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Notes from the road: our Latest News & Inspiration

Nature focussed holidays

By Valeria Garibotti on 14th May, 2024

*SOPPY EMAIL ALERT* – we love nature focussed holidays.

This earth is beautiful.

Everywhere you turn, Mother Nature will have found a way to decorate: from the tiniest sprout absolutely determined to push up through paving slabs, to the delicate and exquisite symbiosis found in the rainforests of Borneo.

There’s not much better than a holiday designed with nature at its core – nature focussed holidays relax, rejuvenate and restore the soul as much as ultimate luxury.

So, on your trip, make time to stop and smell the roses (and orchids, lotus, frangipane) and remember that you, too, are a part of this beautiful world.

(Soppy, yes. True? Also yes.)

Plus, time spent in nature is renowned for being exceptional for your mental health – so why not build that into your holiday?

Patagonia – Chile and Argentina

Patagonia is a vast region at the southern tip of South America and it will enthrall you with its dramatic landscapes and untamed wilderness. Spanning parts of Argentina and Chile, it features towering snow-capped peaks, expansive glaciers, and pristine lakes.

You can hike through the rugged terrain of Torres del Paine National Park, marvel at the towering Perito Moreno Glacier, and explore the otherworldly beauty of the Fitz Roy massif. Patagonia’s remote beauty offers opportunities for outdoor adventures like trekking, mountaineering, and wildlife spotting. Its windswept plains and remote villages also provide a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Patagonia beckons adventurers to discover its awe-inspiring beauty and untamed spirit, and offers once in your life holidays for all. Very few places on earth hold the same appeal as this distant land and it has to be visited at least once in your life.

 

Pantanal – Brazil

The Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetland areas, will captivate you with its unparalleled biodiversity and unique ecosystem. Spanning the Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil, it showcases a mosaic of landscapes, from flooded marshes to lush forests.

Home to iconic species like jaguars, capybaras, and colorful birds, it offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. You will embark on boat safaris, canoe trips, and horseback rides, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the wetlands.

Beyond its natural wonders, the Pantanal harbours vibrant local communities with rich cultural traditions. Many of the accommodation lodges are working ranches where you will engage in eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation efforts to preserve this remarkable ecosystem.

 

Uruguay

Uruguay’s wildlife and nature offer a diverse tapestry of ecosystems brimming with unique flora and fauna. Along its extensive coastline, sea lions bask on rocky shores, while colonies of Magellanic penguins inhabit remote islands.

Inland, wetlands and marshes provide sanctuary for capybaras, marsh deer, and a plethora of bird species. Uruguay’s grasslands, known as the pampas, support populations of armadillos, foxes, and diverse birdlife.

Protected areas like Quebrada de los Cuervos National Park showcase pristine landscapes of rolling hills, streams, and native forests, providing vital habitats for endemic species.

With such natural wealth and ease of travel within the country, Uruguay is a hidden gem in the South American continent and should be your next holiday destination!

 

Antarctica Air Cruise from Chile

Antarctica, the frozen continent, boasts an awe-inspiring array of nature and wildlife. Towering glaciers sculpt the landscape, while pristine icebergs drift along the frigid waters. Colonies of penguins, including Adélie, emperor, and chinstrap species, dot the rocky shores, their comical antics captivating observers. Majestic albatrosses glide gracefully overhead, their wings spanning impressive lengths. Beneath the icy surface, a diverse marine ecosystem thrives, home to colossal whales, nimble seals, and elusive fish species adapted to the extreme cold.

Embarking on an air cruise from Punta Arenas in Chile, means you will skip days crossing the Drake Passage to maximise your time on the White Continent. Perfect if you are short on time or you want to combine Antarctica with a trip to South America.

This is by far the ultimate trip for nature and wildlife lovers and one that will stay with you forever.

 

Cambodia

Cambodia is so much more than the Angkor temples, and ideal for travellers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Easily accessible in a 2 week holiday, you can capture the essence of the country with this sample itinerary.

As well as the classic stay in ancient Siem Reap, spend a few nights sleeping in a luxury floating tent in a remote jungle spot where you can hike, kayak and swim under waterfalls. Finish up on the coast, or add in some countryside cycling too.

 

Vietnam

Give us 3 weeks and we will show you all the extraordinary variety across Vietnam.

Vibrant cities bookend the trip, and in between you can expect the majestic beauty of cruising in Halong Bay (where you can kayak, swim and explore caves), cycling and hiking in the rice paddies, snorkeling off the southern islands and the industrious river life on the Mekong Delta.

 

Sri Lanka – nature focussed holidays with luxurious accommodations

Sri Lanka offers intoxicating scenery, with the lush hill country and natural parks in the centre contrasting with the beaches ringing the island and the flat, dry ancient cultural areas towards the north.

Let us know your passions and explore your way – we recommend animal lovers spend a few nights in 2 or more of the different parks to encounter elephants, leopards and hundreds of varieties of endemic birds.

Hiking fans of all levels can explore the hill country,  climbing Adams Peak and Ella Rock. Adrenalin junkies might like the rafting and canyoning in Kitulgala, and some surfing off the east coast.

 

 

a red leaf monkey in borneo

Borneo

Disappear from everyday life in the wilds of Borneo, where lush rainforests and loads of wildlife await. Traverse the canopy walkways suspended high above the forest floor in an ancient rainforest with breathtaking views and the chance to spot orangutans hiding in the trees.

Glide along the Kinabatangan River, keeping an eye out for proboscis monkeys, colourful birds, crocodiles, and pygmy elephants. For a change of scenery and cooler temperatures, walk the trails at the base of Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia’s tallest peak. After all the gallivanting, unwind on the pristine beaches of Gaya Island, where crystal-clear waters offer great snorkelling,  and you can kayak, paddleboard, or lounge about and soak up the sun.

