What does Diane love about African travel?
For me, it’s mainly about the wildlife and landscapes. I always feel a deep sense of connection in the bush. What fascinates me about traveling in Africa is the positive impact many lodges have on wildlife and local communities. Traveling in Africa opens your eyes to the strong sense of community that exists everywhere you go on the continent.
What African countries have you travelled to?
I have visited South Africa, Mauritius, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
What is Diane favourite place in Africa?
All places in Africa are my favorite, but if I were to choose a safari destination right now, it would be the Okavango Delta. I enjoy the mix of land and water activities, and as a hippo enthusiast, I felt right at home there. The Delta feels untouched and wild, making you feel deeply connected to nature. Another destination that pleasantly surprised me was Victoria Falls. While most people visit to see the impressive falls, they might not realize it is surrounded by national parks, adding to the safari experience. A highlight for me at Victoria Falls, aside from the falls themselves, was a cruise on the Zambezi River. It offered a stunning sunset and plenty of wildlife along the riverbanks, making it a photographer’s delight.
What is your most memorable experience in Africa?
I went on a safari in the Eastern Cape and to be honest I wasn’t expecting much compared to the Kruger. However I was blown away by my game drive experiences I had in Kwandwe. Our guide was awesome and took us on a night drive – where we got stuck amongst a herd of elephants. He turned off the vehicle and we all stayed still it was dark and all we could hearing was the swooshing of the elephants ears as they walked past us. It was terrifying and exhilarating – I will never forget that sound of the ellies – they were so quiet!
What is your best advice for someone travelling to Africa?
Come with an open mind. Don’t read all the nonsense in the news about how dangerous it is. The people in Africa are warm and friendly, you will never experience anything like it.