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Native Eye - Experts in the Unusual

Native Eye offers cutting edge group and private trips to some of the world's most unusual destinations, from tribal encounters in hidden corners of Africa, to groundbreaking and unique journeys through the vast steppes of Asia.

03/11/2026

At a crossroads of civilisations and empires, Syria has seen it all. From the ancient Babylonians to the Roman Empire, the Mameluke Sultans to the Ottomans and the French, Syria has seen wave after wave of invader all of whom have left their mark on the country. It has sheltered the earliest Christians, nurtured Judaism and played a foundational role in the expansion of Islam. And it’s five-thousand-year-old capital, Damascus, has been one of the world’s greatest centres of learning and culture.

Native Eye founder, Jim O'Brien, has just returned from Syria. For our latest blog post we sat down with him to find out why Syria is such a thrilling travel destination.
https://nativeeyetravel.com/news/lets-talk-about-syria/

26/10/2026

Bangladesh doesn’t feature in many people's travel wish lists. But, here at Native Eye we love Bangladesh and think you will too! So, grab a cycle rickshaw and pedal on over to the latest blog post on our website to discover ten great reasons Why You Should Visit Bangladesh.

https://nativeeyetravel.com/news/why-you-should-visit-bangladesh/

23/10/2026

If you’re looking for a destination that mixes ancient traditions, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant culture, it’s time to visit Romania. From the dramatic Carpathian Mountains to serene countryside villages and painted medieval monasteries, we think that Romania offers one of Europe’s most rewarding travel experiences.

We were delighted to be sent these lovely images from our last tour, which capture the essence of the country. If this Friday inspiration gets you excited learn more here - https://nativeeyetravel.com/destination/europe/romania-holidays-tours/

Photos: Nathalie Howard

21/10/2026

The nights are drawing in. Halloween is almost upon us and sorcerers and ghosts are emerging out of the darkest shadows. Today of course – deep into the 21st century - science and technology have explained away much of the magic the world once contained. Or has it?

Here at Native Eye, we have long been spellbound by the unexplainable. So, as you prepare the pumpkins for Halloween, we introduce you to those parts of the world where that thing that goes bump in the night might actually be a ghost.

Click through to our latest blog post to discover more. If you dare! https://nativeeyetravel.com/news/voodoo-child-searching-for-magic-with-native-eye/

06/10/2026

We've recently finished our Algerian Odyssey group tour, taking in some of the highlights of the north as well as exploring the desert regions to the south.

Starting in Algiers we explore the traditional casbah quarter, visit incredible archaeological sites from the Roman, Phoenician and Numidian eras, and make our way towards Constantine, the 'city of bridges', perched dramatically next to a deep gorge.

We then leave the coastal region behind, heading south to the traditional towns of the M'Zab valley, steeped in the traditions of the Ibadite sect of Islam. At Timimoun we explore crumbling mud brick villages, sand dunes and salt lakes, then return to the north to see the Andalusian heritage of Tlemcen and the new-Moorish architecture in Oran.

Our next departure is in April and is already starting to fill - you can see the details here:

https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/algerian-odyssey/

Photos courtesy of Rachel Rohner, who travelled with us in September.

24/09/2026

Today is World Gorilla Day, a day to celebrate these amazing animals and raise awareness about the importance of protecting them.

The western lowland gorilla is the smallest of the gorilla species and found across six Central African countries, from Cameroon to Congo. Despite their size classification, males can still grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh around 250 kg. The Republic of Congo is believed to host the largest population, with gorillas thriving in its rainforests and swamps, rich in edible plants. These gorillas live in groups of 20 to 30 individuals, typically led by a dominant silverback, and move within a loose territory in search of food.

We include gorilla tracking on some of our trips to Central African Republic and Gabon, including our Gorilla Adventure tour.

Here we visit Dzanga-Ndoki National Park which was established in 1990 in the southwestern corner of the Central African Republic. It includes the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve and is renowned for its untouched rainforest and high density of western lowland gorillas. The park also supports a wide range of wildlife, including red river hogs, chimpanzees, bongos, forest elephants, forest buffalo, and sitatungas. It borders Lobeke National Park in Cameroon and Nouabale Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo, forming the Sangha River Tri-National Protected Area.

