Ebola Updates & Important Information

No Entry to Botswana or Zambia for tourists from Ebola infected areas

The Botswana and Zambian Ministries of Health have announced new measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.

Any tourists who have been to an Ebola infected area (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria or Liberia) in the past 30 days will be denied entry into Botswana and Zambia and returning residents from Zambia and Botswana may be subject to quarantine if they have travelled through high risk countries. Please note the list of high risk countries may increase should circumstances change.
It is therefore recommended that guests planning to visit Botswana or Zambia avoid these high risk countries at this time. It is important to remember that these measures are to prevent the disease from coming into the respective countries, and not to contain any infection on the ground.

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There is no better way to connect with the bush than by making camp and falling asleep under the African Stars. Sitting around the campfire listening to the crackling of the fire and the sounds of nature and enjoying a complete ‘back to nature’ experience – this is camping in Africa.

Namibia & Botswana Self-Drive Camping Safari

Book your Camping Safari today!!!

www.namibiareservations.com

A whole new World of Adventure - Low Water Rafting

...For you who love the kick of Adrenaline the Low Water Rafting is to commence in approximately one week. 

The Zambezi River levels are dropping by an average of 1cm per day, which means that the start of the Low Water Rafting Season will commence in about 7 days from now. Low Water is the best rafting season for white-water adventure seekers.
The Zambezi River, which borders Zimbabwe and Zambia, is widely acclaimed as offering the world’s best white-water rafting run in the world. With a large number of it’s turbulent rapids which occur in the Batoka Gorge (below the Victoria Falls) achieving a high ‘Grade-5’ status or higher, adventure enthusiasts revere its reputation across the globe. Even the rapid names are enough to get the adrenalin pumping - from “Stairway to Heaven to “The Gnashing Jaws Of Death”, and “The Overland Truck Eater”

Grades of white water:

Grade 1: Very small rough areas, might require slight maneuvering. (Skill level: very basic)
Grade 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering. (Skill level: basic paddling skill)
Grade 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering.
Grade 4: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed.
Grade 5: Whitewater, large waves, large volume, possibility of large rocks and hazards, possibility of a large drop, requires precise maneuvering.
Grade 6: Class 6 rapids are considered to be so dangerous that they are effectively unnavigable on a reliably safe basis. Rafters can expect to encounter substantial whitewater, huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, and/or substantial drops that will impart severe impacts beyond the structural capacities and impact ratings of almost all rafting equipment. Traversing a Class 6 rapid has a dramatically increased likelihood of ending in serious injury or death compared to lesser classes. 

News:
Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Please take note of the following information released by South African Tourism on the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa:

We have noted with concern recent media reports related to the Ebola virus. While we understand the concern about this virus, which is fatal in nature, it is imperative to take note of the following:

Ebola is a virus transmitted primarily via bodily fluids. It is not airborne. As such, it is still safe to make use of our airlines.
The incidents of infection and death are reported and prevalent in West African countries, most notably Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the DRC. South Africa does not share borders with any of the countries in that region, nor do our neighbouring countries.
The geo-location of the countries affected makes it very difficult for a person with the virus to enter the country via the land borders. Owing to the quick infection to fatality rate of this virus, people with the disease often succumb to the virus within a few days of infection.
The South African National Department of Health have stated unequivocally that there are no cases of Ebola in South Africa. Having said that, we remain on high alert for any potential threat or infection.

All relevant stakeholders across all our nine provinces have been adequately briefed and outbreak response teams in all provinces have been trained and are on high alert for any possible cases.
Body temperature sensors have been installed at OR Tambo International’s immigration queuing points to detect the body temperature of passengers. The airport also has a quarantine facility in an event that passengers are required to be held in isolation prior to be transferred for further treatment.
To safeguard against the deadly virus, a decision has been made by the South African National Department of Health that should a foreign national test positive, they will be denied entry into South Africa.
Our destination remains open to all who wish to come and visit South Africa, and South African Tourism will assist with all relevant information. 

