Swiss long-haul travel specialist for over 60 yearsTo travel is to set out to discover others. And the first stranger to discover is you.
Nathalie da Costa
About me
I started this professional adventure at voyageplan as an apprentice in 1997, and the passion for travel has never left me since. After my training, I was lucky enough to spend a few months working in the Canadian Rockies. The trips I took in the years that followed were devoted to the wonderful discovery of Australia and Oceania in general, and finally I got to know the countries of Southern Africa, all of which touched me deeply. Every journey is a source of wonder, and there is still so much to discover! Being able to pass on and share my favourite travel experiences is a real pleasure.
The countries of Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi), Oceania and the South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Tahiti and its islands), Canada
Photos and videos by Nathalie da Costa
Specialist tips from Nathalie da Costa
Kulala Desert Lodge in Namibia
For me, the absolute ‘wow’ moment was spending the night under the stars at Kulala Desert Lodge (Sesriem/Sossusvlei). The breathtaking starry sky with its shooting stars hardly lets you sleep. Simply magical!
Relaxation and enjoyment on a cruise
Wind and water – these two elements fascinate me. Without constantly having to pack your bags, you simply reach new destinations and cultures – for me, it is the ideal combination of relaxation and enjoyment.
By hire car through Fiji
Drive around the main island of Viti Levu in a hire car, climb the sand dunes, hike to waterfalls, follow the superb coastal roads, race through the rainforest and get to know the country and its people – discover Fiji at your own pace. Then give yourself over to relaxation on a small island.
Self-drive tour in South Africa
Hire a car and take Route 62 from Oudtshoorn to Cape Town to experience the semi-desert of the Little Karoo and visit its idyllic small towns. Tip: visit the port wine cellar in Calitzdorp.
Namibia from above
Namibia's incredible vastness can also be explored in comfort by light aircraft. From above, you also get a spectacular view of the Sossusvlei dunes and the rest of Namibia.
Eco-accommodation in Namibia
At Doro Nawas Camp in Damaraland, the bed can be rolled out onto the veranda so you can spend the night under the stars. You will be fascinated by the many shooting stars – an unforgettable experience!
All tips
Unique: the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a must on every trip to Australia. With five hours, Reef Magic Cruises offers the longest stay on the reef, with daily departures from/to Cairns.
Adventure holidays in Australia
Spending the night in a swag under the starry sky, discovering unknown places and spending evenings together around the campfire – that's adventure for me. Australia is one of the most diverse countries in the world and offers everyone exciting and unforgettable moments.
By train across Australia
My tip: don't just travel around Australia by hire car or campervan, but also by train (e.g. The Ghan) or by boat (e.g. a cruise on the Great Barrier Reef).
The most beautiful kilometres in New Zealand
The Routeburn Track in the south of the South Island leads for 32 kilometres along the most beautiful hiking trails, through rainforest and high mountains and along magnificent mountainsides. The scenery is breathtaking and the nights in simple huts are unforgettable. The climb up Conical Hill is very strenuous and steep, but the view from the highest point of the hike is unforgettable. It is well worth taking on this climb and scaling Conical Hill.
Cruising in Fiji
A cruise along Fiji's palm-fringed coastline takes travellers into the lush rainforest, a colourful underwater world and typical Fijian villages where, besides singing and dancing, you can enjoy a delicious lovo meal cooked in an earth oven.
Welcoming people
Far from civilisation, the Marquesas present rocky coastlines, lush green mountain slopes and rough seas. The islanders welcome the few visitors with great warmth and are happy to show them the beauty of their homeland.
The ‘Progressive Dinner’ is a particularly intense cultural experience. On Rarotonga you can savour three different courses while enjoying genuine Cook Islands hospitality.
Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa
One experience our family will never forget is our stay at Madikwe Safari Lodge. In its cosy lodges in the middle of the African savannah, we were very close to the wild animals. We also had the chance to learn more about African nature.
South Africa by luxury train
At the end of my first golf trip to South Africa, the journey with Rovos Rail – from Cape Town to Pretoria – was on the agenda. Rovos Rail is not called the most luxurious train in the world for nothing – no internet, TV or spa! For me it was definitely ‘quality time’, with time for yourself and without giving in to constant distractions. It feels like travelling back in time to the 19th century, when women were still ladies and men gentlemen. At meals, for example, the gentlemen wear a shirt, tie and jacket. You are pampered and spoilt.
Sundowner Drink & Elephants
Enjoy a sundowner in the lounge at Ruckomechi Camp and let yourself be enchanted by the magnificent views of the majestic Zambezi River and the distant mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley. The setting sun creates a splendid play of colours, while a herd of elephants strolls peacefully along the riverbank.
By train across Australia
On board the Indian Pacific, you will cross Australia in three days. Gentle, regular jolts, coffee/tea served in the morning, sightseeing during a stop in Whistler, meeting other travellers in the lounge and fine meals in the dining car – welcome aboard!
Queensland's Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach, almost as white as snow, is the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. If you are on Queensland's Australian islands, don't miss this dream beach! On your way to the island, with a bit of luck you might even spot whales!
Australia: Red Centre
At the heart of Australia lie Uluru and Kings Canyon, set in a unique desert landscape. This region is of great spiritual significance, especially for Aboriginal people. Sunset is a magical moment, when the colours change from minute to minute.
Off the beaten track in Australia
The Gibb River Road stretches for around 660 km over hilly terrain through the Outback in north-western Australia. You drive a 4x4, sleep under the open sky and cook around a campfire – far from civilisation, surrounded by magnificent nature!
