In this special episode, Wild Frontiers Founder Jonny explores a region close to his heart – Kashmir. He is joined by historian and travel journalist Sam Dalrymple, author of Shattered Lands and Wild Frontiers Content Manager Hayley, who has just returned from our High Road to Kashmir group tour. Together, they dive deep into the history of India and Pakistan’s partition, the Indian Empire, and the region’s post-colonial legacy. Hayley shares firsthand experiences from the tour, offering insights into what it’s like to visit Kashmir today, including safety concerns, local culture and highlights, and travel advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Jonny speaks with Dr Sushma Jansari, lead curator of Ancient India: living traditions at the British Museum, about the featured ancient Indian devotional imagery across Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Exploring the exhibition in depth, they discuss how sacred figures evolved from symbolic footprints to human forms, and how the exhibition connects these shared origins to contemporary practices, particularly in the South Asian diaspora. It is the British Museum’s first major multi-faith exhibition on ancient South Asian devotional art, spotlighting its global relevance and deep ties to living communities. Ancient India: living traditions runs at the British Museum from 22 May to 19 October 2025, featuring over 180 objects: sculptures, paintings, manuscripts and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Wild Frontiers founder, Jonny Bealby, and Product and Operations Director, Marc Leaderman, as they uncover our most exciting new destination, Iraq. After re-visiting Iraq earlier in the year, Marc shares his thoughts on the rich history, strong cultural identity and the highlights which you can experience on our new group tour Iraq: Babylon & Beyond. Jonny & Marc discuss security and safety, including insurance when travelling against governmental advice, and why we decided it was finally time to uncover this land of ancient civilisation and history, and diverse, sweeping landscapes. From the buzzing streets of Baghdad to the tranquillity of the Marshes, the sacred sites of Najaf, Karbala, Samarra and Erbil, to the ruins of Babylon, this podcast is your ultimate guide to exploring Iraq.Whether you're a curious traveller, a history enthusiast, or simply wanting to learn more about Iraq, listen for insights into Iraq’s heritage, travel tips and the intellect, warmth and resilience of its people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Wild Frontiers team explore arguably the most beautiful Central Asian 'Stan and one of our host and founder, Jonny's favourite countries: Kyrgyzstan. Uncover the setting of the 2026 World Nomad Games, Kyrgyzstan, as one of our Travel Specialists, Katie, a regular visitor to the region who has experienced the incredible, dramatic mountain scenery, serene lakes and relaxed way of life, shares some highlights of the country. And hear what it's like at the World Nomad Games with our Head of Marketing, Mike, who attended the Kazakhstan games in 2024. Hosted every two years and often considered the ‘Nomad Olympics’, the World Nomad Games features horseback games, archery, wrestling and teams from all over the world.Explore KyrgyzstanExperience the World Nomad Games in 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kate Humble sits down with travel and food writer Caroline Eden at the delicious intersection where travel meets taste buds, with the fragrant dishes of Central Asia and the sumptuous fare of the Caucasus on the menu.Through travel, they explore food myths and tips, top spots for local dishes, and the wonderful tradition & ritual of food, so pull up a seat and pour yourself a glass of Georgian wine as Kate and Caroline discuss the delicacies from these delectable regions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Known for its mountain scenery, spectacular coastline and fascinating ancient and recent history, Albania has become one of travel’s most exciting destinations in recent years. In the latest episode of the World by Wild Frontiers, our team uncover exactly why it’s captured the hearts of adventure travellers. Wild Frontiers founder Jonny Bealby is joined by Marc Leaderman, Product & Operations Director, and Louisa Ryder, one of our Travel Consultants who recently travelled to Albania, as they explore the country's fascinating historical and religious context, don't-miss-moments, safety, and the modern musings on this fascinating Balkan country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode is for the ethical, conscious adventure traveller. Wild Frontiers has always had community tourism and positive impact at its core, and after securing B Corp certification last year, starting the new season of the World by Wild Frontiers podcast with a sustainability dedicated episode just makes sense! Kate Humble is joined by sustainability expert and Condé Nast Traveller's first-ever sustainability editor, Juliet Kinsman, and Wild Frontiers' Head of Sustainable Travel, Nardia Sullivan. Tune in to find out about the joys and benefits of travelling out of peak season, understand more about B Corp, explore how to give back as you travel and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fancy an exclusive, behind the scenes glimpse at the British Museum's Silk Roads exhibition? Join the founder of Wild Frontiers, Jonny Bealby, as he speaks to the curators of the exhibition: Sue Brunning, Curator of European Early Medieval & Sutton Hoo Collections and Luk Yu-Ping, Basil Gray Curator of Chinese Paintings, Prints and Central Asian Collections. The curators explore the significance of objects from the exhibition and provide deeper context and stories from this ancient trade route - a fascinating insight if you're captivated by the history of the Silk Road, and whether you can make it along to the museum or not! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Want to find out the best place to spot tigers in India, or what the ultimate wildlife experiences are in Brazil? Join Kate Humble and Jonny Bealby as they explore the wild and wonderful creatures you can spot on your travels around the globe. Discussing key wildlife destinations such as the Galapagos and Tanzania, as well as some more offbeat locations such as Pakistan and the Congo, they'll share their stories and tips so you can break away from the pack, and follow your own tracks on unbelievable safari and wildlife-filled adventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Madagascar is the main character in this exciting episode! An island bursting with life, but with so much more to offer than simply being the home of over 100 species of lemur and one famous movie...Dive into what it's like to visit Madagascar with Kate Humble and some of the 'professional travellers' of Wild Frontiers, Hayley Cleeter (Content Manager) and Marc Leaderman (Director of Ops & Product), covering essential topics such as travel logistics (road conditions, internal flights, visas and climate), different areas for different desires, and of course, up-close wildlife encounters and falling in love with baobabs!Explore our Madagascar tours here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/destination/madagascar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the final episode of our India trilogy, we're journeying to Kashmir and through the Indian Himalayas.Wild Frontiers founder Jonny Bealby explores Kashmir's history, wars, complexities, and his relationship with this region. Wild Frontiers started running tours to Kashmir in 2004 and has been successfully taking travellers to explore this region ever since.Jonny is joined by Altaf Chapri, a hotelier in Srinagar and a friend of Wild Frontiers, and they discuss security in the valley and why it is advised against visiting (despite tourists being safe for many years). He runs Qayaam Gah and the Sukoon Houseboat in Srinagar and speaks about his love of Kashmir and the serenity and spiritual experience of staying on houseboats.They also discuss Wild Frontiers' High Road to Kashmir group tour itinerary and its unmissable highlights, including Ladakh, Leh and Srinagar. Wild Frontiers India specialist Shalmali Rao Paterson speaks about Leh's unique culture and landscapes, Spiti Valley, Kumar, Darjeeling and the state of Sikkim's appeal, and walking and staying in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas.Kashmir & The Himalayas Tours & Holidays Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With help from three of our India specialists, Jess Mannion, Sejal Gopujkar, and Shalmali Rao Paterson, and Wild Frontiers Product & Operations Director Marc Leaderman, the team will fight the corner of each region’s unique offerings for travellers and capture the essence of India on their favourite routes.Jess – Rajasthan's iconic sights, rural homestays and tiger watching in Ranthambore National ParkSejal –The beauty of Kerala: Waterways, tea plantations, Kathakali traditional dance and festivals, and the wonders of the SouthShalmali – Off-the-beaten-track south: Chambal River Safari, Gwalior, Bhopal, Satpura National Park, and Aliyah Fort in MaheshwarMarc - From Gwalior to the east: Orchha, Khajuraho’s erotic carvings, Kumbh Mela festival in Allahabad, Bandhavgarh National Park, VaranasiJonny - Varansai to Kolkata, key sites, botanical gardens & flower markets. Check out Jonny's walking tour through Kolkata here: https://www.wildfrontiers.tv/walking-tour-of-kolkata/Check out part 3 for Kashmir & The Himalayas!India tours this way: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/destination/india Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vast, varied, visually stunning, and endlessly fascinating, India offers a playful juxtaposition of serenity and colourful chaos, of beautiful ancient history and buzzing modern cities. With so much to see and do, how do you decide where to go for your first time?Join Wild Frontiers founder Jonny Bealby as he explores what you should know when you're planning your very first trip to the country. Accompanied by Marc Leaderman (Product & Operations Director) and Sarah Coombes (Head of Operations), they'll tackle all the tips and expert insight about what to prepare for and the pivotal places for first-time explorers. From what it's like to travel as a woman and cultural sensitivities to book recommendations and practicalities, this is your handy guide to everything you need to