumu Mulapo fossilised river course and the dense mopane woodland shelter numerous species.
Sossusvlei, located in the red dunes of the Namib Desert, is formed where the natural course of the transient Tsauchab River is blocked by a mass of sand.
This mass of sand stretches for 400kms South of Walvis Bay, sandwiched between the cold Benguela current of the west coast and the escarpment that runs parallel more than 100km inland.
Spitzkoppe from the German for the pointed dome is a group of bald granite peaks or inselbergs located between Usakos and Swakopmund in the Namib desert.
The granite is more than 120 million years old, and the highest outcrop rises about 1,728 metres above sea level.
Swakopmund is a charming and intriguing coastal town, complete with German architecture, monuments, historic buildings, well-maintained gardens, palm tree-lined avenues, coffee bars and great seafood restaurants. Temperatures are pleasant throughout the year, rarely dropping below 15C. It almost never rains, however, the town is subjected to 9 months of morning fog each year.
Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa. Most of these well-preserved engravings represent rhinoceros, Twyfelfontein is located close to a freshwater spring in a remote semi-arid area at the head of a valley in Damaraland.
Situated halfway between the little town of Outjo and Khorixas, the Vingerklip is one of Namibia’s most famous and remarkable rocks. Described as a huge rock finger it protrudes vertically into the air. Standing on a hilltop the Rock Finger and a height of 929 metres above sea level, the rock itself is 35 metres high.
Called the Bay of Whales, Walvis Bay is situated on the Atlantic coast. The largest deep-sea harbour in Namibia was discovered by the Portuguese sailor Diaz, who explored the West African coast from 1482 to 1489 and sailed into the bay for the first time in 1487.
In the midst of the ever-changing dunes, barren salt pans, isolated watering holes and ocean-side oases, Windhoek is the master link that holds them all together. While it serves as the gateway to a diverse array of scenic settings, the city itself can be a delightful attraction in itself.
Bandipur is located approximately midway on the Prithivi Highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is 148kms from Kathmandu which takes 4 hours on drive.
Bardia National Park lies to the west of Chitwan and for those willing to make the effort to reach will be rewarded with an unrivalled wildlife experience with few visitors and great chances to spot wild elephant, one-horned rhino, leopard and if you’re exceptionally lucky then even the ra
Located just 32 kms east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers unrestricted views to the mighty Himalaya mountain range right from the Annapurna’s in the west to the mighty Everest in the east.
The attractive town of Tansen is located in the mid-West Nepalese hills and is home to quaint houses built with old-style Newari architectural influences. It is the capital of the Palpa district and its history dates back to 11th century and you can still find remains of ruins that date back to between the 15th and 19th centuries.
From Pouebo to Ponerihouen, the East Coast unfolds along a narrow coastal strip set between the central mountain range and the ocean, with the spectacular panorama of the central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts.
Home to the biggest park in New Caledonia, the Blue River Provincial Park, is the ideal setting for hiking or kayaking along with its natural wealth (giant Kaori, the drowned forest...). The park offers a perfect environment for bathing in the clear waters of the Blue River.
The West Coast of the mainland or the Grande Terre is characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, and the West Coast’s rich cultural heritage.
The Bay of Islands was proclaimed when Captain James Cook stopped here on his round the world journey in 1769. Anchoring at Roberton Island, Captain Cook made contact with the local Maori People and immediately started trading with them. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a half-hour walk along the beach from Paihia.
Christchurch is the principal city and international gateway for overseas travellers to the South Island. Known as the "Garden City", Christchurch enjoy a very English heritage. The first settlers in Christchurch arrived in four ships from England in 1850. Many of the historic buildings, sites and parks created in their name.
Located only one and a half hours from Auckland Airport, the Coromandel Peninsula is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a rugged range of mountains covering natural rainforest running down the length of the peninsula, the region has a long and colourful history.
Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula in the South Island have a long and rich heritage and a very Scottish feel to the city. The history of Dunedin commenced in the 1860s because of the gold rush. Many of today's buildings date back to this period, resulting in Victorian and Edwardian influences everywhere you go in Dunedin.
