A lifelong dream for many, a safari in South Africa can take as many forms as the multitude of creatures you encounter in the wild.

From a remote escape in a bush camp to a luxurious idyll, the range of experiences can suit all tastes and budgets. And just like a giraffe picking and choosing amongst the canopy of leaves for the perfect snack, you'll be rewarded for taking the time to create a safari that's perfect for you.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime and also be prepared. As things continue to shift with travel restrictions, make sure to check the latest travel alerts from the US State Department. From there, here's everything else you need to know prior to your South African safari to make the most of your expedition.

1. When to go

For wildlife watching, winter (June to September) is ideal as many trees and shrubs are leafless, which aids spotting. Limited food and water also means that animals are out in the open more often foraging, hunting or grabbing a drink at a waterhole. South Africa's summer (December to February) sees the countryside at its most lush, but animals can be lost in dense shadows. Most common at this time are holidaymakers from Europe, who come in herds for the hot temps.

2. Choosing a National Park

South Africa has over 600 parks and reserves. You can find one offering any kind of experience you want, from utter desolation, to verdant savannah rich with life in all forms. You can join guided safaris, set out on your own or find serenity at a campsite far from others. They also cater to travelers on all budgets which makes them both affordable but also often crowded in parts. Most have good roads you can tour in your own rental car. For your first safari, two parks stand out:

Kruger National Park
The national park for safaris. Yes parts can get crowded, but given that it's the size of Wales, you can easily escape to a remote corner. Every iconic – and not-so-iconic – African animal is found here. You can stay in the park in everything from isolated campsites to bungalows and cottages in busy compounds, with prices that are some of the best value on the continent. Staying in the surrounding towns like Nelspruit, which have hotels, hostels and resorts for every budget, may be tempting, but they make accessing the early morning wildlife drives (the highlight of the day) difficult; the commute and park-gate traffic can eat into the best part of viewing time.

Where you should go on your first safari in Africa

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
Combines lush scenery with all the expected wildlife. Located in the heart of Zululand, the famous culture of the namesake tribe is prevalent. Beaches along the nearby Elephant Coast are among South Africa's finest, so you can see wildlife and go for a dip. The park is especially noted for its network of hiking trails that include multi-day itineraries and camping deep in the bush.

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3. Choosing a private reserve

There is only one real reason why you may not choose a private wildlife reserve: cost. These are not places for people on a tight budget, with prices reaching thousands of dollars per person per day. But for people who want the ultimate safari-experience, a lodge in a private reserve offers:

Close proximity to wildlife
Not only do you avoid long drives before your safari starts but that bump you hear in the night may be an elephant looking in your window. Unlike most of the government camps, lodges here are rarely ever fenced. And when on wildlife drives, guides are usually permitted to leave the reserve's dirt tracks and head directly to sightings in the bush instead of having to watch from afar (as is the case in the national parks). Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which adjoins Kruger National Park, is widely considered to be the best place in Africa for spotting animals.

Word class safari guides
Guides working at private reserves are at the top of their game. They read the animal footprints on the dirt each morning like a newspaper and have the best chance of finding you the most incredible wildlife encounters. In the highest-end reserves, guides wear ear-piece radios and communicate with each other to let them know where any key sightings are taking place.

Fewer crowds
Safari jeeps in the park may hold up to 15 guests, while those in private reserves tend to max out at six. At some high-end lodges it might actually just be your party in the vehicle. The fewer the people, the more individual time the guide has to give you; you'll also have more say in how long you stay at individual sightings. Most reserves also set a strict rule of no more than three vehicles at any one sighting, whereas there may be dozens of them in the parks.

Luxury
Some of the private reserve lodges are merely comfortable but others, such as Singita Boulders and Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in Sabi Sand are the retreats of the rich and famous.

Customization
Since you're staying amidst the wildlife, you can easily create your own menu of activities on the fly, such as guided walks through the bush or tours that focus on particular species. At Samara Private Game Reserve in a verdant valley amidst desert in the Eastern Cape, there are treks to track cheetahs on foot. One way to save on the costs of a private reserve is to spend just a few nights at one at the start of your trip. Take advantage of the talented guides and abundance of wildlife to see a lot of animals quickly and learn a lot about South Africa's wildlife. Then, with your wildlife urges somewhat sated, try a completely different experience in a national park, where you can concentrate more on appreciating the rhythms of life and natural beauty.

4. Use a guide

The first time your guide shows you easily-missed leopard tracks crossing your path, you'll be glad you're not wandering aimlessly on your own. Although guides can keep you safe from marauding lions, their great value is simply in explaining the vast complexities and subtleties of the African bush. Animals carry the colours they do so they will be easy to miss.

Are you ready for a self-drive safari

In private reserves guides are usually part of the price but in a national park you may be tempted to go DIY. You may get lucky (like we did in Kruger one day and have several prides of lions wander past), but as a novice you'll simply miss much. And when there are not big animals about, good guides will bring the bush to life, showing you smaller species, insects and even vegetation that has fascinating properties.

5. Don't be a 'Big Five' cliché

Sure, it’s great – and a reason to go – to see lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes and rhinos. And you'll see the phrase (which was coined by white hunters in the 1920s to validate their self-proclaimed bravery) on everything from businesses to buses. But there are obviously far more critters out there: zebras, hippos and giraffes are just a few and the list goes on. Read up on the animals you're likely to see and make a list of the less famous ones and try to spot those. You can't appreciate the beguiling ugliness of a warthog until you've seen one; a herd of twitchy impalas reminds you that danger can lurk anywhere amidst the pastoral beauty.

6. Drive or fly

You can fly straight into Kruger National Park, connecting from Cape Town or Johannesburg. If you're pressed for time this is essential for having plenty of safari time. Most other parks and reserves are equally well served by local flights and you can work out itineraries where resorts or lodges handle all your transfers. But if you can afford the time, driving in South Africa is rewarding. Outside of parks and reserves there are wine regions, spectacular natural beauty and all manner of interesting small towns and cultural attractions. As an example, from Johannesburg you can reach Kruger or Sabi Sand in a full day of driving or you can break the journey at Pilgrim's Rest, a charmer of an 1880s gold-rush town that hasn't been over-restored.

