Southern Africa holiday

Reviewed 16 Apr 2010 by Honey Bernstein

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

A boat ride through the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Albert and George on the Uganda, Rwanda, Congolese borders, stands out for the serenity of the trip and the wildlife we saw, practically within touching distance: hippos, crocodiles, water buffalos, hyenas, and various birds were among the stand-outs. Victoria Falls took our breathe away as we stood on a ridge on the opposite side of the gorge, in the downpour created by the falls, deafened by its thundered. Although we were getting drenched we couldn't tear ourselves from the beauty and the power before us.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Pack light - and bring comfortable shoes. And don't worry about bringing massive amounts of toothpaste or back-up shampoo. Every few days the group stops at fairly well-stocked groceries at which just about anything can be purchased and re-stocking is a breeze.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

We took a side trip to a Pygmy Village and discovered that the only thing separating the 30 Village children and school was a $5 uniform! We immediately chipped in and bought everyone the clothes they needed to attend school. There was much shouting and cheering from both the kids and their parents. What a joy it was to be able to help them - and with such little effort! We interacted frequently with natives. We danced with them, fished with them, hiked with them and drank banana beer with them. It was an "event" for all of us to remember.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

I can't wait to return to Africa with these operators. It is a unique and special way to see a country and feel the local vibe. Extensive overland travel gives more than a taste of the local culture and enables one to experience a very different way of life than we are used to in the western world. If only for a few weeks, I was able to almost feel "African," (albeit with a lot more amenities than many of the locals experience). I shopped where the locals shop, ate where they ate, and slept under the same stars.

Reviewed 28 Jul 2008 by Anna Downie

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camping in the Okavango Delta under the stars - and then trying to find my way past the elephant footprints to the bush toilet! Botswana is a fantastic country and we had a brilliant guide who was happy to share his knowledge about the different countries, animals and places we travelled through.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Check what time of year you are going- it was very cold camping and I hadn't packed enough warm clothes. Don't expect to see every big cat, but you'll see some amazing animals.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, to an extent. We travelled with local guides where possible, we encouraged to pay reasonable prices for souvenirs and to consider where they came from and who made them, and there was a strong emphasis on minimising our impact on the Okavango Delta. I think there could have been more encouragement for people not to keep buying endless plastic bottles of mineral water and perhaps we could have questioned the environmental impact of doing a small plane ride in Botswana (but then we should all take responsibility for doing that).

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Excellent.