Photographing Africa’s abundant wildlife doesn’t get much better than when witnessing the Great Migration. Guided by an expert photographer and naturalist, this safari heads to the secluded Namiri Plains, which is open to visitors for the first time in 20 years. Camp among towering acacia trees on the savanna and learn from local zoologists and researchers about the big cats that roam here. Upon reaching the southern Serengeti plains to view the big event, take full advantage of the open-topped 4WD and capture up-close shots as wildebeests and zebra numbering more than a million strong – and predatory lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackets and vultures stalking them – make their journey en masse. This wildlife encounter is one you’ll talk about for years to come.
As far as having fun in the dark goes, it doesn’t get much crazier than this. Pull on a wetsuit and for the next three hours climb, clamber and coast through Ruakuri Cave on the North Island. For part of the journey with the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co you’ll be taking the plunge over underground waterfalls, but there’s also the chance to kick back on your inner tube and float through limestone galleries lit by glow-worms. Each tour, with a maximum of 12 adventurers, is led by a guide who’ll make sure you emerge safe and sound into the sunlight.
Explore one of the most unique archipelagos in the world on a sailing tour through the Ecuadorian Galapagos. Board your vessel in Baltra and begin by learning about evolutionary discoveries on Santa Cruz Island, home to the Charles Darwin Research Centre. Wander flora-filled trails on Santa Fe Island, then cruise to North Seymour Island to see one of the largest sea lion colonies.
On Bartomelé Island, watch lava spew from Pinnacle Rock and ooze into Sullivan Bay, before jumping in for a snorkel with reef sharks and colourful fish. Glimpse pink flamingos, pin-tailed ducks and the endemic Floreana mockingbird while walking the emerald sands of Cormorant Point on Floreana Island, then ascend a four-million-year-old volcano to glimpse a 30,000-strong colony of albatross on Española Island. Finish your epic journey in San Cristobal, Darwin’s landing point in 1835.
Ever wondered how an Indian family spends Holi, the Hindu festival that welcomes spring with a splash – OK, many splashes – of colour? Find out on an exclusive trip that begins in Delhi before heading to Jaipur.
First, you’ll visit the stunning pink Palace of the Winds, Amber Fort, the Royal City Palace and the city’s astronomical observatory. The next day the preparations begin. You’ll shop for water pistols, glitter, dry colours and water balloons at the market, take in a Bollywood movie then go to Holika Dahan, the bonfire that kicks off the celebrations the night before. Then it’s time for dinner with a local family and an early night because the next day you’ll need all your energy for the pelting of water and colour that symbolises this amazing festival. The tour finishes with a day in the rural village of Karauli and a visit to the famous Taj Mahal.
Delve into the Ecuadorian Amazon and step back in time to the centuries-old world of the Huaorani people. Take a 30-minute plane ride from Quito to Quehueri’ono and get your first glimpse of the Amazon before taking a dugout canoe to your lodge. Wander through dense forest with your local guide, who will show you how to hunt and collect the forest’s natural resources, then visit a Huaorani community and participate in some of its daily rituals. Disappear deeper into the wilderness on a hike along the Ceibo Trail and spend a day canoeing the Shiripuno River, keeping your eyes peeled for exotic birds and cheeky monkeys.
Escape the chaos of Bangkok and go bush in Chiang Mai’s hinterland. Admire Lanna-style temples as you cycle through rainforests and longan plantations, sampling fruit straight from the trees. Take your time pedalling to Wiang Takan, a ruined city that dates back to the twelfth century, and get your blood pumping on an uphill hike before arriving at your first of two homestays in Karen tribal lands.
At dawn, set out for Mae Wang National Park, where you’ll traverse well-trodden paths and overgrown trails, inhaling the fresh scent of ginger and orchids, and meeting locals along the way. On your final day, soak up nature while cruising down the Wang River on a bamboo raft.
Sometimes, the thought of visiting yet another dry museum makes us want to pluck at our eyes, but EPIC Ireland makes us pretty excited about learning about the past.
This dramatic new experience showcases the global movement of the Irish people, telling the authentic story of 10 million journeys and the roots of 70 million people. These stories just might link with your friends’ pasts, if not your own.
Following a path through 20 high-technology interactive galleries, you’ll delve into the journey of a people, told like never before. To get there, head into the beautiful vaults of the iconic CHQ building, situated on Custom House Quay in the centre of Dublin.
It’s a great first port of call for visitors to Ireland, and will colour your understanding of the entire country. Who would have thought history could look this cool?
Marvel at mounted whale weenies measuring more than a metre long, ogle the embalmed member of a 600-kilogram polar bear, and snicker at a lampshade fashioned from 10 sheep scrotums at the Icelandic Phallological Museum.
There are 215 penises in total – representing every mammal found in Iceland, as well as a few foreigners – in this celebration of male virility, alongside various phallus-themed artefacts.
Gents beware: a serious loss of confidence can often follow a visit. If this is your type of exhibition, then the William P Didusch Center for Urologic History in Washington DC is worth investigating too.
In 2002, Gabon’s superbly monikered president Omar Bongo Ondimba set aside 10 per cent of the country as natural reserves. One of them was Loango National Park – 1550 square kilometres of savanna, forest, lagoon, mangroves and pristine beach, and one of the true gems of Africa’s west coast. But what really makes this beach one of the most distinctive on earth is its four-legged residents.
Elephants and buffaloes stroll along the shoreline and hippos take to the surf like grommits on thrusters. It’s not the easiest place in the world to get to – most people organise accommodation and transfers through a specialty operator – but it’s certainly one for the bucket list.
Penetrate deep into the wilds of Antarctica. This expedition takes passengers further into Antarctica than most cruising itineraries. Travel south of the Antarctic Circle to the land of the midnight sun and stand where few have stood before. The 15-day expedition departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, and includes Zodiac cruises through silent iceberg ‘graveyards’ and optional camping and kayaking adventures.
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