Cape Town
Johannesburg
Victoria Falls
Chobe National Park
Windhoek, Namibia
Sossusvlei
Lesotho
Swaziland
We took over 11 people in 2016 and again in 2017, making it one of our most desirable and exciting independent expeditions. If you fancy seeing one of the world’s most majestic waterfalls, driving down to the southernmost point of Africa, climb up the megadunes of the world’s oldest remote desert, or a chance to see all the big 5 in their natural habitat while making the dynamic cities of Cape Town or Johannesburg as your home base, let us plan for you a vacation of a lifetime.
Optional extensions into Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho also included!
| Destination | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | July 31, 2016 |
| 2 | Nairobi, Kenya | August 1, 2016 |
| 3 | Lilongwe, Malawi | August 1, 2016 |
| 4 | Maputo, Mozambique | August 2, 2016 |
| 5 | Manzini, Eswatini | August 3, 2016 |
| 6 | Maseru, Lesotho | August 4, 2016 |
| 7 | Johannesburg, South Africa | August 6, 2016 |
| 8 | Livingstone, Zambia | August 7, 2016 |
| 9 | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | August 7, 2016 |
| 10 | Kasane, Botswana | August 8, 2016 |
| 11 | Cape Town, South Africa | August 11, 2016 |
| 12 | Cape of Good Hope, South Africa | August 12, 2016 |
| 13 | Sossusvlei, Namibia | August 14, 2016 |
| 14 | Windhoek, Namibia | August 15, 2016 |
“Made it back to JFK, again, thanks again Calvin for another awesome and memorable trip!” – Ambrose Chu
“Well, it was awesome meeting all of you amazing people and I really hope I get to see you guys on more future monsoons and/or trips to New York! Safe travels back to JFK!!” – Mikey Ryan
“Just wanted to personally thank you again for setting up the trip to Africa. I’ve always wanted to go back and you made it happen. As always, grateful to travel with you bro!” – Kel Sage
“I just want to thank all of you for one of the most memorable traveling experiences of my life! This trip has really been an experience of a lifetime and I’m already looking forward to the next monsoon I can join you guys on. Everything that has happened on this trip, both good and bad, has really opened my eyes to how much this world really has to offer. I wish we were with the group a little bit more during the second week but there will most definitely be more monsoons and future visits to New York to visit you guys! Calvin, I seriously can’t thank you enough for giving me such an incredible first traveling experience! I’m already looking forward to seeing you guys again. Until next time friends – Cheers!” – Mikey Ryan
“On my way home :). This was a once in a life time trip! Thank you to The Monsoon Diaries for planning an amazing African adventure and thanks to the Danish people for the last minute weight gain from these delicious pastries and hot chocolates!” – Sarah Parise
“It really has been an incredible experience and like I said before, I don’t even see how you are human. You do so much and still find time to give people like me, experiences of a lifetime like this. So, as much as I can’t thank you enough, thank you thank you thank you!! Haha it’s been the craziest, most awesome experience of my entire life so I appreciate everything.” – Mikey Ryan
This is a trip that was planned and led by The Monsoon Diaries in 2016 and 2017. Crediting to that trip’s enormous success, we are happy to sponsor this as a recurring trip whenever you choose to go. Depending on the timing of the trip, there may or may not be an MD staff present as a guide, but there should not be a limiting factor for the trip.
Click here for a full list of reviews.
“I found this travel blog after putting “Iran visa US passport” in the Google search bar, and clicked the “Images” tab back in 2013 (yes, I’m serious). After exchanging emails with the writer/Emergency room doctor/bartender/social justice advocate, Calvin, I visited New York and actually met him to see what kind of person he is. He seemed to be a really cool guy who knows a lot of people. After a chat over some hookah and a stroll, here’s what happened since meeting him:
- Traveled to the Nordic Countries of Europe with 20+ people… within 1 week. Major highlights included venturing in Vaxholm and finding hope in Helsinki. It was an insane, hilarious, awesome and memorable trip.
- Explored and partied through Cambodia and Vietnam with 3 really funny and cool people, on a trip organized by him and led by his friend, Dave (who I met in Copenhagen)… within 1 week. It was another insane, hilarious, awesome and memorable trip. Wrote 2 posts on his blog about my travel experiences in Europe and Asia.
- Moved to New York City.
- Did a whirlwind visit of South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Northern Botswana with 10+ people, played a (very minor) role in a serendipitous moment in Cape Town, and made some new friends. This was all within 1 week.
- Went to Edinburgh with 3 people, climbed 3 giant hills with amazing views… just for a weekend.
“Through Calvin and the Monsoon Diaries, my travel bug has definitely crept out! What started as an unforgettable cross country trip down Route 66 led to exploring the amazing countries of Scandinavia and then a once in a lifetime venture to 11 countries in Africa!
