Native Eye

Embark on a captivating journey through two of Southern Africa’s most enchanting and lesser-explored destinations, Lesotho and Eswatini. This carefully designed itinerary combines stunning natural scenery, rich cultural traditions and remarkable wildlife encounters. From the craggy heights of the iconic Sani Pass to the misty cascades of Maletsunyane Falls, and from the historical strongholds of Thaba Bosiu to the serene wildlife haven of Mkhaya Game Reserve, each day reveals a new facet of the landscape and culture. Whether you’re hiking to see ancient dinosaur footprints, visiting jostling markets, or encountering rhinos in their natural habitat, this tour offers immersive encounters ...Read more >

This tour of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro will take you to a side of Europe that is little explored by tourists. Your journey begins in Albania, where you’ll visit the incredibly well-preserved buildings of Kruja citadel, which holds a significant place in Albanian culture. Next, it’s on to the Mirdita region. Home to traditional villages and ancient traditions, a visit here is a real insight into Albanian culture. You’ll then move across the border into Montenegro, a land of incredible natural beauty, capped off with beguiling ancient cities, before returning to Albania and the stunning Alpine region of Thethi. Kosovo is next on the agenda, reached by boat via Lake Koman. In Kosovo, ...Read more >

The Philippines is a group of over 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia, known for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and mix of cultures. It has lush mountains, clear blue seas, and a rich history influenced by both Asian and European traditions. Uncover the rich diversity of the Philippines on this unforgettable journey through its vibrant cities, cultural heartlands and tropical islands. Start in Manila, exploring centuries of colonial history in the walled city of Intramuros, followed by colourful neighbourhoods like Binondo and the historic Chinese Cemetery. We then fly north and wind our way into the mountains to reach Banaue and the remote village of Batad - home to UNESCO-listed ...Read more >

Once best known for eccentric former ruler Turkmenbashi, whose cult of personality stretched to naming days of the week after himself, Turkmenistan also happens to be one of Asia’s most unusual and rewarding places to explore. After perusing the museums and quirky monuments of the capital Ashgabat, you'll head into the wilds to begin a roll call of Turkmenistan's natural wonders, with early entries on the list including underground cave lake of Kowata, the Kopet Dag Mountains and the lunar landscapes of Karakala. Exploring the striking landscapes of the east, the list of wonders grows to include the stunning green, white and pink coloured canyons of Yangikala, camping in the Kara Kum ...Read more >

This 16-day tour takes you on a comprehensive journey through both southern and northern Iraq, where every stop uncovers layers of remarkable history and culture. From some of the oldest cities and buildings on earth to the sacred sites of the Shi’a faith, the lands of the Marsh Arabs, and the rich, distinct culture of Kurdistan, you’ll discover an Iraq away from the headlines. This trip uncovers the soul of this exciting land, embarking on a new chapter of its history. Starting in Basra, we see charming old Ottoman era houses, cruise on the Shatt al Arab, and visit the old town. We then head to the iconic Iraqi marshes, where you’ll meet locals living in traditional reed houses and ...Read more >

For anyone anticipating a Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan vacation, the Pamir Highway is certain to stand out in a series of dramatic landscapes and cultural encounters to leave travelers in no uncertain terms as to the adventures that are still to be had in two of Asia’s lesser visited locations. Encapsulating the rugged mountain imagery and remote nature of a Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan vacation, the Pamir Highway lets you travel across the roof of the world on a stretch of road that promises spectacular views to leave a long lasting impression on first-time passengers and old hands alike. Aside from the trip over the Pamir Highway this 18 day Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan vacation also features many of ...Read more >

