The Wanderers

20/04/2024

Detailing is very crucial when it comes to executing a MICE group. At The Wanderers (and its event subsidiary Purple Events LLP ) we have a saying: "Executing a MICE group is like playing a Test match. To win the match, you have to win every session. And to win every session, you have to get the right team with the right mindset in place". Roughly, this translates to the fact that if you want to make an impact in an event, you have to make the planning, and ex*****on of every session associated with it, count. You can't relax when the first 3 days have gone off well and the 4th, seemingly inconsequential day, remains. Whether its the dry run in the morning or the gala dinner at night or the airport transfers, the creatives, the AV, the entertainment.. you have to get it right, every time. Its a relentless pursuit of excellence. And at the heart of it all lies the team. A team that is committed to a process and will execute it to the T.
You not only need to get the basics right, but also have to plan carefully for some moments that you know will define the entire experience and create an everlasting memory for the client.
Here's one moment that defines a Sales conference that we organised for a FMCG major at Taj convention centre and hotel in . This photo was taken at 8am on the last day, with 400 delegates striking a pose with the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serving as the backdrop.

25/03/2024

May your journey be as vibrant and joyous as the colors of Holi, filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories!
Wish you a Happy Holi!

17/03/2024

A summer tip for travel to Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Denmark)

Looking for an experiential summer holiday in 2024? Whether its an adrenaline kick you seek or a relaxed getaway - Scandinavia is where your travel North Star should point to. And Summer is one of the best seasons to do it. Its looong, much-awaited, stunning with a host of things to do. Here are some options you should consider.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS
Guided glacier hiking in Jotunheimen, Norway
Dive between tectonic plates in Iceland
Summer skiing in Abisko, Sweden
Brown bear spotting in Finland
Swimming with orcas in Norway

FOR THE LAID BACK
Lake hopping in Finland
Road trip around southern Sweden
Breath-taking train rides in Norway
Thermal pool punching in Iceland
Admiring the midnight sun from the North Cape

25/02/2024

Sunday watch recommendation:

https://www.autentic.com/67/pid/1390/In-Search-of-Snow-Leopards-Chasing-Shadows.htm

A beautiful documentary airing on Disney Hotstar on a 5 year search by the 75 year old Bedi brothers for the elusive snow leopard in the remote high altitude Valley in . Filming was entirely done during the winter months.
A must watch for those keen on .

Snow leopards are the most secretive and least understood of all the great cats. In Spiti Valley's stunning high-altitude desert landscape we reveal their fascinating life.

24/02/2024

Focus on

South Luangwa National Park (SLNP): Experts have dubbed South Luangwa to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and not without reason. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa.

The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life-blood of this 9 050km2 / 5 623mi² park. It protects a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in South Luangwa and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness first-hand. The changing seasons add to its richness, ranging from dry, bare bush in the winter (April to October) to a lush, green wonderland in the summer months (November to March). There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction.

With about 400 of Zambia’s 732 species of birds appearing in the park, including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species over summer, there is plenty for the birdwatcher to spot, whatever the season.

Although South Luangwa is only about half the size of other southern African heavyweights like the Kruger National Park in South Africa or Etosha National Park in Namibia, in terms of density of big game it’s top of the pile. Aptly named the Valley of the Leopard, it’s said that if you go to South Luangwa and don’t see leopard you need your eyes tested! The incredibly diverse landscapes range from dense forests of mopane trees and the leopard’s favourite sausage trees, to wide open savanna punctuated only by the occasional lonely baobab, all hugged by the wide and winding Luangwa River.

https://youtu.be/FKGcYrlMRCE?si=WllWGwQ3RAB-jWAQ

For wildlife connoisseur or a naturalist, wildlife safaris are incomplete in Africa without a visit to this remarkable National Park. The Wanderers organise walking safaris, mobile safaris, luxury lodge stays, wildlife photography tours to SLNP throughout the year. This park can be combined with a visit to Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue (the oldest and largest of Zambia’s national parks), Liuwa Plains and ofcourse the famous Victoria Falls. You can also combine Zambia with either or . [email protected] for more on your Zambia safari

PC , SLNP

19/02/2024

*Senior Travel Consultants*

We are a 26 year old travel company with a mission to transform lives through travel. We are currently looking for experienced Senior Travel Consultants with a passion for creating exciting products to join our team of travel experts. If you have experience working with a travel company creating bespoke products or have worked in a company marketing luxury products or services, and/or have travelled to Africa, Europe or Latin America and would like to focus your career as a specialist in this exciting Industry, apply now!
[email protected]

The role offers a WFH option. Location preference: Mumbai but deserving applicants from other cities would be considered.

www.thewanderers.travel

The Wanderers

01/02/2024

How about this as your next conference or offsite venue?

