Traveling is often romanticized as a journey of self discovery in far remote regions of the world. However, with the advent of social media and the development of tourism in every little corner of the planet, it has become harder and harder to experience true journeys into the unknown; to be in a place very few go that are so difficult and challenging to get to because of the sheer magnitude of planning required and the so little availability of information that these destinations have remained for the most part unspoiled.
As a travel photographer, these types of adventures are a dream. This is why I put in lots of time to research and showcase some of the most beautiful expeditions in the world for my blog here today. Expeditions are just that, the embodiment of adventure, the journey into the unknown, all carefully planned by teams of people with both experience and the knowledge to travel through these far remote regions of the world.
Expedition Criteria
Before I present every expedition on my list, I first want to talk about what criteria I was looking for to write my article. I also would like to note that I am not paid by any touring company to share this information, the selection of the expeditions are objective and I have no financial gain (I'm not earning affiliate commissions for this).
Comprehensive Tour of a Region or Country
First, I wanted to make sure that the expedition was comprehensive for the region I traveled to. When I visit a place, I like to completely visit it because I know that chances are I will never visit again. I do not want to compromise on my choices, I want to capture all the beauty the place offers. This is why most of these expeditions will be multiple days and tackle multiple destinations on its itinerary.
1. World Class Sights
Another important factor in my selection is that I chose expeditions that take you to some of the most beautiful sights in the world. I want to be sure that my money is invested wisely and that I am subjected to jaw-dropping beauty. The emphasis of the tours are to sight-see, explore, and spend time to appropriately capture the spirit of the destination.
2. Value for Money
Another important factor I considered in my choice of expeditions is value for money. What makes a memorable experience is not to have to worry about eating and sleeping. I did not compromise on comfort for a better price, but I also did not choose expensive expeditions for useless amenities. The pricier expeditions were chosen because they visit key places that cannot be found elsewhere.
3. Dangerous or Heavily Remote
Another important factor I considered in my selection of travel destinations is the ability to self tour. I always rather tour a place on my own and at my own leisure. However, some places of the world are either politically dangerous, require an expert guide by law, or are so remote that logistically, it would be impossible to plan the trip on my own.
I hope you will enjoy this list. Feel free to shop around as many decent companies offer amazing tours to all these destinations. However, based on my research and experience in travel, these are the most beautiful expeditions in the world:
Socotra, Yemen
Socotra is located between the Guardafui Channel and the Arabian Sea. It is officially part of the politically dangerous region of Yemen. However, Socotra is a beautiful island which makes this entry a perfect candidate for one of the most beautiful expeditions in the world.
Socotra has a high number of endemic species (unique to the region) and is very isolated. Sometimes described as one of “the most alien-looking places on Earth.” Socotra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most notable feature of Socotra is the dragon’s blood trees which make Socotra’s landscapes quite remarkable and distinctive. Socotra also has unique animals such as the Socotra sunbird and the Socotra grosbeak which are both very photogenic birds perfect for wildlife photographers visiting the island. Another very photogenic part of Socotra is the many caves and shipwrecks that can be found around the island.
It is important to note that at the time of writing this article, the island of Socotra was seized by Yemeni separatists which took control of military and government buildings. This does increase the current risk levels of visiting the island which was mostly unaffected by the Yemeni war until now. This is why I would personally wait a few years before planning a trip here to see how things progress in the region. You may want to get in contact with touring companies to verify if this situation will affect your travel plans.
There are many expeditions going to the beautiful island of Socotra, but the most recommended expedition is this one:
“This program has been specifically designed as the ultimate Socotra off-the-beaten-path expedition. If you’re looking to truly explore Socotra, get to know the island’s people and endemic species first-hand, and get far off the regular tourist trail, this is the expedition for you.”
Key Details:
$5400 USD
16 Days
Departs from Cairo, Egypt
Group of up to 18 People
Key Photo Opportunities:
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is a huge tropical rainforest in the Amazon basin of South America. The Amazon rainforest is 5.5 million km2 making it the most impressive rainforest in the world. A total of 9 nations have territory in the Amazon rainforest including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Half of the planet's remaining rainforests are in the Amazon. There are 390 billion trees in the Amazon rainforest scattered across 16,000 unique species making it the most diverse rainforest in the world. There are also a ton of animal life includes 2,000 different birds and mammals. This makes the amazon a place rich in photographic opportunity and adventure.
