Cape Town SPECIAL

Table Mountain

 Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa.

It is also the country’s most photographed attraction and its famous cable car took millions of people to its top.

 

Table Mountain has become the single most welcoming icon to not only our people, but travellers from all over the world.

 

But this mountain hides many surprises that wait to be discovered.

 

Besides the parks, the whole area has a biodiversity that is rare to find in other places on earth. Its many valleys and streams make it an idyllic getaway from Cape Town. The national park’s most unique feature is its "fynbos" vegetation that is displayed here better than anywhere in the world.

 

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.

 

Your Camping Holiday in South Africa

Whether you crave open landscapes to feed your mind or mountain country to stimulate your emotions, there is a place for you on the South African map. A camping holiday is not about the equipment or the planning; it’s about the journey, the destination and the adventure.

 What destination features interest you? Is it jaw dropping scenery, stunning seascapes or the mysteries of the forest? Are you following a bucket-list, or wanting to see some of the Earth’s last great wilderness areas? For many it’s about the activities – how to keep your kids busy and what you can do to forget about day to day worries and live in the moment.

 Here are some of the most popular destinations for a camping holiday in South Africa:

  

The Eastern Escarpment

Do you long to get in touch with mountains, canyons, or waterfalls?
The Blyde River Canyon area is just the place for you. Choose among several camping sites and remember to visit the must-see places: God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and Pilgrims Rest.

The Kruger National Park

Observing wildlife in its natural habitat is the holiday of your dreams?
The world-renowned Kruger Park is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. It has many delightful camps.

The North-East Coast

Kosi Bay, Sodwana Bay, iSimangaliso, St Lucia: all of these places have camping sites with good, tidy facilities. You will stay close to the beaches and get a chance to visit the nearby game reserves abundant with wildlife. Activities include turtle nesting tours, whale watching, game viewing tours, fishing, kayaking, hiking, etc.

The South and Wild Coast

If you yearn for the bustle and the excitement of holiday crowds, you should opt for a camping site near popular holiday resorts such as Margate. Others will head for more secluded sites on the South Coast. Or, even better, head further south to the Wild Coast. Having successfully resisted the onrush of property development, the Wild Coast community is now concerned with the proposed highway construction and strip mining. So, visit it while it is still in its unspoiled beauty!

The Drakensberg Mountains

Lush greenery in the summer, all hues of yellow, red and brown in the autumn...
Whatever the season, camping in the Drakensberg is an unforgettable experience. You can set base in one of the many camping sites and venture onto day trails; you can hike with a tent on your back and sleep in the mountains; you can even sleep in a cave (do book ahead of time, or you may find “your” cave already occupied).

The Great Karoo

The stark beauty of the Karoo semi-desert is best enjoyed from one of several good camping sites. Spending a night or two out in the South African great wide open is a must, because the Karoo is one of the best places in the world for star gazing.

The Garden Route

This part of South Africa has it all: giant yellowwood forests, lagoons, gorges, sandy beaches, rocky headlands... Set your tent in a camping site near the coast, in the vicinity of Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Wilderness or Mossel Bay, and immerse yourself into the beauty of the Garden Route.

The Western Cape

In this area, you will find camping sites situated along the coast, in the mountains and at several dams and lakes. When in Western Cape, visit the Table Mountain, Cape Point and, of course, at least two or three wine farms.

The West Coast

Surfing in summer and a carpet of flowers in the spring: that, in a nutshell, is why the West Coast is a favourite among surfers and nature lovers. There are several good camping sites in the area.

Cape Town Beaches....

With it’s white sand, million dollar views, clean water and unbelievable African sunset, Cape Town has some of the beautiful beaches on the planet.
The city is unique in having two oceans – the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic which meet at the spectacular Cape Point.

 

On the western Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, lie its most beautiful and trendy beaches. This is also unfortunately, the cold water side – though there are days when it’s swimmable.
The busiest and most glamorous beach in Cape Town is Clifton which lies between Sea Point and Camps Bay, relatively close to the city centre. With a spectacular backdrop of the mountain and some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa, this is where the jetset and celebs play.
Clifton is actually a collection of four beautiful but small inter-linked coves each with their own character, named (surprisingly) 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th beach. 4th beach – for the uber-cool and beautiful – is the busiest. Clifton is unforgettable for sundowners.
A bit further south is the beautiful Camps Bay. The beach is safe, clean and family friendly. It’s good for frisbee and beach games, or just hanging out. While stretch of lawn behind the beach is perfect for picnics. Also famous for it’s “strip” – Victoria Road adjacent to the beach – which is packed with lively cafes and restaurants, the perfect place for lunch, sunset cocktails or an evening meal.
Next door you’ll find the tiny Bakoven surrounded by big boulders – an amazing setting, zealously protected by territorial local residents.
 

