Timbuktu Travel

19/01/2025

📍Where to go in 2025: Easter Island, Chile

A realm of captivating ancient wonders and sensational vistas, we simply couldn’t leave Easter Island off our list of where to go in 2025.

A tiny speck 3,700 kilometres off the coast of Chile, you’ll be well and truly off-the-beaten-track in a place few ever get to visit. Marvel at the giant moai statues, learn about the people who constructed them and revel in the natural beauty of the island.

https://www.timbuktutravel.com/region/easter-island-trip

18/01/2025

📍Where to go in 2025: Kafue, Zambia

Despite being the country’s oldest and largest national park, Kafue is also one of the least-visited safari hotspots. The wildlife viewing is out of this world but you won’t have to worry about sharing it with many others. Bliss…

https://www.timbuktutravel.com/region/kafue-national-park-safari

17/01/2025

📍Where to go in 2025: Koh Samui, Thailand⁠
⁠
Lapped by azure waters where all manner of sea life dwells, Thailand’s second largest island, Koh Samui, is a glorious mixture of laid-back, barefoot moments, head-spinning adventure and plenty of luxury too. ⁠
⁠
Naturally, we just had to add it to our list of destinations to visit in 2025 – don’t wait too long to go as it’s fast gaining popularity as the location for the next season of White Lotus. ⁠
⁠
https://www.timbuktutravel.com/region/koh-samui-trip

16/01/2025

📍 Where to go in 2025: Kibale, Uganda⁠
⁠
An unmistakable jewel in Uganda’s crown, the mist-enveloped forests of Kibale are home to no less than 13 species of primates – the most famous being its cheeky and curious chimpanzees. ⁠
⁠
Kibale offers up-close encounters with the chimps, helmed by passionate and highly knowledgeable guides. One of our travel specialists, Meg, was lucky enough to visit last year and was utterly blown away! ⁠
⁠
https://www.timbuktutravel.com/region/kibale-forest-safari

14/01/2025

We’d happily hazard a guess that you’ve heard of South Africa’s iconic Kruger, but did you know just how diverse and vast it is?

There is, of course, the national park itself, which is split into three sectors – the north is the tiniest of all with a stunning array of birdlife and thrilling bush walks.

Then there are the private reserves, which sit to the west of Kruger National Park. Sharing an unfenced border, Timbavati is home to the Big Five (including the extremely rare white lions) as well as amazing numbers of cheetah and African painted dog.

The Southern Sabi Sands is renowned for its big cat sightings – especially the leopards – and a sense of exclusivity that cannot be matched.

Intrigued? Click here: https://www.timbuktutravel.com/region/kruger-national-park-safari

13/01/2025

There’s plenty to fall in love with when you visit the sun-blessed island of Sri Lanka, from its vivid history to the tranquil Tea Country to the glorious beaches. So how could you make a trip any better? Well, pick out one of Sri Lanka’s fabulous boutique hotels where you’ll enjoy the likes of private plunge pools, tailored activities and superb service.

Read all about where to find the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, so that you can plan to make your next visit a memorable and luxurious one.

08/01/2025

South Africa is one of the most family-friendly safari destinations on the continent with a collection of malaria-free reserves (we’ll point you in the right direction), family-ready lodges and guides who know just how to keep youngsters engaged and entertained.

If you’re about to begin planning your next family holiday, South Africa should be at the top of your list.

Read all about the top spots to visit and stay in South Africa for families who want to make their next family safari a memorable one.

03/01/2025

You may be under the impression that walking safaris are simply impossible in Kenya but we’re here to set you straight…You just have to know where to look! If you’re looking for a way to get even closer to nature than ever before, then a walking safari in one of Kenya’s conservancies is just the ticket. With incredible guides, unbelievable wildlife and scenery to turn your head, Kenya has some top-notch offerings.

Looking for an alternate safari experience? We’ve created a list of the top Kenya walking safaris you’ll ever need to know about.

01/01/2025

When you start perusing a map of Africa, the thought of planning an all-out safari may seem daunting but that’s where we come in. From where to go to when to visit and every little detail in between, our guide on planning an African safari has it all. If you’re unsure where to begin, click the link for the full scoop, or get in touch and chat to one of our specialists.

So, you’ve always had a safari on your bucket list, we've put together some top tips and handy hints to help you plan your dream Africa safari trip.

27/12/2024

One of the most coveted sightings on many a safari, the African wild dog (or more prettily named, African painted dog) is also one of Africa’s most endangered species. However, their numbers are far better than they were 20 or so years ago thanks to successful conservation efforts in a number of destinations.

