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P.ublished 14th March 2025
travel

Groundbreaking Adventure Tours From Native Eye

Some of what’s claimed to be the most ground-breaking small group adventure tours on the planet, are being offered by Native Eye, the specialist in unusual destinations.

And many of them introduce travellers to tribal cultures as they make their way to areas where tourism is either unheard of or still in its infancy.

Newly introduced for 2025 are: a journey in the company of the Ait Atta, Morocco’s last nomadic tribe; an exploration of western Libya, with classical ruins and desert culture; and a discovery of the island nation of Cape Verde.

Walking with Nomads
This one-week adventure, in the company of an English-speaking guide, comprises small group trekking alongside Morocco’s last nomadic tribe, the Ait Atta.

Guests join their annual migration through the Jebel Saghro mountains, meeting muleteers, camels and nomadic families along the way. It is an invitation to become part of the caravan, live the life of a nomad and take part in daily tasks.

Enjoy a rare glimpse into a lifestyle far removed from the modern world, with a profound connection to Morocco’s living history. Highlights of the trip include the natural amphitheatre above Ighazzoun, weaving between lava formations from the village of Igli and the almost-deserted village of Berkou.

Price: £1,999pp based on 2 sharing (£155 single supp) including 7 nights’ accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners, and airport transfers from Marrakech. Depart 22 November 2025. Flights extra.

Libya Uncovered
The western reaches of Libya are just opening up to adventurous tourism, and this pioneering trip takes a small group from the Mediterranean coastline into the desert interior, revealing some of the country’s many highlights.

Beginning in the winding streets of Tripoli, there are cultural visits to classical sites such as Sabratha, as well as a tour of the capital’s Old Town.

Then, heading south and into the Sahara, visit the 12th century Qasr-al-Haj, the ghost town of Nalut in the Nafusa mountains and the enchanting oasis town of Ghadames, one of the Sahara’s oldest settlements.

A full day is spent in Ghadames, visiting local mosques, touring markets, and heading into the dunes to watch the sunset. On the return journey to the coast, a highlight is Gharyan, home to intriguing cave houses, and also an important centre of resistance against the Italians during the 20th century occupation.

Price: from £2,449pp based on 2 sharing, including 6 nights’ accommodation, all meals, activities and transfers. Depart 2 November 2025 or 8 February and 1 November 2026. Flights extra.

Cape Verde Explorer
The farthest flung part of Africa, the Cape Verde archipelago offers an intoxicating mix of colonial history, lush greenery and a rich culture, all revealed on this island-hopping group tour.

On Sao Vicente, there are visits to its fish and African markets, the fishing village of Salamansa and a climb up Monte Verde, the island’s highest peak.

On Santo Antão, guests see Cape Verde’s greener side with a walk in the lush Vale de Paul, past traditional farms and thatched cottages, while enjoying authentic cuisine. The final island visited is Santiago, home to the capital of Praia.

Marvel at the historical intrigue of the UNESCO listed Cidade Velha, a fort dating from the 15th century, and barter for souvenirs at the famed markets of Sucupira.

The fishing village of Tarrafal, surrounded by endemic vegetation, is a final highlight with a political prison built by Portugal’s fascist regime in the 1930s.

Price: from £2,699pp based on 2 sharing, including 9 nights’ accommodation, all meals, transfers and guiding. Depart 23 November 2025 or 22 February and 22 November 2026. Flights extra.

OTHER STAND OUT TOURS
The Gerewol Festival: Each year Chad’s semi-nomadic Wodaabe people gather for a week of colourful celebrations, known as the Gerewol festival. This pioneering trip, first offered in 2014, offers guests an authentic glimpse of the festival.

Expedition to Angola: Now in its 10th year, this itinerary takes in a wildly remote part of southern Africa, just opening up to tourism, where tribal groups continue their traditional lives in the wilderness with practices such as teeth sharpening still common.

A Taste of Eastern Turkey: Far from the city charms of Istanbul and the package deals of its western coast, discover a wilder side to Turkey.

Socotra Discoverer: With a seductive sense of otherworldliness, the Yemeni island of Socotra is home to a spectacular array of endemic flora and fauna including its iconic Dragon Blood trees. Price: 7 nights from £3,399.

For more information on Native Eye visit www.nativeeyetravel.com or call 01473 328546