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Whether in India or Africa, you don’t have to be a professional naturalist to enjoy your safari like a pro. By taking a little time for planning and strategy, you can avoid common pitfalls and experience even more of the “AHA” moments that make safaris so unforgettable. Here’s our Top Five Tips for Safari Success.

1. Get The Look

Wear light colored clothing when on safari. Dark colors are known to attract pests like tsetse flies, and while camouflage might make you feel “very military chic”, remember that most animals spot movement better than they do shapes.

No safari look is complete without fragrance – preferably 30% DEET is always in style.

2. Rise and Shine

If you’re already a morning person, you’re in luck. However, if you’re not, become one for the day(s) you are on safari. There’s just no getting around it: the crack of dawn is the best time to see game. Period. Most of the animals you’ll be seeking will come out for breakfast and a drink of water in the early morning before the day heats up, so get yourself duly caffeinated and forbid yourself from pressing the snooze button.

3. Take Notes

That flashy new DSLR might capture the moment, but will you remember the names of the animals or birds you’re watching? Most camps offer some sort of posted list of recent game sightings, which is helpful. Still, keeping your own simple list from your game drive or safari will prove invaluable when you’re sorting through all of your photos etc.

4. Get Specific

Many guides have an almost psychic connection to the land and animals, yet they are not mind readers about what you’d like to see. If you’re interested in bird life, let them know. If you’re interested in big cats, they’ll know where they’ve been recently spotted.

Of course you’ll see lots of other species along the way, however if you let your guide know what you’re really excited about, the greater your chances will be of coming face to face with that tiger, wildebeest, or Asiatic crane.

5. Be a Good Guest

One of the most disappointing safari phenomenon occurs when a guide spots an animal, whispers to the guests to stay seated/quiet as it approaches, only to have the guests leap to their feet aiming their cameras or proclaiming their excitement and scaring the animal away.

Remember your guide is an expert on the species and terrain. Be a good listener and you’ll have an even more amazing safari experience.

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Contact us today and plan a wildlife safari tour with help from our destination experts.

The post Five Top Tips For Safari Success appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

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Top 10 Unique & Boutique Hotels

Holidays and tours are never just made by the sightseeing experiences, conversing with locals or trying out new flavors and feasts. Where you stay can make or break a trip.

A recent Enchanting Travels guest visiting India for the first time declared to our consultant:

“I’d like something a little different. Somewhere in between five star luxury and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”

We understood completely.

Hotel chains that provide luxury experiences definitely have their perks. But for those who wish to embrace the culture, you’re far more likely to receive this if you’re just one of a handful of guests in the hotel, which is why we personally test all our accommodation. We’ve handpicked our favorite unique and boutique hotels and lodges across all our Enchanting Travels destinations – the premise being that they all have fifteen rooms or less.

1. Lastarria Boutique Hotel, Santiago, Chile

Located amidst Santiago’s flagship district, Lastarria, the hotel exudes a sophisticated charm unique to this area. Each of the fourteen rooms is stylishly decorated and furnished. With a small fitness room, a massage parlor, a small pool and a delightful breakfast room, the Lastarria Boutique hotel offers an intimate ambience, modern equipment and an authentic atmosphere.

2. Ansara, Laos

Ansara is a charming small boutique hotel located within walking distance of monasteries, markets, restaurants and the Mekong. With just twelve rooms and two suites, the personal service and modern amenities rooms make the Ansara an ideal place for an insight in Vientiane.

3. Legado Mítico BA, Argentina

The Legado Mitico enjoys an amazing location in the bohemian neighborhood of Buenos Aires’ Palermo Soho. Combining traditional contemporary styles, it is ideal for those who seek an authentic and sophisticated stay. Great attention has been paid to details in the eleven rooms, which feature unique artwork, furniture and small design touches with a distinct Argentine accent.

The Legado Mitico is beautiful and welcoming, with a lush back yard, terrace solarium and jacuzzi.

4. Playa Vik José, Punta del Este, Uruguay

Avant-garde design, a pleasantly calm ambiance, and beautiful views – are the high points of this work of art called Playa Vik, a hotel property in Punta del Este with just four suites.