7. Bring the right stuff

Dawn safaris during the winter in and around Kruger can be surprisingly cold; layers (even gloves and a warm hat) can be shed as the sun and temp goes up. Binoculars are an obvious choice and don't expect your lodge or guides to provide them. A compact pair will let you see that big cat skulking in the distance. Don't count on wi-fi in the bush, so a good book about the land and life around you is essential.

8. Just relax

Besides shivering in the cold dawn air you should be ready to simply chill out. Guides will be doing their best to hit a checklist of animals but this doesn't always happen. Take time to appreciate the land around you, the beauty of a deserted waterhole reflecting the vast African sky or the sounds of a bird far in the distance. Don't fret about picking off a checklist of critters and certainly don't spend all your time hunting for them through a tiny viewfinder. Get out of your vehicle and simply revel in the quiet. Sometimes the most magical moment on safari is when you see nothing at all.

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This article was originally published in 2012.

South Africa safaris for first-timers: 8 things to know before you book

There’s something enduringly romantic about train travel. The slower pace, the gentle rhythm, the ability to surrender responsibility and just gaze out of the window. It’s true of all – well, most – rail journeys. But it’s especially true of the sleeper train, the hotel-on-wheels aboard which you can bed down in one country and wake up in another.

Romance aside, train travel is also far less damaging to the planet: it releases the least amount of greenhouse gasses of all forms of transportation. You’re better able to understand the connections that exist between places on a rail trip, watching the scenery change as cities become suburbs, which become farmland, which become foothills or deserts or plains.

There’s a variety of experiences to choose from when booking overnight train travel, from the budget to the luxe. Here are some of the most epic overnight train journeys to take for those looking for a dream of a ride.

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Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Nicknamed the Reunification Express when it resumed service after the Vietnam War, this 1072-mile (1726km) ride between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City runs the length of the country, providing a perfect Vietnamese diorama: historic towns, bustling suburbs, rice paddies, emerald hills and the glittering South China Sea.

How: Choose from hard seat (cheapest) or soft, hard berth (six-bed compartment), soft berth (four-bed) or VIP cabin (two beds; book in advance). Tickets can be booked online.

Duration: About 35 hours.

Chicago to San Francisco, USA

On its epic 2400-mile (3900km) journey, the California Zephyr tackles sheer gorges, hot desert, snowy mountains and a tonne of tunnels and switchbacks. In 1869, these tracks were the first to cross the Continental Divide, linking the Atlantic and the Pacific.

How: The Zephyr leaves Chicago at 2pm daily. Book early for the lowest fares and best availability; tickets can be booked up almost a year ahead.

Duration: The entire journey to San Francisco takes 52 hours non-stop.

Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia and Tanzania

A sleeper train? Or a rolling two-day safari? The Tazara Railway crosses rivers, gorges and some impressive feats of railway engineering while trundling through the enormous, wildlife-filled expanse of Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. You might spot elephants, rhinos, lions and more from your window.

How: Tickets can’t be bought online; buy them at stations in Dar es Salaam or Kapiri Mposhi or via a local travel agency.

Duration: About 44 hours.

Brisbane to Longreach, Australia

Most of Australia 's overnight trains are multi-day journeys across the continent, such as the Ghan that runs through Australia's "Red Centre" between Darwin and Adelaide, and the Indian Pacific that links Perth and Sydney. The Spirit of the Outback, however, is just over a day-long jaunt from Brisbane to Longreach. After flirting with the coast the train turns inland to reveal a changing landscape as it heads into the outback.

How: The tickets can be booked online. The train departs Tuesdays at 6:10pm and Saturday at 1:55pm.

Duration: The 1325km journey takes 26 hours.

Rome to Syracuse, Italy

To get from the Italian capital to the historic Sicilian city of Syracuse, this overnight loco has to board a boat. Having traced the Calabrian coast, it’s lifted on to a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina, before being lifted back off to continue on its way.

How: Two sleeper trains leave Rome nightly at around 9.05pm and 11pm. Tickets can be ordered online.

Duration: About 12 hours, including 30 minutes at sea.

Caledonian Sleeper, London to Scotland

There are actually two overnight sleeper trains that run under the umbrella of Caledonian Sleeper. One that runs the “Highland route” making stops between London and Aberdeen, the other runs the “Lowland route” from London Euston to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Rooms include either double beds or bunk beds with all the amenities of a hotel, including wifi, room service and ensuite bathrooms. There’s also a Club Car for those interested in meals outside of their rooms.

How : Trains run six times a week, with boarding times and schedules varying depending on the particular route, however both timetables and tickets are always available online.

Duration : 8 hours

Red Arrow, St. Petersburg to Moscow

The Red Arrow or Krasnaya Strela, is possibly Russia’s most famous train. It first launched in 1931 when it was used to transport Russian elites. The glamorous retro interior of the train harkens back to this era with plush red seats and elaborate matching curtains on the windows. There’s a dining car on board and meals are included for passengers riding in either first class or the VIP car.

How : The train runs every day, leaving from both Moscow or St. Petersburg at 11:55pm and arriving at the opposite end in the morning at 7:55am. Tickets can be purchased online.

Duration : 8 hours

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Venice

Perhaps the most luxurious, and most famous, of the overnight sleeper trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nothing short of a legend. There are several different routes guests can take on this historic train, but the most iconic is the one from London to Venice. The train itself is a throwback to the 1920s, with a restored art deco interior and luxury dining options included.

How: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs several times per month. Check the website for specific dates and times as well as to book.

