South Africa, also known as The Rainbow Nation, has much to offer the international tourist. With nine provinces, each with its own unique appeal, you can be sure to find something for the whole family. From the white sandy beaches to the famous Kruger National Park where you can see the Big Five, South Africa offers a rich cultural and historical experience. Some of the best African safari lodges play host to make your stay in South Africa an unforgettable experience.
Limpopo
This province is situated in the most northern part of South Africa. If you are a golf enthusiast, then the Limpopo province is your destination, offering a unique golfing safari. This part of the country also offers legendary ruins and ancient forests, with the most beautiful hot mineral springs and waterfalls. It also offers sparkling trout waters for the fly-fishing devotee.
Mpumalanga
Thousands of tourists visit Mpumalanga to access the famous Kruger National Park. Celebrating its 110th year in 2008, the Kruger National Park gives you the opportunity to see Africa's wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), in their natural environment. Day trips are managed easily, especially if you are staying at a safari lodge in one of the surrounding towns, such as Nelspruit or White River, otherwise opt for a lodge within the Kruger Park.Apart from the Kruger National Park, this province has much more to offer. Sightseeing is a must and popular sights include the Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, the Bourke's Luck Potholes and historic Pilgrim's Rest.
North West Province
The North West province is South Africa's primary platinum mining area. The two biggest tourist attractions in this province are the Pilansberg National Park and Sun City. Finfoot Lake Reserve, is only 90minutes away from The Lost City which forms part of Sun City and was inspired by a story about a mythical lost African tribe. There is a lot to do at Sun City, including an enormous entertainment area where you can try your luck at a poker table, play a round of golf, or relish a day of fun in the amusement park that hosts some of the most exhilarating rides imaginable. The Pilanesberg National Park is home to the Big Five and is a wonderful safari destination.
Gauteng
In the summer time you can expect to experience an afternoon thunderstorm in South Africa's economic capital. The word Gauteng is Sotho and means "Place of Gold". This cosmopolitan province features many museums, galleries and historical battlefield sites. Gauteng is also home to the famous district, Soweto, which was developed in the apartheid era as a township for black people. Today tourists are given the opportunity to take a tour through this township and learn more about the struggles against apartheid and the inhabitants' lives.
Northern Cape
Every year the Northern Cape goes into full bloom when Namaqualand's annual floral season takes place. This usually arid area turns into a coat of many colours during the winter season when the yearly wild flowers appear. Many visitors flock to the Northern Cape to appreciate this spectacular phenomenon. This part of the country also reflects the early history of the diamond mining industry in Kimberley The San (Bushman) people have lived in the Kalahari area for centuries and they have left a rich legacy in the form of rock engravings.
The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is situated in the Kalahari, where you can enjoy game viewing and horse riding in an ancient desert.
KwaZulu-Natal
Excellent game reserves and unspoiled beaches are found north of Durban, while to the West, the majestic Drakensberg Mountains offer spectacular scenery. In the south there are some of South Africa's best golf courses, fishing areas and a stunning subtropical coastline. KwaZulu-Natal is home to the Zulu Kingdom and features some of South Africa's greatest battle sites.
In the battlefield region, Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guest House and Isibindi Zulu Lodge offer accommodation and guided battlefield tours. Sunny warm weather, great beaches, game reserves, culture and history give KwaZulu-Natal its special appeal.
Eastern Cape
Birthplace to great political figures such as Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, the Eastern Cape has played a major part in the struggle for freedom. Take a township tour in Port Elizabeth, and drive inland to the Addo Elephant National Park, a conservation sanctuary to the largest elephant population in the world. Gorah Elephant Camp is right in the heart of the Addo Elephant Park offering a luxurious tented stay in elephant country.
The Eastern Province is also home to the Tsitsikamma and Baviaanskloof. The Eastern Cape offers sightings of the Big Five in an area that is free of malaria. Baviaanskloof is a gorge that stretches over 100 kilometres and is the ideal place to enjoy a hike in one of the most beautiful valleys in Southern Africa.
Garden Route
The Garden Route derived its name from its rich fauna and flora, and although not an official South African province, the Garden Route is well known as a must-see destination. It's the place where ancient forests, indigenous fynbos, wetlands, lakes, majestic mountains and beautiful beaches all meet to create a breathtaking tourist destination. There are many hiking routes available in this area and if you seek an adrenalin rush, the Bloukrans River Bridge is the world's highest commercial bungee jump at an astonishing 216m!
