Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many! In no particular order:
The tour of Victoria Falls park - we got very wet but the rainbows everywhere, views and roar of the falls were great compensation
The optional jet boat tour below the falls: how many can say they've been in the spray at the bottom of the falls?
The optional sunset river cruise with dinner at Vic Falls
Seeing the lions sleeping after their kill in Chobe Park including one going for a drink
Being so close to 3 elephants washing each mouthful of grass before eating it on the Chobe river safari
Seeing such a variety of game and birds up close - the first time we'd seen these animals in the wild
The desert sunrises and sunsets
Seeing the sunrise from the top of Dune 45
Sandwich Bay trip with 'dune bashing' on the way back (optional trip from Swakopmund)
Spotting whales breaching off Cape Point and the seabirds going mad for the fish the seals were driving to the surface
Looking out to sea from the high point on the Cape of Good Hope
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leaders Ende and Petrus were a great team. They were super organised, doing all the obvious jobs and the less obvious ones quietly in the background all with the aim of ensuring our enjoyment and safety. The meals and breakfasts they conjured up in the middle of nowhere over just a gas ring and an open fire were far beyond our expectations: every meal was different and we had the opportunity to try all different 'African' meats in a variety of ways accompanied by fresh fruit and vegetables. We even had dessert on a few nights!! They always enabled us to get to activities at the best time for maximum enjoyment and generated a very friendly, fun and caring atmosphere in camp. Even on days where they had driven for hours on dirt roads and the average person would have been shattered they still managed to put us first, helping when needed to set up tents and getting food on the table always on time and always delicious. Their ability to spot game was exceptional and without them we would have missed many a sighting! They really made a huge contribution to ensuring our first visit to Africa exceeded our expectations and then some.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're wondering whether this is the trip for you and are short on time it provides a great introduction to Africa with a varied programme to ensure you don't feel 'gamed out'!!
Even if you've never camped before this is a great experience: come with the attitude that any discomfort will be a 'First World' issue and keep your sense of humour and perspective.
Essential equipment: a good head torch and charger, a power pack and charging leads for all your devices, a South Africa plug adaptor with USB ports (the guides do have these but with multiple devices needing charging amongst the group having additional ones is very useful), warm lightweight jacket(s) neck warmers and a hat, depending on the time of year warm clothing to wear in bed, binoculars, a waterproof pack for your mobile phone at Vic Falls and on the canoe trips
The guest house at Swapkopmund offers a very efficient laundry service
The desert dust gets everywhere - dry sacks to keep your possessions clean are a must
Taking a cheap plastic poncho from home for Vic Falls is useful
If you suffer with dry skin then you'll want loads of moisturiser and hand cream - the desert dust dries you out! It's cheap to buy in supermarkets in Botswana and Namibia.
A basic first aid kit is useful - the guides have one but don't provide imodium (cheap in pharmacies in Namibia and South Africa). We mention the latter not because you'll definitely need it but because if you've got it then you won't need it, if you haven't then ......... :)
Listen to your guides' advice regarding safety, especially regarding drawing cash at ATMs. They have your best interests at heart and speak from a wealth of experience.
Take US$ with you for Zimbabwe, credit cards are widely accepted in Namibia but some trips need paying in cash so do your calculations and withdraw only what you'll need, if you have Namibian $ left then the final campsite in Namibia (Felix Unite) will exchange them for SA rand. Don't forget to have enough cash for tips for guides, toilet attendants, waiters etc.
The Revolut card did not work for members of our group in Zimbabwe, it was OK in Botswana, Namibia and SA. This did cause a slight cashflow problem as they had to use their cash to pay for optional trips at Vic Falls, an eventuality they hadn't planned for. Mastercard and Visa worked fine.