An excellent restaurant, an outdoor grill area, a small spa, and a fabulous black granite pool make this an unforgettable stay.

5. Finca Adalgisa, Mendoza, Argentina

Right in the center of the most famous winegrowing region of Argentina, the Finca Adalgisa is situated amidst the heart of the vineyards. Tour the area, taste the wines, and explore this old private house. The 11 rooms are cozy and tastefully decorated, and will make you feel right at home.

6. Bhainsrogarh Fort, Kota, India

This small boutique heritage hotel in the erstwhile Mewar Kingdom, is a wonderfully restored palace having just five individually decorated suites, each with distinctive character and flair with private balconies, en suite baths and requisite amenities. Perched atop a hill, overlooking splendid vistas of the River Chambal, its interiors have colorful stained-glass, brightly-died fabrics, stone flooring and antique wood fixtures and furnishings.

Feast on Rajasthani food on the terrace overlooking the river or nurse an aperitif on the lawns. Enchanting!

7. La Casona, Cusco, Peru

Conveniently located away from the hustle and bustle, yet near enough to enable an easy visit to the highlights of Cusco, La Casona is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. This is a wonderful example of colonial flair in harmony with local elements. Relax in one of the 11 suites, preparing for your interesting stay in the Andes.

Lovely fabrics, freshly cut flowers and a pleasant air of elegance, all make this hotel a cut above the rest.

8. Casa Amarelo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Located in the charming hill district of Santa Teresa, the Casa Amarelo is characterized by the personalized touch of its French owner. Enjoy refreshing vistas of mango trees in the garden and the small waterfall, or simply relax in the nice pool offering a view of Rio de Janeiro!

Don’t forget to savor the delicious breakfast that can also be served on the terrace! With only five rooms, the Casa Amarelo guarantees a peaceful stay with an amazingly personalized service that will make you feel at home!

9. Malikha Lodge, Putao, Myanmar

Malikha Lodge is situated in Northern Kachin State, Myanmar’s greenest and most remote state. Perched high above the Nam Lang River with glorious views of mountains and rice terraces, Malikha Lodge has been designed by world famous architect Jean Michel Gathy of Aman Resorts fame to create a feeling of luxury and seclusion in this wilderness setting.

Ten spacious traditional-styled bungalows have been placed discreetly amongst towering bamboo trees providing total privacy. With each one boasting handcrafted teak bathtubs invites a sense of indulgence. With blazing log fires and views of distant mountains, this is an exotic garden paradise.

10. Purity, Kerala, India

Purity is the perfect setting for a backwater vacation, offering art, design, Ayurveda spa treatments, yoga and waterfront dining in its pristine lakefront settings. Purity offers four unique deluxe rooms and two suites and all rooms have terraces and verandas overlooking the lake.

With distinctive artwork and antiques, this is a very special experience away from the crowds.

Explore the best in luxury, boutique and unique accommodation with Enchanting Travels today!

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What’s special about a wild safari in Botswana? Hear from our guest, Pete Webb.

Selinda Camp, Okavango Delta: My young guide, Mokopi, was very knowledgeable. We stopped the car under a thorn tree by a large stretch of open country and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a fully-grown male lion walk past us about 40 metres away. The lion walked over to a convenient termite mound, then sat down and stared at us in a disinterested fashion, yawning from time to time. Unforgettable!

Gunn’s Camp, Okavango Delta: Situated in a belt of mature woodland, there was a great variety of habitat and superb bird watching during siesta time. As a car-free camp, we went out in the motor boat and on one occasion, a mokoro (native canoe) for our wilderness safari. The guides were only too willing to accommodate my desire to get out on foot, so we spent part of each day walking, mainly on Chief’s Island. We saw a rock python, Motsai’s (the guide) first in this part of the Delta, and the very elusive African wild cat.

Kwara Camp: On our game drives we spotted lions and on one occasion, a female cheetah with three cubs. We enjoyed watching the cubs “stalk” a pack of baboons, then turn round and run like the wind when the baboons chased the cubs off at a furious pace. The sunsets from this camp’s sundowner spots were especially good, particularly on the evening boat trips. The hippos at night were evident, with roaring and grunting around 4am!