Should you wish to receive more information on this edition, please contact us at:
info@southern-africa-travel.com or just visit www.southern-africa-travel.com for any of your travel needs.

Top Five Things to See in Zambia

Here’s a list of the top five things you should do if you visit Zambia. a country in Southern Africa. Zambia lies southwest of Tanzania. With plenty of opportunities to see amazing natural beauty, go on thrilling wildlife safaris, and experience Africa’s unique culture.

These destinations will give you a taste of what this interesting country has to offer.

1. Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya (Zambia/Zimbabwe): Arguably the world’s largest waterfall. Victoria Falls in Southern Province never ceases to amaze visitors. This is Zambia’s — and Zimbabwe’s — biggest tourist attraction. It lives up to its local (Tongan) name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.” Most visitors stay in the nearby towns of Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The upper falls is in Zambia, while the lower portion is on the Zimbabwe side. Both offer different and spectacular views of this natural wonder. Of special note are the two statues of the explorer and missionary David Livingstone locate on each side of the falls. Livingstone is still revered by many Zambians, and the City of Livingstone is named after him.

 

The best time of the year to visit the falls is between July and September, when the Zambezi River is aplomb with water. In November and December, the falls are almost dry and look like a canyon. Heavy rainfall fills the Zambezi between January and May, and it’s difficult to see the falls through a wall of mist created by falling water.

For a few weeks in November, the water level is so low that visitors can swim in the “Devil’s Pool.” It’s an experience of a lifetime and highly recommended if you visit at that time. The pool lies at the edge of the falls with a 105-meter (350 foot) drop on the other side. Although it looks terrifying, the Devil’s Pool offers brave souls the sensation of swimming in a whirlpool bathtub. If you’re an adventurous sort, there’s also bungee jumping or zip lining from the Victoria Falls Bridge and whitewater rafting in some unruly rapids below the falls. Keep in mind that these activities can be dangerous. In January 2012, an Australian woman nearly died when she bungee jumped off the bridge and the cord snapped, sending her plummeting more than 110 meters (360 feet). Thankfully, she survived both the plunge and the crocodiles below.

2. South Luangwa National Park: South Luangwa NationalPark is one of many national parks in Zambia, and the most popular, because it’s filled with abundant wildlife. It’s a short flight or a ten-hour drive from Lusaka via Eastern Province. Flying is more convenient but can be expensive. The daytime and nighttime game drives in South Luangwa are fabulous.

       

 

  

For high-end lodging, stay at the Chichele Lodge, the presidential retreat of former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda (1964-91), or at Mfuwe Lodge. There are numerous less expensive lodges and bush camps in and around the park.

3. Lower Zambezi River: The Lower Zambezi River basin in Southern Province is a short drive south from Lusaka and a great place for a long weekend getaway. There are several lodges near the towns of Chirindu and Chiawa not far from the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers. It’s great for bush camp excursions, hunting, fishing, and boat cruises, and popular with tourists who want to fish for tigerfish or camp “in the bush.”

 

4. Northern Circuit: Zambia is keen to promote tourism in Northern Province on the Tanzanian border. Kasaba Bay on Lake Tanganika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, is currently under development as a major tourist destination. Once it’s completed sometime in the next decade, the area will boast several high-end resorts. Fly to the Mbala airport near Kasaba Bay, or into the regional capital, Kasama. Hire a car and travel the back roads through beautiful country with subtropical forests, colorful villages, and spectacular waterfalls overshadowed by Victoria Falls such as Chishimba Falls.

 5. Saturday Dutch Market: Every last Saturday of the month, Zambia’s largest open-air market sets up shop at the Dutch Reformed Church in the Kabulonga area of Lusaka. Artisans from Zambia and neighboring countries bring their arts and crafts to you. It’s one of the few places where you can find Zimbabwean soap stone sold next to Zambian copper plates. You can also taste a variety of ethnic dishes and buy produce. If you miss this market, try the smaller Sunday Market at the Arcades Shopping Centre in Lusaka that happens every week. Be sure to bargain – the vendors will reduce prices below their original quotes and expect you to barter.

