Hello, fellow bird lovers, big mammal enthusiasts, and Southern Africa fans!

The title of this second travel journal obviously references the one that came before it: Three months in Southern Africa in a Ford Figo 😉

That was back in spring 2016, and I was discovering this incredible region of the world with wide-eyed wonder. Though absolutely enchanted by my trip, I’ll admit: I didn’t think I’d be back so soon.

Fortunately, circumstances had other plans. For their 70th birthdays, my parents had the wonderful idea of inviting the whole family—my sister, my brother-in-law, my three nieces, and me—for two weeks in the Cape Town area and Namibia. The only one missing was my godson (the eldest), who was tied up in Switzerland for his air traffic controller training.

Of course, I wasn’t going to settle for just this (delicious) taste of adventure… so, as an appetizer, main course, and dessert, I added two and a half months of travels through South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe (the last two being new to me). What can I say? I’m a travel glutton! 😛

Here’s the general outline of my itinerary, with details to come as I share the story:

With family (March 29 to April 13, 2018)

South Africa (5 days) Namibia (9 days)

Solo (April 13 to June 30, 2018)

Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls (5 days) South Africa and Lesotho (26 days) Mozambique (21 days) Zimbabwe (10 days) South Africa (15 days)

And since I need a cliché to illustrate this journal... ... it’ll be the famous lilac-breasted roller (lilac-breasted roller), one of my little favorites (I might even make it my profile picture, actually)!

I have to say, in 2016, exploring Southern Africa multiplied my interest (already strong, but mostly limited to vultures and raptors) in avian wildlife. 🙂

Happy reading!

P.S. Beyond sharing, I’m also counting on this journal to motivate me to finally sort through the roughly 10,000 photos that have been sitting on a hard drive for four months. 🤪😏

Hi everyone, We’ve just returned from a 3-week trip to South Africa: 2 weeks in Kruger Park, Manyeleti, and White River 5 days in Vilankulo 1 day in Johannesburg If you have any questions or are planning your trip, don’t hesitate! 🙂

Hi everyone, We’re heading to Mozambique in October and are looking for either a 4x4 or 4x2 rental in Maputo, or a driver transfer option to reach: - Ponta Do Ouro - Tofo - Vilankulos The idea is to be self-sufficient for sightseeing and stops while still being able to access certain lodges or beaches that require a 4x2. Do you have any contacts, addresses, or ideas to share? Thanks in advance,

Hi there,

My partner and I are planning a 3.5-week trip to Mozambique (plus Kruger Park) starting at the end of July. After reading your great tips in various posts, we’ve put together the itinerary below. We’d love your feedback: did we miss a must-see spot, are we spending too little/too much time in one place, or is the whole thing too ambitious? :)

D1: Maputo, rent a car, drive to Kruger Park D2: Kruger Park D3: Kruger Park D4: Kruger Park D5: Drive back to Maputo, drop off car, flight to Tofo/Inhambane D6: Tofo/Inhambane D7: Tofo/Inhambane D8: Transfer to Vilankulo (+ 291 km) D9: Vilankulo - Bazaruto Archipelago D10: Vilankulo - Bazaruto Archipelago D11: Trip to Beira by chapas (+ 534 km) D12: Flight to Nampula (check which day!) D13: Nampula D14: Trip to Mozambique Island (+ 181 km) - visit the island D15: Mozambique Island D16: Trip to Pemba (+ 408 km) D17: Pemba - diving D18: Drive to Quisanga (114 km), then trip to Ibo D19: Ibo D20: Trip back to Pemba D21: Return from Pemba to Maputo - visit Maputo D22: Visit Maputo D23: Return flight

Thanks in advance!