I’ve got Africa on my mind! These photos are from a shop in the Clifton area of Cincinnati…
Lots of progress made so far–
- Airfare purchased
- Trip Insurance purchased
- Wheeled convertible duffel bag bought
- 30 degree 2 lb. compressible sleeping bag bought
- North Face Hiking Shoes bought
I’ll do a post about the gear I’m taking at some point!
I decided against the couch surfing…the three people I contacted haven’t responded yet…so I booked a hostel (private room) that looks really cool through Hostel World. Also, decided on my itinerary for the four days in Cape Town–one day hiking Table Mountain and taking the cable car down; one or two days of unplanned activities around Cape Town–maybe the hop-on/hop-off bus; one day an organized tour (found through Trip Advisor) that hits all of the major sites–such as…
Clifton, Bantry Bay
Camp’s Bay
The spectacular Chapman’s peak drive (if open)*
Hout Bay and boat trip to Seal Island
Muizenberg
Fishhoek
Boulders Beach National Park – visit the African Jackass Penguins
Visit to Simon’s Town and the Historic Mile
Cape of Good Hope – The most South-Westerly point of the African continent
Most of my itinerary is finished, including the currency conversion rates for the six different countries and the time differences.
It’s fun planning the trip also…but my brain starts to hurt! Maybe because I try to get it all done so quickly! I wanted to thank those of you that gave me some wonderful tips on what to take and what to do!
Have a terrific weekend!
TS, You’ve got to go Shark diving (cage) amazing and well worth the trip out to Seal and Geyser island. I loved it, a really highlight of my trip there. Have fun x
Thanks so much for the tip! Hope to try it.
Can’t wait until “we” go on this journey! Love that I get to see it through your blog!
Thanks so much for joining me!!
(sighs) I read your post and I envy your organization. I bought a ticket the day before yesterday, didn`t have time to plan anything, I`m leaving in a week. I didn`t know you were in CS too!!! and funny, I contacted three of them but they weren`t available so the only thing I did yesterday was to book a room in a hotel for the first night!!!
Have fun in your trip!!!
Where are you going…maybe you told me already– but I don’t remember.
I`m sure I didn`t tell you because I decided where to go just yesterday LOL I`m going to Ecuador, and planning to spend some time in the Galapagos, one of my childhood dreams!!!!
That’s great! I haven’t been there yet…so glad you’re getting to go and can’t wait to hear about it!
I guess we`ll have a lot to talk about in May!!! I can`t wait to hear from your trip too!!!
Maybe next time I go to Africa and you to Ecuador!!!!
Looks like fun. I have yet to breach the borders of Africa. It’s on the to-do list.
I think it’s interesting how Africa seems to be a “must do” for so many people! Seeing how the human race originated from there…perhaps that is part of it.
Great pictures! Look forward to reading all about it when you return! Have a great time!
Thanks Madhu!
Brilliant idea to let us join you from the start of you fantastic journey – from the planning and booking – think I will steal your idea – when it’s about my 27 days trip in July. Great photo – specially the last one with all the fantastic colors. Personal I love textures in photos. Very exciting to follow you. Have a great weekend!
Thanks…I’m so glad you are!
The Hop on Hop off bus is great, I would recommend both the red & blue routes.
If you would like to learn about Nelson Mandela take the boat to Robben Island.
Camps Bay is a must – great cocktails on the beach front.
Stellenbosch wine region is beautiful….
The list could go on and on – South Africa is simply stunning – enjoy!
It all sounds wonderful…thanks!
It sure takes a lot of planning to do a trip like that, but in the end it will all be worth it.
Yes…but you’re right–it will be amazing!
I wouldn’t be able to sleep I’d be so excited!
I know Elisa…it’s very exciting!
Quick edit… on NOT letting anything stop you!!
Wow! My hats off to you! Read your “About” section and am truly impressed.
Bravo on letting anything stop you!
Thanks Lidia!!
Have you tried airbnb.com? We’ve been using it all over the world and we’ve really had a good experience, including in Cape Town.
Hi Molly…I haven’t tried it–I’ll take a look! Thanks!!
I checked it out and am impressed! I’ll definitely use it in the future…thanks!
To the east of Cape Town along ‘The Garden Route’ is a place called Outshoorn where the Cango Caves are buried deep beneath the earth. You’ll see stalactites and stalacmites the size of two story buildings…
I can see I’ll have to come back to Africa a 2nd time to even make a dent!
I am so envious of this program. I look so forward to what you say about it during and after
Thanks Michael…I love your writing!!
Sherry, I am eager for our next chat. Maybe you will come to the travel blogger conference here in Colorado in June
Me too! I didn’t know there was one. What part of Colorado and when?
June 15-17 I believe in Keystone
I return from Africa on the 8th of June…might be cutting it too close.
Hi,
Seems you have got everything done and are ready to go. You are so well organized, well done, it is certainly going to be a fabulous trip and a great experience as well.
Thanks Margaret—I’m blessed to have time at work to research and order things online, etc. But, I do tend to be the organized sort!
I probably wouldnt take the boat trip to seal island, unless you have a very strong stomach for smells, Gosh that place really smells bad from a long way away… Plan to go to one of the fabius seafood restaurants in Hout Bay or at Cape Town harbour… Just some friendly advice…:)
Thank you so much…that’s very kind of you to comment and help!!
When are you going and for how long? Am so jealous right now…
Look at my last post— it has the route mapped out. South Africa–Namibia–Botswana–Zambia–Malawi– Tanzania. I know…I’m a lucky girl!!
Checked it
What to say… Enjoy!! And take a lot of pictures, so we can dream about it 
Glad you’re missing Zimbabwe, although you will have to see the great Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. The Okavango Delta is a must!!, along with a good camera and longest lens you can carry. You will fall in love with Malawi and their amazingly happy and friendly people… The Zomba Plateau and the tea estates at Mlange are something to behold… And look on Facebook for Bluehouse Mafia in Tanzania, friendly and amazing people and stunning places…. Enjoy your trip, but forget about Seal Island (trust me, that place is bad)….unless you have a strong stomach. But go to Paarl and Rondebosch, and check out the amazing vineyards there, not to mention the incredible scenery…
Wow…lots of great info…I’ll check your blog out!!