I've always been fascinated by the Amazon rainforest. It has always been a popular destination for many Hollywood films and has been the subject of my imagination for a long time. I have always wanted to visit the Amazon rainforest through an expedition Guided by an expert to photograph the beautiful species that exist in the rainforest as well as capture the unique landscapes that are to be found in the heart of the jungle.
When I did my research to find the most beautiful expedition going into the Amazon rainforest, I did not have any particular destination in mind, all I knew is that I wanted to go deep inside the jungle to see as many different types of animals as I possibly could.
There are many expeditions going to the beautiful amazon rainforest, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Since 1981, we have been delivering spectacular adventures into the rainforest of Peru as the region’s leading ecotourism operator. Join us at our award-winning lodges, the Amazonia Expeditions Tahuayo Lodge and Amazon Research Center Lodge to experience the most biodiverse region yet studied. Your highly trained private guide and customized itinerary will deliver an unforgettable experience.”
Key Details:
$1695 USD
10 Days
Departs from Iquitos, Peru
Choose Your Own Adventure Private Tour
Key Photo Opportunities:
Sahara Desert, Morocco
Located on the African continent, the Sahara desert is a 9.2 million km2 hot desert. It is the third largest desert in the world after Antarctica and the Arctic. Much of the touristy part of the Sahara Desert is located in Morocco. Most expeditions to the Moroccan Sahara will depart from Marrakech which makes this type of expedition a perfect add-on to your trip to Morocco. The Sahara Desert is also located north of the Atlas Mountains which makes these two locations a perfect destination for a combined expedition.
Interestingly enough the Sahara desert is only covered by approximately 25% sand dunes. The rest of the desert consists of salt flats, gravel plains, plateaus, as well as snow-covered mountains.
Visitors to the Sahara Desert will be enamored by its wildlife including camels, goats, cheetahs, gazelles, ostrich, fennec fox, and monitor lizards.
The Sahara Desert is also home to 2.5 million people with Berber or Arabic roots. Some of them reside near places with water sources or are nomads traveling from place to place in the desert.
The Sahara Desert has always been a place of dreams for me, it is the place of so many movies that take place in desert settings and these movies have always tingled my imagination. The idea of traveling on a camel during sunrise or to sleep under the stars next to a desert oasis have romanticized my idea of the Sahara Desert. Surviving in the Sahara Desert however is another ball game. The desert can be hot and dangerous which is why I think an expedition accompanied by an expert guide would be the perfect way to visit this beautiful desert.
There are many expeditions going to the beautiful Sahara Desert, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Sit down and relax, enjoy the refreshing taste of the perfectly prepared glass of mint tea, absorb the atmosphere and let yourself be transported into the magical land of dunes and deserts, of waterfalls and rivers, rugged mountains, lakes and breath-taking landscapes.”
Key Details:
€405 Euro
4 Days
Departs from Marrakech, Morocco
Private Tour
Key Photo Opportunities:
Madagascar
Madagascar is an island country off the coast of East Africa. 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife cannot be found anywhere else on the planet making the world’s second largest island country a unique biodiversity hotspot.
Madagascar’s most popular wild animals include dozens of different species of lemurs as well as half the Earth’s species of chameleons. There are also many birds to be found in Madagascar, including the elusive long-tailed ground roller making this unique island a wildlife photography hotspot.
Madagascar is also home to many world heritage sites including the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, the rainforests of Atsinanana, and the Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Reserve. There are many amazing landscapes waiting to be discovered in Madagascar.
As a travel photographer, I've always been fascinated about Madagascar and its unique wildlife as well as its lush rainforests found on this amazing bio-diverse island. It has always been a dream of mine to explore every nook and cranny of this island. Although Madagascar remains a beautiful country, it's political instability makes it somewhat more dangerous than other destinations. Add traveling through deep and dense jungles filled with many wild animals, Madagascar is a perfect destination for a guided expedition.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Madagascar, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Separated from mainland Africa and India during the Mesozoic Era, Madagascar has been called the “land that time forgot” for its incredible biodiversity. Journey to this wonderland of weird and wild creatures—a majority of which are found nowhere else on Earth—and delve into its curious geology and intriguing multiethnic culture. Spy leaping lemurs and a rainbow of chameleons, birds, and orchids in the lush forests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park; watch for humpbacks and whale sharks in the stunning Nosy Be archipelago; and learn about the African and Polynesian roots of Malagasy culture while exploring the island’s capital Antananarivo and its environs.”
