Thursday, January 30, 2014

One Destination, different experiences...

Turning Moments into Memories

Namibia, a sparkling crystal from the Namibian Deserts, deep blue waters, or Lilly green valleys...this all...will fascinate you beyond your imagination. The contrast of colors, cultures and tastes makes this destination the scene set for an unforgettable holiday. Here, you have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury: a level of refinement that is head and shoulders above that on offer in other beautiful holiday destinations. Beyond the magnificent Wildlife and idyllic landscapes is above all a peace of heaven.




For more information on Namibia's destinations, make sure to contact
Namibia Reservations at:
info@namibiareservations.com
www.namibiareservations.com

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Montecasino - South Africa

The Palazzo Montecasino


The opulently stylish Palazzo is perfectly located in the upmarket suburb of Fourways Johannesburg, a mere 15 minutes from Sandton, South Africa's business hub, 40 minutes from O.R Tambo International Airport and 20 minutes from Lanseria International Airport.  The hotel forms part of the award winning Montecasino Entertainment Complex which offers guests an endless variety of entertainment options.

Southern Sun Montecasino

Opened in May 2010 the Southern Sun Montecasino located at The Pivot is an exciting addition to the Montecasino Precinct. The hotel has 194 bedrooms and offers all the modern facilities for both business and leisure travellers including a high spec gymnasium.  It is modeled on the Palazzo Corsini, a 15th century Villa situated on the slope between Gianicolo and the Tiber River in Italy.

SunSquare Montecasino

SunSquare Hotel offers a unique and refreshing experience for business and leisure travellers. Located on the Piazza Square, right in the heart of the Montecasino Gaming and Entertainment Complex, guests can enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle with easy access to all the restaurants, cinema, theatres and excitement of Montecasino. Rooms are funky and fresh and offer an eclectic-yet-comfortable lifestyle, with views over Fourways as well as the European feeling Piazza. 

For more information please contact
Namibia Reservations at:
info@namibiareservations.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Zambia's Best kept Secret!!!

Luxury Safari Lodge Tongabezi, Victoria Falls, Zambia


Tongabezi Lodge is a romantic hideaway on the banks of the Zambezi River just upstream of Victoria Falls. Our friendly team welcomes guests to a selection of houses and cottages, each beautifully styled with furniture and embellishments from all over Africa. Guests can dine beside the river or on their private terrace. Privately owned and run, Tongabezi combines an exclusive ambience with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia. Tongabezi is the ultimate destination for romance – if you have a special occasion to celebrate, our entire team will be at your service to ensure the ultimate wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary – but the real beauty of the Tongabezi experience lies in its ability to set the scene and inspire a little magical romance in everyone… no occasion necessary! We offer thrilling boat trips to Livingstone Island, where David Livingstone caught his first glimpse of the mighty falls. Guests can also stay on our private island, Sindabezi, an exclusive camp on the Zambezi River. 




To book your Tongabezi Getaway please contact
Namibia Reservations at:
info@namibiareservations.com

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Great Stone Sculptures of Africa


Founded by Roy Guthrie, as African Art Promotions Inc. in 1970, Chapungu Sculpture Park has pioneered the promotion of Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture (Shona Sculpture) and has built up the most important permanent collection of this work in existence.  From its humble beginnings as a small gallery in the capital city , Harare, to the 20 acre sculpture park in the outskirts of Harare, and now to its North American location, Chapungu has remained steadfast to its mission statement which is:

To promote the Stone Sculptors of Zimbabwe, through world wide exhibitions, documentation, workshops, preservation and sales.  To make viewers aware of the expressive power and artistic validity of these contemporary African artists.  To bring, through the sculptures, an awareness of the depth and wisdom of the traditional African cultures.

“ This is the birth of a great national art, capable of speaking about the whole creation, from personal and family feeling to the world of spirit, soul and self. It is a thrilling adventure of contemporary art". Art's Review, London, 1990 (Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, United Kingdom)    

For more information please contact 
Namibia Reservations at:
info@namibiareservations.com

Thursday, January 16, 2014

A Garden in South Africa

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It comes as no surprise that Kirstenbosch has been voted one of the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic Magazine. The rolling lawns, over 7 000 plant species and indigenous plants and the rugged slopes of majestic Table Mountain all add up to an experience like no other.

