Southern Africa

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Ruth Adams

Botswana is definitely on my “to see” list.  And although I have spent 3 weeks in South Africa, I never did get up the eastern coast towards Windhoek. This is one of my dream trips……exploring Southern Africa.

“Home to large populations of wildlife, rugged national parks, wetlands alive with birds and one of the world’s largest deltas, Botswana’s bounty of natural treasures is remarkable. With winter sunshine, a temperate climate and golden sunsets, it’s no wonder most locals have beaming smiles – they’re surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s greatest triumphs.”~ Intrepid Travel

Amazing Southern Africa

ubkec_2015_0

Amazing Southern Africa- Exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe

“Travel to Africa and jump onboard an exhilarating journey through the magnificent nations of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Southern Africa is bursting with a diverse array of wildlife, culture and landscapes – all waiting to be explored and celebrated. Travel through stunning scenery and watch as lush green landscapes give way to harsh desert dunes and rocky mountain peaks. Take to the water on canoes and in a houseboat, embark on thrilling game drives, be immersed in unique ecosystems and be blown away by the sheer force of Victoria Falls. With welcoming locals and genuine experiences around every corner, this trip is full of surprises.”

  • Devour fresh seafood with great views in Lamberts Bay at an open air restaurant
  • Canoe along the picturesque Orange River on a half-day excursion
  • Experience an eerie silence at the Sossusvlei sand dunes from atop of dune 45
  • Spend 2 nights on a houseboat as your base for exploring the Okavango Delta
  • Drive through the Elephant Highway between Nata & Kasane
  • Relax on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River spotting bird life and hippos

Offered by Intrepid, this comfort trip of 22 days exploring Southern Africa is priced at present from just $8560 and up depending on the season, plus international flights.
Meals: 21 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 17 dinners
Accommodation: Chalet (1 night), Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (7 nights), Houseboat (2 nights), Lodge (8 nights)
Transport: Kayak, Mokoro, Overland vehicle

Included activities:

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Lamberts bay – Cape Gannet Island
  • Fish River Canyon
  • Canoe trip – Orange River
  • Sesriem Canyon
  • Sossusvlei Dune 45
  • Etosha National Park – Game drives
  • Twyfelfontein – Bushman Paintings
  • Petrified Forest
  • Dqae Qare San Cultural Experience
  • Nata Pan Excursion
  • Chobe – Game Drive (4×4)
  • Chobe – River cruise
  • Victoria Falls Entrance

If you are interested in exploring Africa, be sure to contact me via email (link) or phone- 226-927-4061. This is a fabulous trip…….and in actuality this is two trips combined- therefor either half would also work!

 

Posted in Africa, Beyond Adventure Travel- All | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When to Head to Africa…..

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Ruth Adams
Elephants- Africa

Africa! Wildlife Unlimited…..

Are you considering heading to Africa but wondering when is the best time to go?

Maybe you have thought of heading to Africa during our cold winter months, but were wondering about the African weather. Most tourists tie in their trip with Africa’s dry seasons. This is because travel is easier. Once you get off the main roads, dirt tracks become a sea of mud when it rains. And also lounging on the beach in a downpour just doesn’t work….

There are regional variations, but essentially it goes like this: East Africa has two dry seasons – December to February/March and June to October – with rainy seasons in between. In southern Africa it’s dry from May/June, gets really hot in October, then rains November to April/May. In West Africa the dry season is October/November to April/May, and it gets very hot at the end of this period. In Central Africa, June to September is the dry time. In North Africa, rain isn’t the main issue – it’s temperature. The best time to travel is the cooler period from October to March- so yes- travel in our winter!

Although dry seasons are usually the popular times, don’t automatically avoid the rainy season everywhere. In some countries it only rains for a few hours each day (often at night) and then the air is crystal clear, views go on for ever, and photographers soon run out of film. It’s also a good time for bird-watching, if that’s your thing. Hotel rates are cheaper and popular tourist haunts are much quieter too. And generally the local people are also happier because good rains mean good crops, so traditional festivals are often held at this time.

When to go

The equator cuts Africa in half, which not only means that water goes in opposite directions down the plughole in the north and the south, but the continent experiences huge climatic variation. Watch out for the wet or rainy seasons, which can turn dirt roads into rivers and curtail travel to remote regions. Just as uncomfortable can be the searing hot season in some countries, which can make moving around during the day nigh on impossible.

Late October to February is a great time to visit the Sahara and arid Central Africa (although be prepared for cold nights) and you can also enjoy the warm summer days of southern Africa or wander the beaches along the West African coast.

By around January or February, East African wildlife is concentrated around diminishing water sources and is therefore easier to spot. In contrast, the usually arid lands of North Africa spring into life between March and May.
(Information from Lonely Planet)

If travelling to Africa is on your bucket list- I am heading there in 2017 (at least that is my plan!)  I hope to head to Botswana and Victoria Falls for sure- and may also add a few days in Zanzibar or Kenya…….decisions, decisions….stay tuned as I am sure I will be posting a few trip options…….Africa is calling!

Posted in Africa, Beyond Adventure Travel- All | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment