Diana Petterson African Continent, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland

South Africa and more! Here I come!

The Intrepid South Africa tour, which begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, also includes the countries of Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland. Intrepid calls this tour its Basix which includes overland transportation in a 4x4 and some camping. What attracted me to this tour is connecting with the land and the people along South Africa’s coastal region.

I love being at home but I don’t like being at home for too long. I tend to get comfortable and antsy all at the same time. And, thankfully both come to a halt on Wednesday when I get on a Delta Airlines plane to begin a 29-day trek through South Africa starting in Johannesburg and ending in Cape Town on Intrepid Travel’s “Kruger, Coast & Cape” tour.

This African endeavor isn’t exactly my first foray into the African continent. I did step foot, about eight years ago, into the North African country of Morocco when I did a tour of Spain that included two nights in Tangier. But for this and upcoming planned trips to the African Continent, I want more in-depth travel and understanding of the countries and the people.

In order to prepare for this trip and, as I mentioned, upcoming 2019 trips to Africa, I’ve had to get a variety of shots and very soon, various visas. I don’t need a visa to travel to South Africa. But as for shots, the Yellow Fever shot is required. But I also had a Tetanus with Pertussis, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid in liquid form every other day for a week, Meningitis and Malaria pills that I have to start taking in Johannesburg for 17 days. I haven’t had any reactions to the shots or the Typhoid liquid but the Malaria pills, even though side effects are supposedly uncommon for the Atovaquone-Proguanil 250/100 tabs, concern me because I’ll be taking them at the beginning and throughout most of my trip.

Regardless of shots and visas to come, the desire to explore Africa hits me in a way that it never has before and I’m open and ready for what the incredible African Continent has to offer. I look forward to sharing this experience right here with you. Even though I’ll be on the ground in Johannesburg late Thursday night, I won’t be exploring this sprawling city until Friday…so stay connected and get ready to explore with me.

When I travel, I normally pack light because I like being mobile. And, for this trip, being mobile is just as important while still packing the essentials. And, the essentials for this journey through South Africa’s coast of beach towns, game reserves, remote tribes, diverse culture and cool nights of camping, included a sleep sheet, travel towel, a thermarest pad for the sleeping bag, head lamp, fleece jacket and beanie, binoculars, insect repellent, wipes, bush walking closed toe shoes and lightweight, washable clothing in tans, greens and browns. All my red stuff, except for my glasses, are staying home for this trip. (Sept. 21, 2018)
The Intrepid South Africa tour, which begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, also includes the countries of Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland. Intrepid calls this tour its Basix which includes overland transportation in a 4×4 and some camping. What attracted me to this tour is connecting with the land and the people along South Africa’s coastal region.