Step into a land where history was born and legends still whisper through the ruins. This immersive journey through Iraq traces the story of civilisation itself—from the cradle of Sumer to the splendours of Babylon, from the intellectual heights of Abbasid Baghdad to the hauntingly beautiful marshlands of the south. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient cities carved from myth, sacred shrines, and the resilient spirit of a nation that has withstood the tides of empires and war. This is more than a trip—it's a rare opportunity to walk through the pages of history, guided by the echoes of prophets, poets, and kings. ?Begin in Baghdad, exploring its historic streets and museums before ...Read more >

On this Kazakhstan vacation you’ll explore the sights of the Steppe and the legendary Silk Road, along with a small group of likeminded travelers. Although it’s one of the largest countries in the world, Kazakhstan is little visited by tourists, many of whom head for the better known Silk Road sites in neighbouring Uzbekistan. Those who do venture here are treated with vast open spaces, fascinating ancient towns and mysterious monuments – without another tourist in sight. Kicking off the tour in Almaty, which has a distinctly Russian ambience, you’ll then make your way into the dramatic countryside, where highlights include the mighty peaks and ancient burial mounds of Altyn-Emel National ...Read more >

It’s time for the rivers and waterways of lush Bangladesh to step into the spotlight. For too long, people have opted for India over its little neighbour. Bangladesh is chronically underexplored, but on a two week Bangladesh tour you can get a really good introduction to the country, using boats, cars and trains to span the landscapes. Most people flee to the wildlife reserves straight away, but spend a day in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s populous capital first, exploring the historic sights, temples, churches and mosques and getting your first introduction to the country’s friendly population. Next, hop on a boat and cruise south. As you’ll soon find out, Bandladesh is best experienced on the ...Read more >

The jungles of Central Africa have forever been a mysterious land, difficult to penetrate and home to bewildering array of flora and fauna that will have nature enthusiasts salivating. This unique tour takes you on an incredible journey where nature rules supreme and the presence of man often seems insignificant, surrounded by thick rainforest alive with the calls of birds and monkeys. We start in Yaounde, then head south to a village of the Fang people where we are privileged to witness an authentic Bwiti ceremony, a spiritual ritual based around used of the psychoactive iboga root and one of the region’s most fascinating sights. From here we venture into the forest to spend time with ...Read more >

Welcome to the ancient Berber kingdom of Mauritania on the coast of northwest Africa where desert dunes and dust-filled towns provide travelers on this 10 day small group vacation with an eye opening introduction to those living a nomadic existence amongst the ancient folds of the Sahara. Goat hair tents offer protection for traveling nomadic herders whilst visiting coastal communities along the Atlantic allows travelers to learn more about the relationship between man and beast as they visit Imragen villages and hear about the symbiotic existence of fishermen and dolphins. Inland the capital, Nouakchott, creates an exciting start point for this ten day Mauritania vacation with the bird ...Read more >

A magical and memorable adventure into landscapes like no other, this Algerian Sahara Desert tour explores some of the most spectacular locations around Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. Over two weeks you’ll admire ancient rock carvings, camp among vast seas of sand dunes, and enjoy spontaneous, completely authentic encounters with nomadic Tuareg people you meet along the way. Keen photographers will love traveling through this stunning region, dotted with surreal rock formations carved by millennia of erosion. Getting around by hardy 4x4 vehicles, there will be many opportunities to pause and admire the views over sand dunes and the rims of deep canyons. Of course, the Sahara Desert has a ...Read more >

The horn of Africa is a fascinating mélange of cultures, a hotbed of influences from nomadic herders to Arabian traders. It is also home to some of the continent’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes, where the taste of the wild is in the air for intrepid traveler to savour. From Djibouti, we head for Lac Assal - the lowest point in Africa (-150 m) plus the most saline body of water in the world (40%) - as well as the spectacular Lac Abbe, a vast salt lake whose tall limestone chimneys belching gas served as a backdrop for the film Planet Of The Apes. Crossing into Ethiopia, we delve the Afar desert and its once-feared people. You'll witness one of nature's fiercer sights here too, ...Read more >

