Dunes To Delta Hike & Safari
Namibia and Botswana, together with their awesome beauty and diversity, are truly the gems of southern Africa. The untrammeled wilderness, utter quietness and unspoilt nature of Namibia envelop you as you sit atop a thousand-foot-tall dune just after sunrise. The Namib is the most ancient desert in the world – an ethereal landscape of undulating dunes bordered by the rugged Naukluft Mountains and Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a lush haven of meandering waterways and home to dense concentrations of big-game wildlife. The largest herds of elephants in Africa may top the list but lion, buffalo, hippo, zebra, and tsessebe are ever present. Explore this pristine wilderness by specially outfitted safari vehicles. Retire each evening to our traditional African bush camp, sip a refreshing sundowner while our chef prepares a delicious meal, then fall asleep under the African skies. Wrap up this ultimate safari in the mists of Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world!
Or, continue your exploration on our Discover Cape Town 4-day extension that includes hiking iconic Table Mountain, cycling the Cape Peninsula, riding horseback along the ocean’s edge, visiting a penguin colony, and sipping famous estate wines. Couldn’t get better than this!
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Dunes to Delta Hike & Safari Itinerary:
-
Day 1
Your trip begins today in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your lodging for the evening. Meet other group members at a welcome banquet this evening. Trip orientation. Dinner included.
-
Day 2
It's up early for the day-long drive southwest to our lovely, remote guesthouse located in the Tsaris Mountains near the Naukluft Range. This is spectacular hiking country, a wonderland of deep gorges, rugged canyons and sparkling springs. If time allows, we enjoy a late afternoon hike before relaxing around the plunge pool and enjoying a delicious dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 3 miles / 2 hours. -
Day 3
Today we take full advantage of this unique destination with a full day of hiking right from our lodge into the surrounding mountains and canyons. The magical scenery and dramatic geology are what this area is all about but it is also home to mountain zebra, springbok, klipspringers and a large variety of desert birdlife. We enjoy a homemade picnic lunch while enjoying the views. Later in the afternoon we return to our comfortable lodging and sip a sundowner on the veranda. All meals included.
Hiking: 6-7 miles / 4-5 hours. -
Day 4
After breakfast, we drive to Naukluft Park for a hike along the Olive Trail that takes us through a stunning area of deep canyons with natural rock pools. Part of this fairly rugged hike requires the use of anchored chains and sure-footing (optional hike available). After the hike, we head toward the dunes and our campsite located at Agama River Camp outside the Namib-Naukluft Park. Kick back this afternoon in the shade of the camel thorn tree or enjoy a refreshing dip in the lovely pool. This evening should be early to bed as tomorrow morning comes quickly with a pre-dawn wake-up. All meals included.
Hiking: 8 miles / 4 hours in Naukluft. -
Day 5
Up before daybreak and off to Sossusvlei, Namibia's number one destination. Our drive to Sesriem, gateway to the world's highest dunes, is roughly an hour long and we want to be at the entrance to the Park by sunrise. Once in the Park, we head west while the colors of the morning deepen and soften into every shade and tone of purple, red and orange imaginable. Stopping several times along our route allows us to soak up the lightshow … a true photographer's dream. After breakfast, we spend the morning hiking through this dramatic landscape to one of the "vleis", dried lakebeds. Keep an eye open for oryx, ostrich and mongoose. Lunch is prepared back at the park entrance where there's an opportunity to take a dip in the pool or enjoy an optional "flight-seeing tour" (cost ranging from $160 depending upon number of participants and exchange rate at the time of transaction) over the dunes. Later this afternoon we take a short hike into Sesriem Canyon where the Tsauchab River has cut a gorge nearly ninety feet deep. After a full day of exploring the region we return to our campsite for dinner, another spectacular sunset and a good night's sleep under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. All meals included.
Hiking: 3-4 hours. -
Day 6
After our long day in the dunes we have a slightly more relaxed morning while we pack up camp and prepare for the day-long drive back to Windhoek. Along the way we will pay a visit to the 'town' of Solitaire where we recommend the apple pie and home baked bread. After our brief stop, we drive back to Windhoek through the Khomas Hochland highlands. Tonight we share a final dinner with our Namibian guides. All meals included.