Picnicking on the lawns has become a national pastime, particularly when the summer sunset concert series packs the concert lawn to capacity. But even in the winter months, on a sunny day, the blankets and baskets roll out as families enjoy the heritage and beauty that makes the Garden so special. “We rank up there with the world’s top seven botanical gardens and being recognized by one of the world’s top magazines is a proud moment”. said Curator Philip le Roux. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. The Visitors' Centre includes an information desk and various retail outlets and a nursery. The Centre for Home Gardening has outlets for plants and other services to support the home garden. 

There are also several restaurants and coffee shops at Kirstenbosch. On Sundays during the summer months from December to March, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns. Craft markets are also held at the Stone Cottages (opposite Kirstenbosch) on the last Sunday of every month (except June, July and August). Physically challenged visitors should contact the information office in advance to book a wheelchair or one of the golf cart/shuttle tours.
A number of trails lead through natural forest and fynbos surrounding the developed garden. A map is obtainable from the Information Office for a small fee. Open 365 days a year 08:00 – 19:00 (September to March) and 08:00 – 18:00 (April to August).   
Kirstenbosch lies in the heart of the Cape Floristic Region, also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. In 2004 the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – another first for Kirstenbosch, it is the first botanic garden in the world to be included within a natural World Heritage Site. Kirstenbosch is the largest of a country-wide network of nine National Botanical Gardens administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).  
DirectionsDrive along the De Waal Drive (M3) and turn into Rhodes Avenue (M63), close to Newlands.


For more information please contact 
Namibia Reservations at:
info@namibiareservations.com

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The Cradle of Humankind



The Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and Environs, known as the Cradle of Humankind, were declared a World Heritage Site on December 2 1999. 

The Cradle of Humankind covers an area of over 47 000 hectares of privately owned land north west of Johannesburg and is home to over 17 000 residents. 

In 2005, two other highly significant sites, Makapan and Taung were listed as serial sites together with the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COH WHS). Together, these are the Fossil Hominid sites of South Africa.

The area is of outstanding universal value, because it contains a complex of palaeo-anthropological sites, which have yielded some of the most valuable evidence, world-wide, of the origins of modern humans, hence its name “ Cradle of Humankind”.

The declared area is 47 000 hectares and extends approximately between Oaktree, Hekpoort, Broederstroom and Lanseria in Gauteng. Most of the site is on dolomite, a rock type which is slightly soluble in water. This has two major consequences- the formation of caves and the formation of fossils.

There are currently over 200 caves on the site, with possibly more to be discovered. There are 13 fossil sites which have been extensively examined and some have produced fossils of human ancestors and their relatives. A variety of stone tools used by human ancestors such as axes and scrapers have also been identified. 

The range of other creatures which co-existed in the area included extinct animals such as short-necked giraffe, giant buffalo, giant hyaena and several species of saber-toothed cats. Numerous fossils of extant creatures such as leopards and hartebeest have also been found. 

Activities 
Maropeng is the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.

The Sterkfontein Caves are open every day of the year except Christmas and Easter. Tours through the cave run every half an hour, with the first tour leaving at 09h00 and the last tour leaving at 16h00. These tours last approximately 45 minutes. 

Another popular cave which does tours is Wonder Cave.

Both of these venues are suitable for children, but not easily accessible for the elderly or disabled. Near to Wonder Cave is the Rhino And Lion Nature Reserve. 

Where to Stay
Krugersdorp Accommodation, Magaliesburg Accommodation and Muldersdrift Accommodation options are varied and a comfortable drive from the heritage site.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Beachside Cottages in South Africa


This is the kind of place that makes you wish for a Holiday. There is nothing that screams coastal living more than white washed walls. This white water house retreats in South Africa perfectly exemplifies coastal living. The neutral pallette through out the cottages gives it a comfortable yet elegant look. 


