Africa Dream Trip 2014

I have just returned from my lifelong dream of traveling to Africa! I can remember my father getting National Geographic magazine when I was a little girl and knowing that someday I will see these animals in their natural habitat and in numbers. My goal was to see Africa for my 50th birthday.....life happens and it was not to be. However, last winter I met Dylan and Gavin of Africa Inscribed while they were in town visiting a client of mine. I felt so comfortable with them and their knowledge that we began exploring our options and budget. By May of last year, we had our trip planned for our group of 8 for July of this year. Yes, if you want to stay in specific places, you need to book your trip a year in advance!

Dylan at Africa Inscribed selected our three safari camps and itinerary based on communication through emails of what our group wished to see and do and what we could afford, which was probably a middle ground budget. I wanted to get the most bang for my trip keeping in mind I may never return and it was my dream trip. I chose to book our International flights directly since we were using Miles on Delta and 2 additional flights needed in Africa; once I chose those flights, I had Dylan verify they would work.  Our itinerary included Camp Hwange, Banoka Bush Camp, Chitabe Camp and Victoria Falls. 

I'm not going to lie or exaggerate or mislead you: This was the BEST and MOST relaxing trip I have ever taken. After a 15+ hour flight, our group was met at the arrival gate in Johannesburg Airport, escorted through customs, to luggage pick up, and driven to Fairlawns Hotel. This "babysitting" was typical of our 13 days traveling through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. All flights needed between camps, transportation to sights, and most meals were included, not to mention any guided side trips. We were also escorted through the airport when we were departing Africa for home. 

My vacations usually include some kind of work communication and this was the first time we were truly "unplugged" except in Johannesburg and at Victoria Falls Hotel.  I recommend being unplugged at least once per year for you to truly relax and recharge yourself.

The staff at all three camps were amazing! The food was also good and plentiful along with any special dietary needs you may have. My daughter is dairy and wheat free which was not an issue in the camps we visited. I'm sure all of us gained weight because you really only eat, sleep and drive around. There are no options to walk around since you are surrounded by wild animals.  

Our typical day was as follows: awaken at 5:30 a.m., eat breakfast, go for morning safari, have tea/coffee while out, return to camp for lunch, siesta, meet at 3:30 for tea time & snacks, go for afternoon safari, return after 7:00 p.m. for dinner and hopefully stay awake until at least 9:30.  While driving around trying to sight something special was like a treasure hunt. We loved every minute of it!

I packed a duffle bag and a carry on.   It can be done everyone, this was proof that you don't need to pack the kitchen sink.

Our group was extremely lucky in seeing so many lions, elephants, leopards and wild dogs....just to name a few. It's almost as if the animals knew this was my ultimate trip and made a showing! All of our guides at each camp were very knowledgeable in all wildlife and plants. They were all personable and funny and we enjoyed our time with each one. A good sign that you have a great guide is that they get upset when they see people doing things that alert the animals to human presence. As long as you are in the vehicle seated, all animals look at you as a non-threat and stay out in the open (and don't attack). We saw one company where the guide/driver actually got out of the vehicle and of course the lions took off at record speed to hide. Such a shame these few will probably ruin it for others over time. 

Seeing the animals was just amazing! The feeling of seeing the elephants do a fake charge at the vehicle, a hyena eating a carcass of an elephant, looking into the eyes of a lioness walking towards the vehicle, or watching the monkeys cannot be adequately described. The colors and sizes of the birds were unbelievable! It isn't the same as watching television.

Maybe I'm impartial since seeing Africa was a goal of mine, maybe I'm not since everyone that has been says you always go back. It is special and I'm lucky enough to have experienced it. We will be planning a return trip in 4 years!