Western Cape
Who doesn't know Cape Town and its famous landmark, Table Mountain? This cosmopolitan city is South Africa's leading tourist destination, and a long list of tourist attractions that include Robben Island, historical buildings and museums, great shopping venues, diverse culture and of course, the Cape Winelands.
Every part of South Africa has much to offer. Book yourself one of many top-class African safari lodges throughout The Rainbow Nation and experience a country that is so rich in culture, history and natural beauty, you'd be disappointed not to experience it all!
About the Author
Exclusive Getaways is a traveller's collection of celebrated top-class African Safari Lodges and has an appealing variety of other nature escapes, country getaways and notable city hotels.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Checklist For Packing For An African Safari Adventure
Before leaving your house to go on your safari adventure, there are a few things that you must remember to pack. Some key essentials are your passport and visas and one other thing you should definitely do is check ahead to make sure you have all necessary visas. International vaccination cards, traveler's checks, two copies of your passport, passport photos, visas, and health record, driver's license and any other ID.
Now I am sure the last thing you would want is to get sick on your trip, so prevent that by making sure you take all the necessary precautions. Malaria tablets are something you should bring along however, do remember they are not a preventative, just a pill that will suppress the harsh symptoms of malaria, so cover up at night and sleep under your mosquito netting.
Iodine tablets are another must, contaminated water is your worst enemy in Africa. If you choose to not buy the very affordable spring water, you will want to treat your water with iodine.
Re-hydration salts are something that taste like hell but will make your body feel like a king after an inevitable surge of Montezuma's revenge, better known as traveler's diarrhea.
Chap stick is simple but you will find that it is necessary. The plains are dusty and dry so without it, your lips can look like and feel like the terrain you will cross on safari. Vitamin tablets, small first aid kit, tweezers, headache or allergy medicine for squinting, sun, and bumpy jeep rides through the plains can all contribute to a pounding headache. It is best to always come prepared.
Some things that you should bring to wear include a wide brim hat or scarf for sun protection, cotton long sleeved shirts because tsetse flies, mosquitoes, and other insects can be brutal in some game parks. Also, temperatures can plummet to very extreme cold at night.
Also pack fleece for cool evenings and it is also great as an extra pillow on planes and a butt cushion on safari drives. Urban sandals, that act as shower shoes are mandatory and cheap. You would be surprised what type of foot diseases are just lurking within public showers. That is a very comprehensive checklist for packing for an African safari, always be prepared.
Now I am sure the last thing you would want is to get sick on your trip, so prevent that by making sure you take all the necessary precautions. Malaria tablets are something you should bring along however, do remember they are not a preventative, just a pill that will suppress the harsh symptoms of malaria, so cover up at night and sleep under your mosquito netting.
Iodine tablets are another must, contaminated water is your worst enemy in Africa. If you choose to not buy the very affordable spring water, you will want to treat your water with iodine.
Re-hydration salts are something that taste like hell but will make your body feel like a king after an inevitable surge of Montezuma's revenge, better known as traveler's diarrhea.
Chap stick is simple but you will find that it is necessary. The plains are dusty and dry so without it, your lips can look like and feel like the terrain you will cross on safari. Vitamin tablets, small first aid kit, tweezers, headache or allergy medicine for squinting, sun, and bumpy jeep rides through the plains can all contribute to a pounding headache. It is best to always come prepared.
Some things that you should bring to wear include a wide brim hat or scarf for sun protection, cotton long sleeved shirts because tsetse flies, mosquitoes, and other insects can be brutal in some game parks. Also, temperatures can plummet to very extreme cold at night.
Also pack fleece for cool evenings and it is also great as an extra pillow on planes and a butt cushion on safari drives. Urban sandals, that act as shower shoes are mandatory and cheap. You would be surprised what type of foot diseases are just lurking within public showers. That is a very comprehensive checklist for packing for an African safari, always be prepared.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Budget Safaris In Kenya
When going to Africa you can go on the budget camping safari at Amboseli National Park, or at Masai Mara. The regular departure date is Sunday except for the month of May. During this camping safari you are set up to stay in a small camp which is a great way for you to experience all the natural attractions that Kenya has to offer.