Tau Camp: With impressive, wide views across Tau Pan, the accommodation was incredibly spacious.

There was a wide range of birds of prey here, many of them sitting obligingly still on tree branches so that the guide, the tracker and I could observe and discuss the finer points that distinguished western and eastern forms, male and female, immature from mature.

We were driving back to camp one evening when a male and female lion stepped out from behind a bush onto the road – a mere 25 metres in front of us. They walked straight past the car as if we were invisible. I also saw a honey badger that day, a first for me. The nights here were marked by the grunt and roar of lions, sometimes impressively close.

Camp Kalahari: John, my guide had a wealth of bush lore, particularly tracks and trails. I felt flattered when he asked me to take part in his monthly bird tally – driving along a 2km transect stopping every 200ms to identify and record the birds.

It was here that I had my meerkat encounters and I felt a tremendous sense of privilege when one climbed gently up onto my shoulder.

John told me that most people visit the Kalahari desert in winter as water is scarce so the waterholes act as a magnet to game, but I felt fortunate to be here in the summer, at the end of the wet season, as there was plenty of water in the pans, and hence numerous wading birds and game.

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Design your own safari to Botswana today!

The post Enchanted: A Wild Safari In Botswana appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

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What's my fav fall essential? of course! I’m in love with all the new fall trends - Asymmetrical necklines, shirts and dresses with cutouts and of course those ultra cute off the shoulder sweaters. Seriously this push up bra allows me to pull off any backless and strapless outfit - in any season. Being limited by my style options used to be super annoying, not anymore! Check out their full lineup at 😍😘 ootd plain floral printed ao black grey ao� https://www.ikissbobo.com/product/allure-strapless-adhesive-bra/

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The vast expanse of the African savannah, endless grasslands bathed in the golden rays of the sun, thousands of birds taking flight, and herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope ambling gracefully to the water’s edge – these are scenes from Disney’s latest blockbuster, the remake of the iconic animated movie The Lion King. Images so captivating that they will undoubtedly create in you a strong desire to embark on an African safari, and live life ‘Hakuna Matata’ style. So what are you waiting for? The magnificent expanses of Africa are calling you to discover a land that is as enchanting and spellbinding as the visuals from the movie itself.

From real to reel

The African country that has perhaps most inspired the glorious landscape of The Lion King is Kenya. Silhouettes of flat-topped Acacia trees, the vast plains of the Mara, distinctive rock formations, numerous watering holes teeming with life provide the perfect backdrop for movie. 

The magnificent expanses of Africa are calling you to discover a land that is as enchanting and spellbinding as the visuals from the movie itself.

The rocky formations of the Chyulu Hills and the terrain of the Ndoto Mountains have been immortalised as Pride Rock in the movie, atop which Rafiki, the mandrill monkey, holds Simba up, introducing the little prince to his subjects, in the iconic opening sequence. 

Mufasa’s kingdom – the Pride Lands – draws from Kenya’s two most iconic attractions – the Masai Mara and the Laikipia Plateau (Borana). And you can’t get a more quintessential African safari experience than a visit to the Mara. It’s home to one of nature’s most fascinating annual spectacles – the migration of over two million wildebeest. The Laikipia Plateau is equally popular among safari enthusiasts and nature lovers with spectacular views of the rugged Mount Kenya and unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences. 

Kenya’s diverse wildlife is best reflected in the scene when a young Simba and Nala stop by a watering hole frequented by the residents of the Pride Lands busily quenching their thirst, a setting inspired by the Buffalo Springs Shaba Reserve. Located near the foothills of Mount Kenya and part of the Samburu Ecosystem, the reserve is teeming with hordes of elephants, giraffes, grevy zebras, impalas, oryx, cheetahs and lions in and around the river Ewaso Nyiro.  An African safari is the best way to see, not just the Big Five, but an astounding variety of wildlife and avifauna. Kenya alone is home to over 1000 bird species.

There’s more to Kenya than vast flatlands and rocky outcrops. Timon and Pumbaa’s little paradise, abounding in lush greenery, is modelled on the Aberdare National Park. With its dense jungles and mighty waterfalls it is the perfect place to forget all your troubles and embrace Timon and Pumbaa’s ‘No Worries’ philosophy of Hakuna Matata. 

