Wild Junket

Staying at Mhondoro Safari Lodge, South Africa

Nellie Huang — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:41:44 +0000

Last Updated on April 17, 2026

If you’re planning to travel South Africa with kids, make sure to book a stay at Mhondoro, an outstanding family-friendly lodge in the malaria-free Welgevonden reserve.

The engine of our open-top Land Cruiser stops, leaving nothing but the sound of the wind moving through the dry grass. The late afternoon sun is just beginning to set, splashing the bush with golden rays. Our guide points silently toward the shadow of a shepherd’s tree. There, perched on a rock, sits a cheetah.

After a few long minutes, the slender cat rises. It stretches its long, spotted spine, and begins to saunter across the dirt track. It moves with liquid grace, passing mere feet from our front bumper. I look over at my daughter, Kaleya; her hands are clasped over her mouth, her eyes wide, holding her breath until the cat disappears into the thicket.

This heart-pounding moment is exactly why we are here. For Kaleya’s birthday every year, I have a rule: no extravagant presents. Instead, I take her on a birthday trip. We have celebrated her birthday in places like Indonesia, Morocco, Peru, Ecuador and Mexico. This year, we decided to celebrate in the deep bush of South Africa, staying in a special safari lodge that would be an experience on its own.

Wildlife Conservation at Its Best

We’re in the heart of Welgevonden Game Reserve, a staggering expanse of protected wilderness just a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg. It’s home to the Big Five, in a malaria-free zone, making it perfect for a family safari. What makes this reserve extra special is their outstanding anti-poachers efforts that have helped bring rhinos back from the brink of extinction. Today, it’s one of the few places in Africa with a healthy rhino population.

The reserve is open to only guests who stay in the lodges here and self-driving is not allowed. Strict rules and limits on vehicle numbers mean that when you find an animal, you often have the quiet privilege of observing it entirely alone. That makes any wildlife encounter you have in the reserve genuine and intimate, unlike some of the sprawling national parks where a single lion sighting can cause a massive traffic jam.

Our guide, Zaan, tells us Welgevonden Game Reserve has more rhinos than the whole country of Botswana (!!) – the direct result of effective anti-poaching efforts and heavily armed rangers who constantly patrol the reserve’s borders. During our stay at Welgevonden, we spotted more rhinos than any other animals and even saw a black rhino, which was a rare sight even for Zaan who has more than 10 years of experience working as a wildlife guide. The extremely shy and elusive black rhino is a critically endangered species – and there are only 6300 of them in the wild!

Photo by Kristen Harrison

The Famous Pool Ellies

There are roughly 65 different lodges scattered across Welgevonden, but Mhondoro Safari Lodge is arguably the most famous of them all. It has long gained fame for two unique features: its saline pool and its underground hide. The lodge’s main swimming pool is filled with salty water, which often draws wild elephants. These “pool ellies” are known to wander right up to the lodge deck and drink straight from the swimming pool while guests lounge just feet away.

Sadly we didn’t get to see them come up to drink as we visited during the rainy season. But we managed to take a dip in the slightly heated pool, and watch warthog families grazing in front of us and a dazzle of zebras drinking from the watering hole.

Beneath the watering hole runs a 65-meter reinforced concrete tunnel that leads to a subterranean photography hide. With windows positioned right at the water level of the adjacent watering hole, you can sit underground and look directly up at the zebras and kudus that often come here for a drink. It is an extraordinary, eye-level perspective that you simply cannot get from the height of a safari jeep.

Photo by Nicole Mathesie

Rising from the Ashes

Owned by a passionate Dutch couple who fell in love with the African bush, Mhondoro has a dramatic history. In 2014, a devastating fire swept through the area and completely burned the original lodge to the ground.

Instead of walking away, the owners poured their heart, soul, and considerable vision into rebuilding the property from the ashes. What stands today is an architectural masterpiece that blends modern safari design with rugged, earthy textures. The lodge is incredibly intimate, accommodating a maximum of just 28 guests at a time.

For big families, Mhondoro offers a sprawling private villa that comes fully staffed with a private butler, an executive chef, and a dedicated ranger and vehicle. For our small family of three, the newly renovated family suite was perfect, and it absolutely blew our expectations out of the water.

Dark Aesthetics and Bush Views

The Annex is a masterclass in modern safari design. Stepping through the heavy wooden doors, we were greeted by a massive, light-filled living area that effortlessly connects two sprawling bedrooms. The interior design features sleek modern leather furnishings, rich textiles, and tasteful designs.

My absolute favorite feature was the master bathroom. Our giant, impossibly comfortable four-poster bed had quality beddings, soft leather cushions and a beautiful mosquito net. The designers utilized a bold, all-black interior that feels incredibly moody and sophisticated – even the deep, freestanding soaking tub was a beautiful shade of black.

Outside, a massive wooden deck stretches the length of the suite, offering a partial view of the watering hole. We even had our own private plunge pool with heated water. During the day, Kaleya would be splashing around in the pool with Alberto, while I sat on the edge of the water, binoculars in hand, watching birds dart through the canopy while the distant sounds of the bush echoed up the valley.

A Safari for Families

What we loved most about Mhondoro was just how unapologetically family-friendly the lodge is. Finding a high-end luxury safari that genuinely welcomes children can be a challenge — many have strict age limits or feel far too stuffy — but Mhondoro treats its younger guests like absolute VIPs.

Tucked away in the basement is a dedicated kids’ room equipped with a foosball table, video games, and a play structure to burn off energy between game drives. When we adults want to simply lounge by the pool with a glass of South African wine, Kaleya usually hangs out in the kids’ room.

Smaller kids can choose from a whole host of guided activities, from messy, hands-on pizza making with the chefs to canvas painting out on the open deck. A thoughtful kids’ menu is also provided at every single meal, ensuring kids are just as pampered as the adults.

Farm-to-Table Feasts

With a farm-to-table philosophy, the restaurant at Mhondoro is nothing short of spectacular. The lodge actually operates its own farm outside the reserve, meaning the crisp salads, vibrant roasted vegetables, and fresh herbs on our plates were harvested just hours before hitting the table.

The absolute highlight of the trip happened on Kaleya’s actual birthday. As the sun set, the staff guided us out to the boma — a traditional, open-air wooden enclosure lit by dozens of flickering lanterns and a massive, roaring campfire in the center. We sat under a canopy of southern stars as the chefs prepared a traditional South African braai right over the coals.

We feasted on tender, smoky grilled kudu meat, paired perfectly with the farm-fresh sides. As we finished our meal, beautiful singing voices filled the night air. The lodge staff marched out from the kitchen, clapping and singing traditional Xhosa songs, carrying a beautifully decorated birthday cake straight to Kaleya. Watching the firelight dance across her huge, glowing smile, I knew without a doubt that no physical gift could ever compete with the magic of this moment.

Experience South Africa’ Magic in Welgevonden

Mhondoro Safari Lodge is already a legendary name in the South African bush, and it’s easy to see how it has earned that reputation. If you are planning a safari trip to South Africa with kids, you have to stay at this stunning safari lodge in the malaria-free, rhino-filled hills of the Welgevonden Game Reserve. Just be warned: once you sink into the poolside lounge and watch elephants drinking from the pool, you may find it incredibly difficult to leave.

Practical Information: How to Get There

Where is it?

Mhondoro Safari Lodge is located deep inside the Welgevonden Game Reserve in the beautiful Waterberg District of South Africa’s Limpopo province. A huge bonus for families: the entire reserve is completely malaria-free. It is located roughly a 3-hour drive north of Johannesburg.

Getting There

I highly recommend renting a car from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. The drive is an easy and straightforward journey on well-maintained highways. Once you reach the Welgevonden Main Gate, you will securely park your rental car, and a ranger from Mhondoro will pick you up in an open-air 4×4 for the final transfer to the lodge (private vehicles are strictly prohibited inside the reserve). Alternatively, the lodge can arrange a private road transfer or even a quick charter flight directly to the reserve’s airstrip. Search for car rentals in Johannesburg here!

Best Time to Visit

A safari in South Africa is spectacular year-round, but your experience will depend heavily on the seasons. For the absolute best game viewing — and the highest chance of seeing the famous elephants drinking from the lodge’s saline pool — visit during the dry winter months (May to September) when the bush is sparse and animals congregate around water sources. If you prefer lush, emerald-green landscapes, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, visit during the summer rainy season (November to March).

Who is it for?

Because it is a malaria-free reserve and boasts incredible kid-friendly amenities, Mhondoro is an excellent safari destination for families. However, its sophisticated design and privacy make it equally perfect for couples seeking a romantic wilderness retreat, wildlife lovers wanting Big Five sightings without the national park traffic jams, and avid photographers eager to take advantage of the unique underground hide.

Book your stay here

Mhondoro Safari Lodge Map

Here’s a map showing how to get from Johannesburg to Welgevonden Game Reserve. Click to view it on Google Maps.

My Epic 1-Week Tanzania Safari Itinerary – Traveling the Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Nellie Huang — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:57:22 +0000

Last Updated on April 17, 2026

I’ve traveled to 27 countries in Africa and Tanzania remains my favorite safari destination. If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, here’s my detailed 1-week Tanzania itinerary from a recent trip!

Some places you visit, the others you carry with you. For me, Tanzania is one of those places that will always have a place in my heart. 16 years ago, Alberto and I spent three months volunteering in a village in Tanzania — an experience that changed us forever. The fierce warmth, the laughter of the children, and the memories of working with the local community are something that I still hold on to today.

Recently, I had the chance to finally return with my closest friends. It was such a special experience showing them one of my favorite places on Earth. Beyond the incredible people, Tanzania is truly unrivaled in its natural beauty: the country’s Northern Circuit is home to the legendary Big Five and the Great Migration, while the Ngorongoro Crater boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. A safari here is easily one of the world’s greatest adventures, and an absolute must if you are a wildlife lover.

In this article, I’m sharing the exact itinerary from my recent trip back to Tanzania, packing the absolute best of the Northern Circuit into one unforgettable week with friends. We got incredibly lucky — we dodged the worst of the rainy season, traveled with an exceptional guide, and experienced mind-blowing wildlife sightings. Here is how we did it.

My Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Guide

Choosing the Right Safari Operator

I wanted this experience to be truly epic for my friends, and after extensive research, we chose to travel with local tour operator Serengeti Wakanda Tours. They delivered in every sense of the word. The owner, Bartho, designed a custom itinerary for us that perfectly matched our desires, arranging superb accommodation and an excellent private guide.

We have our guide, Felix, to thank for how well the trip went. It was clear from the start that he has years of experience as a wildlife guide. He’s kind, professional, and engaging – always happy to share his valuable knowledge with us. His eagle eyes could spot a leopard lounging in a tree and a white rhino grazing from miles away. He was also always communicating with other guides in the area via radio, to make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible.

Each day, we spent long hours on the land cruiser that became our home of sorts. It came fully equipped with a cooler (where we could help ourselves to wine and beer), plugs to charge our phones and even WiFi. All the accommodations that Bartho booked us in were fantastic – particularly Lala Salama Luxury Camp, Serengeti Wakanda’s very own camp. Overlooking the lush green hills in the heart of central Serengeti, the camp was every bit how you’d imagine an eco-friendly and exclusive lodge to be.

Best Time for a Tanzania Safari

The great thing about Tanzania is that it’s a fantastic year-round safari destination. While the dry season (June to October) is considered the best time to go, as the thinner vegetation and shrinking water sources makes it easier to spot animals.

However, we traveled in early March, during the rainy season (March to May), and while some of the roads got pretty muddy, the savanna was lush, green, and vibrant. There were far fewer vehicles around, which meant our wildlife encounters felt more intimate and exclusive. The whole landscape truly came alive.

Ultimately, the best time to go depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

For the Great Migration River Crossings: The timing is crucial. To witness the dramatic river crossings in the Northern Serengeti, you should aim to travel between July and September.
For Baby Animals (Calving Season): From January to February, the Southern Serengeti becomes a massive nursery. This is an incredible time to see thousands of wildebeest giving birth and to witness the resulting predator action.
For Fewer Crowds & Lush Landscapes: Don’t be afraid of the rainy season! Traveling between November and May (avoiding the heaviest rains in April) can reward you with stunning green scenery, lower prices, and a more private safari experience.

How Long Do You Need for a Tanzania Safari?

I strongly recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Tanzania, but if you’re tight on time, then 1 week is good enough to experience the Northern Circuit. Driving distances are long in the vast national parks, and you want to allow for unhurried game drives where you can patiently wait for a leopard to descend from a tree or watch a lion pride interact.

For those with more time, I suggest adding a week in Zanzibar at the end of your safari. Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful islands in the world in my opinion. Imagine swapping the dusty savanna for powdery white sands that meet the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Its magic extends beyond the coastline into the ancient, spice-scented alleyways of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our 1-Week Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Arusha

Your journey begins as you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). After clearing customs, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Arusha, the bustling safari capital of Tanzania.

Depending on your arrival time, spend the day resting after your long flight or take a gentle stroll to explore the town. You can visit the lively central market to get a feel for local life, browse the craft shops for souvenirs, or visit the Tanzanite Experience Museum to learn about the rare blue gemstone found only in Tanzania. Enjoy a relaxed dinner and get a good night’s sleep, ready for your safari adventure to begin tomorrow.

Where to Stay in Arusha

Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa – A beautiful resort set in lush gardens, offering a tranquil oasis with a lovely pool and excellent dining options. Check rates here.
Mid-range: Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa – A stylish and comfortable hotel with beautifully decorated rooms and a fantastic restaurant, offering great value. Check rates here.
Budget: Green Mountain Hotel – A clean, friendly, and well-located hotel offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop restaurant with views of the city. Check rates here.

Day 2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park (~120 km | ~2.5 hours driving)

After breakfast, your safari adventure officially begins! You’ll head out of Arusha and drive southwest to Tarangire National Park. Known as the “Land of Giants,” Tarangire is famous for two things: its massive herds of elephants and its ancient, majestic baobab trees that dominate the landscape.

You’ll spend the full day on a game drive through the park. The sheer number of elephants is breathtaking, and it’s incredible to watch family herds interact, play, and drink from the Tarangire River. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 550 species recorded. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, giraffes, zebras, and impalas. In the late afternoon, you’ll exit the park and drive to the nearby town of Karatu for the night.

Where to Stay in Karatu

Luxury: Acacia Farm Lodge – We stayed at this stunning lodge set on a working coffee farm, offering luxurious cottages, a beautiful pool, and gourmet farm-to-table dining. Check rates here.
Mid-range: Eileen’s Trees Inn – A popular and charming lodge with a lovely garden setting, offering comfortable rooms and a lively, friendly atmosphere. Check rates here.
Budget: Jambo Rooms – A simple, clean, and welcoming guesthouse offering great value for a comfortable night’s rest. Check rates here.

Day 3: Karatu → Serengeti National Park (~145 km | ~3 hours driving)

Today you’ll embark on a proper journey into the legendary Serengeti National Park. The name itself evokes images of endless plains teeming with wildlife, and the reality does not disappoint. The drive takes you up through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands before descending onto the vast, open plains of the Serengeti.

As soon as you enter the park, your game drive begins. The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, and we were lucky enough to witness it — with thousands of zebras and wildebeest stretching as far as the eye could see. The park is also home to an incredible density of predators. We saw numerous lions, warthogs, elephants, and even spotted the elusive leopard lounging in a sausage tree. You’ll arrive at your camp in the late afternoon, just in time for sunset drinks overlooking the savanna.

Where to Stay in the Serengeti

Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti – Offers unparalleled luxury with a stunning infinity pool overlooking a waterhole frequented by elephants. Check rates here.
Mid-range: Lala Salama Luxury Camp – We stayed at this wonderful semi-permanent tented camp, which offered comfortable beds, an ensuite bathroom, and the incredible experience of hearing lions roar at night. Check rates here.
Budget: Seronera Campsites – For the truly adventurous, camping in the heart of the Serengeti offers an immersive and affordable experience. Check rates here.

