2019 Summarised: Travel and Adventure, Rewind, Repeat

If I had to summarise our year of travel and adventure in three words it would be Germany, Drakensberg and Kgalagadi. Throw in semi-retirement, buying a Jurgens XCape off road caravan and a bit of conservation, then it has been a pretty good year. Why rewind and repeat, you might ask? It seems like it was a year to return to two of those places.

Bavaria, Germany

We literally started off the New Year in Munich, Germany with a bang. I have never seen anything quite like it. This is one night of the year that Munich comes to town. Actually, scrap that – it seems to be a regular thing throughout the whole year, just under different names. More about that later. I know there is an outcry about fireworks and animal rights, but this is in the city. If you haven’t seen a spectacle like this, you wouldn’t believe me.

Instagram Post:

I have just spent the most unbelievable time celebrating the start of 2019. I have never seen anything like this. The Germans know how to celebrate. #happynewyear #happynewyear2019 #frommunich #fireworksmunich #fireworksnight #fireworksinmunich #celebratingnewyear #2019begins #friedensengel #friedensengelmunich #friedensengelmünchen #munichig #Munichworld #munichgram #munich_gram #visitgermany #germanytourism #enjoygermanfood #lifeofgermany #germany🇩🇪 #deutschland🇩🇪 #munich #ilovegermany #germany_insta #munichgermany

52 Likes, 2 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "I have just spent the most unbelievable time celebrating the start of 2019. I have never seen..."

After three weeks of spending quality time with family; eating Bavarian food, visiting German Christmas Markets, seeing some wonderful sights and living like a local in Munich, it was time to return home.

Read more:

If German beer is food then what about Glühwein?

A world of tradition at German Christmas Markets

11 awesome useful and amusing things I learnt about Germany

Drakensberg

No sooner had we settled back into our work routine when our lives took an unexpected turn and we went into semi-retirement. This preceded a trip to the Drakensberg to celebrate my husband, Paul’s 60th birthday.

Apart from exploring and driving to Injisuthi for the day, we went on an eco-adventure of ziplining on a Drakensberg canopy tour.

Instagram Post:

A morning filled with some fun, adrenaline and not so gentle exercise. Guided by Sma as our group leader and Kwazi as our safety officer, who put us all at ease. 'See you on the other side' was Kwazi's chant. @drakensbergcanopytour #canopytour #unzipadventure #drakensberg #adrenaline #adventuretime #centraldrakensberg #drakensberg #drakensbergmountains #hiking #naturewalk #naturewalks #beautifulscenery #thisissouthafrica #southafricaza #menseselense #ontdekjouplek #joureisbeginghier #wegtydskrif #nsyftravel #southafrica #southafricanlandscape #ig_landscape #traveldeeper #exploremore #landscapecaptures #igerssouthafrica #roadtrip #getaway

36 Likes, 9 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "A morning filled with some fun, adrenaline and not so gentle exercise. Guided by Sma as our group..."

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Retreat to the Drakensberg mountains to experience adventure activities

Kgalagadi

Our next trip was to the Kalahari, also known as Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

This was our major planned trip for the year. A three week adventure filled, off the grid camping trip. It took major planning and preparation.

Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve

On the way to the Kgalagadi we stopped off at Witsand for a few days. Those white sands virtually in the middle of nowhere was a phenomenon to behold. It is worth spending a night or two there and seeing them at least once in your lifetime.

Instagram Post:

New blogpost alert. These white dunes are in the middle of red Kalahari sands. It's a nature reserve, slightly off the main roads. Read about why it's worthwhile taking a detour and exploring this area when on route to or from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Namibia, or the West coast in South Africa. #roamingfoxtravels #newblogpostalert #newblogpostonline #blogpost #blogpostup #kalahari #instanature #liveloveexploresouthafrica #livelovesouthafrica #travelstories #experiencesouthafrica #nsyftravel #witsandnaturereserve #witsandkalahari #witsandkalaharinaturereserve #ontdekjouplek #dunes #whitesand #camping #chalets #roadtripdetour #exploresouthafrica #southafricatourism #thisissouthafrica #travelstoryteller

55 Likes, 17 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "New blogpost alert. These white dunes are in the middle of red Kalahari sands. It's a nature..."

