Specialist adventure tour operator Untamed Borders have some of the most intrepid new tours on offer for 2020. From Saudi Arabia’s rich archaeology to South Sudan’s tribal lands, Untamed Borders are continuing to offer trips to some of the world’s most fascinating and less-visited places, still widely untouched by tourism.
South Sudan
Although famous for being the world’s youngest country, a visit to South Sudan is really all about its people. This immersive eight-day journey ventures deep into the diverse world of South Sudanese culture, visiting remote villages and tribes across South Sudan. Lead by expert guides who know the tribes and their people personally, this trip is a unique opportunity to experience a special and fast disappearing way of life.
Starting in Juba, you will travel to remote and isolated villages, meeting some of South Sudan’s different tribes. From the Toposa villages, best known for their piercings and scarification, the trip continues to the Boya Mountains, home of the Larim tribe, before passing through the Lotuko territory on the way to meet the Mundari tribe in their livestock camp along the White Nile. There may also be the chance to watch a game of Boruboru, a version on dodge ball played by South Sudanese women and girls. Full trip information can be found here.
Price: US$5,850
Dates: March 6, 2020 – March 13, 2020
Trekking Turkmenistan
The Central Asian Silk Road was recently named top travel region for 2020 by Lonely Planet. Turkmenistan, perhaps the least visited country in the region, is home to wild mountainous landscapes and ancient trading routes that have been at the crossroads of various civilisations for centuries.
Travelling across the central, southern and western part of Turkmenistan, Untamed Borders 14-day trekking trip visits some of the lesser-known spots, including the Kopet Dag mountains bordering Iran and the Mars-like landscape of Yangykala Canyon. Of course, no trip to Turkmenistan is complete without a visit to the famous Darvasa gas crater, which has been burning continuously since 1971. Other highlights include exploring Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat, a visit to the Geokdepe stud farm (home to the pure-blooded Turkmen-Akhalteke horse, Turkmenistan’s national emblem), and a chance to explore the Kara-Kala’s lunar-like landscape (a nature reserve home to the protected Persian leopard). Full trip information can be found here.
Price: US$3,675
Dates: March 1, 2020 – March 15, 2020
Explore Saudi Arabia
Rich in history and culture, Saudi Arabia is one of 2020’s most talked about destinations. With a new tourist visa in place, travel in Saudi Arabia has suddenly become more accessible for all.
Untamed Borders eight-day trip will visit some of Saudi Arabia’s most famous archaeological and cultural sights, ancient souks, museums, and some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the world. Lead by experienced local guides, this trip has many highlights including the Ottoman coral houses in Jeddah, Al Ulas (home to the famous elephant rock and Madain Saleh, an extraordinary Nabatean site similar to Petra), the city of Al Jawf with its 2000ft high ancient fortress, and Jubbah, home to some of the world’s oldest and best preserved Neolithic rock art dating from 5500BC. Finishing in Riyadh, there is the chance to visit the UNESCO heritage site Diriyah, home to the famous Musmuk Fort and National Museum. Full trip information can be found here.
Dates: February 15, 2020 – February 23, 2020
Price: US$5,500
Click here for a full list of Untamed Borders 2020 itineraries, or email us for more detailed trip information.