traveller2007

I just got back and had an amazing time! All of you were right in many ways - it was tiring, and I wish I had more time in each of the locations, and I did see many animals, but guess I might have seen more (lots of impala, quite a lot of elephants and hippos and giraffe). But no rain and lovely weather - very sunny and warm. Loved Chobe, and had heard Zambia is dangerous but didnt feel it at all. Had a light aircraft ride over the Falls, which was amazing, walked through the falls areas a few times (in wet season they were so loud and Ive never seen so much water).Loved Chobe Safari Lodge and seeing all the animals and even went over into Namibia. Lots of lovely people. The western Cape was stunning too - really gorgeous. Wine, sun, animals, landscape, sea.....

Politically that part of Africa is slightly sad - both in the past and what is happening now. But it is a beautiful part of the world and I am so glad I did the trip. I'd recommend it to anyone.

annhig

hi traveller,

welcome home. glad you had such a successful trip. i loved the western cape too.

now when do we get the Trip Report?????

regards, ann

atravelynn

Glad you had a nice time. It always works out. Who was telling you Zambia is dangerous?

safarimama

Zambia dangerous???? Why??? Where????
I think they meant Zimbabwe .... if anything???

atravelynn

I bet that's it--Zim not Zam.

But I experienced a grave danger of becoming overweight at Kutandala in North Luangwa. Zambia. I had to start skipping the pastry that accompanied tea or skip dessert. It was devastating decision, but it was crucial that I be able to zip my trousers for the flight home. It was all Guz's fault. She is in charge of the kitchen.

traveller2007

I think there has, statistically, been an increase in crime in Zambia - car jackings and break ins are much more frequent;its a spill over from Zimbabwe. But not that you would notice so I dont want to scare anyone off from what is a lovely country. We flew over Zim and also walked to border and youd not notice any trouble unless you were told. I didnt see many people on the other side of the border though.
Trip Report? I didnt keep a travel journal, but can say this
Day 1 - Zambia - tired from flight, but managed a walk to the Vic Falls. Cruise on Zambezi River and then dinner at the Livingstone Hotel. Night at the Zambezi Sun Hotel (lovely staff and so unusual. Almost attacked by the monkeys though!)
Day 2 - early morning walk to Vic Falls - across bridge, through rainbows. Got very wet as it was rainy season! Some people took a helicopter flight over the Falls. I just took another stroll. West season so lots of spray everhwere! Afternoon - by road to Botswana - Chobe Safari Lodge for 3 night. Stunning location - I felt like I was part of the wild life. Very relaxing.
Day 3 - Early start for safari - giraffe, elephants, waterhogs, impala, kudo, baboons, some saw a leopard (I didnt)
Afternoon - river safari - elephants, hippos, impala.
Day 4 - trip to Namibia simply by crossing the Chobe river. Strange to do immigration and slightly unerving experience at the police station/border (I needed the loo and was lead away into a back room by a strapping Namibian police officer in army fatigues....to those not withi hearing distance this was a slight concern!) And then a lovely pleasant walk to a small village. Amazing flowers, insects, and very rural. Felt like a different world! Would definitely recommend it as a half day trip from Chobe.Excellent local Namibian guide too.

pm - Relaxed by the pool and watched Mongeese, monkeys and warthogs wander around the gardens of the lodge.

Day 5 - light aircraft flight from Kasane to Livingstone.Amazing views of the Falls!!!! Slight queasy sue to heavy breakfast and the light aircraft swooping to get the best view. Worth it! Flight form Livingstone to Joburg. Then Joburg to Cape Town.
Day6 - trip around the Western Cape- Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope. Boulders Beach (with penguins!) Simons Town, Camps Bay, Groot Costantia...all beautiful! Wish I had more time to tour and enjoy the views and sunshine.
evening - V&A waterfront for delicious fish and sushi. And a trip to Woolworths - which is more like the British Marks and Spencer or John Lewis that Woolworths (which went bust in 2008 in the UK).
Day 7 - Trip through winelands - Stellenbosch, Franschoek. Wine tasting at Boeschendaal. Evening - waterfront again for pranws, squid and mussels.
Day 8 - pre booked triop to Robben Island. very crowded and you lose a lot of time that way, but worth it. the tour by a former prisoner from the 1976 period really made me think about how recent apartheid actually was.
Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel - lovely! Sophisticated and yet relaxed. Lovely service, location and setting. Beautiful!
Day 9 - Museum of South Africa (Iziko?) for the Wildlife photographer of the Year exhibition. Shopping at the waterfront...and more seafood! exhausted....back to airport. VAT refund meant I was able to buy two delicious bottles of wine from the excellent Duty Free on the way home.
Day 10 - Home. Shattered. But a fab trip! Would do it all again without any hesitation.

atravelynn

Thanks for your report. Your experience may help someone else who is wondering whether a short getaway is worthwhile.