Key Details:
$6500 USD (Avg.)
14 Days
Departs from Antananarivo, Madagascar
Private Tour
Key Photo Opportunities:
Zimbabwe
Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe. A country of roughly 14 million people, it is known for some of its beautiful natural attractions such as Victoria Falls on the Zambezi and Hwange National Park. There are also many known ancient ruins in Zimbabwe which is unusual in Africa.
A country of dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and hardworking people. There have been significant political issues over the last few decades which can still be felt today.
I’ve always wanted to visit the beautiful Victoria Falls and experience some of the sights and natural wonders Zimbabwe has to offer but due to the political situation in Zimbabwe, visiting this country on your own is not the best idea right now. The good news is, there are tons of reputable tour operators that will take you on unique expeditions through the Zimbabwe territory safely. Expeditions will take you to the best sights and into the heart of the animal kingdom to truly experience the best Zimbabwe has to offer.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Zimbabwe, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Your journey starts at the Victoria Falls, locally known as ‘the smoke that thunders’. Watch the water crash over the chasm and tick this World Heritage Site off your bucket list. Your next stop is in the best game-viewing area in the heart of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, where there are large elephant and buffalo herds and lots of other wildlife. Your journey comes to an end at Mana Pools National Park, a remote wilderness that captures visitors’ hearts and speaks to the wildness in their souls. Enjoy game drives, nature walks and perhaps a river cruise.”
Key Details:
$7195 USD
9 Days
Departs from Livingstone International Airport, Zambia
Private Tour
Key Photo Opportunities:
South Africa
South Africa is a place of great culture with some of the most engaging political reforms in the last few decades. South Africa, often known for the legacy of Nelson Mandela, is a country of 56 million people the size of Spain and France combined.
What is the most exciting thing to me about South Africa is its nature. From powdery beaches to star-studded desert skies and jagged lush mountains there is something for every photographer visiting South Africa. Places like Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Drakensberg, and the Winelands offer travelers some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes on our planet. South Africa also offers the opportunity to see many wild animals in their most natural state through guided safaris expeditions.
South Africa is a country with a significant level of serious crime which means that as an independent traveler you would want to be careful traveling there alone. It is also impossible to visit some of the most beautiful locations in South Africa without a guided expert such as safaris and wilderness expeditions. This is why I recommend booking a guided tour or expedition when visiting South Africa.
Personally, South Africa has always felt like a gem to me. It is home to some of the most beautiful cities and villages in Africa, has some truly remarkable landscapes, and there are plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife which make South Africa one of the destinations highest on my bucket list for travel photography.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful South Africa, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Start in Kruger National Park and end in Muizenberg! With the Adventure tour South Africa: See & Do it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Traveling, you have a 12 days tour package taking you through Kruger National Park, South Africa and 17 other destinations in Africa. South Africa: See & Do it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Traveling includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, transport and more.”
Key Details:
$2,459 USD
12 Days
Departs from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, South Africa
Group of up to 6 People
Key Photo Opportunities:
Kenya
Another beautiful African country on this list is Kenya. Kenya is known for its friendly people and unique way of life, with over 40 different tribal groups scattered across the country. It is the most developed economy in East Africa.
For photographers, Kenya will be a land of vast savannahs, snow-capped mountains, and incredible wildlife. Kenya is a favorite destination amongst travelers for its unique safaris.
Traveling to the remote regions of Kenya will require planning and immense prudence. Kenya is a country with a high degree of political turmoil and crime. This is why a guided tour or expedition through Kenya is the perfect way to experience all the incredible life this country has to offer.