The Fiordland National Park has some of the most extraordinary and dramatic scenery in New Zealand. Designated a World Heritage wilderness and among its many scenic attractions, this area includes Milford Sound, Mitre Peak and Doubtful Sound.
Hawke's Bay is synonymous with wine country and is the leading producer of red wines and is renowned for its gourmet food. The central city of Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture. Spectacular beaches stretch all along this coastline.
The Marlborough region in the northeastern corner of the South Island is blessed with New Zealand's highest amount of sunshine each year. Marlborough region of New Zealand extends from Kaikoura on the east coast, to the Marlborough Sounds, and includes the main towns of Blenheim and Picton.
Located next to Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables mountain range in the background, Queenstown is picture-perfect
Rotorua is one of New Zealand's best-known tourist locations, revolving around the Maori People and culture, geothermal activity, natural hot springs, and spectacular volcanic landscapes. Rotorua's sunny days are ideal for all manner of outdoor activities, with fantastic walking or mountain biking trails, and excellent trout fishing.
Taupo, located in the central north island on Lake Taupo, is the largest lake in Australasia. Lake Taupo, a volcano, last erupted in 181AD. Many violent and explosive eruptions created the size and shape of the lake over the last 27,000 years. The whole Lake Taupo region is part of the volcanic belt stretching from Tongariro National Park to Rotorua and White Island.
Located between steep, rolling hills and a stunning harbour is New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Also known as the culture and arts capital, much of Wellington's charm is due to its beautiful wooden houses, historic buildings, museums, and art galleries.
The West Coast region stretches 600 kilometres from north of Karamea and Westport to south of Haast. Constrained by the tempestuous Tasman Sea to the west, and the majestic Southern Alps to the east; the West Coast region of New Zealand is no wider than 70 kilometres at its widest point.
A maze of tight-knit lanes and hidden streets weave and wind their way to form the hard-to-navigate heart of Zinder, and over the town with its great adobe architectural achievements loom the towers of Sultan’s Palace. Zinder was once the busiest camel caravan stop on the Trans Saharan route and is reflected in the bustling bazaar, stretching as far as the eye can see.
The whole island is dotted with a myriad of caves, sheltered rocky coves and secret beaches, some of which have yet to be explored. The Huvalu Rainforest is home to some fantastic indigenous trees. It has been designated as a Conservation Area to protect and conserve the islands primary rainforest and natural Flora and fauna.
The small town of Bahla dominated by a disproportionately large fort is located on the edge of a flat plain, just where the foothills of the Hajar Mountains runs into the dust of the desert.
The dramatic, Hajar mountainous region is one of Oman's biggest tourist attractions. The Historic town of Nizwa boasts a grand souq and an elegant Grand Mosque and acts as the gateway to spectacular mountain destinations such as Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, Wadi Ghul, considered the Grand Canyon of Arabia and Jebel Akhdar, known as the fruit bowl of Oman.
Remote Jebel Samhan towers over the eastern portion of the Salalah Plain and is riddled with limestone caves and sinkholes, traversed by deep and narrow mountain passes, some of which are up to a thousand feet deep. The desolate flat top of the Jebel is home to one of the last refuges for wild Arabian leopards.
In the heart of the Western Hajar Mountain chain in Al Dakhiliyah region, Jebel Shams is known for the view into the spectacularly straight-sided Wadi Ghul labelled as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, with fissures abruptly between the canyon rims, exposing vertical cliffs of over 1000metres.
Remote Masirah Island known for its unique natural wealth, remains mostly off the tourist radar. The largest settlement is the city of Marsaïs famous as a large textile centre where you will discover several high quality but inexpensive historical textile manufactories.
Oman’s northernmost governorate, the Exclave of Musandam is separated from the rest of Oman and is home to some of the country’s most dramatic landscape. This is where the mountains meet the sea, and stunning fjords and crystal-clear waters make this one of the best diving and snorkelling spots anywhere in the world.
Thirty-Five kilometres from Sur at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, lies a unique natural landscape, of golden deserts, unspoiled shorelines, lush green oases and rugged mountains. Ras Al Jinz is world renowned for the nesting of the endangered green turtle-Cheloniamydas and has the most critical nesting concentration on the Indian Ocean.