Day 4: A Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti

Today starts with a pre-dawn wake-up call at 4 am for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience: a hot air balloon safari. I flew with Serengeti Balloon Safaris, the pioneers of ballooning in Tanzania, and their professionalism was outstanding. Safety was truly their priority; having flown in hot air balloons all over the world, this was the first time I had ever seen proper seats and seatbelts inside the basket, which was incredibly reassuring.

Lifting off in the quiet dawn as the sun rises over the plains is a moment of pure magic. From your bird’s-eye view, you can see the sheer scale of the landscape and spot wildlife from a unique perspective. After a serene flight, you’ll land on the plains for a celebratory champagne breakfast in the bush. The rest of the day is spent on another incredible game drive, exploring different areas of the vast park before returning to camp in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area (~145 km | ~3 hours driving)

After a final morning game drive and saying goodbye to the warm staff at Lala Salama, you’ll start your journey back towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It’s important to note that this is a conservation area, not a national park. This special status means that the indigenous Maasai people are allowed to live here alongside the wildlife, continuing their traditional pastoralist lifestyle.

On the way, we visited a Maasai village, which was a fascinating cultural experience. We were welcomed with traditional song and dance and invited inside their mud-and-dung homes to learn about their way of life and see the village school. In the late afternoon, we checked into the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. Perched directly on the rim of the crater, the views from this hotel are absolutely breathtaking. The evening was spent enjoying a delicious five-course dinner accompanied by live music and traditional entertainment.

Where to Stay on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge – We stayed here for its unbeatable location, with every room offering a private balcony with a direct, stunning view into the crater. Check rates here.
Mid-range: Rhino Lodge – Offers a more rustic and cozy atmosphere with simple, comfortable rooms and a great location just minutes from the crater descent road. Check rates here.
Budget: Simba Campsite (Public) – A basic campsite located right on the crater rim, offering an affordable way to wake up with one of the best views in Africa. Check rates here.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha (~190 km | ~3.5 hours driving)

Wake before sunrise for the main event: descending to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. This is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, and its floor forms a natural enclosure, creating one of the most densely populated wildlife areas on the planet. It is truly the Garden of Eden.

The game viewing starts the second you reach the crater floor. We were immediately surrounded by huge groups of zebras, so close we could almost touch them as they grazed peacefully beside our vehicle. We saw pink flamingos wading in the soda lake, elegant crowned cranes, and multiple prides of lions.

There were even two lions lazing right next to our Land Cruiser, completely unbothered by our presence. After an unforgettable morning of wildlife viewing, you’ll ascend the crater walls and begin the drive back to Arusha for your final night.

Day 7: Departure from Arusha

Enjoy a final, leisurely Tanzanian breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Your guide will then transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home, with a heart full of safari memories that will last a lifetime.

Search for flights here.

What to Pack for Safari (My Tried-and-Tested Safari Packing List)

Nellie Huang — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:10:08 +0000

Last Updated on April 17, 2026

If this is your first time on safari, packing can be a daunting task. Here’s a detailed safari packing list.

I’m a firm believer in ‘less is more’. The less you pack, the more convenient it will be to move around and the happier you’ll be. We almost always travel with carry-on only (even when traveling for 2-3 months). It not only saves us time but also the pain of lugging around suitcases and the risk of losing our stuff.

Since moving to Cape Town last year, we’ve been doing lots of road trips around South Africa and going on safari during the weekends. My daughter has become a wildlife enthusiast and we have turned into safari experts of sorts. Besides South Africa, we’ve also been on safari in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana.

We’ve packed for safari in different climates and always managed to travel carry-on only. To help you pack for your safari, I’ve put together an African safari packing list and sharing our favorite gear and gadgets with you.

What to Pack for Safari

Where Are You Going on Safari?

While your packing list will not vary too much on your travel dates, it’s important to know which season you’re visiting get a better idea of the weather there.

For southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland), June to September is the best time to visit. During this period, there is less vegetation and animals are more concentrated around rivers and waterholes, making it easier to spot them. There are also fewer mosquitos.

However, it can get cold in the evenings during this time of the year. That means you’ll need to bring a down jacket or two layers for game drives at sunrise and sunset. In general, winter is very mild in Southern Africa; temperatures in the lowlands range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius, and in the mountains from 3 to 10 degrees Celsius.

It is the same for East Africa: the best wildlife viewing months are from June to October. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July and remain until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. However, if you’re visiting during rainy season, it can be very hot, humid and rainy especially in the highlands.

What is Your Baggage Allowance?

This can be tricky as baggage allowance can be very limited if you are taking a bush flight. We did not take any charter flight on this trip, but we have flown on charter flights with very strict luggage requirements. For instance, SkySafari only allows 15 kilograms or 33 pounds per person including camera equipment.

Some charter flights might not even allow you to use a hard suitcase. That means you’ll need to use a soft trolley bag, backpack or duffel bag. We traveled with just one carry-on backpack each and I had everything I needed for the trip. I also always carry an extra lightweight foldable duffel bag, in case I buy extra stuff or need more space.

It’s useful to know your baggage allowance and requirements before leaving for the trip, so make sure to double check that with your safari operator or airline. My advice, is to pack light and you won’t have any issues!

What to Expect on an African Safari

A typical day on an African safari usually starts early in the morning, depending on the season you’re traveling and which part of Africa you’re traveling.

In general, you’ll go on a morning game drive at 5 or 6 am and return around 10 or 11am for a heavy breakfast. The rest of the day is leisure, where you get to enjoy the safari lodge (swim, read or just watch animals from the comfort of your bed). In the late afternoon, you’ll go on another game drive at around 4 or 5pm, and return after sunset around 7pm.

Game drives always take place in the early morning and evenings as those are the best times to spot wildlife. Animals are most active at those hours, either grazing, hunting for food, or drinking at the water hole.

Note: It is typically quite cold on the early morning game drives, especially in winter. Wear all the layers you have, and then you can remove them as the morning sun gets warmer.

What to Pack for Safari

Here are the essential items that you will definitely need for an African safari, regardless of the time of the year you’re traveling. Scroll to the bottom to get a packing checklist.

Vaccination Card

Make sure to check what vaccinations are mandatory and recommended for your destination a few months before the trip. Check the CDC website and consult your doctor. Some shots come in a series, so you will need a few months before departure to get them done.

The yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travel certain parts of Africa, such as Tanzania. You will be asked to show your yellow fever health card upon arrival at the airport. Other suggested vaccinations for East Africa include meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and cholera.

The reason why we chose southern Africa for our daughter’s first African safari was because the region is free of malaria and yellow fever.

First Aid Kit

We pack light, but we always make sure to have a well-stocked first aid kit (essential when traveling with kids). Keep in mind that you are in the African bush and the nearest town or village might be hours away. Even if you’re near a town, they might not have the kind of medication you need. If you don’t already have one, you can get a world travel kit online that’s all packed and ready to go.

Be sure to pack a first aid kit with basic medications like paracetamol, antihistamine for reactions to insect bites, diarrhoea medication for food poisoning, and cough drops. For kids, we also always make sure to have neosporin, band-aid, and a small thermometer.

Most of East Africa are high-risk malaria areas, so be sure to get malaria medication at home before your trip. Malarone is the most popular medication, but side-effects include hallucination. You’ll need to start taking it a few days before your trip and continue for a few weeks after the trip. It’s not advisable for kids under five to take malaria medication.

Insect Repellent with Deet

This is essential especially if you’re traveling in high-risk malaria areas. It’s always better to prevent bites, even if you’re taking anti-malaria pills.

We brought two insect repellents containing DEET: one for adults, another for kids. Because there weren’t so many mosquitoes in southern Africa during winter, we didn’t end up using them much — only in the lower veld area in Swaziland and the St Lucia estuary in South Africa.

My favorite brand is Repel; I’ve used them many times and they’ve worked really well. They’ve got different options for kids. DEET has been tested and approved as safe for kids. Choose a repellent with no more than 10% to 30% concentration of DEET for kids. Generally, repellent with DEET should not be applied more than once a day, and is not recommended for babies younger than 2 months old.

Shop for Insect Repellent

Electronics: Camera and Lenses

Trust me, you’ll want to have an SLR camera and long-focus lens (at least 200mm) when on an African safari — whether you have any knowledge on photography or not. You’ll naturally want to capture everything on a wildlife safari, and a normal point-and-shoot or phone camera won’t be enough to take sharp and clear images of the animals up close.

We brought our Canon EOS 60D camera, which is an SLR that we’ve been using for many years now. I’ve used it on all seven continents and it’s been the most trusty gear I’ve traveled with. We also brought two lenses: a 70-300mm auto-focus Tamron (essential for close-up shots of wildlife) and a Sigma 8-16mm ultra wide-angle lens. I regretted not carrying my usual 80-200mm for portrait and landscape shots.

If you’ve been wanting to upgrade to an SLR, now would be a good time. Plus SLRs are no longer as expensive as they used to. For those who are not ready for the transition, consider getting a micro system camera (hybrid camera), which works like an SLR but is small, lightweight and has automatic features. A model that everyone raves about is Sony Alpha a7II mirrorless camera, that’s very affordable for all the quality features it has.

Don’t forget to bring extra memory cards as you definitely don’t want to run out of space in the middle of a lion hunt! I unfortunately ran out of memory when we were just a few feet away from a polar bear in the Svalbard. For more on my electronics and camera gear, check out this list of tech gear I always travel with.

Shop for Camera Gear here!

Portable Power Bank

If you’re staying in safari tents or accommodation with limited electricity, then you might not be able to charge your devices every night. I always travel with my portable power bank, as it makes charging my iPhone and other electronics so much easier and more convenient. I’ve used it for four years now and it still hasn’t failed me.

Among the three of us, we have two iPhones, a Kindle, an iPad, and a camera that need charging. Having a portable power bank that has multiple USB ports is really useful to charge several devices at one go.

Shop for a Power Bank

Binoculars

There’s really no need to pack anything special for an African safari with kids — except for one thing: binoculars. These lifesavers will keep your kids interested and engaged during the rides. Regardless of how old your kids are, a pair of binoculars allows them to be engaged and join in the fun of spotting wildlife.

I have a pair of Olympus Trooper 8×40 DPS1 binoculars, which was a birthday present from Alberto. It’s high quality, not too heavy, and comfortable to use — even Kaleya can use it to spot animals. But there’s no need to spend hundreds on a top-end binoculars (unless you go wildlife watching every year); there are plenty of affordable binoculars you can buy online.

You can also buy a kids’ binoculars for your child; they make great travel gifts for kids. Kaleya received this pair hers as a gift, and she’s used them on our African safari as well as trips to Costa Rica and Panama. At home, she also likes using them to pretend play. This pair of binoculars is durable and can withstand drops and falls.

Buy A Pair of Binoculars

Logbooks and Wildlife Guide for Kids

Game drives can run up to three hours long, and can sometimes involve a lot of driving and no signs of animals. We brought an African wildlife guide book, so we could refer to it and look up what kind of animals we saw. Another safari guide book worth checking out is Fodor’s Complete Guide to African Safari, which cover many countries in one book.

If you have kids, I recommend bringing a logbook so they can keep a record of animals they saw. Kids who can read would love this safari kids’ book, which is really fun and interesting to engage them during game drives. Kaleya really enjoys this series of sticker activity books: Let’s Explore. Lonely Planet and National Geographic Kids have the best travel books for tiny explorers.

Buy an Africa Wildlife Guidebook

Clothing & Backpacks: Carry-on Backpacks

I wouldn’t recommend traveling Africa with trolley bags or hard suitcases. As mentioned above, some charter flights have strict requirements and baggage allowance. Besides, the rough terrain of the African savanna make pulling a trolley a pain.

We traveled with a carry-on backpack each, while our daughter had her Trunki trolley (a ride-on suitcase for kids that can only be slung over the shoulders). I also carried a small Vaude Albert messenger bag for my SLR camera, lenses, passport and wallet. It’s my daily bag that I carry everywhere with me; it is comfortable, light and has a surprisingly big capacity.

Alberto tried out the Columbia Landroamer Backpack for the first time on the trip and he loved it. His favorite features are the multiple haul handles and external laptop sleeve, which make organizing and accessing his gear effortless. The pack also has padded shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap, keeping it comfortable to carry around the airport or even take on a short hike.

I traveled with the Columbia Blackcomb Ridge 30L Backpack and found it comfortable and easy to carry. It’s a thoughtfully designed backpack with a 30 L capacity that fits a day’s essentials, including a laptop, water bottle, and a change of clothes. I love that it has compression straps, an adjustable hip belt, and a spring steel frame for stability, while the Omni-Shield advanced repellency keeps everything protected. The suspended mesh back panel adds breathability, making it comfortable to wear all day.

Shop for Backpacks here

Packing Cubes

I cannot emphasise how important and handy packing cubes are for any type of trip. They’re one of the reasons why we manage to pack so efficiently. They also help us keep our gear organised (separate clean and dirty clothing) and make full use of the limited space we have in our carry-on backpacks.

My favorite packing cubes are the Eagle Creek Packing Cubes. I’ve tried other standard packing cubes, but these ones from Eagle Creek are much more durable as they’re made of a stretchable and ultra lightweight material called Silnylon. I can pack a lot more gear into these cubes than the hard ones.

Shop for Packing Cubes

Breathable, Earth-Toned Clothing

Yes. There’s a reason why everyone wears earth tone clothing on safari. They help you to blend in to the natural environment. Wearing neon pink leggings or a bright yellow shirt might scare off the animals, especially if you’re on a walking safari.

It’s also good to look for clothing made of breathable, lightweight material, as it can get pretty hot even during winter in Africa. We traveled southern Africa during their winter time; while it was chilly in the mornings and evenings, it was warm and sunny most of the time and our breathable clothing were perfect for that kind of weather.

Another important reason to wear earth-toned clothing is the tsetse fly. These lethal insects can be found in some parts of East Africa, are drawn to blue and black clothing. They can often bite through your clothes, and can be really painful. The tsetse fly has been linked with a disease called sleeping sickness.

Here’s an example of breathable, earth-toned shirts that are great for an African safari.

Long (Zip-Off) Pants

Regardless of which time of the year you’re traveling, you’ll need to pack long pants as they’ll protect your skin from mosquito bites and sun exposure. I recommend bringing zip-off pants i.e. pants that can be converted into shorts when the weather gets too warm. I wore long pants every morning, but would zip them off to shorts around noon when the temperature started rising.

It can be uncomfortable wearing long sleeves in hot weather, but they are useful to prevent scrapes and bites. I recommend opting for light and breathable long-sleeved shirts that are designed for trekking. If you’re doing walking safari (especially when gorilla trekking in Uganda/Rwanda), then definitely add that to your list.

We both like Columbia’s convertible pants , which have the same style/design for both men and women. They are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to pack. Kaleya practically lived in her convertible pants throughout the whole trip.

Waterproof Jacket

Again, no matter when you’re traveling, you’ll need a light waterproof jacket for chilly mornings/evenings or rain. We were traveling in winter time, so a good waterproof jacket definitely was essential. I had my usual soft shell waterproof jacket that’s worked really well in mild winter conditions. Alberto packed his ultralight stretch down jacket, which was awesome for this weather. Plus it’s super lightweight and breathable, so it was fine even in the warm afternoons.

Keep in mind that most safari jeeps are completely open-roofed (i.e. no windows or cover), so it can get really chilly during morning and evening game drives. Plus you’ll be guaranteed to get wet when it rains, so make sure your jacket is waterproof.

Buy a Waterproof Jacket now!

Cash

You won’t find credit card machines in the African bush, so make sure you get enough cash in the city before you head into the savanna. While some lodges accept credit cards, you’ll likely need some cash when visiting villages or buying souvenirs. You’ll also need cash to tip your guides and porters.

