Travel plans for the next 6 months? From incredible wildlife and vast wilderness to ancient cultures, extraordinary landscapes and unforgettable experiences, Africa has a world waiting to be discovered. Get in touch and let’s start planning your journey. Get in Touch

Forward Travel

Tailor-Made Itineraries

Experiences — Blog | Forward Travel

Experiences

27 articles in this category.

Africa

Guinea Conakry – Mountains, Masks & Ancestral Councils (West Africa Grand Expedition)

Guinea-Conakry reveals a side of West Africa few travellers see, from the Zebu-herding Fulani of the Fouta Djalon highlands to waterfalls in jungle gorges, village councils, and the sacred Baga Nimba mask dances. Days 33–36 of the West Africa Grand Expedition cover high-altitude traditions, political history, and spiritual ceremony. Table of Contents Fouta Djalon: The Highlands of the Fulani Labe Market, Waterfalls, and Dalaba’s Political Past Village Councils and Botanical Legacies Baga Nimba: Guinea’s Sacred Forest Mask Travel Summary: Guinea Leg (Days 33–36) Must-visit Places on a Guinea Tour Accommodation During a Tour of Guinea Historical and Cultural Facts About

by David Smyth1 August 2025

Asia

A Journey Through Vietnam “ 15 Days of Soulful Discovery “ Part Three

Day 11 – From Trains to Tranquility, Da Nang to Hoi An After an unforgettable day in Hue, I was eager to continue my journey south. We boarded the train to Da Nang, a comfortable ride that snaked through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside. The train tracks hugged the coastline for much of the journey, giving us some incredible views of white sand beaches and the South China Sea on one side, with lush, forested hills on the other. The changing landscape was truly beautiful, and it was one of those moments where I just let myself sink into the rhythm

by David Smyth16 June 2025

Asia

A Journey Through Vietnam “ 15 Days of Soulful Discovery “ Part Two

Day 6 – From Tracks to Tides, Hanoi to Ha Long Bay There’s something oddly soothing about waking up on a train. The rhythm of the rails, the muffled chatter from the corridor, the smell of instant coffee being prepared in the dining car. We rolled into Hanoi just after sunrise, hazy golden light spreading across the city as it slowly came to life. Bleary-eyed but content, we disembarked and made our way through the soft chaos of morning Hanoi where we stopped for a quick Banh Mi. There was no time to linger this time, we had another journey

by David Smyth14 May 2025

Asia

A Journey Through Vietnam “ 15 Days of Soulful Discovery “ Part One

Day 1 – A Rocky Landing and a Warm Welcome Well, I didn’t exactly glide into Vietnam in style. After a long-haul flight and an unexpected delay in Saigon, I finally landed in Hanoi feeling a bit like forgotten luggage; crumpled, slightly disoriented, and very ready for a hot shower. The connection through Ho Chi Minh was classic Southeast Asia chaos: snaking queues, unexpected gate changes, and a mad dash through the terminal, all under flickering fluorescent lights and an eye on the clock. But that’s travel, isn’t it? The hiccups become part of the story. And after all that,

by David Smyth14 April 2025

Asia

Discovering Sri Lanka ” A 7 Day Adventure ” Part Two

Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Leaving Kandy behind, I set off for Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as \”Little England\” due to its colonial architecture and cool, misty climate. The drive was nothing short of captivating, with the road winding through lush, emerald-green tea plantations. The neatly trimmed tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with colourful sari-clad tea pickers skilfully harvesting the leaves. The rolling hills, interspersed with gushing waterfalls and serene streams, created a picturesque landscape that seemed straight out of a storybook. Upon arriving in Nuwara Eliya, the town\'s unique charm became immediately

by David Smyth1 August 2024

Asia

Discovering Sri Lanka ” A 7 Day Adventure ” Part One

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo After a smooth landing at Bandaranaike International Airport, I made my way to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The drive into the city was a feast for the senses, with colourful tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, the scent of spices in the air, and the occasional glimpse of the ocean. I checked into the Galle Face Hotel, a historic colonial gem that dates to 1864. The hotel\'s grand architecture, combined with its stunning ocean views, immediately transported me to a bygone era of elegance and charm. Eager to start exploring, I headed to the

