Travel with Marianela

10/11/2026

📍 (Not So) Hidden Gem Sunday: Lowveld National Botanical Garden, South Africa 🇿🇦

Who knew you could find such a beautiful oasis in Mbombela, South Africa?

During my visit, I explored the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, home to lush tropical vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, and an incredible variety of plants.

One of the most interesting areas was the medicinal garden, which highlights plants traditionally used for healing and their importance in local cultures. 🌿

It was a wonderful opportunity to discover another side of South Africa beyond its famous wildlife!

Sometimes the unexpected stops turn out to be some of the most memorable. 💚

10/11/2026

10/06/2026

🇧🇧 Learning more about Barbados!

Tonight I’m attending a Barbados Travel Agent Road Show, meeting with local suppliers and learning firsthand about the hotels, experiences, tours, and services they offer.

Events like this help me build relationships with people on the ground and discover options I can recommend to my clients when planning their own Barbados getaway. 🌴☀️

There’s always something new to learn in travel!

10/06/2026

🐘 Travel Tip Tuesday: What to Bring on a Safari Game Drive

Heading out on a safari game drive? A little preparation can make those hours in the bush much more comfortable!

🤫 And one thing you don’t have to pack: patience! Wildlife doesn’t follow a schedule, and sometimes waiting quietly leads to the most memorable sightings.

Having recently experienced game drives in Botswana and South Africa, I can tell you that being prepared lets you spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time enjoying the incredible experience around you. 🦒🐘🦓

10/05/2026

📍 (Not So) Hidden Gem Sunday: Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦

Pretoria may not get the same attention from travelers as Cape Town or nearby Johannesburg, but South Africa’s administrative capital is worth a look, even if you only have a short time to explore.

I only had a brief stop in Pretoria during my recent South Africa trip, but it gave me a glimpse of another side of the country. The city is known for its impressive architecture, historical landmarks, and beautiful jacaranda trees, which turn parts of the city purple when they bloom in the spring. 💜

One of Pretoria’s most recognizable landmarks is the Union Buildings, the official seat of South Africa’s government, with beautiful gardens and sweeping views over the city.

My visit may have been short, but that’s one of the things I love about travel. Sometimes even a brief stop gives you another piece of the story of a destination.

Have you ever visited a city for just a few hours and wished you had more time to explore?

10/04/2026

📍(Not So) Hidden Gem Sunday: A Little Wildlife Escape Just Outside Gaborone 🇧🇼

Looking for a taste of Botswana’s wildlife without venturing far from the capital? Mokolodi Nature Reserve is just a short drive from Gaborone and offers game drives where you can spot giraffes, zebras, rhinos, antelope and more. 🦒🦏🦓

It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best adventures are hiding just outside the city!

🇧🇼️🦏

10/02/2026

🌍 Where Should We Go in Summer 2027? ✈️

I’m starting to plan my Summer 2027 groups trip, and this time I want YOU to help me choose the destination!

I’ve narrowed it down to three amazing possibilities:

ICELAND
Think waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, volcanic landscapes, hot springs and incredible scenery around almost every corner.

IRELAND
Dublin, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry and plenty of that famous Irish charm. ☘️

CROATIA
Beautiful Dubrovnik, historic Split and Trogir, spectacular Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Zagreb and gorgeous Adriatic scenery.

✨ Now I need your help!

Which destination would make you say, “Yes, I’d seriously consider joining this group!”

Iceland
Ireland
Croatia

Cast your vote in the comments. And if one of these is already on your travel wish list, tell me why!

This is just the beginning of the planning process, so voting does not commit you to anything. I’m simply looking to see where the most interest is before I choose our Summer 2027 adventure.

Who knows? Maybe we’ll be exploring one of these incredible destinations together next summer! 🌍✈️

10/01/2026

Walking Into One of My Favorite Books

As a longtime fan of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, this was one of the experiences I was most excited about during my time in Gaborone, Botswana.

What made the tour so fascinating was learning how much of Alexander McCall Smith’s fictional world was inspired by real people, places, and life in Botswana. Our guides shared stories about how the idea for Mma Ramotswe came about and pointed out connections between the books and the real Gaborone.

We also learned just how loved Alexander McCall Smith is in Botswana. Although he lives in Scotland, he maintains a close connection with the country and returns regularly to visit.

For someone who has spent years reading about Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi, and their corner of Botswana, it was pretty special to finally see the place that inspired their stories.

In this Reel, you’ll meet our one of wonderful guide, Otto and hear a little of what the people of Botswana think about the books and their portrayal of their home.

Books can take us around the world without leaving home, but sometimes it’s even better to follow them there. 📚✈️❤️