On KenyaIf in the Masai Mara, do a balloon trip! The views are absolutley stunning and you see so much from a totally different perspective.
On South AfricaBartering and exchanging jeans and sneakers (especially name brands) for arts and crafts is common practice. Bring a few extras along with you.
On South AfricaIf you are visiting KwaZulu-Natal don't forget to include a visit to the The Battlefields, where you can learn more about the battles between the Zulu's and the British.
On South AfricaCertain parts of KwaZulu-Natal are quite rural so watch out for cattle crossing the main roads when travelling to your next destination.
On Zanzibar ArchipelagoIf you want to try diving, do you initial PADI training in the UK, so you can enjoy the colourful coral and exotic fish in the warm tropical African waters.
On South AfricaIn South Africa you can safely drink the tap water throughout the country.
On South AfricaFor those travelling The Garden Route at the beginning of July, the annual Knysna Oyster festival is a fantastic event.
On South AfricaVisit Hermanus on the whale coast between June and November for the best land-based whale watching in the world.
On KenyaDon't let a little water put you off - visit the Mara in the rains. Lush, green, hardly another soul around and some of the best game viewing in Africa.
On South AfricaThe De Hoop Nature Reserve offers an opportunity to see whales in the migration season or simply to relax and enjoy a picnic on this beautiful coastline.
On KenyaIf you feel adventurous, try to include a walking safari in your trip. It's a great way to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the bush up close!
On Zanzibar ArchipelagoIf travelling in Zanzibar, let us know if you are 6ft or over as the Zanzibari beds can be somewhat limited in length.
Biography
ENLARGE
Arista's passion for travelling round her native South Africa was nurtured from an early age. With her parents she spent every summer holiday criss-crossing the country, covering everything from the mainstream to the truly out-of-the-way. Carrying her enthusiasm and knowledge forward, she graduated from the University of Pretoria with a degree in Tourism Management. A British husband brought her to the UK where she set her heart on a job in travel, and was quickly snapped up for the role at Audley. Arista recently returned from a trip to Tanzania and Kenya which has been one of her childhood dreams. She spent time exploring the northern and southern safari circuit that included the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and the Indian Ocean islands. Her favourite experience was watching a pride of 15 lion in the wild Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania. In Kenya she travelled to the northern conservancies, Lake Naivasha, the Masai Mara and the Kenyan Coast. Repeated visits Tanzania and Kenya as well as her home country have kept her abreast of the latest developments and in touch with her family.
My Most Memorable Experience
"Flying from Johannesburg International Airport on a small light aircraft to the Private Game Reserves bordering the Kruger, was a highlight of one my trips. Flying quite low and covering a vast amount of African countryside was amazing.
The excitement on the aircraft was building up inside me and I could not wait until we flew over the reserve to spot the animals from the air. We landed at a few airstrips before we reached the lodge I was staying at, and it was absolutely spectacular to see the larger animals from the plane: elephants and Rhinos were spotted easily but the Giraffes were a bit more difficult to find. Although, when I did spot them they looked so elegant, even from the air.
Disturbed from their browsing, they galloped away, but after a few metres turned around, very interested and looked back at us. It was wonderful to see the animals from the air and something that I have never experienced before."
My Favourite Destination
"Growing up in South Africa and having long weekends and holidays on safari created the love that I have for the African bush. Being amongst wild animals in their natural habitat gives me a sense of peace and it is here when I am the happiest and calmest.
An element of excitement lies within me when we go out on an early morning game drive. "Where are they? Will we see them?" This is what's going through my mind whilst my eyes search quickly amongst the bushes and grass. I am fully alert and ready... and we spot one!
There is that satisfaction when you see wildlife around you and these Private Game Reserves provides exactly that. Experienced and knowledgable rangers will take you into the bush and you can learn so much from them, from birds to trees and all about the wildlife in the reserve.
The accommodation is luxurious and you are treated like a king and queen. This is all possible at the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve - my favourite destination in South Africa!"
My Favourite Accommodation
"Overlooking vineyards, mountains and the picturesque town of Franschhoek, Mont Rochelle is my favourite boutique type hotel in South Africa. The whole setting of the hotel blends in perfectly with its surroundings and here you feel right at home. It is so romantic and the views from the rooms are spectacular.
The food here is excellent and during dinner you can sit back and relax and listen to a pianist playing in the background whilst enjoying a glass of the best South African wine. Sitting on the pation overlooking the valeys and vines was a perfect way to spend my afternoon after exploring the Winelands for a day."