Native Eye Travel

26/07/2024

The Tassili n’Ajjer is one of the most beautiful parts of the Sahara, nestled in the south east corner of Algeria. The word ‘tassili’ refers to pinnacles of eroded sandstone, shaped by millennia of wind and abrasion, while the Ajjer are one of the twelve Tuareg tribes, who have traditionally made their home in this area.

This is a land of golden deserts, huge rocky outcrops, dramatic arches, huge pinnacles of basalt and bright blue skies. May people call this the largest open air art gallery in the world on account of the concentration of cave paintings and engravings in the region. Highlights of the region include the gorge of Essendilene; located in a strange lunar landscape of great geological interest, this site has one of the most important groupings of prehistoric cave art in the world. More than 15,000 drawings and engravings record the climatic changes, the animal migrations and the evolution of human life on the edge of the Sahara from 6000 BC to the first centuries of the present era. The geological formations are of outstanding scenic interest, with eroded sandstones forming ‘forests of rock’.

We've arranged a number of private trips to this breathtaking region earlier this year, as well as having a few lined up for when the intense Saharan summer abates - as well as a scheduled group tour here at the end of September. This is without a doubt one of the most visually spectacular trips that we organise - a dream for lovers of landscapes very off the beaten track travel......

https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/algeria-jewel-of-the-sahara/

18/07/2024

Last month we arranged a private trip through the five stans of Central Asia for a British couple, Helen and Roy. They've recently returned and sent us some of their images of the trip, as well as some lovely feedback:

'Right from our initial contact, Native Eye were incredibly helpful in adapting a group itinerary to suit our requests and advising on visas and obtaining paperwork where required. We were pleased with, although slightly daunted, by the challenge of five countries in 31 nights. With six border crossings and twenty different styles of accommodation, ranging from yurt camps to a swanky five-star hotel, there was so much that could have gone wrong. However, everything went according to plan and we saw some amazing sights and scenery, with the highlight being holding a golden eagle after watching it hunt. It was truly the adventure we hoped it would be.'

If you have a trip in mind that you'd like us to help with, do get in touch - there's not going we like more than chatting over travel plans and turning them into reality (well, apart from going ourselves)........

16/07/2024

Voodoo, or Vodoun, is one of the more unusual religions in West Africa. Forget what you may have seen on TV about it being a form of black magic - here it has the same legitimacy as any other belief system and has been adopted as an official religion by Benin.

Voodoo is a complex and intricate way of seeing of the world, with literally hundreds of different gods responsible for various areas of daily life - some are benevolent, some less so, and in order to communicate with them and ask for favours local people will seek the assistance of followers, or adepts. There are numerous voodoo temples scattered around the coastal regions of both Benin and Togo, each headed by a priest who for a suitable donation will intercede on your behalf.

Voodoo is not limited to the temples though and travelling around the region it is highly likely that you will see some ceremonies being carried out. Also worth looking out for are the Egunguns - earthly manifestations of the dead who roam the streets in outlandish costumes, striking fear into the heart of local people. Our you could meet a Zangbeto - looking very much like a giant dancing grass skirt. There's even a specific god for smallpox.....

You're also likely to see fetishes dotted around villages - these are inanimate objects such as rocks or trees in which a spirit is believed to reside, often covered in candle wax, feathers and blood where sacrifices have been made.

Each year, on 10 January, Benin holds its annual voodoo festival. There are numerous small festivals dotted around the south of the country, as well as a larger one at Ouidah. We've been running trips here for more than ten years, and are back again in 2025.

This time, as well as visiting the main festival at Ouidah, we're also spending time at a more intimate set of celebrations at a nearby village, away from the crowds.

We can't wait - experiencing this unique side of West African culture is one of the most magical experiences you can have on the continent.

If you're thinking of joining us, there are a few spaces still left - full details here:

https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/ouida-voodoo-festival/

04/07/2024

Our latest blog post is an interview with our tour leader Helen, following our first group tour to Syria earlier this year. If you're booked for one of our future trips, or are thinking about it, read what it's like to travel here now:

https://nativeeyetravel.com/news/visit-syria-now-is-the-time/

27/06/2024

New destination!

