Javier Luque, Author at A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

October in the Masai Mara

By Javier Luque on Sep 14, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Kenya, Regions, Speciality Travel, Tanzania

The Masai Mara is a top destination for African safaris. Every year, over 2 million ungulates make their way up into Kenya as they follow the rains and the lush, green grasses that ensue. If you’ve ever watched a wildlife program on the great migration, chances are you’ve seen a clip or two of wildebeest,

Destinations for your next African safari

By Javier Luque on Aug 15, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Malawi, Regions, Rwanda, Speciality Travel

Serengeti, Masai Mara, Kruger: names that are synonymous with African safaris. And, they receive the lion’s share of visitors—pun intended. Fortunately, the average safari tourist is well-educated and environmentally-conscious. They actively choose to spend money with companies who are working to make a positive difference in the areas in which they operate. African Parks recognizes

Where to enjoy an al fresco coffee in Africa

By Javier Luque on Jul 12, 2017 in Africa, Food and Drink, Going Out, Kenya, Namibia, Regions, Restaurants, Rwanda, Tanzania, Travel Miscellany, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

If you’re planning an African safari and are also a coffee lover, then you already know that several safari destinations are also coffee exporters, such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and even Zambia. We try to frequent new coffee shops on every visit to Africa and have compiled a list of our current favorite haunts

Where to stay in Arusha, Tanzania

By Javier Luque on Jun 15, 2017 in Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Regions, Tanzania

Arusha, Tanzania is often the first and/or last place people visit on their Serengeti safari. Many international flights land late in the evening and weary travelers are quickly ushered to their hotels in Arusha only to catch an early morning flight into the Serengeti. Some safaris give people to end their safari with several hours

The magical place most travelers to South Africa miss

By Javier Luque on May 02, 2017 in Africa, Regions, South Africa

South Africa is known for unique wildlife, fantastic wines and natural landscapes. However, these stereotypes don’t even scratch the surface of what this rainbow nation has to offer. Just imagine waking up to new vistas: rolling green mountains flowing into violent blue seas, pink and turquoise rondavels dotting the hills and yellow kites from the

5 reasons to do a rainy season safari

By Javier Luque on Apr 04, 2017 in Africa, Kenya, Regions, Tanzania

Most African game parks and reserves have a rainy season. This term has started to get a negative connotation, so much so that tour operators and lodges have started calling it the green or emerald season! I’m here to dispel some of those negative vibes and highlight some great reasons why the rainy season is

5 safari parks where you can see the Big 5

By Javier Luque on Mar 13, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Tanzania

If you are planning an African safari and are keen to see the Big 5 (African buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino), not all the parks will afford you this luxury. Sadly, the rhino has been poached to extinction in many of the parks, but there are still some parks where, with a bit of

4 safari splurges that are so worth it

By Javier Luque on Feb 10, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Air Travel, Photography, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Equipment

An African safari is not something you want to cut corners on. But, at the same time, you don’t want to spend money on something that will add little to no value to your safari experience. So, while the Swarovski binoculars may seem cool at the time, I suggest you save your money for some

6 top tips for great safari photos

By Javier Luque on Jan 12, 2017 in Accessories, Adventure Travel, Africa, Gadgets, Photography, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Equipment

This isn’t a post on F-stops or shutter speeds. Nor is it about composition or how to hold your camera. This is far more fundamental than that. If one of the main reasons you’re going on safari is to capture some great photos, and you’re not a professional photographer, then this piece is for you.

Kafue and Kidepo: hidden gems of Zambia and Uganda

By Javier Luque on Dec 09, 2016 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Regions, Speciality Travel, Uganda, Zambia

When many people think of an African safari, the first words that come to their mind are often: Serengeti, Masai Mara and Kruger. There’s a reason for this, of course: these parks have a large number and variety of wildlife. All three are home to the big five (cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros)

5 great restaurants in Lilongwe, Malawi

By Javier Luque on Nov 10, 2016 in Africa, Going Out, Malawi, Regions, Restaurants

Not exactly known as being a bustling or a beautiful city, the spirit of luxury Malawi lies in the thriving and incredibly fun ex-pat community. Regular events are organized: beer festivals, pub quiz nights, 5 and 10K races and even polo matches. People who call the capital home are friendly and likely to share their

5 tips for a memorable gorilla trekking experience

By Javier Luque on Oct 14, 2016 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Regions, Rwanda, Speciality Travel, Uganda

For most people, a trip to Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo to trek the endangered mountain gorilla is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unlike most safaris, gorilla trekking is done completely outside of the safari vehicle and often requires you to scramble through wet and slippery stinging nettles. But, the rewards far outweigh the inconveniences and, especially

6 hip bars to try in Cape Town

By Javier Luque on Sep 09, 2016 in Africa, Bars, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, South Africa, Travel Miscellany

Over the years Cape Town has attracted top designers, artists and musicians from all over the globe. It is now fully reflected in the nightlife. Totally funky and totally world class…here are the 2016 top picks for places to find the coolest cats in the CBD. The Power and the Glory This spot you may

4 reasons to make Uganda your next safari destination

By Javier Luque on Aug 10, 2016 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Regions, Speciality Travel, Uganda

Uganda, aptly nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Africa’ by Winston Churchill after his visit in 1907, is rapidly gaining a reputation for being a top-safari destination. It can now hold its own against safari behemoths like Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana. This landlocked country is home to 10 national parks and is also where the Nile

5 reasons to safari in South Luangwa National Park

By Javier Luque on Jul 11, 2016 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Regions, Speciality Travel, Zambia

Located in Zambia, just over the border from its small neighboring country Malawi, South Luangwa National Park is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Known for its incredible variety of wildlife, the park guarantees constant sightings of hippos, antelope and crocodiles. With over 60 different animal species and 400 bird species, South

6 glorious things to do on Lake Malawi

By Javier Luque on Jun 11, 2016 in Accommodation, Adventure Travel, Africa, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Malawi, Regions, Resorts, Speciality Travel

Nearly the size of Belgium, Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake on the African continent and the ninth-largest in the world. For your next relaxing escape, here are the do not miss activities in which to partake during your stay in this unique and truly African freshwater paradise. Soak in the Malawian warmth Malawi is

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