Memorial Gate to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park to close temporarily

Ezemvelo Wildlife has stated that the Memorial Gate entrance to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park will in fact not be closed. However, there will be roadworks from Memorial Gate to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge from February 11 until March 31, which will increase travel time by 30 minutes.

SANParks to host International Tourist Guides' day

The National Department of Tourism, SANParks and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency will host the 2016 International Tourist Guides’ Day from February 18-19 at Skukuza, Kruger National Park.

This year’s theme is “building a successful and sustainable tourist guiding sector” and the event will comprise various workshops, presentations, break-away sessions and round-table discussions followed by an excursion and bush dinner where the Deputy Minister of Tourism will give the keynote address.

Space is limited and a programme will be sent out in due course.

South Africa An Unforgetable Experience

 

South Africa is a unique country that offers experiences that leave an indelible mark on anyone who visits here. Renowned for its great weather, friendly hospitality, good infrastructure, wildlife, culture, adventure and scenic beauty - these are some aspects that keep incentive travellers coming back for more.

An incentive tour in South Africa will entice and excite even the best-heeled traveller. We have a flair for the unusual; a penchant for the decidedly different. Many of South Africa's unforgettable experiences you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.

Here, you can walk with elephants, swim with dolphins, dive with great white sharks, cruise among whales, share your stretch of beach with a colony of penguins, be a game ranger for a day, or learn business lessons from nature.

 

Whether it’s at a bushveld breakaway, a wilderness team building experience or an overnight stay in a luxury game lodge, no visit to South Africa is complete without a brush with the wild.

For adrenalin junkies, hardcore adventure options include abseiling, paragliding, microlighting, kloofing and diving with predators. For softer options there’s horse riding on the beach, hot air ballooning, fishing, angling, and surfing and cycling. For those who enjoy the water, there are thousands of kilometres of coastline to explore.

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.

 

South Africa Hotspots for tourists

South Africa is diverse and beautiful country, about the size of France and Spain combined or roughly twice the size of Texas. Its varied cultures, intriguing wildlife, stunning scenery, and remarkable beaches make it a haven for travelers from around the world. Visitors quickly discover that the rich history and colorful inhabitants ideally complement the top tourist attractions in South Africa, which creates an unforgettable experience. 

Sun City Resort

Known regionally as Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure, Sun City Resort is a luxury casino and resort, situated about two hours’ drive from Johannesburg

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

 

Wildlife enthusiasts may enjoy the vast expanses of native plants and native animals during guided walks, self-guided drives, or opt for a thrilling viewing experience by boat along the Hluhluwe dam 

 

Blyde River Canyon 

 Blyde River Canyon is the second largest canyon in Africa, after the Fish River Canyon, although it is much greener due to its lush subtropical foliage. Walking treks through the rich diversity of flora and fauna filled canyon offer views of magnificent escarpments, waterfalls and ancient geological phenomenon.

Cape Winelands 

 

The fertile valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by majestic mountains, sleepy villages, brilliant monuments, fruitful orchards and some of the lushest scenery in South Africa.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

 Situated within an entertainment mecca filled with restaurants, specialty shops, pubs, and theaters, there is something here for everyone to enjoy 

Knysna 

 

 Extensive opportunities for outdoor adventure are easily accessible in Knysna, as well as plenty of leisurely strolling paths filled with authentic dining and shopping venues

Durban Beaches

 Boasting balmy weather year round and sporting a genuine beach culture, Durban beaches are lively areas that are remarkably clean and safe, and many of the beaches offer varietal entertainments throughout the day.

Amphitheatre, Drakensberg

The name is derived from the dutch and means “dragons mountain”. The Amphitheatre is one of the geographical features of the Northern Drakensberg, and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth.  

Table Mountain 

 Situated within a national park, reaching the pinnacle of the Table Mountain is an thrilling experience that offers phenomenal, birds-eye views overlooking the city of Cape Town, Robben Island to the north, and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south. 

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve on the continent and one the main tourist attractions in South Africa. The park boasts more species of mammals than any other African game reserve which includes the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes and more. Unlike most other safari parks, Kruger is a self-drive destination with an excellent infrastructure and many places to stay inside the park, from tented camps to luxury lodges.

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.

Astonishing Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa

The Drakensberg (derived from the Afrikaans name Drakensberge meaning "Dragon Mountains") is the name given to the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau. The Great Escarpment reaches its greatest altitude in this region (2000 – 3000 m). From below, this part of the escarpment has the appearance of a range of mountains, hence its name, “Dragon Mountains” in Afrikaans.

A map of South Africa showing the central plateau edged by the Great Escarpment and its relationship to the Highveld and Lesotho Highlands. The portion of the Great Escarpment shown in red is known as the Drakensberg, although most South Africans think of the Drakensberg as only that portion of the Escarpment which forms the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. Here the Escarpment rises to its greatest height of over 3000 m.