Hiking: 2 miles / 1.5 hours -
Day 7
We bid farewell to Namibia and fly to the very different world of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Our flight takes us into Maun where we pass through customs before continuing our charter flight north to the Moremi Game Reserve on the watery edge of the Okavango. Enjoy a spectacular bush flight over the Okavango, the world's largest inland delta and southern Africa's premiere wildlife viewing destination. At the remote airstrip, we are met by our Botswana guides. Wildlife viewing begins right away as we travel to our camp, with lunch eaten en route. Ours is a classic mobile, vehicle-based camping safari which allows us to be as close to the African landscape as is possible. Our staff has camp ready and waiting for your arrival … traditional bush-safari style complete with walk-in canvas tents, comfortable beds on mattresses (with linens and pillow), warm showers, drinks and snacks around the campfire with smells of dinner cooking over the kitchen fire pit. We spend the next two nights in the Moremi camp. Note: Spotted hyenas are common nighttime visitors to our camp – please don't leave any of your belongings lying about! All meals included.
-
Day 8
After a quick cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits, we set out on an early morning game drive, stopping for a picnic breakfast en route. A day of spectacular wildlife viewing is in store, including an exploration of the delta by small motorized river skiff. This rich area is a mosaic of rivers, lagoons, small islands and Mopane forests. Africa's "Big Five" are all present in Moremi (although the rhino is still very scarce and not likely to be seen). Elephants, lions, leopard, buffalo, hyena, impala, red lechwe, zebra, giraffe, baboons are just a beginning to your "animal checklist". Moremi also boasts over 400 bird species including the wattled crane, lilac-breasted roller and the saddle-billed stork. Late this afternoon, we return to camp for refreshing sundowners and delicious meals followed by a good night's sleep in the African bush. All meals included.
-
Day 9
We enjoy another early game drive this morning but move on to a new campsite on the banks of the Khwai River on the northern side of Moremi Game Reserve. Depending on what we spot along the way, we'll opt to either eat lunch en route or wait until we arrive at our new camp. Another game drive later today with a return to camp as the sun begins to set over the magical African landscape. All meals included.
-
Day 10
We're off to Savuti in southern Chobe National Park. The original inhabitants of this stark and ever-changing area were the click-speaking, hunter-gatherers, the San, or Bushmen. Savuti is also well-known for its large prides of lions and other predators. This is quintessential Africa – buffalo, zebra, warthog, tsessebe, sable and roan antelope - any of which we may see during the next two days. And, your guides bring it all alive with their vast experience of over twenty years! Our campsite this evening is in Savuti. All meals included.
-
Day 11
Legendary herds of elephants, said to be the largest in Africa, reside in Chobe National Park and we may encounter some today as we continue north towards our campsite for the next two nights along the Chobe River. After returning from our afternoon game drive, we'll settle into our comfortable camp for showers and dinner around the campfire. All meals included.
-
Day 12
A familiar early wake-up in preparation for our final morning game drive along the Chobe River Front. We'll exit the park at midday and continue an additional 5 km to the town of Kasane and the Chobe Safari Lodge for a buffet lunch. A private 3-hour boat tour along the Chobe River is scheduled for this afternoon in hopes of sighting elephants bathing, hippos diving, and crocs gliding through the waters. Our cruise will finish at White Sands, back within the boundary of Chobe National Park, where our guides will meet us in the safari vehicle and take us back to our camp for a fantastic farewell dinner. All meals included.
-
Day 13
After breakfast, we gather our bags and say farewell to the camp staff before driving through Kasane and on to Kazungula (11 km) located on the Zambezi River. At Kazungula, we stop at the customs building before boarding our ferry for the quick crossing to Zambia. Upon reaching the opposite bank, we meet our Zambian guides, continue overland to Livingstone and check into our lovely hotel. Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning "the smoke that thunders") is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The Zambezi River plunges hundreds of feet down basaltic gorges creating a mist that can be seen for more than 15 miles away. Reload your cameras for the guided tour of the Falls before lunch. Early afternoon your time is free to enjoy various options: flight-seeing over the Falls, shopping at the outdoor craft market and bungee jumping from the bridge that crosses to Zimbabwe. Optional activities are arranged and paid for directly at the hotel in Livingstone. This evening, we'll gather one final time for dinner and celebrate the conclusion of our African adventure with newfound friends. Breakfast and dinner included.
