A common question for visitors to Iceland is whether it’s best to drive Iceland’s Route 1 ring road in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Whislt we didn’t actually drive the entire ring on our trip (we probably covered around one third of it), I did plan to at first so spent quite a bit of time researching this issue. I hope my findings will help you make an informed decision as to what route is best for you.

First things first

Before tackling the question of whether to drive the ring road in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, I would first pose the question as to whether you do indeed want to cover the entire route. It’s 1,317 kilometres and, if you are limited to only a week or so, I would seriously take a step back and look at the key things you want to cover. See my previous

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Travelling around Iceland is relatively straight forward and nowadays, with the aid of technology that almost all of us carry with us everywhere we go (our smartphones), it’s easier than ever. Here we’ve collated a number of apps which will help make your time in Iceland safer as well as enable you to get more from your visit.

112 Iceland

The 112 Iceland app makes it possible to contact 112 without calling. Clear simple app menu assists users in explaining what is happening and send a text message to an emergency operator. As soon as the app contacts the emergency operator your location is sent to the emergency center, along with the personal information stored in the app and a description of what is going on. This makes it possible to respond even more quickly to your call.

Available on iOS and Android

safetravel.is

Conditions in Iceland can be unusual

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As I near the end of my series of posts from our trip to Iceland, I am sharing with you 10 things that are perhaps not all that well publicised but could be helpful when planning a trip to Iceland, particularly if you are visiting for the first time. Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world – a land full of natural wonders – but knowing these useful tips will hopefully ensure that your trip benefits from some inside knowledge.

Plan ahead and book in advance

A trip to Iceland is one that you’re likely to remember for years to come. For this reason, you’ll be want to be sure that you plan ahead. And planning ahead is important for two reasons; firstly, you’ll get the pick of the best hotels and accommodation if you book ahead; secondly, you’ll often get the best prices by planning

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One of the first things you might think about when planning a trip to Iceland is whether to drive the full length of the ring road that goes around the entire country – known as Route 1, and not to be confused with the Golden Circle which is close to Reykjavik and gives you easy access to some key sights that can be seen in a single day.

To assess this, we needed to first know how far it was and how long it would take. The answer to that question is that Iceland’s entire ring road covers 1,317 kilometres and, in theory, can be driven in just 16.5 hours (albeit through non-stop driving – but even if sharing the driving, you would still need to stop to change drivers and to re-fuel!). This also assumes no traffic whatsoever.

Given that you can, in theory, comfortably get all the way

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Occupying the uppermost floor of the already-renowned Hotel Keflavik, Diamond Suites Luxury Boutique Hotel is Iceland‘s first five star hotel and consists of a collection of individually-decorated suites. Whilst the building’s exterior might seem rather unremarkable, each suite is ultra-luxurious and has its own unique character and theme for travellers who demand the best.

The welcome

Tucked away on the top floor, Diamond Suites is completely private and separate from Hotel Keflavik, and even has its own small reception desk. This was unmanned at the time of our visit, with a smooth and seamless check-in performed instead at the main hotel reception area on the ground floor.

The room

The door into Diamond Suites initially takes you into a private

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We arrived at Hotel Keflavik ahead of our return flight back to the UK for which we had a very early start. (The hotel is just a 6-minute drive from the airport.) The building actually houses two hotels, both under the same management – the four star Hotel Keflavik and, on the uppermost floor, Diamond Suites Luxury Boutique Hotel. Many of the facilities are common to both hotels. We are able to bring you details on both hotels since our sons stayed in a room at Hotel Keflavik, whilst we stayed in the Diamond Suites.

The welcome

Two large stone lions stand on guard at either side of Hotel Keflavik’s main entrance. Parking close to the hotel entrance was free, with

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Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Gorilla trekking Uganda safaris in Bwindi National Park
  • Spot the Big 5 & Big cats in Queen Elizabeth NP
  • Boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP
  • Spot the Big 5 & Big cats in Akagera
  • Boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera
  • Unlimited game drives
  • Travel with an expert guide rated excellent by past travelers
  • Travel in a comfortable Land Cruiser

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will be picked from your hotel in Kigali and you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park located western Uganda. You will arrive at your Lodge for an overnight stay. 

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Lodge: Bush Lodge

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game drive and Boat cruise

After a cup of coffee, begin the day with a game drive in the Kasenyi plains that may lead you

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