Laos – one of the most nature focussed holidays available

If you’ve ever flown across South East Asia in a window seat (and if you haven’t we highly recommend it!), you’ve seen the changing landscapes below. Between the rice fields and towns of Thailand and the busy-ness of Vietnam sits a long stretch of forest with only a few dots of civilization. That green bit is Laos, a nature lover’s playground.

With its lush green landscapes, limestone mountains, and meandering rivers, this peaceful nation is a gorgeous place to get outside and explore. Walk through the jungle following elephants, hike or walk to waterfalls, bicycle through rice paddies and untouched countryside, kayak the rivers, wander through a coffee plantation, or simply hop in a hammock and let your eyes feast on the unspoiled world around you.

 

Philippines

Sometimes the time we want in nature involves the sun-sparkling sea, soft sand, and hours in the water looking for marine life. For all of that plus rich tropical jungle where you can look for tarsiers, birds, even sail fin lizards, the Philippines is a perfect getaway.

We’ve put together an epic holiday that takes in Donsol with its whalesharks, the marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary of Danjungan Island, an expert bird guide on Negros, time for snorkeling with turtles on Apo Island, walks to look for tarsiers, boat rides with dolphins, and even a chance to spot dugongs.

And if you’d like to add some time in the mountains, trekking to ancient rice terraces or walking through caves, we’ve got you covered. The Philippines is, after all, more than beaches!

 

Seasons Celebration South Africa, fynbos flowers

South Africa

Escape to South Africa for nature-heavy holidays! Explore the Botanical Marvels of Garden Route or Namaqua Land. As spring unfurls its colourful l tapestry, the Garden Route emerges as a botanical wonderland. Fynbos flowers blanket the landscape, their vibrant hues igniting a symphony of colours along the coastal stretch.

Traverse Namaqua Land’s kaleidoscope of colours, where carpets of wildflowers paint the landscape, showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty of these floral wonderlands. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking tranquillity amidst breath-taking scenery, South Africa’s Garden Route and Namaqua Land offer an unparalleled experience.

Get ready to be captivated by the beauty of these natural treasures and create memories that will last a lifetime. Springtime whispers of renewal, infusing the air with a sense of magic and wonder. Embark on a journey along the Garden Route during this enchanting season and let nature’s splendour captivate your soul.

 

Namibia

Namibia beckons with its surreal landscapes and vast wilderness. Explore the otherworldly dunes of Sossusvlei, witness the wildlife spectacle at Etosha National Park, and journey through the rugged beauty of Damaraland.

Embark on unforgettable safaris and immerse yourself in the untouched natural wonders of Namibia. From the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the ancient rock formations of Twyfelfontein, Namibia offers a journey of discovery unlike any other.

Experience the thrill of encountering desert-adapted wildlife and marvel at the stark beauty of this land of contrasts. Let Namibia’s magical raw and rugged allure capture your imagination and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

 

Tanzania

Tanzania beckons with its mesmerizing landscapes and unparalleled wildlife encounters. As you traverse its vast savannahs, you’ll witness the majestic grace of lions prowling and elephants roaming freely. Among its crown jewels lies the Ngorongoro Crater, a geological wonder cradling a microcosm of Africa’s diverse ecosystem.

Within its ancient caldera, verdant forests meet shimmering lakes, providing sanctuary to a plethora of wildlife, including endangered species like the black rhino. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the crater’s panoramic vistas offer an awe-inspiring backdrop for unforgettable safari adventures.

Whether trekking through lush terrain or marvelling at the sunset-kissed plains, Tanzania promises an immersive journey into the heart of Africa’s natural wonders. Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty and boundless allure of this enchanting destination.

 

Botswana

Discover the enchanting allure of the Okavango Delta, a pristine wilderness that captivates the soul. Picture emerald waterways weaving through lush floodplains, dotted with tangled islands that beckon exploration.

Here, elephants navigate gracefully through reed beds while a chorus of birdlife fills the air, from regal herons to playful kingfishers. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold, the Delta transforms into a serene canvas of nature’s masterpiece.

It’s a sanctuary where every moment is a symphony of life, where the pulse of the wild resonates deep within. Embark on a journey to this haven of tranquillity, where the beauty of Africa unfolds in all its breath-taking glory. Welcome to the Okavango Delta, where dreams are woven into reality.

 

Zambia – incredible nature focussed holidays with an eco-focus

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Zambia’s untamed wilderness and discover its breath-taking natural wonders. Explore the enchanting Busanga Plains, where flooded landscapes evolve into a wildlife paradise. Encounter majestic herds grazing amidst lush greenery, immersing yourself in nature’s masterpiece.

Zambia beckons adventurers to witness its beauty first-hand and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Africa. From the captivating Victoria Falls to the rich cultural heritage of its people, Zambia offers a truly immersive experience for travellers seeking to connect with nature and explore the wonders of the African continent. Come, explore Zambia, and let its beauty leave an indelible mark on your soul.

 

Kenya

Venture into a thrilling safari in the iconic Maasai Mara, where the rhythm of the wilderness pulses with the thundering hooves of the annual wildebeest migration. As you traverse Tsavo National Park, prepare to be amazed by its famous tree-climbing lions, showcasing the untamed spirit of Africa.

Kenya’s natural beauty unfolds before your eyes, from sweeping savannahs to lush forests teeming with life. Immerse yourself in the magic of its wildlife-rich reserves, where every moment unveils a new adventure. Whether tracking majestic elephants or marvelling at the vibrant birdlife, Kenya offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

Get ready to be spellbound by the enchanting allure of Kenya’s landscapes and the captivating drama of its wildlife encounters.

 


Valeria Garibotti
Itineraries & Destinations