The Famous Kruger National Park...

The Park Itself

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 square kilometres in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 kilometres from north to south and 65 kilometres from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in Skukuza. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926.

To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. In the north is Zimbabwe, and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.

The park has nine main gates allowing entrance to the different camps.

Accommodation

The Park consist of Main Camps, Bushveld Camps, Overnight Hides and Bush Lodges.

Animals

This is only a small hint of what there is, there are so much more to experience and to see!

Leopard hunting effectively banned in SA

The Department of Environmental Affairs has set provincial leopard hunting quotas at zero for 2016, Department of Environmental Affairs Chief Director Communications, Albi Modise has confirmed.

While Modise would not go into detail about the motivation for the decision, he said it followed a report led by South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

However, in a Government Gazette published last year, the department suggested that leopard hunting might be unsustainable.

“Recent research suggests that trophy hunting may be unsustainable in Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and possibly North West. This is due mainly to excessive quotas, clumping of hunting effort, poor trophy selection, and the additive effects of DCA [damage-causing-animal] control combined with other forms of illegal off-take,” the notice reads.

According to Modise, the decision, which effectively bans leopard hunting, applies throughout South Africa.

The Lion Park in South Africa

GUARANTEED SUPER CLOSE-UP VIEWS

Nowhere can you get closer to a pride of Lions and other animals and still be completely safe. See the animals up close in all the activities that the Lion Park offers, whether you go on a self-drive tour, guided tour or in the new electric silent vehicle – They guarantee that you will get super close to the animals, not to mention special tours like the amazing cheetah walk and the exclusive mesmerizing lion tour guided by world renowned animal behaviorist, Alex Larenty. Amazing photo opportunities await around every corner in the park, share your memories with friends and family by having your photos taken professionally by their photographers. 

Feeding

 

Experience the natural interaction of a feeding lion pride up close. The mighty roars and sounds of lion festivity fill the game vehicle while the guides share interesting facts with you on the night drives. Watch lions feeding from your own vehicle on Saturdays and Sundays.

Wild Side Accommodation

 

Experience an overnight stay in one of our large semi-luxury, 5-sleeper air-conditioned safari tents. The Wild Side Tented Camp consists of four safari tents overlooking the Lion Park plains game area. Enjoy a sun downer watching the peaceful scene of springbuck, blesbuck and others grazing on your doorstep. Fall asleep with the mighty roars from the lion camps that will make your stay a delight with true African sounds in the background. 

 

Restaurant

 

The Lion Park offers a selection of meals at the large outdoor family restaurant, kiosk and bar.

For more information please contact us at
 info@southern-africa-travel.com
www.southern-africa-travel.com

South Africa An Unforgetable Experience

 

South Africa is a unique country that offers experiences that leave an indelible mark on anyone who visits here. Renowned for its great weather, friendly hospitality, good infrastructure, wildlife, culture, adventure and scenic beauty - these are some aspects that keep incentive travellers coming back for more.

An incentive tour in South Africa will entice and excite even the best-heeled traveller. We have a flair for the unusual; a penchant for the decidedly different. Many of South Africa's unforgettable experiences you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.

Here, you can walk with elephants, swim with dolphins, dive with great white sharks, cruise among whales, share your stretch of beach with a colony of penguins, be a game ranger for a day, or learn business lessons from nature.

 

Whether it’s at a bushveld breakaway, a wilderness team building experience or an overnight stay in a luxury game lodge, no visit to South Africa is complete without a brush with the wild.

For adrenalin junkies, hardcore adventure options include abseiling, paragliding, microlighting, kloofing and diving with predators. For softer options there’s horse riding on the beach, hot air ballooning, fishing, angling, and surfing and cycling. For those who enjoy the water, there are thousands of kilometres of coastline to explore.

Breathtaking wildlife of South Africa

South Africa is one of the world's natural gems, a treasure nestled at the southern tip of the abundant African continent. Visitors from all around the world descend on the country to take advantage of the stunning climate, accommodation, game reserves, natural attractions and of course, the huge variety of wildlife.

 

South Africa's big 5

 Elephant

 The African Elephant is the largest living land mammal, one of the most impressive animals on earth.

Buffalo

 Buffalo are extremely large, ox-like animals. Standing approximately 65 inches at the shoulder.

Lion

 Lions are the second largest members of the feline family in the world. Lion are tan in colour and have a slightly white under-body, with a tuft of black hair at the end of their tails

Rhino

 The rhinoceros is a large, primitive looking mammal that in fact dates from the Miocene era millions of years ago. In recent decades rhinos have been relentlessly hunted to the point of near extinction.

Leopard 

The most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores, the leopard is also the shrewdest. Pound for pound, it is the strongest climber of the larger cats and is capable of killing prey far larger than itself.

The landscapes of South Africa offer the full spectrum of habitat types (from dense green forests to arid deserts, and everything in-between), making them ideal for thousands of species. These include exciting predators, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and a huge variety of fascinating insects. These different species are found in plentiful abundance in the game reserves and national parks of the country, as well as in the wild and natural countryside, where they live free.

 

Face to Face with the Great White Sharks - Cage Diving

Few things compare to the adrenalin rush and exhilaration one gets from being face to face with a 3 m Great White, especially when they curiously cruise right up to the cage and eye you within kissing range!

 

 

Sharks are quite possibly the world's most feared animals. From the smallest sand shark to the enormous whale shark, they are sleek, muscled, and some are almost as agile as a dolphin. There is no doubt that they are the most evolved predators in the ocean. Row upon row of teeth and capable of sensing the blood of an injured animal from over a kilometre away, its not surprising that they are the most feared creature beneath the waves. And of them all, the Great White is the most awesome.

 

 

 Shark diving with White Shark Projects can provide you with a unique opportunity to witness the wonder of the Great White Shark in a safe and professional environment.
White Shark Projects is totally dedicated to the conservation of these magnificent ocean predators.

 

South Africa Hotspots for tourists

South Africa is diverse and beautiful country, about the size of France and Spain combined or roughly twice the size of Texas. Its varied cultures, intriguing wildlife, stunning scenery, and remarkable beaches make it a haven for travelers from around the world. Visitors quickly discover that the rich history and colorful inhabitants ideally complement the top tourist attractions in South Africa, which creates an unforgettable experience. 

Sun City Resort

Known regionally as Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure, Sun City Resort is a luxury casino and resort, situated about two hours’ drive from Johannesburg

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

 

Wildlife enthusiasts may enjoy the vast expanses of native plants and native animals during guided walks, self-guided drives, or opt for a thrilling viewing experience by boat along the Hluhluwe dam 

 

Blyde River Canyon 

 Blyde River Canyon is the second largest canyon in Africa, after the Fish River Canyon, although it is much greener due to its lush subtropical foliage. Walking treks through the rich diversity of flora and fauna filled canyon offer views of magnificent escarpments, waterfalls and ancient geological phenomenon.

Cape Winelands 

 

The fertile valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by majestic mountains, sleepy villages, brilliant monuments, fruitful orchards and some of the lushest scenery in South Africa.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

 Situated within an entertainment mecca filled with restaurants, specialty shops, pubs, and theaters, there is something here for everyone to enjoy 

Knysna 

 

 Extensive opportunities for outdoor adventure are easily accessible in Knysna, as well as plenty of leisurely strolling paths filled with authentic dining and shopping venues

Durban Beaches

 Boasting balmy weather year round and sporting a genuine beach culture, Durban beaches are lively areas that are remarkably clean and safe, and many of the beaches offer varietal entertainments throughout the day.

Amphitheatre, Drakensberg

The name is derived from the dutch and means “dragons mountain”. The Amphitheatre is one of the geographical features of the Northern Drakensberg, and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth.  

Table Mountain 

 Situated within a national park, reaching the pinnacle of the Table Mountain is an thrilling experience that offers phenomenal, birds-eye views overlooking the city of Cape Town, Robben Island to the north, and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south. 

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve on the continent and one the main tourist attractions in South Africa. The park boasts more species of mammals than any other African game reserve which includes the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes and more. Unlike most other safari parks, Kruger is a self-drive destination with an excellent infrastructure and many places to stay inside the park, from tented camps to luxury lodges.

Be Amazed by Giraffes in South Africa

Giraffes are found in most of South Africa’s game reserves outside of the relatively treeless Karoo. They’re not rare or endangered but they are fascinating, and not only because of their height. They have no hierarchy, they have inordinately long tongues and their babies drop two metres when born.
The giraffe stands head and shoulders higher than any animal on Earth. A tall specimen can measure 5.5 metres from hoof to head. But that’s not the only distinguishing characteristic of this distinctively African mammal.
Giraffes also have an unusually loose and non-hierarchical approach to social lives. Giraffes are very seldom seen alone because they clearly enjoy one another’s company, but there’s also no leader. They don’t co-ordinate their movements and no single giraffe calls the shots.
They’re sometimes spread out over a large area – their height allows them to see each other – and other times eight or more will cluster around one particular tree.
Giraffes have a clear love affair with acacias, winding their long dark tongues to pick out the nutritious
leaves from among the fierce thorns.
They’ll eat up to 34kg of leaves in a day.With all those thorns, the love affair is clearly not reciprocated from the acacia’s side. Yet giraffes are thought to help with pollination and the seeds seem to grow better after having gone through their digestive tract.
These tall vegetarians may seem like softies, but they’re tough in unexpected ways. A newborn baby drops nearly two metres to the ground from the birth canal. This kickstart into life might explain why they can walk and run within hours of being born.

