“You will become an addict. Once you make a trip to Africa you will want to go back again and again. You can’t help yourself.”
I smile and nod at my friend who speaks with such passion I think she may actually burst into tears. Just weeks before our African safari and travels in Africa the sense of excitement is building. But an addict? Really that seems a bit over the top.
After all we have been to a lot of incredible places. Surely a trip to African can’t be that much better can it? Meeting with Antoinette at Explorations Africa she concurs.
With twinkling eyes and a broad grin, “You will fall in love with Africa.”
Photos To Inspire Your Trip to Africa
Are these giraffes snuggling?
These two look like they are having a hug, or possibly a nap. Two young male giraffes in a quiet moment of neck wrestling. Testing their strength, the long necks hit, twist and turn. Each giraffe hopes to knock their pal off balance. The only sound heard between them is the dull thump when one long neck bats the other.
Coastal view toward Cape Point, South Africa
African Penguins at Boulders Beach
Do you love penguins? Once known as Jackass penguins for their braying like chatter, African penguins thrive at Boulders Beach, South Africa. The colony has more than 3000 tuxedo clad members.
African tapestries
Swimming in Angel’s Pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia
Swimming in Devil’s Pool, at the top of Victoria Falls, is too dangerous in high water season. Here in Angel’s Pool the raging waters flow around us mere feet from the edge of the falls dropping over 100 metres (350 ft) below. This should fill any adrenaline junkie’s desire on an Africa vacation.
We still don’t see the pool, nor the angel for that matter.
African male lion
Camp’s Bay South Africa
On the backside of Table Mountain, the beaches of this suburb of Capetown attract tourists from around the world. Restaurants line the beachfront strip, similar in look to South Beach in Miami. Thankfully the prices are far more reasonable.
While resting between game drives on our African safari we hear a crash against a window in our room. After several more concerning thumps and bangs we find this fellow near the window sill. The Yellow-billed Hornbill either attempting to deliver a snack or to nest with us. We declined both offers.
Endless beach – Wilderness, South Africa
Helicopter view of Victoria Falls
Wondering where to go in Africa? Add Victoria Falls to your list. One of seven natural wonders of the world this is not just another waterfall.
Millions of years in the making Victoria Falls, known by locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) leaves visitors gawking open mouthed As mist rises as high as 400 metres (1312 ft.), this World Heritage site can be seen 40km. (25 mi.) away.
Black-backed jackal
As if this fox look alike has thrown a black shawl over his back for an outing, the black-backed jackal wanders on his African travels. Monogamous in nature, the young pups often stay with the family to show new pups the ways of Africa.
Young member of Net Vir Pret – Barrydale, South Africa
It is an unexpected delight on our trip to Africa to meet some of the children of Net vir Pret. Working with children of disadvantaged backgrounds, this non profit organization aims to increase self esteem and confidence.
As we watch the children dance and sing, we learn this is just one of the activities helping to break the cycle of poverty and life on the streets.
Double rainbow over Victoria Falls
South Africa wine country – Stellenbosch
With a climate similar to the Mediterranean, the Western Cape of South Africa presents ideal conditions for vineyards. South African wines are becoming world renowned. One could hardly do a tour of Africa without some sampling.
Staring match with this zebra in Greater Kruger National Park
Coloured houses of Bo Kapp, South Africa
In the midst of bustling Capetown, the neighbourhood of Bo Kapp shimmers in a rainbow of vibrant colours. Previously called Cape Malay quarter, the sad origin of the community roots itself in slavery. Today the joy of freedom oozes from each of the brightly painted walls.
Power of wind and water on the African coast
White Rhinoceros
Very similar in colour to the black rhinoceros, the wide-lipped rhino may have been named due to a translation issue. The Dutch word “wijd”, meaning wide in English, refers to the rhino’s mouth. One day it is a wijd rhino and the next a white rhino.
Nuy Valley, South Africa – Vineyards at sunset
Long walk to freedom statue outside Drakenstein Correctional Centre where Nelson Mandela spent the final term of his imprisonment.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. ” ~Nelson Mandela
View of the Zambezi River downstream from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
We blink looking at the menu. $2 beer and the best table view we have ever had the pleasure to see in our travels. With the place nearly to ourselves we declare this the best restaurant find of our trip to Africa.