Safari Clothes for Adults

One light jacket
One fleece
Three pairs safari pants (one of them zip-off)
One pair shorts
One long-sleeve shirts (light, breathable)
Four short-sleeve shirts
One dress (for nice dinners)
A set of pyjamas
A pair of hiking boots
A pair of sandals (or Keens)
Underwear
Sports bra (for women)
Three pairs of socks
Sun hat
Swimsuit
Sunglasses

Safari Clothes for Kids

One down jacket (for cold winter nights)
One light jacket
Two fleece
Three pairs zip-off safari pants
One pair shorts
Four short-sleeve shirts (quick dry)
Two sets of pyjamas
A pair of hiking boots (or walking shoes)
A pair of sandals
Underwear
Three pairs of socks
Sun hat
Swimsuit
Sunglasses

First-Aid Kit:

Vaccination certificate (especially yellow fever)
Paracetamol for both adults and kids
Anti-histamine for allergic reactions
Anti-diarrhoea pills for food poisoning
Anti-malaria pills (if you’re traveling in malaria risk areas)
Cough drops
Band-Aid
Neosporin
Kids’ daily vitamins

Electronics:

Camera
Lenses
Portable power bank (to charge devices in lodges without electricity)
International plug converter
Chargers and charging cables
iPad, Kindle or books for long car rides
Headphones

Other Essentials:

Standard toiletries
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Sunscreen
Insect repellant with DEET
Snacks for kids (yogurt and puree pouches)
Wet wipes
Head torch or flashlight
Binoculars
Visas
Passports
Cash

Packing for Your African Safari

I hope you’ve found this article on what to pack for safari useful! Feel free to print out my safari packing list above to tick off the items as you pack. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below.

Leave a comment below if you have any questions!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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Into Australia’s Red Center: Our 7-Day Uluru Road Trip Itinerary

Nellie Huang — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:38:19 +0000

Last Updated on April 3, 2026

Journey into the red heart of Australia where ancient red rocks meet endless blue skies. I share our detailed 7-day road trip itinerary that takes us from Alice Springs to Uluru and Kata Tjuta domes.

If you think the Australian Outback is just a flat, empty desert with a big rock in the middle, think again. The Red Centre is Australia’s grand masterpiece: where ancient river red gums twist out of dry creek beds, hidden waterholes shimmer in prehistoric gorges, and the silence is so profound you can hear your own heartbeat.

I’ve traveled all over Australia and the Red Center is indeed my favorite part of the country. Where else in the world can you hike through an out-of-this-world landscape reminiscent of Mars, listen to the Dreamtime stories of the Anangu people, watch the sunset light up Uluru in a blanket of gold and dine under a blanket of stars so bright they illuminate the ground at night?

Planning this Uluru road trip isn’t easy — balancing the long driving distances with the intense heat and figuring out exactly where to refuel required some serious research. But after completing the loop, I can safely say it was one of the most rewarding drives of our lives. I’ve compiled everything we learned into this guide to help you navigate the Outback with confidence and find the unique spots that make this road trip so special.

Red Centre Itinerary & Guide

To truly do justice to the Red Centre and its sacred sites, you’ll need at least a week for this road trip. That allows you to drive at a safe pace, exploring from the bustling outback town of Alice Springs to the rim of Kings Canyon, and finally to the majestic icons of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park without rushing.

Officially, this route covers a loop of roughly 1,100 km on sealed roads (if sticking to the Stuart and Lasseter Highways). While you can do it in fewer days, the heat and the hiking opportunities mean a slower pace is much more rewarding.

Driving the Red Centre Way

The Red Centre of Australia is the Outback at its best – you can drive for hours and not see a single soul, just you and the dramatic red landscapes. Instead of taking the Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Uluru, choose the scenic route along the Red Centre Way to travel through red desert sands, lush valleys, towering gorges and a number of waterholes.

The drive starts from Alice Springs and makes its way on a loop around the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru/ Kata Kjuta National Park. Along the way, camp under the Milky Way, enjoy an outback barbie (BBQ) and meet the Anangu people who have called this place home for centuries. It truly is one of the best road trips in Australia.

Explore by Car, Campervan or Outback Tour?

Without a doubt, the cheapest way to experience the Red Centre is by renting a car from Alice Springs Airport. The freedom to travel at your own pace and stop for wildlife is what makes this trip so special. We always book car rentals with Discover Cars, as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and service.

For a truly immersive Outback adventure, we highly recommend renting a campervan. We hired a 4WD camper from Britz, and it completely transformed our trip into an epic experience. There is nothing quite like cooking dinner over a camp stove as the desert sky turns purple, or waking up to the sounds of the bush right outside your door.

If you can’t drive or prefer someone else to, there are lots of outback 4wd tours that’ll promise you just as much fun and adventure without any stress. Some of these tours include interesting experiences like learning about Indigenous art and culture from aboriginal people. Plus, having a tour leader to handle all the hotel check-ins and logistics means you can fully focus on the incredible scenery.

Essential Driving Tips for the Red Centre

Before you hit the Stuart Highway, it’s helpful to get comfortable with a few local driving norms to ensure your journey is as smooth and safe as possible.

Australians drive on the left side of the road. If you are visiting from the US or Europe, take your time to acclimatize. The roads here are long and straight, which helps.
Avoid driving at dawn and dusk. This is when wildlife (kangaroos, camels, and cattle) are most active. Hitting a Red Kangaroo at 110km/h is dangerous for you and fatal for the animal. We made sure to be off the road by sunset every day.
Carry extra water. Even if you are just driving on paved roads, always keep 10-20 liters of water in the car. The desert heat is unforgiving if you break down.
The “Outback Wave” is real. When passing other vehicles on remote highways, it’s customary to lift a finger or two from the steering wheel as a greeting. It’s a nice way to feel connected in the vast isolation.
Watch your fuel gauge. Distances between roadhouses can be huge (sometimes 200km+). We made it a rule to top up the tank whenever we saw a petrol station, even if we were only half empty.

Our 7-Day Red Centre Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs → Kings Canyon (~475 km | ~5 Hours Driving)

The journey begins in Alice Springs. Pick up your rental car and stock up on groceries — prices jump significantly once you leave town. Heading south on the Stuart Highway, the landscape immediately opens up into vast plains of spinifex and red dirt.

Turn right onto the Lasseter Highway and then onto Luritja Road. The drive is long but hypnotic. Your destination is Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. The sandstone walls of the canyon rise 100 meters above the palm forests below, looking like they were cut by a giant knife.

We arrived in the late afternoon, just in time to head to the sunset viewing platform at Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon. Watching the canyon walls turn from rusty red to glowing crimson was the perfect start to the trip.

Where to Stay in Kings Canyon

Luxury: Kings Creek Station – We stayed in their luxury drovers’ tents. It offers a true outback station experience but with air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Check rates here.
Mid-range: Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon – The main hub in the area, offering standard hotel rooms and a great pool to cool off in. Check rates here.
Budget: Kings Canyon Camping – Powered and unpowered sites available at the resort with access to all the facilities. Check rates here.

Day 2: The Rim Walk & Drive to Uluru (~300 km | ~3.5 Hours Driving)

Wake up before sunrise to tackle the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This 6km hike is legendary, but it requires an early start to beat the heat. The initial climb, nicknamed “Heartbreak Hill,” is steep, but the views from the top are worth every step.

The walk takes you through the “Lost City” of weathered sandstone domes and down into the “Garden of Eden,” a lush, permanent waterhole surrounded by prehistoric cycads. It felt like walking through a set from Jurassic Park.

After the hike, grab lunch at the resort and begin the drive to Uluru. As you drive down the Lasseter Highway, keep an eye out for Mt. Conner. Many people mistake it for Uluru, but it’s a flat-topped mesa that is impressive in its own right. After arriving at Yulara, head straight to the park entrance to catch your first sunset at Uluru. Seeing the rock change color from orange to deep purple as the sun dipped below the horizon was a spiritual experience we will never forget.

Where to Stay in Yulara (Uluru)

Luxury: Sails in the Desert – The premier hotel in the area, featuring a massive pool and indigenous art gallery. Check rates here.
Mid-range: The Lost Camel Hotel – funky, boutique-style accommodation that is compact but very stylish. Check rates here.
Budget: Ayers Rock Campground – This is the most affordable way to stay near the rock with cabins and campsites. Check rates here.

Day 3: Uluru Base Walk & Cultural Centre

Today is dedicated to understanding the magnitude of Uluru. We opted to rent bicycles near the cultural center and cycle the 10.6 km loop around the base. It’s a fantastic way to see the varying textures of the rock up close — from smooth, skin-like surfaces to cavernous distinct watering holes.

Make sure to stop at the Mutitjulu Waterhole. It’s a tranquil spot where you can see ancient rock art and listen to the sounds of nature. Afterward, spend time at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. We learned so much about the Tjukurpa (traditional law/stories) of the Anangu people here. It’s crucial to visit this center to understand why you should not climb the rock (climbing is now permanently closed, thankfully) and to respect the culture.

In the evening, we splurged on the Field of Light installation. Walking through 50,000 spindles of light swaying in the desert breeze under the Milky Way was pure magic.

Day 4: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

While Uluru gets the fame, many travelers (us included!) find Kata Tjuta even more impressive. Translating to “Many Heads,” these 36 massive domes are higher than Uluru and offer a completely different terrain.

We did the Valley of the Winds hike, a 7.4-km trail that takes you right into the heart of the domes. The silence in the valley is profound. Be warned: this trail closes if the temperature reaches 36°C (97°F), so start at sunrise and brings lots of water!

For the afternoon, relax by the pool at your hotel — the desert heat is no joke in the middle of the day. Head back out to the Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing Area for sunset. The silhouette of the domes against the fiery outback sky is a photographer’s dream.

Day 5: Uluru → Curtin Springs (~85 km | ~1 Hour Driving)

We took a slow morning today, enjoying a final coffee with a view of the rock, before driving a short distance back along the highway to Curtin Springs.

Curtin Springs is a working cattle station and a quintessential outback roadhouse. It breaks up the drive back to Alice and offers a look at gritty, real station life. We took their Severin Lake Salt Pan tour, where we walked across a blindingly white salt lake that stretches for miles.

The atmosphere here is rustic and unpretentious. We had a classic steak sandwich at the pub, chatting with road train drivers and station hands. It’s a great contrast to the resort feel of Yulara.

Where to Stay in Curtin Springs

Station Stay: Curtin Springs Wayside Inn – They offer simple ensuite rooms and a campground. The history of the Severin family, who have run the station since 1956, is fascinating. Check rates here.

Day 6: Curtin Springs → Alice Springs (~360 km | ~4 Hours Driving)

The drive back to Alice Springs is straightforward. We made a stop at the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve, which was a bit of a detour down a gravel road, but seeing the craters left by a meteor that hit Earth 4,700 years ago is pretty wild.

Another must-stop is Stubbersfield’s Camels (Stuart Well Roadhouse) just before you reach Alice – you can spot camels here and grab a cold drink. Arriving back in Alice Springs feels like returning to the big city after the silence of the desert. For dinner, head to the Alice Springs Brewing Co. for some local craft beers and wood-fired pizza.

Where to Stay in Alice Springs

Luxury: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters – A resort-style hotel with great facilities and views of the MacDonnell Ranges. Check rates here.
Mid-range: Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs – Centrally located and clean, perfect for walking to town for dinner. Check rates here.
Budget: Red Rock Hostel – One of the nicest hostels we’ve seen, built within the grounds of a historic outdoor movie theatre. Check rates here.

Day 7: Exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges

Spend your last day exploring Alice Springs and what it has to offer. The West MacDonnell Ranges (or “West Macs”) stretch out from Alice Springs like a spine. At its base lies the Alice Springs Desert Park, a conservation park that showcases the Australian desert environment as its best. Kangaroos roam, birds fly overhead, and endangered bilby burrow underground. There’s hardly any fence around – it’s almost like an open-air playground where all of the area’s wildlife live freely.

We also drove out to Simpsons Gap at dawn to spot the adorable Black-footed Rock-wallabies hiding in the scree slopes. Then, we continued to Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye). Aim to be there around noon, when the sun is directly overhead; the vertical walls glow with an intense, fiery orange light.

If you have time, continue to Ellery Creek Big Hole for a freezing cold dip in a permanent waterhole. It’s the perfect way to wash off the red dust before flying out.

Red Centre Travel Guide

Best Time to Drive the Red Centre

The best time to visit is during the Australian winter, from May to September. Days are sunny and pleasant (20°C – 25°C), perfect for hiking, though nights can drop below freezing, so pack layers!

Summer (December to February) is scorchingly hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Many hiking trails close early in the day due to heat risk, and the flies can be intense. We visited in late August and found the weather perfect.

Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers

I’ve been using SafetyWing for years now, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a frequent traveler. Their Nomad Insurance plan is affordable and provides solid coverage for medical emergencies regardless of where I’m traveling. It’s been super reliable for me, and I think you’ll find it just as helpful on your outback adventures!

We started our journey in Alice Springs, drove out to the dramatic Kings Canyon, spent several days immersing ourselves in the magic of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and then looped back to Alice Springs with stops at quintessential outback roadhouses.

Is It Safe to Visit the Red Centre?

Yes, it is safe, provided you respect the environment. The biggest dangers here are dehydration and heat stroke. Always carry more water than you think you need (we carried 5 liters per person per day).

Be vigilant about dingoes at campsites—never leave food out and keep your distance. Also, try to avoid driving at night to prevent collisions with wandering cattle or kangaroos.

How to Stay Connected in the Red Centre

Internet connection is decent in Alice Springs and Yulara (Uluru), but it is non-existent on the highways in between. Telstra has the best coverage in the Outback, but even then, you will have long stretches of “No Service.”

I recommend getting an eSIM card to ensure you stay connected where possible. I personally use eSIMs wherever I travel these days as they are so much more convenient.

Airalo has affordable eSIMs for Australia. I have used Airalo in Australia and many other countries and found it reliable.

Check out Airalo’s eSIMs for Australia here.

My Stay at the New Tintswalo Summer House in South Africa’s Cape Peninsula

Nellie Huang — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:55:57 +0000

Last Updated on April 17, 2026

Join me for a sneak peek of the Tintswalo Summer House, a century-old Cape Town icon beautifully reborn into a vibrant and whimsical seaside retreat.

Since moving to Cape Town, we’ve explored the Cape Peninsula several times and it has quickly become our absolute favorite area to escape to. At just an hour’s drive from the Cape Town city centre, this rugged, mountainous finger of land stretches southward from the city all the way to the Cape of Good Hope. There is something intensely magnetic about the way the mountains crash directly into the sea here, with sleepy seaside villages tucked into the coves.

Recently, I found myself back on this beautiful area for a very special reason. I was invited for an exclusive sneak peek of the newly reimagined Tintswalo Summer House before it opened its doors to the world. Set against the sweeping backdrop of False Bay, Tintswalo Summer House is bursting with character and unapologetically vibrant. It is a loving nod to history, but also a bold leap into the future of hip, modern boutique travel.

Here is an exclusive look at my sneak peek experience and why Tintswalo Summer House needs to be at the very top of your Cape Town travel itinerary.

The Rebirth of a Coastal Icon

To truly understand the magic of what Tintswalo Summer House is today, you have to rewind the clock back to the early 20th century. The hotel is located in what was once the iconic Glencairn Southern Right Hotel. Established in 1904, the building is a cornerstone of the seaside village of Glencairn, a sleepy but beautiful seaside village tucked between the bustling bohemian streets of Kalk Bay and the naval heritage of Simon’s Town.

Over a century ago, the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel was the epitome of coastal elegance. In its heyday, it was a place where dignitaries, notable public figures, and high-society travelers would converge. But as the decades slipped by, the hotel saw the tides of fortune ebb and flow. While the building maintained its commanding presence and sweeping ocean views, it eventually fell into despair.

Enter the Tintswalo Collection. Known for their fiercely independent and luxurious properties across South Africa, the Tintswalo team acquired the historic building with a vision to breathe life back into its 120-year-old bones. But they weren’t just looking to restore it – they wanted to completely reinvent it. The result is a jaw-dropping transformation from a forgotten relic into a hip, modern boutique hotel that defies every expectation.