Lake Nakuru in Kenya

Ruacana waterfalls on the border of Namibia and Angola

The beauty of Africa is not just restricted to Kenya – beyond the flatlands and forests of the eastern country lie the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia and the stark, arid but equally enchanting landscape surrounding Lake Turkana along the Kenya-Ethiopia border – places that inspired the desert that Simba traverses after his father’s death. The Sesriem Canyon in Namibia is the setting for Mufasa’s tragic death in the movie. This 100-feet-deep gorge was carved millions of years ago, and if you trek to the canyon around sunrise or sunset, you can watch an alluring play of shadows and light on the many twists and turns of the trail.

The Circle of Life

The concept of the ‘Circle of Life’ and how every living being is interconnected is a key theme in The Lion King. And in the Mara too, life and death are inextricably linked, and the fate of its inhabitants are closely aligned. 

Maasai dance – Masai Mara, Kenya

Kenya is home to over 50 tribes, most notably the Maasai and Samburu tribes, who have an ancient and deep connect with their lands. You could head out for the unique bushwalks led by the villagers, during which they share their ancient traditions and practices, steeped deeply in the fabric of the land. 

A chance to give back

While travelling can be an enriching and life changing experience, one needs to be sensitive to the impact it can have on local communities and the environment. There are a number of ways travellers can contribute positively – from choosing eco friendly accommodations to taking part only in verified and vetted wildlife activities to supporting organizations that are truly making a difference, be it with local communities or conservation. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi offers guests a chance to give back by adopting orphaned elephants. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy has been working towards rhino conservation, and a trip to Pejata gives you a chance to understand the manifold efforts being put in to save these magnificent beasts and how you can be a part of it.

Click here to know more about our Responsible Travel initiatives and how you can contribute. 

We look forward to creating a Lion King inspired African safari tailored to your interests and preferences.

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The post Meet Simba and friends on a ‘Lion King’ inspired African Safari appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

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Vivian & Neil Reinhart of Vancouver Island, Canada discovered a truly royal welcome in Deogarh, Rajasthan in February 2012.

I fell in love with this fairy tale palace perched high upon the hill with the country and villages spread out like a skirt around its base. Climbing up through the bazaars draped with colorful fabrics, shiny pots and pans and of course the usual cows casually picking their way through the crowds made for an exciting entrance, as was our welcome at the palace’s main gate where a shower of marigold petals was dispensed over us.

All I could think of while exploring the passageways and steep narrow staircases of this 16th century structure is that I could play “hide and seek” with our five year old grandson for days! And indeed, the present Maharajah of Deogarh, now 77 years old did play that same game with the servants when he was a young child living in the palace.

The first night under the stars was with local village girls doing traditional dances and a fire pit sending sparks into the sky.

The next morning the sun rose and the temperature was very pleasant for our “rural ramble” in an open jeep. We got a close look at village life – with green lush fields being irrigated with wells pumped using oxen. The local people were curious but very friendly wherever we encountered them. One lady in a vivid pink sari handed us a bouquet of freshly-picked cilantro and fragrant chives over a fence!

The following day we climbed the local, ancient hills of Deogarh with our driver and staff guide Vikram. It is here we found more abandoned forts and palaces! Neil discovered some of the oldest rocks on the face of the earth.

On our last night we had a sunset tea at one of the nearby lakes and we were joined by another visiting couple from England. We watched the beautiful colors of the fading sun in the mirror calm of the lake. The Maharana, his son and daughter-in-law also joined us for a cup of tea at the water’s edge. The descendants of the palace were gracious and charming and all the staff at Deogarh Maghal treated us like royalty. Enchanting!

Discover your own rural treasure in Rajasthan, India with a private, tailor-made experience through Enchanting Travels!

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The post Enchanted: Deogarh, Regal Rajasthan’s Hidden Jewel appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

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The British Isles are just as popular for their spectacular scenery and plentiful outdoor opportunities as they are for picture perfect castles, forts and historic buildings framed against verdant, rolling hills, craggy peaks and endless lochs. Discover UK and Ireland’s heritage and ancient history through its centuries old architecture.

