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The Grown-up Travel Company Let us show you the real Africa - the world's most exciting continent If you enjoy reading about Andy's adventures, why not join him on his next one?
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Launched in 2017, The Grown-up Travel Company is the sister company of the well-known Grown-up Travel Guide travel blog run by Andy Higgs. Initially focusing on safaris in Africa, we make use of our years of experience and large contact network to find the best tour operators in the business. We have done the research so you don't have to. Andy speaks Norwegian as well as English so can help you make the most of your time on tour.

My last road trip in South Africa. 3,092 km in ten days. I would strongly recommend NOT doing this kind of mileage each ...
23/07/2024

My last road trip in South Africa. 3,092 km in ten days. I would strongly recommend NOT doing this kind of mileage each day - this was a work trip - but however far you go, you will love it

*** NEW ON THE BLOG ***As promised, the full article with everything you wanted to know about self-drive in South Africa...
23/07/2024

*** NEW ON THE BLOG ***

As promised, the full article with everything you wanted to know about self-drive in South Africa but were afraid to ask (or not)

If you're planning to self-drive in South Africa - and you absolutely should be - you're in for a treat. I've put together this guide to help you navigate the

23/07/2024

Are you planning a self-drive trip in South Africa? In this video, I share crucial tips and advice to ensure your adventure is safe and enjoyable. From choosing between manual and automatic cars to navigating tolls and understanding local driving etiquette, I've got you covered.

Plus, learn why having cash on hand is essential and how to handle fuel stations and car guards.

Stay tuned for a fully comprehensive article on my website with EVERYTHING you need to know about self-driving in South Africa, coming soon!

"Fully comprehensive" article about car rental? See what I did there? (that's a bad pun for the UK crowd and probably nobody else...)

18/07/2024

One of the big draws of a safari in the Lower Zambezi in Zambia is the chance to get out on the river that gives the area its name. A sundown canoe trip is a must - and fear not, someone else does all the work - and avoids the hippos and crocs...

Thanks to Josh and James from Kutali Camp by Classic Zambia for the ride and to Hilde, Rune and MJ for the company

10/07/2024

Just look at what you could have experienced on safari with me in Zambia...

A few things to note:
- Look how f**ing close we are! The best guides know how to ensure this kind of experience is both thrilling and safe.
- See what a difference an open vehicle makes. Can you imagine this in a stiflingly hot enclosed vehicle (cheap safaris in Tanzania and Kenya, I'm looking at you) while fighting for space in the pop-top roof? I've banged on about this in the past and there is a detailed article on the blog section of the website but please, for the love of God, ask what kind of vehicles you are going to be travelling in.
- Do you notice that ours is the only vehicle on the sighting? Have you seen that picture I posted from the public area of the Maasai Mara? Exactly. Book with an expert, not a salesperson.
- Watch with the sound turned up. Yes, this is how quiet enormous elephants are. They have "cushions" in their feet and can creep up on you unnoticed. Again, your guide is essential here.
- Isn't this just f**cking amazing? It's not two weeks on the beach, is it?

09/07/2024

Back in late 2022 when I was in Nairobi, I asked local travel operators where THEY go when they want some relaxing beach time. They told me, and told me not to tell too many people. However, Justin and Gussy, the owners, obviously want as many people as possible to visit, so here you go.

If you want to really get away from it all, yet enjoy luxury accommodation and gourmet food, come to Che Shale | Kenya and tell them Andy sent you.

Just another example of the hidden gems you can find when you book with me at The Grown-up Travel Company and not some vanilla travel agent

08/07/2024

It's no secret that sunsets are spectacular in Africa. Just imagine being on a boat cruising the Zambezi River in Zambia, with the sun having just dropped below the horizon and an ice cold Gin & Tonic in hand...

Not a bad way to finish your first day on safari.

Thanks to Classic Zambia and their fabulous Kutali Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park

A few highlights from the first 5 days of our trip to Zambia at Kutali Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park
02/07/2024

A few highlights from the first 5 days of our trip to Zambia at Kutali Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park

01/07/2024

Guider er kanskje det viktigste element i en safari.
Og maten, selvfølgelig.
Se hva Hilde og Rune mener om disse etter Zambiaturen...

That is absolutely perfect
29/06/2024

That is absolutely perfect

Live, laugh, love - 3 L's to take you into the weekend




Travelling long distance ain't all rainbows and unicorns. One hour of sleep since waking up yesterday at 0600 does this ...
29/06/2024

Travelling long distance ain't all rainbows and unicorns. One hour of sleep since waking up yesterday at 0600 does this to you. But I've got a nice relaxing train ride from Oslo to Trondheim now and then finally home after a truly epic adventure in Zambia and South Africa

27/06/2024

As my own epic road trip comes to an end, here's 11 reasons why YOU should come to South Africa for a self-drive adventure

27/06/2024

Vurderer du å bli med meg på safari i Afrika sammen med noen få andre? Hilde og Rune reiste til Zambia tidligere denne måneden...