Giraffes have also been known to kill lions by kicking them. Their hooves are the size of soup-plates. And there are few creatures as protective as a mother giraffe.
The males have a peculiar way of sorting out their differences and issues of dominance. In a low-intensity wrestling match, they lean against one another to test weight and twine their necks – often while gazing peacefully into the distance. Then all of a sudden they’ll swing their heads away and back again, connecting with a thud. It’s very seldom a deadly fight, but some males have been known to lose consciousness.
They’re among the quietest animals in the bush, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make any sounds. Calves will sometimes bleat or make a mewing sound and cows that have lost their calves will bellow. They’ve also been heard to snort, moan, snore, hiss and make a high, strange fluting sound.
You can tell a male from a female giraffe by looking at the tops of their horns – females' horns will have tufts of hair growing from them, while males' horns are bald.
Their conservation status is classified as ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Red Data List, but giraffe numbers have sunk down in the last few decades. Still, they’re fairly easy to see in most South African game reserves and conservation areas outside of the Karoo.

Its all happening in KNYSNA - South Africa

Picture this !!! 

You with your family and friends relaxing on a balmy summer's evening, the sun just beginning to set over the lagoon, a glass of something cool in your hand, and a table booked at your favorite restaurant for supper. Now -add live music from your very own South Cape Symphony Orchestra and Choir, and you've got the absolute best way to spend your Saturday evening! Bring along your singing voice if you want to join in the Christmas carols, or just sit back and enjoy the show. Well-known film tunes, marches, and of course some 'good old Christmas Carols' will get you in the mood for the Festive Season.

Knysna Charters Lagoon and Oyster Tours

Oyster Tour: the ideal cruise for anyone who loves oysters and is interested in learning more about the Knysna Oyster - taste both wild & farmed oysters. Drinks, light snacks & oysters can be arranged. 

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Sunset Cruise: delicious snack platters can be arranged as well as drinks & oysters. There is no better way to end off the day - sipping wine, supping oysters and enjoying the magnificent Knysna sunset and stunning views. 

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Lagoon Boat Cruise: takes off to the famous Knysna Heads, where you will learn a bit about Knysna current events and history from the water! Drinks, Platters & Oysters available on order. 

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Knysna River Safari: Cruise one of the most famous lagoons and river mouths in southern Africa. Explore the second largest lagoon in south africa. With 2.5 hrs of cruising down the river, wild life sightings guaranteed!

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All tours depart daily from Thesen Island,  

See you on board!!

Kayak Hire: Hire a Kayak in Knysna and explore the Knysna Lagoon your self, or with on a guided tour, its a great adventure and boasts as a must do in Knysna. The Knysna Lagoon is the gem of Knysna so this activity will allow you to enjoy it to the max!

For more booking details please contact

Namibia Reservations at:

info@namibiareservations.com

White House Lodge, White River, Mpumalanga

EXPERIENCE 

"THE WHITE HOUSE LODGE" 

IN A UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY WAY

White is the color at its most complete and pure, the color of PERFECTION and PURITY.  White is the color of NEW BEGINNINGS, wiping the slate clean. It opens the way for the creation of anything the mind can conceive.

Situated on a mountain top with sprawling views of the valleys of Mpumalanga. The White House Lodge is the perfect country getaway.

Surrounded by  the farms, mountains and valleys of Mpumalanga, this guest house is a place of beauty and splendor. It offers guests an opportunity to explore an area rich in natural beauty, with acres of plant life, over 100 species of birds and in close proximity to one of the world's most popular wildlife resorts, The Kruger National Park.

  

   

The climate in this region is suitable for every traveler as the country experiences long, warm summer days, and cold winter nights. Summer, however, is also when the province gets most of its rainfall. On those days guests can get toasty in front of the fireplace, head to the cinema or try out their lucky streak at the casino less than 10 kilometers away.

Many well known South African artists call White River their HOME.

At The White House Lodge guests can indulge in bird watching, hiking, horse riding and river rafting. The lodge also has a beautiful and refreshing rock pool, saunas and a bar/cocktail lounge to enjoy at your leisure. 

Guests can also visit the cinema, Reptile Park, golf course and tennis courts not more than 20 km from the lodge. Game drives can also be organized by The White House Lodge. Various sports activities can also be arranged and even trout fishing and helicopter rides are on the lodge’s itinerary for the more adventurous guest.

For Booking details please contact

Namibia Reservations at

info@namibiareservations.com or visit www.namibiareservations.com

FLORA KINGDOM OF SOUTH AFRICA

“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for a moment.”

PLANT GEOGRAPHERS divide the world into 6 Floristic Kingdoms, each of which has a characteristic flora and numerous endemic species. The largest of these kingdoms is the:

BOREAL KINGDOM

At 20 million square km comprising almost the entire northern hemisphere. The smallest, yet most diverse of all the kingdoms is the:

 CAPE FLORAL KINGDOM

Which consist solely of the Mediterranean vegetation of the Western Cape Province of south Africa

 a biome which contains the "greatest concentration of plant species in the world".

LIVING WONDERLAND of SOUTH AFRICA'S BOTANICAL GARDENS 

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden:  

 South Africa is famous for its plants, so it is hardly surprising that it has some of the best botanical gardens in the world, of which Kirstenbosch in Cape Town, is the most famous. There are also a number of theme gardens, including one focused on medicinal plants, a fragrance garden and a Protea garden (South Africa's national flower, which occurs in dozens of variations) which is at its most magnificent in winter and spring. 

 

kirstenbosch national botanical garden