This Is Zambia's Hidden Gem Along the Zambezi Where The Safari Comes To You

I have been wanting to write this post for like a million years, the pictures are nearly fossilised. This post might also be great for a people that think that Safari trips in Africa are super expensive. I am all about proving a point and I guess this could be one of those posts. I will do another post on how to do a safari without giving your bank account a hernia. So, Maramaba River Lodge, this little Zambian gem sits on the banks of the Zambezi River and oh so close to Victoria Falls that you can take a short drive to see one of mother nature best gifts this side of the globe. I wanted to get some of the Zambia trip posts up these as I am in the midst of planning another African road trip at the end of the year. Still figuring out itineraries.  

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4 Reasons To Vacation In Off-Peak Season

1. Prices of Flights Are Cheaper In Low Season

I have found prices to be super cheap or reasonably inexpensive soon after the school holidays. So around November when University students have had their freshers week is usually a great time to fly. Also around mid-January but not too far into February because they pick up again people being flooded with valentines ideas. Mid-January, I guess because people are still traveling back from the Xmas holidays so I guess airline bookings dip after the first and second week of January hence why they reduce the prices to entice bookings.

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5 Tourist Activities You Should Stop Taking Part In Now!

So you may have read my rant about the direction Instagram is taking(in my opinion) and how I believe Instagram has zapped people of creativity and individuality in their quest for being liked and followed. We can argue that there are many people true to themselves and just how creative are, let's leave that argument for another time for a moment or take it to that post I published. In this post, I wanted to discuss something else that has been bothering me. There are a couple of tourist activities that seriously make me cringe. We are in an age where almost everyone has The Internet. Certainly true for those that travel, otherwise how are they booking their tickets to travel. Those are the people this post is targeting. It's no longer an excuse to play the ignorant card. When I travel I research where I am going,  the activities I want to do in the city I am visiting and all sorts of things. With that, I also love at reviews about what people think of those activities.  Which ones are good, which are just a waste of my money, which ones are free? So with all that is involved in planning travel people cannot just pretend not know what why they shouldn't be participating in certain activities.

We all see these posts in Facebook groups where people are posting pictures riding on elephants, selfies with tigers or throwing live squid down their throats. Almost with a total disregard for the suffering of these animals. Have we become so self-absorbed, and numb to the suffering of others and animals that we take these pictures for the sake of Instagram shots and Facebook profile pictures that we no longer care or want to address the cruelty these animals have to endure just so you can post a "cool shot" for your social media? I also notice that the more people post these pictures the more people want to do them because "hey that would look cool on my *insert social media outlet*".

Below are 5 of some the tourist activities that I think people need to stop engaging in or better yet do enough research and ensure you are going to actual sanctuaries. Ask yourself if you can honestly say the animals haven't been harmed, drugged out, overworked, chained or beaten just you can take that photo. Can you honestly sit and take this photo knowing the animal is suffering just so you can create this memory? Also, stop using these crazy excuses and trying to deflect with statements like its the same as eating meat. We should all be vegan and such(yes, I have even seen a vegan trying to excuse his participation in elephant rides with similar statements). My post my lack eloquence but hopefully my point is clear enough, in that we can do better by these animals and just think about these activities and ask ourselves these questions before taking part. Don't do it for the social media, knowing your participation is causing harm.

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My Bucketlist: Bring Travel Dreams to Life

We all have bucketlists, places we want to see before we clock out for the last time. Some may involve trekking the beautiful peaks in Patagonian, or cruising the Nile, learning Italian as you travel via train through the scenic coastal towns of Italy, or being in two continents at the same time while meandering on the Bosphorus boat tours with Sofia in in your rear view or maybe even flying over across the other side of the world discovering whats really down under(when you find out let me know!). Whatever those plans are, point is we all have them! Yes, even for those whose travel plans as less of a priority than us wanderlusting addicts. Its also such a shame that most of us wait too long to realise those plans. With this blog I always try and included tips and details of how you can travel without having to sell your organs. You can check out my recent blog post on how to travel for next to nothing, which includes links to sites for the best flight deals as well as tips on saving money when booking hotels and earning points for free travel. 

