Our African Adventure

Where to start? I guess it was about 18 months ago when I  casually informed Graeme that I was due for long leave in 2011.  As a teacher, at St Stithians College, I am in the fortunate position to get a terms sabbatical (3 months off school and a months school holiday on either end = 5 months leave). Graeme, casually informed me, a few days later, that he thought we should use this time to take a trip into Central Africa. This dream has always been top of his bucket list - personally I would rather be touring Europe, Asia or South America. In saying this, Graeme has taken our family on numerous trips around Southern Africa, from the stark desert mountains of the Richtersveld to the crystal clear waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago, we have loved them all. He has always made our trips adventurous enough to be exciting but we have never felt in any danger.

As a "retired" corporate banker, Graeme gave up corporate life about 4 years ago, never to return. We have, in essence, role reversed, I go off to work every day and he keeps the home fires burning. He does a bit of work on the side line and is always planning our next trip. I think he would make a great travel agent -  whether we are planning a weekend away or a month away - he has the routes, the accommodation, the transport and the places to visit all sorted. 95% of the time he gets it right but we have been in situations where I would rather be in my bed at home with a nice hot shower.

I went along with the idea  -  it was 18 months away -  we have 3 children, 4 dogs, 2 cats, a bearded dragon and a house etc.and besides, it was quite fun living with a 47 year old who was acting like a boy with a new toy.  Being caught up in all the domestic trappings of our lives didn't make 5 months away a viable option.

We leave in 2 weeks time.

My reality is only starting to settle in. Graeme's reality has been months of planning and preparation.

On the domestic side:

• Our two eldest children are living in Cape Town - Gareth (20) is doing the practical component of his chefs course at La Colombe on Constantia Uitsig Wine Farm. He is hoping to join us in June after he graduates.
• Kirsty (18), is studying a BCom at UCT, she is our princess and this not her kind of trip. She has conceded that she will join us for a few weeks of her mid year holiday, if we are "at the beach".
• Robyn (14), our youngest wouldn't miss the trip for anything, just one tiny glitch, she is still at school. We will be taking her for the first month of school holiday, flying her back from Livingstone, to attend "bush school'  (3 weeks of schooling for her Gr 9 year in the bush) and then she will join us for the rest of the trip. The school has been wonderful about her joining us on this trip.
• The animals and our house will be left in the care of our trusted friend Lettie. Lettie has lived and worked with us for the last 20 years. I know they will be good hands, with family and friends popping in on a regular basis.

On the practical side:

• We will be travelling in our Land Rover Discovery - it has been our trusty vehicle on many bush trips, as well as mom's taxi around town.
• On our trips we have a 4x4 trailer, which is packed with camping equipment accumulated over many years. A new addition is a roof top tent for comfort and convenience (I already sleep in an extremely comfortable bed that is very convenient - thanks G).
• Graeme has spent the last few months examining maps, visiting web sites and contacting people around Africa. Although we have a roughly planned route, we are going to take each day as it comes - the best one can do in Africa.