Unexpected Trip to Africa
Travel ItineraryCity, Desert & Jungle
South Africa, Namibia, Madagascar
Duration: 40 days
Miles Travelled: 30,000
On our first trip to Africa, we visited three countries in a single trip. If you are interested in traveling to unusual, or plain odd places, this route has more than plenty to offer. All three destinations bore very little resemblance to one one another (and to other parts of the world). Yet, they were conveniently located in the same corner of the African continent, making this adventure possible.
Our trip to the African continent coincided with the worst “black death” (plague) outbreak in Madagascar in several decades. It also marked the beginning of one of the most severe draught in Cape Town. Despite these calamities, this was probably the most memorable journey we have had in many years.
By going on this trip in October and November, we could enjoy good weather along with the advantages of travelling to Southern Africa during “the off-peak” season.
As the title suggests, we did not have much time for planning the trip and for reading books about these parts of the world. After our journey, we did catch up with some exciting reads (our favorite books about Madagascar are reviewed here).
The relatively high transportation cost ( whopping 40% of the entire budget) for this type of trip is to be expected if your home is somewhere in the Northern hemisphere. The air travel alone (for 10 flights total) represented the lion share of our transportation bill (35%). The rest of the expenses were associated the car rentals (including a car rental with a driver/guide in Madagascar) and gas (see country-specific itineraries for more detail).
- Lodging 20%
- Food 20%
- Transportation 40%
- Activities 20%
The Long Haul
1. Boston – Istanbul
9h 15min (plus 10h layover) with Turkish Airlines
2. Istanbul – Cape Town
11h 15min with Turkish Airlines
3. Cape Town – Walvis Bay
2h 15min with South African Airways
4. Cape Town – Antananarivo
5h 5min (2h layover in Johannesburg) with South African Airways
Trip Video
This amazing video of singing Indri, the largest species of lemur alive, was recorded during our last hike through the primary rainforest in the Central Eastern Madagascar. The Analamazaotra Reserve, which is situated 145 km away from the capital Antananarivo, is arguably the best place to observe these highly distinctive “tail-less” lemurs with enchanting yellow-green eyes. In the morning, you are most likely to see small groups of these spectacular creatures foraging on leaf buds and fruit seeds within rainforest canopy and calling periodically to proclaim their territory.
Best Food & Drink
1. Gourmet breakfast at Airbnb (South Africa)
Our trip to Africa was concluded at a lovely AirBnB in a small town of Heidelberg, Western Cape. In the morning, we were surprised by a French style baked omelet with garden greens and a splash of edible flowers. Visit Rentia at Fleur Bleue B&B
2. Lunch at “Mad Zebu” (Western Madagascar)
This little restaurant has kept up the spirit and strengths of many travelers, who made it that far along a bone-jarring dirt road between Morondava and Tsingy. Regardless of the direction of your trip, Mad Zebu will almost certainly be your only opportunity for a gourmet meal on this stretch of the West Coast. Find out more about Mad Zebu
3. Dinner buffet in Namib Desert (Namibia)
Instead of grilling on the “porch” of our Desert Quiver Camp, we opted for a lazy meal. A wide selection of bush meat prepared in a traditional Namibian Braai style is offered by Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Restaurant
South Africa
During our trip to Africa, Cape Town served as a safe heaven and comfortable travel base. There are a few lessons to be learned about the fascinating history of the Mother City. Many local places are famed for their world class wine and food. Finally, the stunning views of both Atlantic and Indian oceans from the continent’s most southern tip are not to be missed.
Namibia
As one of the least populated country in Africa, Namibia offers a plenty of true wilderness, as is the Skeleton Coast. To any independent travelers’ delight, it is one of very few African destinations where a self-drive safari is possible. The landscapes are stunning, the wildflife is rich and famous for its endemic desert-adapted plants, like Welwitschia mirabilis and animals. The country is also the home of one of the oldest deserts in the world.
Madagascar
Unlike South Africa and Namibia, the Great Red Island is hard to travel due to its poor infrastructure and large distances. Independent travel is indefinetily more enjoyable with a local driver-guide (benefits of which are outlined here) or by using public transportation (not for everyone). On the upside, the biological diversity, ethnography and history of Madagascar are truly remarkable.