Facebook Pixel

January 30, 2012

Travels Through Africa

Today I’m taking a trip down memory lane and posting several photos from my African trip.

sw baby elephant, Kenya

We spent seven months in Africa,  starting our journey in Harare, Zimbabwe. From there we travelled down to Botswana before returning north again. We visited twenty-five countries including Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zaire, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco then on to Spain with a quick flit through Europe on the way back to London.

Our trip was an overland one with a company called Dragoman. We mainly camped with the odd hotel thrown into the mix. After suffering through many cold washes and more than a few cold showers, I grew an appreciation for hot water and specifically hot and cold running water.

I’d always wanted to visit Africa, the animals and the wilderness being the main attraction. I was certainly spoiled for choice when it came to seeing animals.

giraffe

While in Nairobi, we visited a giraffe sanctuary. I love giraffes, but their tongues were a real surprise. They’re so long! We had lots of fun feeding them a few snacks from the feeding platform.

sw Batering in Zim

Part of the overseas experience is interacting with the locals. It’s always interesting visiting the local markets and shopping for meals. This photo was taken in Zimbabwe, and I have fond memories of the avocadoes. They were delicious!

sw Ballooning in the Serengeti

Hot air ballooning in Kenya. As is traditional with hot air ballooning, we were up at the crack of dawn to get ready for our ride. Notice the pith helmet? We finished our flight with a champagne breakfast. So civilized!

sw elephant & buffalo, Kenya sw gazzelles, Kenya

sw lion Kenya sw hyena, Kenya 1

The above photos were all taken in Kenya. Top left: water buffalo and an elephant “butt” shot. Top right: Thomson Gazelle. Bottom left: Lion enjoying the sun. Bottom right: Hyena and pup.

 

Given the choice, which African country would you most like to visit? Which animal would you like to see?

12 Comments

  1. Tania.F.Walsh

    What an amazing trip and the photos are fantastic. Would love to travel to Africa one day – my choice would probably be Botswana.

    • Shelley Munro

      Hi Tania. It was an amazing trip. What I remember most about Botswana was the Kalahari Desert and the amazing sunsets.

  2. Debra G

    I am not sure which country but I would love to see elephants in their natural habitat and maybe a giraffe. I also would not mind seeing some rhinos and hippos. Hmm maybe I Would like to see them all.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

    • Shelley Munro

      Debra, it sounds as if Africa is the place for you then. It’s an amazing country, and the wild life is so cool to watch. I could have watched them for hours. Oh, wait. I did!

  3. Mary Kirkland

    Those pictures are so cool. I’m not sure where I would want to go but after seeing your pictures I’d love to see those animals the way you did.

    • Shelley Munro

      It could be a bit scary at times. Hearing a lion roar in the middle of the night and knowing only a tent stood between me and them made me a bit nervous. I was always careful about not drinking too much before I went to bed. I didn’t want to wander around in the middle of the night for a toilet stop!

  4. Savannah Chase

    Oh wow..those pictures are amazing..I wish I could see it all in person.

    • Shelley Munro

      Maybe one day, Savannah :)

  5. Heather

    Wow, you spent quite a bit of time in Africa. I can’t imagine the amazing pics, memories and stories you have!

    • Shelley Munro

      It was an amazing experience, although it was quite stressful at times. We had to circle a war in Zaire, and it took us a month to travel 2000km. The roads were bad!

  6. Angela Brown

    Those pictures are so dazzling. You look amazed at that giraffe’s tongue lol!!

    I’m not sure if I’d want see just one country. Plus, I’m not that good with the camping thing. Running hot and cold water is usually a must, along with a working toilet system. I guess that means no deep land safari for me :-)

    • Shelley Munro

      Ah, but they have some very luxurious lodges, filled with mod-cons. That’s the way I’d do it if I get another chance to visit.