Sustainable travel: our 3 favorite ecolodges in Kenya

Een rustiek gebouw met een rieten dak staat aan het einde van een graspad, omringd door weelderige groene bomen en kleurrijke struiken onder een helderblauwe lucht met verspreide wolken.

Eco lodges in Kenya are booming and popular! More and more travelers want to better protect the environment, contribute to local communities and in doing so, also leave as small a footprint as possible. Responsible and sustainable travel: so is Charlie’s Travels! Unfortunately, choosing a good eco lodge in Kenya can be quite difficult because many lodges claim the label “eco. So-called ecolodges in Kenya may claim to be green, sustainable and eco-friendly, but they are not always….

Non-touristy Tanzania

A vehicle drives on a dusty dirt road through a dry, rugged landscape in Tanzania, with scattered trees and a distant mountain rising under a partly cloudy sky—a true travelling adventure in Africa.

Tanzania is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Africa, boasting many highlights. Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa, is the world’s highest free-standing mountain and attracts countless adventurous tourists each year for the climb to 5,900 metres. Boats and small planes depart for Zanzibar every hour.

The Serengeti, famous for its safaris, can sometimes be overcrowded with tourists in zip-off trousers and Teva sandals, making it feel a bit like the Prins Clausplein on a Monday morning.

Sustainable flying

A large passenger airplane with a light blue nose is flying low in the sky, framed by green tree branches on both sides, against a clear blue background.

Whether you’re a true Africa enthusiast or prefer exploring other places, you probably log more flight hours than the average person. This is becoming an increasingly difficult dilemma, as the impact of air travel is becoming more apparent. You can be as mindful as possible about your ecological footprint, but if you travel around the world every year, it’s hard to claim that you live sustainably.

Africa book: My Mercedes is (not) for sale

Two people secure a bicycle and luggage on top of an SUV parked on a dry, dusty road in Tanzania. The car’s rear door is open, and a motorcycle stands in the background amid sparse trees and the African desert landscape.

Anyone in the Netherlands who buys an old Mercedes that barely passes its MOT can sell it in Africa for a profit. Why? Spare parts are cheap there, and labour costs are much lower than in Western Europe. It sounds tempting—driving a car to Africa. But how does one go about transporting an old Mercedes to Benin? Writer Jeroen van Bergeijk did exactly that and wrote a book about it: *My Mercedes Is (Not) for Sale*.

5 off the beaten track activities in Uganda

A group of people wearing helmets and life jackets paddle a red inflatable raft through whitewater rapids on a river in Uganda, surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky—an unforgettable travelling adventure.

The Nile is breathtaking and impressive. The surrounding nature is stunning, and the activities are incredible. If you’re seeking excitement and thrills, you’re in the right place! Discover the five off the beaten track activities on and around the Nile. Are you adventurous, love an adrenaline kick, and have your swimming certificate? Get ready and read about these top activities along the Nile!

Africa book: The African Dream

City skyline with tall buildings reflected in a calm lake at sunset, framed by tree branches and greenery in the foreground, under a purple and orange sky.

As you probably know, Charlie’s Travels is based in Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya! It’s a wonderful place to be; we live and work in a spacious villa and organize many amazing trips – including in Nairobi! We don’t just work with Dutch expats; a large part of our team is Kenyan!

Marathon on the horizon? The secret of Kenyans!

A large group of runners in colorful athletic wear gathers on a dirt road surrounded by lush greenery, preparing for a run in a rural outdoor setting.

Kenyan athletes frequently appear on the podiums of marathons and World Championships. Last year, Kenyan runner Geoffrey Kamworor won the New York City Marathon, and he is once again a favorite for the 4th November edition in the Big Apple. But why do so many Kenyans run marathons? What’s their secret? The word *Iten* often comes up – a small town with a view of the Kerio Valley.

Golden tips for female travellers in East Africa

A woman in sunglasses and a headscarf makes a hand gesture while travelling on a motorcycle with a man in traditional Maasai attire. Another pair rides behind them, all enjoying the outdoors in rural Kenya, Africa.

You’re that cool chick—fearless, adventurous, and endlessly curious about what this big world has to offer. Well then, start packing, because you’re ready to travel! East Africa is *the* place for you to soak up culture, embark on insanely cool trips, and explore this incredible part of the world off the beaten track. Here are THE golden tips for female travellers in East Africa.

The climate of Namibia

People walk along the ridge of a tall, orange sand dune at sunset, leaving deep footprints behind. The sky is clear, and other figures are visible on the distant dune under a warm, golden light.

What is the best time to travel to Namibia? The ideal periods for travelling to Namibia are generally from April to May and September to November. However, the perfect time to explore the country depends on which part of Namibia you plan to visit. Let’s break it down by region, looking deeper into the climate […]

Dinner tips in Mombasa

Three whole raw fish on a plate with fresh asparagus stalks, cherry tomatoes on the vine, lime slices, and ginger, arranged on a white rectangular platter.

Mombasa: go or skip? We say definitely go! You can wander around and soak up the local culture (check out the walking route we’ve put together here). Plus, the food is amazing! This city is a melting pot of dozens of cultures, and you can taste it in the cuisine. We put it to the test and discovered the best places to eat in Mombasa.