Wrapping up a hectic - but wonderful - year of travels

I started my 2012 travels in Africa, and will end them in late November in Mauritius. In between, I have found myself where 4 countries meet (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia), in Berlin, Potsdam and the beautifully restored city of Leipzig in the former East Germany, Marseilles in France, Botswana's Okavango Delta, NE India, the Punjab and Kashmir, at a chateau in the Limousin region of central France, and so on to the perfect beaches of Mauritius.

At home here in South Africa, I packed in lots of visits to the bush, including the iconic Lion Sands lodges in Sabi Sand; saw birds galore in Pilanesberg Game Reserve; had a family trip to Kruger (always one of the highlights of my year) where we saw a pride of 25 lions on a guided sunset tour from Satara camp; interacted with a pack of 23 wild dogs in Madikwe Game Reserve; fell in love with one of South Africa's most iconic hotels: The Oyster Box at Umhlanga Rocks; watched black and white rhinos at the award-winning Karkloof Spa and Game Reserve outside Pietermartizburg; and made a bird list for the charming Budmarsh Lodge in the Magaliesberg.

One of the reasons for so much bush and safari travel in Africa was that I was updating the 2nd edition of Fodor's Complete Safari Companion which will be published in 2013

One of the reasons for so much bush and safari travel in Africa was that I was updating the 2nd edition of Fodor's Complete Safari Companion which will be published in 2013. It is the definitive guide for anyone who wants to know all about going on safari: where to go, the best lodges, the best safari operators and lots, lots, more excellent information and useful tips.

You can also read about my South African travel adventures on my South Africa Tourism blog. Just type the destination you're looking for in the search box and away you go...

I'm already planning my 2013 trips which will include Tuscany and France, Bali and beyond - and of course, lots of trips to the bush.

---