Travel blog

We wouldn’t be able to do what we do here at Holiday Architects without the hard work and knowledge of our in-house travel specialists. Each HA expert only focuses on one or two countries, meaning they know these destinations like the back of their hand – regularly returning to ensure they can continue to offer the very best and current hints and tips about the place you want to visit.  Our wonderful Costa Rica specialist, Dawn, has just got back from an epic one-month adventure in the country – her fourth time exploring this wild and vibrant nation. Here are her highlights!…   “Pura Vida!” You’ll hear this phrase everywhere in Costa Rica. The locals use it for ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ or even ‘thank you’ and ‘you’re welcome’. Translated it simply means ‘pure life’ and is all about accepting the beauty that surrounds you. This couldn’t be a more apt greeting for a country that is so lush, green and teeming with wildlife. Costa Rica is just the most magical and enchanting country. I’ve just returned from my fourth visit and every time I go it wows me even more. With vibrant, colourful jungle overflowing out onto golden sandy beaches, active volcanoes nestled amidst Jurassic landscapes just asking to be explored and nightly sunsets worthy of filling your cameras’ memory card – it really is a special place. It’s rugged and wild. Prepare to get wet, prepare to get dirty, but more importantly prepare to be absolutely amazed by the biodiversity and the hand of nature at play here. There really are animals and wildlife everywhere you look – Costa Rica is nature’s playground and it’s just waiting to be explored.   Boca Tapada Nature Reserve The nature reserve of Boca Tapada is really special. The stunning eco-lodge can only be accessed via the water, which gives it a real feeling of remoteness and tranquillity. As the boat drifted across the calm lagoon waters, I felt beautifully isolated and peaceful. The surrounding waters attract an unbelievable wealth of wildlife to the lodge and it wasn’t long before I realised I’d arrived somewhere very unique indeed. A canopy of colourful trees and a vibrant array of tropical flowers lined my path as I made my way to my home for the next few nights. There is so much nature to take in here. With such a great variety of flora and fauna helping make Boca Tapada the perfect paradise for birds to call home. There are more than 400 species of bird that can be spotted in the reserve and I was lucky enough to be greeted by a pair of great green macaws and a pair of scarlet macaws flying overhead as soon as I arrived! Nice of them to put on a show! There are so many activities to dive into here. It wasn’t long before I laced up my hiking boots and took off on a nature hike with my knowledgeable local guide. He really knew his stuff, pointing out things I would never have noticed, talking me through the different plants and trees. The guides use telescopes to help point out creatures hiding high in the canopy above, allowing you to get up close and personal without endangering the animals. We saw howler monkeys, lizards and a family of coati, caiman, geckoes and small red frogs! But it’s the birdlife here that is staggering and just everywhere, they even give you a list to tick them off!   Ignite your adrenaline in Arenal I guarantee that Arenal will be all you hoped it would be, and so much more! Arenal is the activity and adrenaline capital of Costa Rica. There’s white water rafting, ziplining, hot thermal springs, horse-riding treks to thundering waterfalls – and the endless wildlife spotting opportunities of course (but that’s a given in Costa Rica!). Most famously though, Arenal is home to one of Costa Rica’s most famous landmarks – the Arenal volcano. Standing at an impressive 1600 meters high, you’d assume it would be quite easy to spot – not quite! Due to the weather conditions in the area, it’s quite a rare treat to see the summit. So, as you can imagine, I felt quite smug when I captured this…. Hiking the Arenal Volcano Spotting the summit is one thing, hiking up to it is another achievement all together. The hike was gruelling, especially under the 42-degree heat of the relentless Costa Rican sun (and the sweatiness of the humidity!). But without doubt, worth every second.   Hiking through the lava fields and clambering over volcanic rock, I felt like I’d stumbled into a scene out of Jurassic Park. The landscape is so prehistoric and almost eerie at times. But with Lake Arenal in the background and the summit of the volcano in front of me, there was beauty everywhere I looked. I just kept repeating to myself; ‘I am going to do this!’. The sense of achievement I had when I made it to the top was huge, I was so proud of myself for conquering it… it was a real magical moment and one I won’t forget in a hurry.   Soaking in the hot springs Where there’s a volcano to hike up, there’s usually a few hot thermal springs to soak your weary limbs in afterwards! Arenal doesn’t disappoint on this front. Scattered throughout the rainforest and around the town of La Fortuna are multiple hot spring pools that vary in temperature from 35 degrees all the way up to a muscle-soothing 65 degrees Celsius. It’s THE place to congratulate yourself on a good full day of hiking. The water was blissful and my legs absolutely thanked me for it in the morning!     The Sloth Tour Arenal isn’t just about the adrenaline – it’s also about the sloths! I’d ALWAYS recommend a sloth tour in this part of Costa Rica. On the walk, not only did I get to see both two-toed and three-toed sloths, but a pregnant sloth and a sloth with a baby on her tummy! It was a spectacular afternoon; the guides were first class and really make so much effort to teach you things about these gorgeous animals… Did you know, although they get a bad rep for being lazy, sloths actually only sleep for 10 hours a day?! Being that close to those incredible animals, was such an honour. Take the sloth tour and be guaranteed multiple pinch yourself moments.   Fly through the rainforest on a zipline If you’re after a bit of an adrenaline rush – ziplining through the jungle has got your name all over it. We chose to hike up to the start, but there is an aerial tram available if you’d rather not build up too much of a sweat before your flight through the trees! (I think I’d opt for the tram if I have the chance to zipline here again!)   The team were fantastic and took great care in hooking up to all the gear and talking us through what to expect – they’re so safety-focused, you’ll be in very good hands! I felt like Jungle Jane as the cool air hit my face and I was zooming through the trees. The views all around from the top of the canopy were stunning. I was buzzing with adrenaline by the end…. So if you’re looking for an exhilarating adventure in Costa Rica and a different way to view the rainforest, look no further!   Explore the Wild and Rugged Northern Pacific Coast The wild Northern Pacific Coast offers a mixture of beaches for all tastes. The wild surfing beaches of Playa Pelada, Guiones, Nosara and Santa Terresa, complement the calm gentle waters of Playa Matapalito, Playas del Coco, Potrero and Hermosa. It’s as beautiful as it is diverse, with white, grey and even black volcanic sands making up the long stretches of beach. The beaches are stunning, but the sunsets are something else! Without fail, for an hour every evening, the sky puts on a show and everyone stops what they’re doing to take it in. It’s natures’ firework display – such a treat! With the sky changing from blood red to golden yellow and then candy pink, it’s a spectacle that demands your full attention. I was in awe every night. Sipping on a sundowner whilst taking it all in has to be up there with my favourite ways to spend an evening.  Please take me back!   Be Spellbound by the Bioluminescence Phenomena on Isla Chiquita A visit to the private island of Isla Chiquita off the Nicoya Peninsula is an absolute must. The bioluminescence boat tour gave me the opportunity to witness a breath-taking natural phenomenon that I’ll truly never forget. When the sun goes down and the night gets dark, a few very privileged locations on earth offer the rare opportunity to see bioluminescence light up the ocean. Produced by high concentrations of light-emitting plankton, it was like watching fairies dancing in the water. The ocean transformed into a starry nights’ sky before my very eyes and I was absolutely mesmerised. It was hypnotic to witness and a real first for me! If you’re considering a trip to this incredible country, do try and make sure you experience this!   Manuel Antonio National Park This is a national park with a difference! It’s generously edged with stunning white-sand tropical beaches which you can surf off or snorkel from and explore the stunningly colourful coral reefs. As you take your time to explore the park, look out for the mischievous capuchin monkeys with their bright-white faces and the delightful innocent-looking squirrel monkeys. And listen for the haunting calls coming from the threatening troops of howler monkeys that swing their way through the canopy. Often considered among the most biodiverse parks in the world, spanning several natural habitats, this park boasts more than 109 different species of mammals and 184 species of birds. There’s a lot of wildlife to be seen here, but also a lot of people! I got a little bit soggy on my wildlife trek  – but rain doesn’t stop play in Costa Rica! Rain or shine, the wildlife is out there just waiting to be spotted…   Visit the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Another highlight of Costa Rica for me is absolutely the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest , one of the last tropical cloud forests in the world. Cool in temperature compared with my other adventures in the country so far, it was a refreshing change! A completely unique forest, Monteverde is home to a constant eerie mist that drifts across the canopy, consuming the trees below. This mysterious cloud-like fog is what gives the forest its name and is created by the high humidity in this area. 1,600 meters above the ocean , the forest is a very moisture-rich environment which shelters several thousand animal and plant species across its 26,000 acres . The cloud forest is a bird-lover’s paradise, with more than 500 different bird-species calling it home. Bring your binoculars for a view of the quetzal, whose green plumage contrasts nicely with its red chest and belly, the blue-throated toucanet and the three-wattled bellbird. I would recommend the night walk here, your expert guide will lead you along a forest trail for approximately one mile in search of creatures such as fireflies, tree frogs and poison dart frogs, bats, lizards, many different sleeping birds and occasionally even tarantulas (from a safe distance!) I was also lucky enough to see a spectacle owl!     