18/01/2024

While traveling you will come across many opportunities to travel by boat on a lake, river, sea etc. Never EVER get on a small boat that doesn’t have a life jacket for all passengers. Better still, insist on wearing one before you board such a vessel. And if you have an infant or a child with you, check if the boat has a size small enough for them. In most cases, you will be provided with an adult size and they will simply slip through it. Buy one that fits your child and carry it with you on your travel if you have pre-planned such a trip. Otherwise, don’t get on that boat. In many countries, safety rules are not in place and even if they are, there’s poor implementation of it.

Always remember,

Insist on it..

The boat was carrying 27 students from a private school, who were on a picnic in Harni Lake in Gujarat's Vadodara.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year to all fellow Wanderers! May your journeys in 2024 be filled with adventure, discovery, and memorable experiences. Safe travels!

21/12/2023

Desert Adapted Elephants of Damaraland, Namibia

In habitats with sufficient vegetation and water an adult elephant consumes as much as 300 kg of roughage and 230 litres of water every day of its life. Consider what a herd of them would eat and drink in a week or a month or a year. Finding an African elephant in a desert? Well, yes and not only elephant, but other large
mammals as well, such as black rhinoceros and giraffe. Their ranges extend from river catchments in northern Kaokoveld as far south as the northern Namib. Apart from the Kunene River, seven river courses northwards from the Ugab provide them with possible routes across the desert, right to the Skeleton Coast. The biggest are the Hoarusib, the Hoanib, the Huab and the Ugab Rivers. Desert adapted elephant in Kaokoland and the Namib walk further for water and fodder than any other elephant in Africa. The distances between waterholes and feeding
grounds can be as great as 68 km. The typical home range of a family herd is larger than 2,000 km², or eight times as big as ranges in central Africa where rainfall is much higher. They walk and feed at night and rest during the day. To meet their nutritional and bulk requirements they browse on no fewer than 74 of the 103 plant species that grow in their range. Not a separate species or even a subspecies, they are an ecotype unique to Namibia in Africa south of the equator, behaviourally adapted to hyper-arid conditions. Elephant in Mali on the southwestern fringe of the Sahara Desert are the only others known to survive in similar conditions.

Our 10 day Guaranteed departure to Namibia (minimum 1 person, maximum 7 persons) runs every month in 2024 starting from and ending at the capital of Windhoek. The trip will take you to Sossusvlei, Namib desert, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Damaraland (where you will be treated to an exciting 4x4 excursion along the ephemeral Aba Huab and Huab River valleys to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, including the elusive desert adapted elephants if they are in the area) and Etosha National Park. You will experience this magnificent and memorable country in a very personal way. You will have your own professional and experienced safari guide who will enhance your enjoyment of this unique country by making it a fascinating and stress-free journey of discovery amidst very dramatic scenery.

[email protected] for availability, costs and programme details of this fascinating safari into one of Africa's last wildernesses and a chance to see the rare Desert Adapted Elephants of Damaraland in their natural habitat.

19/12/2023

Twyfelfontein, Damaraland, Namibia

Strewn over a hillside amongst flat-topped mountains of red sandstone, Twyfelfontein’s boulders and slabs of red sandstone hold some 2,500 prehistoric engravings that depict wildlife, animal spoor and abstract motifs.
It is perhaps the largest and finest collection of petroglyphs in Africa. The engravings show animals such as elephant, giraffe, kudu, lion, rhinoceros, springbok, zebra and ostrich that once used to drink from a fountain at the bottom of the hill. In some cases footprints were engraved instead of hooves or paws. The abstract motifs feature mainly circles.
Stone tools and other artifacts found at Twyfelfontein suggest that hunter-gatherers occupied the site over a period of perhaps 7,000 years. These days a local guide accompanies visitors to showcase the rock art. The engravings lie along two circular routes, one an hour’s climb and the other 40 minutes longer. Twyfelfontein is one of Namibia’s key National Monuments and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our 10 day Guaranteed departure to Namibia (minimum 1 person, maximum 7 persons) runs every month in 2024 starting from and ending at the capital of Windhoek. The trip will take you to Sossusvlei, Namib desert, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Damaraland and Etosha National Park. You will experience this magnificent and memorable country in a very personal way. You will have your own professional and experienced safari guide who will enhance your enjoyment of this unique country by making it a fascinating and stress-free journey of discovery amidst very dramatic scenery.

