Ngoma Safari Lodge is located on the edges of Chobe National Park in Botswana. This fairly new property opened in May 2011 and was officially dedicated in July 2011 with his Excellency, Botswana's President Seretse Khama Ian Khama attending the opening ceremonies. This is isolated luxury at its finest and rawest; the lodge is accessible by any of 3 dirt roads - which are more like 4wd tracks among the bush - there are no signs and you must … [Read more...]
We are in Namibia!
I have acquired a Namibian souvenir in the form of a haircut or perhaps, lack of hair. That is what I get for going into an African barber - leave with a totally shaved head - most of the people here have very short hair. So now I fit in well. We are in the Caprivi Strip - a narrow band of the country bordered by Angola, Zambia and Botswana. It has a convoluted history - at times under Italian, German and South African control. Namibia became … [Read more...]
The Power & Beauty of Sub Saharan Africa
Upon finalizing my flights to South Africa from Bangkok, I told a good friend who has traveled extensively in Africa that I would kiss the African soil for him. He replied, "Kiss Africa's ground for me, but remember: Africa always wins. No matter how much you try to make sense of all the nonsense, it'll never make sense. Thus Africa wins." Winning or not, the unpredictability of adventure travel in Sub Saharan Africa has always appealed to me … [Read more...]
Crossing from Zambia to Botswana
We arrived yesterday from Zambia crossing what is one of the muddiest border crossings I've been through - the divide between Botswana and Zambia near the town of Kazangula. Guys were hanging out just to carry any extra luggage on their backs through the muddy quagmire. The ferry after the Botswana customs was nothing more than a metal floor hooked to an engine - along with one other tourist, we were the only ones on this ferry. Oh and the money … [Read more...]
Bangkok Day Tripping
We are always going into Bangkok for something. This time for yellow fever vaccinations - I had mine last year for Cote d'Ivoire (good for 5 years) - this time around for Syy for our January trip to Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. Its not easy getting Yellow Fever vaccs in Bangkok - only available on the weekdays - hospitals don't offer it so we ended up going to the Red Cross Clinic at the Snake Farm. This time of year Bangkok is … [Read more...]
Time Flies – Hanging in LA, upcoming trips
Ooops another month just went by - and haven't updated the blog. Was in Los Angeles again last week enjoying a plethora of activities, very warm weather and very clear skies. See video below taking from Mulholland overlooking the valley. Have a press trip up in Napa starting this weekend - first press trip where I'm actually an expert on the destination - and could easily lead a few of the tours! Then back to town for a week and off on our … [Read more...]
Adam Pervez: Travel Writer, Speaker
Photos courtesy of Adam Pervez - Adam is currently on a round the world trip (RTW), exploring his passions by traveling to remote places and learning what happiness means to people and cultures globally. He shares his experiences and thoughts on his website, the Happiness Plunge. Recently we had a chance to ask Adam about his travels and travel philosophy. Q. What is the "Happiness Plunge"? The Happiness Plunge is when … [Read more...]
A Few Words About Botswana
As we talked to locals in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city, people were so proud to talk about the things they love about their country. "We are free here, our country is so peaceful, you don't have to be afraid," said one. "You can criticize the government, you have free speech, free elections," said another. Botswana is indeed an incredible country. Home to not only the most beautiful wildlife we've seen yet, including … [Read more...]
Botswana Safari
Where does a person go if she wishes to view the largest elephants in the world in their natural habitat? Botswana, specifically she would embark on a Botswana safari to Chobe National Park. This park is so enormous it can claim four separate ecosystems. There are more than elephants to view of course; the area has an impressive predator population that includes lions and hyenas. Another spectacular destination for a Botswana safari is the … [Read more...]
Countries still to Visit
Long bus rides are a great time to sit back and think about travel and upcoming trips. During one such recent 16 hour ride in Brazil I thought about which countries I would like to visit on each continent. Here are countries still to visit: North America - last one to visit is Panama (done late 2010) South America - Bolivia - Ecuador (done 2013) - Venezuela Africa - Botswana (done) - Egypt (done) - South Africa (done) - Namibia … [Read more...]