26/06/2024

Look at this for a minute. This is what you risk experiencing in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti if you book through a regular travel agent.

Is this the kind of safari you are dreaming of?

Use an expert who will book you into a private conservancy with almost no other vehicles but the same wildlife. Up close and often alone.

Talk to me, I know what I'm doing.

23/06/2024

Why travel to Africa in a small group with me? Let's hear from these adventurers who just did...

I'll be posting the full reviews in the next week or two but this compilation gives you the jist of it in 90 seconds

Thanks to Hilde, MJ and Rune and to the wonderful teams at Remote Africa Safaris and Classic Zambia for the incredible experiences.

22/06/2024

Chintsa East in South Africa: where cows falling into swimming pools are a genuine concern

First time ever celebrating midwinter in Southern Africa on midsummer's day in Europe.Not cold, for the record.
21/06/2024

First time ever celebrating midwinter in Southern Africa on midsummer's day in Europe.

Not cold, for the record.

What a privilege to explore Zambia with this gang 👌👍 Takk for denne gangen Hilde, Rune og MJ
21/06/2024

What a privilege to explore Zambia with this gang 👌👍 Takk for denne gangen Hilde, Rune og MJ

A little catch-up from my road trip so far. On day 1, I basically drove all day from Durban to this beautiful working fa...
21/06/2024

A little catch-up from my road trip so far. On day 1, I basically drove all day from Durban to this beautiful working farm near Swartberg, off the grid and the perfect place to relax

17/06/2024

Monday morning walk in Durban

After a fantastic and highly successful group safari trip (and I couldn't have wished for a better group) the next stage...
16/06/2024

After a fantastic and highly successful group safari trip (and I couldn't have wished for a better group) the next stage begins - a slightly hectic road trip south from Durbs with site inspections, meetings and a couple of bunny chows thrown in.

This time I will be filling in the remaining 'gap' in my experience of the South African coastline. I've driven it all from Paternoster to the Mozambique border apart from the stretch between Durban and Port Alfred. This "Wild Coast" section is widely recognised as the most spectacular and least-visited and I will also be exploring a bunch of small towns far from the tourist trail.

I will then be including the best in upcoming itineraries.

Until next time, Zambia - it's been amazing as always 😃

A few unedited, unfiltered Zambian sunsets and sunrises.
15/06/2024

A few unedited, unfiltered Zambian sunsets and sunrises.

That leopard sequence in full...
10/06/2024

That leopard sequence in full...

Back online but not for long, here's a few choice highlights from the last few days at Kutali in the Lower Zambezi and h...
09/06/2024

Back online but not for long, here's a few choice highlights from the last few days at Kutali in the Lower Zambezi and here at Tafika in South Luangwa. What a trip, and we're only half way!

We are here! With clients coming in from Oslo and Chicago as well as me from Trondheim, and all the journeys being long,...
03/06/2024

We are here! With clients coming in from Oslo and Chicago as well as me from Trondheim, and all the journeys being long, we're relaxing at this beautiful hotel for the afternoon before meeting for dinner to get to know one another.

A hotel with a brewery - who chose that? 🤣

And tomorrow the safari adventure starts with a light aircraft flight to the Lower Zambezi and four - yes, four! - nights at the stunning Kutali Camp.

A few highlights of my journey down

02/06/2024

And so it begins...very excited to be on my way to lead my first small group safari adventure in Zambia!

But first, I have quite the journey to get there

23/05/2024

🦁🍖 Ever wondered what happens after a lion pride makes a kill? Check out my latest video to see their fascinating behaviour.

All three of these facts are illustrated in the clip, which was taken after the male had taken what he wanted from the dead wildebeest and walked off...

1️⃣ Feeding Hierarchy: Dominant males eat first, then lionesses, and finally the cubs.
2️⃣ Guarding the Kill: Lions protect their meal from scavengers like hyenas and vultures.
3️⃣ Social Bonding: After feeding, they groom and play, strengthening pride bonds.

Watch the full video to see more! 📹

21/05/2024

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Videos

Are you planning a self-drive trip in South Africa? Watch the full video from this reel

Essential Tips for a Safe and Smooth Self-Drive Adventure in South Africa
Essential Tips for a Safe and Smooth Self-Drive Adventure in South Africa

Are you planning a self-drive trip in South Africa? In this video, I share crucial tips and advice to ensure your adventure is safe and enjoyable. From choosing between manual and automatic cars to navigating tolls and understanding local driving etiquette, I've got you covered. Plus, learn why having cash on hand is essential and how to handle fuel stations and car guards. Stay tuned for a fully comprehensive article on my website with EVERYTHING you need to know about self-driving in South Africa, coming soon! "Fully comprehensive" article about car rental? See what I did there? (that's a bad pun for the UK crowd and probably nobody else...)

