Zambia’s South Luangwa has been home to some of Africa’s legendary guides – names such as Norman Carr, John Coppinger and Phil Berry are splashed throughout guide books and brochures on Africa. Probably the best known name though is that of Robin Pope. Once a walking guide, Robin bought his own camp, and then added another and another until he owned Zambia’s most successful safari company – Robin Pope Safaris.
Articles in the 'Accommodation' Category
The safari experience in South Africa has changed dramatically over the last few years; new super-luxurious lodges situated in private reserves, staffed with butlers, adorned with plunge pools and featuring extensive wine lists are now in abundance. As you would guess, these places are fantastic but the cost can sometimes prohibit people visiting a place where the wildlife, not the accommodation, should be the focus of their trip. With this in mind, Rachel Hunt recently explored the more affordable accommodation options available in and around the Kruger National Park.
As regular Audley travellers will know, at the end of each trip, we call our travellers to make sure you’re safely home and find out how your adventures went. The safari specialists are no different, and we love listening to your stories. For me, safari is fascinating, even at second-hand, and I always like to find out what your highlights were. I’ve heard stories of thrilling chases, of heart wrenching moments when young animals narrowly escaped death, and magical evenings counting shooting stars.
It was back in 2000 that Lizzie Corke and Shayne Neal first considered opening an ecolodge in the Cape Otway National Park; their dream was an environmentally sustainable guesthouse and ecological research centre in the Otways where people could learn about and observe native animals. In 2004 this dream became reality and here we look at what a stay at the Great Ocean Ecolodge entails.
The unanimous view amongst the New Zealand team at Audley is that our favourite properties are those with outstanding hosts. A property can have the most spectacular location with incredible views and luxurious rooms, but if the hosting and ambiance don’t match, then there is a real sense of something lacking.
All our favourite hosts bring something special to their property, be it their own life experiences, their local knowledge, their culinary skills or simply their enthusiasm, but occasionally we meet people who have a very specific interest which has driven their desire to welcome people into their homes.
Here we meet a variety of hosts with a diverse range of backgrounds who run some of our favourite unique places to stay.
Agatha Christie wasn’t the first novelist to set a murdermystery in the Middle East: she followed a noble tradition started by Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle. Harry Ring recommends some essential reading for amateur sleuths heading east.
Immerse yourself in rural life on a working farm or ranch. From tea plantations in Africa to the fertile floodplains of Brazil’s greatest wetlands, friendly family-run properties introduce frontier life as it interacts with nature. Our specialists reveal their favourites.
The pound might have dropped but the rand has plummeted. Andrew Hunt, South Africa Programme Manager, finds bargains aplenty as the southern hemisphere summer swings across a country that offers big five safaris, excellent dining and world-class boutique hotels.
Patagonia has something of a reputation as an expensive destination. Jonathan Goldsmith reviews the reasons for exploring
Latin America’s greatest wilderness region and says a careful choice of accommodation can keep costs under control.
China’s famously fast-moving society is transforming the travel experience in cities, with a new sophistication bringing boutique hotels and fine restaurants. Beyond the urban centres, however, many parts of China have escaped the rush to modernise, with rural village communities atmospherically unchanged over the millennia. Tom Stapleton and Ben Colbridge compare and contrast.
The forts of North India and Rajasthan have always played a crucial role in this region’s history. Fort cities such as Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are well known and are impressive icons of a bygone age, but here five members of our India team provide a different insight into the forts of North India, concentrating on smaller ones with a more personal history, where you can stay and experience them restored to their former glory.
Age commands respect in Africa, and the Governors’ Safari Camps in the Masai Mara are amongst the longest-established in East Africa. Best-known in the UK as home to the BBC’s ‘Big Cat Diaries’, their relationship with the local community goes back generations. Silver Level Safari Guide Leonard Sadera talks to Sarah Read, Audley’s East Africa Regional Manager, about how Governors’ has helped his family.
India is changing fast. In the south of the country a range of hotels are pioneering standards for social, cultural and environmental responsibility. Here our specialists choose some of their favourites.
The mountain nomads of Kyrgyzstan can become much more than just part of a traveller’s view. North & Central Asia Regional Manager Huw Owen samples their lifestyle at first hand, uncovering a programme that lets visitors contribute directly to local families by staying in their homes.
Australia represents the very definition of long haul travel. The perception that such a trip generates a significant carbon footprint cannot be disputed but as a destination, Australia is environmentally forward thinking and offers a variety of sustainable travel experiences to satisfy the responsible traveller. The cost to the environment therefore can be limited through planning an itinerary that takes advantage of such experiences, ultimately proving that a trip to this part of the world can be considered at least as, if not more, culturally sensitive and environmentally sustainable as destinations much closer to home.
Running a lodge in Africa is always a responsibility. Even more so when you are the only property on a remote island reached only by chartered light plane or a weekly tramp steamer. Matt Vlemmiks finds a lodge on Lake Malawi that is certainly doing its share.
Peru and Ecuador might not control the largest part of the Amazon rainforest. But the western Amazon has been showing the way in conserving the natural environment and indigenous communities.
A stay at a traditional ryokan can be a wonderful addition to any trip to Japan. Our Japan specialists present their favourites.
Unrivalled comfort in your own private villa in Southeast Asia.
Malachy O’Neill considers the best of the new boutique hotels within this vibrant metropolis.
Our specialists consider how best to splash out in the Middle East without breaking the bank
The best island escapes are considered by our Southeast Asia.
Including a homestay in your trip lets you experience life with the locals. Our specialists talk about their favourites.
A look at some of the more characterful bathrooms from around the world.
Our Southeast Asia specialists look at responsible travel in the region.
A night spend under canvas or open to the night sky is the stuff of dreams.
Audley’s specialists select the best character places to stay.
Staying in a Palace adds an additional dimension to a tour of Rajasthan.
The best of Southeast Asia’s small hotels.
Turquoise seas, rich coral, green volcanic mountains, centuries old cultures and first rate hospitality.
Our specialist pick their favourite hotels with a stoy to tell.
Andrew Hunt recounts some finds from a recent research trip to South Africa.
Responsible travel doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
The best of India’s little hotels.
Some of the best hotels in New Zealand.
Small hotels that really are hidden gems.
A grand tour of this captivating Indian state.
Audley’s Indochina specialists explains why one particular hotel group has become a firm favourite with our clients.
A quick taste of one of Japan’s finest cities.
Our specialist visits Tanjong Jara, a luxury hideaway on the east coast of Malaysia.
Perfect resort hotels on the paradise island of Bali.
Rhian Williams recounts her recent trip to Peru.
Nick Coats tells of his passion for Japan’s traditional inns.
It’s admittedly a long way to go for a weekend, but Carolyn Foreman highly recommends Rio de Janeiro as a short break destination.
