Africa, has anybody gone.

[Kjonus]

The wife is wanting to go, hitting the highlights of Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar. Anyone have any experience.

[OTown]

There's a user that is currently travelling throughout Africa and documenting his travels in this thread:

https://forums.beyond.ca/threads/395...-around-Africa

[The Cosworth]

Paging @msommers to the thread.

[msommers]

Yep I've been all over the bottom half of the continent! We what would you like to know?

[R-Audi]

Ive been to South Africa and Mozambique..

[ee2k]

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The wife is wanting to go, hitting the highlights of Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar. Anyone have any experience.

I've been to Africa but not to the places you mention. Everyone should go to Africa at some point in their lives (ideally when not old) to experience all the rich culture, food, history and all that its people have to offer. Africa can be visited in a 5-star fashion (which really puts you out of touch with reality) or somewhere around 3-stars which keeps you in touch with locals, or as some I know have done it, roughing it which can be a bit too much and unnecessary.

When in Africa, aim to be a bit outside of your comfort zone, from personal space to the types of foods and brands you'd normally stick to. Do all your shots ahead of time, pack pepto bismol and cold meds, take purell, a sense of no rush, and most of all an open mind. Do not pre plan your days to the T because your plans will be broken.

[Kjonus]

We're looking at a tour of some sort which is pre planned and if anyone who has used one would be great. We're not the type of travelers who stay in 5-start places, been to China, Peru, Costa Rica, and Belize and normally hostel it while also treating our self's too.

[vengie]

Interested in this thread as well.

Fiance and I just booked our 16 day honeymoon through South Africa.

[max_boost]

South Africa

Johannesburg for a couple days and Kruger National Park for 4

Capetown for a week, shark diving, cape point, table mountain etc.

It was amazing.

Would love to go to other parts of Africa eventually.

[R-Audi]

My Wifes family lived in SA until she was 13... when they travel back they fly into Johannesburg and drive out same day. Not exactly the most friendly/safe place to hang out. (Ive spent some time there as well) Id fly there, head to Kruger (or other Safari parks) spend time there, and head to Cape Town and other Coastal cities. Capetown is a warmer and IMO nicer version of Vancouver. With anything, just have to be aware of your surroundings.

[msommers]

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We're looking at a tour of some sort which is pre planned and if anyone who has used one would be great. We're not the type of travelers who stay in 5-start places, been to China, Peru, Costa Rica, and Belize and normally hostel it while also treating our self's too.

The dilemma in Africa is that there is either camping or relatively ballin', there is no in-between. I went with an overland tour group and camped the majority of the time, occasionally staying in huts or hotels depending on the location. The tour group I used was Acacia Africa and can easily recommend them. Also, G Adventures is another. Most of these tour companies all stop at the same places both of interest and to camp. Ages of group members ranged from early 20's to mid 30's I'd guess.

The down-side in my opinion is that the safari guides are of lesser quality as are the vehicles used (van vs. huge land rover). My Mom went a year or so after I did but went the ballin' route with a group organized from the Calgary Zoo and if you're interested in learning, it seemed like her experience was superior.

Something that isn't on your list that I think you should seriously consider is going to Uganda or Rwanda and doing a gorilla trek. This trip will be expensive and getting even moreso but in my opinion, it is worth every penny.

Tanz and Kenya all have big famous parks and really think they're worthwhile going to, they're famous for a reason! Zanzibar is all about relaxing and being by the ocean. If you scuba or snorkel it's great. Some friends of mine stayed at some underwater hotel room and it looked amazing (albeit very expensive because it includes all your food and boat transport to-from the room).

Couple things: visas you can get at the airport or border crossings and when I went were $50 USD. Fill out a form, pay, stamp, done. At the time, Canadians did not have to pay to get into Zanzibar but did have to go through border control with a passport (Americans did have to pay again haha). Check what shots you need well before you go. Ensure that park fees are included with your cost as we were hit with a $500 USD Serengeti/N'gorogoro entrance fee! Oh that's the other thing, USD is accepted a lot of places and ATMs were completely reliable.

South Africa has some incredible parks as well and some game reserves are private. This means that vehicles can drive however and wherever the hell they want (also offer night and walking safaris).

[EK 2.0]

"Africa??...Even Africans don't wanna go there....and they LIVE there..."

Hahaha, kidding...well kind of kidding. The East African coast is originally where I am from. And the Country of Tanzania is beyond beautiful. So rich with so many cultures, foods, people....and the sights...gosh!!...

Until you are on a real safari, seeing these animals in the flesh...nothing will make you appreciate life and beauty more....The ocean (and I might get hate for this)...but the coasts of Africa I don't feel can be matched anywhere in the world. Yes, I know there are some amazing coasts globally...both infamous and some selective. But there is just...maybe a home bias haha...nothing beats African coasts....haha...