At the beginning of October, Africa specialist Mariëtte Boomsma will accompany our top travel agents on the annual Untamed Travelling tour to the tropical Sao Tomé en Principe, a destination that hardly anyone from the group has heard of. They are two small islands about 250 km from the African west coast. Together they form the second smallest country in Africa. Sao Tomé is about 850 km2 and Principe less than 150 km2. It was ‘discovered’ by the Portuguese around the 15th century and became independent in 1975. From Europe, only the TAP Air Portugal flies to this destination, so few tourists – especially Portuguese – go.
Australia, from Outback to Wetlands
Australia has always made a tough and rugged impression on me. The world’s largest island is a continent full of contrasts. The vast landscapes and long distances are in stark contrast to those of the Netherlands or Europe. The land of Skippy, the Flying Doctors and Crocodile Dundy is fascinating because of its diversity of nature, climate and history. I visit the cities of Sydney, Adelaide and Darwin, the Outback in the south and the Wetlands in the north.
Family trip South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique
We travel with the whole family – my parents, brother and sister-in-law, my husband and our children – off to Africa. Wildlife safaris in South Africa and Botswana and a sun-drenched beach resort on Mozambique await us. Because we are with a rather large company, the choice for private villas is quickly made.
Asante Sana Selous!
I already know the African bush well, but every time I look for new locations that I have not yet discovered. This time I travel to Selous, a game reserve i have long been curious about, located in the south of Tanzania. I stay here for a week and stay in different lodges because it allows me to better discover the diversity of a single area.
Exploring the lesser-known safari regions of South Africa
‘South Africa, the world in one country’ with an unprecedented variety of accommodations and attractions. But how do you make the right choices for a tour in a destination where many have gone before you? Which stay guarantees a safari experience that touches you and makes you long for more? Our travel specialist Petra went out with ten independent travel agents to let them experience the added value of a private reserve/concession versus national park itself.
Ecuador, the country that has everything that makes South America so great
I stay in colonial Quito before flying to the immense Amazon forest to get acquainted with the tropical flora and fauna of this pristine area during a cruise. After immersing myself in unadulterated Indian culture just north of Quito, my journey to the Mashpi Cloud Forest continues to explore from the most beautiful lodge in the world.
Bohemian India
“A melting pot of so many cultures, empires, fortresses, beautiful colonial buildings, palaces and a world-class nature. This combined with local guides who can deliver customer service to a high level, every day, and where every restaurant is a culinary adventure. I can recommend everyone to make this trip!” said Jozef Verbruggen about his trip through southern India.
A winter adventure in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Snowy rugged peaks, dense white forests and frozen lakes. That’s winter sports in the Canadian Rocky Mountains where there are plenty of snow-sure ski resorts. By invitation I combine Edmonton with a visit to Jasper and experience a phenomenal winter sports adventure.
The Tribal Peoples of Cameroon
Cameroon is also called ‘all of Africa in one country’, because all the landscape types of Africa are found there. It is also a country of great cultural diversity; about 210 different population groups live there. In December 2019, together with travel photographer Henk Bothof, I made a cultural trip to the tribal peoples in Cameroon, where we visited a number of isolated and still authentic tribes.
Thailand and Laos, Where the world can’t find you…
Friendly, safe, rich in culture and national parks full of wildlife, the country where even the street food is ‘divine’; Thailand is for everyone! It is high time to experience this in person, and also to make use of the central location in Southeast Asia. By invitation I visit the attractions in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, take a trip to the beautiful Luang Prabang (Laos), and finish this eight-day adventure in Bangkok with a lively night out.