Rustaq was Oman’s capital in the 17th century and remains an important regional centre. The imposing fort is a structure built on three levels and contains separate houses, an armoury, a mosque and four towers. Visit the healing warm springs of Ain Al Kasfah, the water here runs at 45 °C and is regarded as a cure for rheumatism and skin diseases due to the high Sulphur content.
South of Ibra stretches the magnificent Wahiba Sands. This is the desert you’ve always imagined, sculpted by the wind into delicately moulded crests and hollows. There are no permanent settlements, although some local Bedu live in ramshackle temporary camps, on the southern fringes of the sands around Al Ashkharah.
Jericho is a green oasis in the Jordan Valley located 30km east of Jerusalem, 7km west of the River Jordan, and 10km north of the Dead Sea, lies 260 meters below sea level, making it the lowest town on earth.
Deep in the north-eastern corner of the Peruvian Andes, lies one of the country’s most fascinating and least visited regions Chachapoyas, capital of Amazonas state. Surrounded by lush cloud-forested mountains punctuated with pre-Inca towns, this was home to the Chachapoyas civilisation, dubbed the “Warriors of the Clouds” which dates back to 850 AD.
High in the mountains at 3300m above sea level and a short flight from Lima, is Cusco, Peru’s most important tourist centre and a fascinating colonial city built on the ashes of the Inca capital.
The face of Peruvian tourism for years, Machu Picchu is simply awe-inspiring and evokes the very mystery and beauty of South America. The classic photo of the Incan citadel sitting at the base of the towering peak Huayna Picchu adorns every travel brochure and yet this is only a snapshot of the site.
The Peruvian highlands lend themselves to wonderful mountain biking, the perfect way to leave the tour buses behind and spend an afternoon exploring the countryside. From Cusco, you can escape into the hills to visit the enigmatic ruins of Moray and dazzling salt-flats of Maras amidst traditional colonial villages.
The Salkantay circuit is arguably Peru’s second most famous hike after the Inca Trail. The dizzying path takes you high into the Andes across the majestic, snow-capped face of Mount Salkantay before dropping you down through lush cloud-forest to reach Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu.
The glacier-topped mountains of the Peruvian Andes are home some of the finest white water rafting in the Americas. From the Inca capital Cusco, the venerated Rio Urubamba flows through the heart of the picturesque Sacred Valley and offers gentle grade 3+ rapids to suit beginners to experts alike.
Vast, magnificent, dizzying, there are few words to describe the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon which sits at the heart of Peru’s southern altiplano, some 4 hours’ drive from Arequipa.
High in the Andes only a short flight from Lima, lies Huaraz, a scruffy highland town at the heart of the Cordillera Blanca Mountain range, surrounded by majestic, glacier topped peaks. Despite its appearance, having suffered a serious of devastating earthquakes, Huaraz is Peru’s trekking capital and the perfect base to set out and explore the mountains.
The classic Inca Trail is one of the world’s great treks and the highlight of any trip to Peru. Breathtakingly beautiful, the four day trail follows an age-old Inca pathway that winds through the heart of the magnificent Vilcabamba range. Arriving at the sun-gate at dawn, the captivating lost city of Machu Picchu is illuminated by the first rays of sunlight, a truly mesmerising sight!
Deep in the Sacred Valley north of Cusco, the Lares Valley offers an authentic slice of Peruvian life where herds of alpacas and llamas roam amidst Inca ruins, breathtaking mountain scenery and traditional weaving communities.
Just outside Cusco, the Urubamba river flows through the picturesque, fertile Sacred Valley under the shadow of the snow-capped Vilcabamba mountains. Once breadbasket of the Inca, the Sacred valley sits on average at 2800m above sea-level, 500m lower than Cusco, and is characterised by white-washed Inca villages, traditional markets and a series of impressive Inca sites and ruins.
The name says it all! Skylodge comprises of three transparent capsules bolted to a vertical granite rock face some 200m above the ground.
Set against craggy peaks with sweeping views across golden fields to distant glaciers, the long-awaited Explora Sacred Valley is a striking design hotel at the heart of Peru’s picturesque Sacred Valley, an hour’s drive from the Inca capital Cusco.