Kenya is a country well known across the world. My entire life I’ve been aware of the immense beauty this country offers by the many BBC documentaries shot in Kenya. This is why I have always dreamed to step into the shoes of these documentary makers and to experience Kenya firsthand.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Kenya, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“This Kenya wildlife safari gives you a real taste of adventure, veering slightly off the beaten safari track to the best locations from which to appreciate Kenya’s spectacular landscape and wildlife. Begin your Kenya wildlife safari with unique giraffe encounters at the world famous Giraffe Manor, before heading north to sleep under the stars in Laikipia. From here, you will fly south to Solio Ranch, a rhino breeding sanctuary teeming with wildlife. After a week of discovering the wildlife on safari in the bush, you can relax and rejuvenate in the tranquil lakeside gardens of Ajabu House. The grand finale in the Masai Mara allows you to experience Africa’s most famous sounds and sights in remote but luxurious surroundings.”
Key Details:
$15,340 USD
12 Nights
Departs from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya
Private Tour
Key Photo Opportunities:
Tanzania
Tanzania is one of my personal favorite picks on this list. Home to both the famous Serengeti National Park and the Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a real adventure destination.
Tanzania is blessed by awesome wildlife, unique culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
The ultimate trip to Tanzania would include visiting the Serengeti National Park and chasing the big five, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffalo. Then to climb for days to the roof of Africa to the highest mountain on the continent, waking up at midnight, and trekking to the top in time to watch the sunset rise on God’s land. Followed by a trip to luxurious Zanzibar island with it’s turquoise waters, soft sand beaches, and massive diversity of marine animals.
Relatively speaking, Tanzania is a stable country, with significant investments in their tourism industry, they have built a safe and comfortable experience for travelers from all over the world. Of course, traveling to the top of a 5,895 meter mountain and a national park filled with some of the most dangerous wild animals on earth is probably not a good idea on your own (it’s also illegal), therefore, an expert guide is absolutely necessary to visit these beautiful lands. This makes Tanzania a perfect selection for my list.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Tanzania, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Safari and Kilimanjaro Tanzania Tour include a trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro 7 days and Tanzania safari 5 days to Tarangire national Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. This is two in one Tanzanian adventure tour for people who need to experience big summit Mountains and great plains African Big five animals. This Tanzania safari itinerary provides best combination trips you will love.”
Key Details:
$6,200 USD
12 Days
Departs from Kilimanjaro international airport
Private Tour
Option to Extend Trip with 3 Days in Zanzibar
Key Photo Opportunities:
Botswana
Home to the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, Botswana is a beautiful Southern African destination. Home to breathtaking landscapes and lush wildlife, you’ll find some of the best safaris in the world, especially during the seasonal floods.
From pelicans, to nile crocodiles, to giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, elephants, wild dogs, and much more, there is so much wildlife to be seen when visiting the magnificent land of Botswana.
Chobe National Park especially, is known for its large swathes of Elephants. It is relatively easy to spot Elephants in Chobe National Park in Botswana. Another often found animal is the buffalo and the hippos that dwell in the river. Territorial fights among hippos are quite frequent to observe which are quite a show for nearby observers.
There are so many 4x4 trails and paths across Botswana as well which make it especially special to explore the furthest regions of the country where both mysterious and undiscovered landscapes are waiting to be uncovered and large groups of animals reside waiting to be found. Expect deserts, forests, marshes, rivers, and waterbeds during your visit to Botswana.
Botswana is another one of Africa’s most stable countries. Relative to other African nations, it is much safer, given that due to the diamond industry in Botswana, the country has transformed into a middle-income country. However, while the country is safe, much of the main attractions in Botswana are found in the middle of the country’s natural habitats, which make a guide, a necessity, and Botswana, the perfect addition to my list.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Botswana, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“This adventure will take you to the spectacular regions of Botswana’s Chobe National Park and the Savute and rounds off your journey with a delightfully indulgent two night stay at one of our &BEYOND lodges in the Okavango Delta. As an optional extra, you can add the renowned Victoria Falls to your itinerary.”
Key Details:
$4,670 USD
9 Days
Departs from Maun Airport or Kasane Airport
Private Tour
Option to Extend Trip with Victoria Falls
Key Photo Opportunities:
Qinghai, China
Qinghai, China is a beautiful, largely sparse, Chinese province spread across the high Tibetan, Plateau.
Qinghai has many immense and breathtaking landscapes. There are towering mountains, and vast basins waiting to be captured by your camera.
The Qinghai Lake is especially popular, photos don’t do it justice, it is an immense lake with amazing views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. There is also the Chaka Lake that is also known as the mirror lake because of the ability for people to walk on it and take pictures of the perfect reflections.
