Africa – So much more than a destination
Articles | Featured | Solo Traveling | Uncategorized

Change your perspective on life…..

In 2014 I visited Africa for the first time, specifically Kenya where I had just under three weeks of traveling. Before I went, a couple of people said to me, “Africa will change you. You’ll feel different.” I really wondered about that concept of feeling different and being changed and wondered how a country could do that.

But   it is absolutely true! Africa does change you. You come back a different person. And you come back with a different appreciation of what really matters.

I remember visiting a Maasai village and on our way back from the village, I said to our guide, “Gee, It’s a tough life”.  And his comment to me was, “Why do you say that?” And I said, “Well it seems very tough in terms of what they have and their living conditions.” Then he said, “But they have everything they need.

They have everything they want. They have fresh water, they have food, they have a great sense of community and they’re happy. It’s an uncomplicated life.”

Those words very much resonated with me. Because when you think about our western life, it’s a very complicated existence. Everyday, there’s a lot of scurrying. There’s going to appointments, to and from work, and really just trying to fit everything into the working week and the weekend. It’s busy. And in fact it’s tough.

It is interesting to look at the comparison between a Kenyan life and a western life like Australia. The level of complication is so different that it gives you a new appreciation of what it is to live.

In the western culture, there’s so many things we seem to need: big screen TVs, laptops and all sorts of fancy stuff which really doesn’t enhance our lives.It’s life’s simple things that really enhance our lives.

 

Another thing that  was so impactful to me was the wildlife. Importantly, the focus that is now on ensuring that the wildlife is preserved and populations restored. Many years of poaching and illegal gaming decimated populations of elephants, rhinos and other species that had been flourishing for years.

I heard the word “conservancy” a lot when I traveled. Each of the teams that manage the different conservancies such as the rangers and local lodge management are completely focused on preservation. It’s fantastic to see there’s such attention to preserving the wildlife. It’s so incredible to go on a walking safari or a driving safari and just be up-close with wildlife like elephants, lions and rhino.

It is such a contrast to your local zoo where you see one giraffe or a couple of elephants behind an electrified fence. In Africa, you just walk along and there is wildlife 50 feet away from you. It is just such an unbelievable experience!

Kenya and Africa does change you. It really opens up your mind and opens up your heart to seeing such an incredible part of the world. I’d encourage anybody even if they’ve got just the slightest inkling to thinking: “Should I add Africa to my bucket list?”. Make sure you do because it will change you and make you a better person.

Until next time. Travel slow, enjoy the ride. Ken

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Excellent trip

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I had a fantastic trip. Absolutely loved Canada and Alaska. It's the first time I have travelled solo and was pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of people that all got on so well. Diane our host was great. She did a good job of getting us altogether for meals, excursions, shopping trips etc. I liked that she quietly got things done without being loud or "in-your-face". She was good at being one of us as well as our leader. Wendy, Canada/Alaska

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Well organised trip with an excellent host

The trip was well organised, with a good mix of activity and free time. The scenery was spectacular and fellow travellers were a great bunch. Diane is a excellent host - helpful, courteous and above all a pleasure to know. I found her bubbly personality a bonus and can only speak highly of her. Gary, Canada/Alaska

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Cathy, Adelaide - Canada/Alaska May 2016

Great holiday

What a great trip! I experienced so much and participated in all that was offered. I had read and reviewed as much as time allowed me but was not prepared for what the trip gave me and that is a better understanding of the beautiful people of both countries. - Lesley on Vietnam/Cambodia

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I thought the suggestions for optional things to do, in the "free" time were very good. So good, we really ended up with very little free time. So much to do! - Mary on Vietnam

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Fantastic first experience!

Extremely well organised with fabulous guides throughout - especially in Vietnam! First holiday with your company and certainly not the last. - Glenys on Vietnam

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Can’t stop talking about my experience

I just feel so privileged to have shared with the Maasai the most awe-inspiring majestic sights and sounds of Africa. The fantastic memories will be with me forever. Maureen

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Best holiday I’ve been on!

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Well organised

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Great time together

I found the trip interesting and eye opening with a great overview of both Vietnam and Cambodia. The other travellers on the trip were fabulous and we had a great time together.

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A memorable trip of a lifetime, a wish fulfilled.  A fascinating cultural country steeped in history which I found totally enthralling.  Two’s a Crowd service was smooth and seamless.  Pam

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It was a wonderful experience visiting Cambodia and Vietnam and gave me a better understanding of these countries. I had a great time with new friends, we had a good bunch and Leonie was the perfect host. Eric

Value for money

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An awesome adventure for my first time overseas alone.  Leonie was excellent and both guides were also fantastic.  At all times I felt safe and secure and totally looked after.  Melinda

Well done Two’s a Crowd.

Leonie was an excellent host, the ideal person. I never felt any pressure to  be involved in every activity so I could explore alone during free time. Having 2 or 3 nights in most places was great – you could rest up or party. Well done Two’s a Crowd. Jenny

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