There’s something very special about having the opportunity to see them in the wild, surrounded by the rainforest they call home. If you’d like to find out more about our ‘Gorilla Adventure’ itinerary and explore this part of Africa for yourself, please visit our website for full details: https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/gorilla-adventure/

Here’s what one of our travellers said about this trip:

“An absolutely epic trip to the Central African Republic - Doli Lodge is an amazing location and the local guides' knowledge is exceptional. The time spent with the gorillas and the Ba’Aka will stay with me forever!”

Photos: Robin Mayes

23/09/2026

There is something special about the countries of the ancient Silk Road. Here, history isn’t tucked away in museums - it is built into the cities, fortresses and ruins scattered across the landscape.

The historical and architectural sites in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are some of the varied highlights of the region, and perhaps fit the image of the 'Silk Road' best. During our ‘Silk Road Explorer’ trip we visit Samarkand, where the magnificent Registan Square recalls a time when the city was one of the great centres of Central Asia, drawing merchants, scholars and travellers from across Asia. Nearby Bukhara boasts one of Central Asia’s best-preserved historic centres, with mosques, madrasas and trading domes that offer a glimpse into its importance as a hub of learning and commerce.

Further west, Khiva feels almost untouched by time. Behind its ancient walls, the old city of Ichon Kala is filled with minarets, madrasas and palaces, while beyond it lie the lonely ruins of desert fortresses - reminders of kingdoms that once held sway over these remote lands.

Then there is Merv in Turkmenistan, once one of the largest and most important cities of the medieval world. Today, its vast archaeological remains sit remarkably quietly in the desert, offering a haunting glimpse into its former grandeur. Nearby, the mausoleums of Konye-Urgench reveal another chapter in the region’s powerful medieval history.

But not everything here belongs to the distant past. Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, is almost the complete opposite: a striking modern city of gleaming white marble and grand monuments. In fact, they hold the Guinness world records for the ‘highest concentration of white marble buildings.’ Its unusual architecture and monumental scale offer a fascinating contrast to the ancient cities and archaeological sites found elsewhere across the region.

From ancient fortresses and legendary Silk Road cities to lost empires and vast desert landscapes, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reveal a fascinating world of grand architecture, ancient traditions and a place where history feels remarkably close.

If you would like to join us on one of our 2027 departures — or possibly even 2028! — please take a look at the trip in more detail on our website here: https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/silk-road-explorer/

Photos: Nuria Maristany and Caroline Thomas

21/09/2026

Our ‘Expedition to Lake Turkana’ tour is a chance to discover a very different side of Kenya, travelling from the wildlife of Samburu into remote tribal heartlands and the vast landscapes of the Chalbi Desert.

Cutting through the length of the country is the Great Rift Valley, with its striking cliffs, lakes, savannahs and volcanoes creating some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. These diverse environments are home to a wealth of habitats and an incredible variety of African wildlife.

As we travel into northern Kenya, we get to know the Samburu and Rendille people, two neighbouring semi-nomadic communities whose lives and traditions have been shaped by the region’s dry, rugged landscapes. For both communities, livestock are central to everyday life, providing food, wealth and an important connection to family and community.

The Samburu are closely related to the Maasai and are renowned for their vibrant clothing, intricate beadwork and strong cultural traditions. Colourful jewellery and distinctive dress play an important role in expressing identity, while music, dance and storytelling help pass traditions from one generation to the next. We have the opportunity to spend time learning about Samburu life and gaining a deeper understanding of their relationship with their land, livestock and community.

Further north, we meet the Rendille, a traditionally nomadic people whose lives are closely connected to camels. In an environment where water and pasture can be scarce, camels are incredibly well adapted to the harsh conditions of the region and play an important role in Rendille life. Their communities have developed a rich culture of music, ceremony and traditions, with strong family and clan ties at the heart of everyday life.

The Samburu and Rendille are just two of several communities we encounter on the journey. Among the Gabbra people, we see a culture deeply connected to camel herding, with movement, music and spiritual traditions still playing an important role. Along the shores of Lake Turkana, the El Molo people have a long-standing relationship with the lake and are one of Kenya’s smallest communities, traditionally relying heavily on fishing.