However, what makes Qinghai very special is its unique diversity of wildlife that inhabits the region. In such a high altitude area, it is rare to see so many animals living so prosperously which means that if you do visit this region, you will want to head straight towards the mountains to see all these wild animals in their natural habitat.
Some of the most famous animals include the Wild Yak, the Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, Tibetan Antelope, Palla’s Cat, and most famous of all the rare and mystical Snow Leopard. Seeing the snow leopard in action could be your Walter Mitty moment.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Qinghai, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“This itinerary will visit the Tibetan Plateau and associated mountainous ecosystems of the Chinese province, Qinghai. This rugged and sparsely populated area is home to large numbers of iconic and endangered species such as snow leopards, wild yak, Tibetan antelope, Himalayan brown bear, Tibetan wolves among many others.”
Key Details:
£3,795 Euros
14 Nights
Departs from Yushu
Min. 5 Person Tour
Key Photo Opportunities:
Namibia
Namibia is located on the South-West coast of Africa. It is known for its vast sand dunes, rugged coastal landscapes, and impressive savannahs.
Namibia, to me, is a perfect destination because you will find a little bit of everything. Sossusvlei offers dramatic desert dunes with leafless trees scattered around giving your photos added depth and character.
You can also visit the impressive mountains lush with vegetation and impressive vistas. Watching sunsets in places very few have gone to.
Another awesome sight in Namibia is the wildlife. There are so many different animals from the White Rhinocerous to the Meerkat and the Elephant, there are many opportunities in Namibia for wild animal sightings.
Namibia is known as one of the safest African countries. The people welcome tourists with open arms and you will not feel out of place. However, the country is vast, and the most beautiful sights and most wild of animals are found deep inside the Namibian wilderness which means that have an expert guide is recommended, which is why I believe Namibia is a perfect entry to my list.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Namibia, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Experiencing the vast spaces, wildness and solitude of Namibia you are constantly reminded of the magnitude of nature and the elements. The unsurpassed beauty of the Kalahari, Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland and Etosha National Park set the scene for a great African adventure offering excellent value for money.”
Key Details:
$2,957 USD
13 Days
Departs from Windhoek, Namibia
8 Person Group
Key Photo Opportunities:
Rub’ al Khali
The Rub’ al Khali is an immense desert in the Arabian Peninsula. It is approximately 250,000 km2 and covers portions of Yemen, Oman, and UAE. It is home to some of the most beautiful but driest deserts in the world. Most of the Rub’ al Khali is unexplored due to its inhabitable living conditions. Will you be the one to uncover its secrets?
There are no permanent settlements in the Rub’ al Khali. The only other people you will meet are other travelers exploring the depths of this untamed desert. What is fascinating about the Rub’ al Khali are the landscapes. The backdrop of some of the most famous scenes in Star Wars, the Rub’ al Khali truly feels otherworldly. As a photographer, you will have dozens of opportunities to capture epic, massive sand dunes. Another amazing feature of this desert is the ability to see stars. With absolutely zero light pollution, you will likely never see a night sky as magnificent as in the Rub’ al Khali.
Tours of the Rub’ al Khali usually start in Oman. Oman is a relatively safe country, however it does have some strict religious and moral laws. If one respects these laws, they should find no problem traveling to Oman. However, the Rub’ al Khali is another beast altogether. While crime isn’t necessarily an issue, you will want to visit this desert prepared, which is why this make the Rub’ al Khali a perfect destination for a guided expedition to bring you to the most beautiful spots without having to worry so much about everything you need.
There are many expeditions going to the beautiful Rub’ al Khali, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Our guests will spend two truly memorable nights in the embrace of the Empty Quarter. The tour takes us to a desert oasis where visitors can see warm water gushing forth on to the golden, soft sands of the Empty Quarter; one of the finest photo opportunity in Dhofar.”
Key Details:
Unknown Price
3 Days
Departs from Salalah, Oman
Unknown Group Size
Key Photo Opportunities:
Torngat Mountains National Park
Torngat Mountains National Park is a remote national park in Canada. It is a massive park with a size of 9,700 km2! In Torngat Mountains National Park, you will find mountainous landscapes, glaciers, caribous, and polar bears. There is so much to do in this park from fishing to hiking and camping. For photographers, you will be among the most impressive beauty Canada has to offer and in a place very few have traveled before.