Still further South is Llandudno, without doubt, the best beach in Cape Town. The white crescent shaped beach lies at the base of the steep slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountain offering spectacular views in every direction. The water is clear and tropical blue. The vibe is laid back. And because it is relatively far from the city – about 20 minutes by car – and there is very little parking, Llandudno is unspoiled by tourism.
Further south you’ll find the impressive Noordhoek and Scarborough, also worth a visit.
North of the city still on the Atlantic side is Blouberg and it’s associated beaches, highly underrated and with the classic Cape Town postcard views. Also famous for wind and kite surfing.
On the warm Indian Ocean side Boulders is the must see beach. Part of a conservation area that is home to the African Penguin, it is made up of a number of coves surrounded by large boulders. Get there early and you can claim your own private beach and spend a day hanging out with the penguins. A truly memorable beach day.

Muizenberg Beach, a famous seaside resort of yesteryear, with its brightly coloured Victorian beach houses and considerably warmer water, is also worth a visit.
There are many more great beaches to choose from in Cape Town, but these should keep you busy for a few weeks. And remember to pack your suntan cream, the Cape sun is brutal.

Meet the Denizens of the deep - Two Oceans Aquarium

The southern tip of the African continent is the meeting place of two mighty and bountiful oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. The Two Oceans Aquarium on the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town is ideally positioned to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found in these two oceans. The Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Cape Town and over 3000 living sea animals, including sharks, fishes, turtles and penguins can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve.

 The Two Oceans Aquarium opened in November 1995 and is recognised as one of the top tourist attractions in Cape Town

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 It has established itself as a key player in raising environmental awareness through its high-quality exhibits, conservation and education programmes.
 

The Aquarium is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading environmental education centre in South Africa. It is also respected internationally for its high standards of animal husbandry and the expertise of its staff in collecting and transporting live animals.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Trust is a private body carrying on business as a public aquarium with emphasis on education and entertainment.

Cloudy with a chance of WHALES

South Africa's secret world of Whales

South Africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine mammals, whether from land or from boats, with spectacular annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and enormous pods of dolphins year-round. Every year, southern right whales migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to warmer climates, reaching South Africa in June. The country's coastal waters teem with the giant animals, mating, calving and rearing their young – and giving whale-watchers spectacular displays of raw power and elegant water acrobatics.

When is the best time?

The best time for watching the southern right whale in South African waters is from June to November along the Cape south coast, although some will already be as far north as KwaZulu-Natal. Peak calving season is July and August, but whales can be seen through September and October. The curious humpback whale can be seen between May to December, moving up along the coast from Hermanus to St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal. The medium-sized Bryde's whale can be spotted all year round, and while rare, orcas can also be seen.

Where are the best spots?

South African whale-watching territory runs from Doringbaai, south of Cape Town, all the way east and as far up the coast as St Lucia. They can be viewed from cliffs and beaches, with boat operators offering trips out to sea for close encounters.

Western Cape

The southern right's breeding ground is the sheltered bays of the Western Cape coast, with the majestic animals spending up to five months a year here. They pass their time playing, courting, and nursing their newborn calves, providing spectacular land-based viewing.

In Cape Town, you can see them from the road along the False Bay coast, and they're distinctly visible on the western seaboard if you get high enough.

On the Cape west coast, excellent sightings of southern rights can be enjoyed all the way from Strandfontein to Lambert's Bay, Elands Bay, St Helena, Saldanha and Ysterfontein, just north of 

Cape Town

The town of Hermanus in Walker Bay on the Cape south coast offers possibly the best land-based whale watching in the world. The animals can be clearly seen from a scenic cliff-top walk, and the town holds a whale-watching festival every September.

Whales can also be seen all around the Cape Peninsula and along the south coast to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa. Agulhas is particularly rewarding, with great views of southern right cows and calves at play – up to 50 pairs at a time.

Read more: Where the two oceans really meet

Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route

Southern rights visit Plettenberg Bay, further east, on the Western Cape Garden Route, from about June to November. Migratory humpback whales can also be briefly seen from May and June and then, on their return trip, from about November to January. Bryde's whales or orcas are occasionally seen, and bottlenose and humpback dolphins are in residence all year. A breeding colony of Cape fur seals completes Plettenberg Bays' impressive array of marine mammals.

It is in Plett that the dolphin and whale-watching industry is most organised, with trips in boats, kayaks and aircraft on offer. Viewing, distances and time spent with each animal are strictly monitored so that there is minimal interference. The Garden Route generally, from Stilbaai through Mossel Bay and on to George, Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma, is a magnificent stretch of coastline hosting southern rights in their season, humpbacks between May and December, Bryde's whales all year round – and, occasionally, killer whales.

