South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Lion’s Head Peak
Date of Trip: July 2015
The trip that started it all! One month in Africa with a week-long tour through Botswana and Zimbabwe followed by backpacking down the coast of South Africa from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Transport:
Could not recommend Baz Bus more! The perfect backpacking mode of transport with a flexible hop-on-hop-off service right at the doors of SA hostels down the coast. Super convenient and allowed for flexibility throughout the trip as well as an easy way to meet new people.
The first week was spent on a tour through Botswana and Zimbabwe (also through BazBus) with camping accommodation.
Botswana
Must See: Elephant Sands Sanctuary
Probably my favorite experience from the whole trip. Being able to camp at an elephant watering hole?! Sign me up! It was so surreal to fall asleep to the sounds of elephants trumpeting under one of the prettiest night skies I have ever seen.
Must Do: Chobe National Park
A trip to Africa is not complete without a game drive! One thing I really enjoyed about Chobe is that it is not an enclosed park—you truly drive out into the wild and your driver takes you to areas with good chances to see the wildlife.
Zimbabwe
Must See: Victoria Falls
Visit one of the 7 natural wonders in the world! Truly a sight pictures cannot do justice
Must Do: White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
South Africa
Johannesburg
Must Do: Bike tour through Soweto township
A last minute booking at our hostel turned into another one of my favorite experiences. Biking through one of the townships while learning about South African history and culture gave a unique alternative to a museum or walking tour.
Not positive which company I used, but I think it was this one
Must See: Maboneng Market
On Sundays, the Maboneng Market is a great place for good food, beer, and shopping!
Must See: Apartheid Museum
Stay @ Melville Backpackers
Coffee Bay
Must Do: Hike to the Hole in the Wall
This hike started at the hostel and continued along the coast with picture perfect views all the way to the Hole in the Wall. Great way to see the Wild Coast!
Stay @ Coffee Shack—one of my favorites I’ve ever stayed in. Great activities, we stayed in a mud hut, and a great social atmosphere
Hogsback
Must Do: Hike to Madonna and Child Waterfall
Up into the mountains, there is also the option to abseil down the waterfall as well!
Stay @ Away with the Fairies
Chintsa
Must Do: Quad biking through game reserve
Another last minute booking that turned into a favorite—a different way to experience a game reserve! This one was enclosed, but it felt like we were running with the wildlife. Lots of zebras, buffalos, and ostrich everywhere
Stay @ Buccaneers BP—great location and view
Storms River
Must Do: Bungee Jump Bloukrans Bridge—Africa’s highest bridge!
We made the pitstop here specifically for the bungee—otherwise there is not anything to do here. But if you’re an adrenaline junky it’s a must!
Cape Town
Must Do: Bar hopping along Long Street
plenty of options and you’ll be out until the sun rises ;)
Must Do: Wine tasting in Stellensbosch
We took a group tour with Wine Flies—5 wineries included and highly recommended!
Must Do: Hike Lion’s Peak at sunset
I was recommended to do it at sunrise, but I did not get up in time as it was a night after Long Street….sunset was still gorgeous!
Must See: Cape Peninsula, Cape Point, Boulders Beach
site seeing along the coast including a beach with penguins and the point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet at Cape Point
I took a day tour for this which wasn’t my favorite…the tour was fine, but I do not like feeling rushed and with a large group of people
Stay @ Once in Cape Town—another all time favorite, great hostel with a great restaurant and perfect location