 

  

Please make sure to visit our website for more information on accommodations:

website: www.zambia-reservations.com or email us at: res@zamibia-reservations.com

   

New Visa Regulations in South Africa

There has been a lot of discussion recently regarding new visa regulations in South Africa, and to make sure that all of our visitors are fully informed, we wanted to outline some of these changes that may affect those coming to Cape Town and the rest of the country.

In a joint decision with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Home Affairs, the South African government plans to implement some changes to their current entry requirements. These changes are set to be put into place on 1 October 2014, and focus largely on traveling with children under the age of 18. There are also some changes that will affect those with work visas, and those who are traveling from visa dependent destinations.

What Are the New Visa Regulations in South Africa?

In an address by Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, the following entry regulations will be in effect from 1 October 2014:

• Every child must possess his or her own passport as well as an unabridged birth certificate or equivalent document issued in his or her home country.
• Birth certificates that are not in English must be accompanied with a sworn translation.
• Children traveling with only one parent or guardian must have an affidavit that grants consent from the other parent, or a court order that provides sole custody or guardianship.

Minister Gigaba and Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom also stated the following changes in their address to media:

• Biometric scanners will be installed and used to take electronic photographs and fingerprints at points of entry.
• Travelers from non visa-free destinations will need to submit their documents and biometric details in their country of origin.
• Additional visa facilitation centres are being opened in all provinces, with two centres in each of the major city areas such as Cape Town and Johannesburg.
• Work permits will also undergo changes, becoming work visas instead.
• The regulations also note a major distinction between short-stay visas and long-stay permanent residence permits.

 To read the full list of changes, visit the official South African Home Affairs website by clicking here.

What Does This Mean For Cape Town Travel?

A major concern about the new South African visa regulations is of course how it will affect travel to Cape Town and other popular travel regions across the country.
ComeToCapeTown is offering assist all guests in obtaining the relevant letters needed for the visa application as needed, and we are also standing by to answer any questions that you may have too.
While we are in favour of measures that reduce risk – particularly in the case of child protection, there are many other solutions that can and should be considered beyond excessive entry regulations. The tourism industry plays a vital part in South Africa’s growth, and is a major source of job creation, sustainable development and community upliftment. Changes that affect our visitors affect the entire industry as well as the thousands of people that the industry supports. By adding our voice to the many who are opposing these drastic changes, we hope that our concerns will be heard.

Remember, these new laws will be in place from 1 October 2014. Make sure that you are prepared, and please contact us should you have any questions on the South Africa visa regulations.

For more information, please contact us @:

info@southern-africa-travel.com     

Southern Africa - Must See Destinations

If you are looking for a unique and exotic vacation, something different from the ordinary, then you should consider Southern Africa.

The Garden Route
The Garden Route of South Africa lies on the southern coast just east of Cape Town and extends from Mossel Bay to the Storms River mouth. The Garden Route is bordered by the Outeniqua, Tsitsikamma, and Langekloof Mountain ranges to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Here you will find Tsitsikamma National Park, the Knysna and Wilderness wetlands, relaxing beaches, hiking trails, and activities such as whale watching, sailing, and golf. This scenic coastal route is interspersed with a series of quaint and charming towns along the way. The climate is mild and the views are spectacular. The Cango Caves, one of South Africa's top ten most visited places, are located just north of the Garden Route. The Cango Caves are located close to Oudtshoorn, which is also the center of the South Africa ostrich farming industry. Many of the farms are open to visitors where you can tour the facilities, meet the birds up close, and even ride one! The Garden Route is a serene and beautiful part of South Africa, filled with astounding sights and plenty to do for both young and old.