The Visionary Behind the Whimsy

When restoring a building that carries the weight of 1904 heritage, the easiest and safest route for a designer is to lean into the past. Many would have chosen sepia tones, dark mahogany wood, and conservative nautical themes to honor the history of the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel. But the décor of Tintswalo Summer House is anything but safe and predictable.

The interior design of the entire hotel is the brainchild of Camlyn Johnston, the daughter of Tintswalo’s current CEO Lisa Goosen. Young, bright, and bursting with ideas, Camlyn has brought a palpable sense of ambition and fearless creativity to this project. She represents the next generation of hospitality, one that understands that modern travelers crave joy, personality, and spaces that are visually arresting.

Walking through the property during my sneak peek, it became immediately clear that Camlyn poured her heart into redesigning the hotel. She gave it an interior that is so joyful and wildly imaginative that it stops you in your tracks. By putting a younger designer at the helm, Tintswalo has successfully bridged the gap between old-world heritage and new-world hipness. Camlyn’s ambition shines through in every carefully curated corner, proving that she is a massive talent to watch in the world of boutique hotel design.

A Modern-day Wonderland

Let’s talk about the design, because it is, without a doubt, the star of the show. If you are tired of the endless sea of beige, white, and grey that has dominated luxury hotels over the last decade, Tintswalo Summer House will be your ultimate antidote.

The moment I stepped through the grand historic entryway, I was greeted by a veritable explosion of color. It is whimsical, it is cute, and it is endlessly fun. “Alice in Wonderland on a coastal holiday” was the phrase that kept looping in my mind. Every room offers a splash of colors everywhere you look, blending seemingly disparate shades into a cohesive, enchanting palette.

During my stay, I got to visit all of the 12 individually styled suites designed around its own colour theme. My favorite space featured breathtaking ‘Tintswalo pink” walls — a confident, radiant pink that seemed to glow in the natural sunlight pouring in from the sea-facing windows.

I stayed in the Papillon room, featuring plush velvet headboard adorned with vivid blooms in shades of magenta, emerald green, and mustard yellow. My glass doors open up to the outdoor garden and swimming pool, decked out in pink sun lounges and a massive mural splashed with pink floral patterns.

A Feast by the Sea

After taking a tour of the hotel, I sat down for dinner at the on-site restaurant, the Summer House Eatery, (which is already open to the public) and it was nothing short of a spectacular feast. Boasting those same sweeping views of Glencairn beach, the Eatery focuses on communal dining and open-fire cooking, brilliantly marrying local Cape ingredients with Mediterranean influences.

We shared a massive, family-style spread that included perfectly charred steaks, succulent coastal prawns, smoky aubergine, and the most incredible caramelized honey-roasted carrots. Every single bite was elevated by a glass of their bespoke house wine, which was crafted exclusively to match the menu by the renowned Lomond Wine Estate.

If you are just popping by after a beach day and want something a bit more laid-back, they also have a fantastic Sports Bar right next door. Complete with a cozy antique fireplace and an ocean-facing terrace, it serves up elevated seaside classics like a signature prawn roll, pressed beef burgers, and crispy fish and chips. Trust me, sipping a stellar martini in a beautifully designed space while looking out over the crashing waves of False Bay is the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring the Deep South.

The Contrast of Eras

One of my favorite things about Tintswalo Summer House is the contrast between the 1904 architecture and the 2026 interior. The original bones of the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel are still there. You can feel the history in the high ceilings, the sweeping archways, and the grand, heavy wooden doors.

But instead of letting that history dictate a somber mood, the bright energy of the design uses the history as a canvas. This is the essence of what makes a boutique hotel hip and modern. It’s not just about having fast Wi-Fi and trendy toiletries (though I have no doubt Tintswalo Summer House will excel at both).

I love that they’ve taken a historic space and redefined its purpose for the traveler of today. The modern traveler wants aesthetics that are unique to their destination but reflective of a global, eclectic mindset. Tintswalo Summer House nails this balance with effortless charm.

The Setting: Glencairn’s Quiet Magic

A hotel is only as good as the community it belongs to, and the village of Glencairn is the perfect backdrop for this whimsical escape. Despite being located close to the famous Cape of Good Hope, Glencairn is a coastal village that feels wonderfully untouched by the frantic pace of mass tourism. The ocean here is slightly warmer, and the mountains seem to plunge directly into the sea.

Just steps from the front doors of the Tintswalo Summer House is the Glencairn beach and a spectacular tidal pool, perfect for an early morning dip before breakfast. You are mere minutes away from the vibrant harbor of Kalk Bay, famous for its antique shops, bohemian boutiques, and bustling fish markets. Head a few minutes in the opposite direction, and you find yourself in Simon’s Town, home to the world-famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach. And the stunning city of Cape Town is just an hour’s drive away, via the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive.

And, true to the original namesake of the Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, this stretch of coastline remains one of the best places in the world for land-based whale watching. Between June and November, the bay becomes a nursery for the majestic Southern Right whales. Knowing that guests will soon be able to sit in one of those gorgeous pink rooms, surrounded by bright floral fabrics, watching whales breach in the bay just as dignitaries did in 1904, adds an almost cinematic quality to the upcoming opening.

A Seaside Wonderland near Cape Town

When the doors finally open to the public in April 2026, I have no doubt that Tintswalo Summer House will quickly become one of the most talked-about and photographed boutique hotels in Cape Town. It is a reminder that travel should be fun, that history is meant to be engaged with, and that sometimes, a bold splash of pink is exactly what the soul needs.

If you are planning a trip to South Africa, do yourself a favor: venture beyond the Cape Town city centre, head down the coast to the seaside charm of Glencairn, and immerse yourself in the whimsical wonderland that is the Tintswalo Summer House. Just be warned: once you settle into those floral velvet chairs with the ocean breeze in your hair, you may find it difficult to ever leave.

Practical Information: How to Get There

Where is it?
Tintswalo Summer House is located in the village of Glencairn, on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. It’s just 1 hour’s drive from the Cape Town city centre.

Getting There:
I highly recommend renting a car, as having your own vehicle gives you the absolute freedom to explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Chapman’s Peak, and the surrounding coastal villages at your own pace. From Cape Town International Airport, it is approximately a 50-minute drive. If you prefer not to drive, Uber is widely available and reliable in Cape Town and the Deep South. Search for car rentals in Cape Town here!

Best Time to Visit:
Cape Town is a year-round destination, but it depends on what you want to see. For hot beach days and long, glorious sunsets, visit during the South African summer (December to March). If you are coming specifically to sit on your balcony and watch the Southern Right whales breach, book your stay between July and October.

Who is it For?
This property is perfect for couples looking for a romantic but quirky getaway, solo travelers seeking design inspiration and peace, or friends wanting a stylish, comfortable base to explore the wider Cape Peninsula. Because of its boutique size and curated design, it offers a highly personalized, intimate experience.

Here’s a map showing how to get from Cape Town to Tintswalo Summer House. Click to view it on Google Maps.

Dancing in the Dust: Camping with the Karo Tribe in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley

Nellie Huang — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:09:17 +0000

Last Updated on April 17, 2026

The highlight of our recent trip to Ethiopia was camping with the Karo tribe in the Omo Valley, an experience that took us way off the well-trodden path.

The motor hums a steady rhythm beneath my feet as our small boat cuts through the murky waters of the Omo River. We left the dusty town of Turmi 1.5 hours ago, trading the bumpy dirt roads for this winding, brown artery that pumps life into the deep south of Ethiopia. Thick walls of green foliage press in on both sides of the riverbank, giving way to steep, sandy cliffs carved by decades of seasonal flooding.

Wildlife dictates the pace here. A massive crocodile suns itself on a muddy shoal before sliding silently into the opaque water at our approach. An African kingfisher darts overhead, a brilliant flash of cobalt blue against the drab olive of the trees, while a pair of fish eagles circle lazily on the thermal currents high above.

As we push upstream, I get a sense of how remote this place is. There is no cell service, no hum of traffic, no modern infrastructure — just the relentless flow of the river and wilderness. A sharp bend in the river reveals our destination tucked quietly onto the eastern bank: Lale’s Camp, owned by Wild Expeditions Africa, blends seamlessly into the landscape, completely sheltered beneath the sprawling canopy of giant, ancient tamarind trees.

A Reception Like No Other

As we climb up the steep riverbank and head towards the camp, a chorus of deep, rhythmic singing echoes in the distance. We are welcomed by an entire village of Karo people who are dancing towards us, swaying in unison. Men and women sway in unison, their faces and torsos painted in striking, chalk-white geometric patterns. It’s an incredibly raw and beautiful display. My eleven-year-old daughter, Kaleya, looks up at me with wide eyes, a mix of awe plastered across her face.

Our host and main guide, Adja, introduces himself and greets us. A highly respected, senior member of the Karo community, Adja manages the camp and serves as the bridge between our world and his. Tall, soft-spoken, and carrying himself with a quiet dignity, he is an open book about his people’s way of life.

“When you come here, you are not just a visitor passing through,” Adja tells us as we settle into the camp’s lounge area with a cold drink. “We want to show you our Karo culture, our way of life. Life isn’t easy here, but Lale’s Camp helps keep our traditions alive while making sure our children have a future.”

We are also accompanied by Dave, a gregarious, fast-talking, and fun tour guide who hails from the cosmopolitan capital city of Addis Ababa. Dave has 15 years of experience guiding travelers around every corner of his country, and his enthusiasm is highly infectious. “I’ve seen the rock churches in the north and the volcanoes in the east,” Dave laughs, adjusting his sunglasses. “But down here? This is the heartbeat of Ethiopia. There’s nowhere else like it.”

People of the River

Our close proximity to the Karo people is the entire ethos of the camp. The Karo are a resilient, deeply traditional tribal group in the Omo Valley who live life almost exactly as their ancestors have done for centuries. With a population of just a few thousand, they are one of the smallest of the 16 tribes that live in the region.

They are pastoralists by nature, measuring their wealth and status in cattle and goats. However, their survival depends entirely on the Omo River. When the seasonal floods recede, they plant sorghum, maize, and beans in the rich, dark silt left behind on the riverbanks.

Lale’s Camp sits right next door to Duss, one of the main Karo villages. But rather than fencing the village out, the camp works hand in hand with it. Many of the villagers from Duss work at the camp as cooks, guards, and housekeeping staff, creating a symbiotic relationship that directly benefits the local economy.

Our Riverfront Canvas at Lale’s Camp

Stepping into the camp itself, the level of comfort is surprising given how deep we are in the bush. Lale’s Camp consists of just eight massive, luxurious canvas tents perched right on the edge of the riverbank. We are shown to ours, and it is massive, with enough space to comfortably fit a massive king-sized bed for my husband and me, along with a cozy single bed set up specifically for Kaleya. Woven local rugs cover the wooden floorboards, and the beds are draped in thick, high-quality linens that seem entirely out of place in this rugged environment.

The real showstopper is the view. The entire front of the tent opens up to views of the raging Omo River. We are told that in the afternoon, if we sit quietly on our porch, we can spot monkeys leaping through the illuminated branches. By day, we can watch local villagers on the opposite bank quietly tending to their lush, green crops in the fertile river mud.

An Ecolodge Rooted in Nature

The en-suite bathroom at the back of the tent is surprisingly spacious, featuring a large, stone-clad shower. Given the remote location, the plumbing is a feat of local engineering. The shower water is drawn directly from the river, but it runs perfectly clear. It has been purified using a traditional local root, a plant-based method the tribes have used for generations to separate the heavy river silt from the water.

This deep respect for the environment is evident everywhere. As a dedicated ecolodge, the camp pays obsessive attention to detail when it comes to minimizing its footprint. Everything is solar-powered, waste is strictly managed, and the physical structures are designed to blend seamlessly into the forest without disturbing the ancient root systems.

By midday, the Ethiopian sun turns the air into a thick, stifling blanket of heat. But the genius of the camp’s location becomes apparent by late afternoon. Sitting deep under the shade of the towering tamarind trees, the heavy canvas of our tent captures the faint river breezes.

Learning Karo Traditions in An Authentic Way

As the harsh afternoon heat slowly dissipates, we take a short, dusty walk with Dave and Adja over to Duss village right next to the camp. The villagers are going about their simple, daily routines, largely unbothered by our presence. A group of women with heavy clay pots balanced gracefully on their heads walk down the steep path to the river to fetch the evening’s water.

We are invited to sit outside one of the huts with a Karo woman. With a smaller, heavy rock in her hands, she rhythmically crushes a pile of dried sorghum and maize grains. These ground grains are the absolute staple of the local diet, boiled down into a thick porridge that sustains the entire village.

Kaleya watches her intently for a few minutes before the woman looks up and gestures for her to try. Kaleya shuffles over, takes the heavy top stone, and tries to mimic the fluid, rocking motion. Within thirty seconds, Kaleya is out of breath. She sits back on her heels, wiping her forehead. “Okay, that is really hard work!” she says, panting. The Karo woman throws her head back and laughs.

After the grinding is finished, another woman gestures for us to sit on the sheep skin while she prepares coffee on a small fire. Instead of roasted beans, she uses the discarded coffee shells to make the traditional drink consumed by almost all the tribes around Omo Valley. She boils the husks in a blackened metal pot until the water turns a deep, murky amber.

When it is ready, she pours the steaming liquid into a massive, hollowed-out calabash gourd. Following a quiet, unspoken ritual, she offers the heavy gourd to me with both hands. I take a sip of the earthy, smoky liquid. This drink has a fascinating, tea-like quality to it, completely devoid of the jittery caffeine rush of normal coffee.

Built on Respect

Sitting there in the dirt, sipping husk coffee and laughing with the children, the contrast to our previous days in the Omo Valley hits me hard. In a few of the other villages we had visited, the influx of tourists has sadly changed the dynamic.

In those places, kids come running to the cars yelling “helloooo, helloooo!” the second you arrive, demanding cash or empty plastic bottles. Adults aggressively tie beaded bracelets onto your wrists before you can pull away, immediately asking for money in return.

It makes the entire experience feel highly transactional and inauthentic. You leave those villages feeling more like a walking ATM than a welcomed guest, and honestly, it can be a bit uncomfortable.

A Genuine Experience

But here in Duss village, the atmosphere is entirely different. People are just living. Sitting around their fires, cooking their porridge, grinding their grains, and laughing with one another. Nobody is asking us for money; nobody is putting on a show for our benefit. We feel deeply, profoundly privileged to be welcomed into their world as equals.

This stark difference is the direct result of how Lale’s Camp operates. Founded by Lale Biwa, a member of the Karo tribe who left to become a well-known tour guide before returning home, the camp was built on the idea of protecting the village’s way of life.

Because the camp is so deeply rooted in the community, it genuinely feels like one big family. The relationship is built entirely on respect, cultural pride, and a sense of shared ownership. This is one of rare places where you can clearly see the positive impact tourism can have on the local community.

Dawn Over the Valley

The next morning, the sky is still a deep, bruised purple when we pile into a 4×4, and drive out of the river valley toward the drier scrubland to visit a Hamer cattle camp.

During the bumpy thirty-minute drive, Dave explains the staggering human geography of the area. “The Hamer are just one of the sixteen different tribes who live in the Ethiopia Omo Valley,” he tells us, bouncing in the front seat. “This is one of the few places left on earth where you have such a dense cultural mosaic, with so many distinct tribes living together, sharing one single, harsh stretch of land.”

But sharing this land is rarely peaceful. Adja, sitting quietly in the back, notes that tribal conflicts have been a reality here for generations. As the climate changes and the rains become less predictable, competition for grazing pastures and access to the river regularly leads to violent clashes and cattle raids between neighboring groups.

