Lorato Mphato is the Managing Director of Afri Lora, a local travel agency that links travel junkies to all corners of the world.
KASANE
Topping her list is Kasane. Mphato highly recommends the northern tourism hub because it is strategically located near borders of three countries – Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The town itself, she says, offers an array of accommodation facilities and tourism activities at affordable rates.
Some of the interesting activities that one can enjoy when in Kasane over the festive season include: Game Drives and Boat Cruising: The Chobe National Park is known for its large herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, which converge along the Chobe Riverfront in the dry months this and other wildlife are surely not to be missed in a game drive. A holiday package to Kasane include a day trip into this highly sought after serene environment and also most defiantly include a boat cruise into the mighty Chobe river.
The Jameson Vic Falls Carnival and New Year’s Festival (Zimbabwe): The much acclaimed annual Jameson Vic Falls Carnival begins on December 29, 2018 with the famous train party: a five-hour vintage steam train journey through the Victoria Falls National Park to a secret location deep in the African bush. On December 31, 2018 the carnival host an unparalleled New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Over 6,000 revelers, top bands and DJ’s from all over Africa will party the night away. One can commute to Vic Falls from Kasane but has an option of booking tented accommodation at the venue.
Cultural tourism at Katimamulilo (Namibia): Situated close to the Zambezi River, the area of Katima Mulilo offers locals with great and easy access to fishing activities. Mphato says one can travel to the small town and enjoy affordable fish dishes and return back to Kasane without much hassle. Transfer from Kasane to Katima Mulilo and back is easy and very much affordable, especially if one use local taxis to the border and back.
CAPE TOWN, SA
Second on her list is Cape Town. This city does not only offer affordable accommodation but also reasonable pricing in other areas such as airport transfers and at general leisure hot spots. Cape Town beaches, she says, are also not as crowded during festive as other South African coastal cities are.
PHUKET –THAILAND
Phuket has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, mostly situated along the clear waters of the western shore. The island is home to many high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants. Phuket City, the capital of Thailand, has old shop houses and busy markets. Mphato points out that despite the luxuries offered by this Thai wonderland, it is much affordable and offers one a holiday filled with delicious food, affordable shopping and friendly hosts.
MALDIVES, MAURITIUS
If one is not travelling on a budget she recommends one to go experience the marvelous life in the Maldives and Mauritius where one is assured to get a combination of peace and tranquil and fun at the same time.