Africa & South-East Asia 2009/2010

I had planned for a month long trip for a long time but since my late employer announced that they are going to close the company office in Jyväskylä, my plans extended considerably. So, as a result of my unemployment I decided to award myself by exploring Africa and South-East Asia for three months. Regarding Africa I was feeling a bit uncertain how to organize everything there so it was easy to get on one of those overland buses and go with a group. It turned out to be very good choice in every aspect - expert group leader/cook and driver, good camping sites, interesting company and before all hasle free trip. Of course there were moments that required some nerves but that is surely the case in groups of every size. After driving through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana all the way to South Africa I was many experiences and friends richer than in the beginning. Africa is certainly something unique that you only can realize when looking at the stars in the middle of Serengeti (Don't miss the safaris.) or while swimming across the Zambesi just above the Victoria falls.


After Africa I headed solo to South-East Asia to check out couple of new places and also some of my old favourites. Laos was a complete success, my only regret is that I only had reserved one week for that which was not nearly enough. Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand - all just as great as I remembered. In regards of the activities rock climbing is something that you can enjoy allready in the early stage, to enjoy surfing takes clearly more time and practise. Scuba diving is a bit different and more easy going way to enjoy the tropical environment.


Overall, the trip was a great success, so I'll get back to the planning table.

View Full Size Travel Map at Travellerspoint

Africa:

• 11.12.2009 Nairobi, Kenya
• 12.12.2009 Arusha, Tanzania
• 13.-14.12.2009 Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
• 15.12.2009 Arusha, Tanzania
• 16.12.2009 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
• 17.-20.12.2009 Zanzibar, Tanzania
• 21.12.2009 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
• 22.12.2009 Iringa, Tanzania
• 23.-25.12.2009 Lake Malawi, Malawi
• 26.12.2009 Chipata, Zambia
• 27.-28.12.2009 South Luangwa NP, Zambia
• 29.12.2009 Chipata, Zambia
• 30.12.2009 Lusaka, Zambia
• 31.12.2009-1.1.2010 Livingstone, Zambia
• 2.1.2010 Katima Mulilo, Namibia
• 3.-4.1.2010 Bagani, Namibia
• 5.1.2010 Maun, Botswana
• 6.1.2010 Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana
• 7.-8.1.2010 Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa
• 9.-11.1.2010 Johannesburgh, South Africa

Flights:

• HEL-LHR, 10.12.2009, 1205-1315: SK6587
• LHR-NBO, 10.12.2009, 2120-0905+1: VS0671
(UPDATE)
• JNB-AUH, 11.1.2010, 1355-0010+1: EY0601
• My airlines: SAS, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways

South-East Asia:

• 12.-14.1.2010 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• 14.-17.1.2010 Luang Prabang, Laos
• 17.-19.1.2010 Vientiane, Laos
• 19.-21.1.2010 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• 21.-30.1.2010 Bunaken/Manado, Indonesia
• 30.1.-7.2.2010 Bali, Indonesia
• 7.-12.2.2010 Singapore
• 12.-16.2.2010 Melaka, Malaysia
• 16.-25.2.2010 Krabi, Thailand
• 26.2-1.3.2010 Bangkok, Thailand

Flights:

• JNB-AUH, 11.1.2010, 1355-0010+1: EY0601
• AUH-KUL, 12.1.2010, 0245-1400: EY0418
• KUL-VTE, 14.1.2010, 0810-0940: AK612
• VTE-LPQ, 14.1.2010, 1300-1340: QV105
• LPQ-VTE, 17.1.2010, 1350-1430: QV110 (NEW)
• VTE-KUL, 19.1.2010, 1005-1340: AK613 (UPDATE)
• KUL-MDC, 21.1.2010, 1250-1640: AK432 (UPDATE)
• MDC-DPS, 30.1.2010, 1330-1745: GA603/621
• DPS-SIN, 7.2.2010, 0700-0935: QZ8490
• KUL-KBV, 16.2.2010, 1330-1345: AK804 (NEW)
• KBV-BKK, 26.2.2010, 1225-1345: FD3164 (NEW)
• BKK-MAD, 1.3.2010, 2355-0520+1: ??
• MAD-HEL, 2.3.2010, 1030-1400: ??
• My airlines: Etihad Airways, Air Asia, Lao Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airlines, Finnair