Nature, adventure, and sand in your underwear: top ideas for an unforgettable trip
Summer is almost back, and with it comes the desire for new experiences.
The usual days at the beach? Boring!
A picnic at the local park? You’ve got to be kidding!
No, this time you need much more, something you’ll remember for the rest of your life, something that changes your life and the way you see the world.
We’ve got it. Actually, we’ve got 5 of them!
Here are the best destinations for summer 2024 that you can visit with the Sto Gran Tour team, for a trip that breaks the mold!
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Namibia
Namibia is the coolest country in the world for lovers of untamed nature—nothing else even comes close!
The ultimate proof is Etosha National Park, one of the most spectacular wildlife reserves on the planet. Elephants, giraffes, lions, hyenas, and tons of other animals live here in their natural habitat, across an area of more than 22,000 square kilometers. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a black rhino—which, honestly, isn’t really black, more gray, but let’s not tell it that, okay?
Then there’s the Namib Desert, where the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Climbing Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the area, is the kind of feat you’ll tell your grandkids about—especially when you remember how long it took to get all that sand out of your underwear.
Skeleton Coast, meanwhile, is incredible in its own unique way: stranded shipwrecks and a colony of one hundred thousand seals ready to make you hold your nose—the lovable little stinkers.
And we can’t forget Twyfelfontein, where ancient rock engravings tell stories from thousands of years ago, left behind by the people who once lived in the area.
California
Welcome to the land where dreams come true and highways stretch on forever.
California is the kingdom of road trips (and that’s exactly how we explore it—on the road, yeah baby!), where every mile brings a surprise.
Let’s start with Los Angeles, where you can stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and look for your name (spoiler: it’s not there!). And then there’s Hollywood itself, home to fabulously wealthy people living in mansions so impressive they’ll leave you speechless.
Then there’s the rest of the California coast, a true masterpiece of nature.
The Pacific Coast and Big Sur are perfect for anyone who loves breathtaking views (and isn’t afraid of heights), while San Francisco awaits with its Golden Gate, the famously winding Lombard Street, and the legendary Cable Cars—perfect if you like a touch of vintage charm.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to visit Alcatraz, one of the most legendary former prisons in history.
And what about California’s national parks?
They’re a paradise for nature lovers. Yosemite National Park, with its spectacular waterfalls and towering rock formations, is a nonstop feast for the eyes. And Sequoia National Park will make you want to hug every giant tree you see, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest giant sequoia in the world.
And if you’re a fan of heat—serious heat—then Death Valley is the place for you: an otherworldly landscape that looks straight out of a sci-fi film.
Uganda
Uganda is astonishing! One natural wonder after another, all packed into this small yet extraordinary country.
Take Murchison Falls National Park, with its mighty waterfalls and abundance of wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and lions. Or the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the ultimate habitat for anyone dreaming of seeing mountain gorillas up close (but not too close, if you’d like to keep your arms attached to your body).
And trust us, it’s an absolutely incredible experience, impossible to describe, and one of the finest moments in all our tours.
That said, we shouldn’t overlook Uganda’s other spectacular natural areas, such as the Bugoma Forest, full of monkeys of every kind—chimpanzees, baboons, colobus monkeys, and many more primates.
Last but not least, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Located in the western region, it covers a vast area of about 1,978 square kilometers, between Lake Edward and Lake George, connected by the Kazinga Channel.
This reserve is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, home to a wide range of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, and countless bird species. The park is also famous for the Maramagambo Forest and its caves, which shelter bats and pythons.
In short: absolutely amazing.
South Africa
Here’s another heavyweight when it comes to natural parks—Africa really has them in abundance.
One of the most incredible here in South Africa is the Kruger, which we love exploring during our tours in wonderfully rugged 4x4 jeeps, searching for the perfect moment and place to spot elephants, lions, and other members of the “Big Five” club.
And sleeping under the stars? Yes—but on the roof of our jeeps!
The beauty of South Africa is that the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat doesn’t stop on land, but extends to marine life too!
Just think: in Cape Town, besides exploring Table Mountain and learning about the country’s more painful history on Robben Island, we also go see penguins right on the beach at Boulders Beach. And not too far away, we head to some of the best whale-watching spots, like Hermanus, the mecca of whale watching.
Japan
And then there’s Japan, which always seems to make it look easy. What an incredible country!
Tokyo is like a caffeine overdose: frenetic, exciting, and a little chaotic. Shibuya and Akihabara are perfect for those who love dazzling lights and technology, while Kyoto is the city of ancient temples and geishas, a place where time seems to have stood still—a little jewel for both the eyes and the heart.
And honestly, we’re not even going to list all the amazing things Japan has to offer, because we’d be here all night. But here are just a few:
- the Kamikochi Valley, perfect for hiking and admiring breathtaking scenery;
- Nikko, a lovely UNESCO World Heritage town known for its historic shrines and temples surrounded by nature;
- Shiretoko National Park, where you have the chance to see bears up close;
- Osaka and its castle, built in classic feudal Japanese style and a true symbol of the city’s history;
- Nara Deer Park;
- majestic Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, with breathtaking views and spectacular hiking trails;
- Hiroshima and its Peace Memorial, a place that invites reflection like few others in the world;
- and a whole lot more!
Japan is absolutely incredible!
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In conclusion
Heading off in summer with Sto Gran Tour is the kind of experience you didn’t know you needed, but one that will change your life. In this article, we’ve shared some of the most amazing highlights from a few of the countries we visit during the season.
Whether you’re fascinated by the wild nature of Namibia, the iconic roads of California, the natural wonders of Uganda, the spectacular reserves of South Africa, or the rich culture and technology of Japan, a world of adventure is waiting for you. The only problem is choosing—and to help with that, here are the itineraries for our tours in these 5 countries:
- epic Namibia itinerary;
- ultimate California road trip;
- mega Uganda tour;
- top-tier South Africa expedition;
- supercharged trip to Japan.
Choose your favorite and book now.
Let’s go!