The Red-Ochre Nomads

The Hamer are perhaps the most famous (and the biggest in population) of the Omo tribes, globally recognized for their incredibly distinct aesthetic and intense cultural practices. The women wear thick, striking hairstyles made by rolling their locks with a mixture of animal butter and vibrant red ochre, while both men and women don heavy, intricate iron and bead body adornments.

They are a deeply proud pastoralist society, their entire existence orbiting around their deep, almost spiritual connection to their cattle. Wealth, marriage, and survival are all dictated by the size of a man’s herd.

They are also known for specialized, and often controversial, cultural rituals. The most famous is the bull-jumping initiation ceremony, where young men must run naked across the backs of a line of bulls to come of age. During this same ceremony, the female relatives of the boy willingly submit to ritual whipping by the men, a practice meant to show their immense devotion, strength, and tribal solidarity.

Children of the Herd

We arrive at the cattle camp just as the sun breaks over the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the dusty kraal. We are introduced to a Hamer family who live in a small cluster of temporary huts. The family is large, with several young kids taking care of the cattle. Every single child has a vital role to play in the survival of the herd. As the morning air begins to warm, the kids take charge, moving confidently among the massive, long-horned beasts. The younger ones expertly milk the cows into wooden gourds, while the teenagers prepare to herd the cattle out to graze in pastures miles away from their dusty settlement.

Before the boys drive the cattle out into the scrub, the family invites us to duck inside their smoky, dome-shaped hut. We sit in the semi-darkness, the smell of woodsmoke and leather thick in the air, and are once again handed small cups of traditional coffee.

With Adja translating the local dialect, we sit and chat about the realities of their daily lives. We learn just how precarious their existence is, relying entirely on the unpredictable rains and the health of their herd to survive the dry seasons. Kaleya sits quietly next to the eleven-year-old Hamer girl, two children from completely different worlds sharing a silent, curious exchange of smiles.

“For the Hamer, a man without cattle is simply not a man,” Adja explains, his voice hushed in the dim light of the hut. “The cattle are their bank account, their status, their food, and their spirit. Every song they sing around the fire is about the cows. Without the herd, the tribe will not exist.”

A Feast in the Wilderness

By mid-morning, we bid the Hamer family farewell. We bounce back along the dirt tracks to Lale’s Camp, where an unbelievable spread awaits us in the dining tent. Despite being miles from any major town, the long wooden dining table is piled high with fresh omelettes, sizzling sausages, baked beans, and thick slices of golden French toast served with fresh honey and butter. Alongside the steaming pots of tea and coffee, the chef has also prepared traditional Ethiopian options like firfir — shredded flatbread soaked in a rich, spiced berbere sauce.

As the midday sun hits its peak, the temperature soars, making it far too hot to do much of anything. We spend a wonderfully slow, lazy afternoon at the camp, sitting with the Karo people from Duss village. An elder from the village has come over to the camp to construct a traditional clay hair bun for one of the Karo men. Adja tells us that this is a ritual – not every man is allowed to wear this elaborate headpiece.

“You cannot just decide to wear the clay,” Adja points out as the elder meticulously packs a thick mixture of ochre clay into the man’s hair. “You must reach a certain age of maturity, and you must have given a payment of cattle to the village elders to earn this right.” Once the elder shapes the clay into a smooth, tight cap, it can take up to three full days to dry completely, and the man will wear it for months, using a carved wooden headrest to sleep.

Chalk, Ochre, and Scars

By late afternoon, the ferocious heat finally begins to break. The friendly villagers from Duss have invited us to try their famous face painting. The Karo are renowned for their highly artistic and intricate body art, utilizing natural resources found right in the river valley.

A Karo woman shows us her palette: white river chalk, yellow mineral rock, black charcoal, and pulverized red iron ore. Mixing the chalk with a little water, she expertly uses her fingers to dab a beautiful pattern of fine dots across her kid’s face, then she shows Kaleya how to do the same. The sharp contrast of the paint against their skin is intended to enhance their natural magnetism, emphasize the intensity of their eyes, and mimic the wild patterns of the animals they share the valley with.

As she paints my arms with sweeping lines, I notice the intricate, raised scars across her chest and abdomen. Adja explains that the Karo also practice body scarification as a permanent form of expression. For women, the scars signify maturity and beauty, while for men, they are a permanent ledger of bravery and successful hunts.

Dancing in the Dust

The absolute highlight of our time in the Omo Valley comes that evening. As a bright, silver moon rises over the river, the villagers begin to gather for a courtship dance. These dances are integral to their social and romantic life, typically taking place after the harvest season when the granaries are full and the tribe has leisure time to celebrate and arrange marriages.

As the rhythmic clapping starts, the men form long lines, performing athletic, jumping dances as they move toward the women. The women actively control the ritual, stepping forward one by one to select the man they favor. Once a match is made, the couples pair up, performing a fast-paced, pulsating dance that involves heavy, synchronized hip thrusting to the beat of the chants. [Watch my video here.]

A Lasting Impression

The energy is completely infectious. Dust rises in the moonlight as the whites of their chalk body paint glow in the dark. Before long, Dave is pulled into the fray, his loud laugh echoing over the music. Hands reach out for Alberto, and he awkwardly but happily joins the jumping line, completely swept up in the joy of the moment.

Leaving Lale’s Camp the next morning is tough. In an era where travel can sometimes feel heavily packaged and deeply commodified, this wild sanctuary on the banks of the Omo River proves that there is another way. By rooting itself in community ownership, profound respect, and an unyielding commitment to authenticity, Lale’s Camp doesn’t just show you the ancient cultures of Ethiopia — it invites you to sit in the dust, grind the sorghum, share the coffee, and dance under the moonlight with them.

It is a truly spectacular, raw, and transformative experience, and one our family will carry in our hearts forever.

How to Get to Lale’s Camp

Most international travelers begin their journey by flying into Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). From the capital, you will take a short domestic flight via Ethiopian Airlines down to Jinka or Arba Minch. Return flights are around US$200 per person (with a discount if you flew Ethiopian Airlines internationally to Addis). Search for flights here.

From there, you’ll need a robust 4×4 transport for the rugged, multi-hour drive south toward the frontier town of Turmi. Because of the extreme remoteness of the Omo Valley, I highly recommend traveling with a highly reputable operator like Wild Expeditions. Not only do they manage all the complex logistics, but their deep, respectful ties with the local tribes ensure that your presence is welcomed, safe, and mutually beneficial to the indigenous communities.

Before you hit the road, don’t forget comprehensive travel insurance that includes car rentals and medical coverage. I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — affordable, flexible, and ideal for families and frequent travelers alike. Pack lots of insect repellent, hat, lightweight and quick dry clothes.

My Ultimate List of Resources for Digital Nomad Families

Nellie Huang — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:13:04 +0000

Last Updated on April 11, 2026

When I first became a digital nomad over 15 years ago, the landscape was wildly different. There were no digital nomad visas, co-working spaces were rare oddities, and explaining to a border agent that I worked online usually resulted in a confused stare. All I needed was a WiFi connection and my laptop, and I could literally work from anywhere.

Fast forward to today, and while the world has become more accessible, the logistics of moving my family across borders have become much more complex. It’s not just about me and my backpack anymore. Now, I have to consider school curriculums, reliable pediatric healthcare, my husband’s work time zone, and finding a home base with a community and kid-friendly activities.

If you are dreaming of making 2026 the year your family finally hit the road, you need a system. Over the last 15 years, I have tested dozens of platforms, apps, and services. Here are the 20 resources that actually power our life as a digital nomad family, and exactly why I trust them.

The Engine: Remote Work & Security

Securing a remote income is the fuel for this lifestyle. We’re both very lucky to have fully remote jobs that allow us to work from anywhere – I’ve been a travel writer and blogger for the last 15 years, and my husband is a software engineer who works for a Dutch company. He worked as a programmer for at least 10 years before finding one that was happy to let him work 100% remote.

1. WeWorkRemotely.com

If you’re on the search for a remote job, I recommend checking out We Work Remotely, the biggest search engine for remote jobs. Unlike standard job sites that list remote jobs that actually require you to live in a specific state, WWR focuses on truly location-independent roles. The vetting is high quality; I’ve found that companies posting here understand the nomad culture and don’t micromanage.

2. FlexJobs

I hate paying for job boards, but FlexJobs is the exception. I paid the subscription fee when I was transitioning my career because their team manually screens every single listing. When you are a busy parent, you don’t have time to sift through scams or multi-level marketing schemes disguised as “jobs.” If you are looking for part-time or flexible hours to work around childcare, this is the safest place to look.

3. LinkedIn (The “Remote” Filter)

It sounds obvious, but most people use LinkedIn incorrectly. Many editors found me on Linkedin and I’ve been commissioned for a lot of writing projects on this platform. Make sure your Linkedin profile is updated and optimize it to be remote capable. To find remote jobs on Linkedin, use the specific “Remote” filter in the jobs section. I use the platform to network with other travel writers and see who they are working for. Often, the best way to find a nomad-friendly company is to see where other nomads are already employed.

4. Upwork

This is where many freelancers start building their portfolio. I use Upwork to hire designers when I need help with my media kit, or virtual assistants to work on my blog.. If you are a writer, virtual assistant, or graphic designer, you can start here today.

My tip: Don’t compete on price. Compete on being the most reliable person in the room.

5. World Time Buddy

This simple tool has saved my reputation more times than I can count. When you are in Vietnam, your client is in New York, and your developer is in London, scheduling a Zoom call requires mental gymnastics. World Time Buddy visualizes the overlap. I use it to protect my family time — I can clearly see that a 4 PM call for my client is 4 AM for me, allowing me to set boundaries and say “no” before I accidentally commit to a sleepless night.

6. Moonlock

Our laptops are our livelihood; if it goes down, we don’t eat. We use Moonlock, a great antivirus for Mac. When we are hopping between Airbnbs and cafes, connecting to random, unsecured Wi-Fi networks is a huge risk. Moonlock scans for malware or vulnerabilities.

The Planning & Logistics Phase

Before we book a single flight, I spend weeks in the research phase. I need to know that we can afford the destination and, more importantly, that we are legally allowed to be there.

7. Numbeo

To decide where we’ll set up our next homebase, I use Numbeo because it provides hard data. When we moved from Mexico to South Africa, I ran a side-by-side comparison. I look specifically at the “Market” section to see the price of a liter of milk, a loaf of bread, and a month of high-speed internet. As a parent, I also make sure to check the “Health Care” and “Safety” indices. Knowing the crime stats of a specific city gives me the peace of mind to book that one-way ticket.

8. VisaList.io

The post-covid travel world is a labyrinth of red tape. I used to spend hours cross-referencing embassy websites, but VisaList visualizes everything. I simply put in my passport information, and it color-codes the world map. It’s been a lifesaver for planning where we can go for at least 6 months and how long we can stay at each place.

9. Wise

If you are still using your home bank card abroad, you are likely hemorrhaging money on hidden fees. I’ve been using Wise for years to hold multiple currencies simultaneously. I have a Euro account, a USD account, and a British Pound account all in one app. When I get paid by a client in the US, I receive it in dollars and convert it to the local currency at the real exchange rate, not the inflated bank rate. It saves us hundreds of dollars a year — money that goes toward family experiences rather than bank fees.

10. Bookaway

If you’ve ever tried to negotiate a bus ticket in Senegal or figure out which bus to take in Uzbekistan using only hand signals, you know the stress of local transit. With a child in tow, we no longer just show up to a bus station only to find the seats are sold out. I use Bookaway to book ground transportation — buses, ferries, and private vans — in advance. Having a digital ticket on my phone beats haggling with a tour operator any day.

Schooling & Education

The fear of neglecting our daughter’s education was our biggest hurdle. But we found that worldschooling, combined with the right digital tools, actually offers a richer education than a four-walled classroom.

11. International Schools Database

There are seasons where we want to stay put for a year, and in those times, we opt for traditional schooling. International Schools DB has a great database of international schools. I can filter by city — be it Lisbon, Cape Town, or Mexico City — and see tuition fees, curriculum types (IB, British, American), and location maps. It’s vital for budgeting, as international school fees can range from affordable to astronomical.

12. Maevious

We currently use Maevious to homeschool our daughter.It’s one of the top UK-based online schools, and it has been a game-changer for us. It offers live lessons with real teachers, which gives our daughter the structure she needs. I love it because it removes the pressure from me to be the teacher. Her classmates stay the same whether we are in Cape Town or Addis Ababa.

13. Outschool

While Maevious handles the core curriculum, we use Outschool for the fun stuff. It’s a marketplace of live online classes for kids. My daughter has taken marine biology classes and coding workshops. It’s a great way to let her pursue niche interests that a traditional school might not offer, and it buys me an hour of quiet focus time to get work done.

Community & Sanity

Isolation is the number one reason nomad families quit. You cannot do this alone. We prioritize finding community just as much as we prioritize finding Wi-Fi.

14. WorldSchooly.com

Before we choose a destination, I check WorldSchooly. It’s a massive directory of worldschooling hubs and communities. I look for the “Hubs” — cities where families congregate. If a destination doesn’t have a listing here, we usually skip it. This site helps us land in places where playdates are built-in, rather than having to hunt for them.

15. Worldschool Pop-Up Hubs

If you are new to worldschooling and are afraid of your kids not socializing, book one of these. A Pop-up Hub is a structured gathering of families in a specific location for 4-6 weeks. You pay a fee, and the organizers handle the itinerary, field trips, and teen hangouts. It eliminates the awkwardness of trying to make friends at a playground because everyone is there for the same reason.

Housing: Living Like a Local

Airbnb has become prohibitively expensive for monthly stays. To make this lifestyle sustainable, I’ve learned to use the platforms the locals use.

16. Idealista (Europe)

For those planning to move to Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy), I recommend using Idealista to find long-term rentals. It’s the leading real estate site in the region. I use the map feature to draw the exact neighborhood I want.

Pro Tip: I look for listings that have been sitting for a while and contact the agent via WhatsApp. Even if they ask for a one-year lease, I’ve found many landlords are willing to do 1-6 months during the off-season if I offer to pay upfront.

17. Property24 (Africa)

We’re currently living in Cape Town, and we found our apartment on Property24. When browsing for homes in Cape Town, I specifically look for “Security Estates” or complexes. This platform lets me filter for safety features, which is non-negotiable for us in that region. They usually rent out properties for a minimum of 6 or 12 months.

18. Lamudi (Asia & Latin America)

In developing markets like the Philippines, Indonesia, or Mexico, housing can be chaotic. Lamudi brings some order to the chaos. Even if I don’t book through the site, I use it for “price discovery.” I check what a local pays for a 2-bedroom apartment in Mexico City so that when I negotiate on Facebook Marketplace or Airbnb, I know if I’m being “gringo-priced.”

19. TrustedHousesitters

If you’re experienced in petsitting, TrustedHousesitters allows you to stay in incredible homes for free in exchange for caring for pets. We’ve stayed in villas that we could never afford to rent, just by caring for a dog. For families, it’s amazing because you step into a fully functional home with toys, a kitchen, and a yard, rather than a sterile hotel room.

Connectivity & Health

Finally, the two things that can ruin a trip faster than anything else: bad internet and bad health.

20. Airalo

I am done with the stress of hunting for a SIM card kiosk at the airport while my child is melting down from jet lag. I now use Airalo to buy eSIMs before we even take off. I install the eSIM while I’m on the plane, and the moment we land, I have data. It allows me to call an Uber and check Google Maps immediately. It’s slightly more expensive than a local SIM, but the convenience is worth every penny.

Bonus: SafetyWing

I couldn’t finish this list without mentioning insurance. Traditional travel insurance often doesn’t cover you if you don’t have a “return ticket” or a permanent home. SafetyWing was built by nomads for nomads. It doesn’t matter what nationality you hold, you are covered for as long as your trip lasts. I have the Nomad plan, an annual insurance plan where I pay just $70/month and can get covered for all trip cancellations, delays, loss of luggage or emergencies. Knowing my family is covered no matter where we are is the ultimate safety net.

Is 2026 Your Year?