-
Day 14
Following breakfast at the lodge, we transfer to the airport for flights home.
Extend Your Stay: Join us in South Africa on our Discover Cape Town Extension. Enjoy several days of exploring the vibrant “mother city” of South Africa. Strategically located on the southwestern tip of Africa, Cape Town, once a major player in the spice trade to and from Asia, is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Our active extension showcases the best of this historical and lovely coastal city.
Upon your early evening arrival in Cape Town (the flight - not included - leaves Livingstone in the early afternoon and flies to Cape Town via Johannesburg) you are met and transferred to a well-appointed small hotel set in the heart of Cape Town's historical city center. Enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants or cafes for dinner and a stroll through the lively Kloof and Long Streets district before retiring for the evening. Dinner on your own. -
Day 15
After an early breakfast we're off to the base of Table Mountain. A scenic four minute ride on a cable car offers breathtaking 360° views to the top of the peak. Table Mountain (3561') is Cape Town's icon and is known to be one of the most spiritual places on earth. Enjoy a hike across the flat-topped mountain and then down to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens via Maclear's Beacon. The hike is a great introduction to the wonders of the "fynbos", the indigenous flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Enjoy a picnic lunch before reaching Kirstenbosch; once at the gardens take time to wander and snap photographs.
On our way back to the hotel in the afternoon, we stop at the nearby Groot Constantia Wine Estate in the Constantia Valley for a wine tasting. This estate was established in 1685 and, as important as the wine itself is, the heritage of the estate would be incomplete without regarding its beautiful setting. The Manor House, including the furniture, art and grounds, reflects the rich cultural tradition of the Cape. The evening is at your leisure to wander around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a hive of activity with many interesting shops, restaurants, bars, an aquarium, street performers ... and it is also the departure point for an optional excursion to Robben Island. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
Hiking: 5 miles - 6 miles, starting out flat and gradually turning into steep downhill. -
Day 16
Today is a full day of exploring the Cape Peninsula beginning with a drive along the Indian Ocean past Kalk Bay and onto Simonstown, where we stop to see the resident Jackass penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Then it's onwards to Cape Peninsula National Park where we are oufitted with mountain bikes for an easy two hour ride (over tarred road) through this unique reserve of indigenous flora and fauna, unspoilt white sandy breaches, dramatic vistas and animal species such as zebra and ostrich (vehicle supported ride). Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch before you hike up to the lighthouse viewpoint overlooking Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Next it's off to Misty Cliffs and Noordhoek where you have time to simply stroll and relax on the beach or saddle up for a two hour horseback ride along the water's edge towards Chapmans Peak. It's a very fun ride (suitable for beginners)! Enjoy dinner back in Cape Town at a wonderful restaurant specializing in the spicy flavors of African cuisine. All meals included.
Cycling: 2 hours; Horseback Riding 2 hours. -
Day 17
After breakfast at the hotel, check out by 10:00 a.m. and leave your luggage in the hotel storage room. You have the rest of your day at leisure to enjoy several options including a visit to the colorful Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or easy sea kayaking from Mouille Point with views of Signal Hill and Lions Head (roughly $40). Your guide will review optional activities with you. You are transferred to the airport to arrive 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Breakfast included.
Optional Sea Kayaking: 2 hours.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures; some guest houses may not have a single room option and single tents may or may not be a possibility due to the size of group and camp site requirements.
All accommodations; all park entrance and permit fees; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; beer and wine in Botswana while on safari; services of expert guides; support staff as needed; private safari vehicles; camping gear; various river cruises as noted in itinerary; airport transfers if arriving / departing with group.
