National Geographic Traveller (UK) June 2022

James March The food of Tunisia’s Cap Bon peninsula has taken influences from its Mediterranean cousins, but it’s a cuisine that’s very much its own. Explore the colourful souks, smoky cafes and busy coastal towns, and be sure to add a dash of harissa to everything. TUNISIA P.50 Ben Lerwill The pandemic left wildlife reserves floundering, so I arrived in South Africa not entirely sure what to expect. I departed feeling dazed by the experience and buoyed by the work that’s going into safeguarding the future. SOUTH AFRICA P.84 Alicia Miller I first came to the Douro Valley for the wine (the port, of course, is world-famous) and the epic scenery. Now, I return for the fabulous sweets, sleepy towns and the people — so warm, genuine and proud of…

‘Scandinavia’ has become shorthand for many things this century — sleek interior design, TV crime dramas, patterned knitwear and cinnamon pastries to name but a few much-loved and imitated exports. But what lies at the heart of the oft-named ‘happiest place on earth’? Beyond man-made creations, it’s the awe-inspiring nature that truly defines the region — breathtaking mountains, pristine fjords and wild islands that keep loyal travellers coming back and initiate legions of new fans each year. Denmark, Norway and Sweden might be three very different countries, but there exists among its people a shared passion for outdoor adventures, come snow or dazzling sunshine. We’ve rounded up the best of them in this issue’s cover story (p.64). From oyster safaris on Denmark’s dramatic shoreline and wilderness camping in Norwegian national…

SNAPSHOT Marie Nojki, Nakuru, Kenya In the village of Eburru, in the clay hills of Nakuru County, Marie picks pyrethrum flowers. They might look delicate with their bright petals, but the bloom is known as the ‘flower of death’ — a daisy imbued with poisonous powers. They’re considered non-toxic to humans, but are lethal to insect pests. Marie collects the flowers by hand, after which the heads are dried and crushed to produce pyrethrin, a non-synthetic insecticide that’s used in organic farming around the world. vitofusco.com @vitofusco…

Venice, Italy The jovial Festa del Redentore is celebrated on the third Sunday of July to commemorate the liberation of Venice from the plague of 1576. Even after almost 450 years, the citizens of La Serenissima still love to have dinner together on wooden tables beside the canals, feasting on local specialties such as pasta and beans, and anchovies in onion sauce, accompanied by plenty of wine. Canals are decorated with balloons, garlands and flowers, while hundreds of boats fill the lagoon. It’s all accompanied by music and dancing, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display before midnight. It was a joy to photograph convivial moments of eating and drinking like this — a snapshot not just of the festival, but also of the Italian lifestyle. judithbalariphotography.com @judithbalariphotography Shortlisted for the…

In winter, the reappearance of the Matariki constellation in the night sky heralds the beginning of the Māori New Year, which is a public holiday for the first time this year. From 21 June to 16 July, the country comes alive with feasts showcasing Indigenous cuisine, as well as art exhibitions, night markets and street parties. Celebrate among the country’s oldest Māori settlements in the Bay of Islands, mix stargazing with feasting at Mount Cook, or be dazzled by the light show in Christchurch. matarikifestival.org.nz There’s even the chance to trace the Maori story right back to its roots. It’s been nearly 1,000 years since Polynesian explorer Kupe settled at Hokianga, an area north of Auckland, an arrival that marked the beginning of the Māori people on these newly found…

19-20 AUGUST BEERVANA Getting underway in the capital, Wellington, this summer is New Zealand’s biggest beer festival. Expect a two-day celebration of all things ale, with themed bars, silent discos, beer cocktails and plenty of good food. beervana.co.nz 29 SEPTEMBER-16 OCTOBER WORLD OF WEARABLEART Fashionistas will be heading to Wellington for an extravaganza of fashion and theatre this September, as the World of WearableArt pairs cutting-edge designs with dance and aerial performances. worldofwearableart.com 8 OCTOBER-12 NOVEMBER RUGBY WORLD CUP The rugby world’s eyes will be on New Zealand later this year, with the women’s Rugby World Cup kicking off in October. Matches will be held in Auckland and Whangarei, both on the North Island. rugbyworldcup.com 20 JULY-20 AUGUST 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP Jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand,…