Etosha National Park
Etosha National Parks is located in Namibia, one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Etosha is the third largest game reserve in Africa and has been recognized as one of the finer game viewing areas on the continent. Its main attraction is the so-called "Etosha Pan," an 80-mile saltpan that represents the remains of a large lake that used to fill the area. Here there are scattered waterholes that attract congregations of wildlife, particularly in the dry season from May to September. It is here that elephants, rare Black Rhinoceroses, prides of lions, cheetahs, and much more all roam in search of water. For one of Africa's most enthralling safari opportunities, you must visit Etosha.

Okavango Delta
For the more adventurous at heart the Okavango Delta, located in northern Botswana, is a veritable oasis of wildlife and natural wonder. This area is the world's largest inland delta, formed by the Okavango River, which begins in Angola and flows the Kalahari Desert, where it attracts wildlife from all over Africa. Described as "the river that never finds the sea," the Okavango disappears into a 6,000 square mile maze of channels and islands. With numerous lodges in this region, there is plenty to do. While in the Okavango a mokoro boat trip is a must. A mokoro is the local version of

a flat-bottomed canoe and is operated by a "poler" who uses a pole to push the boat forward and steer it accordingly. On a mokoro trip experienced guides lead you through the Delta as you silently glide down the channels and backwaters to places that are totally unreachable by any other mode of transport. Coming face to face with elephants crossing the waterways or herds of buffalos drinking from the Delta is nothing unusual. For those who enjoy bird life, the Delta has an incredible diversity of bird species. If you would prefer not to brave the water, there are a number of different safari options, either on foot or in four-wheel drive vehicles. With the game being so plentiful visitors to the area are often surprised at how close you can actually get to the animals. The Okavango Delta is a magnificent wonder of nature, perhaps one of our planet's greatest, and is still largely unspoiled making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kruger National Park
Located in the northeast region of South Africa, Kruger National Park has some of the most spectacular game viewing in the world. With safari lodges scattered in and around the park, one thing is for sure, this is a once in a lifetime experience. Finding yourself face to face with a pride of lions (from a safe vantage point, of course) or seeing a herd of elephants cooling down at the local watering hole is something everyone should experience. In Kruger the animals are in their natural habitats and are free to roam the nearly five million acres that makes up the park. Kruger has one of the greatest varieties of wildlife species on the continent and is a world leader in enviromental management techniques and policies. it is a well managed park with incredible animals viewing and wonderful accommodations.

Victoria Falls
A visit to Africa would not be complete if you did not see Victoria Falls. Known to the locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya (which means "the smoke that thunders"), Victoria Falls is classified as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Located between Livingstone, Zambia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River, the Falls are a breathtaking and spectacular sight that have been known to leave viewers with a bit of moisture in their eyes - whether from the mist of the Falls or tears welling up is yet to be determined.

When David Livingstone first discovered the Falls he stated "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." The number of possible activities here are endless, ranging from short safaris on elephant back to lazy evening sundowners aboard a boat on the Zambezi to bungee jumping in the gorge to helicopter flights over the falls. Victoria Falls is surely one of Africa's must-see wonders.

These are just a few of the many exciting and amazing places to visit in Southern Africa. 

For holiday ideas and more information, be sure to check out our websites:
www.southern-africa-travel.com

www.zimbabwe-reservations.com

www.botswana-reservations.com 

www.zambia-reservations.com
www.namibiareservations.com
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Hoanib Skeleton Coast

Opening on 1 August 2014, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is scenically located in a broad valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld.

Exclusivity is taken a step further as camp is only accessible by light aircraft and the camp itself consists of only seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit, each comprising stylish en-suite bedrooms with shaded outdoors decks. Flanked to the east and west by rugged hills, the camp looks out over stunning, starkly beautiful scenery and offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay.

  

 

 Book an unforgettable stay at Hoanib Skeleton Coast today!

For more information please contact

  Namibia Reservations at: info@namibiareservations.com