Thursday, March 27, 2014

Mozambique Horse Safari

Mozambique Horse Safari specializes in custom-made horseback riding holiday safaris and daytime trail rides along the Vilanculos coast and on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The coastal area is renowned for its long stretches of untouched white sand beaches and magnificent cliff top views overlooking the ever-changing turquoise blue colours of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

ITINERARY: Please note that the itinerary is a rough guide and the daily schedule is determined by the guide with the best interests of the group and horses in mind. Weather conditions and especially the changing tides in Vilankulo control the timing of rides and in which order they are to be made during the week. 


INTRODUCTORY RIDE. 2 hours riding
THE GREAT LAKE RIDES. 4 hours riding
INTRODUCTORY RIDE. 2 hours riding
THE GREAT LAKE RIDES. 4 hours riding
CASA REX BREAKFAST RIDE AND MARKET TOUR. 1.5 hours riding
RED DUNE RIDE, NORTH BEACH. 4 hours riding
THE GREAT LAKE RIDES. 4 hours riding
CASA REX BREAKFAST RIDE AND MARKET TOUR. 1.5 hours riding
ENRIQUE’S FISHING VILLAGE RIDE. 2 hours riding & 2 hours lunch/village
DAY 8: FAREWELL SWIM RIDE


STANDARD ACCOMMODATION
The standard accommodation is at Archipelago Beach Resort; with stunning views of the Bazaruto Archipelago bay and palm fringed beach below. The lodge consists of eighteen chalets; each chalet has a large double bedroom, en suite shower, fully equipped kitchen and additional bedrooms with a separate shower. The bar & restaurant serves delicious food and exotic cocktails, and the focal point is the spectacular swimming pool. If Archipelago Beach Resort is fully booked we will use other similar lodges in the area.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The Beautiful Vilanculos Beach Lodge - Mozambique

Vilanculos Beach Lodge




The lodge is constructed from natural indigenous elements of thatch and local hardwood simbiri poles which have been combined in perfect harmony with plaster walls, wood frame doors and windows.
The main building:
The Main Building comprises the lounge, reception area, main bar, restaurant and kitchen .This welcoming open plan thatched structure invites guests to unwind in the comfort of its uncluttered spaces and passages allowing for a refreshing escape and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. In the event of inclement weather, awnings are available to offer protection, without blocking the magnificent views.Comfortable seating provides the perfect place to relax indoors and the main bar is equally well-positioned overlooking the lush gardens, palm trees and pool in the distance.
The pool and gardens:
  The spectacular 550,000 litre infinity pool right on the beach front offers a welcome retreat from the heat of the day. It boasts a gentle sloped beach entry, martini double tiered seats, and jacuzzi jets and bubbles with a stunning water feature. The beach entry accommodates wheel chair access, and is perfect for children, elderly or disabled patrons. A depth of 2m allows for scuba training, without compromising the comfort of other guests.

 

Accommodation: Luxury Chalets .... Frameless glass shower booths with oversized shower head and interesting vanity features, incorporating traditional beer barrel bases with striking hardwood counter tops, have been included into the design of the interior. All chalets have private WC facilities. Large glass doors and windows allow an abundance of natural light into the rooms and offer varied views from each chalet. All chalets echo the tranquil colours of the beach and are superbly comfortable and well-appointed with crisp white linen, duvets and cosy woollen throws and are practical in their own exclusive elegance. All are fitted with separate air conditioning, mosquito nets, shaver plug points, electronic safes, mini-bar fridges and tea & coffee stations.
 

Presidential suites.....The Presidential Suite set at the apex of the property and built on stilts, with two en-suite bedrooms, a comfortable open plan lounge and bar as well as a spacious covered patio, offers unsurpassed views of the Indian Ocean and islands of the Archipelago.Construction of the unit comprises plaster walls, double volume thatched roof with wood framed doors and large folding plantation-blind louvre doors. Floors are of white concrete with attention-grabbing mosaic inlay.The doors off the lounge, when fully opened,offer unobstructed views out to sea.The bar counter provides a comfortable place to relax in private with friends and family.The air-conditioned rooms are spacious and comfortably appointed with crisp white linen, duvets, cosy woollen throws, mosquito nets, desk, arm chairs, luggage racks and electronic safe.The luxury en-suite bathrooms offer open shower, double vanity, toilet and bidet.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Namaqualand Flower Power

One of the spectacles in Africa is the flowering of a 600-mile strip of coastal desert in Namaqualand. Once a year it becomes carpeted with blooms, in a similar way to the phenomenon of Flowered Desert in Chile. Plants compete to attract their pollinators with colour, as the water is scarce and the show will not last long.