Located in the Ndzehi Forest on the western boundary of Odzala-Kokoua National Park and situated in the north-west of the country. With towering trees, dappled sun and the scent of fresh rain and is home to the critically endangered species, the western lowland gorilla.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Piton de la Fournaise is the island's most famous natural wonder. Dubbed “le volcan” or The Volcano by locals. Piton de la Fournaise is not a sleeping giant, rather an active geological wonder that erupts with great consistency.
The highest point on Réunion, at 3,071 metres above sea level. The Piton des Neiges is an old, now dormant volcano that has not been active for over 12,000 years. Formed five million years ago and emerged from the Indian Ocean over three million years, creating the island as we know it today.
Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie offer exceptional places to start your hiking adventure. Every year, thousands of visitors to the Cirques, soar on countless trails, In the centre, the Piton des Neiges, notably the highest point of the island, is also a decisive playground for hikers.
Cilaos
Rwanda’s fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura is made up of two separate forests – the larger Gishwati and small Mukura, forming a total of 34 square kilometres plus a buffer zone.
Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
Príncipe, with a port capital in the north, and a vast uninhabited forest in the south, you will discover on your arrival, nature rules here. Santo António, its delightful small capital, and pretty location sits astride a river that empties into a narrow bay, creating an emerald isle accented by fantastic beaches.
On the larger island, São Tomé is on the Lagoa Azul lagoon. Oval in shape, the island lies one hundred and forty-five kilometres, northeast of its sister island. Distinguished by Pico Cao Grande, a skyscraper-like volcanic rock, the Ôbo Natural Park, a biodiverse jungle preserve, covers much of São Tomé.
Rich in wildlife, Asir National Park is home to animals like deer, lynx and Nubian Ibex. Also, varieties of birds can be observed in the Aseer National Reserve in Al-Sowdah Mountain, the tallest peak in the Kingdom.
Jeddah, known as the Bride of the Red Sea, is a city that never sleeps. Here visitors enjoy beautiful beaches and traditional markets, characterised by the habits, folklore and time-honored dishes of Jeddah's people. Dive the Red Sea on unforgettable cruises, and explore archeological sites, culture-rich festivals and modern shopping malls.
Riyadh is a city where the history of Saudi Arabia and the ancient heritage of Najd unite, and capital city of Saudi Arabia, where the center of government combines the first destination for business.
Explore the gardens and natural oases that surround the city amid the desert, mountains and plains of Tuwaiq.
The twin towns of Cap Skirring and Kabrousse are placed at Senegal’s extreme southwestern edge and along one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the country.
The Casamance region dominated by the river of the same name winds its way through the picturesque and wildlife-rich landscape. You’ll discover the country’s French influence is strong here, engrained in the local cuisine.
The Cap-Vert Peninsula shelters Gorée a small island 900 metres in width, which has become a part of the city of Dakar and a minor port site of a European settlement further along the coast.
Devoid of natural drinking water, the Portuguese were the first to establish a presence on Gorée in the year 1450, where they built a small stone chapel and used land as a cemetery.
Once you have crossed Pont Faidherbe bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel, the heart of the old city is located on a narrow island in the Senegal River.
Alphonse, the principal island of the Alphonse Group, is a small triangular island barely 1.2km wide, sheltered by a spectacular coral reef.
Located 400km southwest of Mahé, Alphonse was initially developed around the coconut industry and was also mined for guano (decomposed bird droppings). The island remains an important nesting ground for turtles and colonies of seabirds.
Of all the islands in the Amirantes Group, Desroches is the closest to Mahé (230km southwest) and the only island in the group offering accommodation. This coral island measures 5km long and 1.5km wide, boasting 14km of immaculate beaches that fringe a lush grove of coconut palms interspersed by casuarina trees.
Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island and cultural and economic hub of the Inner Islands, and the international gateway to Seychelles. It is home to the international airport and the nation’s capital, Victoria.
Between mountains and sea, Sierra Leone's capital bubbles with colour and charm. One minute it's enticing you with quiet beaches, the next it's frenzied hurtling you up and down beautiful hills.
Set in the stunning boundaries of the Western Area National Park, you will find the incredible Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Opened in 1995, the story begins long before.