This safari has been designed for your convenience and that you will be able to see the greatest diversity in wildlife that Kenya has to offer. The camps are also set up in a way that gives you the opportunity to take nightly walks or drives if that is what you want to do and give you access to the Amboseli and Nakuru National Parks and the Mara.
You will be driving around in a Toyota Landcruiser with roof hatches. Your guide will also be your driver who has lots of experience and will tell you anything and everything to make you knowledgeable. On this safari you will be going to the Selenkay Conservation Area and Amboseli National Park.
The local Massai people have made that conservation as an animal reserve to protect their wild life. There is a greater diversity there than there is at the Amboseli National Park. Some of the many animals you will get to see are elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, Thompson's and Grant's gazelles, gerenuk, impala, eland, oryx, lesser kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, warthog, spotted hyena, striped hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox, caracal, African wild cat, serval cat, genet cat, honey badger, aardvark, porcupine, zorilla, mongoose, bushbaby and dik-dik.
Birdlife is prolific, especially birds of prey. The feeling that you get when you see these animals in their natural environment and not behind bars in a zoo is something that you must experience and something that you will always remember.
This safari has been designed for your convenience and that you will be able to see the greatest diversity in wildlife that Kenya has to offer. The camps are also set up in a way that gives you the opportunity to take nightly walks or drives if that is what you want to do and give you access to the Amboseli and Nakuru National Parks and the Mara.
You will be driving around in a Toyota Landcruiser with roof hatches. Your guide will also be your driver who has lots of experience and will tell you anything and everything to make you knowledgeable. On this safari you will be going to the Selenkay Conservation Area and Amboseli National Park.
The local Massai people have made that conservation as an animal reserve to protect their wild life. There is a greater diversity there than there is at the Amboseli National Park. Some of the many animals you will get to see are elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, Thompson's and Grant's gazelles, gerenuk, impala, eland, oryx, lesser kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, warthog, spotted hyena, striped hyena, jackal, bat-eared fox, caracal, African wild cat, serval cat, genet cat, honey badger, aardvark, porcupine, zorilla, mongoose, bushbaby and dik-dik.
Birdlife is prolific, especially birds of prey. The feeling that you get when you see these animals in their natural environment and not behind bars in a zoo is something that you must experience and something that you will always remember.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Hippo Hunting Safari
The first explorers who saw the hippo he first called sea cows and hunted them because they have large amounts of meat and fat on them. One of Africa's adult hippopotamus can weigh about 2 tons, but do not let the weight fool you because they can run 20 km per hour with their ivory tusks, which are approximately one metre and a half long.
Unfortunately, because of his attitude regarding the territory hippopotamuses, it is the animal in Africa more responsible for the death of the man even more when crocodiles. They even attack boats and ships of men who are on their territory. But if you respect their territory, they mind their own business and just floating in the water.
Hunting in hippo is not a difficult task at all. 90% of hippos who are killed are taken from about 50 meters while they are in the water. Someone chooses a bull, then walk to the bank expects the bull to raise its head above water and then simply turn and hunting mission is accomplished.
Dead hippo normally float on the surface of water in half an hour. After that, in a timely manner, with no other hippos around it is dragged to the bank. The most common shot is to kill hippopotamus is in the brain, because once you get into the brain, you do not have to worry about him being dead or not. Right between the eyes is the best place for a fighter goal. The best country to go to the hunting safaris hippopotamus are Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. You can go to South Africa but unfortunately it is quite expensive compared to other places.
Unfortunately, because of his attitude regarding the territory hippopotamuses, it is the animal in Africa more responsible for the death of the man even more when crocodiles. They even attack boats and ships of men who are on their territory. But if you respect their territory, they mind their own business and just floating in the water.
Hunting in hippo is not a difficult task at all. 90% of hippos who are killed are taken from about 50 meters while they are in the water. Someone chooses a bull, then walk to the bank expects the bull to raise its head above water and then simply turn and hunting mission is accomplished.
