Safari top the list for family holidays

Safari was by far the most popular family activity in the region, followed by adventure and beach activities. “Wildlife, ecology or bush experiences shared by the entire family are the most popular,” said Christian Grosch, MD of Airboat Afrika.

“Safari is an amazing way to gather the family together and create the experience of lifetime,” said Margie Jordan of US-based Jordan Executive Travel Service. She pointed out that in Southern Africa, families could secure an entire safari lodge.

Top destinations

1.Cape Town and the Western Cape

Cape Town came out as the top destination for families in Southern Africa. The Garden Route was noted for family-friendly options including Ostrich Safari Farm in Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Birds of Eden and Monkeyland.

2.South Africa

it is well-suited to self-drive holidays. Suggested that the availability of self-catering accommodation options positioned the country well for families.

3.KwaZulu Natal

The warm beaches in KwaZulu Natal were seen as a draw card for families, while uShaka Marine World in Durban was seen as must visit for families. The South Coast region in particular was described as a great family destination because of the many guest lodges, camping grounds and beach activities available. 

4.Botswana

“Botswana is definitely experiencing an increase in family travel,” said Walter Smith, MD of Desert & Delta Safaris.

Botswana offers Mother Nature's natural highlights with ease and authenticity. Small exclusive camps or lodges, private guides and activities focused on real natural experiences.”

5.Other highlights

Namibia was highlighted for the desert activities on offer.

Impodimo Game Lodge

Impodimo Game Lodge is set on a rocky ridge overlooking the vistas within the magnificent malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve of the North West Province of South Africa.

Rise in the morning to an African dawn and enjoy an early morning game drive with your dedicated professional ranger and tracker. Relax as your ranger guides you through the bush on a custom made open Land Rover searching out the secrets of nature. In the afternoon, when the heat of the African sun has diminished and the shadows are longer, head out on a sundowner safari to watch the sun set on this bushveld paradise and go in search of the more nocturnal creatures that now rule the bush.

Set out on a bush walk with your armed ranger and learn the art of tracking African game, enjoy the trees, birds and stunning scenery.

New activities for the whole family

 

Paddling in the mangroves

Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique recently added stand-up paddle boards to its repertoire of water sports. This is a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy, combining it with a snorkelling picnic or a dhow sailing cruise. The mangrove forests near the lodge are an idyllic location to explore on the paddle boards. The lodge is reached by boat transfer from Maputo to the Santa Maria Peninsula.

Horse ride and picnic

A new activity for families at Legend Golf & Safari Resort and in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Waterberg is horse riding. Two packages are on offer, combining a one- or two-hour ride with a picnic lunch. Rides are accompanied by a trained guide.

Berries and ‘buses’ on the Garden Route

At Fancourt, on the Garden Route in the Western Cape, eco-friendly tours are available on the recently introduced Eco-Rider, a two-wheeled battery-powered machine, with the ability to clamber over all types of terrain on the golfing estate. The activity is already popular with families, and is done under the guidance of a local guide. A day trip on the Outeniqua Power Van, a rail bus travelling from the Outeniqua Transport Museum through one of the most scenic routes in George against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountain, is another novel means of exploring the beauty of the Garden Route. Nearby, and ideal for families, is Redberry Farm for some strawberry picking. Visitors can also explore the large hedge maze, relax in the onsite tea garden, purchase home-made delicacies from the farm stall, while children enjoy mini train rides, bumper boats, and pony rides. Teenagers and younger children can socialise in the Teens Lounge or Kidz Club. Even babies are given special care at Fancourt, receiving their branded soft towels and face cloths.

Picking up bush skills

A meaningful conservation experience is now on offer in a remote corner at Gondwana Game Reserve on the Garden Route, where a tented eco camp has been established for 10 people in five tents. It comes with private staff who see to catering and tent service, and a dedicated field guide and vehicle for the duration of the stay. A six-day/five-night stay option enables guests to participate in wildlife and veld management, learn bush skills and volunteer in the local community. There are also specific weeks where a family programme is hosted. Says owner, Mark Rutherford: “They ensure the activities are not too long or too strenuous for the little ones, to keep them motivated and happy. Family projects are developed for all age groups to be able to actively participate. While the regular, more adult programme (16 years and up) brings in elements of wildlife monitoring and research, for the younger crowd they will substitute this with activities like fishing, treasure hunts and nature craft to keep it fun and interactive.” The reserve has the Big Five species, and is blanketed in fynbos.

