Which agency for a Nile and Red Sea combo trip?

I wanted to share a great discovery in the Marakele area because, in the end, this park doesn’t get talked about much compared to Kruger, even though it’s really worth the detour.

We discovered Cypiro Leopard Lodge, right next to Marakele National Park in the Waterberg. It’s a small property with just a few villas and suites, so it’s nothing like the big, crowded lodges. What we loved most was the feeling of being truly at the end of the world—lots of space, silence, and almost no one around.

And yet, it’s only about 3 hours from Johannesburg. Once you leave Joburg, the road is pretty straightforward, and you quickly find yourself in a much wilder Africa.

Marakele National Park was a huge surprise for us. There are plenty of animals, the Big Five are present, but best of all, very few people. At times, we drove for quite a while without seeing another car. It’s such a change from parks where you sometimes end up with 15 cars around one animal.

The landscapes are also stunning, with the Waterberg mountains, plains, and beautiful views from some of the trails.

We also learned on-site that Marakele is known for its very large Cape vulture colony—around 800 breeding pairs. When you climb into the mountains and see them soaring above, it’s pretty impressive.

The entire Waterberg region is actually a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, and you quickly understand why once you’re there.

As for Cypiro, it’s a lodge that was recently taken over by French owners—really nice and approachable. The place is quite exclusive since there are very few accommodations. The villas and suites each have their own private pool, a wood-fired hot bath (like a KolKol), a braai, and an outdoor fireplace.

Evenings are especially lovely, especially with the peace and quiet all around.

Another thing we found really convenient: you can organize your stay however you like.

You can come self-catering and cook for yourself. There’s a supermarket in the nearby small town, practically on the way in, so you can do your shopping before arriving without making a big detour.

Or you can ask them to organize everything with breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Their chef, Ernest, cooks really well, and it lets you completely unwind for a few days.

We liked being able to alternate: some quiet meals on our own and others prepared for us.

That’s actually one of the things we appreciated here—it’s not an ultra-formal lodge where everything is scheduled at fixed times. You can head out early to Marakele, come back for lunch, enjoy the pool, go back out in the late afternoon, then have a braai or a relaxed dinner in the evening.

In terms of price, we also found the value for money really good for this level of accommodation and especially for the very private feel of the place. Sometimes it feels like you’re in a much more expensive lodge.

If you’re looking for lots of activity and dozens of people around you, this probably isn’t the right spot.

But for peace, wildlife, nature, wide-open spaces, and that feeling of being a little alone in the world, we absolutely loved it.

I’ll add a few photos with this post—it’ll probably be more telling! 😊

And if anyone knows Marakele or the Waterberg well, I’d love to hear about other spots to discover in the area.

Hello, We're heading to Istanbul from October 7th to 12th. I’d love to do a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus on a more intimate boat (no show) with a private table and alcohol (wine, since it’s a birthday dinner). Could anyone recommend a reliable company (I’m not looking for a private yacht either) that organizes this kind of evening? Thanks in advance,

Hi everyone,

We had planned a road trip to Jordan in March 2026. Unfortunately, the Americans decided otherwise the week before. Since Jordanian Airlines wasn’t canceling flights, we were able to reschedule ours (for up to one year max). I opted for October 2026, hoping for the best... Since then, I’ve been scouring forums for info but haven’t found anything. So, has anyone traveled to Jordan recently? Can anyone currently there give us an update on the situation? Basically, I’m looking for any info. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Motorhome trip in Norway from September to November: who's done it before?

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a road trip in a motorhome from early September to late or mid-November.

My idea is to head up through Sweden to the Lofoten Islands, then come back down along the Norwegian coast.

I've already traveled through Norway in the summer (July-August), but never in the fall.

If any of you have done this kind of trip before, I'd love to hear about your experiences, especially regarding: • the weather and first snowfalls by region; • road conditions and any potential driving challenges; • tires (summer, all-season, winter, etc.); • ferries during this period; • the northern lights (where and when did you see them?); • and, more generally, anything you wish you'd known before setting off.

I was thinking of going up through Sweden and then back down along the Norwegian coast. Do you think that's the best route for this season, or would you do it the other way around?

Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!

Hi, I'm looking for info on cycling to Nordkapp via the EuroVelo 7. Has anyone done it already, and where’s the best place to start the EuroVelo 7? Thanks

Hi, Is it ideal to plan 2 nights outside Baku to get to Sheki via Gabala and visit the areas around these two sites? Thanks for your reply.

Hi there. I need some advice. We’re two couples of friends and we want to travel from Nantes to Dublin for Ascension weekend. Our dates are fixed: May 5–9, 2027. Right now, the round-trip fare is 191 € per person (no baggage included). Should we book now or wait? Given that this is the busiest weekend of the year and our dates can’t change, what do you think? Thanks for your help!

