I spent two weeks spent exploring Durban's promenades and murals that line the streets. Then, I was joined by my mother where we explored Kruger National Park, Thornybush Game Reserve, Timbavati and Sabi Sands Reserves. We saw a wide variety of wildlife across many safaris such as elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos. This trip was action packed!
Durban waterfront (Kassandra Magruder)This is my second trip to Africa in 5 months. I wasn’t planning on returning so soon, but South Africa Tourism hosts a fantastic travel trade show in May, so here I am. I arrive to Durban after two days of travel, a bit worse for the wear, but immediately pumped up by the excitement in the air. Durban hosts Africa’s Travel Indaba every year and they make a big deal out of it. Murals painted across the airport walls, a welcoming party, everyone is excited --- it’s time for Indaba!
I’m scheduled to the hilt every day from 7 AM to nearly midnight. Meetings with our existing partners across the continent as well as some 35 meetings with new safari lodges, tour operators in new destinations, ski resorts (not lying!) --- anything I think our travelers might be interested in is in my crosshairs. I LOVE trade shows. I learn more in 3 days than I have in 6 years of planning trips to South Africa. That is how valuable these shows can be.
It doesn’t hurt that the setting is Durban. Located up the coast from Cape Town, Durban is on the Indian Ocean, surrounded by lush sugarcane fields. It’s a bit off the beaten tourism path (due to its grittiness), but the Maharani Hotel, at which I’m staying, and the conference center, are both modern and lovely. The best part of Durban is the promenade – which is wide, charming and runs along the beach. The morning after the trade show ends, I stroll along the promenade with a huge number of Durbanites. It’s Sunday morning and I’m shocked at how many people are out exercising with their friends and loved ones. I spend a half hour out on a pier, watching the local surfers at their craft, before heading back to the Maharani Hotel to catch my Uber for the airport. Time for safari!
I spent 2 entire days trying to find my Alaska small boat trip, with no success. Then Erin from Adventure Life gave me 4 choices on the same day I contacted her. She was caring and very efficient. I'm very excited about the cruise she found for me.
Janet Houts
3 days ago
Everything about our Galapagos experience was top-notch. I highly recommend this trip if you like be active. Everyone from the planners to the guides to the crew set us up to experience and soak in everything the Galapagos has to offer. They took care of every detail so we could learn and enjoy.
Luanne
4 days ago
We had an amazing trip. The accommodations of our hotel first 3 nights and the accommodations of the ship were perfect. Our guides were amazing. They went snorkeling with us everyday and took amazing pictures and pointed out various species of fish. On the land adventures, they explained everything about the islands and animals that we were looking for and seeing. They also took amazing photos and videos that they shared with us in a whats app group with the entire ship. This gave us the ability to upload our own video and pictures along with other shipmates so we all got these great photos from everyone. It was a once in a lifetime trip that left us with many amazing memories and very possible we would consider going back.