One of the coolest parts of Calvin’s trips is that you’ll discover places you’d never thought you’d be, and meet some dope friends along the way. Every trip with Monsoon will push you out of your comfort zone and into a new adventure. Backpacking has never been this awesome!” – Kelvin Sage
“Made it back to JFK, again, thanks again Calvin for another awesome and memorable trip!” – Ambrose Chu
“An experience of a lifetime that will change your perspective! Because of Calvin, I have visited places that I never thought I would ever go to. He has a knack for gathering people from all types of backgrounds to travel together and turns out to be an awesome time. If you are looking to travel but don’t know where or if you want to go out of your comfort zone but don’t know who to travel with, this is the answer.” – Aaron Lam
“Well, it was awesome meeting all of you amazing people and I really hope I get to see you guys on more future monsoons and/or trips to New York! Safe travels back to JFK!!” – Mikey Ryan
“Just wanted to personally thank you again for setting up the trip to Africa. I’ve always wanted to go back and you made it happen. As always, grateful to travel with you bro!” – Kel Sage
“No matter how many times I say it, I can’t say enough how much fun I had traveling with you guys. You guys are amazing people! I miss you all a bunch. Hope you guys enjoy the rest of the trip. Stay safe and have fun! Watch out for those holes!” – Aaron Lam
“I just want to thank all of you for one of the most memorable traveling experiences of my life! This trip has really been an experience of a lifetime and I’m already looking forward to the next monsoon I can join you guys on. Everything that has happened on this trip, both good and bad, has really opened my eyes to how much this world really has to offer. I wish we were with the group a little bit more during the second week but there will most definitely be more monsoons and future visits to New York to visit you guys! Calvin, I seriously can’t thank you enough for giving me such an incredible first traveling experience! I’m already looking forward to seeing you guys again. Until next time friends – Cheers!” – Mikey Ryan
“On my way home :). This was a once in a life time trip! Thank you to The Monsoon Diaries for planning an amazing African adventure and thanks to the Danish people for the last minute weight gain from these delicious pastries and hot chocolates!” – Sarah Parise
“It really has been an incredible experience and like I said before, I don’t even see how you are human. You do so much and still find time to give people like me, experiences of a lifetime like this. So, as much as I can’t thank you enough, thank you thank you thank you!! Haha it’s been the craziest, most awesome experience of my entire life so I appreciate everything.” – Mikey Ryan
Southern Africa
- Sample all-inclusive price including guided tours to The Cape of Good Hope, Chobe National Park and Sossusvlei, tickets to Robben’s Island, Victoria Falls entry/exit fees, and all flights within the region.
- Can provide a guide or safe enough to lead on your own!
Price Includes:
- Accommodations/Lodging
- Flights within the itinerary to complete the itinerary.
- Robben’s Island tour
- Guided tours to The Cape of Good Hope
- Guided tour to Sossusvlei
- Guided safari at Chobe National Park
- Guided sunset river cruise at Chobe National Park
- Victoria Falls entry fees
Price Excludes:
- International Flights to begin or end the itinerary
- Visa (we will advise you depending on your passport and country of residence)
- Insurance
- All meals
- Drinks
- Tips for guides/restaurants
- Optional activities, day-tours and excursions
Our Previously Organized Independent Tours
Michelle “Adventure Pants” Duncan, Kel “Hopeless Romantic” Sage, Ambrose “The Epicurean” Chu, Sarah “Poland Spring” Parise, Linda “A Lannister Always Pays Her Debts” Zhou, Sze “March Of The Penguins” Chan, Nadi “Guardian Angel” Kaonga, Samantha “FML” Kay Miller, Mikey “The Virgin” Ryan, Aaron “Boy Wonder” Lam
“On my way home :). This was a once in a life time trip! Thank you to The Monsoon Diaries for planning an amazing African adventure.” – Sarah Parise
“I just want to thank all of you for one of the most memorable traveling experiences of my life! This trip has really been an experience of a lifetime and I’m already looking forward to the next monsoon I can join you guys on. Everything that has happened on this trip, both good and bad, has really opened my eyes to how much this world really has to offer. I wish we were with the group a little bit more during the second week but there will most definitely be more monsoons and future visits to New York to visit you guys! Calvin, I seriously can’t thank you enough for giving me such an incredible first traveling experience! I’m already looking forward to seeing you guys again. Until next time friends – Cheers!” – Mikey Ryan
Aaron Lam (Leader), Nahid B., Katherine K., Maxim M., Jesse L.
“I just wanted to reach out and say thank you so much for planning out such an awesome trip! [Our guide and friend] Aaron really did an amazing job and we were sure to give him the nicest bed at all the hostels as a minor thank you. I also wanted to let you know that I appreciate you booking everything. This was one of the best experiences of my life, and without a doubt the best travel experience! I definitely plan on going on more trips and will keep an eye out for The Monsoon Diaries.” – Maxim M.
“Aaron did indeed do a great job leading us! It definitely went by like a whirlwind . . . Till the next adventure!” – Jesse L.
“I want to thank you so much for planning and helping so much with this trip. I had a great time and plan on going on another trip with The Monsoon Diaries . . . again, thanks for helping to rekindle my vagabond spirit.” – Nahid B.
Interested In Southern Africa!