Hearing the water thundering through the gorge at the Augrabies Falls is a moment when the sheer power of nature will leave you breathless.
Bloemfontein perched near the centre of South Africa, on the road between Cape Town in the Western Cape and Johannesburg in Gauteng is one of the largest cities in the country, known for its natural prettiness and warm hospitality.
The Drakensberg Mountain Range is one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders, showcasing a selection of breath-taking vistas, is the highest mountain range in the country, reaching an impressive 3 482 metres above sea level.
Durban is the hub of the province’s business and industry and has all the energy of a significant port city often referred to as South Africa’s Miami Beach blessed with balmy weather all year round, making it a perfect holiday paradise
Located in the westerns sector of the Sabi Sand Private Reserve, Savanna Private Game Reserve is home to an exclusive and welcoming safari lodge.
Surrounded by magnificent bushveld views and looking out onto an illuminated waterhole, Savanna Lodge rests in lush, open extensive gardens.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is located in the south western sector of the private concession of Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
Adjoining the unfenced Kruger National Park, game rambles freely between the reserves and the slightly elevated position of Bush Lodge provides uninterrupted bushveld views.
Nestled amongst enormous trees on the banks of the Sand River in the western Sabi Sand Private Reserve, is Singita Ebony, the original Singita Lodge.
Ebony has a compelling presence while welcoming visitors with the warmth of a family home.
Tsitsikamma National Park is a place of abundance and sparkling water stretching from the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east. The indigenous forest made up of ancient yellowwood trees, magnificent fynbos plants, native flora and abundant birdlife.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Korannaberg Mountains, Tswalu Tarkuni is an isolated oasis which lies baking beneath the Kalahari sun.
Overlooking the stretches of semi-desert grasslands, the exclusive-use property is scenically beautiful, and ideal for families or small groups.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Korannaberg Mountains, Tswalu Motse is an isolated oasis which lies baking beneath the Kalahari sun.
Overlooking the stretches of semi-desert grasslands the property is scenically beautiful, its natural stone, thatch and wood structure illuminated by the changing light of day.
Adam’s Peak is located in a picturesque area of the southern hill country about 2 hours drive from Hatton. The peak has a few names depending on beliefs - Adam’s peak after the place where Adam first set foot on earth after being thrown out of heaven, Sri Pada – which means sacred footprint after the footprint left by Buddha as headed to paradise and Samanalakande – Butterfly Mountain.
Located in eastern Sri Lanka away from the typical tourist trail in Gal Oya National Park, Gal Oya Lodge is a real gem and a must visit for wildlife and nature enthusiasts or those looking to get off the beaten track.
The Diana’s Peak National Park was launched in March 1996, encompassing the area of the three peaks; a total area of 81 hectares. It is now part of the National Conservation Areas. Most of the enclosed area is a natural forest, though there still remain many areas of New Zealand Flax which are steadily being cleared.
The volcanic field located in the Bayuda Desert lies within the great bend of the Nile and is 300 kilometres north of Khartoum. Discovered by aerial photography in 1920, the word Bayuda comes from the Arabic ‘abyod’ which translates as white, the contrast created by the black stone mountain and the light coloured sand.
This dusty town is the centre for a market where people come from the surrounding districts to sell and shop twice a week.
However very close to Karima, and only a couple of kilometres to the south lies the main centre of the Kushite Kingdom and the vast Temple of Amun. The temple stands near a bend in the Nile River, in the region called Nubia in ancient times.
On the Nile River south of the 3rd Cataract, the city of Kerma was the main centre of the Kingdom of Kush. A civilisation developed here before the Egyptians conquered them in 1.550 B.C. Kerma is considered one of the oldest inhabited towns in Africa and a place of immense historical importance.
Khartoum, the capital of Sudan the Khartoum State, is located at the confluence of the White Nile flowing north from Lake Victoria in Uganda and the Blue Nile flowing west from Ethiopia. Where the two Niles finally converge is known as’ al-Mogran,’ meaning-The Confluence. The main Nile continues to flow northwards towards Egypt and on to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Royal necropolis of Meroe is located three kilometres from the Nile and 230 kilometres North of Khartoum, on hills covered by apricot coloured dunes. More than forty pyramids stand with their sharp shapes against the clear sky. Most are in perfect preservation, with clusters of small pyramids blanketing the sand-swept hills, one of the most spectacular sights in eastern Africa.
