Although we had some apprehensions on touring a township, the second we met our guide, Wendeli, we were as comfortable as we could have ever imagined. Wendeli had been born and raised in the Langa township and had family living there to this day. Although he had moved out of the township a few years prior, he was now a full-time guide for tourists looking to gain a more in-depth and personal understanding of the township and the affects the Apartheid has had on South African natives and Cape Town as a whole.
Immediately upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised by how much the locals didn’t seem to pay much attention to us. This type of tourism has become commonplace in recent years and we tried to show our respect for us being allowed to visit their town.
Throughout the tour, we visited a community center, an Apartheid history museum, local street vendors who cooked “smileys”, (i.e. grilled goat heads), and the “Beverly Hills” of Langa where the upper-class lived. It was fascinating to learn about the original buildings built by the government, the family dynamic within them and the young adults who would move out to literally build their own houses from scratch in the area. Although these piecemeal structures were frowned on by the government, it had gotten quite difficult to regulate and has since been accepted as an extension of most townships.
Last but not least, we visited a school in the area where the students allowed us to sit in on an after-school dance circle. Never could we imagine American children coming together for such a lively, active and bonding activity quite like this. As the older students jumped in and out of the circle, first a group of six girls and then a group of five boys, the younger kids waited their turns to jump into the circle and knew every word to the songs. On our way out of the dance circle, thumbs-up were being offered from every direction along with smiles and yet another memory we will never forget.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
