Traversing the dusty backpacker trails of Africa, my latest escapade uncovered the highlights of Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa & Lesotho. Now that I’m back in Ireland & helping to market the mega holidays of ClickandGo.com, it’s about time I told a story or two!
Africa is a special place, a land of childhood dreams and possibly one of the only locations on the planet that is still relatively untouched by western masses – making it a huge playground to satisfy the wanderings of an adventurous backpackers mind. As a bit of a wanderer and a sucker for adventure, Africa was an inevitable stop on my most recent 6 month stint of backpacking!
Flying into the lively city of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, the next 3 months aboard an overland truck would take me through the heartlands of Eastern and Southern Africa taking in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho & South Africa. Camping was the accommodation of choice along the way with as much shopping at local markets, cooking over campfires and interaction with locals as possible adding to our experience of the real Africa!
With that note, let’s shed some light on my top ten African experiences, activities & encounters. Given the broad range of everything we’ve covered, it is impossible to put these in order so in no particular sequence, here we go…
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Easily eclipsing it’s Serengetti neighbour, our Ngorongoro experience was nothing short of spectacular. From rubbing shoulders with prides of wild lions to catching a glimpse of a live hyena kill, it sure did whet the appetite for the rest of our African adventure. Coupled with sightings of Rhino, Hippo’s, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopards, Jackals & more, we were certainly spoiled, having spotted all of the Big 5 within our first few days. Ngorongoro was the star of the show, producing a memorable feast of African wildlife.
Zanzibar Island
Tropical paradises don’t come much better than Zanzibar. Even the name sounds exotic & it sure lived up to it’s billing. Teaming with powder soft sanded beaches & serene crystalline waters, the relaxed vibe of this undeveloped island is contagious. Enhanced by the bustling Stone town, Zanzibar is an oasis of tranquillity, beauty & charm – an obvious highlight for anyone negotiating these parts.
People of Malawi
From the minute we crossed the border from Tanzania to Malawi, it was blatant that the people of this poverty stricken country were unique. Although they struggle through huge desolation in one of the poorest countries in the world, the people here were never short of a warm heartened smile, a welcoming wave or a burst of polite, curious conversation. The hospitality, friendliness and positivity of the Malawians is certainly something to behold & cherish.
Walking with Lions
If taking a casual, yet nerve wrecking, evening stroll with a pride of lions isn’t a highlight of one’s trip across Africa, then you’ve come to Africa for the wrong reasons! Getting up close and personal to these fearsome beasts at Antelope Park, Zimbabwe is as terrifying as it is surreal but the sheer thrill of it all (in hindsight!) is an abiding buzz that is sure to last.
Victoria Falls
Witnessing the phenomenal power of The Smoke That Thunders presents an epic encounter with one of Africa‘s most awesome spectacles. From the roaring noise, the drenching spray, the colossal drop to the spectacular viewpoints – this is a majestic, unrivalled highlight – especially when viewed from a turbulent little micro light flight, dangling atop this mammoth waterfall. This is no Niagra, Iguazu or Angel Falls. This is the real deal!
The Cheetahs of Otjitotongwe
Heading out to feed the Cheetahs with the boys at Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park was an unforgettable experience. After spending some time with the relatively tame cheetahs in the farm yard, we were on our way on the back of a pick up truck to feed the main cats. Sure, one may think that Cheetahs do not hold the vicious prowess of lions but after seeing these precariously vicious felines rip half a horse to shreds, one might think again! Their speed alone is neck breaking, reaching 0 – 100 km/h in three seconds…
Namibian Landscape
Whether it was camping under the endearing peaks of Spitzkoppe & Brandberg, crossing expansive dessert terrain, peeping over the vast canyon of Fish River, roaming across endless lunar like landscape or hiking & boarding the mammoth sand dunes of Sossusvlei which seem to rise as high as Galteemore, the landscape of Namibia produced beauty of dreamlike proportions with a basket of enchanting colours, shapes, space & sights. Epic stuff.
Cape Town
Cradled by the towering Table Mountain, Cape Town is in a class of it’s own. What must be one of the most beautiful settings for a city in the world, this place has it all. It’s a vibrant, diverse & modern city with a prominent cultural heritage, thriving social scene & outstanding scenery. From the bustle of Long Street & the Waterfront, the sombre surrounds of Robben Island, Table Mountains breathtaking viewpoint to the snazzy hang out spots along Camps Bay – a few days among Cape Town’s delights offers many unforgettable moments.
Surfing a la Jeffreys Bay
The surfing Mecca of J-Bay was simply fantastic fun! A few enjoyable days were spent chilling with a few beers (& shots a’plenty) at some of the local surfer hangouts & chancing our luck on the renowned supertubes of the Bay. Our stop off at J-Bay was a thoroughly enjoyable foray.
Horse Riding the Highlands of Lesotho
Through spectacular scenery that was impossible to capture on camera, our horse riding assault on the rugged, stony peaks of the Lesothan highlands was an unforgettable endeavour. Our mighty trek took us from traversing down daunting slopes, crossing blissfully clear rivers while soaring along luscious valleys en route to the most refreshing waterfall pool. The Kingdom Lesotho is a land of profound natural beauty and by horseback is most definitely the way to view it!
From the shy smiles of a Malawian school yard, the curious glances of a Massai Warrior, the smoking thunder of Victoria Falls, the bustle of a Zambian village market, the vivacity of Tanzania’s flourishing wildlife, the striking scenes of the Namibian landscape, Africa fills one with humble appreciation of an astonishing continent.
Africa is alive, thriving, impoverished, touching. Although constrained by the inert corruption of the powers that be Africa is full of hope, promise, magic & cherishing memories.
It gives perspective. And not to mention, one heck of a holiday!
For more images & info, visit: http://intrepidirish.wordpress.com/category/africa/
— James!
