“All I wanted to do now was get back to Africa. We had not left it, yet, but when I would wake in the night I would lie, listening, homesick for it already.”
–Ernest Hemingway
Can I possibly one-up Hemingway by saying that I am homesick for Africa though I’ve yet to arrive? I dream of the savanna, the delta and the forests. And, though I can barely stand the wait, I relish the before-time, knowing that when the trip is over, the anticipation will be missed.
With only one opportunity to go on safari, how did we plan our trip?
Victoria and I are the ultimate planners. We researched every destination and every possibility. Our focus was wildlife and nature – not just the big 5, but also the wildflowers, birds and sea life. Victoria dreamt of kayaking with penguins, which is possible off Simon’s Town in September. I wanted the Okavango, with its outstanding birding. Our husbands are pretty much along for the ride, but we have TRIED to factor in their interests. Bill, not a animal lover, hoped to see Cape Town, and Dave, the Winelands. Dave had hoped to do some white water rafting at Victoria Falls, but I’ve talked him out of it after seeing some terrifying reviews:
The itinerary Renee at Rhino Africa came up with was perfect:
Three nights at in Livingstone, Zambia. We’ll have time to tour the Falls, visit a school and recover from jet lag.
Three nights in the Okavango – mokoro rides, game drives and bird watching
Three nights in Cape Town – how will we fit everything in?!?!
Three nights in the Winelands – fine wines, world class cuisine and wildflowers.
Three nights at Londolozi. Ahh…
Now that the dates are booked, we have to plan our adventures. How to compete with the mule ride up the mountains in Petra, or the first view of Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens???