People often tell me I’m brave for living this way. I’m not brave; I’m just well-prepared. The difference between a chaotic trip and a life-changing lifestyle is simply having the right resources in your pocket.

What a Day on an Antarctic Expedition Looks Like

Nellie Huang — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:43:10 +0000

Last Updated on April 3, 2026

For those planning a trip to Antarctica, here’s a detailed breakdown of what a day on an Antarctic Expedition looks like, based my own journey.

In over 20 years of traveling to more than 150 countries, I’ve seen some incredible places — but nothing compares to Antarctica. There’s a reason it’s called the last great wilderness. The continent is vast, remote, and unlike anywhere else on Earth, with towering glaciers, endless icebergs, and wildlife that thrives far from human interference.

But as breathtaking as it is, a trip to Antarctica isn’t cheap or straightforward. Getting there takes planning, effort, and investment. That’s why choosing the right provider and itinerary is absolutely crucial if you want to come back with unforgettable memories, and stay safe while doing it.

This guide is my way of taking you along on my journey to Antarctica and helping you prepare for your own adventure. I’ll show you what it really felt like to wake up surrounded by icebergs, watch penguins shuffle across the snow, and sail past whales that seem larger than life. This is what a day on my expedition looked like and how you can plan your own journey to the bottom of the world.

How to Plan the Perfect Day on an Antarctic Expedition

First of all, this is not a casual beach weekend getaway. Traveling to Antarctica requires careful planning. The continent is harsh and unpredictable, and your days will only go smoothly if you choose the right itinerary and work with reliable providers. Making the right choices is what turns a demanding environment into an unforgettable adventure.

Today, there are more options than ever, which means you can create memories just like I did on my own expedition. I had an amazing time and I’m already planning my next trip. For 2026 and 2027, there are 186 Antarctic cruises scheduled, each with its own pace and style of adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a short voyage or a longer, fully immersive journey, exploring these Antarctic cruises is the first step to planning your own story on the White Continent.

To make sure your experience is both safe and responsible, consider working with Antarctica Travel Advisors. These certified specialists design every itinerary to protect the fragile environment while maximizing your experience. With tailored routes, you can choose to visit the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the Antarctic Circle, and even historic Elephant Island.

A Typical Day on an Antarctic Expedition

The first time I stepped onto an Antarctic expedition ship, I quickly realized that daily life here was unlike anywhere else. Each moment was shaped by the weather, the wildlife, and the thrill of discovery. From the wake-up call echoing across the cabins to evenings spent sharing stories under the midnight sun, the rhythm of the day felt both extraordinary and unpredictable.

As I settled in, I noticed how the schedule balanced structure with spontaneity. One morning could bring a landing among penguin colonies, while the next might deliver an unforgettable Zodiac ride past towering icebergs. Occasionally, a whale would appear right from the deck, reminding us that every day here held surprises. Meals, lectures, and social hours blended seamlessly with adventure, giving us time to rest and reflect between explorations.

With that in mind, I want to take you through a typical day, moving from morning to afternoon to evening. Each part had its own highlights, and together they paint a vivid picture of what it’s like to live at the edge of the world.

Morning

The day began bright and early on an Antarctic expedition cruise. At 8:00 am, they gently woke us over the loudspeakers. The crew shared the latest weather conditions, updates on sea ice, and a preview of the day’s schedule. This wake-up ritual set the tone for the adventure ahead, reminding us that flexibility was key in such an unpredictable environment.

After waking up, we made our way to breakfast at 8:30 am. The spread was generous and hearty, designed to fuel us for the cold and active day ahead. There were fresh pastries and toast, bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal topped with fruit. Many lingered over coffee, chatting with fellow travelers and swapping stories of previous landings.

By 9:30 am, it was time for the real challenge: getting dressed for the outdoors. Layering up in thermal gear, waterproof pants, heavy jackets, gloves, and boots was practically a workout in itself. Once everyone was suited up, the excitement built.

Finally, at 10:00 am, the morning excursion began. Depending on the day, we might step ashore to explore a penguin colony, visit a historic research station, or hike across icy terrain. Other days, conditions called for Zodiac cruises, where small boats took us closer to glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife. Occasionally, the crew organized daring activities like a polar plunge, where the bravest of us leaped into the freezing Antarctic waters.

Afternoon

By 12:30 pm, it was time to warm up and refuel with lunch. Meals were served buffet-style, but the quality was far from ordinary. There were fresh salads, hearty soups, pasta dishes, and sandwiches. It was a chance to relax, recharge, and share impressions of the morning’s adventures.

After lunch, the early afternoon around 2:00 pm often meant sailing toward the next destination. It was a quieter period, perfect for downtime. Many of us gathered in the lounge to sip hot drinks while gazing out at the surreal Antarctic landscape. The captain occasionally announced when whales were spotted, humpbacks breaching or orcas gliding through the icy waters. Cameras and binoculars were always at the ready.

By 4:00 pm, it was usually time for another excursion. Depending on the conditions, we might land on a new site to explore or embark on another Zodiac cruise. Wildlife encounters were common: penguins diving gracefully into the sea, seals basking on the ice, or seabirds soaring overhead. Each outing felt unique, and no two days were ever the same.

Evening

As the day began to wind down, we gathered at 6:00 pm for the daily debrief. The expedition team reviewed the highlights, shared photos, and outlined plans for the next day. This naturally led into lectures, covering topics like Antarctic geology, glaciology, wildlife behavior, and the history of exploration. These sessions helped connect the day’s experiences, giving us a deeper understanding of the environment we were lucky enough to explore.

After the debrief, attention shifted to dinner at 7:30 pm, which quickly became another highlight of the evening. Unlike the buffet-style meals earlier in the day, dinner was a multi-course affair. Menus changed nightly, with starters like soups or fresh appetizers, mains featuring grilled fish or meat with vegetables, and indulgent desserts. It was a chance to savor fine dining while reflecting on the day’s adventures.

By 9:00 pm, the social atmosphere shifted to the bar and lounge. We gathered for drinks, music, and lively conversation. Friendships formed quickly in this setting, as everyone bonded over shared experiences in one of the most remote places on Earth. Some nights, the party stretched late, especially under the glow of the midnight sun, a surreal reminder that in Antarctica, the day never truly ended. There were plenty of photos to look at, including some of the stunning Antarctic sunset.

Encounters with Antarctic Wildlife

Being in Antarctica felt like stepping into another world, one where animals ruled the landscape and we were simply guests. There were no fences, no platforms, no barriers at all. Every encounter was raw and unfiltered, guided only by strict rules that kept us at a respectful distance while allowing the wildlife to behave naturally. It was humbling to realize that here, everything happened on their terms, not ours.

Almost immediately, the penguins stole the show. They waddled across the snow with a confidence that made me laugh. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins darted in and out of the water, splashing playfully, while emperor penguins stood tall and regal in their colonies. Sometimes they stopped and stared, as if studying us just as closely as we studied them. Watching them move so effortlessly across the ice reminded me how perfectly adapted they are to this frozen wilderness.

Not far from the penguins, seals appeared more quietly, almost blending into the ice. I remember drifting past Weddell seals stretched out on floes, barely lifting their heads as we passed. Then there were leopard seals, sleek and powerful, surfacing suddenly and changing the mood in an instant. Even from a distance, their presence was commanding, a reminder of the raw food chain at work in these waters.

And then there were the giants of the ocean. I’ll never forget the moment a humpback whale breached right beside our Zodiac, its massive tail slapping the water with a thunderous splash. Orcas glided silently through the waves, their black-and-white forms cutting through the icy sea. Each sighting felt unscripted, a gift from the wilderness.

And above it all, the skies were alive with motion. Skuas circled overhead, sharp-eyed and watchful, while petrels skimmed low across the water, riding the wind with effortless grace. And then there was the wandering albatross, soaring with wings so wide it seemed to stretch across the horizon. Every encounter was unforgettable, and I bet you’ll end up taking just as many photos of Antarctica as I did.

Antarctic Expedition Itineraries

When you start planning your Antarctic expedition, the itinerary becomes the heart of the journey. I remember standing on deck as we sailed out of Ushuaia, knowing that each route promised something different. Trips can be as short as three days or as long as sixty-nine, depending on how deep you want to go into this frozen world. If you prefer to skip the Drake Passage, you can fly from Punta Arenas in Chile and start your adventure right on the continent.

If you can, I recommend spending at least thirteen days. The Drake Passage alone takes two days each way, and having extra time gives you more chances to step onto remote shores and really experience Antarctica. Longer itineraries that include South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands are unforgettable. These are some of the only places where you can see king penguins in huge colonies.

From there, your route can take you to the Antarctic Peninsula, the Antarctic Circle, the Lemaire Channel, Elephant Island, and beyond. Each stop has its own surprises, from towering glaciers to playful wildlife, and no two days feel the same. You can even get a sense of what my experience was like in the photos I took of the Lemaire Channel. Every moment is shaped by the landscape, the light, the animals, and even the ice itself.

Choosing the right itinerary is more than picking dates. It is about giving yourself the chance to experience Antarctica fully and to leave with memories that last long after you return to warmer places.

Final Preparation Tips for Your Antarctic Expedition

Before you set sail, a little preparation goes a long way in making sure your adventure is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Here are my essential tips to get you ready:

Pack the right clothes: Bring serious cold‑weather gear. Think thermal base layers, fleece mid‑layers, waterproof outer shells, insulated jackets, gloves, hats, and sturdy boots. Layering is key to staying warm and flexible.
Gear up properly: A good camera with extra batteries and memory cards is a must. The cold drains batteries quickly, so pack spares. Binoculars are also great for spotting wildlife from the ship.
Get travel insurance: Antarctica is remote and unpredictable. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations is non‑negotiable. You might consider SafetyWing or a similar provider, but make sure the coverage meets your expedition’s requirements.
Learn about the wildlife: Reading up on penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds before you go will make encounters more meaningful. You’ll know what to look for and appreciate their behavior even more.
Prepare your fitness: You don’t need to be an athlete, but some stamina helps. Be ready for walks on icy terrain, climbing in and out of Zodiacs, and moving around in heavy gear.
Decide your budget and trip length: Antarctic expeditions vary widely in cost and duration. Decide how many days you want to spend and what you’re willing to invest. Longer trips often include South Georgia and the Falklands, which add incredible wildlife experiences.
Take your time when searching for Antarctic expeditions and comparing options: For 2026 and 2027, there are 186 scheduled departures, each offering unique itineraries, experiences, and levels of adventure.
Consider last‑minute deals: Sometimes travelers cancel, leaving room on cruises that may be offered at lower prices. These last‑minute Antarctic cruises can be excellent value and still provide a full experience.

With these preparations, you’ll be ready to make every day of your Antarctic expedition count. This isn’t just a trip, it’s a journey into one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Madagascar with Kids: Our Tips for an Epic Adventure

Nellie Huang — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:49:10 +0000

Last Updated on April 3, 2026

15 years ago, Alberto and I traveled all over Madagascar on our honeymoon, and the Red Island completely blew us away. Wild and rugged, it was the most unspoiled and pristine country we’d been to. Now that we’re living in Cape Town, we decided it’s time to return and show our daughter one of our favorite countries in the world. But we were admittedly a little nervous. Would it be the same? Is the magic still there?

As it turned out, we had nothing to worry about. Madagascar honestly hasn’t changed too much in the last decade, in the best way possible. It’s held onto its raw, rugged soul: the roads are still an adventure in themselves, the Baobabs stand tall against the same unpolluted starry skies, and the pace of life is still dictated by the sun.

Madagascar is the rawest, most rewarding adventure you can give a child, but it definitely comes with its challenges with political instability and poor infrastructure. Planning a trip here can be tricky for independent travelers. With that in mind, I’ve written this article to share our experience with families who are looking for an epic adventure with their little ones.

Our Guide to Madagascar with Kids

Is Madagascar suitable for families? Yes, but with a major caveat. To be brutally honest, Madagascar is a masterclass in patience for little ones (and us!). The Malagasy philosophy of “mora mora” (slowly, slowly) is how things usually work in the country. Lunch can sometimes take 90 minutes to arrive, or find yourself roasting on a riverbank at Bekopaka for three hours because the car ferry simply won’t leave until it’s full. It is gritty, dusty, and demanding.

It is also wildly unpredictable. We actually traveled Madagascar during the recent military coup (when major protests took place and the President was ousted). While we were incredibly lucky and weren’t affected, we had friends who were tear-gassed and caught in the riots, and some were stranded in Nosy Be for days because domestic flights were suddenly canceled due to curfews. Infrastructure here hangs by a thread, and political or logistical shifts can upend your itinerary in seconds.

I only recommend Madagascar for seasoned traveling families who come with a flexible schedule and an open mind. If you can look past the logistics, the rewards are unmatched. For animal-loving kids, this island is nothing short of magical – with wild lemurs roaming freely in ancient forests, fossas hunting for prey in the bush, and chameleons crossing the roads. The wildlife here is so distinctive and accessible that the entire trip is a real-life biology lesson. If you can handle the chaos, your kids will leave not just with resilience, but with memories of an unreal natural world.

Is it Safe to Travel Madagascar with Kids?

Understandably, safety is the number one question we get, especially regarding the political instability and the military coup of October 2025. We were hesitant too, but we stayed outside the center of the capital and transferred directly from the international airport to a domestic flight, and didn’t have any issues at all.

In reality, the protests were heavily concentrated in the capital, Antananarivo (Tana), and around government administrative centers. The tourist regions — specifically Western Madagascar (Morondava) and the North (Nosy Be) where we went — remained peaceful. We never felt unsafe in the countryside.

In terms of general safety, Madagascar has always been one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but petty theft exists. The biggest danger is actually the roads (which are in poor condition) and medical access. In remote areas like the Tsingy de Bemaraha, you are days away from a hospital. You must be vigilant about health and safety rules.

Which Ages Would Enjoy it Most?

Madagascar is a place to go for adventure, not a resort holiday. I honestly wouldn’t recommend visiting with a baby or toddler especially if you need access to formula milk, supplements or medical stuff that might not be easily available there.

Preschoolers who aren’t used to long road trips might struggle with the dusty roads of Western Madagascar – the drives between Morondava and the Tsingy are long (8+ hours), bumpy, and hot. However, if you stick to the Nosy Be archipelago, toddlers will be in heaven. The water is warm, shallow, and calm, and the lemurs in the sanctuary parks are gentle enough for a 3-year-old to marvel at.

The real sweet spot, we found, is for children aged 8 to 14. At this age, they have the patience for the travel days and stamina for the hikes, and can understand the uniqueness of the animals. Our 10-year-old daughter felt like Indiana Jones crossing the suspension bridges in the Tsingy de Bemaraha. She loved seeing lemurs in the wild, and having them jump on her shoulders at Lemuria Land.

Can You Travel Madagascar Independently?

Yes it’s absolutely possible. For the first half of our trip (in Western Madagascar), we hired a driver and 4×4 from our friends at Remote River Expeditions, whom we traveled with on our honeymoon 15 years ago. Gary, the owner, is a genuinely great guy who lives in Morondava and truly cares about Madagascar. Most people hire a guide too, but we didn’t feel it was necessary. Our driver Flori was amazing – he spoke some English and he was fun and positive, always making sure we felt comfortable and that we were enjoying the trip.

We booked all the lodges ourselves but choices are limited and the good ones can be very expensive – for instance we wanted to stay at Akiba Lodge as it was the nearest lodge to the Avenue du Baobabs but the rustic hut with no a/c or fan cost us US$300/night. We also met a few backpackers who were traveling on their own – they stayed mainly in Morondava and booked day trips to see the Avenue du Baobab etc. You can save a lot of money that way but you might not see or experience as much.

For the second half of our trip, we spent a week on the island of Nosy Be. We didn’t hire any guide or driver – we just hired tuktuks (easily available outside our hotel) to explore the island. We also booked day trips to neighboring islands through MadaAssist, an online tour operator that finds the best prices for tours and lets you book through WhatsApp. We had an amazing time on Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Komba through the tours we booked on MadaAssist.