African beadwork souvenirs in commemoration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer event hosted by South Africa
Beads and beadwork have long been woven in the lives of African people. Uses include everything from adornment to currency, medicinal to spiritual. On a trip to Africa beadwork souvenirs are commonly found from street side vendors to shopping malls.
Sunset reflections on an African elephant
False Bay, South Africa
False Bay is known as one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world. Named by confused Portuguese sailors more than 300 years ago mixed up landmarks on their voyage, the name remains to this day.
Traditional African cuisine or culinary adventure?
Mopani worms are not worms at all. Rather caterpillars of a species of emperor moths. This of course makes the experience all the more palatable. Hubby advises they taste quite bland.
I felt I must draw the line somewhere on the adventure quota and declined the African culinary delight.
Ziplining over the Zambezi River
We have ziplined before but who can resist this adventure of a lifetime. Ziplining over the Zambezi river with the mist of Victoria Falls as a backdrop. When we booked our Africa trip this wasn’t in the plans. How could one resist?
View of Capetown South Africa
A mother cheetah romping with her cubs
Where tours of Africa come to an end. Next land stop Antarctica.
Black Rhinoceros
Classified as critically endangered, seeing a black rhinoceros in the wild is a rare and beautiful thing. Poached mercilessly for their horns, the anti-poaching efforts and guarding of these amazing animals is occurring in reserves and national parks where rhinos are still found on the African continent.
View of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe
Ostrich family – Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
Hiking Table Mountain
You didn’t think we would take the cable car up did you? There are multiple hiking routes up Table Mountain however the most direct, albeit steepest, is the Platteklip Gorge.
Be sure to take plenty of water, snacks and a rain coat no matter how sunny the day is. This blue sky turned into a rainstorm. True story.
African Buffalo or Cape Buffalo
Should you want an eyeball roll from your guide on an African safari, I suggest you refer to this large bovine as a water buffalo. Not closely related, something like third cousin twice removed, this is an African buffalo or Cape buffalo.
Goring and killing more than 200 people per year, they earn their name of the big five list of most dangerous animals in Africa.
End of day of African travels
Elephant drinking at an African waterhole
Mirror mirror in the waterhole, who is the most beautiful African elephant of all? Moments like this on a trip to Africa make me understand the yearning to return again and again. As if the elephant was playing with the reflection, seeing if the other elephant might match the trunk acrobatics.
The 12 Apostles of Africa
“I thought the 12 apostles were in Australia?” I whisper to Hubby as the guide excitedly points to the series of peaks rising from the ocean.
“Named by a British Governor who felt he could see the shapes of the various apostles in the cliffs,” the guide continues. Perhaps a bit of something extra in the Governor’s tea that day I’m guessing. Of special note their are 17 peaks rather than 12 but who is counting.
Did we mention you can see penguins when you visit Africa?
Feelings inspired to book your trip to Africa? Pin these for future reference.
We received a discount on our trip to Africa from Explorations Africa. All opinions, thrills of a lifetime and photos are our own. Regardless of the discount we highly recommend their travel service. Check the latest prices for tours to Africa.
All such fabulous shots Sue! I can understand your friend suggesting one will become addicted to this incredible land. I sure hope to return one day!
Having followed in some of your footsteps Lynn I know you can appreciate the feeling. Thanks for the kind words about the photos. We came back with memory cards jammed. Every scene felt surreal. Like you we hope to return one day. The world is so big isn’t it?
It sure is! I think I am still sifting through all of my pics from this fabulous destination!
Such a pictorial recap of your trip. Thanks for taking me back to someplace I loved traveling to – you so often do that for me Sue. Happy next trip planning!
Ginger always such a pleasure to hear from you. It warms my heart knowing these posts take you back to places you have been. I will say getting on that zipline I thought of you. If Ginger can do it then I can too! 🙂
Great pictures! Thank you for sharing them. How wonderful to see creatures up close that you’d only otherwise see in a zoo. Except for maybe the African buffalo. I think I’d keep my distance from that one. Not really my desire to get gored!
Carrie according to the safari guide likely best to keep a distance from most all of them. They are very strict about not even standing in the vehicle. Obviously the Cape Buffalo with it’s big cow eyes has a seriously aggressive streak. Thanks for the kind words about the photos. I swear if we didn’t have them I might now be wondering if some of what we saw was real. What an experience.
I’d love to go someday. My mother was able to go on an African safari years ago, and she absolutely loved it.
