Namibia and Beyond: Sadie's Africa

Tales of a Country Specialist Traveling #TheAudleyWay

By Audley Travel

June 24^th, 2014

the best of namibia and south africa

After joining Audley Travel last fall, I spent four weeks traveling throughout Namibia and South Africa. I went four-wheeling in the desert and climbed some of the highest sand dunes in Namibia, ocean kayaked with wild seals, went on a road trip from Cape Town through the Garden Route, and embarked on several safari drives in South Africa. Here’s a deeper look at just some of my adventures.

namibia to mars

One of the things I found to be most unique about Namibia is the pure variety of landscapes you encounter - from some of the most iconic deserts and canyons in the world to stunning mountains and lush waterways. I spent a few days in the Namib Desert, passing through the spectacular NamibRand Nature Reserve where the dunes change from light yellow to rich red on the way to Sossusvlei and Sesriem. I stayed at a fantastic lodge in the middle of nowhere and took daily excursions to explore these incredible sands.

I was blown away by the sheer majesty of the area. I felt like I was on Mars with colors of apricot and red highlighting every ripple of sand. From inside our vehicle, we gazed across dried up river valleys as my guide explained how the isolated clumps of mountains in the distance used to be islands surrounded by water.

meet the locals

The Himba people are a semi-nomadic tribe with a society based around cattle herding and largely unaffected by the modern world. The Himba live in small settlements in the northern part of Namibia. Known for their distinctive dress, the women are beautiful with a unique, noticeable tint to their skin - they cover their bodies with red ochre and fat to protect them from the desert climate.

I spent a day in a Himba village in Namibia’s Skeleton Coast National Park. The children greeted me with open arms and gave me a tour of their homes. I learned about the unique architecture and how they survive in such a different climate and landscape. In the afternoon, a few women showed me how to make jewelry with iron and shell beads. This humbling experience was a highlight of my trip, and I still wear the necklace I made today.

kayaking with seaLS

Escape the desert heat of Namibia for a bit with an excursion out into the deep blue sea. Kayaking among seals and dolphins was a thrilling experience. It’s quite different than watching them from a boat, as we could almost reach out and touch the fearless animals as they swam up to play and inspect my curious bright plastic craft. They’re fun, friendly animals who will certainly put a smile on your face.

and the thunder rolls in

Covered by a salt pan that shimmers in the heat, Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s largest game parks. The elephants roam this park in hundred-strong herds, and there are large populations of lion, leopard and cheetah, as well as black and white rhino. The permanent waterholes in this area make for fantastic game viewing.

I will never forget driving through Etosha as a thunder storm rolled in.The sky turned a magnificent silver, and we could see giraffe and wildebeest running across the pan as the heavens let out a crash of thunder.

With MORE THAN 340 bird species soaring over the park lands, Etosha National Park is a bird-watcher’s paradise. You’ll find ostrich and secretary birds on the open plains as well as more than 35 species of raptor, including yellow-billed kite, steppe eagle and pygmy falcon.

the beauty of south africa

I was blown away by the ecological diversity of South Africa and how much the country has to offer travelers. I was lucky to witness firsthand many of the different cultures and ecosystems by taking a road trip through the different regions. From the colorful Bom Kap neighborhoods of Cape Town to the beautiful scenery of the Winelands and the Dutch influence on Oudtshoorn’s farmlands, each region contributes its own unique traditions and customs to this beautifully diverse country.

the "pink Lady"

High tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel, affectionately known as the “Pink Lady” is a must in Cape Town. Originally built to house passengers from the Union Castle cruise liners, the British and Colonial heritage of this property makes it one the best-known hotels in the area. The classic period style rooms, grand public spaces and perfectly manicured rose gardens and lawns create an oasis worth escaping to for the sumptuous cakes and approachable opulence. Not to mention sitting by the pool for an afternoon with views of Table Mountain.

the King's speech

The Sabi Sands, established in 1898, is a private reserve that shares an open border with the Kruger National Park in South Africa and is fortunate to have two perennial (continuously flowing) rivers in a relatively small area (not a common attribute in dry Africa). It’s a wonderful place to see The Big 5 and there is a sense of serenity that comes from staying on a private concession rather than inside of the park.

My favorite place to stay when visiting the area is the Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, whose architectural design is much more unique than traditional lodges I have seen throughout my travels because it incorporates design elements drawn straight from nature. I was greeted each morning by my game ranger and tracker and set off for some of the best wildlife viewing I have ever experienced. We came across elephant, buffalo, rhino and secretary birds.

During one expedition, a lion crossed right in the front of our safari truck, paused, and let out a huge roar - a sound much deeper than I imagined. My guide called it ‘The King’s Speech’.

Expert Tip: On a safari, wear multiple layers. This allows you to stay warm on morning game drives, and gives you the option of cooling down once the sun starts to shine.

South Africa's hidden gem: KwaZulu-Natal

The hidden gem of South Africa is KwaZulu-Natal with an utterly breathtaking mix of beaches, wildlife, mountains and a fascinating culture. The city of Durban, booming with cultural flavors deriving from its Zulu, Indian and white communities, is known for palm trees that fan Victorian buildings and tower over temples. Some of the most delicious curry I‘ve tasted can be found here. After a few days in Durban, I traveled to the Elephant Coast, one of the most isolated regions in the country, to experience the amazing snorkeling and scuba diving along the coral reefs. The next stop was Northern Zululand, home to incredible game reserves with the highest population of both black and white Rhinos in South Africa. I stayed at the luxury Thanda Private Game Reserve, which allowed for a real immersion with the local culture.

Many travelers skip this area; however, I must say if you have the time, visit Zululand - it will open your eyes to a whole new South Africa.

wanderlust is magical

Wherever your next adventure takes you, go with an open mind. By the end of your trip, it will be filled with unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime. You’ll be ready to plan your next trip before this one is even over. Wanderlust is magical.

-Sadie

about sadie

I am extremely passionate about the cultural and wildlife conservation of developing countries and how tourism to these regions can have a positive impact. After witnessing this firsthand during my travels through Central America, in 2008, I decided to change careers from event-planning and moved from Atlanta to Boston to further my studies with a degree in Tourism. In 2011, I spent several months volunteering at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, where I aided in the release and care of captive cheetahs. Since then, I’ve been determined to use my passion as a way to assist in the development of countries whenever I can.