Our Blog
Southern Africa's Deserts
Planning an expedition- Photo Credits: Romina Facchi
Planning an expedition is not easy, if in addition it is to Africa it is critical to study it in the slightest detail.
In the past few months we have bought the classic paper maps that normally in Europe seem so outdated, but in places without internet access, they become indispensable; moreover they are also very important in the planning of the itineraries, as they give an indication of the type of road and, therefore, help to understand the travel times.
Ready to leave - Photo Credits: Romina Facchi
The suitcases to leave on an expedition must be strictly limited to the indispensable and it is best to bring soft suitcases that you can load more easily on the off-road.
It is also useful to carry a backpack with all the travel material you need, such as the guide, the books, the camera, the documents, and personal belongings.
Planning an expedition - Photo Credits: Romina Facchi
When we travel to Africa and the rest of the world, we usually book our trip by contacting directly the facilities we know and we ask for support from our local partners with whom we have established a relationship.
So, without buying a trip from an Italian travel agency and not relying on an Italian tour operator, we are uncovered from the insurance point of view.
Ready to fly - Photo Credits: Silvano Greco
After months of planning the itineraries and destinations, having dreamt of the wonderful places, after studying travel guides, forums and blogs, we are finally ready to go!
Doha - Photo Credits: Romina Facchi
It's just past midnight and we just landed at Doha International Airport, after about 5½ hours of flight and pampering by the Qatar Airline crew
After passing the inbound controls, we take a round trip in the airport; despite the time the shops are all open and there are many passengers, shortly after we go to the business class lounge called Al Mourjan Lounge.
Johannesburg - Photo Credits: Romina Facchi
Our Qatar Airline flight arrived in perfect time at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg; every time we land in Africa for us it is a very strong emotion, the feeling is to be back home.
We have been away from Johannesburg Airport for a few years, the last time it was when we went to Zambia, while since last time in South Africa it has been a while, many things have happened in the meantime and we are very curious to find out how things have changed, if they have changed.
Dr. Livingstone - Photo Credits: Romina Facchi
Well, well, we bought online a used car from Bushlore, one of Johannesburg's biggest charterers who is changing its car park, but of course we had never seen it before today.
What an emotion! Finally!
We arrive at the car park and our car, a Toyota Hilux accessorized with a canopy made by Alu Cab, is there in the middle of the square with several people around it who are cleaning and arranging it for us; we recognized it from the plate, one of the few things we've seen before, along with some pics.
This morning we got up early, not only because usually in Africa we adjust to the rhythm of the sun but also because this morning we had an appointment at the airport; our friends Anna and Alberto landed today and so we joined them for a coffee.
Even they, like us, are great fans of Africa, but unlike us, they have traveled much in the Sahara desert, Alberto is an expert in desert, cars and motorcycles; we have always been more attracted by the Sub-Saharan Africa with its savannahs, forests and even its deserts.
Shopping - Photo Credits: Romina Facchi
After greeting our friends Anna and Alberto, who left to Botswana, we moved with the help of the offline maps by Google Maps for a very important mission: shopping!
Sure, because in Johannesburg we are certain to find shopping malls with supermarkets that do not make us feel the nostalgia of our Esselunga while along the way we will find only a few shops with little supply and local markets where usually there are only tomatoes, onions, potatoes, the ubiquitous bananas and some seasonal fruit.
Johannesburg - Photo Credits: Romina Facchi
We transited several times from Johannesburg, but we never visited the city; often for us it was simply the airport where we started or ended our trip; but this time, as we stayed here a few days, we decided to visit it.
We did not feel like visiting it alone; one thing is driving on the highways to cross it; another is venturing into the neighborhoods and suburbs of an African megalopolis that we do not know and that has the fame of not being very safe.
We take a guide, advised by the hotel, and start off to discover Joburg.