Page 11 - AAA Now – AAA Central Penn – January/February 2022

TRAVEL
Your African Safari Awaits
By Kristen Malaby
Dreaming of gazing upon a pride of lions, a dazzle of zebras, and a herd of elephants in Africa? There’s no better time to fulfill that dream.
AAA recommends traveling with a safari operator like African Travel, Inc., which is exclusively focused on Africa and specializes in custom journeys to the continent.
When asked what should be at the top of the list, African Travel recommended Southern Africa and provided a few tips for an extraordinary experience.
South Africa’s Culture
Known as “a world in one country,” South Africa offers something for everyone. Convenient access, malaria-free safari options, and great value make it even more attractive.
Spending a few days in each of South Africa’s top cities is a must. Cape Town dazzles with food, art and architecture, and is home to the world’s most scenic coastal drive and beautiful wine areas.
While Cape Town thrives as South Africa’s cultural hub, Johannesburg reveals South Africa’s past and future.
An Unforgettable Safari
To ensure the most intimate safari experience, stay at lodges and camps in private reserves and conservancies. There is more flexibility in game drives including nighttime and off-road experiences and a limited number of guests.
For Kruger National Park highlights, consider the nearby Kapama Private Game Reserve where award-winning guides and trackers provide a wealth of knowledge spotting the Big 5 and smaller species. Festive and social, the reserve’s River Lodge suites are a nice escape. In between safaris, enjoy high tea or the spa where you may spot one of the elephants drinking from the pool.
Wild Water Experiences
No trip to Africa is complete without a journey along the Nile, the Zambezi River or the Okavango Delta.
Victoria Falls and Botswana are perhaps most famous for water safaris and pair nicely with a visit to South Africa. The Seventh Wonder of the World, Victoria Falls needs to be on the must-do list.
Considered the gold standard of sustainable safaris, Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, where elephants reign supreme. Open vehicle game drives, walking, mokoro (canoe) and boating safaris offer unique perspectives on this wild kingdom.
Spending a week or more in Botswana will be the adventure of a lifetime, but if you’re short on time, you can fly between camps or get a taste of Botswana while staying in Victoria Falls and crossing the border on day trips.
For more trip ideas, schedule a virtual or face-to-face appointment with one of AAA’s African travel specialists.
SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI & VICTORIA FALLS ADVENTURE
October 21 – November 2, 2022
From $9,289* per person, double occupancy
HIGHLIGHTS
Cape Town I Cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain Penguin colony at Boulders Beach I Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden I Cape Winelands tour I Kapama Private Game Reserve in Greater Kruger Park I Two daily safari activities and optional bush walks at Kapama River Lodge I Johannesburg Road to Democracy tour including the Apartheid Museum I River boat ride along the Chobe River I Chobe National Park, Botswana I Two game activities per day in the Zambezi National Park I Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
For reservations and information, contact your local AAA Travel Agent at 888-743-2844.
*Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 15 passengers. Airfare is currently not included in the price of the trip. Airfare will be added when rates and schedules become available and may have a different payment and cancellation schedule from the land portion.
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