Read more:

Why a detour to Witsand in the Kalahari is worth it

Kgalagadi Transfrontier park

We had an epic adventure in the park and although we didn’t see as many animals as we would have liked to, we had some highlights. We stayed at Rooiputs and Polentswa which is on the Botswana side of the park, but very close to the South African border.

We then drove to the far side of the park, which took an entire day to drive approximately 220 kilometres on an off-road 4x4 sand track.

We camped at Lesholoago Pan in the Mabuasehube Game Reserve section. If you like crowds, then this is not a place for you.

Instagram Post:

On our way to Rooiputs from Twee Rivieren we were thrilled to spot this cheetah on a dune to our right. On a mission, he walked towards us, crossed the road in front of us, stopped for a short rest in the shade of a tree and disappeared over the dune to the left of us. It was definitely a highlight of our trip. #kgalagadi #kgalagaditransfrontierpark #kalahari #kalahariadventure #camping⛺ #cheetahsighting #africanbushcamps #thisisafrica #thisisafrica🌍 #rooiputs #cheetah #safariscenes #aridparks @kgalagadi_sightings #kgalagadisightings #ontdekjouplek #menseselense #nsyftravel #animalsightings #safariscenes #thatwowmoment #natureiswonderful #wildanimals #traveldeeper #southafrica #botswana #nationalpark #transfrontierpark #celebratesouthernafrica #cheetahlover #lovecheetahs

81 Likes, 8 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "On our way to Rooiputs from Twee Rivieren we were thrilled to spot this cheetah on a dune to our..."

Instagram Post:

Definitely one of our wow moments at Polentswa waterhole. One of the predators that roamed around near our campsite. She might even be one of those that 'kicked the bucket' one night. Read about it in my latest blog. #newblogpostalert #newblogpost #newblog #latestblogpost #kgalagadi #kgalagaditransfrontierpark #kalahari #kalahariadventure #africanbushcamps #thisisafrica #thisisafrica🌍 #polentswa #safariscenes #aridparks #kgalagadisightings #nsyftravel #animalsightings #safariscenes #thatwowmoment #natureiswonderful #wildanimals #southafrica #botswana #transfrontierpark #hyaena #hyena @menseselense @kgalagadi_sightings #ontdekjouplek #menseselense #joureisbeginhier

62 Likes, 0 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "Definitely one of our wow moments at Polentswa waterhole. One of the predators that roamed around..."

Instagram Post:

Love the way the legs are tucked in so he could drink. I think this is my favourite photo out of all of them. What do you think? @kgalagadi_sightings @menseselense @sanparks_aridregion #kgalagadi #kgalagaditransfrontierpark #kalahari #kalahariadventure #raremoments #thisisafrica #thisisafrica🌍 #polentswa #brownhyaena #brownhyena #hyaena #safariscenes #aridparks #kgalagadisightings #ontdekjouplek #menseselense #nsyftravel #animalsightings #safariscenes #thatwowmoment #natureiswonderful #wildanimals #southafrica #botswana #transfrontierpark #wildlifepic #africaaddict #travelstoryteller #roamingfoxtravels

92 Likes, 13 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "Love the way the legs are tucked in so he could drink. I think this is my favourite photo out of..."

Read more:

How to prepare for off the grid camping in Kgalagadi

Itinerary and route to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

High jinks of a jackal at Rooiputs campsite Kgalagadi Botswana

Why it is worth spending time at Polentswa waterhole

How to be on high alert for predators at Polentswa Kgalagadi

Camping adventures in the wild at Mabuasehube Game Reserve

XCape Camping Chronicles

After our Kalahari trip we felt we needed an upgrade from our off-road trailer to an off-road caravan. Packing and unpacking the trailer took its toll on our middle aged bodies (at least, that’s how we justified buying our new toy).