Be Wowed by Nature on the Osa Peninsula It takes a bit of effort to get here but without a doubt, one of the most spectacular places to visit in Costa Rica – the Crème de La Crème if you will! – is the Osa Peninsula. Declared ‘one of the most biologically diverse places on earth’ by the National Geographic Magazine, the pristine rainforests and the rugged natural beauty make this region a must for any Costa Rica itinerary. It’s so teeming with wildlife that at one point I saw 10 pairs of Scarlet Macaws in one tree! If you want to see whales in the wild, this is the place to come. Humpback whales spend an incredible eight months of the year (the longest out of anywhere in the world) off the Osa Peninsula. And my goodness did they put on a show for me! I was just taking a water taxi from Golfo Dulce over to the Osa Peninsula and was lucky enough to see two spectacular whales dancing and playing together. They were hopping, fin slapping, breaching and fluke flipping. It’s a travel memory I’ll never forget.   Costa Rica is a wild and rugged land that will take hold of your soul. Be prepared to expect and embrace the unexpected on a visit here. It’s a place where at times things might not run smoothly, but more often than not, that’ll lead you to the most wonderful adventure . It’s impossible to visit Costa Rica and not come back feeling more alive, more in touch with nature and more in awe of what our wonderful planet has to offer. The country will inspire you to explore, it will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and most importantly, will inspire you to book your next adventure and uncover more of this remarkable world we call home. Do give me a call if you want to chat more about this spectacular destination. I have so many stories and tips to share!              

This week Holiday Architects celebrated nine amazing years in the travel industry. What better way to mark the occasion than to add another exciting and inspiring destination to our portfolio? We couldn’t think of one either!  Introducing Lebanon!… Lebanon isn’t a place that features too highly on holiday lists, perhaps in part due to its turbulent past… but we’re out to change that. Lebanon is a melting pot of religions, cultures and ancient civilisations and it’s worth a visit now more than ever before. And that’s before we even start raving about the food. With Mediterranean influence colliding with Middle Eastern at every turn, Lebanon is the perfect place to start exploring this fascinating part of the world.  Despite its small size, the country is hugely culturally diverse. Its capital, Beirut, is a centre that boasts more than 5,000 years of recorded history and well-preserved Roman ruins on every corner. Throw in the delicious Lebanese cuisine, the first-class wine, stunning hiking and wonderful people and you’ll wonder why you haven’t already been. We’re so excited to add Lebanon to our growing portfolio of destinations. HA travel specialist Emma fell in love with the country after her recent visit and wants to share these eight reasons why Lebanon is the best place you never thought to visit…   Emma, HA Lebanon specialist enjoying one of the many hiking trails to country has to offer   It is perfectly safe to visit, but not many people realise it! After a horrific civil war tore through the nation between 1975 and 1990, Lebanon found itself close to the bottom of the tourism list. Now though, that’s set to change. 2019 marked a turning point for Lebanon with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office declaring most sights and locations completely safe to visit. Although buildings riddled with bullet holes still pepper the skyline, these exist alongside modern infrastructure and a new government making the nation of Lebanon more stable now than it has been in years. This common misconception has a silver-lining for you though! Lebanon is beautifully peaceful and quiet, with uncrowded sights and a truly ‘off-the-beaten-track’ feel. You’ll feel like a real adventurer on a trip here… it’s the perfect time to visit. When considering a trip with Holiday Architects, you can rest assured that the safety of our clients is top of our priority list. We would never make the decision to add a destination to our portfolio without feeling confident that the country was safe to travel to. What’s more, Emma – our Lebanon specialist – has spent a great deal of time in the country herself, really digging beneath the surface and felt nothing but safe during her time there. If you’re concerned, why not give her a call and find out about her experiences first-hand.   It’s a food lovers’ heaven Even if you haven’t considered visiting Lebanon (yet), chances are you’ve come across its cuisine. The deliciousness of the Lebanese food cannot be over-exaggerated and is highly renowned the world over. It’s all about the mezze (small plates) in Lebanon, which is great because you get to try a bit of everything ­- trust us, this is never a bad thing with Lebanese food. The Lebanese people treat eating like a national sport, so be prepared to loosen your belt buckle a few notches after a visit here. From the fragrant and spicy eggplant and tahini dip (known as moutabal ), to the succulent stuffed vine leaves, flatbreads, tabbouleh, hummus and delicious shawarmas – the rich and varied flavours are to die for. Whether you’re a meat eater or a veggie, you’ll find plenty to tempt you in Lebanon. To really experience Lebanese food to the fullest, why not consider a trip based around experiencing as much of it as possible? From a cooking lesson in the mountains with a Lebanese grandmother, to sampling the street food of Beirut – don’t forget to pack a serious appetite for this adventure.   The wine is delicious Lebanon isn’t just for the foodies. If you’re partial to the odd tipple of the grape variety, you’re going to love it here. The beautiful Bekaa Valley is home to some exceptionally rich agriculture and most importantly – a lot of wine. The vineyards in this area are so picturesque and the climate makes for the most delicious flavour. With long dry summers followed by wet winters and a constant flow of fresh water running off the mountains, the grapes really flourish here. Be sure to factor in a few days in the Bekaa region to visit a few of the many wineries and sample their offerings (We love Chateau Kefraya !). We can think of worse ways to spend a few days!   Lebanon is home to some of the best-preserved ancient civilisations on earth If ancient history is your thing, Lebanon is home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins in the world. The ruins at Baalbek are an absolute must for your itinerary. The Jupiter temple is particularly staggering, being one of the largest Roman temples on the planet. You need to spend some time walking around to get a true feeling for the vast size of it. With countless ancient civilisations leaving their mark on this middle eastern gem, you’re bound to be kept busy with exploring and seeking out everything that remarkable Lebanon has to offer. You could be eating dinner in a local restaurant and dining next to genuine Roman columns. There really is history to be found everywhere in this country. Byblos is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and most definitely worth a day or two of your Lebanon trip. With inhabitants dating back as far as 7700BC, this was the place the first ever inscriptions that contained references to what then became the Western alphabet were discovered. Don’t pass up the chance to amble around the ancient streets, soaking in the clashes of civilisation and glimpses of a history so ancient that the word ‘Bible’ is said to have come from ‘Byblos’.   Beirut is one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the Middle East Mediterranean one way you look, middle eastern the other, this merging of influence makes Beirut the truly dynamic and diverse city that it is. Over its long and fascinating history, Lebanon has been ruled by Romans, Arabs, Mamluks, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Umayyads, the French and the Ottomans. This might go some way to explaining the sheer expanse of its cultural and architectural diversity that can be found across the capital – and further afield. With cosmopolitan cafes and trendy neighbourhoods aplenty and mosques and churches frequently seen standing side by side, Lebanon is an extraordinary place to explore.   Lebanon has sweeping landscapes to excite even the most adventurous If you’re outdoorsy; a hiker, cyclist or keen kayaker, Lebanon has something for you. The heart-shaped Qadisha Valley is a real hikers’ paradise. Whether you’re after a serious 22km trek or an easy, level stroll that rewards you with breath-taking views, this is a place to add to your Lebanon itinerary.  