Getting to Torngat Mountains National Park is no easy feat. You will have to get to Goose Bay, Newfoundland and from there charter a flight to Saglek, Newfoundland. However, lucky for you most expeditions to Torngat Mountains includes a fully organised round trip flight from Goose Bay.
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. Traveling in Canada is easy and so is planning a trip. However, Torngat Mountains is not open to casual travellers unfortunately which makes it an essential addition to my list. To be able to visit this region, one must travel through the Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station and use this as the base camp for their adventure. Otherwise, going out in the deep wilderness on your own is not recommended which is why I recommend booking an expedition to Torngat that includes the airfare, the lodging and food, as well as the guided expeditions across the beautiful park.
There are many expeditions going to the beautiful Torngat Mountains National Park, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Explore the Canadian north on this 8-day Arctic safari. The wilderness is yours to explore as you hike to pristine lakes, relax beside streams and rivers, and encounter the wildlife of the region. Each day is unique in the Torngat Mountains on this choose-your-own-adventure itinerary.”
Key Details:
$7,445 CAD
8 Days
Departs from Goose Bay, Canada
Private Expeditions in Small Groups
Key Photo Opportunities:
Himalayas
One of earth’s natural wonders, the Himalayas are a mountain system in Asia that includes at least 110 peaks, some of which are the highest in the world. The highest peak, and most well known of all, is Mount Everest. The Himalayas are known for attracting mountaineers and pilgrims from all over the world looking for both a challenge and the adventure of a lifetime. The Himalayas span across China, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, and most popular of all Nepal.
The Himalayas is truly a sacred place. With more than a hundred peaks, photographers will find many unique opportunities to capture the region, from the beautiful forest floors to the dramatic snow-capped peaks dominating the landscape. The Himalayas aren’t just wilderness either, there are millions of people that call it home and all have different cultures and heritage to share with curious explorers. This is why the Himalayas are a must visit, there is no limit to the amount of amazing beauty that can be captured during your visit in the region.
The most popular country to visit in the Himalayas is Nepal, which is a usually safe country to visit for foreign travellers. However, keep in mind that trekking into the Himalayas requires planning and expertise and while you may be a savvy traveller, getting to where you want to go will most likely be safer with a guide. This is why I recommend touring the Himalayas through an expedition rather than on your own.
There are many expeditions going to the beautiful Himalayas, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
““Heaven is a myth, Nepal is real.”
Thus goes the local proverb of the explicitly beautiful nation of Nepal and the visitors cannot agree more. A country that is lying on the lap of the Himalayan range displays all the visual belle of nature that maybe even heaven cannot hold on to. A destination with so much naturally enriched aesthetic elements definitely invites tourists from every corner of the earth.”
Key Details:
$2,861 CAD
12 Days
Departs from Kathmandu, Nepal
Group of 15
Key Photo Opportunities:
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are a remote region in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, below South America. There are many small rugged islands that make up the region as well as a breath of wild landscapes and unique fauna from the colonies of King Penguins on Salisbury Plain to the Glaciers of the Arctic Peninsula.
South Georgia is the main attraction in the region, being an island that has diverse wildlife from the two types of seals and six types of penguins that call the island home. Sometimes, you will be able to spot 250,000 penguins on the island at a time which is an astounding sight to behold. As a photographer, there will always be a story to capture when standing in the presence of such raw nature.
The islands also offer many different sights to travellers, and are often much less visited. Zavodovski Island has an active volcano which should bring out your sense of excitement and adventure. It also has one of the largest penguin colonies in the world. Saunders Island is also an interesting one, with a permanent volcano lake, something very few have seen.
I guarantee that if you take a trip down to South Georgia, that you will leave with some of the best memories in your lifetime and maybe some of the best pictures as well. Exploring this part of the world however is no easy task, you will need to be accompanied not only for a guided tour but because the weather is unpredictable, food is scarce, and you need to travel by boat (most of us don’t have our own vessels). For an expedition, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are the perfect destination because of their inaccessibility and extreme conditions which is why they make my list today.
