The Llama Travel Blog

Over the last few months, we’ve been busy working behind the scenes on exciting new destinations to pin on the Llama Travel map. In July 2019, we introduced a whole new continent, Africa. Using our expertise and the same combination of high quality, excellent value and small group flexible tours that we offer in Latin America, our Africa holidays have a mix of amazing wildlife, culture, activities and scenery, paired with authentic lodges and great cuisine. Until now, we’ve only offered trips to Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Victoria Falls.

We’re excited to announce that our next country is located in East Africa, sitting on the equator and offering everything from game-filled national parks and picturesque mountain scenery to palm-fringed white sandy beaches. Here’s what our Product Manager, Scott, saw during his time in Kenya - all the photos in this blog are his own. 

Stuck on what to pack for your Botswana safari experience? Here are some recommendations to help you plan and pack everything you need for your Botswana adventure.

Showcasing a varied landscape from the soaring Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest and all the way to the coast, Peru has plenty more to offer than just Machu Picchu, full of archaeological wonders which bear testament to a history of vibrant civilisations and architectural mastery. Situated just outside of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas contains everything from small local ruins to entire ancient cities with UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Elsewhere in the 1.2 million-square kilometre country, hundreds of other archaeological riches can be found. Keep reading to find out our top archaeological sites to visit.

Being able to travel is a privilege - experiencing new cultures, taking in extraordinary scenery and indulging in mouth-watering cuisine from all over the world. But never has this felt truer than now.

As our movements are restricted and we wait for the current situation to improve, we can’t help but dream about the places we’d like to visit when it’s safe to do so. We know that top of the agenda for many people will be the destinations where you can be at one with nature, with wide open spaces and few people to share your holiday with.

If you’ve signed up to our newsletter, you’ll know that we’ve recently launched some amazing prices for our 2021 holidays, with discounts of up to £600 per couple and a guaranteed refund or option to rebook if we can’t operate your trip.

Keep reading to find out our top five post-pandemic holidays in Latin America and Africa where you can escape the crowded beaches and chock-a-block cities to experience the world’s natural beauty.

The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s iconic safari destination, and there are excellent game reserves bordering the Kruger itself, as well as some private fenced reserves nearby. All safari options we offer have a similar format, with game drives in the morning and afternoon. However, there are differences in the experience, so it is important to understand the factors which make each one different, and what their implications are for your safari experience. Graham from the Llama Travel sales team recently travelled to the Kruger to check out the three different lodges we offer in and around Kruger National Park. Keep reading to find out which lodge suits you best.  

The Covid-19 pandemic has been tough for everyone, and as the country takes steps to a return to some more normal activities, I would like to share my thoughts on what has happened and what might come. I am thankful that everyone at Llama Travel has been fine, and no one here has been badly affected by the virus directly. My heart goes out to all who have suffered loss due to this disease. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that this has brought about the toughest period in the near-twenty year history of Llama Travel, and in the travel industry in general.

Before I visited Colombia, I had heard very mixed things. People who hadn’t been regarded it as unsafe, and told me to be careful – this was backed up by documentaries and the general preconception that Colombia is dangerous. Meanwhile, friends and family members who had been there told me that it was one of the most amazing places they’ve ever visited, with beautiful scenery, top-notch food and some of the friendliest people they’d met in the world.  I took all this advice with a pinch of salt and as it turns out, of the ten countries I’ve visited in South America, I still regard Colombia as my absolute favourite. Here’s why.

A couple of weeks ago we gave you our top picks for Latin America, so this week it’s Africa’s turn. If you’re counting down the days until you can next get on a plane and witness amazing wildlife spectacles on a classic safari, uncover South Africa's moving history, explore Namibia's vast rugged landscapes and feel the spray of one of the Wonders of the World in Zimbabwe, keep reading for some ideas on where to go in Africa next year.

As we sit tight and wait eagerly for a time when we can travel once again, there are plenty of ways to keep our minds occupied. Whether you’d like to learn more about an African country you’ve already visited, increase your knowledge in preparation for a future holiday or simply interested in finding out more about Africa, let us open your eyes to the world of African literature and film.

Latin American food has become increasingly popular in the rest of the world, including the UK, in recent years. For many people, trying new cuisine is an essential part of travel. Just because you can't go to Latin America right now, it doesn't mean you can't get some inspiration for the future, or recreate fond memories of past trips. Now that many of us have got more time on our hands, it's a great time to get a taste of Latin America by creating some of these classic dishes in your kitchen. You can find recipes for all of them online.