British Architecture

Britain’s buildings and monuments are an iconic part of its cultural legacy. As well as ancient ruins like Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall, you’ll spot quaint villages, elegant spa towns and bustling cities full of relics from later centuries. 

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

Georgian Townhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland

Take a trip to York to view the city’s cobbled snickelways (Medieval alleys), including the Shambles that’s one of the oldest streets in Britain. Edinburgh is also a mecca for architecture aficionados; wander the winding passageways of the Royal Mile before admiring stately Georgian townhouses in New Town. 

You can’t vacation in the UK without exploring a castle or two. Venture to Stirling Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in 1542 or tour the Medieval keep at Cardiff Castle in Wales. Leeds Castle in Kent is considered one of the UK’s prettiest fortresses, while Belfast Castle features fairy-tale turrets.

Stonehenge – a ring a standing stones in Wiltshire, England

Hadrian’s Wall, also called the Roman Wall, on England’s east coast

Belfast Castle in Northern Ireland

Stirling Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned

Leeds castle in Kent, one of the most picturesque in the UK

Modern marvels in British architecture can be spotted along London’s skyline, from The Shard and the Gherkin to the so-called Walkie Talkie building.

Royal Residences

The homes of current and past royalty are undeniably some of the best examples of British architecture. Admire the Tudor-era facade of Hampton Court Palace or take a tour of Buckingham Palace’s regency styled rooms during one of its summer open days. Hop on a train to Windsor and visit its famous 11th century castle, the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world. 

Hampton Court Palace

Windsor Castle

You’ll also find two major royal castles in Edinburgh; Medieval Edinburgh Castle and the newer Holyrood Palace. Hillsborough Castle – actually a beautiful Georgian manor house – is the Queen’s official residence in Northern Ireland that regularly hosts open days.

The Ancient and the Modern

Bath is one of the best UK cities for Georgian architecture. Stroll along the Royal Crescent to view handsome townhouses or take tea in the elegant Pump Rooms at the Roman Baths. Let’s not forget Britain’s Victorian monuments, either. You’ll spot plenty of buildings from the era in London, from the Victoria and Albert Museum to the Gothic Houses of Parliament. If you have time, journey to Fort William in Scotland to view the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

Modern marvels in British architecture can be spotted along London’s skyline, from The Shard and the Gherkin to the so-called Walkie Talkie building. Elsewhere, Brighton is home to the futuristic British Airways i360 viewing tower and Cornwall is where you’ll find the glass domes of the Eden Project. 

The Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands

The Roman baths of Bath, in England

The Eden Project in Cornwall, England

The Tower Bridge of London with The Shard in the background

Irish architecture 

If your vacation includes a tour of the Emerald Isle, make time for Dublin’s traditional pubs and Medieval monuments like Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Alternatively, discover the Bohemian streets of Galway’s Latin Quarter that are dotted with cafes and boutiques. Cork’s military history can be uncovered at sites like Elizabeth Fort and Cork Harbour, while you’ll spot stunning Georgian houses in Limerick’s St. John’s Square. 

Ireland also has its fair share of enchanting castles and stately homes. Kilkenny Castle dates back to 1195 and is packed with fascinating artworks, while Muckross House is a Tudor mansion located in scenic Killarney National Park. Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century manor in Connemara, is well-worth a visit to admire its Gothic exteriors and magical Victorian Walled Garden. Like the idea of staying in a castle? Book into the five-star Ashford Castle in County Mayo for a rejuvenating rural retreat. 

Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney, Ireland

Ashford Castle, Mayo, Ireland

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Ireland

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

Soak up the iconic architecture in UK & Ireland by booking a tour of both regions through Enchanting Travels.

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The post Discover the UK & Ireland through its Architecture appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

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For centuries, dozens of lists have highlighted the most marvelous natural sights and historical sites around the globe, known as Wonders of the World. But what is their significance today and who decides what makes these lists?

Greek historian Herodotus (nicknamed the Father of History) and the scholar Callimachus of Cyrene first compiled their lists of Seven Ancient Wonders of the World back in fifth century BC. After this original list, a more medieval version was created around the 19th century that included sites such as Stonehenge, the Colosseum and the Great Wall of China.