The Drakensberg escarpment stretches for over 1000 km from the Eastern Cape Province in the south, then successively forming, in order from south to north, the border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, and the border between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal Province. Thereafter it forms the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, followed by the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Province. It then courses through Mpumalanga to end near Tzaneen in Limpopo Province.

Be Amazed by Giraffes in South Africa

Giraffes are found in most of South Africa’s game reserves outside of the relatively treeless Karoo. They’re not rare or endangered but they are fascinating, and not only because of their height. They have no hierarchy, they have inordinately long tongues and their babies drop two metres when born.
The giraffe stands head and shoulders higher than any animal on Earth. A tall specimen can measure 5.5 metres from hoof to head. But that’s not the only distinguishing characteristic of this distinctively African mammal.
Giraffes also have an unusually loose and non-hierarchical approach to social lives. Giraffes are very seldom seen alone because they clearly enjoy one another’s company, but there’s also no leader. They don’t co-ordinate their movements and no single giraffe calls the shots.
They’re sometimes spread out over a large area – their height allows them to see each other – and other times eight or more will cluster around one particular tree.
Giraffes have a clear love affair with acacias, winding their long dark tongues to pick out the nutritious
leaves from among the fierce thorns.
They’ll eat up to 34kg of leaves in a day.With all those thorns, the love affair is clearly not reciprocated from the acacia’s side. Yet giraffes are thought to help with pollination and the seeds seem to grow better after having gone through their digestive tract.
These tall vegetarians may seem like softies, but they’re tough in unexpected ways. A newborn baby drops nearly two metres to the ground from the birth canal. This kickstart into life might explain why they can walk and run within hours of being born.

Giraffes have also been known to kill lions by kicking them. Their hooves are the size of soup-plates. And there are few creatures as protective as a mother giraffe.
The males have a peculiar way of sorting out their differences and issues of dominance. In a low-intensity wrestling match, they lean against one another to test weight and twine their necks – often while gazing peacefully into the distance. Then all of a sudden they’ll swing their heads away and back again, connecting with a thud. It’s very seldom a deadly fight, but some males have been known to lose consciousness.
They’re among the quietest animals in the bush, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make any sounds. Calves will sometimes bleat or make a mewing sound and cows that have lost their calves will bellow. They’ve also been heard to snort, moan, snore, hiss and make a high, strange fluting sound.
You can tell a male from a female giraffe by looking at the tops of their horns – females' horns will have tufts of hair growing from them, while males' horns are bald.
Their conservation status is classified as ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Red Data List, but giraffe numbers have sunk down in the last few decades. Still, they’re fairly easy to see in most South African game reserves and conservation areas outside of the Karoo.

TOP 10 TRIPS - SOUTH AFRICA

CAPE PENISULA AT DUSK
Surely one of the most beautiful regions on the planet, the Cape Penisula is a treasure of mountains, beaches, scenic beauty and protected fauna and flora. Take day trips its beaches, table mountain, cape point or immerse yourself in its natural on the trip a lifetime.

 GARDEN ROUTE

Lush with evergreen vegetation, beaches, rivers, lakes and friendly towns, the Garden route is the most extraordinary natural beauty. Play golf, dine, sunbathe and experience one-of-a kind marine, nature and adrenaline sports activities amid it's dramatic mountain scenery and ancient forests.

CAPE WINELANDS

 Any time is a good time to visit the winelands in the Cape. Rated among the best in the world, the well priced wines and diversed wine routes will leave devotees of the grape spoiled for choice.

PANORAMA ROUTE

From beginning to end, the Panorama Route is breathtaking – a joyride of geological wonders encompassing the splendour of the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck potholes, waterfalls, and sweeping lowveld vistas as far as the eye can see.

JOHANNESBURG TO DURBAN

Free State grasslands near Harrismith, and the majesty of the Drakensburg Mountains near Ladysmith. The green hills of the Midlands lead you to Victorian elegance in Pietermartizburg, and your final destination: Durban – South Africa’s Golden Mile of sea, sun and fun. A detour to the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, and small town stops along the way are de rigueur.

JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

From the City of Gold, follow the N3 all the way through varied landscapes - Highveld flower fields and farmlands, golden Head out on the N1 to the City of Roses, Bloemfontein. All the way, magnificent scenery and small towns filled with history and character beckon. From Beaufort West, spectacular mountain passes, nature reserves and lush farmlands keep you company until you arrive in Cape Town – one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Explore Pietermartizburg’s colonial heritage, then head for the Midlands scenic landscapes to explore its art galleries, craft studios, country pubs and bistro’s, old fashioned farm stalls, artisanal and organic farmers, micro-breweries and home-style hospitality.

Cape West Coast
Absorb the attractions of the West Coast at a gentle pace; relish the unspoiled coastline, acres of wildflowers, bird life, lakes, fresh seafood and warm hospitality this coastal treasure trove at the southern edge of Namakwaland presents.