It invites you in and asks you to leave the pressures of the world outside.  You can lay out in the terrace with its beautiful sea view with your feet up on the coffee table. Or have your meals out side with a cool breeze ruffling your hair. …The interiors are just as perfect. With stylish white washed oak floors and gray tones and a wonderful sense of space. Shades of green and blue add a sense of the ocean into the home. 

On the magnificent Whale route, centrally situated between Cape Town and Hermanus, 35 mins from the Airport, 15 mins from the Winelands and 90 mins from ‘Big 5′ Game Reserves, this is an ideal base to enjoy the many adventurous activities the Cape has to offer. Or stay at the Beachside Cottage and enjoy the sunshine and fabulous views of False Bay, the Marina, Vineyards and surrounding Mountain Ranges. Watch seals and surfers play in the waves and yachts and pleasure boats drop anchor just meters away or sip champagne while watching spectacular sunsets ignite the sky against the silhouette of Table Mountain.


Relaxing:
• Scenic drives along coastal cliffs and Cape nature reserves
• Whale, dolphin, penguin and seal spotting
• Champagne cruises, yachting and fishing from two marinas
• Wining and dining on exotic seafood at stylish and picturesque restaurants
• Wineland or Township tours
• Scenic Walks along Nature trails
• Shopping Malls or quaint village shops.
• Several Golf courses
• Swim in the warmer waters of False Bay
• Laze on the many glorious beaches!

Adventurous:
Land: Hiking, Cycling, Quad-biking (family friendly),  Abseiling  and Kloofing, Horse riding  or Mountain biking  through vineyards and nature reserves
Sky: Hot Air Ballooning, Skydiving, Paragliding, Helicopter flips
Sea: Shark Cage diving, Surfing, Kayaking, Jet skis, Waterskiing, Thriller boat rides


For personal service or additional information feel free to contact
Namibia Reservations at
info@namibiareservations.com

Monday, January 13, 2014

♥ In a World of Wonders ♥


Experience the stunning beauty, the unimaginable vastness, the isolation and other-worldiness, the astoundingly profilic wildlife of the best kept African secret. Whether your thing is safaris, mokoro rides, hunting, elephant riding, quad biking, fishing, 4x4 off-road adventures you are sure to make the best of your stay in Botswana. Botswana offers the traveler a choice of accommodation options from top class hotels, luxury lodges and safari camps, to budget guesthouses and camping grounds.


There is a very wide range of accommodation available in the Okavango Delta. This ranges from five star luxury to more humble accommodation, but all fall within the government’s high value, low volume tourism strategy.  The list below makes no recommendations and should provide a good start point for identifying properties to discuss with your tour operator. ... For more info on the Okavango Delta, just click on the link!


The mokoro or makoro - (mekoro, plural), is a traditional canoe-like vessel commonly used in the Okavango Delta as a popular mode of transport, and now utilised for game viewing safaris.  
The makoro has become the iconic symbol of the Delta and is a popular way for visitors to explore the Okavango while on safari.   Originally the only form of transport for fishing, or transporting people and goods around the channels, these canoe-like vessels, approximately 20 feet or 6 meters in length, used to be crafted from tree trunks, which were painstakingly hollowed out using hand-tools. A VERY popular MUST do activity when travelling to this side of the Country!!


This is the safari vacation of a lifetime for those interested in the wildlife and diverse beauty that southern Africa has to offer. This trip takes us through five unique luxury safari lodges located in three of southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. If you are looking for one of the world’s top safari experiences, look no further.

For more information please contact 
Namibia Reservations at: info@namibiareservations.com

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Thursday, January 9, 2014

World Famous - Gold Reef City

Just 8 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg lies the world famous yet uniquely South African Gold Reef City - where Jozi comes to play, relax and more! Visitors return time and time again to experience its world class facilities, from indulging in one of the many restaurants, taking in a show at the Theatre, the excitement of gaming, experiencing a 4D movie or the thrill of the rides.With an abundance of adventures, it won't be long before you'll be drawn to the squeals of delight! Join the young at heart and test-drive any of the more than thirty adrenaline-boosting rides.

