Dear Ageless Traveler,

I am in the midst of my South African travels and inspired to give you the know-how and inspiration to visit Africa. I found seeing my first “Big Five” (leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, lion, and buffalo) grounding, calming, and adventurous. To be face-to-face with an elephant, lioness, or wildebeest helped confirm my belief in the oneness of the universe.

On this week’s podcast, I interview the founders of Vambua Africa. Hear how they plan trips throughout the African Continent for travelers of all ages and abilities. I ask probing questions to take you from novice to knowledgeable about African travel.

Here is more about Africa that you will discover in this week’s newsletter sections:

Ask Adriane: Take a unique 4 Question Quiz to point you to the Safari that best suits your needs.

News You Can Use: Discover my tip for an easy and affordable way to take the long flight to Africa..

Luxury Travel for Less: Consider staying at Sanctuary Mandela Resort, Johannesburg, and a private game ranch, Kwalata. Both offer great bargains and genuine luxury accommodations.

Culture Vulture: Let’s visit Soweto and take a Lebos Tuk Tuk tour. Be inspired by those who faced up to Apartheid and destroyed the system. Share smiles and high-fives with charming schoolchildren. Eat unique village barbecue meats like heart, liver, and lung…if you dare.

In future newsletters I will cover Voluntouring trips in South Africa with Hero’s Holidays. So, if African travel interests you, please join our free Facebook salon or write to me directly at adrianegberg@gmail and get on our list to receive suggested itineraries for a trip of a lifetime. .

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This Week’s Highlights

On Our Podcast Join Adriane as she delves into the wonders of Africa.

With Claire Minchin and Keith Johnston, the founders of Vambua Africa, the very first Ageless Tourism Recognition Winners, discover personalized and accessible travel experiences that cater to older travelers and multi-ability families. Explore diverse destinations like South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia, and learn about ethical tourism, conservation efforts, and authentic cultural interactions. From luxury lodges to walking safaris, this episode offers insights into crafting the perfect tailor-made African adventure. Embrace the essence of ageless travel by never stopping your exploration of this magnificent Continent.

It may surprise you that Johannesburg has jazz clubs, as does Soweto. Yes, the general press scares you from taking your evening into your own hands when in South Africa. But it’s no more dangerous than any other big city at night for culture vultures like us. The Artistry restaurant and music venue in Sandton gave me a chance to meet new people and enjoy an intergenerational vibe.

Theatres and museums abound. I favor the Nelson Mandela Center for Memory for history, which also covers Nelson Mandela’s life and achievements.

But that’s not all. Joburg is an art lover’s heaven. There are several art districts. I visited Maboneng Precinct, which has street art, galleries, in a funky neighborhood. Check out the art walking tours and the jazz buffet restaurants. Other art areas include Braamfontein and Newtown. I strongly recommend taking a tour with Get Your Guide or Viatour. If you would rather go on your own, I suggest reading an excellent article on all the art areas to acquaint yourself with the possibilities, Why Johannesburg is Africa’s Art Hub: A Guide to the Best Historic Galleries & Street Art.

And yes, I bought two sketches by the artist IAN, which were done in 2024. The total price was $25.

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Luxury Travel for Less

Because the Rand is so competitive against the dollar, pound, and Euro right now, you can do anything in South Africa “on the cheap”. Spectacular dinners and stand-out accommodations abound at very low prices. Now is the time to go.

For example, the Mandela Sanctuary is an iconic venue in Johannesburg, as the house of Nelson Mandela. Every room is dedicated to a different aspect of his life, as are the amazing paintings and photographs. As a hotel, it excels in 5-star service and a magnificent dinner menu at a fraction of the cost of a Michelin restaurant. We had four courses: steak and fish mains, amuse-bouche, fine wine, and a glorious dessert for under $80.

I discovered that Sanctuary Mandela pricing can be variable. At first, it clocked in at a neat $500 per night. I waited a few days and scored two nights with breakfast for under $250 each night. Use this link for the best prices and to support The Ageless Traveler.

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Kwalata Game Lodge: You have read my Ask Adriane mention about the private game reserves. I have a unique choice for you. Kwalata Game Lodge features beautiful, large rooms, an indoor and private outdoor shower, a well-appointed bar and restaurant, a private Boma (a barbecue for your family gathering), and even a chapel and wedding hall. Yet, it feels intimate and back to nature.