For our first trip we took our XCape to one of our favourite campsites, one we’d been going to for years. We felt it was a safe place to put it to the test, as we knew the terrain and campgrounds. The howling wind we had for most of the weekend gave it a fair trial. We hoped this wouldn’t be the shape of things to come.

Instagram Post:

Our new baby... an upgrade from our trailer & rooftop tent to this. Is it an improvement? I think so, even though we had to endure strong winds in our first two nights of using it. Read about it in my latest blog. She's cute and compact but has everything we need. * * * * * * * * * * * * * #roamingfoxadventures #offroad #jurgensxcape #weekendbreakaway #southafricannaturereserve #offroadcaravan #caravanadventures #southafrica #southafricatravel #southafricaza #thisissouthafrica #roadtripadventure #towingtales #trailermemories #jurgenscaravans #mountainsanctuarypark #mountainsanctuary #camping #rusticcamping #gocamp #gocamping #4x4camping #campinghack #menseselense #ontdekjouplek #exploretheoutdoors @menseselense

27 Likes, 5 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "Our new baby... an upgrade from our trailer & rooftop tent to this. Is it an improvement? I think..."

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Escape to rustic campsite in a nature reserve weekend breakaway

Back to Germany

It wasn’t our intention to go back to Germany considering we were there in January and our budget doesn’t allow us to travel internationally too often. However an opportunity presented itself that made it worthwhile.

This trip was cherished all the more, as it was unexpected and unplanned. It was great to see Munich in autumn and managed to go to the Oktoberfest, visit Schloss Nymphenburg, Dachau Concentration camp and the Deutsches Museum.

Instagram Post:

As we entered the great marble hall at Schloss Nymphenburg I didn't know where to look. My mind immediately thought of a fairy tale or two & I could imagine a ball being held there. The Bavarian Palace of the Nymphs, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe was built for Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, wife of Elector Ferdinand Maria as a gift after the birth of their long-awaited son Max Emanuel. Building commenced in 1664. The royal court of Munich used Schloss Nymphenburg as a summer retreat and was already well known across Europe by the 1700's. Under the reign of Elector Max Emanuel (1680 to 1726) the palace grew to its current size. #nymphenburgpalace #schlossnymphenburg #schlossnymphenburgmünchen #munich_gram #visitgermany #germanytourism #lifeofgermany #germany🇩🇪 #munichig #Munichworld #munichgram #deutschland🇩🇪 #munich #ilovegermany #germany_insta #munichgermany #munichworld #roamingfoxadventures #roamingfoxtravels #nsyftravel #wordoftravel #travelstory #travelpicsdaily #fairytalestyle #fairytalepalace #steinernersaal #steinernersaalnymphenburg #newblogpostonline

48 Likes, 2 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "As we entered the great marble hall at Schloss Nymphenburg I didn't know where to look. My mind..."

Read more:

What has Munich to offer in autumn besides Oktoberfest

Is Schloss Nymphenburg worth a visit?

21 Amazing Facts and 6 Awesome Tips about Oktoberfest

How to get the most out of your visit to Deutsches Museum

Facts about Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Back to Drakensberg

To end off our year, we went away in December for a few days with our XCape. We chose the Northern Drakensberg but couldn’t decide which campsite to go to. Next option? Go to both! Hlalanathi and Mahai are two very different campsites, both with spectacular vistas.

