Botswana

Botswana is the premier wildlife destination in Southern Africa. The rustic, remote atmosphere of Botswana's wildlife areas offer real adventure. Open 4 wheel drive game drives in Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and Chobe National Parks are the experience of a lifetime.

The fabled Kalahari Desert covers roughly two-thirds of the country. At the northern edge of the Kalahari lies the Okavango Delta known as the “Jewel of the Kalahari”, a secret oasis in an otherwise water-starved land. Some of the largest herds in Southern Africa roam free in this unspoiled wilderness and the wildlife is spectacular and varied.

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Namibia

Namibia is a land of wide open spaces, never failing to enthrall its visitors. Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The Namib Desert is the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The views over the Fish River Canyon, the delicate balance of wildlife in Etosha National Park. The German heritage is very noticeable in Swakopmund and Windhoek.

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Zambia

A land of untamed rivers. The mighty Zambezi River forms southern boundary crossing over the Victoria Falls and through Lake Kariba into the Lower Zambezi Valley. A canoeing trip on the Zambezi gets you close to the wildlife as you paddle with the current through Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi National Parks. Zambia is a thinly populated country, sharing the spectacular Victoria Falls with neighboring Zimbabwe. A large percentage of its land is wildlife reserves with open unspoiled woodland and floodplains attracting large numbers of wildlife. For a taste of the real old-fashioned safari experience enjoy a walking safari in Zambia.

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Malawi

Known affectionately as the “warm heart of Africa”. Malawi is one of the friendliest countries in Southern Africa, offering a true African experience in terms of scenery, wildlife and people. It is long and narrow, dominated by the great blue shining Lake Malawi.

The Great Rift Valley cuts into Southern Africa creating the magnificent fresh water Lake. Along this beautiful expanse of water - stretching approximately 560 kilometers - lay thatch roof fishing villages, sugar and cotton farms and a profusion of mango and baobab trees. In the high country on plateaus above dramatic escarpments, tea plantations abound. There are plains and marshlands and mountains, so there is no lack of imposing and dramatic scenery.

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Mozambique

Palm trees line the tropical beaches. Crystal clear water, snorkeling and scuba diving, fresh seafood. A holiday in Mozambique includes these and so much more.

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South Africa

The unique “Rainbow Nation” in Southern Africa. A melting pot of culture wildlife and wonderful scenery. South Africa's historic emergence from the Apartheid era has created a country with wonderful spirit. With eleven national languages and many more cultures.

South Africa's wildlife destinations rival the best in the world, with the Kruger National Park being a must for all visitors along with Mkuzi Game reserve and Addo Elephant National Park. The Zulu and the Xhosa cultures portray a intense history of survival and exploration of the country before the arrival of the Dutch Settlers.

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Zimbabwe

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Kota Kinabalu

Known fondly as KK as by the locals, Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of the state of Sabah. This ethnically diverse city is set against a backdrop of lush green tropical hills and faces the luminescent emerald green waters of the South China Sea. KK is the gateway to Kinabalu National Park and Mt Kinabalu and the beach and diving resorts located to the north of the city.

When to go...
Sabah is a tropical country, it is either hot from March through to November or hot and humid late November through to early March, which is the wet season. Cities tend to have higher temperatures than the jungle and river communities as they tend to soak up the passive heat. Even if you are intending an adventure to up river communities, it is recommended that you book a hotel with air conditioning in the cities. It is commonly believed that in the wet season it rains constantly. This is not true, instead the humidity tends to build up during the day and late afternoon/early evening there is a cloud burst or a spectacular thunderstorm which cools everything down again. You have never seen rain until you see a Borneo rain.

Mt Kinabalu
If climbing Mt Kinabalu during the wet season you should remember the authorities may close the mountain in bad weather because of flash floods.
 

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Sandakan

Sabah is filled with rare and exotic wildlife and Sandakan is the gateway to its fabulous experiences. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is where Orang Utans are reintroduced back into the wild. Turtle Islands are home to giant green turtles that come ashore each night to lay their eggs, leaving baby hatchlings to make their desperate bolt to the sea. This area has the largest concentration of wildlife in Malaysia - the rare proboscis monkey, orang-utans, macaques, hornbills, crocodile, civet cats, otters and countless birds.

When to go...
Sabah is a tropical country, it is either hot from March through to November or hot and humid late November through to early March, which is the wet season. Cities tend to have higher temperatures than the jungle and river communities as they tend to soak up the passive heat. Even if you are intending an adventure to up river communities it is recommended that you book a hotel with air conditioning in the cities. It is commonly believed that in the wet season it rains constantly, however this is not true. Instead the humidity tends to build up during the day and late afternoon early evening there is a cloud burst or a spectacular thunderstorm which cools everything down again. You have never seen rain until you see a Borneo rain.

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Kuching

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Miri & Mulu

Miri’s charm lays in its potpourri of tribes, races, culture and languages. Miri is a unique cosmopolitan town yet distinctly “Borneo”. Mulu National Park is a short flight from Miri. Home to the largest cave system in the world, the climb up Mt Api (The Pinnacles) and the start of the Headhunter Trail to Limbang, Mulu is the centre of Borneo Adventure.

When to go...
Sabah is a tropical country, it is either hot from March through to November or hot and humid late November through to early March, which is the wet season. Cities tend to have higher temperatures than the jungle and river communities as they tend to soak up the passive heat. Even if you are intending an adventure to up river communities it is recommended that you book a hotel with air conditioning in the cities. It is commonly believed that in the wet season it rains constantly this is not true, instead the humidity tends to build up during the day and late afternoon/early evening there is a cloud burst or a spectacular thunderstorm which cools everything down again. You have never seen rain until you see a Borneo rain.
 

Mulu and river travel
During the dry season if travelling by longboat be prepared to get wet feet. Boats often bottom out on the shingle beds and need to be pushed. In the wet season the opposite can happen, with flooded rivers making it too dangerous to travel. Best not to have fixed plans or tight airline bookings if travelling in the interior.
 

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Siem Reap & Angkor

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Phnom Penh

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Laos

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Hanoi & the North

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Central Vietnam

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Saigon & the Mekong

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Vietnam Beach Holidays

Vietnam has fabulous beaches.  Combine relaxation on the beach with fabulous culture and of course food. Primary beach destinations include Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and the remarkably undeveloped Phu Quoc Island.

Where to go and when...

Central Vietnam destinations such as Nha Trang and Hoi An are best enjoyed between February and August, Phu Quoc Island October to May and Phan Thiet December to June.

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Otago Central Rail Trail

Active Travel Co offer Self Guided Rail Trail Tours, where we organise everything, but you cycle or walkRail Trail experience why not join one our our Small Group Supported Rail Trail Cycling Tours. We also offer bike hire and transport packages.

A unique 150km cycling & walkway from Clyde (near Queenstown) to Middlemarch (near Dunedin).  Stunning landscapes and historic small former goldmining towns.

The trail follows the former Otago Branch Railway Line and with no steep hills to climb it is achieveable for most people with average fitness.

On average most people cycle the trail over 4 days but an extra day to explore off the trail in the Maniototo is highly recommended.  If you are planning to walk the trail, allow 6-8 days or alternatively choose to walk only the most interesting sections.

The trail can be completed year-round with the busiest time being March and April and booking 12 months in advance for these months is advised.  During winter you need to dress for sub-zero temperatures and be prepared for ice and snow.

Check out our Tips for planning your Rail Trail Ride on our blog

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