The Llama Travel Blog

Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic destinations in Africa, and there is plenty to see and do to keep you busy for several days. Activities here cater for everyone - from the less adventurous who simply want to admire a Natural Wonder of the World and discover its history, to adrenalin-seekers looking to zip-line or bungee jump off the bridge. There's also Chobe National Park across the border in Botswana, home to Africa's Big Five.

The main reason the Galapagos Islands have become such a popular tourist destination is because of the ability to observe so many species of animals at such close quarters. Galapagos wildlife is fearless and will come right up to you, so you can snorkel with sharks and turtles, play with sea lions, learn about fascinating finches and walk amongst giant tortoises and iguanas. Read our blog to find out which wildlife can be found on which island. 

The African bush. Whether you visit it from South Africa or Botswana, you will find that the format on our safari trips is similar. Of course each day is unpredictable depending on the weather, time of year and herd behaviour, but as a general rule of thumb there are game drives in the early morning and late afternoon (this is essential to see the animals at their most active), with plenty of time to relax in-between. This blog helps you to make the most of your safari by knowing what to expect on a typical day.

Something I had been looking forward to before I even set foot in Namibia was tracking black rhinos in Damaraland. There are less than 6,000 black rhinos left in Africa, and while they don’t disclose how many rhinos there are in the region in order to combat poaching, there is a sizeable population still in the Palmwag concession, so the chances of seeing them are high.

The vast Peruvian Amazon covers over half of Peru and offers spectacular biodiversity, with incredible vegetation, birdlife and wildlife. Puerto Maldonado is a small jungle town in Southern Peru, close to the Brazilian and Bolivian borders. Located on the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers, the nearby jungle lodges we work with offer excellent opportunities to explore the surrounding scenery. Staying in a jungle lodge allows you to experience the Amazon in relative comfort, while guides take you on excursions to explore during the day.

Scott's journey through Botswana began in the town of Maun, before flying in a light aircraft into the Okavango Delta and embarking on a 9-night mobile camping safari. The safari took him from the Moremi National Park, Khwai concession and Savuti (part of the Chobe National Park). From there he crossed into Zimbabwe, finishing at the majestic Victoria Falls. Here are some pictures he took along the way. 

Last month we unveiled our plans to introduce Africa by pinning a brand new destination on the Llama Travel map: Namibia. As you might have guessed, we've got a few more places up our sleeve. Famously dubbed The Rainbow Nation in the post-apartheid glow, South Africa is as diverse a place as they come. Visitors to this part of the world will not be disappointed by the breadth of local culture, and many leave feeling truly touched by the warmth of the South Africans they have met. As for the landscape, South Africa is a multi-centre destination with tourist hubs in the gorgeous, mountain-hugged Cape Town, the traditional town of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, the emerald green Garden Route and the renowned Kruger National Park.

Recently back from familiarisation trips to South Africa, two of our sales team share some of their highlights.  

Visiting the Galapagos Islands is an item on the bucket list for many people – and for good reason. Consisting of 19 islands and located 926km off the coast of Ecuador, this magical archipelago is home to an abundance of endemic species and the human footprint has been kept to a minimum. While a Galapagos adventure can be rather costly, this unique destination makes for a trip of a lifetime and is well worth the cost. Take a Galapagos cruise, or stay in a Galapagos hotel – which option is best for you?

Taking the train to Machu Picchu but you’re keen to take a crack at hiking whilst at the ruins? Walking the Inca Trail but you’re up for one final trek? Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain offer unparalleled birds-eye views of the ruins, as well as panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valley. While both hikes are difficult, arguably making the decision of which mountain to climb is the biggest difficulty of all.

Planning a holiday to Latin America is an exciting time, and the continent offers endless opportunities for all ages, from backpackers in their early 20s to couples and solo travellers in their 80s who want to tick Machu Picchu off their list. For many reasons, travelling in your older years is the prime time. However, the thought of travelling may raise a few concerns – will I be fit enough? Is it safe? Will I be lonely? In this blog we go through some common queries that people have when travelling in their mature years.