Champaca Journeys

Champaca Journeys Guided cultural tours to Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Ethiopia, Namibia, Socotra Island, Oman and Peru Decades of experience.

Cultural, nature and trekking tours of Bhutan, Laos, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Namibia, Socotra Island, Oman, and Peru. Small groups escorted by in-country based and licensed guide and USA based trip leader, John Leupold. Flexible schedule with attention to detail and a capacity to indulge special interests of participants make us stand apart from others.

Landed in Bhutan for the 80something time. My relationship with Bhutan has lasted longer than any other relationship. 25...
05/29/2026

Landed in Bhutan for the 80something time. My relationship with Bhutan has lasted longer than any other relationship. 25 years & many visits including some multi year stays. When I’m asked which is my favorite country I need not hesitate & immediately answer “Bhutan.”
Join us in September to see what we find so remarkable about this amazing Kingdom.

It’s faux tulip season in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park. Lovely park full of lakes & tropical gardens & these distinctively non...
05/15/2026

It’s faux tulip season in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park. Lovely park full of lakes & tropical gardens & these distinctively non tropical tulips that nevertheless lend a nice touch.

Yes my week in St. Helena Island has ended, but I’m so impressed I’m returning next February & plan to bring a small gro...
05/11/2026

Yes my week in St. Helena Island has ended, but I’m so impressed I’m returning next February & plan to bring a small group to explore this remarkable island (we’re also going to Eswatini). Anyone want to join? Message me here.

I figured out how to feel young. Have your photo taken next to Jonathan, the oldest living creature on the planet. A 194...
05/11/2026

I figured out how to feel young. Have your photo taken next to Jonathan, the oldest living creature on the planet. A 194 year old tortoise from the Seychelles who arrived in St. Helena Island in 1882. I’m just a mere infant compared to him. And to give hope to everyone, his keepers tell me he is still in the mood for love, if you catch my drift.

St. Helena Island was more beautiful, fascinating & friendly than I could have ever dreamed. I expected to like it, I ca...
05/11/2026

St. Helena Island was more beautiful, fascinating & friendly than I could have ever dreamed. I expected to like it, I came away seduced by everything about the place. I had a blast, met the nicest people, ate delicious food & saw so many out of this world stunning sights. I’m returning February 2027 with a small group of adventurously travelers. Want to join us?

The deposed Emperor Napoleon spent 5 years in exile in St. Helena Island & all he did was complain (although he approved...
05/11/2026

The deposed Emperor Napoleon spent 5 years in exile in St. Helena Island & all he did was complain (although he approved of the coffee). I spent one week here & found everything beautiful, fascinating & everyone incredibly friendly (and yes the local grown coffee is fantastic). From these beautiful birds, called fairy terns, to the hospitable people, the excellent beer & the phenomenal sights. I’d say St. Helena one of the most remarkable places I’ve ever visited.

Back home in Bangkok & the tulips are blooming. Ok, tropical Thailand is not tulip territory, this about the most tulip ...
04/28/2026

Back home in Bangkok & the tulips are blooming. Ok, tropical Thailand is not tulip territory, this about the most tulip like thing I’ve seen here.

St. Helena Island’s most famous was Napoleon Bonaparte who was exiled here in 1815 & died here in 1821. The exiled forme...
04/26/2026

St. Helena Island’s most famous was Napoleon Bonaparte who was exiled here in 1815 & died here in 1821. The exiled former Emperor had this beautiful house to call home & was allowed freedom to move about the island. Yet he completely bitterly about everything (I suppose Emperor to exile never an easy trajectory). It’s fascinating to wander his house & gardens, the museum very well curated.

Jamestown is the pint sized capital of St. Helena, (1/2 liter for the metric crowd) with 1000 residents. Absolutely ever...
04/26/2026

Jamestown is the pint sized capital of St. Helena, (1/2 liter for the metric crowd) with 1000 residents. Absolutely everyone greets you & many stop to talk, as on island with only 4000 people, visitors immediately recognized. Uninhabited St. Helena was settled almost 400 years ago. Jamestown (& rest of island) has great vibe & it’s all fascinating to explore. I was thrilled by how much I liked St. Helena. Fantastic week.

First view, St. Helena Island. We could not land due to high winds & had to turn back to Johannesburg. Next day the wind...
04/26/2026

First view, St. Helena Island. We could not land due to high winds & had to turn back to Johannesburg. Next day the wind still strong, but landed just fine. Airport handles only one flight per week from Johannesburg, 5 hour flight. Once landed I was astonished at the beauty & friendliness of St. Helena. Drama at every turn as we drove around the island. 4000 people live here, think I met almost half of them. I expected to like the place. Wrong, I loved it. Will return & bring guests.

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35 New South Street #201
San Fransisco, CA
01060

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+14154707302

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