Hi, I’d like to buy a ticket to go to Terezín from Prague using the Pid Litacka app, but I don’t know which zone to get the ticket for. Thanks for your help! 😊

Hi there, I’m heading to Oman this coming October with my 13-year-old son for 11 days. My plan is to rent a car, probably a 4x4, to reach villages in the mountains, among other places. We’ll be sleeping in a tent the whole trip. Since it’s a short stay, we’ll stick to the eastern part of the country, from Muscat to Duqm, most likely. Any recommendations?! Things to know, like where to exchange money without high fees, a reliable car rental agency, road safety tips, wildlife like snakes, and anything else... I’ve done a lot of research already, but any suggestions would be super helpful!! Thanks in advance, Happy travels to everyone, Céline

Hi there, I’m Brigitte, 66 years old, fairly active and in great shape. I split my time between the Tarn region and Nantes, have a youthful spirit, and am very easy-going. I’m looking for a woman with a similar profile for a road trip in Southeast Asia—half humanitarian work and half free travel. The trip starts in October 2026 in the Philippines on the island of Panay, then moves on to Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey could last up to 4 or 5 months, as I have no fixed schedule. If you’re cool and friendly, feel free to message me. See you soon!

🏔️ KILIMANJARO – 4 SPOTS LEFT! 🇹🇿

Dream of standing on the roof of Africa at 5,895 m? I’m looking for 4 people to complete our group for the Kilimanjaro ascent in Tanzania. 📅 September 17–28, 2026 👥 Small group 🥾 Suitable for experienced hikers 🏔️ Goal: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m 🇹🇿 Local team specialized in Kilimanjaro 🎒 Porters during the ascent 🍽️ Meals and trek organization included 🧗‍♂️ Trip led by a French state-certified Mountain Leader

September is a great time to attempt the Kilimanjaro ascent. 🔥 Only 4 spots left. The departure is confirmed. No need to be a mountaineer—just be in good shape, love hiking, and want to experience an incredible adventure. 👋 If you’re alone, no problem: you’ll join our small group directly. 📧 Send me a message for the full program, price, and all the details.

Don’t hesitate to share this post with your hiking friends! 😊 Mafate Randos

I’ll be in central KERALA (4 hours from KOCHI airport by car). For the rest of my stay, I’m planning to do "nothing" except brisk walking, Tai Chi... and swimming. The spot could be Varkala or somewhere else. If the place has nearby tourist sites like monuments, temples, or anything else, I’d be happy to let myself be guided. I’m traveling solo. GOA is a 7-hour drive away, or a flight, so I’d rather skip it (too far from KOCHI airport). This break will last a week, with a return to KOCHI airport. Thanks in advance for your ideas, experiences, and tips!

Hi there, I’m planning to bike to meet some friends in Côte d’Ivoire in early November. I’ll be starting in Abidjan and heading to Abengourou, which is close to the Ghana border. I’d like to take the trails. Does anyone have recent info on eastern Côte d’Ivoire? Any tips, safety advice, or must-see stops? I’m open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance for your help! Fx

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Menorca. I need info on car rentals and which companies are reliable there. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! 😊

I discovered solo cruises last year, and it was a wonderful experience. Since then, I’ve decided to do one every year, usually between October and March, departing from Marseille or Le Havre.

I travel alone, but I enjoy sharing certain moments with other travelers: having meals together, attending shows, enjoying the evening entertainment, grabbing a drink, or going on a few excursions. Of course, everyone keeps their freedom—the goal is simply to have a good time in a friendly atmosphere.

For the end of this year, I don’t have a cruise planned yet. However, I’m already booked on the MSC Magnifica from October 29 to November 3, 2027, departing from Marseille with an itinerary to Spain and Italy.

If you often travel solo or if you’re on this cruise, I’d love to chat with you before departure. Looking forward to meeting you! 🚢😊

Hi everyone, I’m doing some research to find our dream cruise for next year and just came across this site that offers absolutely incredible packages!

For example:

https://www.cruisemonks.com/ALL-CRUISE-OFFERS?AppID%3D%20UYC6JxBtzrZEs2vD35IKg%3D%3D%26latest_deals%3D866834

Has anyone heard of this site? Looking forward to your thoughts! Best, Stéfanie

Hi, From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks

hi

I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions: - Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages? I’m looking for: - Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat, and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later. - Any great tips or advice you can share.

Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think? Thanks for your help

Hello everyone, Could a resident of Benin (Cotonou) kindly let me know which is the best mobile phone and internet service provider? Thank you very much, Best regards, Juan

Hi everyone, We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September. We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons. I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect. Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend? Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!

