One of the common questions we get from clients is whether certain experiences or routes can be enjoyed by senior travellers. Having taken 130 000+ travellers through the African continent, you may be surprised to hear the amount of pensioners that have hiked to see the gorillas. Many of Nomad’s travellers are 50+ and thoroughly enjoyed fulfilling lifetime dreams and aspirations. Africa can be far less demanding than you may believe – if you are prepared correctly and have the right experts and expectations to help you plan.
So, if you are an older traveller, here are some of our best tips as well as some of our favoured experiences by fellow elders – including the why’s and how’s.
To Step Boldly, Do Your Research
Almost everything surrounding travels into new countries revolves around going into a situation as informed and aware. As a senior traveller, you will want to step onto a tour already confident about what to expect – from the activity intensity to the weather in that country at the time of year you are visiting. Gaining confidence in an unfamiliar area is mainly done by doing your own research, reading up on traveller’s reviews and taking advice from local guides while on tour.
Ask the Right Questions, Book with the Right Operator
As comfort and health becomes incredibly important at an older age, travel consultants are your best source of knowledge when browsing. They are more reliable than Google searches and can answer concerns more effectively than other sources of travel advice. At Nomad Africa, our travel consultants know all of our tours inside-and-out and have access to proven advice due to working with so many different travellers and solving complex situations.
Know what to ask when you are looking – Are there long distance drives I should be prepared for? Are there similar routes if this one is exercise intensive? Can I sit out of this activity if I can’t manage it?
No question is a bad question to ask if you are concerned about something. Keep your comfort in-mind and rest assured that the experience will be remembered as both exciting no matter the case. We frequently accommodate explorers that may not manage a certain activity (such as hikes) and can happily make arrangements or minor alterations if need be.
Keep a Helping Hand Close By
One of the best ways to put your mind at ease as a senior traveller is to travel in pairs. Having someone for support allows you to do more activities at a pace that is best suited for you. However, you don’t have to let yourself be held back by travelling solo.
Small Group tours are your best bet to not only make friends but have the reassurance of travelling solo, but not alone. If you are in good health, but maybe require some help every once in a while, your guides are also more than happy to step in. Depending on the tour operator you have chosen, the level of guiding can make or break a journey. We pride ourselves on our experienced guides and their level of service, making sure that all travellers of all ages are accounted for.
Handy Tips to Keep in Mind
There are several items to keep in mind when travelling to Africa as a senior. These are suggestions that have come in from other travellers or that we have noticed over the years.
- Bring climbing poles if there are any hikes on the tour
- A pillow for your seat can make any longer drives much easier on your back
- While any hat can help, fully brimmed hats are best to keep from being sunburnt on your ears, neck and face
- Bring an extra layer of warmth (such as a warmer jacket, long pants and beanie) if you are prone to getting cold for evenings
Tour Suggestions that are Loved by Fellow Senior Travellers
Etosha, Delta & Chobe Trail – A 12-Day journey to truly enjoy Etosha National Park before heading to enjoy the Okavango’s best, expect amazing wildlife safaris and several riverine activities that let you sit back and relax.
Cape Town to Victoria Falls – Comfort – One of our most popular routes done in a Comfort style. See the highlights of Namibia and Botswana over 20 days without worrying about longer drives between gorgeous locations.
Masai Mara to Gorillas – Beloved for its signature Gorilla Trekking experience, this is a tour filled with life-changing events and traditional safaris in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park.
Ngorongoro Crater to Zanzibar – If you wish to see Tanzania’s wildlife and relax on Zanzibar’s crystal clear beaches, this is the one for Seniors. 10 Days is the perfect amount, with the option of adding on as many days as you’d like in Zanzibar.
Discover Namibia – More challenging, but it is hard to beat the unique views and experiences of Namibia. Filled with culture, safaris and destinations belonging in fairytales, this 12-day route includes Kolmanskop and Twyfelfontein.