Duration: 31 hours

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Let’s be honest, 2020 has been a real struggle. But there’s something about a year of downs that makes the ups even more important somehow, making us truly value good news when it does indeed arrive. That’s why we rounded up 10 positive stories from the past year that have lifted our spirits and kept us inspired. Here’s our top picks. 1. The adorable baby boom for Uganda’s gorilla population The announcement that Uganda ’s mountain gorilla population has experienced a baby boom this year was certainly a cause for celebration at a time when climate change and habitat loss have badly affected animals around the world. Back in September the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) reported seven baby gorilla births, five of which arrived at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with the country typically recording one or two births a year on average. Increasing numbers saw the status of mountain gorillas changing from Critically Endangered to Endangered back in 2018, with the positive numbers being attributed to conservation efforts and a crackdown on poaching. 2. Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral reached an important milestone In April 2019 the world watched on in shock as one of the most iconic structures in history – the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris – burned before their eyes. Once the fire was extinguished, the talk immediately turned to restoration, with experts reporting that it would be a lengthy and expensive mission. Last November, the team charged with renovation announced that the project had taken a positive step forward, thanks to 200 tons of melted scaffolding being removed from the damaged landmark. The scaffolding had been present at the time of the fire and fused with the cathedral, meaning that it had to be carefully removed to secure the site. It is hoped that the renovations will be completed by 2024. 3. Peru is aiming to make Machu Picchu completely carbon neutral Thankfully, conversations about the importance of sustainable travel have become more frequent over the last few years, with many people realizing that drastic action must be taken in order to secure the future of the planet. This year, Machu Picchu announced its Carbon Neutral initiative, a project that seeks to make it the first tourist destination in Peru and the world to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It laid out the goal of 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 100% by 2050, following the guidelines of the climate agreement of Paris. The country also launched a sustainability brochure that celebrates the unique natural attractions, animals and landscapes that visitors can enjoy in a low-impact way. 4. The Acropolis is becoming more accessible Travel should be for everyone, so it is always a cause for celebration when a popular attraction makes positive changes in order to make it more accessible to travelers in wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments. And that is just what the Acropolis in Athens recently announced, stating that plans are in place for the installation of a new lift system, while walkways will also be updated. The initiative was unveiled by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities. The citadel sits on top of a steep incline, making access a challenge. A new lift will be situated on the north face of the hill, with old concrete walkways from the 1960s being replaced with wider stone paths. 5. The Japanese aquarium that set up video chats for their shy eels Japan is typically at the forefront of all things quirky and adorable, and this year was no different. With COVID-19 reducing visitor numbers at Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo, the institution’s garden eels were reportedly becoming more shy, burrowing to the bottom of the sand in their habitats to peek out. Garden eels stretch out and show off their long spotted bodies when they feel comfortable, but without crowds passing by frequently, they began to become nervous whenever their caretakers were near the tanks. To remedy this the aquarium set up a “Face-Showing Festival”, asking the public to Facetime the animals in the hopes that they would be re-socialized. 6. The survival of the world’s smallest possum in Australia despite bushfires Weighing less than ten grams, the little pygmy possum (Cercartetus lepidus) was feared extinct following the terrible bushfires that raged in parts of Australia in early 2020. The blaze wiped out an estimated 88% of the animals and they had not been seen after for some time. However Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife, a biodiversity conservation program that aims to provide safe havens for plants and animals surveyed 20 fauna sites and captured 20 different wildlife species. Among them was a little pygmy possum, leading to new hopes that the animals have survived. According to experts however, serious work needs to be done to support the at-risk animals now. 7. This dog that was voted the world’s cutest mayor in a Southern California town Politics are divisive, now more-so than ever. But there’s one thing that we can and should all agree on – dogs are adorable. And so, the non-incorporated and non-partisan town of Idyllwild decided to choose a Golden Retriever known as “Maximus mighty-dog mueller, the second," or just Mayor Max II, as their mayor. Back in 2012 the non-profit Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild organized a sponsored election with different pets in the running. Mayor Max I was chosen by an overwhelming majority, but sadly died in his second term. A search was put out across the US and the current mayor was discovered to be of the same blood line, so he was ushered into office immediately. His sister Mitzy serves as his deputy. The mayor had over 50,000 followers in Instagram and his handlers received approximately 15 calls a day requesting he be brought to visit them. 8. A Dutch tulip farm that spread a multicolored message of hope Bulb farming company Dutch Daffodils and tour company Tulips in The Netherlands joined forces earlier this year to spread a message of positivity to all of the tourists who were unable to visit the country this year. A team created a 145-foot wide message that read, “See you next year”, out of the colorful flowers. It took five hours for the message to be assembled by hand in the traditional way. 9. Emily Harrington becomes first woman to free climb El Capitan's Golden Gate in 24 hours Incredible feats by individuals have always proved inspirational and uplifting, and this was certainly the case in November, when Emily Harrington became the first woman to free climb the Golden Gate route of El Capitan in under a day. Harrington completed the grade VI 5.13 route in 21 hours and 13 minutes, and also became just the fourth person to free climb the 3000-foot-high route in 24 hours after Tommy Caldwell, Brad Gobright and Alex Honnold. The successful climb comes a little less than a year after her first attempt that left her hospitalized. The route typically takes experienced climbers between four and six days to complete, with over 40 pitches or sections to overcome. 10. Sustainability being recognised and celebrated Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2021 took this year to look ahead to the future in a slightly different way, celebrating sustainability, diversity and community, instead of destinations, trends and experiences as usual. To celebrate some big achievements, we chose 10 inspirational tourism projects that are shining a light on pioneering sustainable practices, and the people behind them. The list was widespread, focusing on places like Palau, Namibia, Greece and Rwanda, and recognised people and places making positive changes for the future. Read more: 6 classic Christmas movies to watch during the holidays See inside this year’s incredible Icehotel in Sweden - even if you can't travel there Brexit is bringing major changes for British travelers heading to Europe in 2021