While digging through the archives 🔍, we discovered a 19th-century journal 📜 bearing the name: "Le Petit Baigneur, weekly journal of beaches, spa towns, and thermal resorts in the South of France", published as early as 1886. Its motto? "All for the baths and by the baths" 🏖️ — what a program! We found the name so amusing that we chose it to rename our hotel: Hôtel Le Petit Baigneur! 140 years later, we’re carrying on this seaside tradition of the South of France in our own way 🏊‍♂️ — with a few fewer crinolines, but just as much love for the seaside. 😊 #19thCenturyJournal #SpaTown #ThermalResort #WeeklyBeachJournal #AllForTheBaths #140YearsAndCounting #HotelLePetitBaigneur #Seaside #SeasideTradition 📍 Hôtel Le Petit Baigneur, 2 rue Saint-Louis, Palavas-les-Flots.

Go all the way to the end and don’t let yourself get robbed!!.. "Robbery" is the right term here!! CARJET subcontracts with OK MOBILITY, which then subcontracts with local rental agencies.. Most people say they’re satisfied, so you might trust them like I did and rent a car.. But if you’re one of the scammed ones, your money disappears and your vacation is ruined!! Our story: We arrived in Heraklion, Crete as planned and headed to the OK Mobility counter as stated on the voucher.. mixed reception.. they explained in English that this wasn’t the pickup location and shuttled us to a rental company called MONZA!! (nowhere mentioned on the voucher).. There, we found ourselves stranded two kilometers from the airport with a smooth-talking young guy.. CARJET was overbooked.. they had no vehicle for us.. end of story! No solution.. Took a taxi to the hotel... and to keep it short, it was nearly impossible to reach CARJET or OK MOBILITY.. Had to rent urgently from a local company during peak summer season. Today, three weeks later, after multiple exchanges and follow-ups from me, the rental company dares to claim I never showed up.. So for now, no refund and it’s not looking good.. I’ve checked the negative reviews.. same stories, plus issues with insurance and credit cards.. So these are THIEVES who overbook with no customer service.. they have good reviews from people who didn’t hit the bad luck draw and benefit from their stats. I’ll say it again—STAY AWAY!!

Hi everyone, We're leaving in early October 2026 and planning to travel from the Aït Bougmez Valley ("Happy Valley") to Skoura/Ouarzazate via Demnate and the R307/N23 route. Has anyone taken this road recently? Is it passable with a regular car (non-4x4), or is a 4x4 absolutely necessary? Are there any ongoing construction projects or degraded sections to be aware of? Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Just returned from a three-week family trip to Kenya (with three kids aged 10, 12, and 15), and I wanted to share my experience. Forums were super helpful in planning this trip, especially if you want to get a bit off the beaten path.

First off, Kenya is an amazing destination with incredibly friendly and welcoming locals. It was easy to travel around because you can always find someone to give you directions or help you out.

For practical tips—though you’ve probably read this elsewhere—get a Safaricom SIM card when you arrive at the airport so you can pay via M-Pesa (you can top it up with a credit card using the Wise app) and chat with people on WhatsApp. It’ll make your life *so* much easier (booking trains, buses, park entries, etc.) and save you from carrying too much cash or hunting for ATMs.

Also, we went during the first three weeks of July, which wasn’t peak tourist season.

One thing to note: even if you’re using public transport and budget accommodations, Kenya can still be pricey because tourist attractions add up fast—often more expensive than in France. But honestly, it’s usually worth it!

We started our trip with a 5-day homestay. We were welcomed by a really lovely family in Loitokitok with a view of Kilimanjaro right from their garden entrance (just a heads-up: in July, it’s often shrouded in mist!). To find them, search for Greenfield Homestay in Loitokitok. It was a fantastic experience, especially with kids! On top of transfers, they organized several outings with locals: a hike to the Tanzanian border, a motorcycle ride on the foothills of Kilimanjaro, and a day safari in Amboseli. You can book with them eyes closed! For the safari, Anthony (who’s English-speaking) took us around—he’s from the area and knows the park like the back of his hand. Highly recommend him!

Anthony then drove us to Isiolo, a town in the north that’s just starting to open up to tourism. We wanted to see the Monday livestock market, where different ethnic groups gather to buy and sell goats, sheep, and cows (according to Lonely Planet). We were a bit disappointed and wouldn’t recommend it. We also visited Ngare Ndare Forest, which has a stunning waterfall, an interesting walk with an armed ranger (elephants are common), and a suspension bridge for admiring the canopy. Just make sure to let them know you’re coming at least three days in advance to guarantee a ranger will be available. We also did a second safari day in Samburu—it’s a great complement to Amboseli and totally worth it!

