Africa One of Africa’s biggest draws is to see big game - the wildlife is like nowhere else and on a truly epic scale. There are few travel experiences on the planet that get the pulse racing quite like being on safari. The exciting combination of wildlife in astounding environments ever changing and ever evolving. In these pages we have created itineraries to show you what can be done and with an eye for various budgets and different types of traveller. Be on the plains one day, embark on a trek of the mighty Kilimanjaro another, and a few days later relax on the beach in Zanzibar! Visit the stunningly located Cape Town blessed with wonderful food and the nearby winelands, a feast for the eyes and the fine diner. No visit to these parts is complete without a ‘safari’ – the Swahili word for what we know as a journey. Often life changing and life affirming, it’s like that Africa - it gets into your soul like nowhere else.
6 Tips for your Holiday
Fortunately for us, if you’re planning on self-driving South Africa and Namibia, you won’t need to switch sides, because like NZ they drive on the left. The infrastructure is very good, the roads are smooth, well signposted and a pleasure to cruise along. You’ll need a full New Zealand Drivers Licence to hire a car, with most rental companies boasting high quality vehicles and options to suit everyone.
1 / PACKING FOR SAFARI It’s not a fashion statement, or a joke, khaki really will help you blend into the safari landscape. Most animals are not accustomed to bright colours so camouflage helps if you’re hoping to get close to the Big Five. Furthermore, insects love a strong colour, so stay away from the bright apparel. Citronella soap and/or lotion is a great deterrent, as is a stiff gin and tonic. True story. Mosquitoes detest the quinine found in tonic water - and add the gin, just because. Game drives always have cold moments, so gloves and beanies are smart items to pack. You’ll also be thankful for your own pair of binoculars. When the animals aren’t within metres of your truck, you don’t want to be scrambling for binoculars shared between the entire group.
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3 / SELF-DRIVE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
2 / WHEN TO SEE VICTORIA FALLS Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is one of those sights that can take your breath away. The Zambezi River is at its lowest between October and early December, its highest level is between March and May. Low levels will expose more bare rock, high water levels can produce back spray and hazy visibility. Easily combined with a visit to nearby safari locations, the area is also an adventure capital, so you can bungy, go white water rafting or take a scenic helicopter flight.