The number seven was chosen because the Greeks believed it to be the representation of perfection and plenty.

Since 2006 the New7Wonders Foundation has been announcing modern-day lists where the original 7 wonders of the world compete with wonders of more recent times and are democratically chosen.

Presenting Enchanting Travels own 7 wonders of the world list:

Machu Picchu, Peru

Taj Mahal, India

Angkor, Cambodia

Statues of Easter Island, Chile

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Table Mountain, South Africa

Would you agree? We want to hear from you!

Are you ready to explore these seven Wonders of the World? Visit them with a private, tailor-made Enchanting Travels tour today!

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The post Enchanting New Wonders of the World appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

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India’s Monsoon Hotspot: Ladakh

Is private travel to India during the monsoon season on your bucket list? Unsure where to go? You won’t be disappointed by the enchanting destination of Ladakh – this is a land like no other.

When to visit

Ladakh is an ideal destination to visit during the Indian monsoon, between May and September.

High style

Ladakh is known for its remote mountain beauty and culture, tucked within two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Himalayas and the Karakoram.

The capital, Leh, is situated at an altitude of 3,500 m (10,500 ft).

The forces of nature seem to have conspired to render a magical realist landscape where extremes coexist – desert and blue waters, a burning sun and freezing winds and also

Culturally sound

Ladakh’s many soul-enriching monasteries are awe-inspiring.

Often referred to as Little Tibet, Ladakh has been strongly influenced by Tibetan culture.

The austerity and inaccessibility of the land has led to a unique Buddhist culture where generations of monks have developed concepts revolving around silence and emptiness.

The land brims with unique and mystifying gompas (monasteries) perched on soaring hilltops and often dwarfed by snowcapped mountains.

Ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls provide an in-depth memoir for any guest.

Vibrant celebrations

Ladakh’s people are delightful, with their Tibetan warmth and colorful clothing.

This is most clearly seen during the many festivals that usually occur from June through to August.

During these occasions, religious mask dances typically depict the battle between good and evil and locals enjoy chang, the local barley beer, popular during such social gatherings.

Trekking, camel rides, more…

For the adventurous spirit, the great outdoors is like manna for the soul.

This high-altitude desert has a landscape that is akin to the lunar one and is perfect for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts with its lure of part reality and part fantasy. glaciers and sand dunes.

Jeep safaris, white water rafting, cycling and even short camel rides through the snow desert on a double-humped Bactrian camel are possible here.

Or, simply encounter the ethereal by sitting under the starry night sky with a small bonfire close by and the great expanse of the Himalayas surrounding you.

Explore a private, tailor-made tour to Ladakh this monsoon season.

India’s Monsoon Hotspot: Ladakh appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

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The annual Zanzibar International Film Festival (formerly known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries) is hosted in July in Tanzania. To mark this event, we’ve picked our nine movies set in Africa!

The theme of the Zanzibar International Film Festival is “When global images meet” where the diversity and creativity of humanity will be explored and – we hope – celebrated!

The festival venue is Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s well worth a visit any time of year.

1. Out of Africa

This iconic movie about colonial safari romance and colonial escapades was largely shot in the Ngong Dairy in the lush Nairobi suburb of Karen and in the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Did you know? For many years the home of our managing director, Florian Keller has exclusive access to the Ngong Dairy in Kenya where Out of Africa was shot.

Our guests are often invited for breakfast or a sundowner in the garden with a beautiful view of the Ngong Hills, or dinner by the fire place where Meryl Streep shared stories with Robert Redford.

2. Tsotsi

This film portrays what happens when the contrasting worlds of South Africa’s rich and poor collide. A gritty, realistic film that addresses the social issues of South Africa is accompanied with an excellent performance by newcomer Presley Chweneyagae. If you buy this DVD, it’s worth watching the various alternative endings offered by the director, Gavin Hood.

3. Constant Gardener

Based on John Le Carre’s thriller novel, this love tragedy delivers a conspiracy theory of a global pharmaceutical company operating within Kenya for its questionable trials. With many familiar landmarks within Nairobi and across Europe, this film crosses politics, morality and faith.

