Ana Santamaria has been on several camping trips in her life, but none compare to her Overland Safaris and Camping in Southern Africa.
“G and I have traveled together in many different ways and this trip remains one of my favorites,” she said.
“Especially for this trip, it's a very unique way to experience Africa.”
For the past three years, Santa Maria has served as a Global Goals Specialist, helping travel agencies function and better understand what G Adventures has to offer.
We sat down with her to find out why Africa Overland Travel It’s a unique way to see the continent and why she encourages travelers to step outside their comfort zones.
What is it like to travel in a Lando?
“The custom overland vehicle built specifically for these trips looks really nice. Every cabin has its purpose. We were traveling through some wild terrain in South Africa, but we were never stuck. The drivers were great because they know how to drive these roads. It lived up to expectations and I was obsessed with that vehicle. My friend I was traveling with said, 'I've never slept on a bus.' But by the third day, we were all passed out in Lando because it was so comfortable.”
What are some of your most memorable experiences on your overland travels in Southern Africa?
“We went through Okavango Delta. So you travel in traditional mokoros (narrow canoes) and we are very remote. I think if you want to go Botswana You must experience Delta because it is very real. People always ask me, 'Aren't you scared?' 'I wasn't scared at all because the tour guides knew what they were doing. Everyone there made you feel very comfortable and the night sky that day, you could see the Milky Way perfectly as it was away from all the light pollution. It's so raw, so real, so pure, just camping in nature. “
How is an overland trip different from other camping trips you’ve been on?
“camping It's much easier with G Adventures. The first thing that comes to mind is eating. Whenever I go camping, I worry about what to eat. I never know what to cook. Even if it's a participating camp and you're helping out, you don't have to figure out what to eat. There is also a community aspect. When I go camping, it’s probably just me and my friends and just a bunch of us, but that’s about it. Here you can camp with the whole group and it becomes a nice little community. “
How does the CEO (Chief Experience Officer) play a role in making this trip special?
“For these types of trips, there are two CEOso I discovered there's even an extra layer of security. And CEOs, they, they're just a wealth of knowledge. I think our CEO does a fantastic job, but we are often supported by other local guides who provide additional support in certain areas. We hiked with rhinos and the best way for me to describe this guide is basically like Steve Irwin. He knows all of their names and He knows their actions. He knows everything you can think of about rhinos. “
Why do you encourage travelers to book overland travel?
“It's a very unique way to experience a different side of Africa. Camping in some national parks and preserves is just a different way to travel. I think there's something very unique, or very empowering, about stepping out of your comfort zone, arriving at a campsite, pitching a tent, and helping to cook. It's a different kind of connection. It's a different type of community when you're all in the same boat, on the same lando. I'm glad I did it. I think when you're on land you see a lot of things. “
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