Contiki Cape to Delta: Top 5 Things to Know

Visiting countries 54, 55 & 56 on a fifteen-day sprint across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana was a "wild experience" (pun intended). Experiencing the absolute magic of Kruger, Chobe, and the Okavango Delta is something most people only can dream of, but there were a few things I want to pass along.

1. The Power Grid: Be sure to book an accommodation in Cape Town that has a backup generator. South Africa as a whole has a power supply shortage, evidenced by periodic "load shedding" - rolling blackouts. If you don't have the option to book an accommodation with a generator, at least make sure you're on a low floor so you don't have to climb a lot of stairs when you get back from a long day.

2. Safari Vehicles are Very High: The safari vehicles in Southern Africa are completely different than what is in East Africa (pop-tops). In Southern Africa, they're modified pickup trucks with tiered seating in the bed. Getting up there requires stepping onto the wheel and, in my case, using my upper body to pull myself up and in.

3. The Bush Gets Cold: We were warned that it would get nippy overnight, but I didn't take it seriously as I always run warm. Even though it gets very hot in the day, I was not prepared for how cold it would get at night in our tents. I had to layer up because I didn't have heavy sweats or anything. In hindsight, I wish I brought some thermals.

4. Victoria Falls Will Drench You: I am laughing as I write this because I feel like I'm explaining a log flume at an amusement park, but you will get soaked and there is no way around it if you want to get close to the falls. It was like you were standing in a downpour. You can rent a poncho or something at the gate, but I recommend just embracing it.

5. Pace Yourself (and Pack the Z-Pack) Contiki tours are known for being fast-paced, that's why I love them. They pack so much in that you need a vacation from your vacation, which is how a safari should be! The early starts, long drives, and nights by the campfire under the stars catch up with you. You need to know your own body and listen to what it's telling you, even if it means you need to skip out on one of the late night actvities. Bringing a Z-Pack was my smartest move of the trip as it enabled me to flush whatever I had out of my system without missing a beat

   
   

My trip to South Africa, Botswana & Zambia was the trip of a lifetime filled with starry nights around a bonfire, sunrise safaris, epic wildlife, and stunning scenery. If you're reading this because you're about to go, I am so jealous of you. Have a great time!