Bárbara Büchel

It’s no secret that a safari in East Africa isn’t the cheapest vacation you can take. But what makes a Kenya or Tanzania safari command such a high price?

A safari in East Africa is a thrilling travel experience. Yet, it’s natural for key questions to arise when planning a trip: Is it safe to travel to Kenya? Is a safari in Tanzania a risk?

Ready to witness one of the wildest shows on Earth? The Great Migration is your ticket to nature's most epic road trip. Here's everything you need to know to plan the ultimate Great Migration safari.

Viatu, a leading travel startup of sustainable trips, today announced that it has achieved B Corporation certification, joining an exclusive group of companies that are committed to using business as a force for good.

We are thrilled to announce that Viatu is now a certified B Corp, joining a global community of businesses dedicated to walking the sustainability talk. This certification is not just a badge; it's a comprehensive framework that helps us measure and improve our impact over the years, ensuring we leave a lasting positive footprint.

Viatu has been making waves in the startup and travel industry. Together with earning prizes in the startup sphere at Venture and Startup Days, Viatu has been an active inaugural member of Agency of Change launched by Regenerative Travel in April.

Find out everything you need to know to plan your honeymoon in Namibia. Uncover the hidden gems of this unique honeymoon destination, and see the best time to go, travel costs, getting around, where to stay, unforgettable experiences, and more.

Viatu has joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of annual sales to support environmental organisations focused on the environment. Through allying with local partners, carefully selecting the destinations we sell, transparent internal operations, and managing traveller impact — Viatu offers an intuitive and customisable platform for travellers to book a responsible adventure.

Botswana is globally revered as Africa’s most forward-thinking tourism destination, with a big emphasis on high-value, low-volume tourism. In this blog post, we'll look at why Botswana is a jewel destination for sustainable tourism, from its triumphant efforts to minimise environmental impact to its inspiring initiatives that maximise positive social, cultural, and economic influence. 🇧🇼

Brighter Future interviews Alfredo, CEO and founder of Viatu, the sustainable travel company that makes travel accessible to all. Learn more about Alfredo’s start-up experiences and how Viatu is making a difference.

South Africa’s vibrant foodscape tells a story of a melting pot of cultures that have evolved and influenced each other over time to get to what is on your South African food plate today. This blog gives you a tasty rundown on the best local delicacies you want to try in your next South African adventure. Let’s dig in!

There is an urgent need for transport in tourism to shift from being harmfully consumptive to being environmentally sustainable. Inspiringly, we are witnessing the birth of a responsible means of travelling! This blog celebrates the top innovators for sustainable transport in tourism in southern Africa. 🌱🚙

In Africa, climate change is not a future threat but a pressing reality. Unimpressed by the continued political climate action gestures, young Africans are taking a stand against a system that has repeatedly failed them. Read up on our top picks of young African climate and environmental activists who are taking space in pushing for climate justice.

Art is essential for cultural understanding. Different art forms embody the stories, views, and beliefs of those who created them. They are relevant for the creation of our everyday experiences and our future. Check out South Africa’s top Black visual artists to watch for in 2022 here! 🎨

Suppose you're looking to positively impact communities on your next adventure. In that case, you can change a life by simply saving just a little extra space in your suitcase to Pack for a Purpose. Read about the needs and drop-off points for South African and Namibian projects here. 📚🧳

We have spoken a lot about sustainable tourism, but there is a new sheriff in town: responsible tourism! We bet you have heard this buzzword here, there, perhaps everywhere, but have you ever thought about what responsible tourism means to you as a traveller? Read more to find out.

Bárbara Büchel’s scenic South African adventure ends on a high note in the trendy Cape Town neighbourhood, Camps Bay, where she stays at the classic Royal Boutique Hotel and discovers more than just amazing sea views!

As Viatu’s Bárbara Büchel goes on her road trip through South Africa’s Garden Route, she stays at the unique and exclusive Tsala Treetop Lodge, situated in a lush forest between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Find out what lies in store for her.

Follow Viatu’s Bárbara Büchel into the heart of the Eastern Cape to find out more about HillsNek Safari Camp, found in a secluded corner of the Amakhala Game Reserve.

On Bárbara Büchel’s epic South African road trip, she spends some time at Pineapple House in Cape Town. Find out why this one turned out to be one of her favourite stops.

Hunter Hotels provides authentic and unforgettable experiences for travellers while ensuring that local communities receive the fruits of local tourism development. Read more to see how Hunter Hotels is a community champion!

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this once agricultural expanse has transformed into a rich and biodiverse conservation magnet. Driven by purpose and mindfulness, South Africa's Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is geared to empower travellers and surrounding communities with sustainable experiences. Read on to find your next sustainable holiday with Sanbona...

Experienced divers know this already, but just because you can dive anywhere doesn't mean you necessarily want to. Which is why we’ve put together this handy list of the best scuba diving spots in South Africa. Gear up, and get ready to read about the best dives you can experience in South Africa (possibly even the world).

Viatu Travel is proud to announce that we have become a signatory to the Future of Tourism. The Future of Tourism is a global and forward-looking coalition of influential travel and tourism organisations that aim to shift the status quo and to reset the tone of tourism post-Covid-19. The Viatu team is excited to join this movement as it marks a new era of our operative strategy towards growing sustainable travel.

Stunning, sunny South Africa has crept into our hearts faster than we could have thought possible. Most of all, we’ve fallen for the contagious energy and vitality that runs through every stream, mountain peak, and heartbeat in South Africa. Here are 8 reasons why we love SA.

As sustainable travellers, part of our responsibility is to weave the golden thread of sustainability through every aspect of our lives. Here are our top suggestions for local, eco, and earth-friendly shopping options in Cape Town and online.

