Thesolowanderer

Most people don't ever consider Gauteng as a travel destination. We mostly imagine awesome townships with rich heritage and South African history. We think of Sandton, the richest square mile in Africa. We are all thibkubg about the bumper to bumper traffic. We are all here for economic opportunities. If I ever need a holiday, self omw one even imagines Gauteng as a travel destination. Just recently got to spend time in the Vaal Triangle. Today I don't want to discuss the history or heritage of this place. I just need us to discuss the water sports. Only water sports. This will also be helpful for those of us who arent brave enough for adventure sport but never have the courage to do it. You know I am here for you. Obviously due to the rains we are currently experiencing the Vaal river is currently dirty but that has never stopped anyone from having fun.. Accommodation along the river is always available and caters for everyone. You will find private lodges, ...

This plant moonlights as a toothbrush as well. This is a common sight in downtown Nairobi first thing in the morning I have just realized that I do not have anything that advises on transport from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. Of course you know you can fly into the Mara, but what happens when you cannot afford to fly there and you'd still like to visit the Maasai Mara. Let me tell you how to get to Sekenani. Sharing ,mini-bus loaded. Fro m down town Nairobi you will get a sharing mini bus to Narok. Now this is a beautiful drive. The landscape absolutely breathtaking. This is after all the Rift Valley. Or maybe you are not a morning person so you will sleep the whole way. Wake up a few seconds to see that no stranger has stolen you yet. I was in down town Nairobi at 5am. Depending on the quality of the mini bus and the driver - I'd think the driver's age determine his love for speed if not it will take between 3 - 4 hours. Its actually a 2 hour drive. The...

Tshatshingo potholes are in Northern South Africa. The water comes in from the Tshi rocks River. Possibly the scariest natural water feature I have encountered. This giant hole has no trace of life in it. Nobody knows were the water goes when it falls into the giant pot. The are a few rock pools before the giant pothole. The water is very clear when it is not rainy season. And you also have the opportunity to cliff jump if you are brave enough. People have accidentally fell in and unfortunately bodies are never retrieved. Even divers don't like this place. Travel to Makwarani village soon in Vhembe and visit the Tshatshingo potholes. Make sure to bring your swimming gear and a picnic basket. The weekends are when the places comes to live as music revelers come out to picnic in the shades and have a pool in the rock pools. During the week you will find local villagers doing their laundry in the river. x0x0 #TheSoloWanderer

I'm quiet fluent in all South African languages except Tsonga. And the worst thing about this is that one of my best friends is Tsonga but she's such a terrible friend that she hasn't taught me the language.  Then I had to visit Giyani at the African Ivory Route Bileni Camp for a few days. On this morning, we only had one activity on the itinerary and that was to visit the Mkhulu Hotspring. The hot spring water is 42°C at source and has been recorded over a few decades at this temparature.  The owner and custodian of the hot spring in Nzunzu. Nzunzu is a snake, and is believed to have horns and hair. And because I hate snakes the moment I was told this, I had no desire to visit the hot spring. There are a few rules to follow when you visit the spring. In no order of importance : 1. You must not have had sex in the past 2 days when you visit the hot spring.  2. You cannot walk into the spring in a single file, you have to walk imitating movements of...

I have been receiving a lot of questions regarding backpacking Cape to Cairo. I do appreciate all the messages from everyone who tells me how I have inspired them to travel the continent. I know now more than ever that my journey was not in vain, I have achieved my goal. My goal was to get Africans travelling Africa and even if one person gets out of their comfort zone and ditch the negativity that we are constantly fed about this continent then I have achieved that goal. Above, is a map of the world. This map shows the 91 countries that a South African traveling on a South african passport can enter without needing a visa. A bit disappointing to learn that you are better off just heading to South America right?! Most of the questions I receive are obviously from people interested in long term travel. I will call it long term travel because it's between 3 to 6 months and going through numerous countries. I have always said the importance of visiting your high commissioner...

Thursday, 29 November I drove to Mapungubwe National park in Limpopo to attend the media briefing of the Mapungubwe Arts Festival hosted by the Limpopo department of Sports, Arts and Culture. This year the event will be held in at the city of Polokwane from the 4 th - 12 th December 2015. The festival is aimed at promoting social cohesion and nation building by showcasing the cultural diversity of the nation. The Festival will open on the 4 th of December with a street cultural carnivalthrough the streets of Polokwane and the carnival will end at the Jack Botes Park with performances fom up and coming artists from South Africa and also Zimbabwe. There will also be the Mapungubwe craft market which will run from the 4 th – 11 th also at Jack Botes Park showcasing the best of Limpopo arts and crafts artists. On the 5 th December, festival goers will be blown away with a Gospel festival happening at the Polokwane cricket grounds featuring artists like Joyous Celebratio...