10 good news stories that lifted our spirits in 2020

If you’ve never before been to Africa, you’ve so much to look forward to. But choosing where to go on your first safari can be quite daunting. Which countries offer the easiest introduction to the continent for first-time travellers? Which countries are good for wildlife? We answer these questions and more in our country-by-country overview for your first safari. Editor's note: travel restrictions may be in place due to COVID-19. Always check ahead and follow government health advice. Kenya They’ve been doing safaris in Kenya since the very concept was invented, and safari actually means 'journey' in Swahili. Nowhere in Africa has a more professional safari industry than Kenya’s, and with that experience comes a rare combination of infrastructure and service. There are hundreds of excellent lodges and tented camps, standards of service from local staff are generally high, and they’ve mastered the logistics of moving between national parks for each leg of your safari itinerary. Kenya’s wildlife offering is also outstanding. The main safari circuit takes in the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru, with Tsavo West, Tsavo East and Samburu popular add-ons. Any combination of these parks should ensure ample sightings of big cats, plenty of elephants, a few rhinos, and all of the plains game, such as buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and all manner of gazelle and antelope species. Extend your stay by a week and you could even scale Mt Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. Kenya has a downside, it’s Nairobi. Most travellers pass through without difficulty, but the city is a robust introduction to the continent with endless traffic snarls and questionable security in some quarters. Stay long enough to visit Nairobi National Park – an extraordinarily well-stocked park on the cusp of one of Africa’s largest cities – and then move on. And spend as little time as possible on Kenya’s roads, both because the combination of distance and traffic means you can take forever to arrive, and to minimise your risk of accidents. Flying from one park to the next makes better use of your time, although it does cost more. Tanzania Tanzania is similar to Kenya – fantastic wildlife parks across the country, an excellent safari industry – but its traffic is generally less stressful, prices are (for the most part) lower, and its mountain ( Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest) is even higher. Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is a terrific introduction to the continent, including as it does the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, as well as Mt Kilimanjaro. A ten-day to two-week jaunt around the north is a fine way to fall in love with Africa, especially if you add some days on the island of Zanzibar. While there are other world-class wildlife attractions – the chimps of Gombe and Mahale out west, or the southern wilderness parks of Selous and Ruaha – these are probably best left for those on a return visit: distances are vast, and the infrastructure is a little less developed. South Africa South Africa can be a good introduction to the African safari, not least because it allows you to combine watching wildlife with more sedate pleasures, such as wineries and Cape Town urban cool. Many of the safari offerings are also priced for the domestic market, which makes them some of the best value options on the continent. Kruger National Park is a terrific place to get acquainted with Africa’s wildlife. The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) are present in large numbers as are all manner of different mammal species, plus brilliant birdlife. The infrastructure is also excellent – the main roads are paved, there’s well-run accommodation across a range of budgets, and it’s very easy to get around. As for Kruger, so, too, for most of the rest of the country. South Africa’s safari operators, car rental companies and other service providers also rank among the most professional on the continent. The only reason why many first-time travellers might hesitate before flying into Johannesburg is the country’s reputation for crime. Most visitors never encounter any difficulties, but there’s no denying security can be an issue in South Africa, particularly in urban areas. If you stick to South Africa’s parks and abundant private reserves, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of experiencing any problems. Namibia Often marketed as ‘Africa for Beginners’, Namibia is a fine choice for your first African journey. Like South Africa, many prices are aimed at the domestic (and South African) market, which makes them good value. For wildlife, Etosha National Park is simply wonderful and has excellent infrastructure, while the intimacy of wildlife-rich private reserves such as Okonjima and Erindi are ideal for first timers. Elsewhere, wildlife is pretty difficult to track down, but you could combine wildlife with other attractions – the shipwrecks and seal colonies along the Skeleton Coast, time spent with the Himba in the country’s north, and the sand dunes of Sossusvlei. If you’ve the time, it’s a long drive south to Fish River Canyon, which might not have much wildlife but remains one of the continent’s most dramatic hiking destinations. Beyond these major attractions, most of which are accessible along the country’s well-maintained network of paved roads, some of Namibia’s other major attractions, such as Damaraland with its stirring mountains and desert-adapted elephants, consist of pretty rugged country that’s probably best left to more experienced Africa hands. If money is no object, you can easily fly into luxury camps in some of the country’s most beautiful and more remote corners. Getting there is far more difficult if you’re on a more modest budget. Botswana Botswana is one of Africa’s premier wildlife-watching destinations. The wildlife is prolific and extraordinary and the landscapes – the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta, the salt pans of Makgadikgadi – are likewise. As one of the wealthiest countries in sub-Saharan Africa and with one of the lowest population densities on the planet, diamond-rich Botswana is a pleasure to travel in, with empty roads, very few large cities and a highly accomplished safari industry. But Botswana’s appeal comes with a caveat, and it comes down to cost. Keen to avoid the pitfalls of mass tourism, Botswana’s government aims high, putting an emphasis on low-volume, high-cost safari experiences. You could rent a 4WD vehicle and go camping, but the price of doing so will still be out of reach for many budget and even midrange travellers. Zambia & Zimbabwe Victoria Falls, which is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe, should be on everyone’s bucket list of African experiences. Provided you fly in and fly out, national parks such as South Luangwa (Zambia) and Hwange (Zimbabwe) are world-class for wildlife, although the cost of doing so can be prohibitive. But if you’re travelling by more traditional means and your budget does not extend to luxury camps and aeroplane transfers, the large distance between attractions in both countries make this a less-than-ideal choice for first timers. The potential for political instability and corruption in Zimbabwe is another potential turn-off. And a big part of these countries’ safari appeal – guided walking safaris (in Zambia) and even unguided ones (Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe) – are probably best left to those with more experience of the African wild. You might also like: Zimbabwe’s rising star Travelling to Africa with my young daughters: a father’s story Why seeing chimpanzees is one of the world's greatest wildlife experiences This article was first published October 2019 and last updated December 2020. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. Make sure you're ready for anything with travel insurance from our trusted partners.

