Imagine the Places

I read many awe-inspiring travel stories and picture me being a travel pioneer; seeing the world one place at the time. Many reckon that travel fees and admin hacks shouldn’t damper ones desire to experience the world. Easier said than done, right? Leave your job! Save as much as you can! I heard these sayings all before and for me, it ain’t happening anytime soon but, we should have a love affair for travel.

Today I’ll be sharing with you my Top 6 places on my bucket list:

1. Mpumalanga, South Africa

Mpumalanga which lies on the border of Swaziland and Mozambique, means “the place where the sun rises” in Swazi. With breathtaking landscapes and jaw-dropping, inspiring views of ‘God’s Window’, I’m drawn to this incredible panoramic view. I’m making plans come May 2017 to visit this province and I couldn’t be more excited to visit the Blyde River Canyon that happens to be the largest green canyon in the world; The Kruger National Park to set my eyes of The Big Five, appreciate ‘God’s Window’ by taking in the fresh mountain air and infinite expanse of the Lowveld region and of course, drive along Long Tom Pass.

2. Swaziland, Southern Africa

I heard amazing stories about this place since my mom was lucky enough to visit in her younger days. Swaziland happens to be the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, yet it boasts amazing landscapes, diverse yet unique traditions, and a prolific birdlife. One of the key reasons why this country is on my bucket list is to visit the Mantenga Cultural Village, located in a lush setting in the Mantenga Falls Nature Reserve which is the country’s top traditional song and dance show. Also on my list of activities would be to see Sibebe Rock, the largest exposed granite dome in the world, zipline across the canopy of Malolotjo National Park and visit the formation of the potholes at The Gap.

3. Philippines, Southeast Asia

Why? Because it has 7,107 islands to choose from! And coming from a city that is surrounded by sea, I’m all for the island living. Another main reason why I want to pack my bags and go there is to sightsee Banaue’s rice terraces which look majestical in the images I saw. The diving areas also happen to be the best in the world along with the snorkling activities. It’s also quite cheap for South Africans to go there so I want to make it worth my while.

4. Machu Picchu, Peru

Cliché, I know but I want to push myself by doing the four-day trail and roughing it a bit. I need to explore Scared Valley and taking a train ride to Macha Picchu train station. Then bump around the Andes, visiting the indigenous villages, colonial towns and ancient ruins found amid those staggering mountain peaks. I would love to check out Lima’s artsy enclave. Just look at that view? Who wouldn’t want to be there?

5. Alaska, Canada

If the mountain tops look anything like this image in real life, then sign me up to visit Alaska. Its the lush landscapes and astounding abundance of adventures that I’m after by kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park, dog-sledding, traveling along the 414-mile-long highway is apparently, a must see when visiting Alaska and it has the most amazing wilderness adventures you can only dream off doing and seeing.

6. Ecuador, South America

With the legendary Galapagos Island to the endless reaches of the Amazon, there’s nowhere I want to experience such diversity than in Ecuador. Also, where have you ever heard of travellers climbing active volcanos? My name is right on top of that activity list. One of the many things I would love to do there is to kayak the rapids of the Amazon rainforest, crisscross the Equatorial line on horseback and, definitely surf the tropical Pacific swells along a Pre-Incan archeological site (Chirije). What I admire is that Ecuadorians are so proud of their culture, passionate about conserving their way of life and keen to sharing their 27 different ethnic groups traditions and rituals with foreigners.

What is on your bucket list? Which countries would you like to visit? And which activities is on top of your adventurous life?

Until our next adventure.