I have been meaning to publish my bucketlist for sometime and but it changes so much with each and every new exciting destination that I discover. With all the changes that happen to it, I thought I would just go ahead and publish it and leave it as a dynamic list I would add to or remove, or perhaps even do a version 2 of my travel bucketlist. That's if I rinse this one out after wining the lottery and take a year out to travel. Included at links to post covering places I have already ticked off on my bucket list. I guess on of the reasons for the delay is that this blog was really intended to provide meaningful resources for any one wishing for inspiration on destinations that are not only popular but those that you might not have considered  but now that you have seen pictures, you can then add to your bucketlist. As always if a post doesn't provide enough details on costs, accommodation and transportation you are always welcome to email me and I will either update the post with details or just answer your questions via email/facebook/insta twitter...you get the gist!

...So indulge your wanderlust spirit as we go through some of my #bucketlist destinations and let me know below if there are places on my list that you have been to already or places we have in common? I would also love to here places you are still longing with visit but haven't checked off your list. Let me know in the comments below.

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Visions of Wild Africa | Exploring Botswana's Okavanago Delta

Back in surroundings that allow you to hear that morning call from the birds chirping at the first signs of dawn. Surroundings unpolluted by urban comforts and as darkness gives way to night allow you to have stars twinkle at you and it's as if the world suddenly melts away with sweet nothings whispered from a lovers lips and like romantic rhythms, perfectly received to your ears. Being at one with nature and back to basics of appreciating the peace and quiet offered by being in the middle of nowhere is one of life's luxuries in the world we live today. Memories of my trip to Botswana last October were just that,...moments of blissful pleasure being back in familiar surroundings. My boyfriend and I had the pleasure of crossing no man's land on foot; Kazungula. This is a small area of land between Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia where we crossed over from Zambia into Botswana by a small ferry. Our Safari journey was to start from right there on the boarder crossing into Kasane, Botswana. As you drive away from the boarder you can spot many elephants in the dried fields. We were in Kasane for 2 days but managed to spot elephants, monkeys, hippos, baboons all without getting on a typical African safari ride.

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Gecko Ridge | An Oasis In The Heart of The Namibian Desert

Have you ever seen the sun set, and the moon rise? All in one night! Well Namibia gave me that gift last year, at Gecko Ridge. Our own little oasis in the desert. I have always believed that where you stay when you are on a holiday or an extended road trip can make or break a holiday. Staying in the busy, noisy and hectic parts of a city when you travel doesn't do your search for rest and relaxation any justice, nor does staying so far away that it makes exploring difficult. My African vacation last year saw my boyfriend and I explore Zambia, before driving to Botswana for his first African safari vacation, then extending our road trip to Namibia's dessert dunes. This was of course where we were going to be doing the sand boarding in the desert dunes, the thing that bucket lists are made of.  It's been on my bucket list for a long, long time. My brother who now lives in Botswana, joined us for this part of the trip too, which also made things easier as we could take turns to drive the long distances. If you are a lover of road trips I would highly, highly, recommend driving in Namibia! The roads are endless with beautiful backdrops of mountains and desert landscapes. There are many stops for markets, small townships along the way, not to mention the road sides have small tables and seats built for pit stops for a break from driving or just a stop for lunch. It's great to see that the road sides have designated stops, almost as if to encourage resting between long drives.

With a hectic and packed itinerary, I wanted us to have peaceful and comfortable places to stays. Having driven 10 hours from Maun in Botswana, we landed in Windhoek, Namibia late in the night. With a few hours to explore Namibia's capital the following day, we then set off for the Skeleton coast, but based ourselves in Swakopmund. People almost always assume visiting Africa is expensive. Its not! The main expensive thing is the flight but even that these days, if you know where to look you are in for an adventure. You will find most of the hotels typically available in Europe and most come with an even better view of nature than a view of the concrete jungle. Our stop in Windhoek for the night cost well £100. So you will get more for you money too. That's for a small suite, and a double room, all including breakfast for the 3 of us. This was also a last minute booking because we couldn't find the hostels we thought we were going to stay in,  having arrived so late and me getting a little bit on the hungry and cranky side. This was very much last minute of the next available place I could find.

With only a day to explore the capital we set of for Namibia's Skeleton Coast. This is the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean and stretches up towards Angola. The local people refer to it as "The Land God Made In Anger" while the Portuguese sailors apparently refer to it as "The Gates of Hell", because whale and seal bones as well as the many shipwrecks that litter the shore. We based ourselves in Swakopmund. A town that seems as if it had been plucked right and of Germany and dropped in Namibia. Architecture and language spoken is mostly German. As beautiful as the town is with its gorgeous beaches on one side and sand dunes on the other. I wanted a low key and quiet spot. I found Gecko Ridge Guesthouse in Swapomund. The owner an architect who made a deal with the land owner to be paid in land for helping the owner of the land to divide the acres of desert lands he owned. His portion of the land he builds this beautiful guest house which also comes with private chalets on the grounds. For more options on where to stay in Swakopmund, check out this list of hotels and guest houses in Swakopmund.

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Paradise Found | 20 Africa's Best Beaches You Need To Visit

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Africa has become synonymous with safaris nowadays, but there is all so much more to this beautiful continent than just chasing the big five - so much more! Most people the moment they think beach holiday they usually think of escapes to the Caribbean or maybe some other European destination. Oblivious to Africa's thousands of beautiful beaches and landscapes that will satisfy even the most insatiable wanderlust junkies. From landscapes, you can try crazy sports such as sand boarding in the dunes to sitting on the edge of one of the 7 natural wonders like the Victoria falls. Only a few people venture out to these beaches and those very people are usually hush when it comes to revealing the paradise they have found. Maybe so they stay perfect. Well, with this post we are not talking about extreme travel experiences, that's another post.  With this post, I wanted to show you some of Africa's best beaches, so next time you want a relaxing beach escape that does involve fighting for your own little bathing spot, you know exactly where to head to. 

You will find it difficult to come across sand so white, the sea so breathtakingly blue. Think unspoiled white pristine sandy beaches that go on for miles, where you can lounge with a cold drink topping up your tan as the light cool breeze gently soothes you into a dreamy state in paradise. The beauty of it all is that none of it is a dream. These places really do exist, all but a just plane ride away.... Not many people venture to these places meaning that you will not have to share the beach with a soul, other than the person you decide to bring along to share the experience and perhaps the person that bring you drinks of course.

So, why follow the herds when you have options like these below?...

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Sand Boarding and Quad-Biking In Namibia's Desert Dunes

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Finally, I get to share my pictures from the sand boarding and quad-biking in the Namibian coastal dunes.  One of the main reasons for heading to this part of Namibia having visited Windhoek, the capital, was to visit the little German town that is Swapkomund.  In addition to that, I had been dreaming about sand boarding in the dunes for a long time now, so it was my goal to make it happen while visiting an area with the tallest dunes in the world! Well if you are going to do something crazy why not go the whole nine yards, right?

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Going Beyond Victoria Falls | 14 Lesser Known Zambia Waterfalls

I will break up my current series of posts on Namibia with a little trip back to Zambia. One of the 7 wonders of the world and the largest falling sheet of water is of course in my home country;  Zambia. Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful sites you will ever lay your eyes one. The whole world knows it by the name of Victoria Falls, but that's not its original name. One that locals from either side of the falls use, whether you are visiting from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side. This beautiful natural wonder is referred to by its original name of Mosi-ya-Tunya. This translates to "Smoke that Thunders". If you visit while it's in full force from the rain season you will understand where that name might have come from, as the smoke(mist) created from the sheer force of flow can be seen sometimes 30 miles away. With this mist, sometimes I would recommend seeing Victoria falls mid season or towards the rain season. This is because the visibility is poor with all the mist in the air. Not to mention  you will get drenched!

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Namibia Must Sees : Dolphin Spotting on the Shores of Walvis Bay

The morning of our last day in Swakop, Namibia I wanted to explore a bit of Walvis Bay in the last hours we had before embarking on the 5 hours towards Windhoek. We wanted to be closer to the airport for the early flight to Zambia. In my previous post, I mentioned that we had rented a car from Botswana. Thankfully we got my brother to drop us off at the airport in the morning before he set off on the 10-hour drive back to Maun in Botswana. I will be posting more from Botswana soon.

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Namibia | The Blue Hues of Swakopmund Beach

Swakopmund is one of Namibia's largest coastal towns which draws in travellers from all over the world but a shame that not enough people know about this beautiful spot. In my previous post I showed you some of its European-style colonial architecture which takes a lot of influence its German colonisation. In my next post I will be showing you our next stop in the next town of Walvis Bay where we spotted dolpins and flamingos but not before taking to the nearby dunes. The cute town of Swakopmund is sandwiched between the dunes and the beach. So you can go from sand boarding to beach surfing within minutes. The choice of activities for such a small town is unbelievable. I may have to come back from surfing lessons but I while I was there I managed sand boarding which I have been dying to do for too long. Pictures in posts to come.

