We have left Africa… How do we feel?
David’s Perspective
We planned to stay two years, then Covid happened and we finally left 3½ years after arriving in Namibia in August 2019. In that time we have visited eleven countries and have driven 62,434 kilometres. Its very difficult to nominate ‘the best’ country, as each has different positives and negatives. However, if pushed, my favourite would be South Africa. Why? Its a huge country, with varying climate and topography, there is so much to see and its overlanding truck friendly. And, although most South Africans would violently disagree, most things ‘work’. All the garages have fuel, there are credit card machines, the shopping is amazing, the campsites are brilliant, nearly everything is available and there is a comprehensive MAN service network.
Africa has got under my skin; I could live in Namibia or South Africa. And I am very sorry to be leaving. It would be so easy to continue touring the southern countries (as many of our fellow overlanders do). But South America calls….
Francine’s Perspective
Namibia provided the best wildlife encounters (Hoanib River) along with the scariest Hippo encounter (Caprivi Strip). Angola had amazing natural attractions and should be on the itinerary for anyone interested in visiting Africa. Tanzania had the world’s best samosas (Bukoba). Uganda really was the “Pearl of Africa” – a delightful surprise. Kenya was Hell (Lake Turkana), then Paradise (East Coast). Zimbabwe offered sublime ruins of a great civilisation, but also the most fun transport museum. Botswana had the scratchiest bush. Eswatini and Lesotho offered mountain passes beyond compare. South Africa earned its epithet of the “Promised Land”. And Zambia? Well, I am part-Zambian now (or at least that’s how I feel after spending a year there) and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sorry to see your African adventure end. Who knows you may event retire there. Looking forward to your next great adventure
What a dream adventure you have had, sad to leave, but more exiting adventures come!
Can’t wait to see the next instalments.
Thank you Francine and Dave for sharing your Southern African adventures with us: it has been just as exciting and informative for me. Sincerely hope the next leg is as wonderful, safe and memorable. All good wishes.
Love your review. Nice meeting you @Black Pearl Campsite, Paarl, South Africa.
Enjoy your next adventure in South America.
Dear friends,
What an amazing trip through Southern Africa! How time flies! I can’t believe that you are already traveling for such a long time. Impressive the Km you have done with Bertha! Thanks for sharing your adventure. I am looking forward to the next one. Have a safe trip. Two big hugs and best wishes.
Fantastic news and thanks for sharing your travels with us. Good wishes on your next adventures and travel safely.
Thanks for sharing your adventures in Southern Africa!
And you mention South America … is that your next move?! 🙂
Most impressed with your photos and write up on all the places you have visited. I really liked the map and the roads marked out. It gives an real sense of the distances you travelled in Big Bertha.
Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure.
Best wishes, Don and Betty.
Great to see the journey continues Dave &Francine.
Will read more as time allows 😃👍