You don’t need to exert much energy before the Lebanese landscape will congratulate you for your efforts. Travel specialist Emma is an avid hiker and told us the trekking in Lebanon was one of the highlights of her trip.   If two wheels are more your style, head to the coast at Batroun to hire a bike and spend the morning riding along the scenic coastline. You won’t have to peddle far before you come across beach bars and seafront restaurants nestled up against the sand. If you catch it on a good day, grab one of the tables that they often drag out onto the beach and dine with the waves lapping at your feet.   The people are wonderfully welcoming The Lebanese people are friendly – and then some! Wherever you go, you’ll find yourself engaged in conversations, connecting with locals and perhaps even invited for coffee by a stranger. Their hospitality shines through at every opportunity. With a clash of identities and cultures throughout the country, the Lebanese are a truly accepting nation showing a true resilience and love of life. What’s more, the Lebanese are renowned as a nationality that really knows how to have a good time. Meeting the local people is one of the most enchanting parts of travel. Why not take our ‘Beirut like a Local’ tour and spend a day exploring the diverse capital with a local artist, political activist or shop owner? This is the perfect way to really get a bit more of an organic and real-life insight into the workings of the city and the truly wonderful nature of its people. Have a chat with Emma about what you’d like to get out of this, and she’ll be happy to try and match you with a local who shares similar interests to you and your family.   You can spend the morning skiing and the afternoon on the beach in Lebanon If all of this isn’t enough to convince you that Lebanon is THE travel destination you’ve been looking for – then how does skiing in powder white snow before lunch and spending the afternoon by the ocean sound? Lebanon really does have it all. If you visit the country around Springtime, you could wake up and hit the slopes in the Mzaar region before hopping in a car and taking a walk on the beach at Batroun after lunch. (If you’re really lucky with the weather you might even be able to fit in a spot of water skiing, or just enjoy a drink in one of the many beach bars.) There aren’t too many places in the world that offer this much diversity within just a short two-hour drive.   Now really is the perfect time to start thinking about a visit to Lebanon. It’s now safe to visit, but the crowds are yet to descend. Treat yourself to a slice of this unfound melting pot of culture, religion and history before the word gets out. Why not give Emma a call today on 01242 253 073 to have a chat about her experiences in the country and start planning your Lebanese adventure today.

We’ve done it again! This week majestic  Uganda has been added to our portfolio of destinations! So, we thought we’d share our recommended ’10 days in Uganda’ classic itinerary to celebrate! As a small but growing tour provider, we love nothing more than adding a new country to our list. A great deal of thought and work goes on behind the scenes before we consider doing so. We pride ourselves on being specialists in each destination we offer. So, we’d only launch a new country when we know we can offer incredible trips backed up by the personal experiences and knowledge of our team. Uganda – frequently heralded as ‘the jewel of Africa’ – is a stunning and fascinating country to visit. A kingdom of many awe-inspiring landscapes, from lush rainforests and never-ending African plains to roaring waterfalls and mountainous backdrops, its beauty is undeniable. Above all though, it is without a doubt one of the best places on earth to see primates in the wild. With opportunities to track endangered mountain gorillas and walk with wild chimpanzees as well as multiple safari options, Uganda is a wildlife-enthusiasts dream destination. This Ugandan itinerary put together by Emma, our Uganda specialist here at HA, aims to hit all the highlights whilst making sure you really get a feel for the country. Every trip we design is 100% bespoke to you and what you want to get from a holiday, so this really is just one option. If you like what you see but fancy tweaking it a little to really suit your needs, give Emma a call to plan your perfect Uganda adventure. Let’s go!   A Perfect 10 days in Uganda Day One – Uganda awaits Your adventure starts with an overnight flight from the UK to Nairobi. Flights take between 10 and 12 hours. So you’ve got plenty of time to put your feet up, indulge in a host of in-flight movies and feast on multiple bags of peanuts today!   Day Two – Explore Entebbe, the gateway to Uganda This morning you’ll hop on a connecting flight to Entebbe – (don’t worry, this one’s only a little over an hour!). Although smaller than neighbouring capital Kampala, Entebbe is home to the country’s main airport. For that reason, it has become the central hub for visitors arriving in and leaving Uganda. On arrival, you’ll be met by a friendly local guide and will have the chance to explore some of the highlights of the area. It’s undeniable that you’re going to be beside yourself with excitement for the wildlife adventures to come, but there are some sights worth visiting in Entebbe first to whet your appetite. Entebbe is a city perching on the Northern shores of Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria. You could head across the lake this afternoon to the Mabamba Swamps , hop in a canoe and challenge yourself to spot the rare and elusive African Shoebill. Or give yourself the perfect introduction to the country with a ‘behind the scenes’ tour at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre . This 72-acre complex was established in 1994 to protect and rehabilitate local wildlife and will allow you your first glimpse at a chimpanzee.   Day Three – Arrive in Bwindi Another quick flight this morning as you hop on a connection to Bwindi. As there’s so much to see, flying between the main sights leaves you much more time for those all-important animal encounters. We want to really make sure you get the most out of these 10 days in Uganda. Without doubt the opportunity to spend time with majestic gorillas will be the focus of your time in Bwindi; but before the excitement of that tomorrow, it’s worth taking some time to explore the surrounding areas… If you’re a keen birdwatcher, grab your binoculars and enjoy a guided bird walk through the lush tropical rainforests. There are an incredible 350 species of bird said to live amidst the green, so your bird-spotting eyes will most definitely be kept busy! With so much of your visit to Uganda focused, quite rightly, on the incredible wildlife, you might choose to take a day to get under the skin of the local communities. Join a guide and explore the suspended forest walkways as you get more of a feel for the beautiful area and the Batwa people who live in the surrounding villages. Learning about their culture and way of life will give you a valuable insight into what it’s like to live on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest. Make sure you get plenty of kip tonight as two incredible (but strenuous!) days with the gorillas await!   Day Four – Explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest The day has arrived! Uganda is one of the best places in the world to come face to face with our fuzzy primate relatives. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the Serengeti of Uganda, with around 400 incredible mountain gorillas calling the forest home. Mountain gorillas are the most endangered of all the apes in the world. With less than 1,000 left on this earth, having the opportunity to see them in the wild really is a true honour and an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. For the good of the gorillas, the local authorities in Uganda have put strict limits on how many visitors can trek with the animals at any one time. This helps ensure the gorilla’s home still feels like home to them as well as giving you a more personal experience. When we chat with you about ideal travel dates, we’ll recommend the best area of Bwindi to stay to ensure you can get permits for your party. Imagine trudging through the hidden paths of the forest, the close air and noises from deep in the bush submerging you fully in this new environment. Out of nowhere, your guide stops, you’ve come across a family of gorillas. This is sure to be one of the most humbling moments of your life, being in the presence of these awe-inspiring animals as they go about their daily life, happy with you there, sharing their morning with you. The hike isn’t easy, but you are more than rewarded for your efforts. Plus, you’ll have expert guides and porters to help with your gear alongside you every step of the way, keeping you safe and ensuring you have the best experience possible in this remarkable part of the world.   