Sudan's only major industrial port is the base for some of the world's most spectacular and undeveloped diving. Port Sudan is also an ideal base to visit the nearby historical ancient port town of Suakin, known in its glorious past as the Red Sea Pearl. Discover the cities’ colonial-style architecture and the trading place for a busy souk.
Along the Sudanese coast, the warm waters of the Red Sea and the isolation on this stretch of beach, produce a spectacular array of marine life. The water temperatures further reduce the planktonic and algal blooms that are common further North.
Shandi, a town in northern Sudan, is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile River 150 km northeast of Khartoum and is the centre of the Ja'aliin tribe and an important historical trading centre. From here you drive 45 kilometres southwest to the ancient city of Meroe.
This is the best Egyptian temple found in Sudanese territory; it was built by Amenhotep III to celebrate himself and the god Amon. It is located on the western Nile shore about 150 km south of the Egyptian border.
Situated on the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream is an untamed place of lush forests and clear lake views. Hiking and swimming are also popular activities here.
Mahale is located in Western Tanzania to the South of Kigoma town, it is bordering Lake Tanganyika-the World’s longest, second deepest and least polluted freshwater lake-harbouring an estimated 1000 fish species.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous sites and is said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa. Sometimes described as an ‘eighth wonder of the world’, the Crater has achieved world renown, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. You are unlikely to escape other vehicles here, but you are guaranteed great wildlife viewing in a genuinely mind-blowi
Isabela is the Galapagos’ largest island covering an area of 4,640 square kilometres and is a dominated by 6 shield volcanoes, all but one still active – Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf.
Makasutu Culture Forest bunches the country's vast landscapes into a dazzling 1000-hectare package. The setting, comprises vast wetlands, palm groves, mangroves and savannah plains.
The winding stretch of the River Gambia lined as it is with a green belt of jungle riparian forest evokes the steamy Congo Basin rather than the Sahel. The centrepiece of this fantastic national park was first gazetted to protect Baboon Island and four smaller islets.
This 4.8-kilometre curve of the finely grained beach is considered to be one of the best beachfront in The Gambia, and here it seems to have managed to escape much of the earlier coastal erosion.
Gyantse, is nestled in the Nyang-chu Valley 254km south-west of Lhasa, is famed for the the Gyantse Kumbum, the largest chorten (stupa) in Tibet. En route to Gyantse from Lhasa you pass through stunning Himalayan scenery, the Kamba-la Pass providing sweeping panoramas and leading down to the turquoise waters of Yamdrok-tso. Gyantse has a horse racing and archery festival in the summer.
This fascinating city dates back to the 7th century A.D when the colorful Tibetan figure, Songtsen Gampo, built his palace in Lhasa. It was back in 1642 when the 5th Dalai Lama made Lhasa his capital and rebuilt the architectural masterpiece, the Potala Palace.
There is some remarkable trekking in Tibet and there could be little disagreement if we argue that it's possibly the world's best high altitude trekking. We must however immediately stress that altitude is an issue and that no-one of any age or fitness level should under-estimate the effects of altitude and that all of these treks are without vehicular access. We supply all equ
Tibet is one of the world's ultimate river destinations with itineraries covering the full range of rafting and kayaking. We can offer trips that include a half day of gently floating down the Lhasa River or a half day of Grade 2 and 3 rapids to one day up to 21 day adventures of Grades 2,3,4 and Expert (Grade 5) rapids.
Founded in the 17th century by people fleeing the slave- snatching of Benin's Dahomeyan king, Koutammakou has a distinctive collection of two-story fortress-like mud houses or ‘Tatas’ which are built for defence against invaders.
Discover the flourishing city of Kpalimé, renowned for its beautiful scenery and pleasant tropical climate. Visit a neo-Gothic church built by German colonisers in the early 20th century. Take a quiet stroll to the craft village to admire art made with finesse by inspired artisans.
Lake Togo is the broadest measure of an inland lagoon connected to the sea in the the southernmost part of this small Republic
Set sail across LakeTogo in a pirogue, a traditional dugout canoe) to Togoville, the centre of the local voodoo cult, where in contrast the ancient German cathedral dominates the town.