[email protected] for availability, costs and programme details of this fascinating safari into one of Africa's last wildernesses.

08/12/2023

The Shortest War in History was fought in in 1896. On 25 August, Sultan Hamid bin Thuwaini died, and two hours later, an usurper broke into the Palace and declared himself ruler. In a show of Victorian Gunboat Diplomacy, the Royal Navy was asked to evict him. At precisely 9 o' clock on the 27th, three warships opened fire and in 45 minutes reduced the Palace to rubble, and deposed the usurper. The bombardment has since been called the "Shortest War in History" as verified by the Guinness Book of Records.

So much for history! What you would, in all probability, be going to Zanzibar for are its gorgeous white sand beaches, the historic Stone Town and the promise of a memorable getaway (either relaxed or action packed) in this beautiful and historic spice island lying just off the coast of Tanzania. It is this emotional reaction that has caused this Indian Ocean island to become one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations. It can be visited as a standalone destination or its a fantastic way to end your thrilling safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Ruaha, Tarangire, Manyara and Nyerere national parks!

Ocean lovers are spoilt for choice – from snorkelling to scuba diving, from big game fishing to spearfishing, from extreme adventure to an extremely relaxing cruise. Safari Blue - Head out on a traditional dhow sailing boat for a day of island hopping and snorkelling!

Here's what you can do while in Zanzibar:

Stone Town - Explore this charming town that is the cultural heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through bustling markets and winding alleyways that have not changed much in centuries, and capture a feel of Zanzibar’s history in sites such as the Old Fort and the Sultan’s palace.

Dolphin Tour - On a traditional dhow sailing boat, cruise to Menai Bay Conservation Area and swim up close with dolphins.

Scuba Diving - Discover spectacular marine life and coral reefs at Zanzibar’s most exclusive dive spots. PADI dive programmes are available.

Big Game Fishing - Experience the exhilaration of reeling in a big catch from a 25-foot Catamaran!

Extreme Blue Water Adventure - Customise your day out on the ocean, selecting from activities such as a trip on a private speedboat, dolphin or whale watching, and snorkelling.

Extreme Blue Water Spearfishing - Try your hand at spearing big game fish while free diving, carried out in a highly selective and ethical manner. Excellent for both experienced and novice divers as coaching is available.

Spice Tour - Indulge your senses with a visit to a rural spice plantation where you can uncover the secrets of Zanzibar’s spices straight from the source.

Enough for you to spend a week in this exotic island. To curate a memorable trip to Zanzibar, [email protected]

30/11/2023

“Wellness is not a ‘medical fix’ but a way of living – a lifestyle sensitive and responsive to all the dimensions of body, mind, and spirit, an approach to life we each design to achieve our highest potential for well-being now and forever.”
- Greg Anderson
As part of a small delegation from India, Dr Parveen Kanda, our Regional Director represented The Wanderers to get introduced to modern cutting edge technology combined with Chinese healing in the wellness domain and to get an insight into lifestyle overhaul at a luxury retreat. Here's her blog on her experience at Chenot Palace Gabala, Azerbaijan

https://thewanderers.travel/blogstories/explore-wellness-at-chenot-palace-azerbaijan/

Thank you and Chenot Palace Gabala for inviting us on this lovely trip.

23/11/2023

Travel to Iceland remains open and safe for all visitors

You may have seen recent news reports about increased seismic activity in Iceland. Please note that the seismic activity described in these news reports is highly localized to the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. There is no impact on attractions or infrastructure on the rest of the Reykjanes Peninsula or the rest of Iceland.
Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, and people from around the globe visit Iceland to experience its abundant volcanic resources. Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world's most effective volcanic preparedness measures. The Grindavík area is closely monitored and constantly evaluated based on the best scientific data.
At this time, scientists consider any disturbance to air traffic an unlikely scenario.
(Source: Iceland Convention Bureau)

So, if you are planning that winter offsite to Iceland, do [email protected]

17/11/2023

Aerial view of Negev desert as seen from an ATR flight between Eilat and Tel Aviv.
The region is in turmoil now, but once the war is over, plan a trip to this beautiful country. Keep it in your bucket list.
Meanwhile we pray for peace in the region.

