Breathtaking wildlife of South Africa

South Africa is one of the world's natural gems, a treasure nestled at the southern tip of the abundant African continent. Visitors from all around the world descend on the country to take advantage of the stunning climate, accommodation, game reserves, natural attractions and of course, the huge variety of wildlife.

 

South Africa's big 5

 Elephant

 The African Elephant is the largest living land mammal, one of the most impressive animals on earth.

Buffalo

 Buffalo are extremely large, ox-like animals. Standing approximately 65 inches at the shoulder.

Lion

 Lions are the second largest members of the feline family in the world. Lion are tan in colour and have a slightly white under-body, with a tuft of black hair at the end of their tails

Rhino

 The rhinoceros is a large, primitive looking mammal that in fact dates from the Miocene era millions of years ago. In recent decades rhinos have been relentlessly hunted to the point of near extinction.

Leopard 

The most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores, the leopard is also the shrewdest. Pound for pound, it is the strongest climber of the larger cats and is capable of killing prey far larger than itself.

The landscapes of South Africa offer the full spectrum of habitat types (from dense green forests to arid deserts, and everything in-between), making them ideal for thousands of species. These include exciting predators, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and a huge variety of fascinating insects. These different species are found in plentiful abundance in the game reserves and national parks of the country, as well as in the wild and natural countryside, where they live free.

 

Real Colinial Elegance The Victoria Falls Hotel

Built in 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel was the very first hotel to be built in Victoria Falls. The hotel exhudes original colonial Edwardian charm but recent refurbishments offer guests the modern comforts one would expect from a luxury hotel.

The Victoria Falls Hotel perfectly depicts the era of grand travel. The corridors of the hotel reflect the historical link to the era in which is was created with drawings, paintings and photographs of the major political figures of the day adorning the walls.

Victoria Falls Accommodation:

 

The rooms at the Victoria Falls echo its rich colonial heritage and are decorated accordingly. All the rooms have air conditioning, digital satellite television and a safe.

There 161 rooms which are broken down as follows:
37 Standard rooms,   58 Traditional rooms,  48 Deluxe rooms including 2 interleading rooms for families

7   Junior suites, 4   Honeymoon suites, 1   Royal Suite.

 Facilities in each room include:
 Digital satellite television, A safety deposit box,  Bath, basin and shower,  Bar fridge (in deluxe rooms and suites only ), Hairdryer,  Air conditioning,  Smoke detectors & sprinkler system,  Telephone,  Shaver socket
 Complimentary early morning tea & coffee,   En-suite bathroom ( toilet, bathtub and shower)

 

Top Activities to enjoy around the Victoria Falls Hotel:

 

Visit the Victoria Falls rainforest, Zambezi River Cruise, Hogh Tea at the Stanley Terrace at Victoria Falls
Beauty Salaon, Elephant back safari, white river rafting, Bungy jumping, Zip line, Helicopter flight of Angles
Steam Train Trip

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.

The New "Digital Elite"

Who are the new “Digital Elite,” and how are they different from less-connected travelers?  Following is an overview of insights from the new report:

• A BURGEONING MARKET: The “Digital Elite” are defined as travelers who either own or access the internet on both a smartphone and tablet. Smartphone usage among active travelers has nearly tripled in just two years – from 23 percent in 2011 to 62 percent in 2013. Tablet adoption has been even more rapid, with only seven percent of travelers using them to access the internet in 2011, up six-fold to 43 percent this year.
• FAMILY MATTERS: Half of the “Digital Elite” have children in their household (50 percent), compared with just 37 percent of less-connected travelers, consistent with their younger age, and revealing a discernible family focus. They are also much more likely to have traveled with their kids (51 compared to 38 percent) – and their kids have greater influence on practically all family activity decisions than in other households. For example, the “Digital Elite” are significantly more likely to agree that their children influence the actual selection of vacation destinations (78 vs. 70 percent).
• DIGITAL TRAVELERS HAVE MORE FUN: Perhaps surprisingly, while on vacation the “Digital Elite” are considerably more likely to try to relax while staying in touch with the office (40 vs. 30 percent). As such, they desire more time to relax and unwind (86 vs. 81 percent), and engage in “relaxing” activities more on vacation than they do at home, including drinking alcoholic beverages (53 vs. 43 percent), making love (41 vs. 35 percent), sleeping (38 to 32 percent) and reading (38 to 34 percent).
• HAVE DEVICES, WILL TRAVEL: During the past year, the “Digital Elite” took significantly more leisure trips than their counterparts – 4.1 compared to 3.7 – including weekend trips (2.1 vs. 1.8) and long trips (1.4 vs. 1.2). They were also much more likely to take a last-minute trip (31 vs. 22 percent) and a staycation (31 vs. 23 percent). These travelers also spent far more – an average of $4,988 compared to $3,812 than less-connected travelers – and intend to spend an average of $5,210 on leisure travel in the year ahead, compared to just $3,690 for their counterparts.
• INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS: “The Digital Elite” are significantly more inclined to travel internationally, with more than half (53 percent) having taken at least one leisure trip outside the continental U.S. during the past year, compared with only 38 percent of less-connected travelers. Among them, six in 10 took a long-haul trip where the flight time exceeded eight hours (61 percent), while only 55 percent of travelers who own and use fewer devices have done so. And they are more likely to have visited Western Europe (39 vs. 29 percent) and the Caribbean (34 vs. 29 percent).
• SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: The online social activities of the “Digital Elite” paint a far different picture than that of less-connected travelers. Eight in 10 are on Facebook (81 percent) compared to just 70 percent of those who own and use fewer digital devices, and nearly half are on LinkedIn (48 percent vs. 28 percent). More than three in 10 are active on Twitter (33 percent) compared to just 19 percent of their counterparts, and nearly one quarter (23 percent) is on YouTube (versus 19 percent) and Google+ (23 vs. 13 percent). Twice as many are on Pinterest (19 percent vs. 9 percent).
• KEY TRAITS: Beyond their use of these devices, their personalities differ, too – the “Digital Elite” are significantly more likely to say they are “happy” (82 percent) than travelers who own and use fewer digital devices (72 percent). They are also much more likely to describe themselves as “fun” (54 vs. 46 percent), “confident” (52 vs. 47 percent) and “sociable” (47 vs. 40 percent). More describe themselves as “healthy” (50 percent) and “fit” (32 percent) than less-connected travelers (44 and 25 percent, respectively), and many more plan to “become healthier” (62 vs. 56 percent) and “improve their appearance” (42 vs. 34 percent) in the coming year.
• SHOPPING HABITS: When it comes to finding the best prices for travel services, the “Digital Elite” more often turn to an online travel agency (OTA), with 53 percent doing so compared to 45 percent of less-connected travelers. The same goes for booking travel services, with significantly more of the “Digital Elite” believing that OTAs provide the most convenient way to arrange travel plans (49 percent) – significantly more than their travelers with fewer digital devices (43 percent).
• PUSHING FOR BETTER WEB EXPERIENCE: The “Digital Elite” are driving the demand for better web content from the travel industry, with nine in 10 having made travel reservations online last year – 10 percent more than less-connected travelers. They are highly likely to find more sophisticated content, often designed specifically for the web shopping experience, as desirable. For example, think interactive maps that explore the destination (65 vs. 60 percent); downloadable coupons for savings on air tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars and vacation packages (62 vs. 56 percent); user-generated reviews or commentary from past visitors (58 vs. 47 percent); websites optimized for mobile (57 vs. 31 percent) and virtual tours of the area (56 vs. 52 percent). They are also significantly more likely to want an easy-to-use booking feature (76 vs. 72 percent), photos of the area (76 vs. to 72 percent) and the ability to preview room locations (74 vs. 65 percent).

Top 7 Travel Trends

The Top 7 Travel Trends to Follow:

1. Catering to the Individual TravelerAs travel companies continue to perfect and enhance their offerings, this leaves travelers more discerning than ever – expecting and wanting more.  No longer is it enough to merely travel to the latest, off-the-beaten path destinations; personalized travel is the new “luxury.”  Experiences have to go deeper and appeal to personal interests. Tailor-made excursions continue to become de rigueur.  Travel must also address certain desires and needs whether health allergies or food preferences.  Companies are even changing their entire brand proposition to better support this trend.   
           
2. Special Interest TravelTravel is deeply personal.  Travelers more than ever can connect to a given destination by exploring their passions and interests.

• Isramworld, one of America’s leading tour operators, enables travelers to experience the people and unique attributes of a destination.  The company unveiled new Jewish heritage and GLBT tours to Cuba – the #1 Emerging Destination from Virtuoso’s 2013 Luxe Report – to experience previously unexplored sides of the destination.
• andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve launched a new safari concept: it now offers a four-day yoga safari program in South Africa; guests are able to spiritually connect with the magnificent landscape through the open-air yoga.
• For stargazers, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay offers an astronomy discovery with Parag Mahajani, one of the most respected field experts in astronomy, for nightly discussions and solar flare sightings by day.