The sole issue is predicting the best time to be in Namaqualand, as the flowers bursts into life depending on rains.

These lands have a high concentrations of succulent plants, the ones that are thicker and fatter to retain water, like cactus.


Even the hills are literally paved in blooms.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

a Window to the Soul of Africa - The Blue Train of South Africa

 

As time meandered from the 19th Century towards the dawn of the new era, a dream was born. A dream of harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast south to north, around the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, through the apparently arid desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife. From the Cape all the way to Cairo... all of this on parallel lines of tempered steel.

The De Luxe Suite Coach

From your elegant and relaxing lounge during the day, it transforms into a subtly-lit bedroom of indulgence during the night, bedecked with goose-down and 100 per cent percale-cotton bedding, from your individually-controlled air-conditioning system, under-floor heating, opulent marble and gold-fitted bathroom, its scented bath salts and plush monogrammed towels, to the electronic entertainment options on offer.
 And then, of course, all this accompanied by the ever-changing vistas of the countryside…
 The De Luxe coaches each have four suites that measure 4 by 2 metres. One of these contains a double bed and a ¾ size bath tub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers.
 
Luxury Suite Coach
Your Luxury Suite will enchant you from the moment your personal butler ushers you aboard. It extends the offering from a De Luxe suite even further; by an extra metre of your domain, with twin or double bedded suites which offer you long and luxurious bath tubs and a private digital interactive entertainment system, with an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on Blue-Ray DVD.
Luxury coaches have three Luxury Suites that each measure 5,13 by 2 metres and give you the option of twin beds or a double bed.

 Relax in knowing that all suites are fitted with WI-FI service that is complimentary to all our guests. Use the telephone system in each suite to dial your butler, at no extra charge. An act of alchemy transforms your sitting area into a restful night-time sanctuary. Goose down duvets and pillows and 100 percent percale cotton bedding envelop you as you drift off after a soothing, scented soak or shower in your marble and gold-appointed bathroom, lulled by the rhythm of the whispering wheels.

Elegant Lounges
 
In the event that you are able to whisk yourself away from your luxurious cocoon of comfort, The Blue Train offers two convivial spaces in which to build friendships over a beverage of choice. The Club Car, ideally situated behind the train’s engines offers the feel of a burnished, wood-panelled gentleman’s club where you are free to enjoy a Cuban cigar which we serve after dinner to round off a perfect evening. Wind down and relax with cognac or any drink of your choice. Whether you’re after a game of backgammon, chess or cards, the lure of the big screen or a tome from the library’s selection, a fascinating chat with the barman or simply a solitary reverie of the star-lit skies, then the Club Car is your ideal setting.

The beautifully designed Lounge Car, conveniently situated in the middle of the train, is an ideal venue to enjoy the charming view of the countryside, with its windows perfectly framing the ever-changing panoramas and interrupted only by rare works from some of Southern Africa’s finest artists – or an occasional gentle reminder from the barman that your glass needs topping up.

Breeze into the Lounge Car for afternoon High Tea… a traditional English ritual of taste and aroma that is enhanced by the classic, elegant opulence of this carriage, or wander in after your five-course dinner banquet for another glass of award-winning wine or a taste of fine Port to round off your perfect evening.



Thursday, March 13, 2014

Hilton Hotel Cape Town

Hotel Details.....


The Hilton Cape Town City Centre hotel is nestled on the border of the Bo-Kaap in close proximity to popular attractions. Located at the foot of Table Mountain, this Cape Town city center hotel is ideally situated for guests to experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the South African provincial capital. Choose from a range of Cape Town accommodations including comfortable Guest Rooms, sophisticated Executive Rooms, and elegant one and two bedroom Suites, some of which feature spectacular views of the city and Table Mountain. Host a corporate meeting, conference or social event for up to 120 guests with the help of our dedicated and experienced events team. Take advantage of the daily breakfast buffet at Bistro 126, relax on the expansive poolside sun deck with a refreshing cocktail and sample exotic flavors of the popular Mezbaan restaurant which blends Indian, Arabic and Persian tastes.