One of the big draws of a safari in the Lower Zambezi in Zambia is the chance to get out on the river that gives the area its name. A sundown canoe trip is a must - and fear not, someone else does all the work - and avoids the hippos and crocs... Thanks to Josh and James from Kutali Camp by Classic Zambia for the ride and to Hilde, Rune and MJ for the company

Lion: "Look at me, I'm so damn cool, and I'm the King of the -" Elephant "F**k off, kitty!" Lion: "Waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Just look at what you could have experienced on safari with me in Zambia... A few things to note: - Look how f**ing close we are! The best guides know how to ensure this kind of experience is both thrilling and safe. - See what a difference an open vehicle makes. Can you imagine this in a stiflingly hot enclosed vehicle (cheap safaris in Tanzania and Kenya, I'm looking at you) while fighting for space in the pop-top roof? I've banged on about this in the past and there is a detailed article on the blog section of the website but please, for the love of God, ask what kind of vehicles you are going to be travelling in. - Do you notice that ours is the only vehicle on the sighting? Have you seen that picture I posted from the public area of the Maasai Mara? Exactly. Book with an expert, not a salesperson. - Watch with the sound turned up. Yes, this is how quiet enormous elephants are. They have "cushions" in their feet and can creep up on you unnoticed. Again, your guide is essential here. - Isn't this just f**cking amazing? It's not two weeks on the beach, is it? [Filmed at Kutali Camp - a Classic Zambia property]

Just look at what you could have experienced on safari with me in Zambia... A few things to note: - Look how f**ing close we are! The best guides know how to ensure this kind of experience is both thrilling and safe. - See what a difference an open vehicle makes. Can you imagine this in a stiflingly hot enclosed vehicle (cheap safaris in Tanzania and Kenya, I'm looking at you) while fighting for space in the pop-top roof? I've banged on about this in the past and there is a detailed article on the blog section of the website but please, for the love of God, ask what kind of vehicles you are going to be travelling in. - Do you notice that ours is the only vehicle on the sighting? Have you seen that picture I posted from the public area of the Maasai Mara? Exactly. Book with an expert, not a salesperson. - Watch with the sound turned up. Yes, this is how quiet enormous elephants are. They have "cushions" in their feet and can creep up on you unnoticed. Again, your guide is essential here. - Isn't this just f**cking amazing? It's not two weeks on the beach, is it?

Back in late 2022 when I was in Nairobi, I asked local travel operators where THEY go when they want some relaxing beach time. They told me, and told me not to tell too many people. However, Justin and Gussy, the owners, obviously want as many people as possible to visit, so here you go. If you want to really get away from it all, yet enjoy luxury accommodation and gourmet food, come to Che Shale | Kenya and tell them Andy sent you. Just another example of the hidden gems you can find when you book with me at The Grown-up Travel Company and not some vanilla travel agent

Why come with me to Kutali Camp, the first safari destination on our Zambia group trip?

It's no secret that sunsets are spectacular in Africa. Just imagine being on a boat cruising the Zambezi River in Zambia, with the sun having just dropped below the horizon and an ice cold Gin & Tonic in hand... Not a bad way to finish your first day on safari. Thanks to Classic Zambia and their fabulous Kutali Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park

Our adventure actually started driving from the airstrip to Kutali Camp - some zebra, the biggest committee of vultures I've ever seen (yes, committee), an elephant or two and what a welcome when we got there! #pickyourtraveldesignerwisely #YourTravelDesignerYourChoice

The Kingfisher: a pretty bird with a nice call. But when it catches a fish, it has to kill it before eating, and this is how it does it. Not so pretty...

What's the smallest plane you've ever been on? This was mine - only space for 4 passengers from Lusaka to Jeki in the Lower Zambezi, Zambia!

Guider er kanskje det viktigste element i en safari. Og maten, selvfølgelig. Se hva Hilde og Rune mener om disse etter Zambiaturen...

Flying international from Durban is an absolutely stress-free experience and a world away from Joburg or even Cape Town at peak periods. I also made an interesting discovery...

As my own epic road trip comes to an end, here's 11 reasons why YOU should come to South Africa for a self-drive adventure

Vurderer du å bli med meg på safari i Afrika sammen med noen få andre? Hilde og Rune reiste til Zambia tidligere denne måneden...

Why travel to Africa in a small group with me? Let's hear from these adventurers who just did... I'll be posting the full reviews in the next week or two but this compilation gives you the jist of it in 90 seconds Thanks to Hilde, MJ and Rune and to the wonderful teams at Remote Africa Safaris and Classic Zambia for the incredible experiences.

Chintsa East in South Africa: where cows falling into swimming pools are a genuine concern

South Africa Road Trip Live Update

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The holiday of a lifetime

We arrange unforgettable holidays in Africa that will change your life forever, provide real help to local communities and support wildlife conservation. The Grown-up Travel Company is the sister company of the well-known Grown-up Travel Guide travel blog run by Andy Higgs. If you enjoy reading about Andy's adventures, why not join him on his next one or have him design your itinerary? Initially focusing on safaris in Africa, we make use of our years of experience and large contact network to find the best travel partners in the business. We have done the research so you don't have to. Andy speaks Norwegian as well as English so can help you make the most of your time on tour.