Lomé is full of life. A significant port to the outside world, the people here live up to its hectic pace with cargo vessels, exporting cocoa, palm kernels and coffee.
The old Arab quarter- Kasbas, depicts a military appearance, but the inside space is quiet, and the houses fill a warren of vertical homes. The old harbour is framed by white houses and centuries-old walls where fishing boats glide silently by.
Take a seat in a café on the terrace and enjoy the view.
The city buzzes on Mondays and Thursdays for the bi-weekly market. Spend a little time, and take a walk out to the nearby Kasr. From this point, the best view over whole Tataouine is waiting for you, as the desert here appears in all its implacable ruggedness.
Exhibiting a large rocky plain opening onto imposing landscapes of desert plateaus, cliffs and rocky spurs.
Tunis is an exciting mix of new and old, including French colonial buildings. The souq and the medina are among the most authentic and hassle-free in North Africa.
Along the eastern borders of Turkey, Ağrı is one of the principal cities of this region. Set on a 1650m-high plateau, Agri takes its name from Turkey’s highest mountain and one of the country's most challenging peaks.
Situated on a peninsula, Bodrum is one of the most chic and European resorts in Turkey, with its historical architecture, fantastic beaches, fishing villages and trendy nightclubs.
Bodrum is also the yachting centre of Turkey and its world class marina is a favourite destination for yachts that cruise the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
Cappadocia is the name given to that triangle of land that lies between Nevsehir, Nigde, and Aksaray. The area is a popular tourist destination in Turkey, as it has many areas with unique geological, historical, and cultural features.
Denizli surrounded by a beautiful verdant valley and nestled in the high mountains near the Büyük Menderes River is rich in culture and history. The Luvians were the first inhabitants here followed by the Hittites centuries later. Throughout time the fertile plain nourished other civilisations.
Erzurum, the largest city in eastern Anatolia, sprawls over a high plateau at an altitude of 1950m. A road running through splendid mountain scenery leads to the winter sports resort of Palandöken, 6kilometers from Erzurum.
One of the closest ski resorts to an airport, it’s just a five-minute drive after your plane lands and you could be out on Palandöken's slopes.
Kars is the transit point from Anatolia into the Caucasus, where visitors can enjoy monumental structures and historical fabric. Older than a century, most of the elegant buildings were constructed during the Russian occupation.
When making travel plans, consider the season as Kars is covered in snow for much of the year.
Mardin’s timeless poetic city was created by the delicate spirit of the mason’s hands that gave form to its stones. The golden stone houses are masterfully and elegantly built on the steep slopes, achieving an extraordinary harmony between climate, geography and architecture.
Close to 100 species of mammals and over 600 species of bird’s dwell within this park and among them are large schools of hippos, large forest hogs and the good-look Uganda kobs which are all commonly seen in the tourist villages on the magnificent Mweya Peninsula.
Dubai claims to be the world’s fastest-growing city, and over the past four decades, this city has metamorphosed from a small Gulf trading port to become one of the world’s most exciting, and futuristic urban destinations. Fueled in part by petrodollars, its people’s ability is to dream the impossible.
Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE. At 1934metres this mountain is occasionally dusted with snow. The switchback road snakes dramatically up the mountainside delivering us vistas of barren, eroded cliffs, deep canyons and warped escarpments around every bend.
The Liwa Oasis is a 150-kilometre arc of villages and farms hugging the edge of the Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter desert and is an endless landscape of undulating dunes, shimmering in shades of gold, apricot and pink.
Dubai may have its flashy tall buildings and shop-till-you-drop malls, but neighboring Sharjah is more subtle in its approach. Here they have forgone the glitz to concentrate on the culture and history. Some may be put off by its conservative reputation when it comes to alcohol.
This 87square kilometre desert island in the country's remote far west, with craggy interiors, swoops down to acacia-studded plains formerly the private retreat of UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed. His resolve and love of animals have inspired him to turn it into a wildlife reserve and bring together native species back from the brink of extinction.
