Here at Pelorus, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She brought comfort and provided leadership to the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth during her 70 years as Queen.

An extraordinary woman who devoted her life to public service, she was privileged to be able to travel all over the world during her tenure. Here are some of our favourite destinations that got the royal stamp of approval. 

Vast savannas and national parks filled with exotic wildlife and the Big Five, Kenya has long been a favourite destination for the most unforgettable safari experiences. It was in Kenya that Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began following the death of her father in 1952, at the age of 25. With dusty deserts contrasting against the Indian Ocean that laps against its shores, conservation is at the heart of this beautiful country. 

With sky-high mountains, freshwater rivers and an abundance of wildlife roaming the wild, Canada boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking nature, and was also the country the Queen visited the most during her life – 27 times. One of our favourites is British Columbia; from rich salmon fishing and trekking through the Great Bear Rainforest to soaring over 10,000-year-old glaciers, snow-capped mountains and white sand beaches by helicopter, all on the same day. 

Despite her countless travels further afield throughout the 70 years of her reign, Scotland was perhaps Her Majesty’s favourite place in the world. The Queen visited Balmoral Castle every year since 1952, and was said to be at her happiest exploring the Highlands. With its deserted valleys and magical glens with bushes of yellow hawthorn, it’s no wonder: Scotland is a truly compelling landscape.