For 2025 we're launching a new 7 day tour to western Libya.

Libya has been largely off limits to travellers for the most part of a decade. However, the tides have been changing, and we are thrilled to be offering the opportunity to visit this stunning country.

Libya’s stunning Mediterranean coastline is a treasure trove of history. The magnificent Roman sites of Leptis Magna and Sabratha stand as timeless monuments to ancient civilisations, and are some of the best preserved archaeological sites in the world. Unlike similar sites elsewhere, you’ll find no crowds here, as you explore against a backdrop of azure waters.

As you venture further south, the scenery transforms dramatically into the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. Pristine dunes, mud brick villages and picturesque oases dot the landscape.

Amidst this untamed wilderness, you will encounter the proud Tuareg people and the rich Berber culture. These indigenous communities have a deep connection to the desert, with intimate knowledge of its secrets, and have adapted to life in such a harsh and unforgiving environment.

In the heart of the Sahara lies Ghadames, a city known as the “pearl of the desert.” This UNESCO World Heritage site of labyrinthine alleys and traditional whitewashed houses, provides a stark contrast to the surrounding dunes.

Deeper still, palm-fringed lakes and ghost towns whisper tales of ancient trade routes and nomadic legacies.

No exploration of Libya would be complete without experiencing the cosmopolitan capital Tripoli, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Tripoli is a melting pot of cultures, old and new. Take a leisurely stroll along the lively promenade, where you can savour freshly grilled fish and seafood, a testament to the city’s rich maritime heritage. Get lost in the souqs and Ottoman medina without the tourist crowds of other North African cities. The traders here are more likely to persuade you to have tea with them than to buy something!

Libya is back. Come and explore it with us…..

https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/libya-uncovered/

25/06/2024

The longest trip we run is our 55 day West Africa Odyssey tour, from Marrakech to Cotonou. Taking in twelve countries (plus the unrecognised territory of Western Sahara), this is the one if you want to experience all that West Africa has to offer, in just one tour....

From the medinas and markets of Morocco we head south across the High Atlas, crossing through ever more arid lands until we reach the desert. We explore the almost unvisited lands of Western Sahara, then cross into Mauritania, home to a strong nomadic tradition as well as ancient desert towns that once played a key role in the Saharan trade routes.

We then continue to Senegal, where the Sahara starts to disappear into the Sahel. Here we look for wildlife, meet Fulani nomads, visit the former colonial capital of St Louis and journey to the holy city of Touba, a scared place of pilgrimage throughout the region.

Travelling further south we take a ferry to the Casamance region, where Islam and Christianity never quite managed to dominate; this has a very different feel, where ancient animist beliefs and customs are still revered, and we take time to learn about the cultural traditions of its inhabitants. Our next destination is the former Portuguese colony of Guinea-Bissau; here we look for manatees, explore old abandoned towns and spend two days sailing between the islands of the stunning Bijagos Archipelago.

Back on the mainland we explore the highlands of the Fouta Djalon in Guinea before continuing on to Sierra Leone, where we have the opportunity to meet diamond miners and stay on tropical islands.

We explore Liberia’s unusual heritage, founded by freed Afro-American slaves, and in Ivory Coast we are able to experience the amazing mask dances of the Dan and Guere people. In Ghana we explore old European slave castles and see the traditions of the Ashanti people. Our last two countries on this incredible journey are Togo and Benin, where we spend time learning about the voodoo religion and witness some of the region’s most spectacular ceremonies.

This is a long trip, but can be split into different sections - you can join and end where you like, if you've already visited parts of the region but are looking to fill in a few gaps. Or join us for half - from Marrakech to Bissau, or from Bissau to Cotonou...

Our next departure runs on 11 November - if this sounds like your sort of trip, you can see full details here:
https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/marrakech-to-cotonou-west-africa-odyssey/

21/06/2024

Earlier this month, Chelsea, our Head of Sales and Operations, took a trip to Kyrgyzstan. As a keen hiker and nature enthusiast, and knowing that Kyrgyzstan is known for its dramatic natural scenery, it’s the stan she had been eagerly waiting to visit since joining Native Eye back in 2018.