Day Five – Discover the Bwindi Waterfalls or get even closer to the gorillas with a full day habituation experience If you fancy a bit more exploring today, why not take a trip to one of the nearby lakes or waterfalls? Gorillas are definitely top of the bill in Bwindi, but they’re not all it has to offer. Consider going on an adventurous forest walk along the Munyaga River Trail (accessed from the North Gate) or the Rushaga Trail (more convenient if you’re staying in the South!). Whichever trail you choose, prepare to be enchanted by the sounds of the forest as the rising heat of the day burns off the early morning mist and you make your way through the green. If you’re lucky you might see a family of colobus monkeys swinging through the vines above your head or perhaps spot rare African green broadbill flitting between the leaves. However, if you are craving a little more time with the gorillas (and no one would blame you!), for even more of a majestic and personal experience we really recommend the gorilla habituation experience. This is a very special full-day excursion and is completely private. Join a team of rangers and researchers as they trek deeper into the forest and track down lesser-visited gorilla families. You get to spend an incredible four hours with the animals on this trip, learning about their habits and lifestyles as well as how the researchers work to introduce new groups of gorillas to human visitors. There aren’t many places in the world where you can spend this amount of time with a species that is so endangered. And today you have the opportunity to add this showstopping experience to your memory bank. This is a spellbinding and humbling excursion not to be missed.     Day Six – Drive to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park and spot the famous tree-climbing lions A bit of a drive today, but it will be worth it when you finish your day at a beautiful lodge in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. After two hours on the road, break up the drive with a morning stop off at the Ishasha Community Project. You’ll get a taste of the real, rural and authentic Uganda here. Spend some time getting to know the local people of Ishasha, hear about how they go about their daily lives and live in harmony alongside Uganda’s wildlife. More importantly, you can take the time to learn about the innovative ways they’re working to pull themselves out of poverty. This really will be such a worth-while and inspiring visit. Hop back in the car as you make your way into the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park , Uganda’s most visited national park. Spanning just shy of 2,000 square kilometres, this natural wonderland boasts a multitude of spectacular but contrasting landscapes and is teeming with wildlife. From lions to elephants, you won’t be short of spotting opportunities here! Soon after entering the park, make a stop off in the remote Ishasha sector for a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions. If you’re lucky enough to come across a male, take note of their very impressive and distinctive black manes. After adding these amazing mammals to your ‘spotted list’, drive on to your lodge and settle down for the evening.   Day Seven – A full day of animal spotting An early start today for what is sure to be yet another highlight of your time in Uganda. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, a safari in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park is sure to impress. After a delicious bite of breakfast, jump in a 4×4 and head out with your friendly safari guide ready to explore this vast park. These guides are true experts in their field, having spent years on end studying the animals and their habitats. Whether it be about an animal you encounter, a track on the road or a peculiar plant – you’re sure to learn a fun fact or several on the way! The national park is home to around 95 mammal species and countless birds. Some of the amazing animals you could hope to encounter on your game drive include; buffalo, hippo, crocodile, elephant, leopard, lion and chimpanzee. You could go on a safari drive every day for a month and come across something different and wonderful every time. You’re absolutely in for a treat. After a filling lunch, mix things up a little with a leisurely boat safari on the Kazinga Channel . This truly is an idyllic way to spend a balmy afternoon; floating down the peaceful waterways, passing hippo and crocodile cooling themselves off the banks of the national park. What a day! Travel back to your lodge as the sun falls below the horizon for a hearty dinner around the campfire. Chat about your day until the sky fills with stars and your bed is calling.     Day Eight – Trekking with the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge After a much-needed sleep, wake early for your next primate encounter. This time with primates who share an incredible 90% of their DNA with us, the chimpanzee! Dust off your hiking shoes and walk into the incredible Kyambura Gorge for a morning of chimpanzee trekking. You’ll be accompanied by some very experienced guides who know how to read the chimps’ tracks and predict their movements – giving you the best possible chance of seeing them! Tracking these chimps means you go where they go. Queen Victoria National Park is famous for its volcanic features so you could find yourself negotiating steep gorges or traipsing through dense jungle. You’ll need a fair level of fitness to keep up with the chimps here! After lunch, take a drive (and a well earned rest!) to Kibale Forest National Park in Western Uganda. Keep your cameras handy on the journey because you’ll cross the equator on this trip. It’s not every day you do that! The lush, evergreen rainforest of Kibale is surrounded by dramatic volcanic crater lakes and set beneath the spectacular Rwenzori Mountains. The forest is home to 70 forest mammals including elephants, buffalo and antelope, 13 species of primate and an incredible 375 species of bird, making Kibale Forest one of the top bird-watching destinations in Uganda. Take a few hours this afternoon to walk around the Bigodi Swamps, looking up through the ceiling of palm trees as you go, seeing how many different bird species you can spot.     Day Nine – Get your final fix of the primates You couldn’t see your last full day in Uganda pass by without spending a little more time with the chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National Park is by far the best place to see chimpanzees, with around 1,500 living in the area and 80-90% of treks achieving successful sightings of the furry primates. So you should absolutely be able to end your Ugandan wildlife adventure on a high here. This final adventure involves a 2-5 hour trek through the thriving forest, the length depending entirely on where the chimpanzees are and how deep into the jungle you need to venture to see them. Once found, the rangers allow visitors to observe the chimps for one hour before leaving to let them go about their business. Being so closely related to us, observing these incredible creatures is nothing short of mesmerising. The way they move, eat and interact all bear such close resemblance to us, you may well feel like you’ve got more in common with these primates than you were expecting!     Day Ten – Hometime On the last of your 10 days in Uganda, sadly the time has come to start your long journey back to the UK. Choose between a lengthy drive or a fast flight back to Entebbe airport before boarding your flight back home. Whenever Emma returns from some time in this amazing kingdom, she spends her journey home ogling over her gorilla photos and pinching herself over what she’s just experienced. We reckon you might just be doing the same!   We hope this suggested 10 days in Uganda has given you a good idea of the remarkable experiences this country has to offer. If you’d like to find out more give us a call on 01242 253 073, we’d love to start designing a trip perfect for you.  

Have you heard the news?… Holiday Architects have been nominated for a British Travel Award! We’re extremely excited about this and we need your help. The British Travel Awards is the largest and most influential poll of consumer opinion on the performance of travel providers in the UK. To be nominated is a pretty big deal and so, as a young and growing company, we’re so proud to have made the cut. Unlike many awards, rather than the result being determined by a panel of industry experts, it’s you, the traveller, who decides the result. As a company, we pride ourselves on being built around honesty, always listening to our customers and putting their interests first. So, to win an award voted for by you, really would mean the world to us. We sincerely hope that your experience with Holiday Architects so far has been of a high standard and that you’d be happy to spare a few minutes to give us your vote for this highly-valued award.   How to vote Voting couldn’t be easier and really does take just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it: Follow the link to the British Travel Awards voter page Register your details (these won’t be used for marketing purposes or passed on) Choose the category: Who are the best holiday companies for specific types of holiday? Then, under ‘Best Luxury Holiday Company’ choose ‘Holiday Architects’ Fill in the survey OR simply hit ‘Submit Survey’ to cast your vote (and you are done!) Feel smug for the rest of the day knowing you’ve made the Holiday Architects team very smiley     You could be a winner too… If our never-ending gratitude isn’t tempting enough, you could be a winner too! By voting in the British Travel Awards you will automatically be entered into a fantastic prize draw ; with holidays, short breaks, luxury hampers, and more all up for grabs. It’s a complete win-win.     Your support means everything to us We’re so proud of our TrustPilot reviews and Wanderlust Award wins; they are direct reflections of how our customers feel about us and the hard work we do. That’s the greatest pat on the back we could wish for. And so, another accolade based on the opinions of our valued community is something we certainly want to achieve. This year, we’d love nothing more than to add a win at the British Travel Awards to our belt. On behalf of the Holiday Architects team, thank you, your support really is vital in enabling us to design more wonderful holiday experiences for years to come. We’d be over the moon if you’d take a moment to vote for us. With your help, we might just do it!    

