The Llama Travel Blog

Otto recently travelled to Sri Lanka, so we’ve asked him some questions about his trip.

I was blown away by the sheer beauty of Namibia, and it has become one of my favourite to visit. This is one of the world’s least densely populated countries, with some of Africa’s most abundant wildlife. It is one of Africa’s youngest nations, with the world’s oldest rock art.

On our Namibia holidays you travel by road and rough tracks to experience the wilderness and incredible landscapes and to have the opportunity for the best wildlife-watching. It’s a true once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination – and these are my highlights:

Vietnam has become a must-see destination, offering incredible scenery, history, and a unique culture, and is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the ancient imperial city of Hue, to the stunning limestone islets of Lan Ha Bay, these sites offer a glimpse into the country's past and natural beauty. The country captivates travellers with its charm and authenticity. If you’re unsure whether Vietnam would be a great holiday spot for you, here are 10 reasons why you should consider visiting Vietnam for your next trip.

We are still accepting entries for our first-ever photo competition. This is open to everyone: even if you've never travelled with us!

Over the years, you've sent us fantastic shots of your travels. Now, we want to formally recognize your talents. Whether it's a unique wildlife shot in Costa Rica, a sunrise over the dunes in Namibia, or a picture with an incredible story, we want to see how you see the world. 

The winner will receive a John Lewis Gift Card worth £100, a £250 voucher for a Llama Travel holiday, and the title of Llama Travel Photographer of the Year. Two runners-up will each receive a £100 Llama Travel voucher.

Exploring Peru felt like stepping into a world where history, culture, and nature blend in amazing ways. From the busy streets of Lima to the quiet Sacred Valley, everything felt  unique. I was constantly amazed by the diversity and richness of the country. Whether wandering through ancient ruins, tasting local cuisine, or enjoying the scenery, visiting Peru was an amazing experience.

From the south to the north, Vietnam has something to offer for everybody. Ancient temples, bustling cities, mouthwatering food, fascinating history and serene landscapes are a few of the highlights of this Southeast Asian gem.

Here are the top 7 things to do during your holiday in Vietnam.

Choosing the right book that can be the difference between a great holiday and a truly memorable one. A good travel book provides context for the things you see, and knits your experience into a wider story about the country. And it’s a reciprocal relationship. A book is so much better when you have a reference point for what author is describing – such as the comforting smell of palo santo wood, or the turquoise glow of Pacific reefs.

When researching books for my recent trip to the Galapagos, I had two criteria. Firstly, I wanted something that made me feel like an explorer: the best travel books haven’t just taught me things; they’ve given me tools to discover new things for myself. Secondly, they had to be short, or easy to read. I’m not a fast reader and I pack light, so I didn’t want any thousand-page tomes. 

Of the titles I settled on; one is fiction, one historical and one scientific, giving three very different view of the country. Ecuador is a diverse and wonderful place, with plenty of history, culture and personal stories to discover. These books helped me to dive into that world; I hope they do the same for you.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Grant Reed, co-founder of Letaka Safaris and star of National Geographic's Safari Brothers alongside his brother Brent. He is widely considered one of Botswana’s top guides, and when you meet him in person, you can see why. At 6'4, Grant cuts a lean figure, with the well-worn hands of naturalist and a voice that imparts a reassuring sense of authority. If you try to imagine an expert safari guide, you're probably picturing Grant Reed. But his path to becoming a guide wasn't always so clear cut.

I talked with Grant about how he came to be where he is today, from his colourful childhood collecting lizards in the Magaliesberg Mountains to the surprise turn of events that led him to move to Botswana.

Costa Rica is one of the world's great ecological wonders, home to all colours of birds, reptiles and mammals. The country's verdant jungles house hidden waterfalls, smoking volcanoes and secluded thermal hotsprings, which you can bathe in whilst surrounded by nature. Here's what Otto, our Senior Travel Consultant, thought of his time in Costa Rica.

(17/10/2022) Update: face masks no longer required indoors, on trains, or on flights. The only times you'll need a face mask are if you're experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, taking public transport, or visiting a hospital. Additionally, you no longer have to fill out an online health form before departure.

In summer I made my first trip to Peru since 2019, and I thought it would be useful to share my experience of travelling post-covid. I've gone into some detail regarding covid requirements for flights, visits, and hotel stays within Peru, and in particular mask wearing, as I know that many people have questions about this. As an overview, the experience was pretty similar to travelling pre-pandemic, but with the requirement to wear face masks when indoors. Overall, it was great to be travelling in Peru again and Peruvians were as welcoming as ever.