3. Health and Wellness TravelInterest in improving health and remaining physically active while on holiday has only continued to increase.

• In an industry first, Crystal Cruises broke the news that it is introducing hypoallergenic cabins for guests –Deluxe PURE Staterooms. Crystal is partnering with PURE Marine Solutions, sister company of leading allergy-friendly hospitality innovator PURE Global, for a comprehensive transformation utilizing the only hypoallergenic process patented and proven to deliver a safe and healthy environment.
• In addition to rolling out a series of new spa offerings with ESPA, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is partnering with the spa company and celebrity chef Joel Robuchon to introduce a new spa culinary experience at Odyssey, his 3rd restaurant within the hotel, designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
• COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali has created a new Traditional Oriental Medicine Program in which expert practitioners create a comprehensive and bespoke healing plan based on classical systems of health and longevity, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and meditation.

4. “Culture Brought to Life” ExperiencesArt, television, music and books have influenced travel for years, but never before like this. Travelers can now experience the place or time of their favorite artists or characters through exclusive access and unforgettable events.

• NoteWorthy Events, the United Kingdom’s leading personal travel specialists, announced its ability to gain private access to the sold-out Highclere Castle, Hampshire, England – home to the real ‘Downton Abbey’ – where guests can walk in the shadows of the Crawley family.  The company also can provide access ‘Behind the Getty Gates’ of Buckinghamshire, England, to view John Paul Getty II’s famed library with literary treasures such as a first edition of William Caxton’s printing of “The Canterbury Tales;” Anne Boleyn’s Psalter or Book of Psalms and the first folio of William Shakespeare’s “Comedies, Histories and Tragedies.”
• Ballyfin has opened its famed costume department to transport guests through time and allow them to live out their favorite Jane Austen novel against the backdrop of this fully restored manor home.
• GoldenEye Hotel and Resort in Jamaica, once the home of Ian Fleming and where he penned all 14 James Bond novels, allows guests to embrace the rich history of his storytelling by staying in his original villa, complete with his writing desk.

5. Living Like a Local … Only BetterNo one knows how to navigate the places of the world better than a local. City hotels are catering to guests’ adventurous sides and providing them with authentic and localized experiences.

• The highly anticipated Park Hyatt New York‘s savvy concierge team will direct guests to all of Manhattan’sbest kept secrets, such as the hottest boutiques for one-of-a-kind pieces.
• In London, Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel is introducing the exclusive “Virtuoso Dream Teen Team” program, a concierge-designed experience exclusively for young adults. Rooms are outfitted with games and snacks, and each teen gets an Oyster Card to go off and explore the city as they please.
• Anantara Phuket Villas can arrange visits to the heart of the island’s historic district for guests to discover local markets, temples, and interact with descendants of the Koh Sireh people, Phuket’s first inhabitants.

6. Private ResidencesIn the spirit of living like a local, private residences and villas continue to increase in popularity, with top travelcompanies enhancing the design, amenities, and services of these offerings.

• The K Club announced the opening of Straffan House, a private residence on the grounds of the Club owned by founder Sir Michael Smurfit available for exclusive hire.  The new building took inspiration from the original “Staffran House,” now the hotel at the Club.
• In South Africa, Singita Castleton will reopen in October. Reminiscent of an African farmhouse, it comprises six individual cottages that are privately staffed with a guide, tracker, and chef.
• Villas of Distinction now offers exclusive tours and experiences that can be customized to complement guests’ stays in its private residences; travelers no longer have to choose between tours and a villa stay – they can have both.

7. Destinations Making News … and Why the Time to Go is NOW

• Brazil – home of the 2014 World Cup – is the destination on everyone’s lips according to Embratur, the country’s tourism board.  Not only was Rio de Janeiro voted #6 in the “Cities That Excite” list from Virtuoso’s “2013 Travel Dreams Survey,” but LATAM Airlines Group is announcing new routes to JFK and Miami by November.
• Travel to Turkey has increased by more than 18 percent since last year. Turkish Airlines, recently votedEurope’s Best Airline at the 2013 Skytrax Passengers Choice Awards for the third consecutive year, saw a 26 percent increase in global ticket sales from the same time period in 2012 – a total of more than 22.4 million passengers. Consumer interest and tourism is also driven by the May 2013 opening of the country’s newest luxury hotel, the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul.