Southern Africa Camping/Overland Review

Overall Rating

All the highlights-The Delta, Chobe National Park, Vic Falls, Matobos National Park, Antelope Park, Vilanculos, Inhambane, Kruger National Park.

Excursions-Flight over the Delta, National Park Game Drives, Helicopter Ride over Vic Falls, Lion feeding/walk (Antelope Park), Elephant Swim, Snorkeling, Beaches of Mozambique.

Friendly tour guides/drivers/mates; informative and helpful staff at camp grounds, lodges, and sights.

Great food and hands on experience-get to help out everyday with cooking, cleaning and packing up.

Campgrounds very nice and comfortable.

I don't really find this a bad point, but it's worth mentioning: the fast pace of the tour may be hard for some individuals who are looking for a relaxing holiday. I must stress that this is more of an excursion and adventure. The first week was a lot more fast pace, but if you go on the route that ends with Mozambique and Kruger, it is much more relaxing during the last 2 weeks. For those individuals wanting to spend more time in one place, I recommend a longer tour (30-45 days) or to just choose one country you want to see in depth.

In March-April '09, I took a Kumuka Worldwide Tours to Southern Africa. We were on an overland tour that visited South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The sights and excursions that were included were incredible. I got to see and do everything I had wanted to do and much more. The tour guides and drivers were so friendly and informative which made the trip much more enjoyable. Any questions or concerns I had were answered. In addition, my fellow tour-mates were the best anyone could ever ask for.

I highly recommend this tour for anyone seeking an adventure. It's mostly camping in very nice camp grounds, but you also have the option to upgrade to rooms for a very cheap price (usually 5-15 dollars a night). Being in such close quarters with fellow tour mates is wonderful! I have met and gained some genuinely kind and amazing friends. Although the tour was fast past, we saw a lot in the 3 weeks (saw 4 out of the 5 big five!) Those people worried about bugs or safety need not to worry. At no point did I feel unsafe. Experiencing the African culture opened my eyes to a whole new world and made me realize that all the dangers I had heard about the continent were untrue. This truly was a once in a lifetime experience that I am grateful to have been a part of.

***Recommend doing this trip by starting in Jo-Burg and ending with Mozambique at the end. Makes for a very relaxing end to the exciting tour.