Cambodia is a country made up of picture-postcard images: orange-robed monks, tropical fruit, lush rice paddies, tuk-tuks, and of course awe-inspiring temples. This country is also home to what is widely considered the most advanced civilisation of its day and an architectural masterpiece: the Temples of Angkor – one of the seven wonders of the world.  Cambodia only recently emerged from 30 years of violence and despair as a result of the Vietnam War, and it is a true testament to the Khmer people that, despite three decades of turmoil, there is an emanating feeling of optimism wherever you go. In fact, one thing most remarked upon by any visitor is the lasting impressions of the people and the stories they have to tell. This history-laden kingdom is full of surprises and there is so much to see and do. So, we thought we’d share our top nine attractions to help you plan your Cambodia holiday itinerary so you have a trip of a lifetime. Siem Reap You can’t come to Cambodia without visiting this city – it’s the gateway to the ancient world and the starting point of temple tours to Angkor Wat. Located just a couple of miles down the road from the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, Siem Reap is the perfect base for exploring. It’s the centre of ‘chic’ Cambodia – perfect for adventure-seekers, or those after stylish accommodation , relaxing spa days and top foodie tours . While Siem Reap may be struggling to retain its small-town charm, its opulent resorts, sophisticated restaurants, chic bars and exclusive shops are evidence that it has become a destination in its own right; it has a creative cultural scene and is even home to the country’s leading contemporary circus. Tonle Sap Lake Stretching across the northwest of the country, the Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater in southeast Asia, covering an area of around 250,000 hectares in the dry season. There are even floating schools, markets and churches! Along this lake, locals live on floating villages – which are built on stilts to survive the rainy seasons – alongside over 300 species of freshwater fish, snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, turtles, and otters. You could meet the locals on a private boat tour through this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where your guide will take you through the village as you get a glimpse into the community’s unique way of life. Make sure you look out for the local bird life too: the reserve is home to a bird sanctuary which attracts an array of different species, from painted stork to spot-billed pelicans. Phare Cambodian circus If you’re in Siem Reap for a few days, we’d definitely recommend getting tickets to see the Phare Cambodian circus . This attraction is so much more than a conventional circus; the performance has an emphasis on subtle yet striking social messages, where dance, music and movement tell Cambodian folk tales, history and modern society stories. A unique form of entertainment, the Cambodian circus doesn’t use any animals within their performance. What makes this circus so amazing is that many of the performers have deeply moving personal stories of hardship, making their talents in the show extraordinary. It’s definitely one to put on your Cambodia holiday itinerary to get a feel for the country’s history and culture. Angkor Archaeological Park Needless to say, the Angkor Archaeological Park is one of the most popular attractions of Cambodia. Home to the most spectacular temples, this park has two circuits, both covering the must-visit monuments; the small circuit is 17km long and the grand circuit is an extension of that, at 26km long. Start your tour at the ancient city of Angkor Thom, which is encircled by an eight-metre-high wall and surrounding moat. Enter through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. From here, continue to Bayon Temple, which is in the centre of the city. This 12th-century masterpiece is well known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits, as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. Continue on to Ta Prohm, a unique, untouched temple overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. Once you’ve finished exploring this ancient temple, it’s time for the highlight: Angkor Wat. Inside this temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. We’d recommend catching Angkor Wat at sunset, when it is less visited, to see the Apsaras shimmering in the late afternoon light. Prasat Preah Vihear If you want to discover more magical temples, why stop a Angkor Wat? Prasat Preah Vihear is dramatically perched on top of a cliff near the Thai border. The temple is known to have been dedicated to the god Shiva and thought to have been constructed in the reign of Suryavarman I (1002-50), with further significant additions by Suryavarman II (1113-50). From here, you’ll see incredible views over Cambodia and Thailand’s fertile plains more than 500m below. The spectacular carvings and lintels in the temple are a sight to be seen, and it is this unique design, paired with the amazing location, that makes Prasat Preah Vihear a World Heritage Site – and one of our top attractions! Phnom Kulen National Park Situated 48km from Siem Reap (about two hours by car) is Phnom Kulen National Park. Khmers believe that this is the most sacred mountain in Cambodia, and it’s easy to see why – there are hundreds of lingas carved into the riverbed that winds its way through the park, an impressive waterfall, remote temples and a giant reclining Buddha. Upon your arrival at Phnom Kulen, you’ll wind through spectacular jungle scenery as you ascend to the top, eventually emerging on the plateau 12km above. At this point, the road splits in two – the left will lead you to an idyllic picnic spot, waterfalls and ruins of a 9th-century temple, while the right will take you over a bridge to Wat Preah Ang Thom at the summit of the mountain. This is where you’ll see the infamous giant Buddha carved into the sandstone boulder. Koh Kong (Cardamom Mountains) Your Cambodia holiday itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Koh Kong . Discover the unexplored peaks of the Cardamom Mountains for a spot of adventure, hike through the mountains, or kayak along the river – whatever you’d like to do, there’s something for everyone. As one of the world’s most prominent biodiversity hotspots, ecotourism is on the rise. Conservation and sustainability are not a priority in Cambodia. Illegal logging, mining, overfishing, and slash-and-burn agriculture still happens in this country. However, here in the Cardamom Mountain region, people are doing everything they can for the environment. The Chi Phat community-based ecotourism project has reduced forest burning by 100% and wildlife hunting by 80%, so you’ll do good by just visiting this stunning place! Elephant Valley Project ‘walking with the herd’ The Elephant Valley Project is an ecotourism project that provides an alternative approach to elephant care, rehabilitation and conservation. This sanctuary looks after overworked and abused captive elephants in Mondulkiri province. There are 12 elephants here, who roam the project’s 650 hectares of natural forest, munching on vegetation and bathing in water. This is a must-visit attraction in Cambodia and definitely one to put on your Cambodia holiday itinerary – you’ll observe the elephants’ natural behaviours and learn more about their individual stories as you follow them around the jungle. It’s definitely one for animal lovers! Beach Islands Finish your holiday on the relaxing shores of Koh Russei, Koh Rong, or the private island of Song Saa. Great for some much needed R&R, Cambodia’s beaches are absolutely beautiful – and the picture perfect shorelines are the ideal place to wind down before your journey home. If you’re up for more action, you could go snorkelling or kayaking at Song Saa, before staying in the luxurious accommodation where you can walk right out of your room and onto the beach. A true paradise island! Start building your Cambodia holiday itinerary… If you’d like to travel to Cambodia to experience these amazing attractions, we can help. At Holiday Architects, we have years of experience in designing holidays that suit the individual needs of our customers. We believe in creating a holiday for you – so you can choose anything you’d like to do, and we’ll make it work. Just get in touch with our Cambodian experts today to see how we can help you build a trip you’ll never forget.          