Carrie now home we would say to anyone if there is any way you can do a safari in your lifetime go for it. Like nothing we have ever experienced and will be a joyful memory the rest of our days.
Great photography Sue!
Thanks kindly John. Some are Dave’s photos and some are mine. The cameras practically took the photos themselves they were so excited. 🙂
I smile as I type this, Sue, so happy for your triumphant adventure in this glorious land. Your photos and verbiage here are mesmerizing, and filled with endless wonders. While I like every single photo and studied each one, I was especially dazzled by the penguins and wild dog and the frolicking cheetahs. Well that close-up of the black rhino and the zebra with sunset are also spectacular. Okay you got me, I cannot narrow it down. Each one is a pure pleasure. Thanks for taking us to Africa with you and Dave, you were most generous with sharing the beauty that is Africa.
Jet you warm my heart. So kind of you to give this lovely feedback and to tell me of your favorites. You can imagine that picking the photos for the post was a challenge. The title started at 21. As you can imagine we have many more and a penguin post is coming soon. As to the frolicking cheetahs I let out a little squeal when I saw that one. A bit of pure luck but grateful to have the image.
I know you can relate to the beauty of Africa having been there more than once. Thank you again for all of your tips which we definitely took to heart.
Definitely inspiring. What a fun trip!
It truly was Mani. We knew we would like it we just didn’t realize how much.
Wow. This is stunning and most convincing, Sue and Dave. I’d go there right away! 🙂 We are heading for Scotland this weekend, but I’ll save this post for later. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!
Warm greetings across the pond.x
Thank you for the very kind feedback. Going through our photos made me miss Africa even more than I already did. Have a wonderful time in Scotland and best wishes returned across the miles.
Awesome Sue 🙂 Love the pictures!
Many thanks for the kind words. So happy you enjoyed the post.
What a wonderful pictorial tour of your holiday in Africa. You certainly made the most of your time there. I love the elephant reflected in the water. A perfect shot. I can see why many people want to return.
The moments watching that elephant will be forever happy memories. It really seemed surreal watching it . Thanks Darlene. I always appreciate your kind feedback.
Sue, these photos are amazing, sights breathtaking, and it is great to see you up there in the zipline 😀
Thanks kindly Paula. Luckily no audio to go with that video. 🙂
The only words that come to mind here, Sue, are “Wooooooow!” and “I want to go. Now!” 🙂 I mean it, one day, we will be able to travel extensively on that continent, and visit our friends in South Africa. I”m so glad you decided to post loads of photos. So awesome. Sigh!
How fabulous that you have friends in South Africa! Oh my it will be so wonderful to spend time with them. Thanks for your enthusiasm Liesbet. It warms my heart.
Just an incredible adventure!! I agree – Africa does get under your skin and wants to pull you back. I felt it strongly while reading your post.
Thanks for explaining the White Rhino. The name really puzzled me but your explanation makes a lot of sense. Funny how common those misunderstandings are!
… and the Wopani Worms? Oh yes, knowing they’re really caterpillars makes a huge difference! {gag}
Kindred spirits we are Joanne. No caterpillars, worms or their relatives.
Isn’t travel a great thing? The learning never ends.
The more I learn, the more I realize I know nothing!
Oh dear it appears you wnet on a little adventure to my spam folder. After all these years you must have been looking particularly suspicious today. 🙂
Maybe I should dress better and comb my hair before I comment on blogs 😉
Haha No stay as you are and I will watch out for you!
🙂
Wow, I can see how much you enjoyed your trip and the photos are spectacular… but I’m pleased to experience Africa vicariously through your blog. You’re a much better adventurer than I am!
Always happy to have you in my backpack Diane. 🙂
These are cool photo captures of your travel adventure. Thank you so much, Sue for taking us there! 🙂
My pleasure Amy. Always delighted to share with you.
Magic! Can’t even pick a favourite…love them all.
So kind of you Gilda. Many thanks.
Wonderful pictures that bring back so many memories! I went to Africa in mid 1980s for the first time, lived there on various occasions for 8 years altogether and have been back numerous times, latest last year – your friend was right ?
I am smiling. Clearly you are head over heels in love with Africa and who can blame you? I am delighted to stir memories of your wonderful travels.
Africa’s at the top of our list anyway, but this fabulous post just encourages us all the more.