13/11/2023

The bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh at Hang Mua, is worth every step of the way as you climb these 500 steps that have been dramatically carved into the steep face of a mountain. At the top, a lookout point offers a surreal vista of the river winding lazily among paddies and limestone outcrops. Also known as the Lying Dragon mountain, this place is part of the UNESCO listed world heritage site, just a 2hr drive from Hanoi in Ninh Binh Province. Make this excursion part of your itinerary in Vietnam.

Pic

11/11/2023

🪔

08/11/2023

If you think you are missing out on your holidays as you didn’t get time to plan, it’s still not too late to make amends!
Mountain retreats, jungle lodges, river cruises, palace stays, beach pool villas, wellness resorts, you can still make it there.

All it needs is a well timed call to us!

27/10/2023

When you enjoy your work, it shows! Well done
You fly and dance well too..

https://youtu.be/_54TfScB2j8?si=FIkdEN8UcYTGYHAk

This music video is a ray of hope for bhutan during these trying times and is an anthem of unity as we wait for the world to reopen.We shall return to the sk...

19/10/2023

It’s as good as it gets!

We recently organised a luxury retreat in one of the most stunning places on Earth.
Here’s a drone footage of what heaven looks like in summer.
Contact us for your next luxury retreat in a stunning location.

Anywhere on Earth!

https://youtu.be/r4Y6i0QZgnE?si=xosOlfSQQiWnpYxa


Incredible India
Ashis K Das Alifiya Calcuttawala Farzana Haque Pooja Kotkar Abhik Dutta Rajinder Singh Maithilee Barve Shradha Patil Shobita Louis Keyur Dave Parveen K Shradha Patil

Wanderers recently organized a Luxury Retreat in Ladakh for a Social group. This 5 day programme had many exciting inclusions - All of them exclusively curat...

19/10/2023

The view changes with the season in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park..
If you are here at Naabi Hill in the dry season (June through October) you will see little but the hills resident animals. On the golden plain stretching as far as the eye can see, you may see a few Grants gazelles and ostriches, warthogs and jackals. In the rainy season (November through may), you may see thousands of animals spread over the green plains. Two million migratory wildebeest, zebras and Thomsons gazelles, move to and fro, grazing the nutricious pasture as long as the rains last. The massed herds must leave at the end of the rainy season, as grass and water dry up.
This great sea of grass is called Siringet, land of endless space, by the Maasai.
On our drive out in October to the Serengeti, we dubbed this highway to Naabi Hill, the Lion corridor, as we came across 4 different lion prides sheltering under thorn shrubs that were few and far between on this 2hr dusty drive.
The migration in the Serengeti in Tanzania never stops! One needs to know where to stay in which time of the year in the magnificent park. Plan your safari to Tanzania at least 6 months in advance to get the best lodges and camps for a perfect safari experience.



Pics by Abhik Dutta

05/10/2023

Focus on the Great White Sharks

Their numbers are dwindling. Most people don’t know that there are only between 2000-5000 great whites left in the world. This is less than the number of tigers and rhinos in the world.

Great White Sharks are enigmatic and powerful, perfect specimens of evolutionary success. The mere image of them summons up the most primal and intense emotions.

South Africa is blessed to have Great White Sharks close to its shores, which allows them to be safely introduced to travellers. Shark Cage Diving remains a niche and unique product, one which more and more people have at the very top of their Bucket Lists.

Divers and non-divers can rest assured that diving and observing them during the excursion will be a secure and wondrous experience.

The trip is all about conservation, education and research around one of the ocean's greatest predatory forces. Like all apex predators, they are hunted and need all the help they can get from us humans. So spending some time in the waters with them is the surest way to feel one with these awesome creatures and help in spreading awareness about them.

The Great White encounter is one of the several fascinating experiences on our weeklong nature and adventure trip in South Africa’s wild whale coast. Special rates now available.

