A couple of weeks ago, my blog was devoted to “What’s Next?”

I solicited feedback and ideas from WOWees (and wannabe WOWees) about places under consideration for future WOW! Travel Club adventures. I got a record number of comments, plus emails and other communications from many of you – thanks!

In the 10+ years I’ve been planning, promoting, organizing and leading my WOW! journeys. I’ve learned a few things:

1. Travelers need as much lead time as possible, but some travelers don’t like to commit too far in advance.
2. Not everyone who says they’re interested will ultimately be able, willing or able to attend, once the dates and details are nailed down.
3. You trust us to assemble the best, most wow-worthy, journeys. (for which I thank you!)
4. After all is said and done – given logistics, budgets and a host of other variables – not every destination is viable for an escorted WOW! Travel Club group adventure.

The two destinations which garnered the most interest were Patagonia and South Africa.

First – Patagonia.

I’ve never been to Patagonia, but it’s high on my list. I’ve been researching it for a long time as a prospective WOW destination. What I’ve learned is:

1) it’s a complicated and logistically-challenging destination (it’s BIG, sparsely populated and getting from point to point can take a long time)

“Patagonia” is a VAST piece of geography!

2) There’s so many options to consider: include a cruise component? Argentina vs. Chile – or both? how many days? include the Lakes District and/or Atacama Desert?  Frankly, it makes my head spin!

The famous peaks of Torres del Paine.

For example, the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine are an iconic image of Patagonia. I share this link to an informative article called “Visiting Torres del Paine, four different ways.”

Hence my dilemma about how best to “do” Patagonia. And, I got an email yesterday morning indicating that tourism numbers to Chile for for the first half of 2016 were up 28% over the prior year. And the projection is for more of the same in 2017!  Most likely, that means increased prices, tougher availability and potentially, more complexity with booking a speculative group.

Bottom line, as much as I would wish to “package” Patagonia for an escorted WOW group, I don’t think it’s viable. But, for those of you who are interested, I’d be happy to steer you to a tour operator who can customize a journey to your specifications for your preferred dates. And, if there are a handful of WOWees wishing to travel together, costs for guides and ground transportation can be shared. Just let me know and I’ll help make your Patagonia dreams come true.

Second – South Africa.

Bingo!

For a lot of reasons, this is the destination for which I’ll design a WOW group adventure in the latter part of 2017. Most likely, the itinerary will include the beautiful city of Cape Town, plus a safari component in Kruger National Park and a multi-faceted adventure in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls. We’ll meet the people as well – in the Townships and in the rural villages – to see how they live, love, learn and laugh through their adversity and challenges.

Here are a few descriptions and images to whet your appetite!

Cape Town – overshadowed by the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is a city that literally has it all. Mountains, scenery, beaches, whale watching, shopping and some of the best food and wine you’ll find anywhere. The New York Times has voted Cape Town the number one place in the World to visit. For the adrenalin junkies Cape Town is also renowned as the best place in the world for Great White Shark cage diving. (The latter would be an optional activity for the bravest of the brave!)

Captivating Cape Town

Safari – the word evokes images of elephants and lions, sunsets and the sounds of Africa. You’ll never forget your very first wildlife encounter – ever. In northeastern South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves with a high density of wild animals including the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Hundreds of other mammals make their home here, as do diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks.

Spectacular safari in Kruger National Park

Victoria Falls – More than a mile wide at the point that the mighty Zambezi plunges into the Batoka gorge, they form the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The location is however what really makes The Falls truly unique. Surrounded by National Park, elephant and hippo are regular additions to the scenic wonder of the spray. Activities vary from a relaxed sunset cruise on the river to white water rafting to bungy jumping in no-man’s land between two countries! Victoria Falls richly deserves its Seventh Natural Wonder of the World status.

Variety of activities at Victoria Falls

At the edge of Victoria Falls is the ultimate infinity pool! That’s me – making the “w”! This is one of the most thrilling things I’ve ever done!

“Don’t jump, Marilyn!” (It’s 420 feet – straight dooooooooooooown!)

Almost forgot to mention that South Africa is a fabulous value. Yes, it’s far, far away. And it’s worth it!

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Interested in South Africa??  

Please let me know if you’re a definite maybe, and I’ll be able to tailor the package to suit the preferred dates and interests of the majority. You can send a private email, call me or enter your comments in the box below. Thanks for your input!