Alison
Alison I obviously hope your Africa dreams come true. Imagine your amazing photos!
such Fabulous clicks! Seeing the penguins, I am sold! <3 Hopefully someday. Thanks for sharing all the wilderness 🙂
Hard to resist those penguins that is for sure! I do hope one day you can have this dream trip yourself.
The smoke that thunders is one of my favourite descriptions ever, Sue. And I liked your ‘ringside’ view. 🙂 🙂 Too many stunners to comment on but I’m sure that elephant photo will have Tish turning wistful. 🙂
The smoke that thunders is the translated name given to the falls by the natives of the area. Definitely describes it well that’s for sure.
Yes – We did fall in love with Africa. We are going back there this year just because it is perfect. p.s I love your penguin photos.
Thanks so much Lyn. I totally get why you want to go back. More penguin photos and video coming soon.
Very nice overview post of your trip 🙂
Thanks very much Amy.
Wow. Wow. Wow! Thank you for opening your photo album to us Sue and Dave. What a fabulous advertisement for encouraging us to take an African adventure. I just love those animal shots. Such magnificence. But wait, then there’s the Falls and the sunsets, and oh my goodness Africa had everything. Well, perhaps I’m not entirely sold in the cuisine.
That made me chuckle Shannyn. Yes hold the Mopani worms please and thank you. Happy to encourage some thinking about African travels. So much to see and do.
What a trip to Africa, Sue. And Dave. So many sights, sounds and memories to take away. It looks like not only did you have fun but the adventure of a lifetime too. I think I too would have drawn the line at the cuisine…there are only so many things some of us can stomach. Beautiful shots all round and very good photography 🙂
Mabel your generous feedback is truly appreciated. Glad you are with me at drawing the line at culinary adventure. It was the trip of a lifetime and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity.
Such a wonderful album from your African adventure. You certainly caught some of the many highlights and how lucky are you to see not just the white rhino, but also the black rhino too! And I might have expected you to bathe in that pool so close to the edge of the falls and zip-wire across the Zambesi river! Not to mention hiking up Table Mountain! I expect if you had the time you would have loved to do the Otter trail, a spectacular trail between Nature’s Valley and the Storm River not far from where you were in Wilderness. Or hike up the dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia, or giggle in excitement at the elephants bathing in Chobe. Now you have a taste of what Africa has to offer I am sure you will be back.
Jude now that we have a taste and you have listed these brilliant suggestions I think we definitely need to return to Africa. We were very fortunate to see so much during our time and yet so much more awaits. Thank you kindly for the generous comment. Very much appreciated.
I’m aching to go to Africa! Your photos are so marvelous, Sue. They really captured the majestic beauty of the southern part of continent. Your shots and those of a friend who’s currently traveling across eastern Africa make me seriously plan a trip to the continent, maybe sometime next year.
So happy to inspire you Bama! We truly loved Africa and I have no doubt you will as well. Many thanks for your kind words as well as your help with future trip plans. Truly appreciated.
Such a wonderful photographic wrap up of Africa. Those photos really do have a sway. I do plan on visiting Africa some year, but all depends on time and money
Our church supports a medical missionary in Tanzania doing an incredible work there. We have 250 surgeons per 1 million people in Canada, in Tanzania it is 2 surgeons per 1 million people.
Her clinic is right outside of Kilimanjaro National Park. I have been given an open invitation to visit anytime. A great incentive to climb Kilimanjaro sometime in the future.
So cool you went up Table Mountain. And that Black Rhino is so magnificent. I just don’t get this poaching thing. Though not completely safe poaching glad these reserves provide some protection. 🙂
Carl it sounds like a fabulous idea to visit Tanzania. After the discussion on Twitter the other day it sounds like you have a run in mind?
Hiking Table Mountain was great fun although b the time we got to the top it was rainy and completely fogged in. We couldn’t see a thing! As to the poaching a big part of the problem is the market for the tusks as well as the extreme poverty that drives the poachers to make money. All very sad.
Your fabulous photos of South Africa make me long to move this trip up the bucket list! What an adventure! Thanks so much for sharing your time in this enchanting place.
My pleasure LuAnn! Our advice would be if you can make an African safari a possibility go for it. Beyond our wildest expectations.
You got some absolutely amazing shots, Sue! My time in South Africa was too short, but many of these brought back that wonderful visit. I agree on the endless appeal of Africa, too, especially because it’s not one big homogeneous place. East and West Africa have totally different vibes from each other and from the south, so there is a never-ending number of countries and regions to visit and learn new things!
