Destination Spotlight – Botswana

Botswana is the untamed Africa of a bygone era, unblemished by development. Its expansive game parks and preserves remain intact. The country has intentionally avoided mass tourism and chosen to offer a higher quality experience to a lesser number of people. By operating under this this policy of low volume and controlled tourism, Botswana offers a higher quality safari experience to fewer people, making it even more special. National Geographic tapped Botswana as Africa’s last wildlife refuge. This country has recently gained recognition, joining Kenya and Tanzania, as one of the world’s hottest wildlife areas.

Accommodations: Most camps and lodges are tented, restricted in size (usually not more than 24 clients at a time); some Chobe properties are larger. (Read More…)

In 2005, I ventured out to conquer my goal of traveling overland Cape Town to Cairo. Shortly after arriving in Cape Town I decided I had found my calling and spent 2 years traveling and working throughout South East Africa & Egypt.

The following journal entries are from my 2005 overland backpacking experience: 

Jessica at Union Building - Pretoria, South Africa

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Pretoria, South Africa – I could feel the moment we landed that Africa had good things in store for me. I seemed to have left all my fears high up in the sky and was open to new opportunities. The drive from the airport into Pretoria looked much like home in California. The same plants and palm trees. And that heat that embraces you. Maybe it was just having the sun on my face again. The weather must have been a warm 75 degrees, and I was so glad to be away from the harsh European cold. It came as a surprise that like in Great Britain, South Africans – and as far as I know all of Africa – drive on the left hand side. I checked into my hotel and I decided to ask a young black man named Tebo where the center of town might be. He could tell I had just arrived and asked to accompany me. (Read More…)

SOUTH AFRICA – I have been through Johannesburg many times on forced overnights and connections to other places that have held more interest for the general tourist, never stopping for longer than a night. On this trip I was fortunate enough visit the historical sites of Johannesburg and learn firsthand about South Africa’s history.

Liliesleaf Farm

By far, my favorite is Liliesleaf Farm. It was once the headquarters of the Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the ANC and the Congress Alliance. What was once a residence has now been converted into a museum where you can experience the accounts of the struggle and events leading to democracy in South Africa. You learn about the white family that covered for the revolutionaries that met there to plot the end of apartheid. I believe that what took place at Lilliesleaf is even more significant to South African history than Robben Island. You will gain a stronger appreciation for the country you visit if you can gain knowledge of its past.

Liliesleaf Farm - Aerial view of house at Rivonia

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