Discover Cape Town Extension:
All accommodations; all park entrance and activity fees/cable car; wine tasting; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; mountain bikes/helmet; 2 hour beach horseback ride; private transport throughout; airport transfers when arriving / departing with the group; bilingual guide.
Round-trip international airfare, internal airfare between Namibia and Botswana (mandatory $650 international flight); departure tax from Namibia (approx. $25); travel insurance, excess baggage charges, 1 lunch; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages while in Namibia and while at lodges in both Botswana and Zambia; visa fee at the Zambia border ($130); optional activities at Victoria Falls; gratuities to your guides; and items of a personal nature.
Discover Cape Town Extension:
International flight to Cape Town, 1 lunch and 2 dinners; alcoholic beverages; optional activities; optional gratuities to your guides.
In addition to the $400 deposit required to reserve your space (fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure), the cost of the internal flights ($650 - Windhoek-Maun; Maun-Moremi) is also due at the time of registration. This payment is due in full and is non-refundable unless REI Adventures cancels your departure for any reason. If you needed to cancel your participation on this trip for a reason covered by your optional Travel Insurance plan, this flight cost would be reimbursable by that plan. Cape Town Extension: A separate $400 deposit is due at the time of registration. This is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to the departure of your Dunes to Delta trip.
This safari/hiking trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Safaris are not physically demanding but they are in remote locations over rough terrain. The hiking done in Namibia is moderate with a few stretches involving light bouldering and scrambling needing sure footing and may be more accurately considered a level [3]; hiking in the dunes requires walking up and down fine sand. This trip is perfect for active people in good health and with the spirit of adventure.
Discover Cape Town Extension:
Rated East Active [2] with the hike down Table Mountain requiring good footing.
May through October is a great time to travel in these two countries - it is the dry season with generally mild days and cool to cold evenings. November brings warmer day time temperatures (70s – upper 90s) as the season transitions into summer.
** In Namibia, daytime temperatures range between 70° and 90°, cooling off for pleasant evenings (50°- 60°). Occasionally the evenings can be quite cold into the low 40s. This is a dry climate with dry heat; it can be windy in the early morning and then again at dusk. November is a warm month with highs well into the upper 90s. Namibia averages more than 300 days of sunshine a year!
** In Botswana, the May – July departures enjoy daytime temperatures in the mid-70s while nighttime temperatures will commonly be in the mid-40s but may drop into the 30s. June and July are the coldest months as these are the winter months in southern Africa. You must be prepared for weather extremes. August – September departures enjoy warmer daytime temperatures averaging in the mid- to upper-80s with evening temperatures most likely in the 50s but occasionally dropping into the 40s. November is a warm month with highs well into the upper 90s.
Discover Cape Town Extension:
The winter months of June to August average temperatures are between 50° to 70°. Winds can be chilly at times. September and October are early spring; temperatures are typically 5 degrees warmer than wintertime. November – December are warm summer months with highs in the 80s. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year but should be considered a possibility. The climate is changeable so good rain gear is essential.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Dunes To Delta Hike & Safari
The key to staying comfortable while visiting Namibia and Botswana is layering. The variance between daytime temperatures in the desert and evening temperatures in the delta can be extreme. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation. This gear list is provided to help you in choosing your equipment and clothing for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this helps you and the field staff.
Weather
May through October is winter and the dry season, with generally mild days and cool to cold evenings. November brings warm temperatures (70s – upper 90s) as the season transitions into summer.
**In Namibia, daytime temperatures range between 70° and 90° (it is warmest during the September and November tours), cooling off for pleasant evenings (50°- 60°). Occasionally, evenings can dip into the low 40s. This is a dry climate with dry heat; it can be windy in the early morning and then again at dusk. November, expect highs in the upper 90s. Namibia averages more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
**In Botswana, the May – July departures enjoy day time temperatures in the mid-70s while nighttime temperatures will commonly be in the mid-40s but may drop into the 30s. June and July are the coldest months as these are the winter months in southern Africa. You must be prepared for weather extremes. August – September departures enjoy warmer daytime temperatures averaging in the mid- to upper-80s with evening temperatures most likely in the 50s but occasionally dropping into the 40s. November is a warm month with highs in the upper 90s ... it is also a superb month for wildlife viewing because of the animal concentration around watering holes.
