The Llama Travel Blog

Perched on the edge of the South Atlantic Ocean with the impressive Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town, known as the Mother City of South Africa, is considered one of the most beautiful cities to many. Its rich history, shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, has created a unique cultural mix. After the end of apartheid, South Africa became known as the Rainbow Nation, and it remains one of the most diverse places you can visit. Travellers are often struck by the depth of local culture and frequently leave feeling genuinely touched by the warmth and friendliness of the people they meet.

South Africa offers a range of experiences across different regions. Cape Town’s stunning setting is just the beginning. The Cape Winelands are home to excellent wine and mountain views, the Garden Route is known for its lush scenery, and Kruger National Park offers renowned wildlife experiences. You can even end your trip with a visit to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (it really couldn’t get much better!).

Vietnam is a country of contrasts, from buzzing cities and serene landscapes to some of the best food you'll ever taste. Vietnam is a land where it feels like motorbikes outnumber the people; and one moment you're weaving through a sea of scooters and street food stalls, the next you're drifting past rice paddies and limestone cliffs. From the rural areas to Ha Long Bay, its natural beauty is just as memorable as its vibrant culture and history.

In this blog, I share highlights from my two-week trip, plus tips and insights to help you make the most of your own adventure. While seeing it all in a fortnight is impossible, Llama Travel has built a well-rounded itinerary that blends cities, nature, and local experiences. With Llama Travel, you can tailor your trip to suit your style: add extensions, join optional excursions, or explore independently. There’s no one right way to do it, just what works best for you.

At Llama Travel, it's the expertise of our travel team that makes our holidays truly special. Ben, one of our Travel Consultants, recently returned from an incredible journey through India, bringing back plenty of travel tips and inspiration. If you're thinking about visiting this incredible destination, here are Ben’s insights in response to some of our most frequently asked questions, helping you make the most of your holiday.

India truly is a country like no other. What struck me most about this country was the sheer variety. Each destination felt entirely different from the last, offering its own unique blend of history, culture and energy. From the majestic Mughal architecture of Agra to the tranquil foothills of Shimla, every stop had something new to discover. My personal favourites? Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, spotting tigers in Ranthambore, and, of course, indulging in some of the best curries and chai teas I’ve ever tasted.

Llama Travel offers a selection of combination tours that allow you to experience the wonders of two or more countries in one unforgettable holiday. These perfect combinations include the vibrant, culture-rich destinations of Vietnam and Cambodia; the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina and Chile; the remarkable wilderness and waterfalls of Botswana and Zimbabwe; the unmatched wildlife and hidden gems of Costa Rica and Guatemala; and the untamed beauty of Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Each itinerary showcases the very best of both countries and there’s always an option to extend your trip to make it even more extraordinary.

 South Africa truly is a Rainbow Nation that has it all! From its welcoming people and spectacular landscapes to incredible beaches and the fascinating Karoo, this country is a traveller’s dream. Home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five on safari and penguins wandering through neighbourhood streets, South Africa captures your heart and imagination from the start. This diverse nation has something for everyone: stunning natural beauty, incredible wildlife, delicious cuisine, vibrant cities, and a rich, complex history well worth exploring.

The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa. The dramatic coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park and the beautiful Knysna lagoon are some of the highlights, but the whole of the coastline east of Cape Town is stunning, with plenty of wildlife, including amazing whale watching in Hermanus.

Interested in visiting? With our Best of South Africa + Kruger Safari 2026 departures, you can experience the very best South Africa has to offer.

Llama Travel has carefully planned and perfected an itinerary that allows you to explore the Silk Road of Uzbekistan with Llama Travel’s expertise throughout.

Uzbekistan is a delight for the senses and offers culture enthusiasts one of the most enriching travel experiences in the world. As the jewel of the Silk Road, this colourful country is home to ancient civilisations that have stood the test of time. Its perfectly preserved cities – Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva – feel like open-air museums, offering a unique glimpse into the past, from intricate tilework and shimmering gold details to imposing fortress walls and awe-inspiring madrasahs.

Here’s what Gary, Llama Travel’s Sales Team Manager, had to say about his memorable journey through The Silk Road of Uzbekistan:

At Llama Travel, our holidays are made so great by the knowledge of our travel experts. This week, we caught up with Otto, one of our senior Travel Consultants, to get the inside scoop on his first visit to Kenya. And now we are going to share it all with you. 

Peru is far more than just Machu Picchu – it’s a country full of incredible diversity and hidden treasures. From vibrant coastal towns to vast desert landscapes, and remote mountain villages, Peru offers an endless array of experiences. While the iconic Machu Picchu is a must-see, there’s so much more to uncover. Exploring Peru is a journey through history, culture, and stunning natural beauty, from the bustling streets of Lima to the serene Sacred Valley. Every moment in Peru is unforgettable, and here are twenty places you should visit and activities you should try when travelling in Peru according to Llama Travel, a Peru holidays specialist sending people to Peru since 2002.

The Cusco region is home to many, many Inca sites, most of which get few, if any, visitors. Huchuy Qosqo, means ‘Little Cusco’ in Quechua and is an impressive complex, with some fine stone structures, beautiful terracing and some of the most amazing views of anywhere in the area. Said to be a royal estate founded by the Inca Viracocha in the early 15th century, the site sits at over 3,650 metres, with the town of Lamay in the Sacred Valley almost 800 metres directly below, and facing the snow-capped peaks of the mountains on the other side of the valley. Despite being such an important and beautiful site, it receives hardly any visitors, mainly by dint of being only accessible by a fairly tough hike.

I was floored by the Amazon before I’d even got on the boat. Fluttering around the dock was an enormous cloud of butterflies of every shape and colour. They were everywhere. I’d never experienced so many of them in one place. The mineral-rich mud of the river attracts them in flocks, and I was to discover that it is entirely normal to come across fairytale scenes such as this one when walking through the jungle. The guides were completely unfazed. Only when one of them called me over to the boat did I realise how long I’d been staring.