I always tell people how I am a traveler and not a tourist. Contrary to popular belief there is a huge difference between the two. Also, beyond the traveler and tourist, we also have the excursionist. Tourist: Tourists are generally governed by time. Tourists go on holiday to get away from their lives, to go “rest” and get away from daily stresses. Tourists are the people who go away and after their short holiday they usually come back feeling tired because they tried to cram everything in the short time they had. They want to discover and rest at the same time – can someone say “Mission Impossible”?!?! a tourist will have their whole itinerary planned out by the time they leave home. They have an idea of what they will be doing, when, at that time, where and how. Everything is planned to the last detail. Traveler: The traveler on the other hand is never in a rush. A traveler understands this is their lifestyle. They have a bit more time, they have a list of what needs to b...

Situated by the Indian Ocean, this is Tanzania’s busiest city and former capital. The name, that translates to Bandari ya Salama (Harbour of Peace), was given to it by Arab merchants in the 1800s. Come to think of it, the name is actually very fitting. With the ocean on one of its border, this is a very nice place to be if you are in search of the perfect wave and all the seafood you can imagine. The sunsets and sunrises that you can experience in the city are unbelievable, they are truly peaceful and beautiful. Sunsets at Mbudya in Dar es Salaam Now not to give the impression that Apart from the beach nothing else happens. On the contrary, with more than 4 Million residents, Dar (that’s what most residence call it) is a very busy city. With something for everyone, it is a place where no one can get bored. Tanzanian Shillings (Tshs) are the country’s currency though you can use dollars in some hotels, shops and restaurants. Also it is quite easy to change your dollars to tshs, a...

As today is Thursday, I thought today would be perfect for a throw back photo post on my time in Egypt. As I drove into Egypt from Sudan, this is the sunset over the Nubian Lake as it’s known in Sudan or Lake Nasser as it’s known in Egypt. The lake is created by the Aswan high dam as a result of construction across the water of the Nile. This is the River Nile from the new Aswan High Dam. This Lotus flower monument at the Aswan Dam was built by the Russians to symbolize the relationship between Egypt and Russia. You are able to climb the monument to the top and get great view of the Nile and the Nubian Lake. A craft stall in the Nubian village where you are able to shop. The Streets in a Nubian Village. This one Nubian house is a tourist attraction on its own. They have real Nile crocodiles that they keep as pets and when they grow up to 3m they get returned to the dam and they get more smaller ones. They are caged and they are not tried ...

Since growing up in Johannesburg I have accepted the fact that I have grown out of touch with the city and have taken it upon myself to find the beauty in the city. I have dug deep in my spirit to find what inspires me to travel the continent to help me find the beauty in the city of Joburg so that I can fall in love with the city again. This past weekend was my birthday and I spent most of it stuck to my laptop and every moment I got to get away, I wanted to do something I hadn’t done before and since my friends were out of town or just not available for me I decided to take Friday on alone and do something different. I am not excited about going clubbing and coming home with ringing ears or nursing a hangover the whole day the day after a night out. Although I don’t frown upon it, it is just not for me. So I have started doing things that I like, that get me out of the house and I can actually have fun doing by myself or with friends. With my old age I have learned that I ...

The entrance of Mashovhela Lodge, right on the N1 north. One of my perfect winter destinations is definitely Limpopo province. As much as it does get cold in the early mornings and late evenings, the afternoons are warm enough for shorts and a vest. Because Limpopo is also home, I always visit going to my grandmother. But this time I decided to visit the Limpopo province as a tourist. To rediscover the province and find things for you guys to do and where to hide. I started off my 3 day winter get away at the Mashovhela lodge in Makhado, previously known as Louis Trichardt. I had heard great things about this lodge and how it is just so beautiful but I had no expectations just in case I get disappointed. This was another one of my solo wanderings. Mashovhela Lodge Mashovhela lodge is nestled beautifully in a nature reserve. The drive into the lodge, I was welcomed mostly by monkeys. You will drive 5km on gravel road but it is not a bad road so your small car wi...