6 TIPS
for your
Afr ic a
Holiday
Packing for
safari Cape Town
considerations When to see
Victoria Falls
It’s not a fashion statement, or a
joke, khaki really will help you
blend into the safari landscape.
Most animals are not accustomed to
bright colours so camouflage helps
if you’re hoping to get close to the
Big Five. Travelling to South Africa (and
Namibia) has never been cheaper.
The South African Rand which has
the same value as Namibian Dollar,
has a great exchange rate and makes
your travelling experiences so much
cheaper on the ground. The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are
truely one of those sights you must
see once in your lifetime.
Furthermore, insects love a strong
colour, so stay away from the bright
apparel. Citronella soap and/or
lotion is a great deterrent, as is
a stiff gin and tonic. True story.
Mosquitoes detest the quinine
found in tonic water - and add the
gin, just because. Spend your saved dollars at Cape
Town’s exquisite Mount Nelson
Hotel and indulge in their opulent
high tea, making sure you try the
typical South African milk tart,
‘melktert’.
Game drives always have cold
moments no matter what the
season, so gloves and beanies are
smart items to pack. You’ll also
be thankful for your own pair of
binoculars. For game drives when
the animals aren’t within metres of
your truck, you don’t want to be
scrambling for binoculars shared
between the entire group.
6
It’s a good idea to visit Table
Mountain in the morning, when the
views are better, but also because
the wind usually picks up later in
the day. Table Mountain’s Aerial
Cableway will also close if gusts
make it too dangerous. The same
applies for Robben Island; morning
ferries are a more reliable option
as weather can turn too sour for
sailing in the afternoon.
The Zambezi River is at its lowest
between October and early
December, whereas its highest level
is between March and May. This can
result in both positive and negative
outcomes for Victoria Falls; low
levels will expose more bare rock,
whereas high season can produce
a soak-inducing back spray and
limited visibility.
Extreme low and extreme
high levels can also hinder the
opportunity for adventure activities
such as white water rafting. If
water levels aren’t on your side,
plan a tour of Victoria Falls from
the sky; scenic flights by helicopter
or microlight plane will impress,
whatever the water level.