Exploring obscure destinations in 2025 offers a chance to experience unique, off the beaten track places that are less crowded and more authentic. These locations often boast untouched natural beauty, rich cultures, and hidden gems that remain overlooked by mainstream tourism. Travelling to lesser- known spots provides opportunities for sustainable travel, while supporting local communities, making the experiences more personal and meaningful. With travel becoming more accessible, obscure destinations present an exciting way to broaden your horizons and discover the world in a more authentic way. Here are some obscure destinations that we’ll be heading to in 2025.
Uganda
This East African country is the ultimate destination for adventure and nature lovers. With our previous plans to explore this region destroyed by covid, the time has finally arrived to head back in 2025.
With an abundance of wildlife, more than 500 species of mammal, an astounding 1000+ species of birds, jungles, mountains, lakes and ten National Parks, there’s no shortage of choices when it comes to things to see and do.
The people of Uganda are welcoming and friendly, with a huge variety of interesting cultures and traditions. Although many languages are spoken, English is the official form of communication, which makes chatting to locals, asking questions, and learning about their lives and country, much easier. Interaction with locals is one of our favourite things about travelling, the thing we find most rewarding.
Another bonus about Uganda is that it doesn’t get over crowded with visitors, like some of its neighbours, and as a result, it has some of the most affordable safaris and tours on the continent. Accommodation options are varied, from budget to luxurious, with the mid-range selection being excellent value.
Exploring Uganda is fairly simple, with a public transport network that takes you all over the country.
Getting to Uganda isn’t too hard either, with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, India, and plenty of African countries.
A landlocked country, Uganda is surrounded by five neighbours, which allows you the option of adding a visit to one or more of them onto your trip. Flying into Kenya, spending some time there, then catching a bus to Kampala, doesn’t take much planning. You can then check out the North of Uganda, plus head South towards Rwanda, stopping at various points along the way. Cross the border and continue the journey in Rwanda, before heading into Tanzania, then complete the loop by returning to Nairobi. There’s multiple options, something to suit everyone. It all depends on how much time you have. Obviously, the more the better.
Uganda is the perfect African destination for any type of traveller, from the beginner to the experienced. It’s one country that we’re excited to discover in 2025.
Comoros
One of the least visited countries in the world, most people wouldn’t have heard of this small island. Located in the Mozambique Channel, near Madagascar, it’s a poor country, with a non-existent tourism industry, which is one of our favourite types of places to visit. With a raw natural beauty, deserted beaches, and a tropical climate, it’s what off the beaten track travel dreams are made of.
It’s not an easy place to get to, with only a handful of flight options from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Including Comoros in a trip to Kenya or Tanzania is the best idea, with the opportunity to continue onwards to Madagascar.
Made up of four main islands, it’s no surprise that activities involving the beach are popular. If lying in the sun isn’t your thing, and you prefer to discover the interior, you won’t be disappointed. Away from the coast, the rugged inland hides volcanic craters, tropical rainforest containing endangered bats, and the mongoose lemur. With six National Parks, there’s ample activities on offer. Local guides are in-expensive, and can take you on hikes to breath taking viewpoints, or to beaches to see turtles.
One of the world’s largest producers of ylang-ylang, Comoros is known as the perfumed islands. Vanilla and cloves are major crops, with a visit to a local farm an interesting excursion.
With a blend of African, Arab and French, the islands are rich in culture and history. Music is a big part of life here, as is art and fishing. Cuisine is dominated by seafood, with the cultural mix making for unique dishes. Local markets are ideal places to find home grown produce, with mangoes and papaya regular staples.
Seeing little in the way of visitors, Comorians are generally pleased to see you. Comorian is the official language, although French is widely used. Finding someone who speaks English can be a challenge outside the main cities, the best bet being the younger generation who are taught it at school.
Once you are here, travel is inexpensive, and it won’t take long to settle into the flow of local everyday life. Moroni has a surprisingly decent selection of places to stay, from Airbnb’s to hotels, at affordable prices. Local homestays are a great chance to gain a small insight into everyday life, while supporting a local.
An obscure destination with no tourists, raw beauty, friendly locals, tropical fruit and vegetables, and loads to see and do. Bring it on.
Solomon Islands
The Soloman Islands are only a short three-hour flight from Australia, and yet see very little in the way of visitors. Crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and tropical forests are in abundance. The islands are an explorer’s wonderland, with endless walking and hiking opportunities. Unspoilt coral reefs and dive sites are within easy reach, places which are often described as better than the Maldives.
The islands are also rich in history, with historical World War II battles taking place here. Old relics, airstrips and sunken ships scatter the country, with museums and memorials documenting these times and providing a glimpse into the past.
A melting pot of cultures and traditions, shell money is still used for some purchases, but fortunately, head hunting stopped long ago. Solomon Islands people are relaxed and peace loving, and are happy to chat and share their time with you.
It’s no surprise that sea life takes centre stage here, but the Islands are also home to over 300 species of bird, including 11 different parrot species, and unusual mammals like the cuscus and tree kangaroo.
Tropical fruit and vegetables are plentiful, and can be purchased from local markets, which are a great place to get a feel for everyday life. Eateries serving catch of the day are cheap and easy to find, while western style food can be found at one of the resorts or modern hotels.
Getting around takes time. Honiara has a limited bus network, while villages away from the capital are reached by climbing onto the back of a truck with the locals. Moving around the islands is slow going, with the pot holed roads taking time to navigate. The local airline offers flights to other islands, with boats also a reliable and common way regularly used by locals. English is the official language, which is a bonus, along with locals eager to help out.
There’s a selection of accommodation options, from local guesthouses, to resorts. Budget and mid-range style establishments are a bit harder to find, but not impossible.
A country with tropical forests home to tree kangaroo’s and parrots, oceans housing dugongs, ancient traditions, and World War II relics is pretty impressive and enticing. With few visitors, and a sense of the unknown, the Solomon Islands are a destination that we can’t wait to visit in 2025.
Madagascar
One of the most unique places on the planet, Madagascar is like a fantasy island from a movie. With animals found nowhere else on earth, forests filled with unusual trees, and an often-surreal landscape, it’s a mouth-watering trip for most travellers. Countless postcard perfect beaches, off shore islands, and exceptional oceans home to whale sharks, are all waiting, while amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities also add to the attraction. There’s an interesting history to learn about, and with eighteen different tribes, loads of culture and traditions to experience. You won’t get bored!
Madagascar is home to twenty-seven National Parks, spread throughout the island. This makes it easy to get off the beaten track and have places to yourself. Each National Park is significantly different, with particular parks being the only place where certain animals can be found. Some parks are remote, and take a bit of planning to reach, but that’s part of the fun.
No matter what type of trip you want, from a pre-arranged package tour, to independent travel, all preferences are covered. You can hire a guide who’ll drive you where you want to go, do a self-drive adventure, or use public transport, it’s up to you.
Be prepared for some slow and bumpy journeys, as the road network is ordinary at best. One of the largest islands in the world, getting places takes time, this is life here, so get used to it.
Domestic flights link some of the main cities, which can be very useful if you are short on time, but it’s not always the destination, but getting there that’s most memorable. Public transport allows you to meet locals, and get a feeling for local life. We break up long rides by stopping and spending a night or two somewhere along the way. We enjoy slow travel. To truly experience a country, you need to spend time in it.
Getting to Madagascar isn’t too tricky, with flights from main land African hubs such as Johannesburg or Nairobi, and Paris in Europe. With popular off-shore island Nosy Be also having links to Europe and Africa, it’s a great place to start your adventure.
Accommodation options are varied and plentiful, with everything from Airbnb to ocean front resorts. Eco retreats hidden in the forest provide solitude, while beach bungalows are aways a popular choice. World class dining options are growing, for those who enjoy fine dining. Local eateries are everywhere, serving all sorts of snacks and meals, with Zebu, a type of cattle, a local favourite. These are in-expensive and tasty. Markets selling fresh fruit and vegetables are easy to find, while freshly caught seafood is on offer all along the coast.
Malagasy is the official language, with French also popular. Outside of the main centres, you will struggle to find anyone who speaks or understands English, but be patient, learn a few phrases, and you’ll not only make everyone laugh, but have a bit of fun.
Welcoming locals, extraordinary animals, epic landscapes, beaches and abundant natural beauty, with unlimited adventure opportunities. What more could you wish for in a country? Madagascar is an awesome destination that we can’t wait to visit in 2025.
Vanuatu
A string of over 80 islands in the South Pacific, Vanuatu is an exotic hideaway, that many people don’t know about. Cruise ships stop briefly in the capital, Port Villa, which is also where the few travellers that do arrive in the country spend their time in all-inclusive resorts. Port Villa has direct flights to Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland, as well as neighbouring South Pacific countries, meaning getting here isn’t a problem. Understandably, relaxing on beaches is the main pastime for the holiday makers who make it out here. However, for those with a sense of adventure, who are prepared to dig a little deeper, neighbouring islands containing larva spitting volcanoes, sunken WWII relics, and the original bungy jumpers are all within reach.
Little visited islands like Tanna and Epi remain largely unchanged, with small villages still practising traditions passed down through the centuries. Local guides are easy to find, with hikes to blue holes, waterfalls, smoking volcanoes and local villages all worthwhile and rewarding. In the waters offshore, turtles and dugong sightings are common. Accommodation on the smaller islands is basic, but the experience will be unforgettable.
Santo island has a great selection of places to stay, local markets, and grocery stores. With connections to outer lying islands such as Pentecost, Malekula and Ambrym, Santo serves as an ideal base to spend a week or two. With a direct flight to Brisbane, it’s a destination waiting to be explored.
English is one of the three official languages, making chatting to the locals easy, or asking for directions and information whilst exploring the islands.
Things here are in-expensive, with the main cost being flights to the outer islands. Accommodation is dominated by resorts, but there’s also loads of local guesthouses, Airbnb’s and hotels that cater for every budget.
Tropical forests, volcanoes, beaches, blue holes, along with easy going locals and endless adventure opportunities, make the islands of Vanuatu a destination we’re eager to explore in 2025.