Southern Africa is Calling...Now What? Finding a Travel Agent

Southern Africa.  Five weeks and counting.  Things are starting to fall into place. Had the most pleasant conversation with the different Consulates today and got a little travel advice too. People are so helpful when you just call and ask.

I think what I am going to enjoy more than anything, is being unplugged.  Little internet or cell phone service. No laptop.  Just a girl on an adventure full of love, life, peace and culture.
I am a little nervous, but in a good way.  Everyone I've spoken to about the trip has said, "This trip will be good for you." and "Africa changes you." Not sure what any of that is supposed to mean.  All I do know is that for me, turning 40 in the middle of the African Savannah is far better than some drunk party weekend.

Besides, each adventure is about the experience and the people, isn't it? Oh, and the food.  Always, the food. I hear this trip will be very protein rich with lots of wild game BBQ.

The only scary part really will be driving on the left.  I am absolutely horrible at it.  I made a flash card to tape on the dash to remind me to "Look Right!"

Oh, and not having a manicure or pedicure for six weeks. The horror!

Seriously though, I couldn't in good conscience NOT volunteer. It's Africa and anyone with a chance to go should help.  One person can make a difference, and giving your time is the best gift you can give.  That and some soccer balls wedged in my luggage.

I will say, it was hard to find a volunteer travel specialist that focused on more than travelers 18-25.  I lucked out with Enkosini Eco Experience.  Kelcey Grimm, the founder, was so patient with me, and helped me find the right opportunity - Naanuske Foundation in Namibia.

Then there's the Safari. A fancy name for road trip and/or fly-in.  If there's one thing I have learned about agents. If you use one, take the time to find a local travel specialist in country. 

1. You won't pay the insane, tagged on service fee for the agent at home to essentially contract with an in-country agent of their choosing anyway.
2. You are able to choose the agent that best fits you, and many tourism bureau websites make this easy.
3. A good in-country agent is excited that you have chosen their country. They are genuinely interested in making sure you enjoy all their country has to offer.
4. It's their home. So, they have the best tips and first-hand knowledge.  This is great when you are looking for a more off-the-beaten path experience.
5. They can answer all your questions about their country, and typically offer 24-hour assistance -- in the right time zone.

For this trip, I started by browsing the Namibia Tourism Bureau's website, which is very well organized and full of information.  Then I spoke with several companies and decided on Namibia Tours and Safaris. 

In a word: Impressed. The three most important qualities I think a travel specialist has to have: creativity, patience, and flexibility. They have put up with my many questions and made tons of suggestions. The end product: create a self-drive road trip route, including car rental and border crossing permits, accommodations, charter flights, and tons of suggestions for things to do along the way.

Now, I just have to remember: look right, the elephant has the right of way, and if you see a gas station top up. Travel - Eat, Play, Do.