Cape Town Extension: The winter months of June to August average temperatures are between 50° to 70°. Winds can be chilly at times. September and October are early spring; temperatures are typically 5 degrees warmer than wintertime. November – December are warm summer months with highs in the 80s. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year but should be considered a possibility. The climate is changeable so good rain gear is essential.
Weight Restriction on Charter Flights
There is an international flight on a small, private charter plane when traveling from Namibia to Botswana. You are restricted to 30 pounds per person total weight limit for your checked and carry-on luggage.
Gear Checklist
- Tents and sleeping pads
- Cooking and eating utensils while camping
- Sleeping bags / bed rolls / mattresses
- Valid passport – if spending time in South Africa, you will need 6 blank pages in your passport.
- Airline tickets
- International health card with immunizations (only if traveling through endemic yellow fever areas)
- Copies of passport and tickets kept separately
- Duffel bags or soft-sided luggage (no wheeled luggage or hard framed packs; they are difficult to transport while on safari)
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Small daypack for water, camera, light jacket, etc.
- Waterproof, breathable jacket
- Warm fleece jacket or pullover for cold morning and evening game drives in Botswana (open air vehicles can be quite chilly; May – July trips, cold nights are very likely)
- Lightweight thermal underwear, synthetic or wool
- T-shirts, mix of synthetic and cotton, bring several
- Synthetic, long-sleeve shirt for sun and insect protection
- Synthetic, quick-drying hiking shorts
- Hiking pants (zip-off legs are great!)
- Casual clothes for camp (cool evenings)
- Hiking socks
- Sleep wear - (second set of thermal underwear is a good alternative)
- Lightweight hiking boots
- Camp shoes (sneakers, sport sandals)
- Water shoes (if planning to kayak while on Cape Town extension)
- Sun hat with brim (sun is intense)
- Swimsuit and cover-up (especially for Aug. – Sept. and Nov. departures)
- Warm hat for cool evenings
- Lightweight gloves
- Water bottles (two 1-quart)
- Reliable headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
- Sunglasses with dark lenses and leash
- Personal first-aid kit
- Motion sickness remedies
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Sunblock and lip balm with high SPF
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Toiletry kit with bio-degradable soap/shampoo
- Small bath towel and face cloth
- Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc. from dust
- Two extra passport photos (as a precaution for lost documents)
- Camera, lenses and lots of film/memory cards
- Car battery charger kit to charge camera batteries while in Botswana
- Binoculars - hardly optional!
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Reading and writing materials
- Ear plugs
- Travel pillow
- Spare contact lenses or prescription glasses
Things to Consider
- Please remember to pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, one complete change of clothing, and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather (which you will enjoy most of the time). However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring some synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- This is winter in southern Africa. The evenings will cool off significantly and early morning, open-air vehicle game drives will be cold and windy (particularly the May – July departures). Bring warm layers and a windbreaker, hat and gloves.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing.
- Many of the roads in Africa are deeply rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment and binoculars in plastic bags or waterproof/dustproof camera bags to protect them from the dust. Bring lens cleaning materials.
- Laundry is typically limited to hand washing quick-drying items in bathroom sinks at lodges, or in a small tub while on safari in Botswana. Bring biodegradable soap for hand washing.
- Try to maximize the use of your gear for both the hiking and safari. Casual attire is acceptable while on safari and camping, as well as the lodges. Light, khaki colored clothing is best for the safari, to blend into the landscape. While in the cities, dress conservatively.
- Weigh your luggage after you’ve completed packing and make any necessary adjustments to stay within the 30 pounds per person weight restriction required for the chartered plane flight.
- If you are joining the Discover Cape Town Extension, you will be adequately geared up if you follow the above clothing list but add one dressier set of clothing and shoes for evening wear.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and REI's Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The "Expert Advice" section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
Take it from REI Adventures traveler Georgia Matteson: Family travel opens up exciting new worlds for the whole gang.
