James Bainbridge

Lonely Planet • 8th March 2024

Why Munro bagging in Scotland is a dream trip for hikers

When Scottish mountaineer, Sir Hugh Munro, published a list of the highest mountains in Scotland in 1891, he gave his name to one of the world’s most revered collections of peaks.

Lonely Planet • 8th March 2024

Scotland's 8 best castles

Scotland’s turbulent history of battles in the glens has bequeathed the country a magnificent selection of castles, with the added bonus of its rugged landscape.

Charitable Travel • 8th March 2024

South Africa: Luxury in every sense of the word

From its wildlife-rich bushveld and vineyard-carpeted mountains to Cape Town’s dining scene and miles of golden beaches, it’s clear to see why Desmond Tutu christened South Africa the Rainbow Nation.

Lonely Planet • 8th March 2024

Finland’s 5 best road trips

With its vast landscape of pine forests and silvery lakes, fringed by a coastline dotted with thousands of islands, Finland was made for road trips.

SafariBookings.com • 29th April 2020

Top 10 Things to Do in Victoria Falls

Admiring the world’s largest waterfall tops most people’s list of things to do in Victoria Falls. However, there are many other activities on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the Zambezi River.

The Turbine Hotel & Spa • 2nd April 2020

Best Safari Parks and Game Reserves Near Knysna

At the heart of the Garden Route, Knysna’s parks and reserves host Big Five wildlife and a range of marine mammals amid forests, beaches and mountains.

Tau Game Lodge Blog • 20th March 2020

Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Madikwe Game Reserve

Malaria-free Madikwe is one of South Africa’s largest and most exclusive reserves, famous for its dreamy safari lodges and its populations of both lions and endangered wild dogs.

SafariBookings.com • 18th March 2020

15 Reasons to Visit South Africa in the Winter

Visit South Africa in the winter for the best wildlife viewing. You will also discover the local secret that in the steamy bush, mild winter weather is a welcome relief from intense summer heat.

SafariBookings.com • 8th January 2020

Best Safari Parks and Game Reserves Near Port Elizabeth

South Africa’s southern city of Port Elizabeth (PE) is well located near a string of malaria-free wildlife reserves.

Culture Trip • 31st December 2019

Cape Town Art Trail

Experience African creativity in Cape Town at these museums and galleries exhibiting works by South Africa’s top artists.

Bay Lodge On The Beach • 21st November 2019

Five Reasons to Visit the Garden Route

The Garden Route is a 200km/120mi-long strip of beaches, bays, lagoons and inviting tourist towns, running up the Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay to Storms River.

Bay Lodge On The Beach • 21st November 2019

Visiting Mossel Bay in Summertime

What can visitors to Mossel Bay do and what should they expect in summer?

Livingspace • 29th October 2019

A Little R&R

Need a break from people over the long December holiday? Swap the festive small talk for scenic walks, fresh country air and craft beer.

Cape Etc • 24th October 2019

Heaven is a Place on Earth

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is a little piece of heaven near Hermanus, with its boutique route of cool-climate wineries specialising in pinot noir and chardonnay.

Timbavati Blog • 27th September 2019

Five Reasons to Visit Timbavati Nature Reserve

Timbavati shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park and is synonymous with the unique and extremely beautiful white lion.

TFG Escapes • 2nd September 2019

Make for the Magalies

Just an hour’s drive from Pretoria is a mountain range half as old as Earth itself. The Magaliesberg offers outdoorsy fun for the whole family, ranging from zip-lining to country markets.

SafariBookings.com • 1st September 2019

SafariBookings.com

I'm on the SafariBookings Expert Panel. Scroll down to read my safari reviews and blog posts.

Cape Etc • 19th August 2019

Natural High

Unplug and enjoy an overdose of nature at these stylish eco-friendly stays.

Chitwa Chitwa Blog • 15th August 2019

Five Reasons to Visit Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is South Africa’s oldest private reserve and a legendary safari destination. The dense wildlife population and luxurious lodges guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tswalu Blog • 13th August 2019

Five reasons to visit Tswalu

Tswalu is South Africa’s largest private wildlife reserve, covering a vast area of open plains and classic Kalahari dunes at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains.

Livingspace • 25th February 2019

Roof of Africa

Stay in a former trading post in lofty Lesotho and explore the mountains on foot or Basotho pony.

Homes of Africa • 17th January 2019

Five Reasons to Visit Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s best-known wildlife reserves for good reason. Seeing the Big Five and experiencing the bush here tops the must-do lists of most visitors to South Africa.

Cape Etc • 1st January 2019

Weekend in the Valley

Robertson mixes its rustic charm and beautiful mountain ranges with more than 30 wineries, from big names to boutique producers.

Experience the Northern Cape • 23rd November 2018

Five Reasons to Visit the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Covering an incredible 6000km2 of South Africa’s Northern Cape province and southern Namibia, ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld has been called the world’s richest desert thanks to its array of hardy succulents.

RoundTrip Foundation • 30th September 2019

African Parks – Conservation Trailblazer

While the world’s eyes have turned in horror to the fires decimating the Amazon, with comparisons of the natural disaster to our lungs burning, there is some good news in the planet’s second largest tropical rainforest and other major lung.

Lonely Planet • 28th August 2019

Reaching New Highs in the Mountains of Malawi

Malawi may be more readily associated with its laid-back beach towns, desert island hideaways, likeable people and safari tourism, but its lofty mountain environments can no longer be overlooked.

Lonely Planet • 27th August 2019

Malawi's Wildlife Renaissance

Famous for being the 'warm heart of Africa' and for its vast glittering lake, the country is on its way to being renowned as an exciting safari destination.