A vibrant, colourful country full of hidden surprises, Malaysia is a multicultural society with mile upon mile of jungle and an array of delicious cuisines. There really is something for everyone here, and with a delightful mix of dense forests, historic towns and modern cities, there’s certainly plenty to do. Uncover our top  Malaysia holiday destinations and escape to this beautiful island for a trip you’ll never forget. Perhentian Islands Located 21km off the NorthEastern coast of Terengganu, you’ll find the Perhentian Islands – home to white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and gently swaying palms. The shores are dotted with local cafes and food stalls, all selling fresh-from-the-boat seafood and delicious Malaysian specialities – you certainly won’t go hungry here! Often much cleaner than tourist-filled beaches, there’s no better place to sit back and relax than this sunny paradise. The islands are made up of Pulau Perhentian Besar (The Big Island) and Pulau Perhentian Kecil (The Small Island). They both have very different personalities: Kecil attracts more travellers as it has cheaper accommodation and livelier nightlife, while Besar is a little more expensive and caters to families. If you aren’t sure which one to choose, don’t worry – boat taxis can whizz you between the sandy shores day and night. With a lack of international hotels, you can expect to stay in small and quirky accommodation here where you’ll be able to wake up and walk straight out onto the beach. During the day, watch out for flying foxes, long-tailed macaques and resident monitor lizards in the rocky virgin jungle. Or, if you’re more of an adventurer, why not get your scuba diving PADI certification? These islands are one of the best (and cheapest) places in the world to get one. With more than 20 different dive sites around the islands, you’ll get the opportunity to swim alongside turtles, sharks, rays and tropical fish. This underwater kingdom also welcomes snorkellers – and our Malaysian travel expert describes the snorkelling here as “absolutely world class!”. Forest reserve of Ulu Muda The Northwestern Peninsular of Malaysia covers 160,000 hectares of land and is home to the Ulu Muda reserve . Rarely visited by tourists, getting here is no simple task – but trust us, it’s worth it! You first have to travel by road, before a two-hour sampan boat ride to the centre of the forest where you’ll get the opportunity to see Asian Elephants and help the team set up cameras to capture the amazing creatures for an experience unlike anywhere else. Look out for birds and reptiles, as well as tapir and clouded leopards – and if you’re really lucky, you may see a tiger or two, and perhaps even a sun bear. The reserve is home to a massive 306 species of bird including all 10 Malaysian hornbills. For a chance to see the magnificent birdlife, visit in the months of May through to September. During this time, the area experiences the lowest water levels of the year, making them easier to spot. It’s not just about birdlife here, though: the forest of Ulu Muda is also a secret haven of jungle trails, rivers, limestone hills, caves, salt licks, and wildlife, so if you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, it’s a great option to put on your itinerary. Accommodation here is basic – you’re literally right in the middle of a jungle! – but the experience is unmissable, even if just for a night or two. Rural Penang The city centre of Penang, named the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, is one of the most visited Malaysia holiday destinations . It gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008 and has boutique hotels galore, charming Chinese temples and clan houses, as well as graffiti-lined streets and hipster cafes. We’d definitely recommend a visit to Penang if you like to soak up history-rich culture. However, to discover the lesser-known areas, you could take a bike ride through rural Penang . Cycle through a labyrinth of minor roads and country pathways, passing by mangroves, goat herds, wooden villages and farms. Along the way, you’ll see the colourful sights and smells of the local villages and witness the fascinating life of locals as you venture through the bountiful green environment. Exploring the town on a bike has all the advantages of going on foot, except you get to see so much more as you cover a wider area. Plus, the cooling breeze is a nice relief! Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations After the hustle and bustle of Penang, escape the crowds and enjoy the quiet scenes of the Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations. These highlands make 60% of all the tea for Malaysia and cover 712km² of land. Resembling the rice paddy fields in SE Asia, the rolling hills are filled with a variety of tea plants, making for pretty amazing photographs. There are two main plantations: BOH and the lesser-known Cameron Valley Tea. Free to enter, here you can spend one or two hours strolling around the grounds, finishing at the waterfall at the bottom of fields. To experience the panoramic views away from other travellers, why not enjoy an exclusive picnic with a private tasting session at BOH? You’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the views while eating a traditional English picnic.   Ipoh Ipoh is slowly becoming a sought-after destination for travellers in the know. A gateway to the Cameron Highlands, this city is up-and-coming thanks to the restoration of old shophouses into hip cafes, new boutique hotels and museums full of history. Also one of south-east Asia’s hidden foodie hot spots, we recommend taking some time to explore the Old Town’s quirky cafes or heading to Ipoh Soho for a wacky robotic dining experience. Ipoh is surrounded by limestone hulks and is also home to British colonial architecture including railway stations, the town hall and old world schools, so there’s plenty to explore here. A true hidden gem, Ipoh is sure to become one of the top Malaysia holiday destinations in years to come. We recommend staying in Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat hotel – nestled in a valley outside the city, it’s cradled by 260 million-year-old towering Paleozoic limestone hills, verdant rainforest, rejuvenating geothermal hot springs, natural caves and cascading waterfalls. A real luxury! Malacca The historic centre of Malacca was crowned a UNESCO site in 2008 and it’s easy to see why: with colourful colonial shophouses, historic landmarks and a variety of religious buildings, this location is an idyllic Malaysian town and well worth a visit for those who want to experience some lesser-travelled areas. Once a quaint fishing village in the 14th century, Malacca was a renowned port, attracting traders from across the East. It’s seen centuries of conflict and change – the Portuguese came to conquer it in 1509, the Dutch invaded in 1641, and finally the British assumed control in 1824. Now a peaceful port, Malacca has finally seen its revival and is a highlight for those who visit. It has many laid back cafes and charming art galleries, as well as relaxing cruises on the river that flows through. If you’re planning to stay for a couple of days, we’d recommend going to the Jonker Walk Night Market, where you can stroll through the trinket sellers under the night sky. During the day, keep your eyes peeled and cameras to hand for Malacca’s resident monitor lizards. Harmless to visitors, they enjoy a spot of sunbathing on the riverbanks, or at times around town. With so much personality, Malacca provides the perfect getaway from Malaysia’s busy cities. Time to start planning With high temperatures and humidity all year, Malaysia has a tropical climate that’s perfect for year-round travel. However, the best time to visit most of the region is from March to October – so it’s time to start planning your next adventure to these top Malaysia holiday destinations ! Get in touch with one of our travel experts to get started with an itinerary – we specialise in bespoke travel to ensure you get the very best out of your time away.            