know before you embark on your first adventure to India!As Indophiles will know, you'll never run out of things to fall in love with while discovering this captivating country. Follow the World by Wild Frontiers podcast to stay updated for part 2, where our travel experts take part in a 'Battle of the Regions', and part 3, which focuses on Kashmir & the Himalayas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peru is the country that truly has it all. Encompassing the wondrous peaks of the Andes, the deep blue of Lake Titicaca, the arid plains that lead to the Pacific Ocean, and ancient Inca ruins that will enthrall visitors, prepare to be enchanted by a destination bursting with variety, life, and colour.In this episode, long-time friend of Wild Frontiers, Kate Humble, dives into the plethora that Peru has to offer (not including her own unique experience while filming a documentary about alpaca farmers!)Kate speaks to special guest Hilary Bradt (co-founder of Bradt Guides) about why she chose to feature Peru in their very first guidebook, written in 1974, plus many more fascinating travel tales that demonstrate her love of the country.Also joining Kate is Latin America expert at Wild Frontiers, Richard Leonardi, who offers a wealth of knowledge, including how to experience Peru 'off-the-beaten-track', sustainable travel, culinary delights, and travel logistics, to get the most out of your trip to this awe-inspiring country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everything you want to know about travelling to Pakistan! Get ready to be transported to one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries that is incredibly close to our hearts. Often lauded as one of adventure travel's best-kept secrets, Pakistan is also where Wild Frontiers was born over 25 years ago. Listen to our founder, Jonny, talk about his adventures in Pakistan, and visit to the valleys of the Kalash – the last of the pagan tribes to inhabit the Hindu Kush – where he was so taken with these warm and welcoming people that he stayed for three months and ended up setting up Wild Frontiers on their advice. Jonny speaks to Marc, our Director of Product and Operations, to discuss security in Pakistan and how we use our contacts and experience to ensure the safety of all of our visitors. As part of our 'Just Back From' series, Jonny interviews some of our travellers he joined in Pakistan last month at their stop in Hunza to find out why they wanted to visit Pakistan and their thoughts on their trip so far. He also speaks to Natasha, our Operations Manager who handles our tours to Pakistan and recently returned from a trip there, to discuss the practicalities of travelling to this culturally rich and diverse destination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
To travel or not to travel? From issues of safety to ethical considerations, there are many things to consider when travelling. Join Kate Humble, Wild Frontiers Founder Jonny Bealby, and Director of Product and Operations Marc Leaderman as they explore the essential questions any thoughtful traveller considers, such as 'Can I go there?' 'Should I go there?' 'Is it safe?' and 'Is it ethical?' Destinations covered range from the Congo to Saudi and Iran, as they unpick the complexities of travelling to the countries that raise an eyebrow and sometimes even prompt words of caution from friends and family. Tune in for some inspiring travel tales and a peek into how Wild Frontiers shaped their philosophy on the difficult topic of when to travel to a destination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The third, and final part of this Silk Road trilogy puts arguably the most popular of the 'Stans in the spotlight: Uzbekistan. Jonny is joined by Sophie Ibbotson, a writer and consultant specialising in Central Asia, Uzbekistan's Ambassador for Tourism, and Chairperson of the Royal Society of Asian Affairs. She has written six guidebooks for Bradt Travel Guides and is also a regular contributor to publications such as Wanderlust, Lonely Planet, City AM, and the Daily Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
So you want to visit Central Asia... but you have no idea where to go first? Or perhaps you've visited one of the 'Stans and want to find out more about the neighbouring countries? Jonny and Marc continue their Silk Road odyssey, exploring the differing appeal of each 'Stan, including the culture, must-see sights and practical tips on how to visit. Will you be one 'Stan all the way, or does your next adventure cover a few different countries? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join the founder of Wild Frontiers, Jonny Bealby, and Marc Leaderman, Director of Product and Operations, as they unravel the history of the Silk Road, talk about Jonny's 3,000-mile horse journey which resulted in his third book, 'Silk Dreams, Troubled Road', and share the first tours Wild Frontiers started running over 20 years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kate Humble explores the exhilarating world of solo travel, discussing the highs and lows, the inspirations and opportunities of independent exploring with Phoebe Smith, Lorna Moore, and Clare Tobin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.