Instagram Post:

Tired of this view yet? I'm not! As the sun sets the colour changes in the sky, the clouds and on the mountain. No way one can get bored with this vista. #vista #naturescape #naturelovers #exploresouthafrica #nature_pics #aboutsouthafrica #meetsouthafrica #earthcapture #drakensberg #natureisamazing #nsyftravel #kwazulunatal #yourshot #naturephotos #menseselense #ontdekjouplek #joureisbeginhier #visualsofsouthafrica #livelovesouthafrica #liveloveexploresouthafrica #campsite #earthcaptured #drakensbergmountains #natureisamazing #nsyftravel #outandabout #beautifulmountainview #getoutthere #caravanning

47 Likes, 4 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "Tired of this view yet? I'm not! As the sun sets the colour changes in the sky, the clouds and on..."

Instagram Post:

A different view from our campsite at Mahai. Surrounded by hills and mountains makes for a beautiful setting. #blogpostonline #roamingfoxinsouthafrica #roamingfoxpicoftheday #nsyftravel #drakensberg #kwazulunataltourism #kwazulunatalprovince #maloti #malotidrakensbergpark #worldheritage #unesco #drakensberge #drakensbergexperience #southafricaza #southafricantourism #vista #caravaning #camping #ukhahlamba #ukhahlambadrakensbergpark #beautifulscenes #drakensbergviews #campsite #beautifulcampsites #picturesque #clouds #southafricanskies

29 Likes, 2 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "A different view from our campsite at Mahai. Surrounded by hills and mountains makes for a..."

Read more:

Parking off to escape at Hlalanathi Drakensberg Resort

Escape to the foothills of the Maloti Drakensberg Park at Mahai

Booking.com

Conservation

During the year we chose to help out at a conservation picnic in the Waterberg. This is a vital role in the conservation of our wild animals, especially rhinoceros, lion and elephant.

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Three rhinos chilling in the bush & that's how it should be. They should not be stressed out, slaughtered or bleeding to death for their horns which is more important to them than anyone else on this planet. Baby rhinos should also NOT have the trauma of losing their mother through a gruesome death. They do not understand what has happened. They are then orphaned and most likely will not survive as a true wild animal. 🦏 🦏🦏🦏🦏🦏🦏🦏🦏 On this World Rhino Day my wish is, before it's too late, for more people to be made aware that it is not necessary to kill these animals because the horn does nothing for them. Instead take a deep look at those that exploit you and our planet's animals to get rich and in the process destroy something beautiful. #worldrhinoday #worldrhinoday2019 #saveourrhino #saveourrhinos #rhinoceros #whiterhino #whiterhinos #blackrhino #blackrhinos #wildlifeconservation #wildlife #wildanimals #wildanimalsbelonginthewild #protectourwildlife #protectourplanet #conservation #conservationpreservation #educatethecommunity #educatethemasses

30 Likes, 5 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "Three rhinos chilling in the bush & that's how it should be. They should not be stressed out,..."

Instagram Post:

This week's blogpost is a bit different to my usual ones. What has a picnic got to do with travel in the Waterberg? Or conservation, education and preservation for that matter? Keep on reading and you might find out. During our three-hour trip from Johannesburg my mind wanders as my gaze shifts from concrete jungle to golden savanna. If communities like the Waterberg Nature Conservancy didn't exist, would we even have an inkling about the need to conserve the Waterberg biosphere? #roamingfoxadventures #roamingfox #newblogpostalert #conservation #education #waterbergbiosphere #waterbergplateau #ecosystems #flora #fauna #wildlife #culture #information #awareness #waterbergnatureconservancy #safaridestination #gameranch #tourism #thisissouthafrica #saveourrhinos #firefighting #stoppoachers #poachers #saveourpangolins #security #dedication #southafricaza #southafricatravel #southafricatourism #southafricansafari

8 Likes, 0 Comments - 🦊Travelblogger | Roaming Fox🦊 (@roaming_fox) on Instagram: "This week's blogpost is a bit different to my usual ones. What has a picnic got to do with travel..."

Read more:

Conservation, education and preservation of the Waterberg Biosphere

That’s a wrap!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our adventures throughout 2019. Let’s see what 2020 holds.

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About the Author

ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX

Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.

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