We found even within South Africa there was so much diversity. Now I am intrigued to one day explore other countries. Thank you for the kind feedback on the photos. Our cameras practically leapt out of our hands.
Lovely post, Sue. It’s hard to explain how Africa gets under your skin – but your photos give a good idea of what a magical continent it is. I have visited quite a few countries in Africa and the love affair remains undiminished.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks so much Susan. I truly thought people were overstating the impact a visit to Africa would have. Not so and like you have de eloped a love affair. I hope we can return one day.
Just beautiful Sue and Dave. Stunning photos and such a mix from the highly adventurous to familiar subjects that I would expect from South Africa. The beach looks stunning, I love that one.
Annie that beach was incredible. I love that the name of the town was Wilderness. That’s how it felt, being in wilderness Africa.
This is the third time I’ve come back here and read your post, gazed in wonder at your photos. I’ve decided….I’m addicted to your blog site! 🙂 Amazing amazing amazing experiences you and your guy have had together in this beautiful mysterious land.
Now I shall reach through the computer screen and give you a very big hug. We are so grateful for all of the amazing experiences and also very thankful for the generous support and encouragement from our readers. Many thanks and so happy to hear of your addiction to the blog.
beautiful 🙂
Thank you Joshi.
Intriguing.
in all honesty South Africa would not be my top spot…it would bother me a lot to see challenges among the blacks post-apartheid. Change doesn’t happen that fast. Shouldn’t kid ourselves.
One of my close, long time friends before she passed away a few months ago, was white, raised in South Africa in her childhood. She was daughter of a missionary/minister father and she grew up during apartheid.
I would recommend reading Trevor Noah’s autobiography…the comedian talk show host now in the U.S. It’s just eye-popping his life before comedy gigs.
I’ve heard the natural geology, beaches, etc. are gorgeous and of course, the wildlife. But for me a foreign country, is its people….since they create the art, music, food, stories, etc.
Jean I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Definitely challenges remain and though much has changed as you say change doesn’t happen that fast. We so enjoyed meeting the people of South Africa, from all walks of life. Their stories range from heart wrenching to heart warming. Thank you for recommending the autobiography. sounds like a read we would be most interested in.
His life was sooooo different than most North Americans. He was raised as a young child under apartheid, his mother had to conceal her half-black child…anyway for you to find out.
Those are simply amazing, Sue! I was inspired long before I saw those photos, but now I cannot wait to get there! Lucky you 🙂
Definitely lucky us! Happy to further the inspiration Terri. You will love it when you get to Africa.
Oh my!!! What an adventure you had! I have no problem believing someone would want to return again and again.
We did have such a fabulous adventure. Now I definitely understand the yearning for Africa.
What awesome photos you two took…truly makes me feel like I was there…I couldn’t even begin to pick a favorite as they all tell a story on their own…thank you very much for sharing!!
So happy to take you with us Kirt. It was an extraordinary experience and one we would definitely recommend.
What a trip you had and yes Africa is quite magical! Loved your photos and stories Sue!
Wow, Sue. Absolutely gorgeous and amazing. I can easily see how one can become addicted. 🙂
Thanks so much Linda. It was an extraordinary trip and we do hope to return one day.
Great photos Sue. It looks like you guys had enough wildlife and scenery to last a while. The key for a trip to S. Africa is to make it count, and you and Dave certainly did. ~James
We were incredibly fortunate James to see so much. I don’t know if we fully appreciated it until we were home. Such a magical land Africa is.
Angel’s Pool is the safe one? Gulp!
Bun how wonderful to see you pop up here. Don’t you have work you should be doing? 🙂
I’m currently working on a post about Angel’s Falls .Wait till you see the video. Wowza!
That sounds great, Sue. I’ll bet on video the falls will look even more impressive/terrifying than in the photographs! 🙂
Bun coming ot a blog post near you tomorrow. Yes the video gives quite the inside look into the …adventure. 🙂
What an awesome collection of photos! That spot where you had a few beers over the Zambezi is incredible, and all of your animal encounters look like they were spectacular. I hope we are as lucky when we visit Kruger in December!
So exciting that you are going to Kruger! I wish we were returning and hope we can one day. I agree that little restaurant on the Zambezi may be one of our best travel finds ever!