For more information please contact

Namibia Reservations at:

info@namibiareservations.com

WINE ROUTES OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Cape wine growing areas, produce some of the world's most outstanding wines. Production of wine brings an important contribution to the South African economy. It is estimated that a growing figure of about one billion liters of wine are produced every year.
Take a look at an OVERVIEW and learn more about the current state of the industry

SOME HISTORY

Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Cape, planted a vineyard in 1655, and on 2 February 1659, the first wine was made from Cape grapes. This led to the planting of vines on a larger scale at Roschheuvel, known today as Bishopscourt, Wynberg. Van Riebeeck strongly encouraged farmers to plant vineyards although initially they were most reluctant. He planted a vineyard on his farm Constantia and made good wine from the outset. Later, Constantia was acquired by the Cloete family and their wines became world-famous. To this day, Constantia wine is mentioned when the world's finest examples are discussed.

South African wines versus the World

Do South African wines hold their own in world markets?  Yes, with certain provisos. Firstly, they have a narrower product demand in many world markets and where they do have them it is not a pretty story, except perhaps for a few niche wines. Generally, SA wines provide easy drinking in big red styles in most of its markets.  South African wines are in growing demand overseas and more than 2 million cartons are reported to be exported per year.
Most of the cellars can be visited without special arrangement and some of them have also extra facilities as restaurant or even accommodation.

The viticulture in the Cape Peninsula can be traced to the 17th century. Dutch and especially French settlers brought the know-how and rapidly had excellent results in the sunny and fertile valleys around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.
Today the wine production produces also good wines from further areas as the Breede River, the Overberg, the Swartland and the Cedarberg.
While having a BREATHTAKING Wine Tasting Experience enjoy....

South Africa's coastal playground

This is a landscape of tall trees, curving coastline, mountain hideaways, artist communities and modern malls. The trick with travelling along the Garden Route is to have enough time to keep slipping off the N2 onto the side-roads with promising destinations.

The Garden Route is a mix of modern golf courses, ancient forests, secluded artist communities, retirement estates, modern malls, craft centres, mountain hideaways and beach holidays. A large number of interesting and creative people have come to live down here, drawn to this magnificent stretch of coastline.  The main arterial highway of the Garden Route in South Africa - a highlight on most visitors' itineraries - is the N2 stretch running from Heidelberg in the southern Cape to Storms River Village on the Eastern Cape border.

While the Garden Route road is extremely scenic, it is the hidden destinations on its side roads that are the secret of this region. 

Big 5 safaris

Be exhilarated, awed and maybe even terrified...Coming face-to-face with the Big 5 is an experience of a lifetime. You've read the books, seen the movies and TV programmes, now encounter the famous Big 5 face-to-face - buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino.

Big 5 safaris in South Africa are a must-do for anyone fascinated by wildlife. Big 5 refers to buffalo, elephant, ion, leopard and rhino – the term comes from the animals considered most dangerous to hunt. Now the thrill comes from photographing them in their natural habitat.

 African-inspired treatments 

Spoil yourself with an African-inspired spa treatment
Since the beginning of time, African people have looked for inspiration and healing from Mother Earth, so why not take that same enlightened concept into the modern-day spa?
African-inspired treatments are all the rage at various spas throughout the country. Instead of looking to other continents for inspiration our local spas have done some soul-searching and have come up with a range of unique treats and treatments inspired by the sacred knowledge found in our own backyard. African-inspired treatments are a treat for mind, body and soul

For more information please contact

Namibia Reservations at:

info@namibiareservations.com

NORTHERN CAPE 4 x 4 TRAILS

!Start your engines and engage 4×4!

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park 4×4 trails

To get from the southern entrance of this cross-border reserve at Twee Rivieren to the most northwestern corner at Union’s End will easily take a day. This is just the South African section of the massive park – if you have a 4×4 it becomes even bigger.

The 4×4 routes here cater for everyone: they’re guided or self-drive, long or short and accommodation includes fenced or unfenced campsites and comfortable wilderness chalets. Just 11 kilometres from the southern entrance along the road to Nossob lies the first 4×4 trail, the 13-kilometre Leeuwdril Loop. While park officials recommend a tyre pressure of 1.6 bars on the gravel roads, I say go even lower to about 1 bar on this trail that takes you over a series of dunes. It’s a good introduction to what to expect from the 4×4 routes in the park and all makes of 4×4 should be able to comfortably complete it. The trail can only be driven from east to west, so don’t expect any oncoming traffic unless someone is going the wrong way.