Things to Do in Madagascar with Kids

Madagascar is a playground for nature lovers. It blends Jurassic Park landscapes with Caribbean-style beaches. Here are our absolute favorite experiences.

Watch the Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs (Morondava)

This is the bucket-list item and an absolute highlight for our family. The Avenue du Baobab is a public dirt road lined with massive Adansonia grandidieri trees that look like roots sticking into the sky. It feels like an event – where hundreds of people gather to see the sun splash its golden rays across the baobabs. There’s an open-air bar right at the start of the avenue (the only change we’ve seen at this spot), where you can get ice-cold beer and warm samosas.

Pro Tip: It gets crowded at sunset. Some people go at sunrise (we didn’t as our daughter would kill us haha!) Our guide told us that if you get here at 5:30 am, it’s cool, quiet, and you can run down the dirt road without dodging jeeps.

Cross the Suspension Bridge in Tsingy de Bemaraha

Located a grueling but scenic drive from Morondava, the “Stone Forest” is unlike anywhere else on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast “stone forest” of razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, formed by millions of years of groundwater erosion into a labyrinth of grey needles. It is an absolute must-visit because nowhere else on Earth offers this specific blend of adrenaline and biology (you may have heard of the Kunming Stone Forest in China but we’ve visited and it cannot be compared to the Tsingy). Tsingy de Bemaraha is made up of the Petit Tsingy, a small area that can be seen in half a day, and the Grand Tsingy.

Kids and adults both alike will enjoy climbing the rock pinnacles – though the little ones might need some help. There’s no minimum age requirement but I wouldn’t recommend bringing kids under 6 years old. That said, your entrance fee includes a local guide who will make sure your child is climbing safely. Our daughter loved the clip-on hike and her favorite part was crossing the swaying suspension bridge over a jagged abyss!

Pro Tip: The “Grand Tsingy” hike involves wearing a harness and clipping into cables (Via Ferrata). If your kids are too small for the Grand Tsingy, the “Petit Tsingy” circuit is fantastic. It’s an easy 1-2 hour scramble where you still see the rock formations and even Sifaka lemurs without needing a harness. I highly recommend one of these Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park tours.

Look for Fosas and Lemurs in Kirindy Reserve

To break down the long drive between Morondava and the Tsingy de Bemaraha, we stayed a night in the Kirindy Forest. It is one of the only places to spot the Fosa (remember the villain in the Madagascar movie?) and there are a lot of wild lemurs that live here. We started with an amazing night walk where the forest came alive with the glowing eyes of the nocturnal Grey Mouse Lemur.

The next morning, we did a morning hike and our guide spotted a family of Brown Lemurs high in the trees and suggested we pour some of our water into an empty giant snail shell on the ground. To our absolute amazement, the entire family cautiously descended, eyes wide and curious, to drink right in front of us. It was a moment of pure joy, and it made the dusty, bumpy journey to the West completely worth it.

Swim with Giant Turtles on Nosy Sakatia

After the dust of the west, we flew to the north and took a day trip to the island of Nosy Sakatia, just off the coast of Nosy Be. The seagrass beds here attract giant Green Sea Turtles. We aren’t talking about one or two turtles.

We are talking about massive, ancient creatures grazing in water that is only waist-deep. Our daughter put on her masks and floated right next to them. The turtles are entirely unfazed by humans. It was a magical, silent moment of connection with nature that beat any aquarium visit. If you dream of snorkeling through crystal-clear waters and swimming with giant turtles, consider booking the Nosy Sakatia Cruise for an unforgettable adventure.

Walk the Sandbar at Nosy Iranja

A major highlight of our time in Northern Madagascar was spending a day on the castaway island of Nosy Iranja. Often voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Nosy Iranja is actually two islands connected by a dazzling 1.5km strip of white sand that disappears at high tide. If you’re exploring northern Madagascar, be sure to take a day tour to the stunning Nosy Iranja.

The water is a color of blue that looks Photoshopped. We hiked up to the old lighthouse designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the tower guy) for a panoramic view. Kaleya spent hours chasing crabs on the sandbar and playing in the gentle waves.

Smell the Ylang-Ylang and See Lemurs on Nosy Be

You can’t visit Nosy Be without understanding why it’s called “The Scented Isle,” and the best place to do this is at the sprawling ylang-ylang plantations right next to Lemuria Land. The two experiences are perfectly combined. First, you walk through the twisted, manicured trees of the plantation amidst a heavy, sweet floral scent. We visited the old distillery, which looks like a steampunk museum with its copper vats and wood-fired boilers, to see how they extract the essential oils that end up in high-end French perfumes (like Chanel No. 5!).

Right next to the distillery is Lemuria Land, which was a huge hit with Kaleya. The animals are thriving in a protected, semi-wild environment, and many aren’t afraid to get up close. The local guide at Lemuria brought some bananas with us, and that got the Black Lemur so excited it stood perched on Kaleya’s shoulders to eat the bananas. We saw everything from ancient Giant Tortoises (some over 150 years old!) to Panther Chameleons here.

When to Travel Madagascar with Kids

Choosing when to visit Madagascar is really important as the seasons determine whether the roads are accessible or not. January-March is the cyclone season and best avoided as high winds and torrential rains make certain roads impassable, flights are frequently canceled, and the risk of disease (like Malaria) spikes with the standing water. The Tsingy de Bemaraha is physically closed from November to April because it is literally unreachable.

May to October is the best time to travel to Madagascar as it’s dry season and the days are sunny and warm (around 25°C–30°C), which is perfect for hiking with kids. However, the Highlands (Antananarivo) get chilly in the evenings, so you will need fleeces and long pants for the start of the trip.We traveled in October, and the weather was already very hot. The mosquito population was manageable (though we still took precautions), and the wildlife viewing was at its peak.

How Long to Travel Madagascar with Kids?

If there is one piece of advice I can give you, it is this: you need time to see this country. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world — roughly the size of France, but without the modern highways to match. Looking at a map is deceptive: a 200km distance that might take two hours elsewhere can take eight hours here. Roads often deteriorate into potholed obstacle courses, bridges might be out, or you might get stuck behind a slow-moving zebu cart on a mountain pass.

I recommend a minimum of 14 Days. Don’t try to fit everything in! To truly enjoy the rhythm of the country without spending your entire vacation inside a car, you need to slow down and focus on specific regions rather than trying to sprint across the whole map. You need to accept that travel days are long and exhausting.

The national motto is “mora mora,” which translates to “slowly, slowly.” You cannot rush Madagascar. A scheduled 4-hour drive can turn into 8 hours if a ferry engine stalls or the road has washed away. Domestic flights are notoriously often delayed or rescheduled at the last minute – never book an international flight home on the same day as a domestic connection.

Search for flights to Madagascar here

Our 2-Week Madagascar Itinerary

For this trip, I think we did really well planning our itinerary – we moved at the perfect pace and didn’t feel too rushed or too relaxed. We focused on two main areas in Madagascar since we were traveling with our daughter. On our first trip, we definitely packed in a lot more and explored more of the country (also because we had three weeks there). Besides the Morondava area, we also explored Isalo National Park (highly recommended if you have time), Ifaty and Fort Dauphin.

The Avenue du Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha were our favorite parts, so we knew we wanted to return and see it again with Kaleya. And since we missed Nosy Be on our last trip, we included it in our itinerary and it turned out to be better than I’d expected!

Here’s a summary of our Madagascar itinerary; I will be writing a detailed article on it next!

Day 1: Arrive in Tana (Ivato Airport). Stay near the airport.
Day 2: Explore Tana and Lemur Park.
Day 3: Fly to Morondava. Long drive to Bekopaka (Tsingy). Cross two rivers by ferry.
Day 4: Hike the Petit Tsingy and explore the Manambolo Gorge by canoe.
Day 5: Hike the Grand Tsingy (for older kids) and relax.
Day 6: Drive to Kirindy Reserve. Night Walk.
Day 7: Morning Hike. Drive back to Morondava. Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs.
Day 8: Explore the markets of Morondava and enjoy seafood.
Day 9: Fly Morondava -> Tana -> Nosy Be.
Days 10-11: Base yourself in Nosy Be. Take day trips to Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Iranja and Lokobe Reserve.
Days 12-13: Relax on Nosy Komba and swim alongside whalesharks.
Day 14: Fly Nosy Be -> Tana -> Home.

Here’s a map of my 2-Week Madagascar itinerary. Click to see it on Google Maps.

How to use this map: Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. To open a larger version in a new tab, click on the top right corner of the map. Star the map to save it to your own Google Maps.

Getting Around Madagascar with Kids

By Car (Private Driver)

It’s highly advised not to drive yourself as the roads are really crazy. It’s often MORE expensive to hire a guide alone than with a driver included. For the first half of our trip, we hired a 4×4 with a driver from Remote River Expeditions (who also brought us around 15 years ago) who picked us up in Morondava. Our driver Flori was the best! Besides being so fun and energetic, he was also really good at his job. He helped another driver with engine problems and brought us to the best restaurants.

By Plane

Domestic flights on Air Madagascar are the only way to hop between regions (e.g., West to North). Flying to Morondava from Antanarivo saved us 10-16 hours of driving. On our first trip there, we drove (stopping at places along the way of course) but it was brutal.

But domestic flights in Madagascar aren’t cheap – we paid 223 euros per person for Antanarivo-Morondava return flights and 323 euros for Antanarivo-Nosy Be return flights. And Air Madagascar is notorious for delays and cancellations. Always book flexible international tickets to make sure you don’t miss your flight home.

Search for flights to Madagascar here

Do You Need to Speak French to Travel Madagascar?

English is spoken in the high-end hotels in Nosy Be, but once you hit the road in Morondava or the villages, it is non-existent. Locals speak Malagasy, but French is the administrative language. We learned a few basic words in Malagasy and it went a long way: “Salama” (Hello in Malagasy), “Misaotra” (Thank you), and “Bonjour.” If you don’t speak French, download the Google Translate French dictionary for offline use.

Where We Stayed in Madagascar with Kids

Accommodation in Madagascar can be limited and they are either ultra basic or very high-end. If you’re looking for comfort, be prepared to spend quite a lot. We made it a point to book lodges with swimming pools as we know how hot it can get (and no matter how hard the travel day is, all is forgotten once you get into the pool!), so we ended up around $200-300/night at some lodges.

Note that many of them don’t even take online bookings, so you need to email them. Luckily they all accept credit card payments on arrival. Nosy Be is the exception, where you can easily find comfortable hotels with good prices.

Morondava – Palissandre Côte Ouest

After coming back to Morondava on the dusty road trip through the tsingy, we were so glad we splurged on this hotel! It’s the best spot in town with individual bungalows right on the beach and two fantastic pools, and a great restaurant. Check rates here.

Tsingy (Bekopaka) – Soleil des Tsingy

Perched on a hill overlooking the Manambolo River, this hotel is also one of our favorites. The views at sunset are unbeatable and the pool is seriously MUCH needed after a sweaty day of hiking in the tsingy. They have big family rooms that are spacious and comfortable, with enough beds for a family of 4. Check rates here.

Kirindy – Akiba Lodge Marofandilia

I’d first say we do not recommend this lodge as it’s way overpriced – we paid US$300/night for a very simple, rustic hut in the forest with no A/C or fan. Dinner, breakfast and a night walk was included. I understand that it’s a community-based project and it’s fully run by the villagers from Marofandilia, but I think they’ve crossed the line with the price. I would suggest booking Relais du Kirindy (which was full when we booked) instead as it has a pool and good food (we had lunch there twice).

Nosy Be – Loharano Lodge

After spending a week in Western Madagascar, we had a bit of a culture shock checking into this place, where Italian and French were spoken and most people seemed to be tourists on summer vacation. That said, the beach resort is new, affordable and beautifully designed with three tiered pools and a great restaurant. We were very happy with our room (right in front of the pool) and the food there, but didn’t quite like the location (a 20-minute drive from Hell-ville). Check rates here.

Nosy Komba – Manja Kely Lodge

With beautiful, spacious wooden bungalows perched on the hills of Nosy Komba, this lodge is a huge contrast to Loharano. We only saw one other family when we stayed there; it was calm, quiet and stunning. There are no roads in Nosy Komba, so the only way to get here is by boat. We felt isolated here but we only stayed 2 nights, perfect to unwind in between snorkeling and diving trips. Check rates here.

What to Eat in Madagascar with Kids

If you are worried that your children will go hungry because of foreign food, let me put your mind at ease: Malagasy food is surprisingly kid-friendly. Because the island’s culture is a unique blend of Southeast Asian and French influences, the cuisine feels surprisingly familiar. Malagsy food is not spicy and is often made up of seafood or meat and rice.

Malagasy Staples

Vary: In Madagascar, rice (Vary) is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Zebu: You will see Zebu cattle everywhere. It’s just beef, served as a steak or in a stew. A must-try is Zebu au Coco or Zebu à la Vanille — the vanilla adds a savory, aromatic richness that is delicious.
Mine Sao: It is a Chinese-influenced stir-fried noodle dish with veggies and usually chicken or beef. It tastes exactly like a mild Chow Mein and is a guaranteed hit with children.
Mofo: Keep an eye out for street stalls selling Mofo, which translates to “bread.” Mofo Baolina are sweet, fried dough balls (basically doughnuts) that make for an excellent road trip snack.
Tropical Fruit: The fruit here is explosive in flavor. The small bananas are sweeter than candy, and the mangoes and pineapples are incredible.
Fresh Juice: In lodges, the fresh juices (papaya, passion fruit) are amazing, but always ask for it without ice to avoid tummy troubles from the tap water.

How to Keep Your Kids Healthy in Madagascar

Madagascar isn’t a destination where you can just pop into a pharmacy if your child spikes a fever. When you are deep in the Tsingy, you are hours away from a hospital with modern equipment. This means you need to be your own doctor and prepared for everything.

Malaria is a problem in many parts, while Bilharzia (parasitic worms) is common in fresh water, meaning you can’t just let kids jump into every inviting lagoon or waterfall. The country sees seasonal outbreaks of the bubonic plague (though tourists are rarely affected, it is a reality of the healthcare landscape here).

Here are the major things you need to manage:

Malaria: Malaria is prevalent across the entire island, but the risk is significantly higher in the humid coastal regions like Nosy Be, Morondava, and the rainforests. The high-altitude capital of Tana has a lower risk. We did not take Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) but we did bring a pack with us as an antidote just in case. We made sure to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk when the mosquitoes are most active and also sleep with mosquito nets.
Hygiene: We’re not overly cautious, we drink only bottled water but we still brushed our teeth with tap water. Make sure to carry a fully stocked medical kit from home including pediatric rehydration salts and diarrhea medication. Dehydration hits kids fast in this heat, so having those salts on hand is a lifesaver.
The Fierce Tropical Sun: On boat days to places like Nosy Iranja, the reflection off the white sand and turquoise water acts like a mirror. Sunscreen isn’t always enough; we highly recommend long-sleeved UV rash guards and wide-brimmed hats.
Medical Kit Essentials: In our standard medical kit that we bring on every trip, we pack liquid children’s paracetamol, antihistamines (for allergies), antiseptic cream for cuts (the coral can be sharp) and band-aid.

How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids

We never, ever travel without comprehensive health insurance. For our digital nomad lifestyle, we’ve found SafetyWing to be the perfect fit. We’ve used it for years now. Their Nomad Insurance plan provides solid coverage and is specifically designed for people on the move. The biggest selling point for us is their family policy: one child under 10 per adult (up to two children per family) is included on your insurance for free. It’s a huge saving and gives us invaluable peace of mind.

How to Stay Connected in Madagascar

The biggest change we noticed in Madagascar was that Wi-Fi now works quite well in most hotels. They can be often slow (especially in the Tsingy) though so don’t expect to do video calls.

