Hey Reader,

Along with the unbelievable wildlife of Africa, I highly recommend exploring as many towns and cities as you can while you're in Africa. Places like Cape Town, Gaborone, and Windhoek are fantastic - great sights, interesting food and nightlife.

But I want to mention some of my favourite small towns around Southern Africa. You can often get a better feel for a place, and have friendlier experiences with people, in the smaller places so don't skip over them.

I'm also going to mention a couple of related articles on the IWIF website, and touch on some travel deals that you can take advantage of this time of year.

I'll also encourage you to hit reply and tell me what's been missing from the latest emails, what you like, and what's coming up in your travel plans! I love hearing from you, and it sounds like there's going to be a lot of adventure for IWIFers in 2025!

ⅼ. Mossel Bay, South Africa
Visiting this pretty little town felt like stepping back in time, but with the comforts of a quaint harbour town. My favourite part was the St. Blaize Trail - the blend of craggy coastlines and sweeping ocean views was like being in an adventure movie.

I love Mossel Bay's unique mix of ancient history at sites like the Pinnacle Point caves, and its modern-day adventures, like the world's longest over-ocean zipline. It's an unforgettable stop on the Garden Route​.

2. Magaliesburg, South Africa
It's all about slowing down and enjoying nature. The canopy tour there is insane - what an incredible way to see the area!

It's a place that made me think of the tranquil English countryside, but with warm South African hospitality. Magaliesburg is the perfect place to take a break from the cities and spend a few days relaxing.

3. uMhlanga, South Africa​
This is an energetic little place, with its beaches and the standout red-and-white lighthouse. Strolling along the beach at sunset is sublime.

uMhlanga is great because it mixes upscale relaxation with busy streets full of shops and food spots. It's the place to be if you're looking to soak up some sun in style.

I love the promenade along the beach, and I always gravitate to lighthouses. What makes uMhlanga a favourite is the blend of luxurious relaxation with trendy shops and restaurants. It's perfect for any beach lover, especially if you're looking for more of a chic getaway.

4. Maun, Botswana​
If you've followed me for a while, you know I love Maun. It sits on the edge of the incredible Okanango Delta, and is perfect for Moremi day trips.

You can take makoro (traditional carved canoe) trips down the Thamalakane River, visit the orphaned elephants, or road trip to see the meerkats at Makgadikgadi Pans.

It's the ideal base for exploring northern Botswana - the Delta, Chobe, Elephant Sands, and even Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Plus, you can find whatever you need to stock up on here, from food to gear.

5. Swakopmund, Namibia​
Swakopmund feels like a piece of Europe, with its German colonial architecture, set against the backdrop of the Namib Desert. You can go sandboarding down huge dunes and then chill by the cold ocean at a seaside restaurant with some apfelstrudel.

Swakopmund is a favourite because it mixes desert fun with ocean fun, and is a great stopover when travelling from Southern Namibia further north.

Each of these towns has its own special charm. They're great if you'd like to get a better feel for Southern Africa, and enjoy a bit of a slower pace for a couple days.

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If you'd like a little - or a lot - of help with your travel plans, keep Kim in mind at Go Explore the World. Click to go to the website, or email Kim directly at ​info@goexploretheworldtravel.com​​ with ​I Want to Go to Africa!​ in the subject line to get in touch. Easy! She'll advise you based on her own experiences in Africa.

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​Where to Stay in Mossel Bay South Africa​ ​ Read Article

​The Best Things to Do in and Around Maun Botswana​ Read Article

PLUS some travel deals for you:

ⅼ. Black Friday is upon us again. This is a great time to stock up on travel gear from online retailers like Amazon and REI, and to book on Priceline, VRBO, and so many others. Before you book ANYTHING, search for BF deals in your favourite search engine.

2. Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024, is Travel Tuesday. If you haven't heard about it, Travel Tuesday is a prime shopping day for travel deals, often offering better savings than Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

It's a great time to score significant discounts on flights and hotels. Mark your calendar to take advantage of special offers that can be exclusively accessed through platforms like Hopper, where you can track and book travel deals.
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That's it for this week. Be sure to hit reply to this or any email if you have questions, comments, or want to share your adventures. I'd love to hear from you!

Happy travels!

Deb

🧳 Book your trip with the companies that I know, use, and trust:​
☑︎ Accommodations - Booking.com for the best selection​
​☑︎ Flights - I love WayAway, and you can get 10% off with this link​
​☑︎ Travel Insurance - I use SafetyWing. Never skip travel insurance!
​☑︎ Tours/experiences - Viator is my favourite​
​☑︎ Car rental - Discover Cars searches international & local rental companies to find what you need

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