HOTELS AT GOLD REEF CITY 

SOUTHERN SUN GOLD REEF CITY 


From the minute you enter Southern Sun Gold Reef City's imposing lobby, stepped in the grandeur of a bygone era, you'll be transported back to a time when service and hospitality were paramount and elegance was the order of the day. 

GOLD REEF CITY THEME PARK HOTEL 


Escape to an age of elegance and grandeur at the Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel. Located within Africa's biggest theme park the newly refurbished four-star hotel is reminiscent of an authentic turn-of-the-century mining town. 

For more information please contact
Namibia Reservations at
info@namibiareservations.com

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

The Best of Zimbabwe

Take an African Safari through the best of Zimbabwe


Visit Africa and travel to Zimbabwe to uncover mystical lands, unique tribal customs, pristine national parks, ancient ruins and emerging cities. Arrive in South Africa before heading into Zimbabwe to explore a region off the typical tourist path. Be amazed by the stunning beauty of the landscape, the abundance of wildlife and the sincerity of the people that belong to this land. Experience the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls, witness the stealthy moves of cunning predators and keep up with the fast pace of modern Africa in bustling cities. Be introduced to the hidden gems of Zimbabwe and feel the spirit of Africa.

Tour Summary

Day 1 - Johannesburg
Visit Johannesburg, a thriving city and the perfect place to learn about the history of South 
Africa.

Day 2 - Mapungubwe National Park
Travel to Mapungubwe; a world heritage site with almost unparalleled opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Days 3-4 Bulawayo
Enjoy a game drive and walk around Matopos National Park in search of endangered black and white rhinos.

Day 5 -  Hwange National Park
Learn about efforts to save the endangered African wild dog from extinction before journeying to the Hwange National Park to spot game.

Days 6-7 Victoria Falls
Travel to Victoria Falls - whitewater rafting, gorge swinging and abseiling are all thrilling options on offer here.

Days 8-9 Lake Kariba
Take to the waters of Lake Kariba on a houseboat. Cruise past hippos, crocodiles and elephants before making a stop at Matusadona National Park, where it's possible to spot lions, kudu and rhinos.

Day 10 -  Harare
Visit Harare and use free time in Zimbabwe's capital to wander the city centre, shop at markets, relax in cafes or visit museums.

Days 11-12 Chimanimani
Explore the mountain ranges and tiny villages of Chimanimani.

Day 13 - Masvingo
Travel to Masvingo, the oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe. Explore ancient ruins and set up camp on the outskirts of town.

Days 14-15 Kruger National Park
Behold the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park. Enjoy a game drive on the way to the campsite - stay alert to catch glimpses of lions, elephants and cheetahs.

Day 15 - Johannesburg
Enjoy a final morning game drive before returning to Johannesburg via the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, reflecting on the best of Zimbabwe.

For more information contact
Namibia Reservations at
info@namibiareservations.com

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Where in South Africa should I stay?

Whether you are looking for pure nature, exciting activities, breathtaking wilderness, peacefulness & relaxation, endless horizons, prehistoric granite formations or walks on the beach, South Africa has it all, a very personal and familiar touch and exceptionally good value for money. 

The Point Hotel, Mossel Bay, South Africa


The Point Hotel is built right on the rocks above a huge natural rock pool and overlooks the endless blue expanse of the Indian Ocean and is situated in Mossel Bay, Garden Route, South Africa".

The Falls Guesthouse


The Falls Guest House is situated on the doorstep of the world famous Augrabies Waterfalls National Park in the North Western part of the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape where we offer you tranquility, luxury and peace of mind.

Whale Rock Lodge


Whale Rock Lodge's accommodation in Hermanus, one of the most beautiful buildings with its shining white facade and is a perfect guest house experience from which to explore the Overberg.

Welgelegen Manor


Discover the lost art of gracious relaxation and sophisticated elegance at Welgelegen Manor. Nestled in the Mpumalanga Highveld.

Sarili Lodge


The perfect combination between a colonial and bush experience. Perfect for families or small parties. With African travel becoming a family affair, Sarili Lodge is a new luxury lodge exclusively for families.

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For more information on where to stay in South Africa
please contact Namibia Reservations at
info@namibiareservations.com or Click on the link below