This trip took Chelsea through the jagged snow-capped mountains and pine forests of Karkara National Park, the multicultural town of Karakol, and the multi-coloured Skazka Canyon, which is like something straight out of a fairytale.

She picnicked with locals, met a traditional eagle hunter, and even tried her hand at archery. One of the many highlights of the trip was spending time at Song Kul Lake, a must-see for any first time visitor to the country. A picture-perfect postcard landscape dotted with yurts inhabited by seasonal nomads, where time seems to stand still – a place to forget the rest of the world for a while.

We run various trips to Kyrgyzstan, including an in-depth standalone trip that covers both the north and the south of the country, and two trips combining Kyrgyzstan with other countries in the region.

Chelsea now lists Kyrgyzstan as one of her favourite countries. It’s extremely sparsely populated, with the majority of people living in the two main cities – Bishkek and Osh – and so for anyone looking to lose themselves among nature and experience local rural life, this would be the perfect pick.

The mountains are always present in Kyrgyzstan. Wherever you are, they’ll be there too.

https://nativeeyetravel.com/destination/asia-middle-east/kyrgyzstan-holidays-tours/

19/06/2024

Recently we arranged a trip for one of our travellers through Armenia and Uzbekistan, tracing the routes of the old Silk Road between Central Asia and the edge of Europe, and today we were sent this lovely collection of images from her trip.

We often arrange private trips for our travellers - sometimes private versions of our advertised group tours, but often something completely different, whether that be an in depth special interest trip in the Middle East, or an epic tour connecting up your last few countries to visit in Africa.

If you have plans for a private trip in 2024 or 2025 (or beyond!) then get in touch to find out how we can help - [email protected]

Photos by Susan Carl, travelled in May 2024.

17/06/2024

In Senegal, our favourite part of the country is the lush southern region, Casamance. Directly south of the Gambia, this is where the arid scenery and Islam of Senegal's north give way to a tropical landscape, criss-crossed with waterways, where traditional animist beliefs still hold sway.

Here you'll find traditional kings, a profusion of birdlife, picture perfect beaches and the mask dances of the koumpo, a traditional spirit who emerges from the forests to dance to the rhythm of the drums....

The region is home to the Diola people, living in small hidden villages, and with a vibrant culture that still retains the traditions of the ancestors. If you can't get to Casamance on one of our trips, this Wanderlust article is the next best thing.....

The Diola have long lived apart from the rest of Senegal, but insights into their culture and traditions are freely given to visitors of Lower Casamance...

12/06/2024

‘Pygmy’ is a term used to describe a number of different ethnic groups living throughout central Africa, from the Batwa of the Great Lakes to the Ba’Aka and Badgeli of the western forests. Most are partially hunter-gatherers, living on the wild products of their environment, but many also trade with neighbouring farmers to acquire cultivated foods and other material items. It is estimated that there are between 250,000 and 600,000 Pygmies living in the Congo rainforest.

The pygmies are masters of the forest, traditionally relying on it for most of their daily needs, although in modern times many have become more settled and are adopting the customs of the larger populations around them. They have been much discriminated against in recent times, with African governments attempting to ‘modernise’ them and seeing them as something of a throwback. Spending time among these groups of people, with their encyclopaedic knowledge of the natural world and unique customs is one of the more special experiences the continent can offer.

If you'd like to learn more, our trips in Cameroon, Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo all spend time within these communities, so please get in touch.

10/06/2024

We've recently finished our May group tour through Bulgaria - one of Europe's best kept secrets, in our opinion. While package tourists flock to Croatia and Greece, understated Bulgaria receives a fraction of the visitors (if you exclude its Black Sea resorts), but its treasures rival those of any better known destinations.