Where to go on your first safari in Africa

We’re well aware that being a travel writer or photographer is a dream job for many people around the world, and it’s easy to understand why. But what is it really like seeking out incredible experiences to document in far flung corners of the globe? What are the challenges that come with the excitement? In celebration of the launch of Lonely Planet’s brand new book The Perfect Shot, an inspirational pictorial that showcases the best of Lonely Planet photography, we caught up with photographer Philip Lee Harvey to find out what his most memorable images are, and what advice he has to share with budding enthusiasts.

Having worked for Lonely Planet Magazine across a host of different locations, Philip found that the mix of traveling to new locations for work and being able to express himself creatively was indeed a dream come true. The other side to it of course is hard work, long hours, demanding deadlines and having to be ready to quickly pivot to unexpected situations that come your way.

“I love travel and adventure, so combined with my obsessive interest in photography, it is a perfect fit. That said, there is a lot of sitting around waiting at airports, worrying about the weather and hoping that all of the logistics fall into place. If it can go wrong, it probably will. You have to learn to adapt quickly to unforeseen problems. Evenings are spent making sure that all data is downloaded and backed up. I have stayed in some amazing hotels with fantastic pools, but cannot recall ever going for a swim!” Philip told Lonely Planet.

Being on assignment has its benefits of course, and Philip said that one of the best things about it as a photographer and a travel-lover is gaining access to places that are often well off the usual tourist routes. The other side of it is that due to time pressures, there is rarely the time to relax and takes things in. “You never get the chance to just sit and watch. Everything is in a rush and you are always looking at life through a lens”.

Two of Philip’s most memorable photos are included in The Perfect Shot. The first is the image of a girl going past Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. “The beauty of this place is how inclusive it is. Locals and visitors alike gather here to worship, meet and play. Favorite images change all the time, and I think that’s only natural. During lockdown I find myself thinking a lot about being on assignment and remembering those chance encounters. My image of a tigress swimming in Tadoba National Park in India was so very nearly missed. It was taken in the last hour of the last day illustrating a story about Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. The sun was nearly gone, as was the hope that the shot would be captured. Then a few minutes later I saw the grass move next to us. I instinctively turned, camera in hand, and there was a tigress walking towards us. I grabbed some shots and then she was gone. But I heard the sound of her going into water, so we very quickly repositioned and I managed to see her swimming for a few seconds before the reeds obliterated the scene. It's for these magical moments that I travel.”

Philip's favorite locations to take pictures is always somewhere that he has never been before. When it comes to giving advice to the average person hoping to up their own travel photography game, Philip said that some of the simple, obvious steps are the most important. “Make the effort to get up early and stay out late. The best light is always sunrise and sunset. Also, try to be original. The world is so full of images now that you must push your creativity if you really want to stand out. Finally, learn from others. Study the work of great image makers including painters and film makers, there are reasons why they are well-known and respected.”

At the moment, the work of a travel photographer has been completely upended, but Philip is currently planning his next trips for the future. “I have a list of assignments that I am waiting to shoot, so wherever opens up first and is safe to travel, I will be going there.”

More of Philip’s own work can be seen at his official website.

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A Lonely Planet photographer shares secrets for taking that perfect shot

The world is filled with bright, vibrant and eye-catching destinations that can make any trip a colorful experience, both literally and figuratively. With that in mind, Lonely Planet is proud to celebrate them in a brand new book called Travel by Color , the first and only travel guide by color palette, which features 400 stunning photographs of amazing destinations and events across all different shades. From the deep reds of Tambopata National Reserve’s scarlet macaws to the verdant greens of the Peak District’s Rolling Hills, the book charts rich and diverse places to make any traveller feel alive. Here’s a selection that will allow you to travel through every color of the rainbow. Red: Red Square, Moscow, Russia An iconic symbol of Russia built by order of Ivan the Terrible, St Basil's Cathedral stands proudly at the southern end of Moscow's imposing Red Square. Constructed from 1555 to 1561, the building's idiosyncratic colorful domes sit atop amber-red towers. It's a rich, colorful display, and elsewhere, the square truly lives up to its name, with the dominating color of red showing up in the fortress-like structure of Lenin's Mausoleum, Kazan Cathedral, the State Historical Museum and The Tsar's Tower. Red Square is often closed for celebrations and rehearsals, something to note if planning a visit there. Orange: New England, USA The destination for autumn leaf-peepers, New England's fall foliage is a vibrant display of nature at its most breath-taking. Scarlet and sugar maples, birch, beech, dogwood and oak all contribute to the parade of captivating colors, and for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s the perfect place to visit. Top spots include Smugglers Notch in Vermont, and Crawford Notch in New Hampshire, protected forest areas where glaciers came through during the last ice age, providing spectacular viewing. Yellow: Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon’s yellow funiculars are a pleasurable and practical way to explore different areas of the picturesque city, and they sure beat walking up all those steps. Connecting Restauradores Square downtown with Rua San Pedro de Alcántara in Bairro Alto, the Glória Funicular (or Elevador da Glória) is the most popular of the city’s three funiculars, and offers astounding views of the surrounding area. As well as what they offer, the vehicles’ distinct, vintage look with their bright yellow exteriors have become iconic. Green: Kamakura, Japan Much more than a day trip from Tokyo, Kamakura is a laid-back, seaside town that offers tranquillity and peace of mind. Hokokuji Temple boasts a lush forest of 2000 moso bamboo that lie just behind the temple’s main hall, which houses an impressive Buddha beyond the Zen temple gate. Kyoto’s Arashiyama grove is equally enchanting, as is the Sagano Scenic Railway route to it – also known as the Sagano Romantic Train. Blue: Blue Lagoon, Iceland Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa with warming water that is supplied by the nearby Svartsengi power station. While popular with tourists, it is an essential stop when visiting the country, and soaking in the hot nurturing water contrasted with the crisp, fresh air in winter is a truly calming experience. With a combination of 70% sea water and 30% fresh water, the Blue Lagoon is a perfect 38°C and includes natural mineral salts, rich blue-green algae and silica mud. You may even be lucky enough to catch a light show in the sky while there. Indigo: The Sahara Along with camels and water, clothing is an essential detail for the Tuareg people when crossing the Sahara, and over time indigo blue has emerged as a popular choice for tagelmust turbans and veils. Protecting wearers from wind, sun and sands, the headwear is exclusive to Tuareg males on reaching maturity. There are many ways for visitors to immerse themselves in experiences across the Sahara, with each one proving to be a rewarding and unique experience in its own right. Violet: Provence, France It’s no wonder photographers flock to Provence and the Côte d'Azur every summer to capture the stunning fragrant fields of purple and violet lavender that the area has become famous for. One of the best places is along the D8 road in the direction of Plateau de Valensole, where you can see lavender fields and sunflowers right next to each other. The flowers are also found in numerous places in Drôme, such as Saou et Montbrun-les-Bains as well as in front of the famous Abbey of Sénanque. As well as that there’s ancient olive groves, clifftop roads and even snow-capped mountains. Rainbow: India and Nepal One of the world's most vibrant and powerful displays of color, the hindu festival of Holi is a celebration of spring and love beautifully expressed with tonnes of color each year throughout India, Nepal and, increasingly, parts of Southeast Asia too. If you want to take part, be prepared to be covered head to toe with colored paint, be it in powder or liquid form – the latter usually delivered via water guns and balloons.