There are many expeditions going to the beautiful South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“This is a “once in a lifetime” voyage: all islands, all “hot spots” combined in one voyage.”
Key Details:
$15,500 USD
20 Days
Departs from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
108 Passenger Cruise
Key Photo Opportunities:
Antarctica
No lists of most beautiful expeditions would be complete without mentioning Antarctica. Antarctica is a continent that most people have never been to. It is one of the rare last frontiers on Earth.
Antarctica is known for its glaciers and large expanses of ice, but also for its abundant wildlife, from sea creatures like whales to penguins that live along the coast of some of its islands. Antarctica is a place perfect for adventure, with expeditions around massive icebergs and journeys on foot around the continent. As a photographer, you will have a chance to capture landscapes that exist only for a moment as the seasons change and ice caps form differently. You will also be able to have some of the most unique pictures because of the sheer rarity of travelling so far south.
Of course, travelling to Antarctica is almost impossible without a guided expedition. Antarctica travel is usually through cruises, although you will want to have a smaller cruise size and vessel which will allow you more freedom by getting closer to landscapes and animals as well as walking around some of these mysterious unexplored lands.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Antarctica, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Inside the Antarctic Circle beats the unbridled and capricious heart of wildest Antarctica.”
Key Details:
$10,796 USD
15 Days
Departs from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
114 Passenger Cruise
Key Photo Opportunities:
Altai Mountains
The Altai Mountains are a well kept treasure. The Altai Mountains are located in a mountain range where Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China come together. What attracts visitors every year are the mesmerizing gigantic peaks that make up the region with one mountain towering more than 13,000 feet. Many of the mountainous features are jagged-like which create very interesting and unique landscapes for the region.
Many parts of the Altai Mountains are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photographers will not want to miss an opportunity to see the beautiful snow-capped peaks, lush vegetation, turquoise waters, and the unique Northern wildlife. Another awesome opportunity for photographers is to see the nomads that live their life in a way that they did centuries ago such as living in yurts and wearing culturally unique garments. On top of that, there are so many opportunities for activities in the region like camping, rafting, skiing, caving, and much more.
I have always wanted to visit the Altai Mountains and is definitely on my list of must go places. Most of the expeditions travel through Mongolia which is a reasonably safe place for visitors but has experienced a growing crime rate over the last few years. Travelling through the Altai Mountains is no easy feat as much of it is undeveloped and requires hiking and a lot of planning. Most of the time you will be traversing steep hills and unforgiving wilderness which means that travelling with a guide is not only recommended but can easily enhance your experience, especially for the first time which is why I included this entry on my list.
There are many expeditions going to the beautiful Altai Mountains, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“Go wild – very wild – as you unlock the beauty of the Altai Mountains on an 18-day far-out adventure through Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia.”
Key Details:
$5,525 USD
18 Days
Departs from Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
12 Person Group
Key Photo Opportunities:
Lesotho
Lesotho is a country surrounded by mountains in Southern Africa. It is known for its diamond industry as well as its stunning landscape and rich wildlife.
For photographers, Lesotho is a vastly underrated destination. It has it all, beautiful mountains, epic waterfalls, amazing culture, rivers, and lakes. It also has its fair share of wildlife, with lions, leopards, jackals, hyenas, meerkats, buffalo, and so much more. Lesotho is basically the Switzerland of Africa, only better in so many different ways.
Lesotho on average is a medium risk in terms of safety. It is not plagued by some of the troubles its neighboring African countries have had but it does have its fair share of crime and political instability. Therefore, exploring this vast country might be better with an expert who will know exactly how to take care of you during your visit.
There are many expeditions going to beautiful Lesotho, but the most recommended expedition for photographers is this one:
“This Tour is a Cultural tour where you will be interacting with local people at the villages and also adventure tour doing hikes.”
Key Details:
$672 USD
4 Days
Departs from Maseru Airport, Lesotho
Private Expedition
Key Photo Opportunities:
Conclusion
Hopefully, you enjoyed the article. There are so many places to explore in our vast world and we shouldn't be afraid to visit them. Expeditions are amazing opportunities for the curious minded to see rare wild animals, incredible landscapes, wonderful cities, and unique people in the relative safety of an expert guide.
If you enjoyed this article or have your own recommendation feel free to leave a comment below with your favorite place for an expedition.