Did you know that after Italy and Greece, Bulgaria has the highest concentration of classical sites, with the exquisite Thracian tomb at Kazanlak being among the best. Ornately decorated monasteries like Rila, Troyan and Bachkovo bear witness to the country's rich religious traditions, and gorgeous Plovdiv with its unique traditional architecture is one of Europe's most pleasant cities, in our opinion.

In the mountains you'll find villages that seem unchanged for generations, flanked by dense forests where bears and wolves still roam.

Bulgaria was never really developed for tourism in the same way as many of its neighbours - lying firmly behind the Iron Curtain for many years it was reluctant to advertise its many charms to visitors. We've been running trips here for several years, and out travellers are consistently surprised by how much they enjoy travelling here...!

Our next trip departs in September, and you can see the full details here:
https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/monasteries-mountains/

03/06/2024

Thinking of visiting Socotra? Our senior consultant Michaela joined one of our group trips there earlier this year, to discover an island of incredible scenery and unusual wildlife. Hundreds of miles away from the mainland, Socotra hasn't been affected by the troubles there, and over the last couple of years has seen many more visitors - aided greatly by direct flights from Abu Dhabi (which we include in our tours).

You can check out what she learned, and see some of her images, on our newest blog: https://nativeeyetravel.com/news/visit-socotra-native-eyes-guide/

Our next trip departs when the season begins again in October, with a few places left....

Why did iconic veteran travel publisher Hilary Bradt fall for the remote archipelago of Socotra? Find answers, group tours, tips and photos.

20/05/2024

We're very pleased to confirm our November trip to Djibouti, the Danakil Depression and Somaliland to operate this year. For some time, the global pandemic and then insecurity in Ethiopia rendered this impossible, but we're excited to be able to return.

The formidable Danakil Depression is known as one of the most inhospitable places on earth, with searing temperatures and little flora or fauna. It is the lowest place on the planet, created when the earth’s crust collapsed and water flooded in, only to evaporate in the fierce sun leaving enormous salt flats and salt lakes. These are important for the local Afar people, who collect this important commodity to sell at markets. Geologically, it is one of the most active places on the planet, and volcanic cones and lava spewing from the ground in places. Here you can find Erta Ale, one of just a handful of active lava lakes in the world; we camp at the crater rim to see it at night, when its at its most impressive.

To travel here feels like you are travelling to the ends of the earth, a remote, hostile, volcanic desert with spectacular landscapes where few venture, and our journey of exploration allows us to do more than just scratch the surface, taking us to areas that define the very essence of ‘off the beaten track’.

The Danakil today is populated by the nomadic Afar people, a group once renowned for their hostility towards outsiders. In times gone by, Afar men could only be considered adults once they had killed another man, and are reputed to have worn their dead enemies’ testicles around their necks. They are thankfully no longer as fierce as they once were, and to meet them is to meet one of the most isolated ethnic groups on our planet.

Full details of the trip are here:
https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/djibouti-the-danakil-depression-somaliland/

16/05/2024

The world's fourth largest island, Madagascar is best known for its unusual and endemic wildlife, imprinted onto the minds of countless children through the animated films, and for those a little older, the excellent wildlife documentaries from David Attenborough.

Also nicknamed 'the eighth continent', Madagascar is is also home to some pretty spectacular landscapes, ranging from the limestone pinnacles known as 'tsingy' to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, the deserts of the west to hillsides adorned with rice terraces and the imposing mountains of Isalo and Tsaranoro.

Culturally as well, the island is fascinating - its heritage owes as much to Asia as it does to the Africa mainland, and the various ethnic groups of the island all have distinct customs and in particular, fady, or taboos that are unique to each of them.

Despite gaining in popularity over the last decade or so, the country still retains a delightful sleepy charm and hasn’t really made that much concession to tourism. Travel here can be a little harder than some might expect, with less then perfect roads, 'interesting' infrastructure, and long distances (it is, after all, a very large island!), but in our eyes that's a small price to pay for the truly authentic and uncontrived experiences that the island offers.

It's not possible to see everything the island has to offer in one go - you could travel for months and still not achieve this - but our three week group tour, Madagascar in Depth, is a pretty good start.