Dead hippo normally float on the surface of water in half an hour. After that, in a timely manner, with no other hippos around it is dragged to the bank. The most common shot is to kill hippopotamus is in the brain, because once you get into the brain, you do not have to worry about him being dead or not. Right between the eyes is the best place for a fighter goal. The best country to go to the hunting safaris hippopotamus are Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. You can go to South Africa but unfortunately it is quite expensive compared to other places.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Hunting Safari In Namibia
This destination is an elevated 5,200 feet over the central high plains and the temperature is very hot, this is
There are no mosquitos around to pass on malaria or yellow fever and in general they seem to have a low insect population. Nambia Hunting Outfitter offers a wide variety of hunting opportunities. These hunting opportunities range from plains game hunting, cheetah hunting, and leopard hunting.
They have been trophy hunting for years and their plain games species that they hunt include kudu, Oryx and blue wild beast as well as 17 other species. Ozondjahe is the premier of their hunting safaris and take great pride in the way that they conduct their safaris.
They have one of the largest privately owned game reserves and covers roughly 75,000 acres if you go there it can be a hunting experience of a life time that you can enjoy. Their clients keep getting top quality trophies and according to the
You have the opportunity to choose the way that you want to hunt. You can either hunt one on one with you and the professional hunter, or you can also hunt with a friend and a professional, both offer great experiences. Depending on the season there are many different experiences provided. You can even go on a bow hunting safari in a 4X4 vehicle. They even have a dangerous game hunting safari and just from it’s name you know in advance that it is extremely dangerous. So if you are going to
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Self-Drive Kenya Safaris
When you think about a self drive Kenya safari, you should know that they are great option because they tend to offer you a lot more freedom then a traditional safari. For instance, you get to decide when you start and stop your safari as well as how long you go out on your own safari tour.
When going to Kenya the self drive safari is an exciting option for many reasons just as long as you have the essential camping equipment and as long as you can get a good group together. The convenience of having a group is so that they help share the cost of the vehicle and the other expenses that may occur.
It’s also a good idea to have a group instead of being alone in order to reduce the chances of a mugging and also just incase you have to change a flat tire I’m sure you would not want to do it by yourself. There are many pros and cons to self drive safari.
The pros include, the flexibility of when you go out what you do and when you do it as well as how long you are going to be out for. You also have the luxury of choosing who exactly goes on the tour with you. However like I stated before there are cons and the cons include price, there is also a lack of knowledge of the plains and which exact animals you are looking at or might see in the area.
If you want to get camping equipment some things you should get include maps, cooking supplies, water, and safari bathrooms. You may also want to test drive your vehicle before you take it on tour. Make sure that you test out all your equipment before you pay for it especially the car you would not want it breaking down in the middle of no where.
When going to Kenya the self drive safari is an exciting option for many reasons just as long as you have the essential camping equipment and as long as you can get a good group together. The convenience of having a group is so that they help share the cost of the vehicle and the other expenses that may occur.
It’s also a good idea to have a group instead of being alone in order to reduce the chances of a mugging and also just incase you have to change a flat tire I’m sure you would not want to do it by yourself. There are many pros and cons to self drive safari.
The pros include, the flexibility of when you go out what you do and when you do it as well as how long you are going to be out for. You also have the luxury of choosing who exactly goes on the tour with you. However like I stated before there are cons and the cons include price, there is also a lack of knowledge of the plains and which exact animals you are looking at or might see in the area.
If you want to get camping equipment some things you should get include maps, cooking supplies, water, and safari bathrooms. You may also want to test drive your vehicle before you take it on tour. Make sure that you test out all your equipment before you pay for it especially the car you would not want it breaking down in the middle of no where.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Tanzania Tented Safari
The
During the dry season which is between the months of June and November various wild life including Elephants, Buffalo, Lions and Cheetahs will gather at the river which will be one of their only drinking sources. During your stay you’ll camp for two nights at Tangire. Day 4 of your visit will be spent at
On the 6th day you will get to drive down into the crater and see the various wildlife grazing. Animals that you will get to see include black maned lion, the very endangered black rhino, herds of wildebeest and zebras, elephants, hippos, jackals, and even hyenas. On the days 8,9,10 and 11you will get to be on the Serengeti which is said to be one of the most impressive wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
You will spend days on a guided wildlife viewing drive while nights will be enjoyed deep in the Serengeti at one of several private camps. Finally on the final day you’ll head back to Arusha were your Tanzania Tented Safari began. Do remember that your air fair is not included however this will be a trip that is money well spent.
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