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Published: August 2nd 2019
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Our last morning in Africa, we packed up our stuff, had breakfast, put together a tip for our guides and I went in search of souvenirs, but I really could not find any. Partly because it was so early, so many of the shops were closed. We all boarded our van bus for the last spot of the day, which is the Big Tree, a baobab tree approximately up to 1,500 years old. It was pretty impressive and we stayed for a few. The best part was actually when we left seeing multiple elephants on the side of the road, our last goodbye.
We made our way to the airport and said good bye to our fantastic guides at Wanderlust Travels who I thought were great the whole time- I think they put up with a lot! We checked in and as I was one of the first, I was able to do some decent, but expensive souvenir shopping while waiting for the group. I bought a last bottle of the delicious Amarula liquor that we all fell in love with. Many of us were able to hangout in the lounge, where I think we polished off a bottle of
amarula before we even left. It was going to be a long flight, first a quick stop in Gabaronne, Botswana, then to Addis Ababa where we had to change planes in the chaos of that airport, then our final flight to Dubai. At least I got a window seat on the last flight and actually slept most of the way home.
Final thoughts on Africa My first trip was absolutely amazing. Amaaaazing! There really is such a great vibe, very mellow and happy.
Victoria Falls area is definitely geared towards tourists and significantly more expensive than the rest of the country. I didn't not mind giving money to the people, but the tips were adding up very quickly. We were told to bring $200-$300, but I think for a week, you could need up to $500, including souvenirs / gifts, drinks and food, tips, and optional activities.
The game drives were so impressive.
I loved seeing the wildlife...well, in the wild! Elephants pretty much everyday, often on the side of the road just as we drove by.
Driving in the country is pretty scary at night and countrywide, they do not recommend it. Animals could cross, there are no lights, the roads are not in the best of shape, and medical services are few and far between. Sadly, the night we drove to Bulawayo, we saw a terrible accident and the guys told us all not to look - there were people who were killed and it was very sobering. Ambulances and police were there by the time we drove by so there was nothing we could do.
I didn't get to see all of the big 5, but I saw so many animals: elephants, baboons, velvet monkeys, rhinos, impalas, kudu, hippos, lions, cows, vultures, warthogs, crocodiles, etc. I even ate some of them: warthog (my favorite), impala and crocodile.
I still can't believe I jumped 75m into a gorge!
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