Africa - India - Latin America
One of the most rewarding aspects of international travel is meeting people from around the world - some with customs and traditions that are very different from our own. Our African & Indian culture holidays and cultural tours to India, Latin America & Africa will allow you to experiencing the local customs of these countries, and learn more about their values and way of life. We can even tailor make a trip for you, planned around specific festivals or cultural events.
Southern & East Africa
In South Africa you can visit the proud Zulu and Xhosa people, whose ancesters fought many battles against colonial rule. On South African culture holidays & tours, you can experience the old rural way of life, including vigourous Zulu dancing in traditional dress. You can consult a 'sangoma' (traditional healer & fortune teller), admire their intricate beadwork where each piece tells a story, and purchase beautifully woven baskets. Each September the Reed Dance festival takes place in Zululand, celebrating the coming of age of young maidens. On cultural tours you can also visit the two small neighbouring kingdoms of Eswati (Swaziland) & Lesotho, each with its own customs & traditions.
On African culture holidays & tours in Kenya and Tanzania you can visit the colourful Maasai people, who wear distinctive red 'shukas' (plaid blankets) whilst herding their cattle on ancestral land and across the vast plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti. They have faithfully preseved this wildlife, for which East Africa is so famous today. The Maasai are also known for their marvellous standing jumps. In northern Kenya you can meet their cousins, the Samburu people, whose clothing is even more elaborate.
In Ethiopia you can visit the tribes of the Omo Valley, each of which has distinctive traditions - such as body piercings, tattoos, face paintings and unusual hairstyles. Turmi is the home of the Hamer tribe, where young men "jump the bulls" to prove their manhood. On African culture holidays & private cultural tours to Ethiopia you can also take in key Christian festivals such as Timkat, which takes place on 19 January (20 January in leap years) to celebrate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, and Meskel in late September, which celebrates 'Finding the True Cross'.
India, Sri Lanka & Nepal
Cultural tours to India will introduce you to a truly fascinating Hindu country, with a rich and ancient history. The many treasures of the Golden Triangle - Delhi, Jaipur & Agra (home to the spectacular Taj Mahal) - are not to be missed on India culture holidays & private cultural tours. Varanasi and Rishikesh, both situated on the banks of sacred Ganges River but in different parts of India, are important spiritual cities that still reflect the soul of old India, whilst the ancient Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho are simply breathtaking, with their many erotic sculptures. India is a land of exhuberant festivals, with two of the most famous being Holi, where colourful paint is thrown and best experienced in Rajasthan(February/March), and Diwali, a five day festival of lights (October/November). Each state in India has its own distinctive curry, music, dance and traditional 'sari' (draped cloth worn by the women), making Indian culture holidays an ever-changing kaleidoscope.
Sri Lanka is a spiritual country that boats some of the best preserved ancient Buddhist temples & statues in the world, some of which are simply enormous. These can be found in and around the old capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. On Sri Lanka culture holidays & private cultural tours, you can also savour this tropical island's own distinctive cuisine, music and dance.
Nepal is also a spiritual Buddhist country, and trekking through the small villages of the Annapurna trail in the Himalayas will give you a inique insight into their culture.
Latin America
Brazil is a large country with a big heart. It has a vibrant culture that has emerged from the fusion of European, Indigenous & African influences, as many slaves were brought here to work the plantations. The flamboyant multi-cultural Rio Carnival takes place each year 40 days before Easter (prior to the Christian period of Lent) and is world renowned. It can be incorporated into culture holidays & private cultural tours to Brazil, but advance booking is essential. Salvador in Bahia is an important Afro/Caribbean cultural centre, whilst the Amazon is home to many indigenous tribes. Samba is the most popular dance here, whereas in Argentina it is the tango.
Mexico has the most vibrant culture in Central America, with festivals, music and dancing being part of everyday life. Mexican cuisine is also world famous, as is their tequila drink. Mexico has a a long Spanish colonial history, but it also boasts several advanced ancient civilisations including the Aztecs and Mayans. As a result, Mexico has more World Heritage Sites than any other country in the Americas and is a splendid choice for culture holidays & private cultural tours. Oaxaca is particularly famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations, which take place around Halloween (30 October).
Peru, Ecuador and Colombia have a common Spanish conquistador heritage as they were once one country, but unlike Argentina & Chile further south, the indigenous people here are still prominent and justly proud of their Inca heritage. Colombia has many beautifully painted houses and there are stunning archaeological sites to be explored in these countries on culture holidays & private cultural tours, especially in Peru, culminating in the magnificent Inca citadel at Machu Picchu.
Panama is home to many indigenous tribes, that still follow their traditional way of life. Day trips can be arranged from Panama City.
For more information on African and Indian culture holidays & cultural tours to Latin America - including South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia & beyond - contact us on 01582 766122 today. We can tailor make culture holidays or private cultural tours to your exact requirements.
We have been arranging African & Indian culture holidays & cultural tours to India, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico & beyond for over 20 years.
ALL OUR AFRICAN & INDIAN CULTURE HOLIDAYS & CULTURAL TOURS TO INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA, KENYA, ETHIOPIA, BRAZIL, MEXICO & BEYOND ARE FINANCIALLY PROTECTED wherever in the world you live.
CLICK on Continent & Country filters below to explore our wide range of cultural holidays.