Modern development meets ancient architecture in Oman, where sweeping highways wind their ways between forts, souqs and towns, eventually leading out to tranquil beaches. We recommend visiting this country between October and March, where you’ll be welcomed by temperatures in the twenties. The summer months are often very hot and humid – not for the faint-hearted!  If you want to experience traditional Arabian culture, taste new, fragrant spices and be encompassed by the kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, there’s no better place than Oman. If it’s your first visit, it’s good to get an idea of what to do in Oman so that you don’t miss out. So, this blog post will take you through the top places to put on your itinerary. Visit the lesser-known areas of the Musandam Peninsula The Musandam Peninsula is of Omani territory marooned in a sea of United Arab Emirates. Little-visited and untouched, Musandam is a remote destination where ancient fishing villages open up to mountain roads. There are two distinct sides to Musandam. On the one side, there are deserted mountains and sleepy villages where you could take a jeep safari out through the sandy lands, or jump aboard a dhow to explore unpopulated inlets flanked by dolphins. Not dissimilar to the Norweigan fjords, the Musandam Peninsula offers spectacular views of clear waters and honey-coloured cliffs. The other side of the peninsula reaps the rewards of oil wealth and high-tech development. At the modern and luxurious Zighy Bay resort, every comfort has been laid on to provide the beach ultimate retreat. The steep, jagged maze of peaks and valleys wind through the interior of the Musandam Peninsula, where you can drive the dizzying roads through villages perched in impossible positions. It’s a great opportunity to take a step back through time and marvel at the amazing geology. Immerse yourself in the country’s capital If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat and lively, take a trip to the capital city of Oman, Muscat . Covering 25 miles of coastline, it’s a city comprised of unique villages, separated by jagged mountains. Head to Old Muscat and Muttrah – two settlements in the heart of the city, where you’ll find the Sultan’s Palace, bordered by the twin forts of Jalali and Mirani. Muttrah is home to the old souq, narrow streets and markets where you can buy all sorts of things from gold jewellery to frankincense. Away from these two central locations, you’ll find the modern city and suburbs of shopping malls. We’d recommend a visit to the impressive Grand Mosque – a new addition to the skyline – built by His Majesty the Sultan Qaboos. It really lives up to its grand name – the 14m-high chandelier is comprised of approximately one million Swarovski crystals! Explore Nizwa’s mountains A two-hour drive inland from Muscat will take you to Nizwa , a city surrounded by a palm oasis and situated at the base of the Hajar mountains range which towers overhead. As one of Oman’s oldest cities, Nizwa was once the country’s capital and home to Islamic learning for centuries. Its huge fort has a dominating presence, and, if you make the 10-storey climb to the top, you’ll get sweeping views of date palms and russet mountains surrounding the town. Here, you can explore canyons and terraced villages while taking in the awesome views – you won’t be able to put your camera down! Looking for something a bit quirky? Then go along to Nizwa’s Friday livestock market where local sellers bring their animals in at sunrise and flock them to the surrounding crowds. There’s even the occasional camel! If bustling markets aren’t your thing, take a trip to the Al Hoota Cave , a two-million-year-old underground rock formation. It’s one of the most impressive natural sights in Oman, where your guide will walk you past vast frozen waterfalls of mineral deposits and smooth columns of stalagmites and stalactites formed into veils and rounded knolls over millennia. Go camel riding over the Wahiba Sands Just a few hours from Muscat, the Wahiba Sands is in no way a ‘light’ version of the desert, stretching over nearly 200 miles. With mountainous dunes and valleys of sand, there are just a few Bedouin families living here with their camels. Spend a night in the desert under the clear skies, spotting constellations amongst the sea of twinkling lights, before taking a camel ride into the dunes the next day, where you can follow the lines of golden crests and crescents all the way to the horizon. Salalah and Dhofar If you’re after a totally different experience to the rest of this country, visit the south side, where you’ll find the province of Dhofar and its capital, Salalah . If you head out of Salalah and along the coastline towards the Yemeni border, the shoreline rises and becomes more rocky than sandy. Partially collapsed caves at Mughsayl have created blowholes where, in the right conditions, a building roar presages great fountains of seawater exploding up to soak delighted spectators! Alternatively, Dhofar is the most southerly province of Oman and a place of fable and mystery. Visit the empty, crystal-sand beaches, where you can stroll across white sands for hours with barely anyone else in sight. Plan the trip of a lifetime At Holiday Architects, we know Oman inside-out and use this knowledge to deliver our customers unforgettable holidays. This incredible country is well worth a visit – its welcoming culture and rich history give you a great opportunity to explore unique lands. Best of all? At Holiday Architects, you can design an itinerary that works for you – just contact a member of our expert team to get further recommendations of what to do in Oman and get started.  

Namibia is two and a half times the size of France, but with only 2.5 million people, you certainly don’t see many cars or villages – in fact, it feels incredibly remote and at times, almost otherworldly. When you think of Namibia, most people picture the typical red dunes of the south – but the remote beauty of northern Namibia is actually just as spectacular for  Namibia adventure holidays . Our Namibia expert, Kirsty, recently returned from a two-week self-drive trip to Namibia where she ventured off the beaten track to explore the stunning scenery and incredible wildlife of the north and northeast of the country. Despite the remoteness, the region was still accessible and the driving surprisingly straightforward. So, from coast to desert and mountains to ephemeral river beds, join us as Kirsty shares the highlights of her northern Namibia adventure… Erongo Mountains After flying into Windhoek , our first stop was the Erongo Mountains . A two-hour drive from Windhoek, the mountains are a rugged taster of Damaraland scenery with strewn kopjes, green valleys and rolling hills. The walking in this area is absolutely incredible: guided or unguided, the stunning scenery speaks for itself – but we’d recommend going with a guide to learn more about the area. From knowledge about local plants and how they are used to make medicines to how people live and even information about the wildlife, these guides have got tons of expert knowledge and insight to make your experience even more memorable. If walking isn’t your thing, there are also several caves and rock painting sites which you can visit, some of which are thought to date back more than 2,000 years. And there’s some pretty fantastic wildlife here too, with residents including springboks, kudus, antelopes, mountain zebras, oryx, peregrine falcons and rosy-faced lovebirds, as well as giraffes, baboons and leopards. Damaraland After two nights in the Erongo Mountains, we headed northeast to Damaraland . A mid-point between the Skeleton Coast and the east, we stopped here twice more during the trip as we made our way across Namibia. There’s plenty to see and do, with the spectacular landscapes and incredible geology being the main draw thanks to Damaraland’s rugged mountains, cascading kopjes and dry river beds. In fact, Damaraland has some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Namibia, including prehistoric water courses with open plains, grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Head to the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain and home to the famous ‘White Lady’ Bushman painting, or visit the rocky outcrop of Twyfelfontein. Make sure you check out the Vingerklip (finger rock), an iconic towering limestone rock, as well as the Petrified Forest which is millions of years old.  There’s unique wildlife here, too – and if you have time, the Palmwag Concession is a must for Namibia adventure holidays . A rocky, mountainous environment, the 5000km² concession and surrounding areas are home to some incredibly rich and varied wildlife, including black rhinos (it’s the study centre for the Save the Rhino Trust), desert elephants and lions, as well as spotted hyenas, giraffes and antelope. Skeleton Coast A frontier destination offering some of southern Africa’s most remote and unspoilt areas, the Skeleton Coast is home to incredibly stark and awe-inspiring scenery. On the drive from Damaraland to the Skeleton Coast, Torra Bay is the first place you reach. The coastline you can drive to is stark, bleak and quite often cloudy, which can leave you wondering what everyone raves about – and as you carry on north to Terrace Bay, it still doesn’t quite tick the boxes when it comes to dramatic coastal scenery. Most people stop driving here, but we carried on along a 4×4 only road for another 80km to the most northern accessible area, Möwe Bay – and that’s where it starts getting exciting. The scenery and landscapes gradually become more surreal (we drove past a sign exclaiming “Lions – don’t get out of the car!!”) as you venture alongside sand, stone and rock. It’s incredibly stark, yet wildly beautiful and unique. When we arrived at Möwe Bay, the public road ended and we were transferred a further 1.5 hours north past seal colonies and shipwrecks – make sure you keep a lookout for the wreck of the Ventura bomber from the 1940s which was involved in the Dunedin Star rescue in 1942. When we finally arrived at the lodge, we were greeted by the most spectacular sunset over the sea and white-sand beach. But be warned – the weather here can change in an instant, and the next day was cold, grey, and full of mizzle. If you do get bad weather, there are plenty of activities on offer here to take your mind off it: we drove up the Hoarusib River bed, under stony cliffs, and over epic sand dunes before suddenly stumbling across green patches with grazing herds of oryx: the huge variety of scenery was spectacular. Sesfontein After a couple of days of off-road adventure, it was time to head back to Damaraland and then north to Sesfontein. As Damaraland’s most northerly outpost, Fort Sesfontein was built in 1896 by the government of former German South West Africa as a control base. Abandoned in 1914, today, a lodge has been built from the ruins of the fort. We left the car here and took a two-hour transfer along the Hoanib River to our camp situated to the east of the Skeleton Coast National Park, a destination all about desert wildlife, giraffe conservation and desert scenery. The camp is in a spectacular location – you can drive up to one of the hills at sunset and look down at the dry riverbeds and mountains around you with no one else there. Highlights of this area include the chance to explore an ephemeral river bed, visits to the nomadic Himba tribes and the chance to spot desert-dwelling elephants wandering along the river valleys. After a couple of nights here, we headed back to Damaraland for a final time before venturing on to Etosha National Park. Etosha National Park Our first stop was a new reserve on the southern border of Etosha National Park . Slightly too far to use as a base to explore the park itself, it’s a great safari location in its own right and a great option for people who don’t have time to go to Etosha itself. Next, we headed to another private reserve also on the border of Etosha, but very close to the park’s southern Andersson Gate and well known for its focus on conservation. There is excellent wildlife here, as well as the opportunity to meet resident researchers who can teach you all about the conservation being undertaken both locally and throughout Namibia. We then drove across Etosha from the Southern Gate to Eastern Gate of the park, stopping at waterholes along the way to wait for wildlife and taking in the incredible views across the Etosha Pan. Covering more than 20,000km², the ethereal and shimmering salt pan is so large you can see it from space – it truly felt like we were standing on the edge of the world looking across it. Etosha is a prolific area for wildlife with elephants, lions, leopards and more – at one of our stops, we were lucky enough to see a herd of elephants, including baby elephants who were just a few weeks old! Okonjima Reserve We spent the final night of our trip at the Okonjima Reserve, a 20,000ha reserve that is home to the Africat Foundation. The foundation started out rescuing and releasing cheetahs, but now runs lots of research programmes with leopard, brown hyena and pangolin, the world’s most trafficked animal. It’s an absolutely amazing place to stay for a couple of days, with activities such as leopard tracking, nature walks with experienced guides, hiking and game drives. There are also over 250 species of bird at Okonjima, so whether you choose to hike, bike or are an avid bird watcher, there are many ways to spend your time here! If you’re looking to see a different side to Namibia, a northern Namibia adventure will certainly not disappoint! With some of the most stunning scenery on earth, from ephemeral river beds to rugged mountains and cascading kopjes to deep gorges, northern Namibian scenery is absolutely spellbinding. And with fantastic wildlife, incredible birdlife and excellent walking available too, northern Namibia has all the ingredients you need for a completely unforgettable holiday. Ready to start planning your adventure? Our team are experts in Namibia adventure holidays and are on hand to tailor-make your perfect trip. Contact them today for a free quote .          

