African Adventures and Exotic India – Where Our Team Travelled to in 2018

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

 

Our Travel Specialists travelled extensively in 2018, experiencing various destinations so that they can make the best recommendations for you based on their first hand knowledge of each country. We pride ourselves on having over 50 years’ experience as a leading independent specialist to Africa, providing dream holidays and unforgettable memories in a continent so close to our heart, as well as offering amazing itineraries to Incredible India.

Kenya 

Kenya is a special destination for us, for it is at the heart of East Africa, where our journey began! The country plays host to the largest animal movement in the world during the annual migration into the Masai Mara, which is home to the ‘big five.‘

Early in 2018, Emily and Saonli from our team, experienced our traditional seven-night Cheetah Safari, which is one of our bestselling Safari itineraries. They started their safari in the Aberdares Range, followed by Samburu, which is home to some of the most unique wildlife in Kenya as well as a host of various bird species.

Lake Naivasha is one of the Rift Valley Lakes, where you will find a plethora of birds as well as its famous Flamingos!

 

Parita visited Kenya in the latter half of the year on an educational trip with Kenya Airways where she visited Samburu, staying at the Sarova Shaba Lodge, followed by the Fairmont Mt Kenya Safari Club, where she was lucky enough to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the remaining two female Northern White Rhinos in the world, and where you can also see Chimps.

She concluded her stay in Kenya with a stay at the stunning Hemingways Watamu Resort part of the Hemingways Collection, before returning to Nairobi to catch her flight back to London.

 

South Africa

South Africa is a land of contrasts from cosmopolitan Cape Town to spectacular big game viewing in Kruger National Park, to the stunning valleys of the Winelands. Our Travel Experts are able to recommend the best South African experiences for you as they have experienced the country from North to South extensively.

Immersing themselves in the cultural and historical side combined with the buzz of Cape Town, Parita and Nishma flew into Durban, where their trip commenced, followed by KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, and finishing off in the vibrant city of Cape Town. This itinerary is perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves in the history of Nelson Mandela’s past as well as experience some of South Africa’s amazing scenic landscapes and wine.

They even saw the super cute Penguins at Boulders Beach!

Find out more about their itinerary here: South Africa – Durban, Battlefields and Cape Town and read about their experience in full here.

 

At the end of 2018, Justin, Kai and Emily also visited South Africa starting their trip in Johannesburg, where they experienced amazing sightseeing, retracing some of Nelson Mandela’s steps as well as a fascinating Graffiti Walking Tour, which they highly recommend.

They then drove through to Hazyview via the Panorama Route, and spent the night at Hippo Hollow Country Estate.

They were fortunate to experience game drives in Makalali Conservancy, which was their favourite, as well as Karongwe Private Game Reserve and a game drive in Jo’burg.

Having experienced both a National Park and a Private Game Reserve, there are pros and cons of both and you can read more here:

Safaris – Private Conservancies vs National Parks

India

In September Meeta and Binny experienced our Golden Triangle Itinerary with an extension to Varanasi, which is just an hour’s flight from Jaipur.

The Golden Triangle Tour is a fantastic way to get a flavour of Incredible India and its diversity, and they visited the three corners of Delhi, Jaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra. It was Binny’s first time visiting these cities and she found it to be the perfect introduction to the wonders of north India.

Highlights were seeing the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort in Jaipur and meandering through Chandni Chowk in Delhi.

Varanasi is a spiritual city located on the banks of the holy River Ganges. It is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims flock to its banks to perform traditional Hindu rituals.

You can find out more about our ‘Golden Triangle’ itinerary which covers the three cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra here: Golden Triangle Itinerary

 

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Are you inspired to visit one of these stunning destinations?

Call us on 020 8423 3000 or complete an enquiry form to receive a quotation from our booking experts.

You can also find out more on our website: https://www.somak.com