Visit every color of the rainbow with these vibrant destinations

A new book has revealed numerous versions of the world not as it ever existed, but as it was thought to be. The Phantom Atlas , by Edward Brooke-Hitching explores map-making and mythology throughout history, showcasing a collection of antique maps and atlases that display erroneous cartography, with each illustration accompanied by the story behind it.

It includes non-existent islands, invented mountain ranges, mythical civilisations and other fictitious geography, as well as sea monsters

See the myths, monsters and mistakes on maps throughout history

With thousands of miles of coastline, Morocco, a country known for dunes and The Sahara, offers up some pretty lovely coastal landscapes great for a day at the shore. Here are Morocco's 10 best beaches. Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice. Plage Sauvage Two-and-a-half miles south of Mirleft is this truly wild beach, accessible down a set of steps, featuring caves, cliffs and crashing waves great for surfing. There's an outpost of Spot-M here for board and wetsuit rental and Biscou Surf School also brings students here. But the beach is gorgeous and ocean relatively mild, whether or not you're riding a board. Palm Beach A relaxed private beach in Souss Valley with showers, toilets and a kids' play area. Seclusion from the main beach means a more serene visit for those seeking a little more privacy. Essaouira Beach Essaouira’s wide, sandy beach is great for walking and kitesurfing, but sunbathing and swimming can be difficult when the winds are strong. For swimming, stick to the town stretch, as Plage Safi to the north has dangerous currents. Beach soccer is a popular weekend activity and camel owners ply the sands to the south. If you want to take a walk, head south across the Ksob River (impassable at high tide) to see the ruins of the Borj El Berod, an old fortress and pavilion that’s partially covered in sand. From here you can walk inland to the village of Diabat or continue along the sands to the dunes of Cap Sim. Marabou Beach Bisected by a massive, imposing boulder, this beach is petite compared to its neighbors, but the waves are no less intense at this Southern Atlantic Coast locale. Avoid swimming at high tide, but sunning and strolling can be just as nice. Sidi Ifni Beach The beach is big and rarely busy. While frequently rough waves make swimming inadvisable, its position beneath dramatic cliffs – as well as its significant length – invites sunset strolls. The odd construction just offshore is the remains of an old land-sea conveyor, which was used to take cargo from ships to the old Spanish port. Playa de la Ribera Ceuta's urban beach is jam-packed during summer with nearly nude Spaniards and fully clothed Moroccan women. The beach is lined with cafes and bars perfect for whiling away an afternoon with a cerveza. Plage Sfiha A short retreat from the city, wide horseshoe-shaped Plage Sfiha looks out on the Spanish-controlled post-colonial relic, El Peñon de Alhucemas. A couple of other Spanish islands are also visible to the west. The beach is well maintained and lined with umbrella seating and restaurants during the summer. Pedalos and jet skis are available for hire. Tangier Beach The wide city beach is well maintained and a fresh corniche (beachfront road) works well for a seaside stroll, with parks, playgrounds and fancy glass elevators that lead down to the sand. Certainly worth an afternoon, if not a whole day, at the beach. Sidi Mghayet Beach Around nine miles from Asilah – including 2.5mi down a dirt road – Sidi Mghayet is one of Asilah’s more remote beaches and one of the quietest. During July and August, its golden crescent is lined with chiringuitos (simple food stalls); the rest of the time it’s often blissfully deserted. You’ll need a taxi to get here. Playa de la Ensanada de los Galápagos Nestled below cliffs and the towering fortress walls is the secluded beach of Playa de la Ensanada de los Galápagos, open from June to September (with lifeguards on duty), though children can be seen diving into the turquoise water year-round. Find your spot on the picturesque seashell-laden beach by entering through the tunnel across from La Pérgola. You might also like: Morocco's 10 best natural wonders Morocco's best food experiences The best hikes in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter .

Morocco's 10 best beaches

We're taking a look through our archive of travel writing to highlight all the ways the world has changed, as well as some of the ways it's stayed the same. In this travel essay from 2011, Amanda Canning reports on the archipelago of Lamu, just off the coast of Kenya, where medieval stone streets trace a history intermingled with fortunes large and small. Editor's note: In the years since publication of this article, Kenya has seen a spate of terrorist attacks. The US State Department advises against travel to all of Lamu County, while the UK's Foreign Commonwealth Office excludes Lamu Island from its travel advisory (while advising against travel to greater Lamu County). Check the latest governmental advice before considering travel. Dusk falls over Lamu. Old men sit chatting under the canopy of the ancient almond tree in Mkunguni Square, their rubber sandals tossed aside as legs are stretched and knees idly brought up to chests. A group of young women, black eyes darting behind their niqabs, speak in low tones to a local magic man. He rifles through a battered tin before dispensing a tangle of tree roots. The women disappear down the narrow alleys that branch off the square, and are soon folded up into the darkness. Down at the harbor, the clamor of the day has not dissipated with the setting of the sun. Teenage boys in knock-off football shirts jump on and off the brightly painted boats bumping up against the quay, passing crates of Coca-Cola, coral bricks and the weekly postbag to their younger brothers, who load them on to donkeys and scurry off down the town’s labyrinthine streets. The history of Lamu While the cargo may have changed in the seven centuries since Lamu’s existence was first documented in the world’s literature, the activity has not. The fortune of this tiny Kenyan archipelago has always been tied to the ebb and flow of the sea. Mariners first arrived on monsoon winds pushing them across the Indian Ocean from Arabia in the 10th century. By the 13th century, Lamu had become an important commercial center on mercantile highways, entirely reliant on seasonal, or trade winds: once a year, ships from India, China, Persia and Arabia would cross the seas bearing silk, carpets, porcelain and spices. When the winds turned, the ships would return east, groaning under the weight of their African spoils: ivory and leopard skins, rhino horn and tortoiseshell, coffee and enslaved people. Lamu Town became one of the most important settlements on the east African coast. Wealthy merchants and plantation owners moved in, building grander and grander houses with coral stone, mangrove poles and lime plaster, as are still used today. The abolition of slavery put an end to Lamu’s economic golden age, but the archipelago’s identity remains wedded to the influences that blew in on the trade winds all those centuries ago. Swahili (from Sawahil, the Arabic word for coast) blends Africa and Arabia, black magic and Islam, and pervades every part of Lamu’s character. Imams still call the Muslim population to prayer at the 40 mosques on the island a thousand years after Arab traders brought their religion ashore. Lamu Town could be uprooted from Kenyan soil and whisked to Oman, 2,200 miles away, and look perfectly at home. The archipelago’s stone houses, or nyumbe, follow Arabic architectural principles, with Swahili twists. In every porchway opening onto the town’s alleys some small social scene is played out: shy couples courting, schoolgirls giggling, elderly men stopping for a mango juice with a neighbor. Behind them, thick, carved mahogany doors keep domestic life closed to the outside world. Those invited inside find a courtyard open to the skies, traditionally used for cooking and socializing, and a series of high-ceilinged rooms beyond – the one farthest from the street and its prying eyes occupied by unmarried women. In the finest houses, walls are lined with deep niches, once used to hold spices and porcelain, but now more likely to house a tinny radio or a photo of Mecca in a plastic frame. The woodworker of Lamu In many of Lamu’s restored nyumbe, the furniture was turned by the hand of one of Kenya’s most respected wood carvers, Ali Abdalla Skanda. His workshop faces the sea on the northern edge of Lamu Town and is a mess of door frames, bed posts, half-finished chairs, cobwebs and wood chippings. Cuts of mahogany, ebony, teak, iroko and mangrove are stacked against the wall in a dark backroom. A frail man in a pale kanzu robe and embroidered kofia hat, Ali sits on a low stool by the doorway, swatting flies from his face. His daughter, Sukhila, hands out milk on the front step to passers-by while his son, Mohammed, his eyes a luminous golden-brown, seals a deal with an American customer with a firm handshake. "We take orders from as far away as New York and London," he smiles. "My father is a genius." It’s a genius that took Ali to Zanzibar and Somalia as a young man, working as crew on a ship so he could pick up different carving styles and techniques away from his home town. "My father tried to make a cocktail – Indian styles, Indonesian styles, Karachi styles," Mohammed explains, translating his father’s Swahili. "Now it is his style. Me, my hobby is to copy the old furniture. I make beds and chairs with secret compartments." Mohammed is one of over a hundred students whom his father has taught through the years. And Ali gains his greatest happiness from this, not the fact that he carved the main door gracing Kenya’s Parliament House in Nairobi or many of the doors in Lamu. "He has been carving for 60 years," Mohammed says. "His workshop in Lamu was the first and is now surrounded by 50 others. He gives people a good life, a special skill." Ali’s passion for carving began when he was a boy, building his first boat under the supervision of Muhamadi Kijuma, a master woodworker whose life is celebrated in the Lamu Museum. The wooden dhows that ply the waters around Lamu are based on the Omani sailing boats that were once vital for the region’s trade. In true Swahili style, they have been adapted, retaining the triangular sail of the original but taking elements of Mozambiquean dhows and the Portuguese galleons that appeared on the horizon in the 16th century. The archipelago’s dhow-building center now lies five miles around the Lamu coast in the village of Matondoni, a web of single-story mud-and-wattle houses flanked by coconut palms and alive with the sound of hammering. The beach is littered with the carcasses of rotting dhows. A young man, Mickey, sits at one, pushing balls of cotton wool soaked in coconut oil into cracks to make the vessel watertight. At his feet lies a pile of rough nails. Mahmood the blacksmith squats in his shack examining the next batch, their angular tips still red from the fire. He stirs the embers with bellows made from an old cement sack, and wipes his smoke-grimed face with gnarled fingers. He is the village’s only blacksmith; the boys here want to be sailors, not landlubbers. "We are from the sea," explains Mickey. "Dhows are our culture." While Lamu’s fortunes may no longer come and go on the trade winds, the dhows that were swept in on them may yet offer its future. Other than the 2,500 donkeys on the island, the dhow is the preferred mode of transport, used for haulage and fishing and to ferry people between