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[zzz_Crazy Canuck]

We are planning our RTW to begin in June and would like to learn the best places to travel in Africa/S.Africa. We have already penciled in Morocco & Egypt but wanted to hear opinions about Botswana (safari) and other countries in Africa/S.Africa that will provide us with "once in a life time experiences".

Greatly appreciate any feedback.

[whereshegoes]

I can strongly recommend going along the garden route in South Africa. Thats from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or East London all along the coast. I would also recommend making a stop at Buccaners Backpackers in Cintsa. There they have a Wild Coast Tour which is WELL worth it. It lasts a few days and you get to go on a bike safari and sleep in mud huts with locals. An experience I will never forget.

Good luck!

[kevandsian]

Hi,

I spent 10 mths travelling overland through Africa in 2003 and we were constantly surprised by just how different each country was. I suppose it depends what you're looking for but I'll try and list some of my favourite places and the reasons why.

In West Africa we loved Senegal for the vibrant culture and music, Mali for the history and incredible remote places such as Dogon country and Ghana which changed so much depending on where we were, the north had great wildlife, Kumasi was one of the best cities with a fantastic market, the Cape Coast for it's history and beaches, and Kakum NP for it's beauty.

In Central / East Africa we thought Sudan was an amazing place for the culture, food and pyramids with no tourists! Ethiopia is just absolutely incredible for so many reasons but especially the scenery, history and for being just so different to anywhere else, Axum, Lalibela and Lake Tana were favourites. We have very special memories of Uganda for the people, landscape and gorillas - they are an absolute must, an experience never to be forgotten!!

In Southern Africa South Luangwa NP in Zambia was amazing for the wildlife and the Okavango Delta in Botswana incredible even though we didn't get the chance to explore it properly - we just flew over it.

Finally, South Africa. We loved Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula with it's penguins and whale watching, the Drakensberg mountains were beautiful and Blyde River Canyon was really nice. Kruger NP is a fantastic park where you stand a good chance of spotting the 'big 5'.

Overall it depends what you're most interested in (wildlife, culture, history,etc), how you intend to travel and to an extent, how much you're prepared to 'rough it'!!!

Hope this helps - you can read about our trip and see the pics on our travelpod, member : kevandsian.

I'm sure I've missed heaps of places, Vic Falls is of course incredible too.
Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll love it!

Sian

[zzz_Crazy Canuck]

Thank you so very much both Sian and Carmella for the informatio on Africa.

Greatly appreciated.

Hi,

I spent 10 mths travelling overland through Africa in 2003 and we were constantly surprised by just how different each country was. I suppose it depends what you're looking for but I'll try and list some of my favourite places and the reasons why.

In West Africa we loved Senegal for the vibrant culture and music, Mali for the history and incredible remote places such as Dogon country and Ghana which changed so much depending on where we were, the north had great wildlife, Kumasi was one of the best cities with a fantastic market, the Cape Coast for it's history and beaches, and Kakum NP for it's beauty.

In Central / East Africa we thought Sudan was an amazing place for the culture, food and pyramids with no tourists! Ethiopia is just absolutely incredible for so many reasons but especially the scenery, history and for being just so different to anywhere else, Axum, Lalibela and Lake Tana were favourites. We have very special memories of Uganda for the people, landscape and gorillas - they are an absolute must, an experience never to be forgotten!!

In Southern Africa South Luangwa NP in Zambia was amazing for the wildlife and the Okavango Delta in Botswana incredible even though we didn't get the chance to explore it properly - we just flew over it.

Finally, South Africa. We loved Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula with it's penguins and whale watching, the Drakensberg mountains were beautiful and Blyde River Canyon was really nice. Kruger NP is a fantastic park where you stand a good chance of spotting the 'big 5'.

Overall it depends what you're most interested in (wildlife, culture, history,etc), how you intend to travel and to an extent, how much you're prepared to 'rough it'!!!

Hope this helps - you can read about our trip and see the pics on our travelpod, member : kevandsian.

I'm sure I've missed heaps of places, Vic Falls is of course incredible too.
Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll love it!

Sian