New restaurant opens on Sea Point promenade

Strolla, a new beach side restaurant, has opened on Cape Town’s Sea Point promenade by the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel. Strolla includes a coffee shop, restaurant and bar and offers indoor-outdoor and all-day dining. The restaurant is family friendly and has a kids’ area with beanbags, toys and video games.

    

       

                           

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.

 

Devil's Pool - Victoria Falls

Devil's Pool at Victoria Falls

Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls will soon be closing for the season due to the high water levels. However, we can offer tourists alternate activities. 

Shane White, Chief Marketing Officer at Wild Horizons said Devil’s Pool is closing due to the fact that the river has risen to a level whereby it is no longer possible to swim in the pool.

The  Alternative Angle's Pool becomes available over this time of year.

Footsteps Across the Delta

 

If you're keen to do some walking in Botswana, then Footsteps Across the Delta should be at the top of your wish list! These are opportunities to explore the environment and wildlife with an expert guide.

 

Footsteps is a very simple and rustic camp, currently located on the edge of a beautiful hippo-filled lagoon (the camp is fully portable and tends to be moved to a new location every couple of years). The tents are set up in the shade of a lovely forested area. 

The main area at Footsteps is a simple open-sided canvas tent which has a nice view over the lagoon. As well as a dining table, There is also a mini-library.

Each evening, a fire is lit in front of the main tent, and everyone sits round to discuss the day's sightings and events. There is even a small viewing mound with a couple of comfortable chairs, also overlooking the lagoon.

A few nights' stay here will give you an authentic taste of the bush – the area is notable for the diversity of wildlife present. Both wild dog and lion are often seen in the area and also a variety of plains game including kudu, tsessebe, zebra, giraffe and impala. If you wish, you can also go on game drives, and mokoro, depending on water levels.

For more information please contact us at

 res@botswana-reservations.com

 www.botswana-reservations.com

Kwetsani Camp

 

Located in the centre of the Jao Concession, Kwetsani Camp is situated on an elongated island covered with palm, mangosteen and fig trees. The surrounding floodplains are home to a number of “Delta specials” – species that are found in few other places on Earth. Some of these may even be seen from the privacy of one of our five “tree-house” chalets, beautifully furnished en-suite units each comprising a bedroom and lounge, and made of canvas, wood and glass.

The raised dining room, lounge and bar area, from where sweeping vistas of the surrounding floodplains stretch to the horizon, often catches the gentle breeze blowing across the waving reeds. A plunge pool with loungers is just right for those sunny afternoon siestas.

 

 

 

For more information please contact us at 

 res@botswana-reservations.com

 www.botswana-reservations.com

Holidays in Zambia

  

Zambia is a remarkably beautiful inland country, home to the largest waterfall in the world and teeming with wildlife (a third of the land is national parks and game reserves). It is currently touted as the place for safaris, offering a rawer, and hence great possibilities for truly memorable family holidays.
 

Stay in the nearby town of Livingstone. Livingstone Museum is filled to the brim with the missionary and explorer's memorabilia and anthropological exhibits, and there's a handful of luxury hotels.

Experience the Zambia's premier tributary, the Zambezi – though Africa's fourth largest river,Thrill-seeking activities on offer here including white-water rafting, river boarding, bungee jumping and canoe safaris.

See Africa's big five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo) but also Zambia's incredible bird life; Lochivar in the south is a prime bird sanctuary. 

For more information please contact us at 

res@zambia-reservations.com
www.zambia-reservations.com

Keep calm use Namibia Reservations as your booking agency

Namibia Reservations offers its clients the opportunity to book all Namibia Travel arrangements at one place! From Accommodation in Namibia and Car Rental to Scheduled or Tailor Made Namibia Tours and Safaris there should be something for everybody’s Travel & Holiday taste.

 

 

Choose one of many Tour and Safari packages on offer. You will find a number of Self Drive Tours, Group Tours or Fly In Safaris to choose from. Most packages are easy to change should you have some special requests and cater from budget to luxury accommodation for your Namibia travels.

 

Travelers have the chance to experience the outdoors with our various camping safaris. Wildlife and scenery at its best can be experienced by camping in the open. 

 

                            

Various Packages offered that include the flights from South Africa and Namibia, accommodation, activities and car rental. Should you want a special package that suits your needs we can assist you. 

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com 

Keep calm and enjoy your weekend!!!!