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Namibia | Why A Trip To Swakopmund On The On The Edge Of The Wild Atlantic Ocean Coast Is A Must

Beginning of the year I promised to show you more of Africa.  I have been part lazy and part busy with work and a house move to actually look at the pictures from my recent travels but better late than never, right?

Usually when I see people post about Africa its a same usual places like South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. I think to myself why are these folks missing out on the countries in the middle or further down the continent. There's another 50 odd countries with stunning scenery, quiet beaches, wild life and yet magazines still show you the same tried and test (about a million times) destinations. And no, you will not catch Ebola! As unfortunate as that horrid disease is, it's only in 6 out of 54 African countries. If you need more convincing then I would strongly recommend posts from fellow bloggers like Dave Cole at CookSipGo, who has been exploring Ethopia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, or going off grid and checking out Kenya's Central Island with Manouk from Bunch of Backpackers. Ever head of Madagascar? Well if you haven't then you might want to swing by The Crowded Planet and see Madagascar through the eyes of Margherita and Nick, whose travels around the country will have you clutching both your pearls AND passports as you race to your nearest travel agents for tickets to this diverse and magical island on the Indian Ocean. Even tiny little landlocked countries like the Kingdom of Swaziland are packed with much to see as shown by Heather Cole at the Conversant Traveller. One other place that is firmed placed close to the top of the list for my upcoming travels is Djibouti. Check out the post by Brock and Tanj's Travelogues of this tiny country on the elbow of Africa. Hopefully these links have not pushed your wanderlust into overdrive or your bank balances into meltdown. Now, recent posts I showed you around Zambia's capital, Lusaka and the Victoria Falls in Livingstone. I certainly hope you enjoyed those because it is now time to head South of the boarder and into Namibia.

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Adventures on Victoria Falls | Dipping Into The Devil's Pool

In my last post I shared with you moments from my exploration of Livingstone Island, a World Heritage Site, which sits on the edge of the Victoria Falls. Its only been open since 1992, allowing exclusive access to get up close and personal with the falls. I also mentioned that I was going to be sharing with you pictures from the adventurous dip into the Devils Pool. The Devil's Pool is a natural pool on the edge of Victoria Falls and it's thought that it was created  by thousands of years erosion. It's beauty lies in the fact that you have a rock ledge on the edge that stops you from being swept down the 100 meter gorge by the torrents of water. Well you can wait no longer as the pictures are below. Before that a little detail on how this came about. This trip has been a long time coming and the Devils Pool even more so. I have mentioned it a couple of times now on the blog and it was between this and a bangee jump. I am glad to say the the Devils Pool won! 

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Exploring Victoria Falls | Lunch on Livingstone Island Surrounded By Victoria Falls

"So lovely, it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight" - David Livingstone

Although the first known Europeans to visit Zambia were the Portuguese, it is thought that David Livingstone was the first Brit to explore the Zambezi River (and gaze upon the Victoria Falls), which gives life to Mosi-oa-Tunya. This translates to The Smoke that Thunders. You might know this as Victoria Falls, renamed by David Livingstone in 1855 in honour of Queen Victoria as he stood on what is now know as Livingstone Island. In high season you wouldn't be able to stand here as it is completely submerged in sheets of water. Most Zambians and Zimbabweans still use its original name and Zimbabwe went as far as officially renaming the falls back to "Mosi-oa-Tunya" last year.

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Tongabezi | Luxury On The Zambezi River - Part II

"The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa- for he has so much to look forward to" - Richard Mullin

The second installment on my stay at Tongabezi, on the river banks of the Zambezi. A subtropical idyll with thatched roofed exclusive lodges all but one with views of the Zambezi and little cheeky monkeys cavorting the surroundings. That's in addition to the Hippos that lazily float before you. People and animals respect each other’s distance here. With a big tub run for you to take a dip under the star lit African sky and champagne waiting on the side. Please take me back to Tongabezi this instant! How about I stop drooling over the thought of going back and tell you what’s on offer when you visit. Once you settle in you also get a chance to sit down with the activities coordinator to run through activities you would like to part take in. All included in the price of the  stay. While my boyfriend opted for the guided bike ride within the national park in the hope of also spotting some animals, I visited the local school funded by Tongabezi. We also choose to do a morning game drive and the Devils pool, which sits on the edge of the Victoria Falls (not for the faint-heart and not included in the price). Also available is candlelight dinner on the Zambezi and many more but sadly we didn’t have time to do them all.