TFG Escapes • 1st January 2019

Mystery in a Bottle

James Bainbridge's dream job took an interesting turn when he came face to face with West African voodoo, but he left with some good stories and a lucky traveller's charm.

Equinox Magazine • 1st December 2018

Sense of Adventure

Our intrepid travel writers share their most epic experiences to fuel your wanderlust in 2019.

Equinox • 14th May 2018

Best of Malawi

James Bainbridge discovers why this diverse country should top your 2018 travel bucket list.

TFG Escapes • 28th February 2018

Lake Living

Malawi is a delicious slice of Africa with a famous lake, legendarily welcoming people and terrain ranging from subtropical bush to alpine plateaus.

TFG Escapes • 8th December 2016

Find Magic in Morocco

From the winding lanes of its ancient medinas to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and some of the world’s most delicious food, Morocco is a longstanding traveller’s favourite.

TFG Escapes • 19th May 2016

Plenty of Reasons Togo

It may be tiny, but the West African nation squares up to much larger countries when it comes to culture, history, sights and activities.

Songlines • 1st August 2006

Hip-Life

In Ghana, as all over Africa, hip-hop is the young music of choice. But finding the right balance between local and global is a major concern.

The Guardian • 2nd July 2003

And the Beat Goes On

Still relatively unknown, Casamance offers a Caribbean-like mix of music, street parties and laid-back living.

Culture Trip • 28th April 2020

Hike through an Ancient Mediterranean Kingdom

Turkey’s beautiful stretch of Mediterranean coastline was once the stomping ground of the Lycians, whose ancient cities, shrines and tombs can still be seen along the Lycian Way.

Culture Trip • 5th February 2020

Secrets of the Steppe

Bordering Georgia and Armenia, Northeast Turkey is where the Anatolian steppe and the Caucasus meet, with romantic ruins and alpine meadows.

Culture Trip • 7th November 2019

The History and Rituals of Turkish Hammams

Istanbul’s painstakingly restored Ottoman hammams, many designed by the great Mimar Sinan, tell the stories of the historical figures who commissioned them.

Culture Trip • 6th November 2019

Tales from Turkish Hammams

Turkish baths are as diverse as this country straddling Europe and the Middle East. As longtime Lonely Planet guidebook writer James Bainbridge found on several trips to Turkey, it takes a visit or two to learn the steamy ropes.

Culture Trip • 6th September 2019

Ancient Sufi Dance: Rumi's Whirling Dervishes

Whirling dervishes are a classic image of Turkey, spinning serenely in their tombstone-like felt hats and billowing white robes to create a fascinating ceremony aimed at achieving oneness with God.

TFG Escapes • 1st January 2019

For the Bold and the Guzel

The historical country offers lyrical landscapes, Mediterranean beaches and, of course, the vibrant city of Istanbul.

Lonely Planet • 12th April 2018

Bean There, Done That

From the humble bean to that lovingly-poured, expertly-frothed cup ‘o joe, coffee has made quite a journey from its homeland of Ethiopia to become a global essential and social custom. I covered Turkey.

Private Edition • 20th August 2015

In Caesar’s Wake

Cappadocia in Turkey boasts a prestigious list of ancient visitors. Retrace their steps, explore underground cities and taste wine with a 4000-year-old history.

Private Edition • 20th August 2015

Under Bodrum's Spell

Celebrity magnet aside, the Bodrum peninsula has a fascinating history. Explore the ruins but set aside time for authentic cuisine.

Lonely Planet • 1st September 2011

The Perfect Trip

In this ancient country where Europe meets Asia, the sun shines down on a unique fusion of history and scenery, combining classical ruins, curious rock formations, golden beaches and tumbledown towns with memorable views.

In The Black • 1st June 2011

Buried Treasure of Ancient Cities

The Global Business Finance and Economics Research Conference will be held in Istanbul from 11 to 14 August – and if you want a lightning dip into some culture, here are the destinations to visit.

BBC Travel • 30th May 2011

Turkey’s Land of Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia, a dreamy slice of central Turkey dotted with ancient rock formations, has a history every bit as remarkable as its landscape.

Lonely Planet • 1st November 2010

Best in Travel 2011 - Cappadocia

If you want to live like a troglodyte, you should rock ‘n’ roll to Turkey now, before Cappadocia is changed forever.

Lonely Planet • 1st June 2010

Sleeping in Elegance

Istanbul's historic Pera Palace Hotel gets a facelift.

Culture Trip • 18th December 2019

A Visit to St Helena

St Helena is one of the world’s remotest islands, yet this desolate ocean setting has a rich history; everyone from Darwin to Napoleon has passed through.

Lonely Planet • 18th September 2019

St Helena: the World’s Most Remote Distillery

The St Helena Distillery, named after its island home, is the world’s most remote distillery. Not only is this the only maker of spiced rum and prickly pear schnapps between Southern Africa and Brazil, but its products are liquid summaries of the South Atlantic island’s history and environment.

G&T • 27th May 2019

Sweet for Napoleon

Napoleon’s exile on St Helena made both the remote island and his favourite sweet wine famous, as an exhibition in the wine’s more familiar place of origin – Cape Town – and the island’s historic sites reveal.

RoundTrip Foundation • 17th February 2019

Sustainable Tourism and a Remote Island

Following the opening of St Helena Airport, the remote island is looking for ways to boost its economy through sustainable tourism.

TFG Escapes • 3rd December 2018

Fit for an Emperor

The definition of remote, the island of St Helena famously played host to Napoleon, but the recently opened flights from Joburg mean that today's traveller can enjoy hiking, diving and exploring its historical sights without going into exile.