We also encounter the Turkana and Pokot people. Each community has its own history, customs and relationship with the landscape, making this much more than a journey through remote scenery. It is an opportunity to understand the remarkable cultural diversity of northern Kenya.

This trip takes you through some of East Africa's most remote regions - perfect for those who love a real adventure! Expect long days of driving on rough and barely-there roads, which can be a bit of a challenge, but totally worth it for the amazing experience. It’s a different side of Kenya, offering something truly unique that you won’t find on the usual tourist trail.

Our next departure is in January 2027 and is confirmed to run - you can see the details here:
https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/expedition-to-lake-turkana/

17/09/2026

Some lovely images taken by a traveller on our latest group tour to North Pakistan.

We've finished our trips in this region for 2026, with our next tour to the south of the country a month away, and further departures in 2027. Pakistan never ceases to delight, whether it's the jagged peaks of the Karakorums to the exuberant festivals of the Kalash people, or the elegant Moghul architecture of Lahore - you could spend months here and still come away with just a glimpse of what the country has to offer.

If you'd like to join us exploring Pakistan in 2027 (or 2028!), check out our tours below, including our comprehensive 'From North to South' four week trip.

https://nativeeyetravel.com/destination/asia-middle-east/pakistan-holidays-tours/

Photos: Quentin Shaw

15/09/2026

We’re heading into the Indian Ocean for our NEW TOUR, taking in four extraordinary islands: Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues and the Seychelles.

At first glance, they might seem to belong to the same tropical postcard - turquoise water, white-sand beaches and lush volcanic landscapes. But travel between them and the differences quickly emerge. Each island has its own character, history, culture and rhythm of life.

Our tour starts in Reunion, where France meets the tropics. Officially part of France and the European Union, the island has a fascinating Creole identity shaped by African, Indian, European and Chinese influences. Its dramatic volcanic landscape is equally captivating, with rugged mountains and active volcanoes creating some truly spectacular scenery. We’ll experience the island’s Creole culture, food and traditions, including the opportunity to discover one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise.

From Reunion, we head to Mauritius, part of the Mascarene Archipelago, with a history shaped by French and British rule and generations of African, Indian, European and Chinese migration. The result is a culture that is wonderfully diverse, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the food. From world-class restaurants to bustling roadside stalls, Mauritian cuisine is a delicious blend of influences.

We see some of the island’s most impressive landscapes, including Black River Gorges and enjoy a catamaran trip along the west coast, with the possible chance of spotting dolphins. We also visit colourful temples, colonial houses, sugar plantations and tea estates, each reflecting different parts of the island’s history. Its rum and w**e traditions add a more indulgent element to the journey......

Next, we travel to Rodrigues, where the atmosphere changes almost immediately. Although part of Mauritius, Rodrigues feels much more intimate and untouched, with a strong African influence and a wonderfully laid-back way of life. Tourism here is still relatively limited, making it a rare opportunity to experience an island where everyday life remains at the heart of the experience. We'll explore the local market, visit a fishing village and see Saint Gabriel Cathedral, said to be the largest church in the Indian Ocean.

And finally, we continue on to the Seychelles, often described as Mother Nature perfected. These islands, sculpted from granite or formed from coral, are fringed with white‑sand beaches and palm trees heavy with exotic fruit. During the tour, we visit the world‑famous beach of Anse Source d’Argent, known for its striking granite boulders and turquoise shallows.

We also visit the main granitic islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, each known for their natural scenery and individual character. Across these islands, the tour provides opportunities to observe the region’s unique geology, endemic plant species, and varied coastal landscapes, while also gaining insight into daily life and conservation efforts within the Seychelles.

This is still Africa, technically, but certainly not as you know it....

To read the full itinerary for our new ‘Indian Ocean Explorer’ tour, please see our website here: https://nativeeyetravel.com/itineraries/indian-ocean-islands/

Address

Unit 5, Court Farm, Stutton Road, Brantham
Ipswich
CO111PW

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 5:30pm
Thursday	9am - 5:30pm
Friday	9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+441473328546

Website

https://www.nativeeyetravel.com/

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