Kellies travels

Kellie's Exciting Travel Adventures
 

On Safari in Namibia

An Adventure to Remember in Central America

Kellie's Client, Carol,  on an Amazing African Safari

On Safari in Namibia

Author: Kellie Walker 23 April 2009

I’ve travelled through Europe, Asia, Central and South America so when a sudden opportunity to travel to the continent of Africa and in particular to one of the countries that particularly interests me – Namibia, I took it. Now, I must say that camping and I are not something that usually belong in the same sentence. Camping, where I don’t have to cook any meals, wash any dishes or put up or take down my tent but with a cook, camp assistant and guide - now that’s something I knew I could probably do! So then I embarked on my two week safari to Namibia with Karibu staying in two person spacious dome tents, camp beds and mattresses. We were also fortunate to experience a couple of nights spent in their luxury camp style trip with three course meals, campfires extra staff and ensuites. What an opportunity! Highlights were starting the journey in Etosha National Park with endless contrasting landscapes and various wildlife including zebra, giraffe, springbok, gemsbok, stunning birdlife and desert elephant.

Unfortunately for us due to the time of year and the previous rainfalls the big cats however eluded us. We visited a friendly Himba tribe with their intricate hair styles and painted red skin and met with the tribal chief. We travelled then through Damaraland with its rock carvings created by the bushmen which are reminiscent of the Aboriginal art in the Northern Territory. It provided the most stunning sunsets and beautiful nature walks. Under our tent one morning we discovered a small scorpion and at one camp met the pet meerkats of which one climbed and stood up on my shoulder. My personal highlight however was Soussosvlei where we climbed the enormous red sand dunes and walked through the desert landscapes into an old salt pan where the contrasts of the blue sky, white pan and red dunes took your breath away. Namibia truly is a photographers paradise as the landscapes are vastly different. I could talk endlessly about the highlights of Namibia, how safe it was, the quality of the food and the high standard of the campsites but I think the best way to experience it is to go out and discover it for yourself!

Kellie Walker- Senior Consultant House of Travel Parnell - Ask Kellie questions
Contact Kellie • phone 09 355 9092 • email kwalker@hot.co.nz

An Adventure in Central America

“I can quite honestly say that I hadn't given Central America the credit I had of South America. I didn't think anything could rival it! I was wrong and I will try to explain why......

In Guatemala, I climbed Pacaya an active volcano just outside of Antigua where the lava is just inches under the rough volcanic rock that you are standing on, feeling the heat and actually watching flowing lava directly in front of you is quite exhilarating. I kayaked across the Rio Dulce river at sunrise to see a family of howler monkeys and woke up to their unmistakable calls to locate each other and let other groups know the territory is taken. I also visited a coffee plantation (one of the best in the world due to it’s location on volcanic earth and the altitude it sits at) to see what a lengthy process is performed to produce my favourite addiction. I can quite honestly say I appreciate my morning latte even more and I didn't think that was possible!

One of the girls in our group found a tarantula in her shoe in her hut and brought it to dinner in a glass to show us - needless to say I did not sleep that night but an amazing experience all the same! Visiting Tikal of course was a highlight - very Indiana Jones with large Mayan Temples coming out of the jungle where all sorts of wildlife inhabit, though unfortunately the famed Jaguar eluded us. I climbed 60 metres to the top of Temple 5 which is no easy feat for someone with a fear of heights but what a sense of satisfaction from the top looking over the canopy of the jungle.

In Belize, I went caving from San Agnacio in Actun Tunichil Muknal where we swam for part of the way through the caves of crystal clear water and climbed through crevices to where we discovered a large open cave where sacrifices were once peformed by the Mayans and skeletons are left as they were around 900 AD. It was surprising and nice to note that even archeologists are not permitted to touch the remains. Large pots are as they were and it is such a tingling sensation to be in such a place. One of my favourite highlights was in Caye Caulker, Belize on the Caribbean coast on a sailing cruise where we were dropped off at three locations. I snorkelled alongside a Manatee and remember feeling such an elation unlike any other to see such an amazing creature. I touched Stingrays and snorkelled with Nurse Sharks and was fortunate enough to find a group of three sea turtles. I can quite honestly say this was an experience I will never forget. Drinking rum punch with reggae music playing in the background on the way home just added to the days adventure.

I ended this trip of a lifetime in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico where we visited the ruins of Tulum located on a clifftop of one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Although little is known of the
Mayans, it is easy to see they were an intelligent race. The Mexican riviera although busier than from where we had come, keeps its charm and is so alive at night. Wandering the lanes listening to Mariachi groups you will discover quaint restaurants with fresh seafood and frozen Margharitas. During the day unwind and reminisce on its beautiful beaches.

I faced many challenges on this trip and not a minute was spent without something to do or see. Central America is a place for a rainbow of cultures, varying landscapes, Mayan history and outdoor adventures. It truly is unspoilt, raw and magical!”

An Adventure to remember : Kellie Walker- Senior Consultant House of Travel Parnell - Ask Kellie questions  Contact Kellie • phone 09 355 9092 • email kwalker@hot.co.nz

Kellie's Client on an Amazing African Safari

“Our trip to Africa was just amazing and has left us definitely wanting a return visit in the not too distant future. We managed to do and see so much in the two weeks that we were there, safari in Botswana, Victoria Falls in Zambia and time at the end with friends in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Never being on safari before we had no idea what to expect, game camps, wild life, accommodation - but where to start. With the help of the travel agent we chose the package ‘Wings over Botswana’ which included visiting three game camps in three different areas of Botswana, it did sound exciting.

When we realised that one of the game camps we would be staying at had tents as accommodation ......well now…… that did raise an eyebrow or two. But we were assured that the tents were of a high standard and each had its own ensuite, so we took the plunge and booked. Our travel agent Kellie Walker was right of course, the tents were amazing, luxurious and fun. We got the feel of camping without any of the hassles. Which is my sort of camping.

The other two game camps were different again (no tents) but the accommodations, food, entertainment and of course the star attraction the wild life, was just everything we could have wished for and more. The three game camps were in different areas, we had two nights at each so we saw different wildlife in each area. We were moved between each camp via small plane or open land rover and this was well organised and we felt well looked after.

Wildlife viewing was in an open land rover in one area, a walking safari in another and by canoe in the third. Seeing large herds of elephants, zebra, wilderbeast and impala in the wild was quite breathtaking as too were the lions, hippo, vultures and so many other animals and birds. Finding the big cats like the lions and leopards sometimes took a bit of searching as the guides tracked them down. It was exciting though and one almost felt like game hunting, the difference being the only shots taken were with a camera.

We met some lovely people at the camps all looking for the same adventure as ourselves. Many of them were on a return visit – and I know we will do the same some day in the not too distant future - Carol”

If you would like to experience a safari contact Kellie Walker - Senior Consultant House of Travel Parnell  • phone 09 355 9092 • email kwalker@hot.co.nz