Email [email protected] for more info and use the code
🦈

03/10/2023

Migration tips for Kenya
October is a fantastic time to catch the tail end of the Migration in the Mara, offering the added advantage of lesser vehicles and visitors around, and ‘mid’ or ‘green’ season rates! You'll still find plenty of action on the wildlife front, as the herds continue moving between the conservancies. The herds, together with the many predators in all shapes and sizes that they attract, make for magic Migration moments and wildlife encounters.

October also has some of the best and more temperate weather of the year, making it brilliant to combine a safari and beach holiday in Kenya. The short rains generally come in November, and refresh the landscape without affecting your safari quality at this time of the year. It's a haven for migratory birds and in October, the animals drop their young in anticipation of the short rains…and that means loads of tiny animals! Game viewing remains excellent and you'll also find excellent safari deals with fewer tourists around.

A typical question we are asked: now that the migration season is over, will we get to see good wildlife in Kenya? Well, the animals that migrate are mainly wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. Most other animals remain where they are, stalking and hunting for prey, escaping the carnivores, raising their young ones and going about their daily chores in the African savannah. The carnivores don’t migrate. The Big 5 don’t migrate. So expect wildlife action through out the year in Mara.

To make sure you secure the very best safari experience, it’s important to book well in advance if you can. Email [email protected] with your safari plans and we will help you put it in motion

29/09/2023

Beginning January 2024, the perfect way to experience the magnificent taiga forests of Lapland is to travel deep into the forest with a team of trained huskies. Enjoy the sound of silence as you mush your own dog-team through the remote trails just north of Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle. Travel 30 – 40 km during this 3-4hr tour and after or during the tour (weather dependent), enjoy a campfire lunch. You can choose to drive your sled alone, or share the experience with a partner. One sled is shared by 2 adults, so you can switch drivers at the halfway mark. With temperatures hovering around minus 20-25deg C, you will need Arctic outer clothing which are provided to you on this trail. Learn about huskies and spend time with them find out what makes them so special.

23/09/2023

Vast open spaces. The deathly silence of the night and a billion stars shining above you. The enigma of the Deadvlei and the Namib dunes. The wildlife. The skeleton coast. Adventure at every turn. Luxury lodges. A combination of all of these make our Safari in Namibia a must do for every adventure traveller in search of a gorgeous new place brimming with exceptional experiences.
This safari affords you the chance to experience this magnificent and memorable country in a very personal way. You will have your own professional and experienced safari guide who will enhance your enjoyment of this unique country by making it a fascinating and stress-free journey of discovery amidst very dramatic scenery. The knowledge, experience, and character of our guides are critical to a
successful safari which is why we ensure that they are both personable and very professional.
Highlights include traveling with one of Namibia’s most reputable and well-known naturalist guides, staying inside the world’s 4th largest National Park, climbing some of the world’s highest free-standing sand dunes in the Namib desert, Sea Kayaking with seals and dolphins on the Skeleton Coast, tracking the desert-adapted elephants in ephemeral river systems, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site at and ending with exciting guided game drives within the renowned Etosha National Park and more..
This is a "True African Safari" at its very best.
We have fixed departures running every week during the season.
https://thewanderers.travel/package/index/namibia/10-days-namibia-the-evolving-landscapes-fixed-departure-for-2023
Do email us at [email protected]

22/09/2023

With experiencing snow this early, we are thrilled that travellers will get to enjoy this winter wonderland far longer than usual. Plan your trip today with us to Rovaniemi, Levi, Ivalo, Saariselka in Finnish Lapland. The experiences are many and the stories last forever..
I wish I was in Finland Visit Lapland

22/09/2023

Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Far too few travellers make it to Ninh Binh, a mesmerizing area known locally as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’ thanks to its magical riverine landscape, with sheer limestone mountains rising up from the paddies. The best way to get a sense of this UNESCO-protected site is by taking a paddleboat tour along its shimmering rivers, and climbing to the top of its fabled peaks.
With its natural beauty, shadowed by the many jungle covered karsts, visit the vine-covered structures of Hoa Lu. Venture through the expansive network of caverns and grottos in Trang An, as you glide along in a paddle boat.

The temperatures in Ninh Binh are ideal from March to May and September to November. For the finest views, go during harvest season in October. If you visit in the hotter months from July to August, be prepared for random downpours and stormy moments.

Experience on our journeys to . Our trips are designed for solo travellers, adventurers, families with little explorers, those seeking an offbeat romantic break. These trips take you off the beaten path and peel off the superficial layers associated with mass tourism.

Email us at [email protected]