I have dreamed of traveling to Africa ever since I was a little girl. Africa was exotic, different and exciting.
Kristiansand-Durban
My first meeting with Africa was in June 1998. At that time I was working as a teacher in secondary school and had saved for the trip a long time. The return flight Durban-Kristiansand cost about one month's salary, kr. 10 500. Finally, the travel dream was possible!
The idea was to take most of the kick on arrival, but I had made a list of places I would like to experience. Safari was a matter of course, but first I wanted to meet the people. I had read about the warrior Zulus, seen pictures of the proud ladies and heard stories about the people's resilience. After a few days, I met Graham. He was white, had a privileged upbringing and was not really on my list of people I wanted to meet.
I quickly realized - not least thanks to Graham - that in South Africa everyone has their own history. This beautiful, colorful country is truly a "rainbow nation" and only four years after the first democratic election I was here! Graham had just finished a major hotel project in Tanzania, was without a job and wanted to show me the new South Africa. Over the next few weeks, we drove over 400 miles from the far north toward Mozambique to Cape of Good Hope in the south.
South Africa lived up to all my performances. There were strong encounters with people, from poverty in Soweto to proud African communities in the countryside. Everyone I met had a special story. The nature experiences were amazing with exciting encounters with animals I had only heard about. I also experienced a part I had not imagined: the dining experiences, the good roads, the fantastic service and the high standard of the accommodations.
From the first meeting with Africa, to Get Africa
I went back to Kristiansand in August 1998 to start a new teaching job, but Africa did not let go. In September Graham came to Norway and made peace. He got yes, and I quit the job, sold the apartment, the car and gave away most of what I had. Packed 20 kilos in the suitcase and moved to South Africa in December 1998.
Graham and I discussed what we could try to work with. Either start a small tourist business and make trips for Scandinavians or open a Greek tavern on an African beach.
Fortunately, I almost have to say, we decided first. Graham had a laptop, fax, telephone and contacts in the tourism industry, and I had very happy friends in Norway. In Durban we found a small apartment and set up an office there. We registered the Get Africa name (Graham and Elinen Touring Africa), made business cards and drove all over the place to get to know each other better.
We got the first guests on a test drive in February 1999. The idea was to make some regular round trips, and the Geheb family from Asker with two small children became our test rabbits. We started with accommodation in the Zulu village Shakaland. Then we rented a self-catering cottage in the Hluhluwe-Umfolosi Game Reserve. Graham and I were in charge of cooking and safari guiding. There were few lodges in the beginning that offered full service. This first trip taught us that it is fine to take even small children on safari. They often sit more quietly than the adults.
We also went to St. Lucia, where we installed the family at the Kingfisher Lodge guesthouse (which we still use today).
We had forgotten to add our own accommodation to the price, so we stayed with an old uncle of Graham.
Here, the family had a beach experience on Cape Vidal in what would later become a natural conservation area later this year. The wetland area of St. Lucia-Isimangaliso was opened in December 1999 by Nelson Mandela.
After the beach and the Indian Ocean, we drove inland to a place called Kokstad, where there are hot springs and mud baths. It was quite special to jump in a mud bath in the middle of the bush, and we agreed to add this experience to the list of something to bring. We have not sent more guests here!
On the other hand, we have sent many to the next stop on the journey, mighty Drakensberg with mountain peaks up to over 3000 meters. Many mountain-loving Norwegians want to take a proper mountain hike with them during their stay in South Africa. The trip ended with a beach, shopping and market in Durban.
In May 1999, I went to Norway and had meetings with various tourism companies to create good contacts. The first year of operation, our goal was to have 10 different groups on tour with us, and we managed it with a cry of distress: 10 groups, 77 guests in total.
Today, the Get Africa team consists of 12 Norwegian and South African employees. For over 21 years we have done what we can best; to tailor unique travel in Southern Africa. We are still based in Durban and look forward to welcoming travelers on new Africa adventures!
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