4. Blood Diamond

This Leonardo DiCaprio film investigates the issues of “blood” diamonds in Sierra Leone where diamond have been mined to support the conflict. This thought-provoking thriller raised awareness of a real and current issue with some political success.

5. Last King of Scotland

James McAvoy plays a Scottish doctor who becomes the personal physician of the former dictator in Uganda, Idi Amin (superbly acted by Forest Whitaker) and is based on factual events of the country’s history.

6. Invictus

Clint Eastwood directed this story with excellent performances by Matt Damon, playing François Pienaar, the captain of the rugby union team and Morgan Freeman’s role as Nelson Mandela. It’s based loosely on the events of the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the complex relationship between the new president of South Africa and the sports captain in a country just recovering from a bitter history of apartheid.

7. The White Maasai

A controversial film based on an autobiographical novel, it describes a Swiss woman who marries a Maasai warrior in Kenya, explores the clash of cultures with key topics such as female circumcision and matrimonial duty.

8. Hotel Rwanda

Based on real-life events this is an incredible heartfelt yet violent movie about a hotelier at Hotel des Milles Collines in Rwanda who provided refuge during the 1994 war between the politics of two tribal groups: the Hutu and Tutsi people. It’s the perfect start to your Rwanda safari!

9. A Sunday in Kigali

A film inspired by Gil Courtemanche’s brave novel of the same name, this is also based on the events surrounding the Rwandan genocide. It tells the tragic love story of a young woman, Gentille who works at the Hotel des Milles Collines and Bernard Valcourt, a documentary film maker and journalist.

Hotel des Milles Collines

Plan your tour

The post More Reasons to Tour Africa: Top Nine Movies Set in the Wild appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

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Imagine the smell of wild meat roasting over charcoal. If you are a cultural foodie on holiday with family or friends, then we suggest you try The Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi, Kenya.

This is a unique pit stop before you venture into the Masai Mara for an African safari! As you step inside the restaurant entrance you are greeted by the heat of the mammoth charcoal pit teeming with juicy cuts.

The polished African waiters busily stride around from table to table with great Maasai swords, offering an array of meats to be speared onto your sizzling cast iron plates.

Aside from the usual beef, lamb and pork, you can also try skewered kidneys or more wild cuts of local ostrich, crocodile and camel!

If you are seeking a tranquil, intimate dinner then we don’t feel The Carnivore will hit the mark. The large restaurant sprawls from its authentic, rustic indoor dining area into some pleasant tropical gardens for dining al fresco.

If any fellow diners are celebrating a special occasion then the evenings often result in waiters serenading a table with the popular Kiswahili greeting song Jambo Bwana, accompanied with some native East African instruments.

Yet if you are looking for a unique Kenyan fixed price family meal then The Carnivore is perfect.

Restaurant magazine has selected The Carnivore twice in its world’s 50 best restaurants awards. The restaurant’s unique animal-print interior décor provides an Out of Africa ambiance within the city.

Despite the name, we found that the atmosphere and charm of The Carnivore even pleases vegetarian guests, as long as they don’t take offense to the rich barbeque aromas.

A unique a la carte menu provides a banquet just for them, alongside the trimmings of superbly dressed salads and desserts.

In the true words of the Kenyan proverb Haraka haraka haina Baraka (translated as Hurry, hurry, has no blessing), you can sit and feast away until your stomach’s delight. You can then declare your defeat by lowering your table’s little white flag.

For energetic members of your group, you might wish to head to the adjoining nightclub called Simba Saloon where you put on their dancing shoes to the latest tunes – from contemporary African music to hip-hop, rock and jazz.

Enchanting Travels Top Tip: A trip to Kenya might feel incomplete without a sundown drink called Dawa. Similar to Brazil’s Caipiroska, this is a vodka-based cocktail with dark sugar, lime, crushed ice and a Dawa honey stick. African folklore suggests this is a traditional medicinal drink that cures all ailments.

Explore East Africa and enjoy a tour of Kenya with a private and tailor-made tour.

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The post Review: The Carnivore restaurant, Kenya appeared first on Enchanting Travels.