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Tongabezi - Private Luxury On The Zambezi I

“When you go, choose your companions wisely. Africa is not to be wasted,” - Ernest Hemingway

There are romantic hideaways and then there is Tongabezi. Where better to enjoy a back-to-nature romance with a bit of luxury thrown in than to base yourself right on the banks of the Zambezi. If that name sounds familiar, you will no doubt know that it is the very river that gives birth to the mighty Victoria Falls - more on that to come. Tongabezi is hidden among the shadows of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. We were certainly in the mood to spoil ourselves while in Livingstone, and this place is definitely one that will spoil your mind, body, and soul - in a good way of course. Our one splurge on our 17-day tour of Southern Africa which started from Lusaka. You only live one! Livingstone was the second stop having started off in Lusaka days earlier. All the lodges at Tonagbezi have views of the Zambezi, apart from our Garden House Lodge. What it lacked in views of the river, it made up handsomely in the exclusively private pool we had to ourselves.  All the lodges are secluded offering guests privacy and comfort as if you were chillaxing in your own home and a luxury not experienced in many hotels or lodges. There are only nine lodges which mean guests are catered to with undivided attention from staff.  Have I mentioned that from the moment we arrived we were made to feel like little stars?  Oh, I did I not mention, each lodge is allocated its very own butler so to speak anything you need 24/7! Staff available exclusively to your lodge, I had died and gone to heaven...A knock on the lodge entrance brought me back to health as our breakfast arrived to be enjoyed in the comfort of our Garden House.

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Zambian Heritage | Kabwata Cultural Village

If you are heading over to Zambia don’t just head straight to Livingstone thinking that is all there is to see of the country. Zambia’s capital is beaming with culture and activities to part take in. There are day trips available to Kafue’s river side or exploring the local markets like Soweto market or seeing the bustling in Cairo road. A great tip for Cairo road is to go there on the weekend as the weekdays there is traffic like no other! If you are a lover of retail therapy then head to the malls. What you should not miss out on though, is Kabwata’s Cultural Village. Home to some 70 woodcarvers, basket weavers and artists who showcase their creative spirit in the products they make. This place is not just for tourists, locals in and around Zambia know about this little national treasure. If you are visiting Livingstone many other towns, you will find that you cannot haggle too much with the prices as a lot of those wooden carvings are made here, the buy from here and resell in Livingstone and many other areas on the country.

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Intercontinental | Capital Pleasures In Lusaka

There is a certain allure to the notion of traveling in Africa with many associating Africa with just safaris,  but there is more to this continent than just exploring national parks in search of the big five.  While a safari was certainly on our itinerary, we were going to be exploring the capital's hot spots first before the big 5. To really experience a destination you have to meet the locals, check out their hangouts and that was the main plan for the first few days in the country.  Thats exactly what I had in mind for my travel partner.

Arriving right in the middle of the hot Zambian summer(and month of independence day celebrations - hence the flags) we were immediately welcomed with a cool breeze from the whispers of water flowing from the fountains as we stepped out of the car onto the entrance of Intercontinental.  I planned a 17-day trip around Southern Africa which would cover Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia and involving several modes of transportation. This was also going to be the first time my boyfriend was visiting my home country as the first part of this year was dedicated to introducing me to his home country in Israel, which we explored in much of April.  With our journey through southern African starting in Lusaka, Zambia's capital I opted to book us into Intercontinental Hotel. 

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Dream Trip Challenge - Planning A Safari Adventure

Credit

With the summer coming, its that time of year when people plan for the holidays, whether beach holidays, city escapes, adventurous trips and in my case a safari trip. I have been dreaming about this trip for far too long. It's OFFICAL! I am off to Zambia, Nambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Although not necessarily that order. I am all booked and ready to roll this September. Like many, booking such a trip you always wonder how you are going to get there once you land, what to expect, and more importantly, where you are going to stay. The fun is all in the planning.

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The Red Sea: Dive in to a magical world

Shipwreck near Tiran

Thinking about at the beautiful blue waters on my recent trip in Israel, I have been reminiscing about my diving in Egypt last September. Not only that, walking around with bare legs also revealed my little diving accident as the scar on my leg have healed but still shop dark patches.

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