by David Smyth11 July 2024

Africa

Namibia Unveiled – A Journey with Forward Travel

Embarking on a journey through Namibia is not merely an excursion; it\'s a pilgrimage to the soul-stirring heart of Africa\'s most captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures. For those seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience, partnering with long-standing travel experts like Forward Travel and Ultimate Safaris Namibia promises an adventure of a lifetime. Let\'s delve deeper into the unparalleled beauty, enchanting encounters, and transformative moments awaiting travellers on an extraordinary expedition through Namibia. A Seamless Start: Forward Travel\'s Expertise Your journey commences the moment you entrust your planned exploration of Namibia to Forward Travel. With their extensive knowledge and experience, they

by David Smyth22 April 2024

Africa

Exploring the Tapestry of Kenya – A Journey through Diverse Tribes

In the heart of East Africa lies Kenya, a country famous for its wildlife and as a safari destination. There is so much more to Kenya, indeed, it is a land of mesmerising beauty and captivating wildlife, but what it is possibly lesser known for, but is equally as rich in, is its rich cultural diversity. The vibrancy of Kenya\'s heritage is intricately woven by numerous ethnic groups, each contributing its own uniqueness to the nation\'s identity. In this blog, let’s embark on a brief journey to delve deeper into the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of some of Kenya\'s most

by David Smyth3 February 2024

Africa

Embarking on an Unforgettable Adventure – A Botswana Safari Experience

The vast, untamed landscapes of Botswana offer a unique safari experience. Unique both in its beauty and diversity, Botswana is known for pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and welcoming local culture. A Botswana safari promises an adventure like no other. In this blog, we will delve into the wonders of Botswana and what to expect from a Botswana safari. We’ll explore its captivating landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the unique safari experiences that make this African gem a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The Enchanting Okavango Delta – A Symphony of Life in Botswana\'s Heartland In the heart of Botswana, the Okavango

by David Smyth29 January 2024

Africa

Travels through the land of the Pharaohs – Where Ancient meets Modern Part Four

Day 11: Alexandria – Gem of the Mediterranean My final day in Egypt dawned with a mix of excitement and a tinge of nostalgia. It was to be my last day, my last adventure in this captivating and ancient land. Although I had explored the most iconic historical sites Egypt had to offer, there was one destination that beckoned me as a devoted book lover and a fervent history enthusiast – Alexandria. The mere thought of standing on the soil where the once magnificent Library of Alexandria, a beacon of knowledge, had thrived was enough to set my heart racing.

by David Smyth13 December 2023

Africa

The Price of Wilderness – Is an African Safari Worth the Cost?

Embarking on an African safari is a dream for many, a journey that promises encounters with majestic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and a taste of untamed wilderness. However, the prospect of the cost involved often leaves travellers pondering whether the experience justifies the expense. In this exploration, we weigh the value of an African safari against the financial investment. Encounters with the Extraordinary The heart of an African safari lies in its unparalleled wildlife experiences. The chance to witness the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitat is a rarity. The opportunity to observe these creatures

by David Smyth4 December 2023

Africa

Travels through the land of the Pharaohs – Where Ancient meets Modern Part Three

Day 7: Edfu and Kom Ombo After a peaceful overnight sail down the timeless Nile River, my journey took me to Edfu. Nestled on the west bank of the river Nile, is the exceptionally well-preserved Edfu Temple, dedicated to the mighty falcon god Horus. As I approached the temple, its grandeur and aura of sacredness were overwhelming. The massive sandstone walls seemed to whisper of an age when gods and pharaohs roamed the land. As I wandered the temple\'s grounds, I was greeted by an enchanting courtyard adorned with towering columns and intricately detailed hieroglyphics. It wasn’t hard to lose

by David Smyth21 November 2023

Showing 13–24 of 27 articles

Newsletter

Travel stories, in your inbox.

One thoughtful email a month — new itineraries, on-the-ground stories, and quiet recommendations from David and the team.

Experiences

27 articles in this category.

Africa

Newsletter

Travel stories, in your inbox.

One thoughtful email a month — new itineraries, on-the-ground stories, and quiet recommendations from David and the team.