The island nation of São Tomé and Principe is a little-explored African jewel - a tropical paradise awash with atmospheric colonial reminders and fascinating nature, girdled by an unspoilt coastline of wild beaches hemmed by rainforest. This compact tour offers an excellent introduction, starting in the capital Sao Tome with its unique Portuguese-Creole flavour. From here we drive south to São João with its gorgeous black sand beaches, most famously the wild beaches of Porto Alegre. You'll also get a chance to explore intriguing coastal fishing villages such as São João dos Angolares and Ribeira Afonse, as well as see unusual colonial sites like the historic hospital at Agua Eize and ...Read more >

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the spiritual heartlands of Papua New Guinea, where timeless traditions, vibrant cultures and unruly wilderness awaits. We take a charter flight to the Madang Province in Papua New Guinea’s rugged highlands to spend time with the Kalam people, learning about their subsistence lifestyles, clan-based social system, and the deep connection they have with the environment around them. We spend three days with the Kalam, staying in one of their villages, allowing for a great insight into their spirituality, ancestor worship and unwavering respect for the natural world. Our adventure continues in the Jiwaka Province of Papua New Guinea, as we stay ...Read more >

The vast archipelago of Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world, the fourth largest country and holds over 17,000 separate islands, with a wealth of biodiversity and different landscapes that offers superb opportunities to get off the beaten track. Starting our trip in Java, we spend some time exploring the charming city of Yogyakarta and its surrounds, a hub for traditional Javanese art and home to the largest Buddhist temple in the world. We then fly to Sulawesi and Tangkoko National Park, to look for wildlife including the tiny tarsier, and continue on, to discover the traditional ways of living in the Minhasa Highlands and the villages around Makassar. Perhaps the most ...Read more >

An incredible and unique journey concentrating on two of Ghana’s most colourful festivals. From the capital Accra we drive to Akossombo, home of the Krobo people who are renowned for their skills in making beads. Each year the Krobo hold the amazing Dipo ceremony, a process of initiation for young girls on their journey to womanhood, accompanied by elaborate rituals and distinctive traditional jewellery; we spend two days observing these fascinating customs and learning about the culture of the Krobo. From here we continue to Kumnasi to learn about the cukture and history of the Ashanti people, then head to the coast to see the historic castles of Elmina and Cape Coast, learning about ...Read more >

The ancient land of Kurdistan in the north of Iraq occupies a special place in history, with monuments and cities dating back millennia and bearing witness to diverse civilisations and religions. This short trip introduces a place long off limits to western travelers. We start in the ancient city of Erbil, one of humanity's oldest settlements, before following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great at the ancient battle site of Gaugamela. You'll also join Yezidi pilgrims at Lalish for an insight into Zoroastrianism, one of the Middle East’s most ancient religions. Reminders of the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein provide poignant and thought-provoking reminders of the area's more recent ...Read more >

With such a giant of a country, it’s difficult to know where to start – Brazil has such a wealth and diversity of experiences that it’s impossible to include them all in one trip. We’ve designed this tour to encompass some of its best, from those you’ve undoubtedly heard of, to those that are a little more ‘unusual’. We start in the coastal city of Salvador, a center for the country’s Afro-Brazilian population and home to some fascinating customs. We delve into the indigenous religion of candomble – a mixture of traditional African and European beliefs – see how the martial art of capoeira is practiced, and explore the city’s colonial center. We then continue into the sublime ...Read more >

This West Africa overland vacation is a two week adventure through an eclectic array of West African landscapes that are still virtually undiscovered by tourists, in both Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Our journey through both of these countries allows us to not only experience the biodiverse beauties of this Sahel region of the African continent, the name given to the region between Sahara and the Savannah, but also the remote communities and indigenous people who still live traditional lifestyles there and welcome us into their communities. Starting in the busiest hub of the region, the capital of Senegal, Dakar, it isn’t too far for us to experience wilderness as we journey on to Djoudj ...Read more >