Georgia's extended family of nine traveled to Namibia and Botswana on a private departure of our Dunes to Delta safari and hiking adventure.
From kid-friendly food to up-close wildlife encounters, it was an unforgettable family journey.
Read on for Georgia's insights into family-friendly travel:
Q: What made this destination special to share with your family? Why did you choose Africa?
A: Our family has been all over the world, including Egypt, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, and we love Africa but hadn't seen the southern portion or the wildlife. We wanted our family to see the magic of African wildlife while it is still possible and wanted them to have a life-long memory and be aware of what we need to take care of in the world.
Q: Why did you choose a private trip and what modifications, if any, were made to accommodate everyone in your group?
A: Our group consisted of four adults and five children. Although our kids and grandkids were pretty young, ranging in age from 2 to 9, our guide, his wife, and three camp boys made it all work. They organized us, fed us child-friendly food and amused us with wonderful stories. Game drives were scheduled a bit later in the day so we would not have to get everyone up as early, and the guides understood the need for many pit stops for little girls (and also how to avoid lions at those times!)
Q: Tell us about your guides. How did they make a difference in your experience?
A: Simon, a big-game hunter turned conservationist and guide, made the trip. His innate sense of the place and skills at tracking wildlife resulted in us seeing so many animals. He taught us how to read tracks and made us all feel very secure even though we did not stay in established camps, but out in the bush. He also showed us how to respect and fall in love with the country. It was something really covert, a slow awareness that seeped into your mind and body until your whole being realized that the country was no longer strange and slightly threatening for its differences, but the most perfect place in the world. And we all felt this way, even the children.
Q: What about the wildlife most impressed you?
A: Our time in Botswana was filled with every sort of animal that we had hoped to see: zebras, warthogs, impala, cape buffalo, baboons, hippos and baby elephants so new that their little ears were pink and transparent around the edges. We even ran into a big puff adder!
We saw more quantities and types of animals than they had encountered on previous trips for groups of visitors. I believe that this occurred because all of us, and particularly the kids, were a bit noisy at times. I think the animals were just as curious about us and those small chirping voices—in fact a black panther actually came out to look at the kids! The animals were the ones doing the sightseeing.
The dunes in Namibia were also remarkable. We were amazed at the exposed geology that covers the entire area. We were even able to go to an area with cave dwellings left as they had been lived in.
Q: What were the highlights of the trip: For you? For your kids? Your grandkids?
A: The biggest impression for me was the total isolation of our camps—no phones, no other people, no planes overhead—which allowed us to adapt totally to the environment and become a part of it. It was very real in that you had to play by nature's rules—there is real danger in being a part of the food chain and you have to take care to keep your eyes on your kids and not stray past camp.
The kids still talk about sitting by the campfire, sleeping in the tents at night and seeing the elephants. Once we saw a pair of adult elephants helping support their tiny baby, still pink around the ears, with their trunks. Another time, we surprised a large elephant near a water hole who charged our vehicle until we were nose to nose, his trunk to our noses. But I believe that he was just letting us know (in a gentleman sort of way) that he thought we were a bit rude—and we backed up quite rapidly and left. It took a while for the kids to get their mouths shut again.
Q: Any final advice you would give to families considering doing a big adventure together?
A: Go for it! Open up your heart and go see the world. Kids are more adaptable than we think they are, and if the parents set up the right expectations and allow kids to make their own conclusions they won't be as likely to be anxious in a strange environment. You have to set limitations and follow through so that the kids will be safe too, though.
Consider taking time on the way home to explore, too. If you have a layover, in Europe for instance, visit the nearby city instead of sitting in the airport between flights. On a side trip to Frankfurt, we had the opportunity to see World Cup soccer fans from all over Europe which was very exciting for the kids.
Ready for an adventure of your own?
If you want to give your kids memories to last a lifetime, consider taking an REI Adventures Family Trip. Or, you may be in interested in booking an adventure for a special group of friends or family. Find out how on our Private Departures page.