   

Namaqua Eco-Trail

Tracing the length of the Orange River from Pella, a little town with a big yellow church, to where it flows into the cold Atlantic Ocean between Alexander Bay and Oranjemund, this trail can be divided into two stages. The first 328-kilometre stage stretches from Pella to the Vioolsdrift border post and has three beautiful, informal campsites on the riverbank, each with nothing more than a big tree to camp under.

The trail starts with Charlie’s Pass from Pella to the river. Once the road moves from the river, you’ll see Klein Pella, the largest date farm in the southern hemisphere. Just before Vioolsdrift, there’s a turn-off called the Road to Hell. Don’t take it unless you’re experienced, in convoy and fancy a very technical drive; it’s a rough, rocky road and takes several hours to get to the river.

The second half is 284 kilometres long and goes from the border post to the river mouth. It turns away from the Orange River as it rounds the southern end of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. There are three campsites on this section: Spitskloof, Tierhoek and Bakkrans (they’re not next to the river). There are some good view points and mountain tracks along the way, the best of which is Kristalberg Loop. You’ll eventually reach a T-junction where you can turn right to Richtersveld or left towards Alexander Bay, where the trail ends.

 

For more informations please contact

Namibia Reservations at:

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

In the ♥ of Cape Town - STELLENBOSCH

L'Avenir Country Lodge

R44 Klapmuts Road Stellenbosch, South Africa

L'Avenir Country Lodge in South Africa, located at the foothills of the Simonsberg mountain, five kilometers from the historic town of Stellenbosch and in the heart of the Cape Wine lands of South Africa, is a haven of peace and tranquility.

Surrounded by well-tended vineyards and breathtaking views of the majestic mountains of Stellenbosch, this newly renovated lodge offers the best of South Africa wine tasting and a 4 star luxury accommodation in South Africa, award winning wines & true hospitality on a working wine farm.

Each of the 11 elegant individually decorated en-suite bedrooms are equipped with direct-dial telephone, bar fridge, coffee/tea, making facilities, air-conditioning & ceiling fans, wireless internet, under floor heating, flat screen TV & DSTV, digital safe, hairdryer & shaving point.

Honeymoon couples are treated to a private patio with a heated splash pool & personal outdoor shower.

Whether you here for business or to explore the winelands, historical villages & scenic mountain passes, L´Avenir is the perfect base from which to start. Stellenbosch with all its splendours is also a mere 40 minutes drive away. We will embrace you with our friendly hospitality & ´refresh your senses´.

For further information or to make a booking please contact

Namibia Reservations at:

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

FAMILY ADVENTURES IN STELLENBOCH, CAPE TOWN

BRING THE FAMILY.....HARVEST THE FUN

More and more families are looking to experience a FUN, Action-Packed Holiday together whereby everyone, whatever their age, has a fabulous time. Something fun and active, somewhere warm and sunny, for the whole family over the Summer Holidays.  

a Fabulous selection of Multi-Active Family Activities in and around Stellenboch.

1. Full Day Big 5 Safaries.

You'll get a chance to see and photograph some of the biggest and most majestic animals in Africa, including the Big 5: Elephants, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, and Leopards.

2. Butterfly World Tropical Garden

Butterfly World Tropical Garden, one of the more unique attractions of the Western Cape Winelands, consists of a tropical garden in a 1000 m2 green house. This luxuriant paradise makes the free flying exotic butterflies feel right at home. Butterfly World Tropical Garden imports 300 butterfly pupae per week all year round.         

Tropical butterflies are raised on breeding farms in countries such as Costa Rica, Philippines, Malaysia and China. Pupae are flown to display parks where the butterflies emerge into their tropical gardens.

3. Drakenstein Lion Park

A must for animal lovers. Spend a night amongst the lions of Drakenstein Lion Park. The park provides lifetime care to captive born lions and is involved in the re-homing of lions in distress, both locally and overseas

4. Two Oceans Aquarium 

Visit the Touch Pool: Our staff and volunteers provide visitors with fascinating snippets of ocean information, thereby enhancing the quality of any visit substantially.

Step closer to the Touch Pool and see anemones up close an personal.

Zoom in: Many of the animals you see at the Cold Water Mosaic Exhibit in the Atlantic Ocean Gallery can be seen magnified at the Hi-Tec Microscope display. 

Go diving: Diving in the Aquarium offers the unique opportunity to “get close” to ragged-tooth sharks and shoals of large predators such as yellowtail, dusky kob and black- and white musselcracker – a dive which one cannot experience in the natural environment. Advanced divers are also able to feed the multitude of fishes housed in the Kelp Forest Exhibit, one of the best displays of its kind in the world.

For more Information please contact

Namibia Reservations at:

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