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Travel and Life Style
From Melbourne to Johannesburg and Beyond…
Embarking on a 21-night adventure through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana was one of the most thrilling and, at times, daunting travel plans I’ve ever undertaken. I’ve always believed that the best journeys require meticulous planning, thoughtful preparation, and a willingness to step far outside your comfort zone and this trip was no exception.
This wasn’t just a holiday; it was a full travel and lifestyle experience, blending long-haul luxury, rugged safari logistics, vibrant cities, and moments that recalibrate how you see the world.
The Big Leap — Melbourne to Johannesburg
Our journey began with a long-haul flight from Melbourne to Johannesburg. Travelling internationally
always involves logistics, visas, vaccinations, and packing multiple wardrobes for vastly different climates.
Johannesburg, though often underrated as a travel destination, was our gateway and access point to nature, culture, and history and our first chance to acclimatise to a very different rhythm of life.
Meticulous Planning — Itineraries, Essentials, and Reality Checks
Planning a trip of this duration across multiple countries, climates, and transport styles requires a detailed mindset. We mapped out an itinerary that took us through:
- Johannesburg (South Africa)
- Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Cape Town (South Africa)
- Stellenbosch Winelands (South Africa)
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
- Chobe Safari Adventures (Botswana)
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing location specific blogs and the highlights from each part of the trip including wildlife encounters, local culture, people we met, and those unforgettable moments that make travel so life-affirming.
The Luggage Reality — Living Within a Strict 20kg Limit
One of the biggest and least glamorous realities of travelling through Southern Africa is navigating the strict luggage limits on internal and regional flights. Many safari operators and light aircraft enforce an uncompromising 20kg limit per person. That said, we quickly discovered that hand luggage wasn’t quite as rigorously scrutinised, which may or may not have resulted in the strategic purchase of a generously sized handbag to accommodate a few “essential” shopping items… LOL.
This immediately changes how you travel.
Suddenly, packing becomes a strategic exercise rather than a wish list. A lesson learnt that hard-shell suitcases are often not permitted, meaning soft duffel bags are essential. Every item must earn its place.
We had to carefully balance:
- Safari clothing for early mornings and warm afternoons
- City outfits for Cape Town and Stellenbosch
- Practical layers for varying climates
- Health essentials, medications, and first-aid items
- Electronics and chargers
There’s no room for excess, no “just in case” pieces. Instead, it forces a more intentional, minimalist travel mindset. In many ways, it’s a powerful lifestyle lesson: less stuff, more experience.
Balancing Excitement with Practical Concerns
While the trip promised once-in-a-lifetime memories, there were also realistic concerns that came with planning a journey across Southern Africa.
Safety and Crime
South Africa’s beauty is vibrant, but it’s important to acknowledge that crime levels are higher than what many of us experience at home. Travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in major cities, around airports, and when travelling after dark.
Simple safety measures such as using trusted airport transfers, avoiding walking alone at night, remaining vigilant around ATMs, and listening to local advice are essential parts of planning.
Health Preparations
Before departure, we consulted our GP about vaccinations and health considerations. While yellow fever vaccination isn’t required for most travellers entering South Africa directly, being up-to-date with routine immunisations (such as tetanus and hepatitis A/B) and discussing anti-malaria precautions is highly recommended.
This was especially relevant for regions like Kruger National Park and Botswana, where malaria exposure is possible. Effective mosquito repellent, long sleeves in the evenings, and an understanding that malaria risk varies by region all formed part of our preparation.
Car Hire and Road Travel
Driving in South Africa felt both exciting and nerve-stretching. An International Driver’s Licence was obtained through RACV in Melbourne. Road conditions vary, and crimes such as car hijacking and opportunistic theft can occur.
This meant planning routes carefully, avoiding driving after dark, keeping nothing visible in the car, and sticking to major highways and trusted navigation tools.
Packing for Diversity — Travel Meets Lifestyle
The sheer diversity of what we needed to pack was astonishing:
- Lightweight layers for warm days
- Rain jackets for brief but heavy downpours
- Safari-appropriate neutral tones for game drives
- Smart-casual outfits for fine dining and city walks
- Sun protection, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, and travel insurance documents
Travelling across different landscapes, climates, and activities pushed us to be prepared, adaptable, and spontaneous all at once.
Stepping Well Outside the Comfort Zone
This trip wasn’t just a holiday, it was a personal challenge that pushed us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Standing at the edge of Victoria Falls, entering no man’s land between borders, or watching a herd of elephants move silently through Botswana changes something in you.
It evokes humility, gratitude, and pure awe.
We faced moments of uncertainty around safety, logistics and health, yet each concern was balanced by anticipation and wonder. Part of the magic of travel lies in preparing wisely, then allowing yourself to be swept away by the experience.
What to Expect Next
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing posts focused on:
- The Journey and Johannesburg — first impressions and getting into safari life
- Kruger National Park — wildlife encounters, safari days, and camp life
- Cape Town — mountains, oceans, and urban vibrancy
- Stellenbosch — wine, food, and scenic beauty
- Victoria Falls — power, spray, and wonder
- Chobe Botswana — safari trails, wildlife rhythms, and reflections
This is only the beginning of our African adventure and I can’t wait to take you along with me.
From Melbourne to Johannesburg and Beyond…
Stay tuned!
- Alex
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