Category Archives: Africa

Trans Africa Safari

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We began our 3 week Trans African Safari on September 17th in Windhoek, Namibia. We gathered together in the Terra Africa Guesthouse. At the Guesthouse we met Pat and Dan Bowen from Wisconsin; Joe and Carolyn Harley from Calgary; and four Australians: Steve and Toni Pearce from Newcastle; and Keith and Paulette from Melbourne. Along with Pat and Harry Koehler from Calgary and us makes twelve in our group. Our guide was Thulani from Zimbabwe, and our driver was Thamu.

We spent 3 weeks exploring Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, experiencing the wildlife, culture and scenery only Africa can deliver. From marveling at the Victoria Falls to the breathtaking magnitude of Namibia’s dunes and big game interaction – this tour combined all the comforts of lodge accommodation with an unforgettable safari experience.

Bob, Keith, Carolyn, Paulette, Patty, Dan, Pat, Joe, Steve, Toni, Pat and Harry                  Continue reading →

South Africa

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Cape Town and Table Mountain

September 11, 2019, finally the day has arrived to depart for our trip to Africa. We spent one night in Seattle and flew out of Tacoma/Seattle Airport on Thursday, September 12th, arriving in Cape Town Friday, the 13th at 11 o’clock in the evening. We stayed with Pat and Harry Koehler for three nights at the Blackheath Lodge Boutique Hotel in Sea Point on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. The Lodge has a rich history dating back to the 1880s. Its Victorian design, spacious interiors, high ceilings and wooden floors are combined with eclectic touches of African style and charm. We had a beautiful spacious room with high ceilings and elegant decor. The next morning we met Pat and Harry at breakfast before heading out on our first day exploring Cape Town. Our guide Wasfie Hattas, picked us up in the van at 9am, our first stop was to the Old Biscuit Mill Market where Cape Town meets for culinary delights and fine local designs. We explored the Old Biscuit Mill and experienced some of South Africa’s most innovative and creative designers, artists, photographers and connoisseurs of fine taste and decor. We sampled some of the delicious food, even vegan delights, and enjoyed the colorful art and clothing stalls. Continue reading →

Climbing Kilimanjaro

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And she said…YES!!!

At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world; it is one of the Seven Summits. The snow-capped peak of Africa is a dormant volcano and can be found inside the Kilimanjaro National Park of Tanzania.

We left San Diego with Kevin and Ericka for the long flight to Arusha Tanzania. Arusha, the gateway to the popular safari circuit in northern Tanzania. Sitting snugly at the foothills of Mount Meru, the small town is surrounded by some of the most famous national parks in Africa. It’s brash, it’s colourful, it’s full of energy. Some call it a dusty town, while others find it a breath of fresh air, with its green patches and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. We were able to spend several days exploring the town and enjoying the colorful markets before we headed out on our great adventure…climbing Kilimanjaro! Click on thumbnail to view images

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African Safaris-Tanzania

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After finishing our climb of Kilimanjaro it was time to say goodbye to newly engaged Ericka and Kevin. It was sad to say goodbye we we were off on the second stage of our African adventure…two wildlife safaris. Our first stop was Tarangire National Safari Park. We had to fly in a bush plane the Olivers Camp where we met our guide for the next 3 days. This park is famous for elephant viewing and the lodge is a permanent camp and very cool. From there we are flying up to the Mara river near the border with Kenya for 3 more days in a bush camp to watch the wildebeest migration. This camp is more rustic and must be removed at the end of the migration season. Because it is not permanent the wildlife in the area are not habituated to human contact and as a result act more naturally and are much harder to find.  The notable exception to this are the wildebeest migration where more than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate in an enormous loop every year. Continue reading →