If you’re looking for some of the most exquisite wildlife in the world, nowhere even comes close to the Galapagos Islands. Located 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, each of the 13 major islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution has its own unique ecosystem and is populated with different and fascinating animal species. From giant tortoises meandering through marshes and sea lions swimming in crystal-clear waters to blue-footed boobies and the magnificent Galapagos albatross, when it comes to exceptional wildlife, the Enchanted Islands certainly deliver. They say the best way to see the Galapagos Islands is by boat – and we would have to agree, especially considering the high standard of luxury cruises available today.  As well as unbeatable comfort and luxury, on a Galapagos luxury cruise , the activities and itineraries are second to none, too. From hiking with naturalist guides and kayaking through crystal-clear waters to strolling along pristine beaches whilst learning all about the different plants and animals, or snorkelling in search of turtles, Galapagos sharks, multi-coloured marine life and stingrays, one thing’s for sure: when it comes to cruising the Galapagos, no two days are the same. So get ready to follow in the footsteps of Darwin and discover our top picks of luxury ships as you prepare to set sail and see all the Galapagos Islands have to offer… Origin As sleek and stylish as a luxury private yacht, the boutique cruiser, Origin , is one of the most luxurious and sophisticated in the Galapagos Islands. Sleeping 20 passengers in 10 deluxe staterooms decorated in tasteful neutral tones, each room boasts impossibly comfortable beds as well as floor-to-ceiling windows so you can lie back and take it all in as you admire the incredible views. Feeling active? Then why not venture out and do some exploring in one of the Origin’s kayaks or stand-up paddle boards, or even indulge in a spot of snorkelling; all equipment is included, so the choice is yours! Back on board, there’s a bubbling Jacuzzi waiting for you, as well as a fitness centre, library and plenty of comfy lounge areas. There are also two expert naturalist guides on hand to answer your questions and guide your excursions, as well as 12 other staff members, including a talented chef to whip up delicious gourmet food. Trust us: your every want and need will be taken care of onboard the Origin! Endemic Modern and luxurious with plenty of space, the Endemic is a first-class catamaran and one of our own personal favourites. With eight cabins accommodating 16 passengers, the Endemic is less boat, more floating five-star hotel. The cabins are larger than most, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies so you can soak up the views, as well as incredibly spacious bathrooms. The hand-picked staff are all readily available to tend to your every need, and there’s also an expert naturalist guide on board with over 20 years of experience to answer all of your wildlife questions. Snorkelling equipment is provided, as are glass-bottom kayaks, so you can get out there and explore until your heart’s content – or if you fancy just relaxing on board, there’s no better spot than the enormous Sky Deck with its comfortable sun loungers and a Jacuzzi. There’s also two other smaller outdoor areas and two living rooms as well. And we have to mention the chef, a culinary genius who is renowned for serving up delicious food using only the freshest of ingredients. Pure perfection! Elite If you thought the Endemic was impressive, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Launching in June 2019, the Elite is the sister ship of the Endemic and the newest mega catamaran in the Galapagos Islands. Sleek and luxurious, if you want to see all that the Galapagos Islands have to offer in the utmost comfort and luxury, the Elite is the cruise ship for you. Sleeping up to 16 guests in spacious and well-appointed suites, this is a Galapagos luxury cruise as you’ve never seen it before. Each suite has panoramic ocean views and a private outdoor balcony, whilst the social areas include a salon complete with 180-degree panoramic views, as well as alfresco dining areas where chefs serve up delicious dishes made with the finest locally-sourced food. Up on the Sky Deck, you can watch the Enchanted Islands float by from the comfort of the hot tub or enjoy a drink at the bar area, and an expert team of captains, guides and crew are always on hand to cater to your every need. All excursions are led by bilingual naturalist guides and the itineraries on offer aboard the Elite include visits to some of the best sites in the Galapagos Islands, such as the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions and explore the famous Bird Island of Genovesa. Ocean Spray One of the newest catamarans in the Galapagos Island line up, the Ocean Spray carries up to 16 passengers in its nine elegant cabins. A mega catamaran with some of the roomiest cabins in the Galapagos Islands, if you’re looking for cruising with a side of comfort, this is the ship for you. Each cabin has huge panoramic windows complete with private balconies (which is pretty rare in the Galapagos Islands!). The decor is contemporary and chic with teak decks, and for an extra touch of luxury, all of the en suite bathrooms have L’Occitane amenities, whilst the cabins also boast TVs, DVD players, an iPod dock and air conditioning. There are plenty of social spaces to relax in too, including indoor and outdoor dining areas, a library, bar, and ample deck space. When you’re not off sightseeing or exploring on one of the kayaks provided, why not recline on the spacious Sun Deck, soak in the Jacuzzi or sit back and relax in one of the super comfy lounge areas as you take in an amazing equatorial sunset – you can’t beat it! Sea Star Journey One of our favourite yachts in the Galapagos, the Sea Star Journey is lavish, luxurious, and a super stylish choice. Sleeping up to 16 passengers in eight elegantly-designed suites, this boutique yacht has recently been renovated to include private balconies on all four of the main deck suites, and there’s a light, bright and airy feel throughout. However, it’s the spacious Sea Star Suite with its panoramic windows that’s the jewel in the Sea Star’s crown. When it comes to social areas, you can relax in the cosy dining room where the chef serves up delicious local and international dishes, or brush up on your reading in the library. There’s also a sprawling sun deck where you can recline on one of the day beds or take a dip in the Jacuzzi, and there’s a solarium, snorkelling equipment and kayaks available. You could even venture out on the brand new glass-bottomed panga with an expert naturalist guide, too. With such luxurious cruises available, there has never been a better time to explore the Galapagos Islands by boat. There’s nothing our expert team don’t know about the Enchanted Islands, so if you’re ready to start planning your Galapagos luxury cruise – without scrimping on comfort, of course! – you’ve come to the right place.