Ambrym’s unique attraction is the two twin active volcanoes, Marum and Benbow. The tropical vegetation and the customs of the local villagers where you will stay in accommodation of Melanesian traditional bungalows, with fundamental amenities, but welcoming hosts make you feel at home.
Port Vila, the capital, is on the main island of Efate, where most of the commerce and tourism takes place and is the international gateway to Vanuatu.
Located within 10 minutes, two international airports, are set around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and Ifira islands, and a clear view all the way to Malapoa Point.
Exploring Santo is easy via the tar sealed East Coast Road that runs from Luganville, on the islands south-east corner, to Port Orly village on the northern tip.
Malekula, the second largest island, is the most diverse, culturally, and linguistically. Thirty distinct languages are spoken, and you will experience some of the best custom dances by the Small Nambas and Big Nambas the primary cultural groups
Torres
The Torres Group are Vanuatu’s northernmost islands. Geographically, the group lies north and west of the Solomon Islands. As with all of Vanuatu, the main islands are volcanic in origin. The Torres islands feature four islets, Hiu, Tegua, Loh and Toga.
Pentecost Island lies 190 kilometres due north of capital Port Vila and is known as Pentecôte in French and Pentikos in Bislama.
Tanna’s drawcard is Mount Yasur volcano. The world’s largest and most accessible active volcano. Swim in underwater caves, snorkel on some of the best coral in the South Pacific, visit untouched waterfalls, see the islands wild horses, and experience an ancient culture that remains unchanged to this day.
The stunningly beautiful Ba Be Lakes are actually three adjoined lakes, namely – Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng. They lie in the middle of a vast limestone mountain range in Bac Kan Province 200km north-west of Hanoi. The area has a lot to explore including waterfalls, rivers, valleys, lakes, and caves all set amidst a lush picturesque landscape.
Cat Tien National Park is located around 150 kms north of Ho Chi Minh City. It consists of about 50% evergreen forest, 40% bamboo woodland and 10% farmland, wetlands and grassland. The National Park is one of Vietnams most biodiverse regions, which explains the impressive range of wildlife that can be found.
Halong Bay is one of the world’s natural wonders and is renowned as one of the most stunning destinations in Vietnam, an absolute must on all itineraries! Halong Bay features more than one thousand limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes.
Located amongst a back drop of rice terraces and forested mountains, the Mai Chau Ecolodge is a new edition (Jun 2014) to this emerging area 3 hours drive south west from Hanoi.
From the beauty of the desert to the fantastic light of the sun, facing the ocean, and bordered by vast beaches of about ten kilometres, Dakhla is considered a living paradise all year round.
At the edge of the vast Atlantic Ocean, Laayoune called the City of Sand, welcomes sightseers into a natural and relaxed setting. In less than a century, Laayoune has set itself up as the capital of the Sahara region, and developed rapidly, taking on the economic and administrative role of the Saharan Provinces.
Kafue National Park is situated in the centre of western Zambia and is the oldest and largest of Zambia’s national parks, covering an enormous 22,400 km2.
In his search for ‘’the Smoke that Thunders” David Livingstone discovered one of the most majestic sights in the world and to this day, the spectacular Victoria Falls has the power to leave a man speechless with its beauty. It is beside this World Heritage Site that the quaintly colonial, Livingstone Town was born.
The beauty of visiting this Park is the remarkable opportunities to experience Africa as it was. It is wild and untouched, and you are simply an unobtrusive witness to its natural beauty and drama. T
Nyika Plateau is a beautiful, highland area, lying on the Malawian border, at the eastern-most tip of Zambia. The park is an extension of the National Park on the Malawian side, which incorporates the part of the plateau that crosses the border.
South Luangwa is Zambia's leading National Park and one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of wildlife along the Luangwa River and its myriad of lagoons is amongst the most abundant anywhere in Africa. It is genuinely an un-spoilt wilderness.
Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. They are described by the Kololo tribe as Mosi-oa-Tunya -The Smoke that Thunders, in more modern times Victoria Falls is known as the most magnificent curtain of falling water in the world.
Chilean Patagonia was beautiful! As self-confessed city slickers, the day hikes were perfect for us and we got to experience the typical windy but fair weather of the region. Actually we were pretty fortunate with weather in general.
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