From the improbably named capital of Antananarivo we travel to the Tsiribinha River where we take a three day boat journey through rarely visited parts, stopping overnight on shore. From here we drive to the jagged limestone scenery of the Tsingy de Bemaraha and gigantic baobabs, then head to the central highlands, rich in traditional culture and architecture.

The Tsaranoro Valley and Isalo National Park offer opportunities for hiking amidst lunar landscapes, before we end the trip exploring the rainforest of the east in search of lemurs, reptiles and other wildlife.

We run two departures each year, one of which combines with our trip to the nearby Comoros Islands - an even less visited part of Africa.

And if this isn't quite what you're looking for, we operate private trips here in season as well.

https://nativeeyetravel.com/destination/africa/madagascar-holidays-tours/

10/05/2024

We are thrilled to have just run our first group trip to Syria - and are so pleased to say it was a great success!

Starting from the bustling capital of Beirut we headed towards the border, stopping en-route at the magnificent Roman site of Baalbek - stopping for for spot of wine tasting at the renowned Ksara Chateau, one of the oldest and best renowned wineries in the country.

From the border we continued to Damascus, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. The old city of Damascus is a hive of activity and has an energetic and welcoming atmosphere, with Roman pillars, ancient churches, mosques, stained glass windows and centuries old wooden buildings sitting side by side. Here we spent a few days exploring the souqs, palaces, mosques and ancient churches for which the city is famous, as well as being welcomed by local people. Syria has long been known as one of the friendliest countries of the Middle East, and despite its turbulent history - both recent and historic - we were pleased to see that this hadn't changed.

Everywhere we travelled to we were fortunate to encounter warm hearted local people - some children had never seen foreigners ‘in real life' before. Our visit to Bosra - famous for being the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, and home to the remains of Byzantine and Muslim rule - serendipitously coincided with a public holiday, and our group were greeted with local families having picnics and dancing around in the middle of the Roman amphitheatre.

A dinner with a Damascene family was a real highlight for the group as we gained a rare insight into local life and a taste for delicious home-cooked food.

As well as this we visited the UNESCO site of Palmyra - damaged during its occupation during the civil war, but by no means destroyed, the brooding Crusader castle of Krak des Chevalier (where we narrowly escaped a temporary swarm of insects infesting the area), and the ancient Christian sites of Maalula, where it's still possible to hear Aramaic – the original language of the Bible.

Despite current events, our group were welcomed everywhere by local people keen to show the real Syria, behind outdated headlines. Syria was once a popular destination for tourists making their way through the Middle East - its once thriving tourist industry is starting to slowly pick itself up after the traumas of recent years, with visitors becoming more frequent. As you might expect, travel here is not as easy as it once was, but for those prepared to put up with a few challenges (notwithstanding the gorgeous boutique hotel in the historic quarter of Damascus!), Syria should definitely be on your list.... These images, taken by our tour leader Helen, give a flavour of the trip.

Our next departure runs in September, with a few spots still available, and you can see the full details here:
https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/highlights-of-syria/

If the dates of our group tours don't match, please get in touch for private tour options as well....

08/05/2024

Djibouti is one of Africa's smallest countries, but it packs an almighty punch for its modest size. Sitting on the edge of the continent, it also straddles the Rift Valley and as a result of this is home to some jaw dropping scenery.

Lac Abbe is one of the weirder sights to be found in the country. Situated on the border between Ethiopia and Djibouti, this vast salt lake is surrounded by hundreds of limestone chimneys, some up to 50 metres high which emit sulphurous gas into the air, and its shores are inhabited by the nomadic Afar people who use the lake to gather salt.

Djibouti's other lake, Lac Assal, is quite different. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes, the salt flats contrast with the black lava fields and there are numerous large crystal formations dotted around. The lake is fed by hot saline springs making it unique among salt lakes, as all others are fed by streams and rivers, and it has no outlet, which contributes to its extremely high level of salinity. As well as being the lowest point in Africa it is the third lowest depression in the world after the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee.

Added to this, you have the desolate Grand Barra desert, the striking coastal scenery of the Gulf of Tadjourah, and the pristine beaches of Plage Blanche.