Endowed with jaw-dropping landscapes to the rich cultures, Namibia hosts a range of world-class and unique tourism experiences. To preserve the integrity of its diverse natural, social, and cultural capital, Namibia is focused on positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism. Read all about it here!

South Africa aims to encourage inclusivity and purposeful transformation by mobilising sustainable tourism practices that address the socio-economic, cultural and environmental impacts of tourism. Here we explore how South Africa is cementing itself as a sustainable destination.

Imagine this: a 200 km long coastal corridor interrupted by sandy beaches, evergreen forests, scenic mountain passes, and tranquil rivers and streams. Well, you’ll be happy to know that a place like this actually exists, and it’s called The Garden Route.

No place gets a name like “The Pearl of The Winelands” for no reason. Nestled in the heart of the Drakenstein Valley is the serene little town named Paarl. Rich with history, culture, and gorgeous surroundings, this town will take you on an unforgettable trip. Founded in 1687, Paarl is one of the oldest towns in South Africa! Neighbored by lush mountainscapes, and magnificent greenery, you’ll be immersed in the surroundings and lovely hospitality of the Paarl community.

Welcome to Western Cape hiking 101. Cape Town is the perfect place for many many things, but one of its main selling points are the hundreds of remarkably scenic hiking trails in the area. Our suggestion is to use the information shared in this post to guide each and every hike you do in and around Cape Town. After reading this blog post, check out the best hiking trails in and around Cape Town to put the must-know basics we’re going to share with you to good use.

Welcome to Cape Town, the city of dreamers. Situated at the bottom of the African continent, this gem is filled to the brink with art, culture, mouth-watering cuisine, and unforgettable views. Nicknamed by South Africans as “The Mother City”, this place will feel like home before long.

Learn all the in's and out's of how Viatu chooses sustainable destinations for conscious adventurers! 🌎✈️

Here we unpack the motivation for each question in our sustainability survey and its necessity for the sustainability of tourism. 🏨♻️

Unless you’re a zoologist or an ailurophile (that’s a fancy name for a cat lover) it’s easy to mistake cheetahs with leopards and vice versa. The markings on these 2 wild cats make them quite similar in appearance. However, there are actually quite a few distinct differences between them. Read on to find out what they are.

Nature experts and novices alike would be forgiven for confusing these 2 stocky, horned animals. While they might be similar in many ways, there are several distinct differences between black and white rhinos, including their appearances, habitats and behaviours. Read on to find out what they are.

Wilderness Safaris is widely recognised as Africa’s foremost ecotourism operator. Travellers are given life-changing journeys in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa and, in doing so, help conserve Africa’s spectacular biodiversity and share ecotourism’s benefits with rural people.

Come along for the ride to our penultimate getaway destination in Namibia’s Zambezi Region – the wildlife brimming Chobe River! 🐊

Travel start-up Viatu has announced the launch of their COVID-Hub for all travellers to Namibia. The Hub aims to provide regular updates about the country’s evolving COVID-19 situation, including pre- and post-travel specifics.

World Reef Day and Coral Triangle Day inspired this month’s Netflix & Change: From an eco-resort in the Philippines protecting the Coral Triangle, the true story of a South African man who changed the course of a nation to one woman’s efforts to help save Rwanda’s gorillas from extinction.

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and the largest city of this Southern African country. This central city has so much to offer including historical sites, beautiful parks, art galleries, and more. If you only have 24 hours to spare, we’ve compiled a list of must-see activities to experience while staying in this vibrant city.

Swakopmund, with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, means you really do get the best of both worlds. This picturesque coastal town, known for its beautiful German architecture, has so much to see and do. However, if you only have a day to spare in Swakopmund, we’ve prepared a list of must-see activities to tick off your bucket list while you’re there.

In the May 2021 edition of Netflix & Change, you will be inspired by the life and music of Rodrigues, get informed on regenerative agriculture and how it can help the environment, and gain awareness on the atrocities of the Rwandan genocide and one man’s efforts to save his people.

Throughout their portfolio of properties, every African Monarch Lodge exudes a desire to create memorable African experiences. We are excited to welcome them to our travel platform.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Journeys Namibia. Journeys Namibia boasts an exceptional lodge portfolio and a sound sustainability ethos.

Wilderness Safaris offer unforgettable wildlife experiences. Through this partnership, travellers will be able to book any of their properties via our platform.

Through this partnership, travellers will be able to book their stay with the leading safari operator Gondwana via our platform.

We are proud to announce that we are now able to offer Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) facilities and offerings on our website.

We are proud to announce that we are now a member of the Namibia Tourism Board. This means that we are able to offer NTB certified properties and services.

We are excited to announce our partnership with &Beyond. Through this cooperation, travellers can book their properties via our platform.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Onguma Safari Camps known for their diverse accommodation and innovative efforts in sustainability.

We are excited to announce the closing of our pre-seed round, resulting in a multi-million Rand investment for the launch of our new travel platform.

We’re here to break down the differences between national parks and private game reserves, specifically in Namibia, so that you have all the info you need to plan the most epic exploration possible.

Find out how self-driving in Namibia is as effortless as starting the engine. With our tips, you’ll be ready to hit the road in no time!

Your Namibia trip does not have to cost you an arm or a leg. You can definitely do it within your budget. Learn how in this blog post.

Through the blog, we hope to give readers insight into 2 main topics: Our destinations in Africa as well as the latest sustainability movements.

A rare combination of ocean and desert views in one place, hidden shipwrecks, seals and other desert-adapted creatures: Welcome to the Skeleton Coast.