Author: Rachel O
-
The best time of year to visit Almaty, Kazakhstan
It’s summer, and many of our friends are jetting off to their home countries for the long school holidays. Apart from missing them all terribly already, I’m also organising our family to head home to Australia soon – we now have a child in big kid school and so our lives are also determined by…
-
One week in Uzbekistan (2023)
Short on time but want your family to see the best of the Old Silk Road? Read on to find out our one week Uzbekistan itinerary In 2023 we had one week to visit Uzbekistan during my daughter’s autumn school break. We chose to minimise the travelling, because both our children are very young. We…
-
How to enjoy a family safari at Rwanda’s Akagera Park
Situated in the country’s east, Akagera is one of four amazing national safari parks in Rwanda. But the only one with lions! A safari trip is a fantastic idea for your next family holiday and can – and will – be enjoyed by all ages. We stayed overnight in one of Rwanda’s oldest national parks,…
-
Almaty’s Green Bazaar: Planning a great visit there
A must-see for anyone visiting Almaty, the Green Bazaar offers a fantastic central asian marketplace experience Marketplaces are a natural part of any established town, and they are especially cool in Central Asia. Naturally Almaty has a fantastic one. Green Bazaar, known locally as Zelony Bazar and Kok Bazar, is a marketplace in the north…
-
The best way to visit Charyn Canyon
Visitors to Almaty who want to get out of the city will definitely want to visit the incredible Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. A popular tourist trip for folks visiting Almaty is the Charyn Canyon visit. Usually done overnight and coupled with visits to Kolsai Lake (also spelt Kolsay but I’m siding with…
-
My guide to having a successful Gorilla Trek in Rwanda
Rwanda is a fantastic place to embark on a Gorilla Trek! Let me tell you my tips! Gorillas are really cool. This might be obvious to you (or not, I don’t know you) but if you’ve only seen them in zoos you’re not really getting the whole experience. Seeing them up close with no fence…
-
The best way to enjoy Nauryz in Kazakhstan (2025 update)
Nauryz, or Nowruz, meaning ‘New Day’ across Kazakhstan and Central Asia, occurs in early Spring and is the traditional new year holiday. A celebration of fertility, friendship and peace, it is non-religious, but very important nonetheless. It is a great opportunity for families and friends to meet, honour the return of spring, and prepare and…
-
Why I think you should visit Ak Bulak Ski Resort (2025 update)
Almaty has so many great options for skiers, so I had to go check out Ak Bulak! Situated just over an hour outside Almaty, I finally took my family to check out Ak Bulak Ski Resort, and I’m glad I did! It’s a different style of ski resort to Almaty’s other resort offerings, Oi Qaragai…
-
Why I think Kazakhstan is safe to travel to
Travelling to a new country can make anyone anxious, so why not hear how someone who lives here navigates safety concerns in Kazakhstan. In my experience, Kazakhstan is safe to travel to. But keep in mind: my family lives here, we have good health insurance, we have a community made of local and expat friends…
-
The best place to stay in Shymbulak Mountain Resort (2025 update)
If you are wondering about where the best place to stay for your next visit to Shymbulak Resort then please read on! Shymbulak Mountain Resort is a great all year round resort high up in the mountains surrounding Almaty. It has a range of different accommodations to suit your needs, and is a fun visit.…