STAFF TRAVEL STORY
Shareen's Family Holiday Africa - 3 countries in 3 weeks (April 2009)
In true Nash style, we wanted to pack in as much as we could in our three weeks back in Africa. After a wonderful family gathering on my brother's farm in Natal where cousins got to know each other and plenty of wine and laughter filled our days and evenings, we hired a car and drove through Johannesburg and into Botswana.
We had forgotten how beautiful the drive was from Durban to Johannesburg, climbing from the Natal coastal plane, through the midlands and onto the Highveld with the Drakensburg mountains in the background. Driving across the border and into Botswana filled us with fond memories as we had spent about 10 years working in this country.
Our destination was the Okavango Delta in far north Botswana, a drive of approximately 1000kms and through the typically flat Kalahari scrubland. We arrived in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango, to re-unite with many old friends and experience the unique waterways and wildlife areas.
The Okavango Delta is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17 000 square kms and is the largest inland delta in the world. In the lush indigenous forests of the delta and its islands, there are more than 400 species of birds and a large variety of wildlife. As we only had time for a short visit to this remarkable area, we were fortunate to see lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, warthog, and a variety of antelope on our game drive.
The kids were told to be careful as lion had just killed a zebra 200mts from camp - all very exciting especially as they roared throughout the night - a sound you will never forget. From Botswana, we drove into Zimbabwe via Kasane and the Victoria Falls border post. Zimbabwe is run down with potholed roads and everywhere is evidence of a country in a desperate situation. The hotels however were well maintained and it was good to see tourists around.
A gin and tonic at the Victoria Falls Hotel is a must with spectacular views of the bridge and mist from the raging Falls. Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and while it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it is claimed to be the largest. The volume of water flowing over the falls at present is so great that we were soaked while walking along the edge. Unfortunately no time on this occasion to bungee jump or whitewater raft - next time!!!
From Vic Falls we drove to Bulawayo and then back to Johannesburg, getting horribly delayed at the Beit Bridge border post with large queues - Africa!!!!! We were happy to deliver our car back in one piece after an adventurous journey of around 5000kms. I hope this gives everyone an insight into the wonders of Africa and how uncomplicated travelling to this interesting and diverse destination can be. If you are planning on a trip to Africa - come and chat to me, for some firsthand advice.
Shareen Nash - Jetset Bunbury
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