Traveling with Topdeck
I was always one of those people that never wanted to do an organised tour and always believed they ripped you off because you can do it cheaper yourself. And in some situations you can but others you can’t, It had been my live long dream to travel to Africa. For years It played on my mind but I never really did anything about it because most of my friends weren’t interested and I didn’t want to go alone. But in 2018 I decided that it was my time to go and go solo… and honestly it was the greatest experience of my life (so far)!
I did a lot of research, looked up multiple tours and messaged a few people on IG. I decided that Topdeck was the right choice for me, I booked the 29 day east African explorer. I decided to go in March/April of 2019 which is in low season because it is meant to be the rainy season but in the whole 5 weeks that I was in Africa it only rained 2 days.
The 29 day east African explorer (https://www.topdeck.travel/tours/africa/east-african-explorer-29-day ) starts in Pretoria, South Africa and finishes in Nairobi, Kenya. I definitely recommend staying in the accommodation that they suggest the night before and after the tour to make it easier, Book the transfer through the hotel in Pretoria from the airport as well but in Nairobi I wouldn’t worry about booking the transfer because it is way cheaper to call an uber or taxi ( I paid $60 for a transfer when a uber only cost $10)
In Africa Top Deck subcontracts out to a company called Acacia ( https://acacia-africa.com ) I didn’t know this until I arrived but honestly they were the best bunch of people I have ever met, they have been doing the tours for years and know the land inside and out, during the duration of the trip I didn’t feel unsafe once and this was my biggest concern before coming to Africa.
TRANSPORT - Traveling with Topdeck you spend most of the time in the overland trucks, you do end up spending a lot of time in these trucks because there is a lot of driving to be done as Africa is such a huge place. During the your time spent in the trucks there is actually a lot to do and if you have a great group like I did there are many games to be played, books to be read and naps if you like napping. Along the way there is plenty of opportunity to buy snacks and I suggest you do. At some points you might have to take a ferry (Zanzibar) and buses but it is very limited, When on safari you are in safari trucks, which are everyones favourite, to try and spot animals.
ACCOMMODATION - There are two options when booking this tour you can stay in hotel rooms/ huts or take the camping option. I decided for the camping option (if you choose to camp you must bring a sleeping bag), Majority of the group I was with were camping with only a small few staying in rooms. If you are solo like I was then you can either have your own tent (if there is some available) or share a tent with someone else, If you do camp then it is your responsibility to set up your tent (which isn’t very hard). There are options available to upgrade at each place you visit and at a few locations it was as small as $6 so of course we did it! But all in all the accommodation was simple but hey its all about the experience right?
FOOD - I was surprised about how great the food was! The tour leader is also your chef along the trip and they are pretty great cooks, there was always enough food for everyone and they dealt with allergies and special requirements very well. Everyone gets involved in with dinner there are duties including preparing, washing and drying.
HIGHLIGHTS
Kruger National Park - First safari of the trip is always the most exciting, Definitely recommend doing the night safari here too!
Matobo NP - One of my favourite places in Africa, it was one of the best days on the trip and getting to walk along side the rhinos was incredible,
Victoria Falls - You will get WET! so be prepared! definitely recommend doing the Sunset cruise at your campsite here,
Zanzibar - Your new favourite tropical paradise, you won’t want to leave! the food markets in Stone town is the best dinner you’ll have, check out Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond you won’t be disappointed,
Maasai Village Walk - Learn about the Maasai culture, their way of live and entertain the kids of the villages.
Serengeti NP & Ngorongoro Crater - The most incredible places on earth, I fell in love with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and you will too. Watching the animals here is truly spectacular and I can’t wait to visit again.
LAST MINUTE TIPS
Definitely pack a sleeping bag (if camping) and a travel pillow (if you don’t want to buy a pillow)
Insect repellent is a MUST
Don’t stress if you haven’t prearranged your visa’s because you can purchase them when travelling through each country
Bring US Dollars
Don’t drink the tap water, buy bottled water
Wear sunscreen (because you can still get burnt in a safari truck that has a roof)
Travelling with Topdeck was such an incredible experience for me, I really loved the tour and I made so many new friends from around the world. I definitely recommend doing a topdeck tour especially in a place like Africa where it is harder to get around, if you are by yourself its a great way to meet new people and honestly you don’t even feel like your going solo!