From the southern Kruger to the Okavango Delta (a stronghold of the species) to the iconic Mana Pools, we’ve rounded up the best places to see these magnificent creatures in the wild.

The African wild dog, Painted wolf, Cape hunting dog, Lycaon pictus, here are some of our favourite places to go in search of this elusive carnivore…

23/12/2024

Just a four-hour drive (or even quicker fly-in) from Johannesburg, the Waterberg is a truly underrated safari destination in South Africa. Malaria-free and home to the Big Five, you can explore the park on foot, by boat and on game drives.

Sitting within a private concession, Marataba Safari Lodge is a real beauty with a curving infinity pool (and stellar views), open-air boma and luxury tented suites overlooking the mountains.

As one of just two lodges in the concession, Marataba Safari Lodge certainly has our vote for an exclusive safari experience.

https://www.timbuktutravel.com/lodge/marataba-safari-lodge

20/12/2024

Something’s got us thinking about gift giving again…If you’re planning a honeymoon or celebrating something big, instead of trinkets to fill your home, how about asking for a little something to go towards your bucket list adventure?

Intrigued? Click here: https://www.timbuktutravel.com/blog/give-gift-travel

16/12/2024

Bohemian, quirky and quixotic, the Chilean city of Valparaíso is a conglomeration of bright-as-a-button houses and museums, clanking funiculars and wooden staircases, and more than a few fine spots to enjoy ceviche.

It also happens to be a hive of street art, the bold, colourful works filling nearly every wall in some areas. From political rebellion to avant garde creations, Valparaíso’s street art is certainly worth seeing and celebrating.

https://www.timbuktutravel.com/region/valparaiso-trip

11/12/2024

South Africa’s answer to a meandering and utterly scenic (inland) road trip, Route 62 and the Klein Karoo covers miles of wildlife reserves and historic towns. And, of course, there are plenty of charming properties dotted along the way. Here are a few of our favourites:

Coming in one tidy, terrific package, the Robertson Small Hotel is a Victorian manor house with an atmosphere that’ll have you feeling right at home – and a delightful spa to boot.

Nestled within the closest game reserve to Cape Town, Sanbona Dwyka Tented Camp is the perfect spot from which to enjoy a safari during your road trip.

Gloriously old-fashioned and full of elegance, the Lord Milner Hotel offers opulent dining, gorgeous interiors and the finest service around.

Spend a few days of bliss at the dreamy Dennehof Karoo Guest House where life moves at a wonderfully slow pace and the views of the surrounding farmland and mountains are idyllic.

Get your fill of wildlife and superlative scenery at the unassuming Roam Safari Lodge – fantastic guides and hearty Karoo cooking await.

https://www.timbuktutravel.com/region/klein-karoo-surrounds-trip

04/12/2024

An ethereal landscape where balmy winds blow the ancient sands, the Atacama Desert is just the place for an adventure. Utterly, completely, ends-of-the-earth remote, NASA uses it to test instruments going to Mars and it features in many a James Bond movie. How cool?

https://www.timbuktutravel.com/region/atacama-desert-trip

25/11/2024

Glamorous and glorious, authentic and idyllic, Thailand was just crowned Travel + Leisure’s ‘Destination of the Year’ for 2025 – and it’s easy to see why.

From the cultural and historic wonders of the north to the dazzling islands lying off its southern coast, not to mention the more than mouthwatering cuisine, there is so much to fall in love with. If you’re wondering when to go and how to do it, we’re here to make your travel dreams come true.

https://www.timbuktutravel.com/country/thailand-trip

20/11/2024

If you find yourself in Nairobi pre or post-safari with a little extra time on your hands, worry not, because there’s plenty to keep you busy in this vibrant city.

From walking tours with in-the-know locals to time spent with rescued baby elephants, delicious fusion dining to getting acquainted with Nairobi’s art scene, you won’t be short on things to do.

Click the link for a full itinerary for 24 hours in Nairobi.

Most travellers only glimpse this vibrant, energetic city en route to one of Kenya’s many game lodges – yet it is worth a visit in its own right.

18/11/2024

If you’re anything like us, you’re constantly daydreaming about your next big adventure. So, you’ve checked off a few bucket list items and you’re wondering what to do next…Diverse, beautiful and full of surprises, Asia could just be your answer.

Take a look at some of our favourite experiences then decide on the destination for you.

https://www.timbuktutravel.com/countries?continents=Asia