Hilton Cape Town City Centre offers its guests outstanding business and leisure facilities designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Included in the hotel’s extensive list of facilities:

    Wi-Fi internet
    In-room Tea/Coffee facilities
    Hair dryer and shaving facilities
    In-room electronic safe
    Mini fridge


Rooms & Suites
Hilton Cape Town City Centre offers spacious accommodations with scenic views and free WiFi. Upgrade to a Suite with separate dining and working area, or an Executive Room with exclusive access to the Lounge, with complimentary refreshments throughout the day and a full bar in the evening.


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Fun Activities in Mozambique

Here are some fun things to do while visiting Mozambique


Kiting Safaris


Diving in Mozambique


Game Fishing


Canoe Rides


Dhow Rides
Catamaran Yacht cruising
Snorkeling in Tofu Bay
Swimming With Dolphins
Dolphin and Whale Viewing
Turtle Nesting
Bird Watching
Horseriding on Mozambique's beaches
Viewing Mozambique Via Microlight
4 Wheel Quad Bike Riding
The Jardim Tunduru Botanical Gardens

And much more.......

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Lusaka Points of Interest

Lusaka, the capital and largest city in Zambia, can be a confusing and chaotic place for visitors not familiar with its unplanned neighborhoods and streets. Busy stores and shopping centers line Cairo Road and the surrounding area. 

National Museum Lusaka

The Lusaka National Museum is the latest entry into the directory of museums in the country. It officially opened its doors to the public in October 1996. The museum has already proved to be an attractive tourist resort and active research and educational institution.


Munda Wanga Environmental Park

Munda Wanga is an Environmental Park that is comprised of an Environmental Education Centre, a Wildlife Park and Sanctuary and a Botanical Garden. The Munda Wanga Trust has been running the Environmental Park since 1998. It has been rebuild from a run down zoo to a modern facility that provides Environmental Education to the young and old.


Kalimba Reptile Park

At this Lusaka attraction you’ll experience giant nile crocodiles, a large variety of indigenous snakes, tortoises and other reptiles. It is also one of the few places left in the world where you can see the rare and shy slender-nosed crocodile. The large crocodiles you’ll see on a Kalimba tour are the breeders. Kalimba Farm is now self sufficient in crocodile egg production. The laying season is temperature determined and usually takes place in September and October. The eggs are then removed to be incubated and they hatch in December every year.


Choma Museum and Craft Centre

The Choma Museum and Craft Centre was established in 1988. The  institution is a development project combining economic and cultural objectives. It is a regional institution whose objective is to economically empower the community through production and sale of their crafts and to preserve and present the heritage of the southern region. The museum displays the cultural heritage of the Tonga tribe of the Southern province of Zambia. It houses many traditional artifacts including beadwork, musical instruments, spears, clay figurines and jeweler. The Museum's crafts projects stimulate production of local crafts such as baskets, beadwork, carving, etc. For the purpose of preserving local traditional skills and providing an alternative form of income to the people of Southern Province of Zambia.


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Welcome to Kitesurfing Centre in Mozambique

The Kitesurfing Centre is based in Vilanculos, a small coastal village located in the Southern part of Mozambique. ​Vilanculos is the gateway to the idyllic islands of Bazaruto Archipelago – expect flat, waist deep water and consistent winds, making this location a kitesurfers paradise!


Whether you’re a total beginner or wanting to push your kiteboarding skills to the next level, they have a range
of courses to meet your needs.


Kite Surfing Safaris
 
The idyllic islands which form the Bazaruto Archipelago, have been extensively researched to  identify optimum kitesurfing locations.
Here, in this protected sanctuary, an abundance of marine life can be found. It is not uncommon for kitesurfers to see dolphins and rays and possibly even a whale shark or two.
We have applied our intimate knowledge of the area to compile a variety of  kitesurfing safaris , tailored to individual levels and aspirations.