I recommend buying an eSIM card before your trip. eSIMs are honestly the best thing invented – you no longer need to go to a physical store to buy a SIM and install it in your phone. I use Airalo, which offers affordable plans for Madagascar – I bought my 3GB Madacom eSIM for $18. You can get 1GB for just $7 or 10GB for $45.

Check out Airalo’s eSIMs for Madagascar

Cost of Travel in Madagascar with Children

There is a common misconception that Madagascar is a budget destination similar to mainland East Africa. While street food and market shopping are incredibly cheap, it is always expensive to travel around a country that is remote and has poor infrastructure.

Here is a realistic breakdown of what we spent:

Accommodation ($80 – $250+ USD per night):
- Budget: You can find basic family rooms for $30-50, but with kids, we recommend spending a bit more for air-conditioning and mosquito nets that actually work.
- Mid-Range: A comfortable family bungalow (usually a double bed + two singles) in places like Loharano Lodge averages $100-150 per night.
- Luxury: If you want AC, a pool, and hot water 24/7, expect to pay $200+ per night. Search for accommodations in Madagascar here.

Domestic Flights ($150-200 each way):
This is the killer, as domestic flights are monopolised by Air Madagascar and airfares aren’t cheap. Expect to spend around $200-300 return for flights from Antanarivo to other parts of the country. Search for flights to Madagascar here.
Food & Drink (The Saving Grace):
Food is incredibly affordable and delicious (mostly French-Malagasy fusion).
- Lunch: A plate of “Mine Sao” (fried noodles) or a zebu steak at a local eatery costs $4-6.
- Dinner: A full family dinner at a nice lodge with drinks will rarely exceed $30-40 total.
- Drinks: A large bottle of Eau Vive water is $1; a THB beer is $1.50.
Activities & Fees:
- Park Fees: National Parks charge entrance fees (roughly $10-15 per adult, less for kids) plus a mandatory guide fee (approx $10-20 depending on the circuit length).
- The Ferries: Don’t forget small cash for the river crossings (approx $5-10 per crossing).
- Tipping: Tipping is expected everywhere. Keep a pocket full of small notes (1,000 – 2,000 Ar) for porters, boat captains, and guides.
- Guided Tours: Parks are best with a guide, often included in the entrance fee. I recommend checking GetYourGuide or Viator early to confirm availability for your dates, as popular tours tend to book up quickly.

What to Pack for a Madagascar Family Trip

Headlamps: Electricity cuts are common. Every family member needs a light.
Power bank: To charge iPads/phones during long drives.
Motion sickness pills: For the bumpy roads and the boat to Nosy Iranja.
Quick-dry clothing: It’s humid. Cotton takes days to dry.
Sturdy hiking shoes and sandals: Keens or Tevas are perfect for the Tsingy and wet landings on beaches.
School supplies: If you want to give back, bring pens/notebooks to give to the village headman or school teacher. Do not give candy or money to begging children as it encourages them to skip school.

Practical Tips for Traveling Madagascar with Kids

Cash is King: Most places besides high-end hotels only accept cash. ATMs are rare outside big cities. Carry plenty of Euros or Dollars to exchange, or withdraw large bricks of Ariary in Tana.
The “Mora Mora” Mindset: Service in restaurants can be slow (1+ hour for food). Order before the kids are starving. Bring card games (Uno was our savior) for the wait times.
Prepare for Poverty: Madagascar is one of the poorest nations on earth. You will see poverty. We had open conversations with our kids beforehand so they weren’t shocked. The local kids are incredibly friendly and will want to play — encourage your kids to join them!!

Enjoy Your Trip to Madagascar Family Trip!

It’s not easy to travel in Madagascar, but it truly is one of the most unique and special countries in the world. There is just nowhere else on Earth like Madagascar with its one-of-a-kind lemurs roaming freely, interesting mix of African culture with Southeast Asian roots, and the rugged baobab-studded landscapes. Watching the sunset turn the Baobabs into silhouettes or hearing the call of the Indri lemur in the morning mist will be core memories for your children. It is wild, beautiful, and totally worth the effort. Veloma!

If you have any questions or want extra tips to perfect your itinerary, just drop a comment below. I’m always happy to help! You can also check out more of my articles on traveling around Africa to make your trip planning even easier:

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How We Navigate the World as a Digital Nomad Family

Nellie Huang — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:08:42 +0000

Last Updated on April 7, 2026

We have been traveling with our daughter since she came along 10 years ago, worldschooling and working remotely around the world. Here’s how we do it.

One of the first things people ask when they hear about our life is, “How do you actually do it?” I think they imagine us being on a permanent holiday. The truth is, our life isn’t a long vacation; we have full-time jobs and our daughter goes to school like everyone else – we just do it in different parts of the world. It’s a lifestyle that we’ve intentionally designed over the past 10 years, using a mix of experience, trial and error, and trusted resources for digital nomad families that support work, education, and community on the road.

Ever since I met my husband 20 years ago, we’ve always traveled – from our first home-base in London to far-flung places like Antarctica and Zimbabwe. I love travel so much that I carved a career as a travel blogger and writer. When Kaleya came along 10 years ago, we didn’t stop traveling; in fact she gave us the push we needed to be nomads and travel more intentionally, with the world as her classroom.

But with two remote careers and a child’s education to consider, we knew we needed a system for this lifestyle to work. We don’t travel full time – we spend years in each country, allowing ourselves to immerse ourselves and truly become a part of a community. In this article, we’ll share our process: how to find a long-term home, how to ensure our daughter’s education is consistent, how to stay seamlessly connected for work, and most importantly, how to be a part of a community.

How do Digital Nomad Families Live?

In the past 10 years, we’ve met our fair share of digital nomad families who travel the world while working remotely and homeschooling their kids (or sending them to international schools). The rise of remote work and incredible online learning platforms has unlocked possibilities we could only have imagined a decade ago.

Being a digital nomad is no longer a lifestyle reserved for solo travelers in their twenties. As a “slow nomad” family, we usually choose a homebase that has a big international community, kid-friendly amenities, great schools and affordable cost of living. This way, we give our kid (and us) stability and routine that helps us balance work, school and life. We still travel from our homebase often, with weekend trips, two-week jaunts, and a long two-month summer trip.

Our Story of How We Became Digital Nomads

This life didn’t happen overnight. I’ve been a full-time travel blogger and writer since 2008, and can literally work from anywhere in the world. But my husband had to work in a physical office as a software engineer.

Still we built our lives around long trips and adventures, with our homebase in Spain. He has quit his job to volunteer in Tanzania with me for a few months, taken a scholarship to do a Masters program in Singapore for a year and a sabbatical from work to live in Bali for 3 months. We eventually moved to the Netherlands for his work and built an amazing life there. But it never felt enough – we were nomads temporarily, but we weren’t truly free.

The real shift came when my husband’s career became fully remote (partly thanks to covid). This freedom allowed us to design our life with intention. We knew we didn’t want to travel full-time, bouncing from place to place every few weeks. So we moved to the Caribbean coast of Mexico, spending most of our time outdoors, exploring the Mayan temples, ruins and jungles in the area.

After 2 years, we craved to connect with more Mexican culture, so we stuffed our car with all our belongings and moved to San Miguel de Allende in the center of Mexico where we were part of an amazing community. 2 years later, we decided it was time to go again and we’ve since been living in Cape Town and absolutely loving the accessible nature, outdoorsy life and stunning backdrop.

Benefits of Being a Digital Nomad Family

We absolutely love being a digital nomad family – it allows us to enjoy the freedom of living where we want to, experience new places and cultures on a deeper level and still maintain that stability we need for our careers and our kids’ needs.

It’s also an absolute privilege to worldschool our kid and give her a far richer education than the conventional one. She’s learned practical math by using cash and buying trinkets in the markets of Oaxaca, practiced speaking Mandarin at museums in Shanghai, learned geography by walking on glaciers in Patagonia and marine biology in the tidal pools of Cape Town. More than that, she’s developing life skills that are impossible to teach in a traditional classroom: adaptability, cross-cultural empathy, and a quiet confidence in navigating the unknown.

Living in Mexico and South Africa, we spend less on housing, food, and activities as they cost less here than in the Netherlands or Spain. It means we can afford to eat out more, do more fun activities, spend more on travel and enjoy quality time together as a family.

The Hard Truths of this Lifestyle

As much as we love this life, it’s not always easy and comes with its challenges. When you move to a new country, you have to re-learn the simplest things: how the grocery store is laid out, how to get around, how to navigate the local bureaucracy, how to properly greet a neighbor etc. There’s a steep learning curve involved, but it’s also new and exciting.

The hardest part for many is the feeling of rootlessness, the sadness of leaving a home base. Our experience is a bit different. We don’t have one single “home” to go back to. I’m from Singapore, my husband Alberto is from Spain, and our daughter Kaleya has grown up in the Netherlands, Mexico, and South Africa.

For us, home is not a country – it’s the three of us. It’s our little family unit, wherever we happen to be. It’s the familiar smell of our cooking in a new kitchen, it’s our shared inside jokes, it’s unpacking the small collection of meaningful objects that travel with us. Each country we’ve lived in has given us a piece of its identity, and we carry those places with us.

How We Actually Manage It All

These are the systems and tools we rely on to make everything run smoothly.

Finding a Long-Term Home

We have a tried-and-true process for this. We start by booking an Airbnb for our first month. This gives us a comfortable, stress-free base to explore different neighborhoods in person. Once we’ve identified a few areas we like, I dive into Facebook Marketplace and local expat rental groups. This is how we find great properties directly from landlords. For a multi-year stay, we also use local real estate platforms like Property24.co.za in South Africa and Inmuebles24.com in Mexico, contacting agents directly to negotiate longer-term leases.

Education That Moves With Us

Our daughter’s education is our top priority, but we have always preferred alternative schools to strict, traditional ones. She has attended several project-based schools: Optimist International School in the Netherlands, El Arbol in Playa del Carmen, Academia Internacional in San Miguel de Allende, and the International School of Cape Town.

This year, we decided to finally give home schooling a try for more flexibility – and it’s turning out to be better than we’d imagined. Kaleya currently uses Maevious, a fully accredited online school based on the UK curriculum. It offers live, interactive classes with certified teachers. As she’s very strong academically, she gets to skip a grade and now does Grade 6/7 English and Math. It’s also her first time trying out subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Geography and History; she’s already hooked on Computing where she gets to code her own games.

As these online classes are very focused, she finishes school in just 4 hours and gets the rest of the day to explore with us or pursue other interests. We get to enjoy slow mornings with her, and her afternoons are reserved for fun outdoor activities like rockclimbing, mountain biking and gymnastics. On some days, we also meet other homeschooling kids for museum visits, beach days and excursions around Cape Town.

Our Connectivity Lifeline

Reliable internet is essential to our jobs and our daughter’s school. In the past, landing in a new country meant a frantic search for a local SIM card. Now, we use a global Pangia Pass eSIM, a single plan that gives us unlimited data in over 105 countries. The moment our plane touches down, our phones are instantly connected. It has been an absolute game-changer.

The convenience is hard to beat. Landing in Cape Town, I was able to book our Uber and message our new landlord while we were still taxiing to the terminal. It means we have immediate access to Google Maps to navigate to our new home and can keep us connected to work during the inevitable waiting periods. The only downside is that Pangia Pass only covers 105 countries – some places that we recently traveled and plan to visit, like Madagascar, Ethiopia and Namibia are not covered.

Building a Community From Scratch

Since we travel slowly, building a community is an active, intentional process. We enroll our daughter in local activities, we join homeschooling clubs, and we actively reach out to people. We use Facebook groups to find other traveling families and worldschoolers. Expat groups in each city/town are the best resource as is the Worldschoolers Facebook group.

Ultimately, building a community takes time, effort, and vulnerability. It’s about being the first to say hello at the playground, inviting a new family over for a braai, and showing up consistently. It’s a slower, more organic process, but the friendships we build this way are what make a new country feel like home.

Navigating the Tax Maze

Generally, your tax obligations depend on your citizenship and your tax residency — where you spend a significant amount of time (often defined by a “183-day rule”). Many countries have “double-taxation treaties” to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income. If you have a digital nomad visa, you do not need to pay taxes in the country where you’re temporarily living.

Disclaimer: We are not tax professionals, and this is not financial advice. It is absolutely essential that you hire a specialized accountant who understands international tax law.

Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable

We never, ever travel without comprehensive health insurance. For our unique lifestyle, we’ve found SafetyWing to be the perfect fit. We’ve used it for years now. Their Nomad Insurance plan provides solid coverage and is specifically designed for people on the move. The biggest selling point for us is their family policy: one child under 10 per adult (up to two children per family) is included on your insurance for free. It’s a huge saving and gives us invaluable peace of mind.

Final Thoughts on a Life Redesigned

We love the life we’ve built. We know from experience that spending years in a country creates a depth of connection and a wealth of memories that a short trip never could. It allows you to call a new corner of the world your home, even if just for a chapter.

This lifestyle is hard work, it has its challenges, and it requires a leap of faith. But for our family, the reward — a life of deep immersion, global perspective, and unforgettable shared adventures — is worth everything.

Wild Junket

Staying at Mhondoro Safari Lodge, South Africa

Wildlife Conservation at Its Best

The Famous Pool Ellies

Rising from the Ashes

Dark Aesthetics and Bush Views

A Safari for Families

Farm-to-Table Feasts

Experience South Africa’ Magic in Welgevonden

Practical Information: How to Get There

Where is it?

Getting There

Best Time to Visit

Who is it for?

Mhondoro Safari Lodge Map

Further Reading on South Africa

My Epic 1-Week Tanzania Safari Itinerary – Traveling the Serengeti and Ngorongoro

My Tanzania Safari Itinerary & Guide

Choosing the Right Safari Operator

Best Time for a Tanzania Safari

How Long Do You Need for a Tanzania Safari?

Our 1-Week Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Arusha

Day 2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park (~120 km | ~2.5 hours driving)

Day 3: Karatu → Serengeti National Park (~145 km | ~3 hours driving)

Day 4: A Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti

Day 5: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Conservation Area (~145 km | ~3 hours driving)

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha (~190 km | ~3.5 hours driving)

Day 7: Departure from Arusha

Further Reading on Africa

What to Pack for Safari (My Tried-and-Tested Safari Packing List)

What to Pack for Safari

Where Are You Going on Safari?

What is Your Baggage Allowance?

What to Expect on an African Safari

What to Pack for Safari

Vaccination Card

First Aid Kit

Insect Repellent with Deet

Electronics: Camera and Lenses

Portable Power Bank

Binoculars

Logbooks and Wildlife Guide for Kids

Clothing & Backpacks: Carry-on Backpacks

Packing Cubes

Breathable, Earth-Toned Clothing

Long (Zip-Off) Pants

Waterproof Jacket

Cash

Safari Clothes for Adults

Safari Clothes for Kids

First-Aid Kit:

Electronics:

Other Essentials:

Packing for Your African Safari

Into Australia’s Red Center: Our 7-Day Uluru Road Trip Itinerary

Red Centre Itinerary & Guide

Driving the Red Centre Way

Explore by Car, Campervan or Outback Tour?

Essential Driving Tips for the Red Centre

Our 7-Day Red Centre Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs → Kings Canyon (~475 km | ~5 Hours Driving)

Day 2: The Rim Walk & Drive to Uluru (~300 km | ~3.5 Hours Driving)

Day 3: Uluru Base Walk & Cultural Centre

Day 4: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Day 5: Uluru → Curtin Springs (~85 km | ~1 Hour Driving)

Day 6: Curtin Springs → Alice Springs (~360 km | ~4 Hours Driving)

Day 7: Exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges

Red Centre Travel Guide

Best Time to Drive the Red Centre

Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers

Is It Safe to Visit the Red Centre?

How to Stay Connected in the Red Centre

Further Reading on Australia

My Stay at the New Tintswalo Summer House in South Africa’s Cape Peninsula

The Rebirth of a Coastal Icon

The Visionary Behind the Whimsy

A Modern-day Wonderland

A Feast by the Sea

The Contrast of Eras