Waterfalls and Wildlife trip review
by Alison Osborne
What was it like travelling in a group?
I was dubious before I left as previously I have always travelled independently with friends or people I have met while travelling.
With group travel you don’t get to choose who you travel with but I think this is quite exciting as you have no idea what to expect and you’re sometimes travelling with people you wouldn’t necessarily travel with but who actually prove to be great company in the end.
It’s also interesting to travel with people of different ages and from different places as it’s fascinating to learn their opinions on different things.
Accommodation?
All the campsites had really good facilities with flushing toilets and warm or hot showers. Most sites also had swimming pools. The campsites we stayed in were quite remote and small and I had no problem leaving my valuables in my tent if we were doing a game drive or activity.
Transport?
We used an overland truck the whole time - our travelling home! Seats were comfortable and we also had a couple of tables allowing us to play cards etc throughout the longer journeys.
Food?
Most food was included in my tour which I think is a massive bonus as you don’t have to budget for meals before you leave. Our cook, Ivan, was brilliant! Somehow he produced tasty barbecued meat, salad, vegetables, rice, potatoes, stew and a huge variety of sandwiches for lunch – all seemingly out of nowhere.
Local People?
Friendly, helpful and approachable. My main concern before I arrived was racism as this tour travels through South Africa and Zimbabwe and I had pre-conceptions about this being an issue. However I was not witness to this at all and the locals I did speak with about this issue told me this was not a problem anymore. I was also slightly worried about my safety before I left with images of getting pulled over by people with weapons demanding money flashing through my mind (!) but I can honestly say that I felt I had nothing to worry about the entire time I was there.
Highlights?
Seeing a leopard and the elephants at Ivory Lodge – WOW!!!!!!
Do you feel that you got under the skin of the countries?
I feel I definitely had a taster of the countries and would love to go back and either volunteer or explore further.
What advice would you give to other potential travellers?
Drink lots of water and be prepared for long, hot days on the hunt for the BIG 5! Take loads of pictures!! Open your eyes to the surroundings!!!
Do you feel the tour was value for money?
100%!
What rating would you give the tour?
10/10 – a taste of Africa and I definitely want to go back!!!
Sum up your trip in one sentence
A trip I will never forget, an amazing experience. People please visit Africa at least once!!!!
