Around The World With Distant Journeys

Loyal customer, Andy Woolf, has travelled to an impressive three continents with Distant Journeys, enjoying tours to Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and Vietnam & Cambodia over the last six years. A keen photographer, here Andy reveals the stories and memories behind some of his incredible images.

“I first discovered Distant Journeys in 2019 while searching for an escorted tour to Australia. What appealed to me was the flexibility within the itineraries – especially the Freedom Days, which allowed for personalised experiences tailored to different interests within the group. I was also able to add two extra nights in Perth to visit long-lost family. Our Tour Manager was superb and set a high standard for others to follow.

Because of that initial experience, a follow-up tour with Distant Journeys the following year to New Zealand was an obvious choice, and tours to South Africa (plus Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park), Vietnam & Cambodia and India soon followed!

The sights I have experienced have been amazingly varied and crying out to be photographed as permanent reminders.” – Andy Woolf

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Australia - The Very Best of Australia

“Australia, of course, is full of iconic sights, but my favourites were Uluru and Kata Tjuta – not just seeing them up close, but also from the air whilst enjoying a scenic helicopter flight. It was a truly unforgettable viewpoint of the region.”

Rotorua, New Zealand - The Very Best of New Zealand

“On New Zealand’s North Island, one of the highlights was Rotorua, where we got our first proper taste of Màori culture and saw the power and beauty of the geothermal landscape – especially the regular eruption of the Pòhutu geyser at Te Puia. On top of it all, New Zealand is the friendliest place I’ve ever visited.”

Egyptian Vulture, Pretoria, South Africa - Spectacular South Africa

“Nothing compares to the thrill of coming across your first wild animal just feet from the jeep on a game drive. But it’s not all about the ‘big ticket’ sightings – Africa’s birdlife is stunning too. Bigger, brighter, and surprisingly cooperative, they actually sit still long enough for an amateur like me to capture them in all their glory.”

Brahma Faces, Phnom Penh, Cambodia - The Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

“This tour revealed the rich contrasts of Vietnam & Cambodia – from Hanoi’s culture and Ha Long Bay’s calm to Phnom Penh’s energy and Angkor’s grandeur. I especially loved capturing Cambodia’s intricate art and architecture with my zoom lens – like the Brahma faces halfway up the Royal Palace’s Throne Room spire.”

Leopard, Pench National Park, India - Indian Wildlife Adventure

“Luck plays a big role in wildlife sightings. Encountering four Bengal tigers and two Asiatic lions was incredible, but the real magic was finding an elusive pair of leopards. Ours was the only jeep in the area, which meant the leopards were not spooked by our presence. We were fortunate to observe and follow them closely, watching their movements and behaviour for over half an hour – a truly magical experience.”