Category Archives: Africa

self drive road trip in south africa

Avoiding Corruption on a Self Drive Road Trip in South Africa

Our experience in avoiding corruption on a self drive road trip in South Africa…

On the second day of our three week self drive road trip in South Africa, we drive to Kruger via the Panorama Route which is in the greater Kruger area. The area between God’s Window and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes is very quiet, when suddenly we see a man in uniform jump out onto the road with a handmade cardboard sign saying ‘Stop’. My first reaction is we are getting car jacked, but my calm husband stops as there really isn’t any option other than to run the man over.  Continue reading

Visiting South Africa: 10 Reasons for Aussies to Head West

Visiting South Africa: 10 Reasons for Aussies to Head West

 

As a tourist destination, South Africa has suffered a public relations disaster during most of our lifetimes.  However, if one can look past the negativity then the intrepid traveller can find delight around every corner and there some very good reasons to visit South Africa, particularly for Australians. Continue reading

South African Rail Disaster Addicted to travel tragic

South African Rail Disaster

Today sadly, we heard of the devastating South African Rail disaster which occurred on the Shosholozameyl Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg route. This is the exact same train we were on less than 6 months ago during our wonderful South African road trip which was punctuated by this overnight train trip. Continue reading

Hodophobia: Fear of Travel

Hodophobia: A Fear of Travel

Chances are you may be reading this because you love the thought of travelling and flying off to exotic destinations but have never actually travelled and can’t quite get yourself over the line despite all your daydreams.  If that is case then perhaps you are experiencing some form of Hodophobia, a fear of travel. Continue reading

Top 5 Places in Namibia

Top 5 Places in Namibia

TOP 5 PLACES IN NAMIBIA

Africa holds a very special place in my heart and after travelling through almost every other part of Southern Africa, Namibia has to be my favourite.  Its ruggedness reminds me of the harshness of my own desert state, yet it has everything else that the rest of Africa has in terms of wildlife and a rich culturally diverse nation, but more importantly I felt completely 100% safe.  On this trip I went solo, but it’s a place I would not hesitate to take young children or teens.  It’s easy to hire a car and stay in cheap accommodation or hire a 4WD with all the camping gear and hit the road.  The following top 5 places in Namibia are in my favourite order. Continue reading

Accidental Imposters: Hitchhiking in Malawi

Hitchhiking in Malawi

Lake Malawi

“I am sliding deeper into the role of the protagonist in a fractured fairytale. Cinderella suddenly inherits a ‘step sister’ and attends the ball in her rags after her Negroid fairy godfather waves his magic jeep. We shake the Minister’s hand, wish him a happy birthday and exchange pleasantries and pray he won’t ask any questions that might expose the façade.” Continue reading

Walking With Lions

Walking with Lions

You could be forgiven for assuming the main attraction in Victoria Falls is the waterfall itself. While the thunderous might of the falls certainly are impressive, it’s no comparison to experiencing my lifelong dream whilst in town. At the tourist centre on the main street, the staff offer a variety of adventure tours ranging from bungy jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge to rafting the Zambezi River. My ‘adventure’ days have been and gone and I am hoping there is something more sedate. Adorning the walls are posters of cute lion cubs and immediately I flash back to my favourite childhood movie Born Free. It’s based on naturalist, Joy Adamson’s love of working with lions and in no time I excitedly rush back to camp clutching a Walking With Lions brochure. Continue reading

Meeting Mondesa: Swakopmund’s Hidden Township

Colonial German Architecture in SkakopmundSome of the best preserved examples of German colonial architecture in the world are a striking feature of Swakopmund. This Namibian desert oasis clings to the western edge of southern Africa as the last bastion of German heritage. Along a spotless, peaceful beach dotted with palms and quaint villas, I meander through perfectly manicured and well watered green parks toward the centre of town. In the shopping precinct, quaint shops line the immaculate paved streets and through a charming shop window I admire souvenirs. I try to enter but it is locked with a prison style barricade, so peering through the window I check to see if the shop is open. Continue reading