Travelling is a Way of Life

Travel Blog

SHARE THE THRILLS! My content is based on authentic experiences and genuine observations. While I strive to provide you with the most enjoyable and informative travel experiences, it's important to remember that my content is based on personal experiences, anecdotes, and research. I aim to offer inspiration and insight, to share the wonders of the world and the joy of exploration.

  • Mar 31, 2025

Written by Vivienne Gunning—Jaipur’s all pink walls, spicy street food, and royal vibes—this city’s got stories in every corner and color in every frame.

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  • Mar 26, 2025

In the smoke and silence of Varanasi’s cremation ghats, I came face to face with the Aghori Sadhus—Hinduism’s most feared and misunderstood ascetics. What I saw shocked me, challenged me, and shifted my view of life, death, and everything in between. This is not your average travel story. #AghoriSadhus #Varanasi #IndiaUnfiltered #SpiritualTravel #CremationGhats #CultureShock #TravelWriter #SacredIndia #LifeAndDeath

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  • Mar 19, 2025

Explore the rich tapestry of Hinduism through the eyes of a curious traveler. Delve into its origins, beliefs, and practices, and ponder the challenges it faces in modern society.

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  • Feb 26, 2025

Hierdie blog is die eerste in ’n reeks wat dieper delf in die ware Indië—nie net die betowerende prentjie wat aan toeriste verkoop word nie, maar die land soos dit werklik is. Die skrywer, Vivienne Gunning, deel ’n persoonlike reis, huiwerig om die kraan oop te draai, want sodra die stories begin vloei, kan dit nie gestop word nie. Dit is ’n blik op die kontras tussen die Indië wat besoekers sien en die Indië wat daagliks leef en asemhaal—’n plek vol kleure, gesigte en geskiedenis, maar ook ’n wêreld waar insig selde die oppervlak breek. Wat bly oor ná die groete en die glimlagte? Hierdie reeks gaan daardieper antwoord soek.

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  • Feb 24, 2025

A deeply personal account of witnessing cremation rituals at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, India—exploring the profound complexities of life, death, and spiritual beliefs.

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  • Feb 16, 2025

Meta Description (SEO-Optimized) Step into the vibrant world of Chapel Road, Mumbai—a hidden gem where Portuguese heritage meets modern street art. Stroll through narrow colonial-era lanes, admire ever-changing murals, sip chai at quirky cafés, and soak in the neighborhood’s slow charm in the midst of Mumbai’s rush. A place where the walls scream with color, and history whispers through every doorway. Explore, get lost, and experience Mumbai’s most artistic street.

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To travel is not to escape life but for life not escaping us!

Welcome to VivienneGunning.com
Travel stories, camera moments, and a life lived off the beaten path.

Hi, I’m Vivienne Gunning – expedition leader, photographer, and full-time adventurer. I’ve travelled across the globe, visited 33 countries in Africa alone, and picked up a few stories (and a lot of dust) along the way.

This site is my little corner of the internet where I share travel inspiration, tips, offbeat destinations, and personal insights from a life on the move. You’ll find everything from immersive real time travel guides to stories from remote corners of the world – the kind of places and stories you won’t always find in guidebooks.

Every photo I post is part of the story. I see the world through my lens, and I hope my photos help you feel what I felt in the moment.

Whether you’re planning your own trip or just love a good armchair adventure, you’re in the right place.
So come along. Let www.viviennegunning.com be your passport to the wild, the wonderful, and the deeply human side of travel.

I’ll take you there.

Embark on a virtual odyssey with Vivienne Gunning at www.viviennegunning.com, a digital chronicle of a seasoned world traveler and safari expedition leader. Dive into captivating narratives, stunning photography, and rich tales that unfold the untamed beauty of the natural world. Join Vivienne, a passionate 60+ explorer fearlessly navigating solo adventures, as she shares the wisdom gained from a lifetime of globe-trotting. Subscribe now to witness the beauty of solo travel, cultural exchanges, and the wonders of the world, meticulously woven into a rich tapestry of words, art, and photography.

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Join Vivienne Gunning on a captivating journey to Sicily, while she embrace the unknown, exploring unexpected twists, cultural festivals, and the enchanting cities and villages of Sicily. Follow her quest for new beginnings in this immersive travel blog

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TALK TO ME! Please do not to use any content without your permission.

  • Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

I’m available 24/7 via WhatsApp at +27 82 795 0411. If I don’t respond right away, I’m likely travelling through a remote area with limited Wi-Fi. Your message is important to me, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Warm regards, Vivienne


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TRAVEL EXPERT!

David Tett
President, Bushtracks Expeditions

2 February, 2014 Dear Sir, Madam, This reference letter outlines the loyal and exceptional performance Vivienne Gunning has delivered to Bushtracks Expeditions and our international travelers for over 15 years. Vivienne has demonstrated an ability to learn and develop management skills for a variety of functions and projects required by Bushtracks. Initially she assisted us with significant, complex, ACMI, long haul, multi-stop airliner charters across Africa, from Johannesburg to Addis, from Cape Town to Casablanca, and on our circumnavigation of North Africa and the Sahara by private 737 jet. Her role included planning flight routes, arranging overflight and landing permissions, negotiating and contracting with airport ground handlers, supplying and managing the on board catering and cabin crew, monitoring passenger service quality, setting up of fueling stops and logistics, and more. From her successful management of our aviation charter function, she grew into our most experienced Expedition Leader with more trips, guests, and destinations to her name than any of our other leaders. Alongside this role she also developed project management skills that helped us set up and deliver a 50 bed Caidel tented camp in the Sahara desert in Niger, where she also set up and managed a very successful and remote field kitchen that delivered high quality meals to our private jet guests. A second project she managed for us was our contract with Doli Lodge in the CAR, and again she proved her project management skills. Here she was tasked with planning and sourcing fittings and soft furnishings in South Africa and the CAR, shipping them to a remote part of the CAR rainforest where she was required to install and creatively refurbish the lodge and its landscaping on a very tight budget, to train the staff and get them into uniform, and to train the chef and his kitchen staff and install a weekly menu system. In short I can recommend Vivienne for a position in the tourism industry and vouch for her dedication to hard work and delivering results in an accountable fashion. President Bushtracks Expeditions

Suzette Nieuwoudt
Former Interim Executive Director, SADC Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation / Project Coordinator ICAO COSCAP-SADC

Vivienne is a specialist in her field with decades of experience in aviation ranging from finding the best-suited aircraft for “flying safaris”, leading expeditions and managing logistics. Tending to every detail of the tour group’s needs in an artistic manner comes naturally, whilst topping it by sharing her positive energy to round off every expedition and every adventure as a “once in a lifetime experience”! Bravo Vivienne, you lead by example!

"Be the change you want to see in the world! Your donation to the Women's Empowerment Project in Kerala, India, will help empower women and girls to achieve their full potential." HELP ME TO HELP THEM! PLEASE DONATE, EVEN A SMALL CONTRIBUTION ADDS UP.

https://www.fundmytravel.com/campaign/NW05cx5Nwy

Greetings! I am thrilled to share my current mission with you - I have embarked on a journey to Fort Kochi, Kerala, India, where I am contributing my time and efforts to a Women's Empowerment Program as a volunteer. My aim is to help these women discover their potential, equip them with vital life skills and entrepreneurship knowledge, and empower them to identify and pursue business opportunities, no matter how small. I believe that this project will not only add value to the challenged communities but also allow me to grow, learn, and be challenged in new ways. Kochi is a bustling and thriving market with tremendous potential for growth and success. Through this program, I hope to gain valuable experience that will help me connect with communities in Africa. However, I cannot achieve this goal alone. That is why I am reaching out to you for support. There are many ways you can contribute to my mission, including pledging your support on my fundraising page at https://www.fundmytravel.com/campaign/NW05cx5Nwy. Your support can come in the form of thoughts, social media shares, or financial donations. As a token of my appreciation, I will share my journey with you through updates on my blog at viviennegunning.com/blog/ and send special video updates to donors. I strongly believe that the best way to make a positive impact is by working together. As Helen Keller once said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." With your help, we can create a lasting impact and make a difference in the lives of these women. Thank you for considering supporting my mission. 

Please visit my fundraising page at: https://www.fundmytravel.com/campaign/NW05cx5Nwy