islands. For the past 20 years, it has had a new role. Mickey gestures to a large, square-sterned dhow anchored in the channel off Matondoni. "Before, they went sailing to Arabia and India. Now they go sailing with tourists." The dhow in question is Swalihina. The boat was found in a state of decay by the owners of travel company Basecamp Explorer, who decided to save her. They started a dhow school on the island, employing local boys and teaching them how to repair the boat using traditional techniques. After a reconstruction job that took five years, Swalihina is the most magnificent boat plying the waters round Lamu, 17 meters (56ft) of shiny mangrove boards and billowing sails. For the tourists who rent it, days pass in creaking idleness, jumping into clear waters shared by turtles, parrotfish and coral. Nights are spent on deck under skies dusted with a million stars, listening to the water slap against the hull. Swalihina anchors off Paté Island for the night © Eric Lafforgue / Lonely Planet" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="e070be22-414a-4d57-bfaf-9bb674dde555" data-langcode="en" title="LPT1011_052.jpg"> A culture of sailing Basecamp has a serious purpose beyond the fulfillment of tropical fantasies. Settling back after a dinner of crab balls and kingfish pulled from seas now turning orange and purple under the setting sun, the company’s Annette Bulman explains, "When we first came here, we asked, 'What can we do to help the community and preserve the culture?' We wanted to teach young people how to make a living. They now have a trade – they’ll have that long after we leave." It takes a crew of 10 to sail Swalihina. Captain Sahib’s nephew, Erry, an earnest 16-year-old in a near-constant state of apology for his impeccable English, has grown up with boats. Leaving Swalihina anchored a little way offshore, he rows over to Paté, the largest island of the archipelago and one of the least developed. As an 11-year-old, he spent a month here with his uncle, learning to sail every day from 7am until 9pm. He wanders along the beach and a small boy follows, clutching a handmade toy boat. "I am only young in sailing but I have a lot of experience," he says. "I teach all of my school friends. Everyone wants to be a dhow captain." Erry and his friends get to demonstrate their sailing skills in the dhow races that take place twice a year around Lamu. The most significant race forms an integral part of Maulidi, a four-day festival celebrating the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. For many Muslims on the coast, the festival is the next best thing to the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Maulidi climaxes in a procession through town from the tomb of Ali Habib Swaleh, an Islamic scholar who built the island’s main mosque, Riyadha. In the nights leading up to the procession, village elders from Matondoni line up outside the mosque, performing a slow and hypnotic dance, holding their walking sticks in the air before dropping them as one on the dusty ground. Devotees push shilling notes under the performers’ kofia caps, conferring good luck on both dancer and donor. The custom is repeated in Mkunguni Square, children taking the place of the elders, and in houses across town. On a windswept rooftop close to Ali Skanda’s workshop, the manager of Lamu Museum holds her own Maulidi. Husna is a whirl of pink and gold polyester, with a crown of shillings on her head and fanned across her dress. Children, from toddlers to teenagers, sing along to a band of percussionists, and are rewarded with samosas and bottles of bright pop. Maulidi is equal parts sombre religion and island craziness; it’s Islam, Swahili-style. Fahra Swabir, who the previous night had danced and chatted unselfconsciously in a T-shirt and jeans on Husna’s rooftop, today sits quietly on a wall with her friends, all of them swathed in head-to-toe black bui-buis. "Today I am ninja," she laughs. "There are so many men around." There are so many of everyone around: boys in football shirts and shorts; Muslim celebrants from Mombasa in bright silk abayas; Maasai in red, checked cloaks; local women in printed bantu wraps; tourists carrying camcorders and bemused looks; journalists from Nairobi. Off to the races They’re all here for Lamu’s most peculiar interpretation of Maulidi: the donkey race. Lining up for registration with their owners, the donkeys (Barack Obama and Wayne Rooney among them) appear nervous and easy to frighten. Hollers from the crowd and the sharp clack of hooves on pavement announce the start of the race, and soon the donkeys are hurtling along the corniche, carrying riders as young as 12 on their backs. It’s more Pamplona than Blackpool, and the donkeys skitter into spectators, throwing off their jockeys and refusing to budge. It is too much for Fahra and she soon disappears to wait for the dhow races. There’s no doubt that the races are Maulidi’s main cultural event. The crowds that drifted away as the donkeys tore out of sight are back, and twice as large. Small dhows sit low in the water, heavy under the weight of 15 to 20 men. They mend the sails, remove and replace the rudders and eat a meal of beans washed down with sprite. Erry is keen to get started. "This is part of our culture. Our grandfathers did it, our fathers did it, we do it," he says. "But it is hard work. You need to be strong like a crab to put up the sail. If you are not, the dhow will throw you in the water." He waves as his boat heads to the starting line. "It is OK whatever happens. It is a game to win. It is a game to lose." The start is somewhat easier to miss than that of the donkey race: a horn blows, sails are unfurled and 12 dhows drift past Lamu Town and up towards Paté Island. The crews sit back and chat, calling to friends following on motorized launches. As the dhows turn into the wind for the return leg, the crews leap into action. On each boat, men throw themselves from port to starboard for balance and scamper along boards hanging over the water, pulling at the sail to keep their boat upright. One boy continuously smacks the water with a branch blessed by a magic man. The dhows lean at impossible angles into the wind, looking like they might topple at any moment. Erry’s boat is soon out of the race. A dhow named Arsenal, after the English football club, leads from the beginning and wins by some margin. The victors and runners-up celebrate wildly: joined by crew from other boats, they swing from the mast, jump into the water, sing and dance and howl as water sloshes into the hull. Late into the night, the Arsenal team can be heard running up the corniche, singing. Tomorrow, they’ll take the trophy back to Manda Island. Perhaps in 600 years’ time, a visitor to these islands will find that trophy alongside the pieces of 15th-century Chinese porcelain that still wash up on the shores, the remnants of mariners who crossed oceans to seek their fortune, and found it on a tiny archipelago called Lamu. You might also like: Turning myth into reality: the white lions of Timbavati Travel throwback to Hong Kong: Where worlds collide Travel throwback: The lost stories of Damascus This article was originally published in the October 2011 issue of Lonely Planet Magazine. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter . 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