12 Apostles
Our Process for Africa
Planning for Africa was a long process from the start of planning until we left for our adventure it took three years. It was not a simple undertaking nor similar to any other vacation we had been on.
Research and more research
Victoria Falls
Questions to ask yourself
Penguin Colony
All the next questions can't be answered until you really know what you want to do
Cape of Good Hope
What do you want to do?
Game drives, wine tasting, swimming with great white sharks, visiting the penguin colony, searching out the big five, walking with gorillasWhere do you want to go in Africa?
One country or several based on what you want to do After deciding where you want to go, do you need a visa?
Many Africa countries require a visa which could take time to get; this needs to be accounted for Some African countries allow you to get your visa upon arrival. We recommend getting your visas in advance to allow for the customs process to be easier and also getting them through the consulate because it will ensure you get the right one.
One of the wineries we stopped at in wine country South AfricaLevel of Activity
Strenuous, relaxing or combination of bothBecause based what you want to do could determine this For example: Walking with rhinos requires the ability to walk over uneven ground that has snakes, prickly bushes and other animals moving around Swimming to the devil's pool at Victoria Falls you need to be a good swimmer Game drives require you to climb into and out of the off-road vehicle, which are not handicap accessible, also during the drive it is a rough ride Sipping wine overlooking vineyards Venture to Cape of Good Hope
Game Drive in Chobe National Park
We highlight understanding your activity level because we saw numerous people that were surprised by what was required and quickly determined they couldn't partake in the more strenuous activities. Hence know before you go.
You now know what you want to see, where you want to go and the level of activity. Next question.
Rhino Walk in Zambia
Type of Experience in Africa
Tented camp, there are extremes from very high end to roughing it Hotels, options are based on your price point Lodges, there are also extremes very high end all inclusive to a la carte optionsEach option provides different experiences, what are your expectations?
You want to sleep with the animals in a tented camp You need air conditioning and an indoor bathroom
There are limited lodges and tented camps, many have less than 20 visitors at any one time hence why you need to plan so far in advance.
Your level of planning?
You will handle everything or you will rely on a tour operator
Tongabezi Lodge Sunset View
These were all the steps we went through.
What we decided to do in Africa
Hippos on our river cruise in Zambia
What, Where and How we did Africa
South Africa wine country and touring Cape Town Game drives and river cruises in Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe
We would plan everything with the help of the tour guide in South Africa and the lodge we were staying at in Zambia.
Experience Level
South Africa we would stay in Camps Bay at POD boutique hotel would involve a low activity level For our games drive we would stay in Zambia at Tongabezi an all inclusion lodge with a high activity level
Check out our next blog on South Africa
