Wanderlust Magazine, Issue 227 Sampler (June/July 2023)

30 Years Of Taking The Road Less Travelled

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Europe’s most amazing RAIL JOURNEYS

Hans Christian Andersen’s Denmark Azerbaijan trip planner Eating local in the USA The Bahamas Patagonia Park Designing Copenhagen Alpine Slovenia South Africa

VIEWFINDER

The Pyramids of Meroë, Sudan

The recent outbreak of internal fighting in Sudan brought uncomfortably to mind the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The great loser when war breaks out is always the people, and it can often be in ways that aren’t immediately apparent.

Few realise that Sudan is home to more standing pyramids – over 200 – than Egypt, thanks to the exploits of the Black Pharaohs who once ruled the Nile Valley. The Kingdom of Kush swept the region between 2500 BC and 300 AD, and in its ancient southern capital, Meroë (pictured), their legacy still scatters the dunes. This UNESCO-listed site is home to around 100 pyramids, recognisable by their steep slopes and narrow bases. Not all belonged to royals, but it is a spectacular sight nonetheless. While years of instability have held back visitors (and the much-needed income they bring to locals) from uncovering the stories that lie hidden in these ancient tombs, we hope to return in better times to witness the legacy of the Black Pharaohs once more. © ImageBROKER/AWL

DISPATCHES

JOURNAL Patagonia

The return of the wild Locals in Argentina’s deep south are switching from ranching to eco-tourism as part of an effort to rewild Patagonia Park, the region’s newest reserve Words & photographs Richard Collett

THE LAND OF

A 400km road trip from Azerbaijan’s oil-rich capital to the Silk Road city of Sheki explores a country where the past is always smouldering just below the surface Words & photographs by Simon Unwin unless otherwise stated

A Swiss first Switzerland’s GoldenPass Express is able to switch gauges, so travellers can ride between Montreux and Interlaken for the first time without having to change trains

E U R O P E ’S M O ST E XC I T I N G N E W

RAIL JOURNEYS Travel in Europe is being transformed by a new wave of sleeper trains, high-speed connections and rail-themed tours. What better time to hit the tracks?

Words Anthony Lambert Map illustrations Scott Jessop

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

A new trail is turning a fresh page in the life of Denmark’s great storyteller, guiding travellers around the places that tell his own rags-to-riches fairy tale Words & photographs Sarah Baxter