Namibia’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, offering scenic drives that take you through some of the world’s most dramatic terrains. From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the surreal beauty of Deadvlei and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, every route offers a new adventure and stunning vistas. If you have never been to Namibia, or Africa, before, it might seem a bit daunting to head off on a self-drive adventure in Namibia. But Namibia, with its breathtaking scenery and relatively uncrowded roads is actually one of the best self-drive destinations in the world, just ask those who ha ..read more

No trip along the Silk Road is complete without visiting Xi’an, a city which occupies a pivotal position on both the ancient and modern Silk Road, serving as a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange. During the heyday of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an was the starting point of the overland travel route that connected China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Merchants from far-flung corners of the world converged here, exchanging goods, ideas, and cultures, fostering a legacy of cross-cultural interaction that endures to this day. In the modern era, Xi’an is a key transportation a ..read more

Nestled in the Caucasus region, Georgia boasts a culture that has been shaped by centuries of rich history, diverse influences, and a profound sense of hospitality. From the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus to the lush valleys of the south, the warmth and generosity of the Georgian people leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits Georgia, and is one of the reasons that Georgia has always been a favourite destination for our groups. We are so excited to be once again visiting Georgia on our upcoming Istanbul to Beijing tour which departs in April 2025. At the heart of Georgian ..read more

The region of Cappadocia (including the town of Goreme) is nestled in the heart of Turkey. Its unique combination of history and otherworldly landscapes means it’s one of the most popular attractions in Turkey, but despite its popularity it has managed to retain its charm and is always a highlight of our tours along the Silk Road, and one we look forward to visiting again on our Istanbul to Beijing guided tour departing in April 2025. Unraveling the Tapestry of History Cappadocia’s history is as rich and diverse as its landscape. Dating back thousands of years, this region has been inhabited b ..read more

For millennia, the Silk Road has woven together civilisations, cultures, and commerce across vast stretches of Asia and Europe. This ancient network of trade routes, spanning over 11,000km, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the East and the West. The origins of the Silk Road can be traced back to around 200 BCE, during the Han Dynasty of China. Initially established for the trade of silk—a highly prized commodity in the West—the Silk Road soon evolved into a complex web of routes connecting China with the Med ..read more

Kyrgyzstan has always been a favourite destination on any of our Central Asia trips. It is a country that offers wide-open spaces, rugged mountain landscapes, beautiful lakes, sprawling pastures, and well as a deep-rooted cultural heritage that offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. At the crossroads of ancient trade routes, Kyrgyzstan’s history is a narrative of resilience and adaptation. The Kyrgyz people, a Turkic ethnic group, have inhabited the region for over two millennia, navigating the challenges of conquests and migrations while preserv ..read more

One benefit of lockdown has been that we have taken the time to explore our local area. And what gems we have discovered! Although winter should be in full force at the moment, yesterday’s forecast was for blue skies and low 20’s temperatures, so that was enough for us to plan a day trip to De Mond Nature Reserve. We set off after breakfast and took the tar road as far as the De Dam turnoff, then we hit the gravel roads. When we had visited Arniston and Struisbaai a few weeks ago the roads were in great condition, but after the recent rain they had become quite pot-holey. Nothing that required ..read more

As part of our big SA trip in June 2021 we visited the lovely town of Clarens, and camped at the Golden Gate National Park. We had also visited in July 2019 when the kids were a bit smaller, and on that visit we stayed at a resort instead. Both visits were great and we would recommend visiting this part of the world even in winter when the nights are cold, but the days are gloriously sunny and warm and we didn’t see a cloud in the sky. Although it can snow in winter, so worth checking the weather before you go! Clarens For our trip in July 2019, we met up with friends who were also travelling ..read more

Can you drive around the world in a two-wheel drive truck? Yes you can! All of our group overland trucks were two-wheel drive trucks and our new family overland truck is also a 4×2. In our experience of driving trucks across Asia, South America and Africa, here’s our thoughts on 4×2 vs 4×4 overland trucks. Most driving doesn’t require a 4×4 overland truck At the heart of it there is this – most of the driving that you will do on an epic overland trip will be on roads that don’t require 4-wheel drive. We have taken our 4×2 trucks along dirt roads and tracks, corrugations, through mud, o ..read more

Ha, I bet you thought we had forgotten to blog about our time in Turkey?  Not so, because here it is, the final update from our Beijing to Istanbul expedition.   Departing Batumi early, we headed just 20 or so kilometres along the Black Sea coast to the border with Turkey.  Arriving in the pre-dawn darkness in order to beat the crowds that are inevitable at this busy border, we realised quickly that this border doesn’t have a quiet time!  As busloads of local travellers spilled out of their coaches, stuffed endless packets of cigarettes into their socks, trousers, well anyw ..read more