ELEPHANT COAST 

In northern KwaZulu-Natal, track the coastline to the World Heritage Site of iSimangaliso - a natural Eden where each season brings fresh wonders: whales in November, turtles in December, world-class scuba diving, and Big 5 reserves in landscapes barely changed since time began.

 Route 62

Laid-back adventurers will relish the world’s longest wine route. Lose yourself for a day, a week or more on a sybarite’s journey of discovery that includes wine tasting, dining, country shopping, homely hospitality and a host of unforgettable characters.

Where in South Africa should I stay?

Whether you are looking for pure nature, exciting activities, breathtaking wilderness, peacefulness & relaxation, endless horizons, prehistoric granite formations or walks on the beach, South Africa has it all, a very personal and familiar touch and exceptionally good value for money. 

The Point Hotel, Mossel Bay, South Africa

http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/item/the-point-hotel.html?category_id=7

The Point Hotel is built right on the rocks above a huge natural rock pool and overlooks the endless blue expanse of the Indian Ocean and is situated in Mossel Bay, Garden Route, South Africa".

The Falls Guesthouse

http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/item/the-falls-guesthouse.html?category_id=7

The Falls Guest House is situated on the doorstep of the world famous Augrabies Waterfalls National Park in the North Western part of the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape where we offer you tranquility, luxury and peace of mind.

Whale Rock Lodge

http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/item/whale-rock-lodge.html?category_id=7

Whale Rock Lodge's accommodation in Hermanus, one of the most beautiful buildings with its shining white facade and is a perfect guest house experience from which to explore the Overberg.

Welgelegen Manor

http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/item/welgelegen-manor.html?category_id=7

Discover the lost art of gracious relaxation and sophisticated elegance at Welgelegen Manor. Nestled in the Mpumalanga Highveld.

Sarili Lodge

http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/item/sarili-lodge.html?category_id=7

The perfect combination between a colonial and bush experience. Perfect for families or small parties. With African travel becoming a family affair, Sarili Lodge is a new luxury lodge exclusively for families.

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♠ Wild Coast Horseback Safaris ♠

Saddle-up for a Seaside Safari

Horseback safaris don’t come much better than those on offer at the Wild Coast. Not only is the rugged, untamed landscape mesmerizing  but the seemingly endless coastline fulfills every horse rider’s dream: free-spirited gallops along deserted beaches.

Horseback safaris along the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape are one of the most exciting and riveting ways to see this magnificent slice of South Africa's coastline. An absolute must for your Wild Coast holiday, horse riding trails allow you to truly experience this diverse region in all its natural splendour.

Ride for a week, a day, even an afternoon; trace sheer cliff paths for endless ocean views, with whale and dolphin sightings along the way; pause for ship wrecks and ancient shell middens, evidence that the earliest San people once gathered molluscs for sustenance here.

A number of routes, of varying lengths, are available, including beach trails, bush-and-beach packages, and combined beach and cross-country routes. This provides for varying riding conditions, from undulating hills to lofty cliffs, rolling green savannah to coastal forests. All the trails provide ample opportunity for you and your trusty steed to enjoy a cool dip in the ocean. Almost all the trails pass through small coastal hamlets, bursting with the warm and friendly hospitality for which the Wild Coast is famous. Overnight trails – of up to 14 nights – include stays at these rural retreats which, with their hearty meals and comfortable (if often basic) accommodation, will leave you refreshed and ready for another day in the saddle. 

The Wild Coast is steeped in culture and dotted with traditional Xhosa villages that maintain the tribe's customs and rituals of years gone by. Most horseback safari operators include visits to these villages as part of their trails, allowing you to meet the people, immerse yourself in their culture and enjoy a genuine African cultural experience.

The trails cater for all levels of riders, including children and beginners, are conducted by professional guides, and utilise reliable, well-schooled trail horses that are familiar with the landscape and terrain.   The Wild Coast is an exceptionally beautiful area, and in between rides you can enjoy boat rides, beach walks, bird watching, game viewing, fishing and sunset river cruises. There are also a number of backpacking trails in the area.

How to get there:

Many of the trails are within an hour’s drive of East London. Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities to East London or, if you’re driving, from Johannesburg take the N1 highway to Bloemfontein and then the N6 to East London; from Cape Town and Durban take the N2 east and west respectively to East London. Beware, though, the drives from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are long and arduous ones.

Best time to visit:

The Wild Coast is an all-year-round destination due to its temperate climate. The dry winter months (April to August) are particularly suited to horse riding.

Length of stay:

Anything from a weekend to two weeks.

What to pack:

As you will be spending much of the time on horseback and outdoors, make sure to pack appropriate riding gear (jeans and boots), a hat and plenty of sunscreen.

To Book your Coastal Horseback Safari please contact

Namibia Reservations at:

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