The Decison Process - Selecting the Itineary and Travel Agency

In February 2010, I traveled to South East Asia and over a five week period visited four countries – Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam. I kept a detailed diary of my trip by recording my adventures with prose and pictures on my blog, www.greatindochinaloop.blogspot.com. I enjoyed myself so much that I decided to undertake a major trip in early 2011 to the southern portion of Africa for a 50 day trip. I depart on January 30 and return home on or about March 20.

I have spent the last 2 months deciding on which travel agency to use. I loved Intrepid travel but they restrict a number of their trips to those 70 years and younger. I wanted to take an adventuresome trip that involved some degree of participatory camping, travel by overland vehicle and an itinerary that would allow me to get close to the people. After considerable culling of various Internet sites, I selected Detour Africa (http://www.detourafrica.com/) as my travel agent. They advised me that the actual safari provider is Nomad Adventure Tours (www.nomadtours.co.za which is one of the largest tour operators in Southern Africa.) 

I will be combining two 20 day trips. The 1st trip begins in Cape Town heading north traveling along the west coast of Africa to Namibia's desert wilderness.  First we explore the Fish River Canyon, 2nd largest canyon in the world, and explore the sun baked sand dunes of the Namib.  Next we travel to the desolate Swakopmund desert and see the Bushman paintings of Spitzkoppe.  After spending time with the Himba tribes we take in the wildlife of Etosha's open plains and floodlit waterholes.  We cross the border into Botswana and canoe through the Okavango Delta's wilderness where we have opportunity to view more animals and bird life.  A cruise down the Chobe river brings encounters with herds of elephants, hippos and crocodiles.  Zimbabwe's Vic Falls is a breathtaking way to finish the tour...for details see http://www.nomadtours.co.za/ncv_20_days_cape_town_to_victoria_falls_north_tour_2011.html

I will stay in Victoria Falls for 2 extra days before flying to Johannesburg to begin the 2nd leg of my trip. This trip should be easier since our accommodations will be chalets, hotels and lodges. We head northeast and spend a couple of days visiting Kruger National Park to hopefully see the "Big 5"... buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino. From Kruger, we travel south down the eastern coast of South Africa where we visit Swaziland. After a short stop at the port city of Durban, we head in-land to visit the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, travel due south to the port city of Port Elizabeth and continue along the coast and visit ADDO Elephant Park, Cango Caves and an Ostrich Farm.  South Africa is famous for their wines so we we will take in the scenic Garden Route with stops at Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Stellenbosch located in the East Cape's wine region and taste some of South Africa's finest wine. During the entire tour we will visit unspoilt beaches and see breathtaking scenery, take pictures of the abundant wildlife and experience the rituals of various tribal cultures. Our trip ends in Cape Town.......for details see http://www.nomadtours.co.za/najc_20_days_south_african_explorer_tour_2011.html

After I arrive in Cape Town, I plan on spending a few days with friends bicycling, playing tennis and relaxing before the long flight back home.