Next, we headed to Naivasha (still with Anthony). We found a place on Airbnb (Jasmine House) at Fischerman’s Camp, a campsite we really loved! You’ll spot hippos, monkeys, and beautiful birds there. We organized several activities: a boat ride on the lake to see birds, zebras, and giraffes; a bike safari in Hell’s Gate Park (the campsite is right by the entrance and rents bikes); and a hike to Crater Lake (departing by boat from the campsite), where you walk among zebras, giraffes, and different gazelles. Naivasha is way more touristy than Loitokitok or Isiolo, but there’s no shortage of things to do.

Finally, we spent our last week in Watamu on the coast. To get there, we took an overnight ENA Coach bus from Naivasha to Mombasa, booked via https://www.travler.africa/. It was comfortable and fast, but you’ll need to call the driver to arrange a pickup spot—the restaurant staff at the campsite helped us out with that! Then we took an Uber to Watamu since we had a lot of luggage (we skipped the matatu).

Watamu is nicknamed "Little Italy" because of all the Italian tourists. When we were there (third week of July), it wasn’t peak season yet, so the beaches weren’t cleaned. But we loved the laid-back vibe and how easy it was to get around. We *highly* recommend the marine turtle rescue center—it’s fascinating (especially with kids) and supports a great cause! We were a bit disappointed by the marine park, though—maybe because of the season? There weren’t many fish, and jellyfish kinda ruined the snorkeling. The mangrove tour is also a must-do.

For the trip back to Nairobi, we took the express train from Mombasa. We booked our tickets when we first arrived in Kenya (since payment is only via M-Pesa). The train is reliable and comfortable, and we saw lots of elephants along the way. Just a heads-up: there are *a lot* of security checks, and we almost weren’t allowed to board with our Opinel knife…

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

All in all, we had an amazing trip—so much variety, great encounters, and the magic of safaris!

Looking for travel companion(s) for the Fort Dauphin to Tulear circuit: https://www.calameo.com/mahay-expedition-madagascar/read/007033824bc8aac54bc06?authid=1ICCJgsVB3Cs Flight with Air Austral (round trip) from Paris, around 1000 €

Hi everyone, We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands / Vestvågøy (8 to 10 days) soon and I’d like to know if it’s easy to rent online and which websites to use. I’ve seen lots of rental sites, but since it’s the Lofoten Islands, I think there might be more local ones worth recommending? Thanks in advance for your replies! Pythie 26

Hello, we’re arriving in Fortaleza on February 14, 2027, and planning to rent a car to drive to João Pessoa in two stages. We’ll leave from there on the 20th or 21st to head to Rio. Our questions: - Which stop between Fortaleza and João Pessoa would be the most enjoyable? - How long does it take to drive from Fortaleza to João Pessoa? - Are there any easy hikes (no guide needed) around João Pessoa?

Thanks for all your replies—I’m hoping for lots! Catherine

Hello! I’m planning a trip to Greece in May or June 2027. We’re independent travelers. We’ll rent a car after our stay in Athens and book accommodations through Booking or similar sites. What do you think of this itinerary? We’re taking our time (beach and swimming if the weather allows in May—is the water too cold?)

Athens, 3 days Nafplio, 3 days (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Archaia) Mystras, 2 days or Monemvasia, 2 days (Laconia peninsula)?? Dilemma between the two Return trip from the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge Nafpaktos, 1 night Arachova, 2 days (Delphi, Osios Loukas Monastery) Return to Athens and departure

Is it crowded in May or June for visits to archaeological sites? Thanks for your suggestions or corrections!

I could really use your help to finalize our trip to Japan. We’re heading there for three weeks with my partner, starting November 10th. Our plan was to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and a few stops in between (nothing too original so far…).

However, we’re more into nature and hiking, so even though we do want to explore Tokyo and Kyoto, we’d like to maximize nature stops between the two. Initially, we’d considered places like Kamikochi, but I understand it’s not accessible this late in the season.

Here’s our current itinerary:

1. 2-3 days in Tokyo

2. Fujigoko stop: Mount Mitsutoge - Planned hike: https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/yamanashi/mount-mitsutoge-trail

3. Suwa / Matsumoto stop: Kirigamine Plateau & Lake Suwa - Planned hike: https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/nagano/kirigamine-mount-kuruma-yashimagahara-wetland-loop - Matsumoto Castle

4. Nagano stop: Togakushi Sacred Forest - Hike among giant cedars: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/nagano/togakushi-shrine-okusha or https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/nagano/mount-togakushi-trail - Ebisu-ko fireworks

5. Kiso Valley stop - Senjojiki Cirque - Magome-Tsumago hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/gifu/nakasendo-magome-tsumago

6. 3-4 days in Kyoto - Mount Kurama: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/kyoto/kurama-trail

7. 2-3 days in Tokyo

I’m still checking if this is doable time-wise. We’d love to soak up each place, enjoy the food and onsens, and stay in a ryokan at one of the stops.