Djibouti is easily combined with neighbouring Somaliland, Ethiopia's Danakil Depression (where the scenery is even wilder) or just visited as a short 4 or 5 day trip on its own.

If landscapes are your thing, and you like the wilder corners of Africa, you can see our Djibouti trips via the link below:
https://nativeeyetravel.com/destination/africa/djibouti-holidays-tours/

01/05/2024

Travelling through Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan is a journey rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Each of these countries, nestled in the Caucasus region, boasts its own unique charm and allure.

Georgia is home to the breathtaking beauty of the Caucasus Mountains, lush green valleys, and ancient vineyards. Tbilisi, the capital city, is a vibrant blend of old and new, with its winding cobblestone streets, colorful balconied houses, and modern architecture. Highlights of the country include centuries-old churches, monasteries, and fortresses, such as the UNESCO-listed sites of Mtskheta and Gelati Monastery. Georgia's famed hospitality shines through in its delicious cuisine, highlighted by khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings), best enjoyed with a glass of Georgian wine.

Armenia, the world's oldest Christian nation, beckons with its rich religious heritage - it is often referred to as the "Land of Noah," a nod to the biblical figure said to have settled in the region after the Great Flood.

Armenia's landscape is a tapestry of rugged mountains, lush valleys, and ancient monasteries. The jewel of Armenian spirituality, the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture carved into the cliffs of the Azat River Gorge. Nearby, the stunning rock formations of the Garni Gorge and the Temple of Garni, a symbol of Armenia's pre-Christian heritage, offer a glimpse into the country's ancient pagan roots.

Azerbaijan, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, enchants visitors with its juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modernity. Baku, the capital city, is a striking mix of futuristic skyscrapers and the historic quarter, with its maze-like streets and medieval architecture, and the ancient Zoroastrian fire temple of Ateshgah. Beyond the city, there's the otherworldly landscapes of the Gobustan National Park, home to ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes, or relax on the shores of the Caspian Sea, as well as traditional villages like Xinaliq tucked away in the mountains.

Our 'Edge of Europe' trip has continually been one of our more popular tours - the full 20 day trip visits all three countries but it's possible to combine just two, or pick one to visit within that. Our next departure leaves this weekend but we still have a few spots left for September, and of course in 2025. If you're interested in exploring the farthest reaches of Europe, you can see all details here:
https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/azerbaijan-georgia-and-armenia-the-edge-of-europe/

29/04/2024

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is one of the less visited countries in the region, too often neglected for the blue domed cities of Uzbekistan, or the mountainous landscapes of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. And it's definitely one of the more unusual, with echoes of its Soviet past visible in the other worldly capital of Ashgabat.

Bordered by the Caspian Sea to the west and the vast deserts of Karakum to the east, Turkmenistan boasts a cultural heritage as diverse as its landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once thrived as one of the great cities along the Silk Road, to the gleaming modern architecture of Ashgabat, the capital city adorned with golden domes and marble-clad buildings, Turkmenistan tells a story of resilience, innovation, and tradition.

Nature lovers will find solace in Turkmenistan's pristine wilderness, where vast expanses of desert give way to lush oases and rugged mountains. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Door to Hell," where flames have burned continuously for decades, or embark on a travel to the Yangykala Canyon, where towering cliffs of red and white limestone paint a breathtaking tableau against the azure sky.

But perhaps the most captivating aspect of Turkmenistan is its people – warm, hospitable, and proud of their heritage. Experience the timeless traditions of Turkmen culture firsthand as you sample delicious cuisine, adorned with aromatic spices and flavors unique to the region, or participate in age-old rituals and ceremonies that have been passed down through generations.

While we include Turkmenistan in longer multi-country trips through the region, we also think it deserves a trip to itself. In September we'll be running our 13 day Total Turkmenistan tour, visiting ancient Silk Road sites, meeting local pilgrims and camping under the stars in the Kara Kul desert - as well, of course, as visiting the flaming crater of Darwaza.

https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/total-turkmenistan/