A WILDERNESS UNTOUCHED
Namibia is “hot” this year – and not just when it comes to searing desert temperatures. This is primarily because a once hefty price tag has been signifi cantly reduced largely thanks to a weakened Namibian dollar (and the South Africa rand to which it’s linked). A few years back you’d get around 12 to the pound, today it’s coming in at a whopping 22, making this land of fantastic wildlife and stunning natural
landscapes more affordable. Aside from world-class game viewing at Etosha National Park, there is Damaraland (with its stark and rugged desert beauty and the chance of spotting black rhino, cheetah and the shy brown hyena); excursions around Walvis Bay spotting dolphins and seals, and Sossusveli and the highest dunes in the world. • July and August are good months for climate and wildlife encounters in
this sparsely populated country on Africa’s south- west coast, and Rainbow Tours (
www.rainbowtours.co.uk) runs 13-day small-group departures staying in excellent lodges starting from £3,050 including flights.
Over the sea to Skye Happy Birthday Trans-Siberian
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Trans-Siberian Railway which, at its longest routing, spans 9,000km and seven time zones. While many think of it as one train, it is in fact a series of trains making up a journey that originally went from the Moscow to the Russian Pacifi c port city of Vladivostok, although most people now opt to end the iconic journey in Beijing. In between are stops at which you can visit the Romanov graves, take to Lake Baikal (the world’s largest freshwater expanse), go horse riding with Mongolian nomads and sample delightful hospitality during a stay in a traditional ger. Specialists The Russia Experience (
www.trans-siberian.
co.uk) offer a range of trips using both the working trains (in which you travel with locals as well as other tourists) through to luxury private carriages with fully-escorted, all- inclusive itineraries.
• Price start from £1,125 for a 15-day trip through to £9,945 if you’re not counting the pennies. Flights are not included.
For a far-fl ung retreat how about a luxury self-catering chapel conversion on the Isle of Skye? Supernova is the perfect sanctuary, complete with all mod cons and a sauna and spa overlooking Loch Harport and the soaring scenery beyond, enabling you to experience island (and highland) life in style. The quirky home fl aunts a reversed-level design, ensuring living areas make the most of awe-inspiring views, while outside the formidable Cullin Mountains are a playground for mountaineers and rock climbers who dare to hike its jagged peaks and rocky terrain. The less hardy may prefer to admire Skye’s sci-fi scenery by taking to four wheels or opt for a boat trip down the placid waters of Mallaig, past the iconic Glenfi nnan Monument and white sands of Morar. And don’t forget to pick-up some artisan whisky for a wee dram back at the chapel. • Unique Homestays (
www.uniquehomestays.com) has a four-night midweek stay in August from £1,185 and a three-night weekend break in September from £980.
The Canterbury INDEX
www.indexmagazine.co.uk
29
Photographs Sunvil, Iceland Traveller, Rainbow Tours, The Russia Experience, Mr and Mrs Smith, Hospes Hotels & Unique Homestays
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