Mini Travel Guides

While there are numerous wine regions in and around Cape Town, two of the best are definitely Paarl and Franschhoek. If you are a fan of French wine regions, you will definitely want to take a tour of Franschhoek. In fact, the area has been aptly nicknamed the French Corner due to the fact that it is just a bit like visiting Provence, with the exception that you are in South Africa. Even the names of the farms and the streets have a bit of a French twist to them. This is because beginning around 1688 French Huguenots began to arrive in South Africa in large numbers and settled in the region. You can even find a museum and monument that celebrates the arrival of the Huguenots in South Africa. While the Huguenots were trying to escape religious persecution they brought with them their knowledge and experience in viticulture and rapidly began to establish wine farms in the local area. Today, these farms and the wine industry is flourishing in the local area.

Of course, wine is not the only reason to visit this lovely region. You will also find some of the best restaurants in all of South Africa in Franschhoek. The local cheeses and produce are absolutely spectacular and well complimented by the locally produced wines. The idyllic scenery along with the wonderful wines and foods makes this region an area that should not be missed while in the Cape Town region.

While you won’t find much in the way of traditional shopping, there is a fabulous chocolate shop as well as a local cheese shop where you can purchase items to take back with you. The chocolate shop even allows you to try your own hand at creating delicious confections.

Paarl is yet another area well worth visiting; known for its fabulous wines, eccentric art and plethora of monuments. In addition you will also find a number of antique stores that are well worth browsing as well as fabulous restaurants.

One of the best wine farms to explore is Seidelberg Wine Estate. Not only will you be able to tour the wine farm, but there is also an art studio located here known as Bronze Age and is home to functional pieces of art and metal sculptures. A sumptuous restaurant is located on the same estate along with a cellar that features a working glass blowing studio. If you have never had the opportunity to watch glass being created from sand, it is definitely an experience that should not be missed. You can also purchase glassware at the shop that ranges from perfume bottles to vases to sculpture.

At wine Valley Horse Trails there are stables right on site that provide you with the opportunity to see the best of the region while enjoying a relaxing horse back ride. This is truly a breathtaking way of seeing the beauty of the local area and should not be missed if you happen to be in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thompsons Africa supports Cheetah conservation

 

During a recent visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Thompsons Africa’s CEO, Linda Pampallis, was given the opportunity to participate in a unique Adopt-a-Cheetah fund-raising initiative, aimed specifically at cheetah conservation, one of the Centre’s core disciplines.

 

The world’s fastest land mammal is fast losing its race for survival, which is threatened by loss of habitat due to bush encroachment, conflict with humans, as well as its own loss of genetic variation. Now on the endangered species list, only between 12000 and 15000 animals remain in small-pocketed populations, mainly in Africa. Prior to the 20th century, cheetahs were widely distributed throughout Africa and Asia, and were originally found in all suitable habitats from the Cape of Good Hope to the Mediterranean, throughout the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East, from Israel to India, and, who would have thought, through the southern provinces of the former Soviet Union.

 

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre not only provides a haven for a variety of injured and orphaned animals, but has a successful cheetah-breeding programme, which has resulted in the birth of more than 270 cheetahs, and 20 rare King Cheetahs, most of which have been released into the wild. “We have adopted 4 cheetahs, the cost of which goes towards the upkeep of the cheetahs and their environment, as well as the support of their caregivers and the local community”, says Linda Pampallis. “In return we are able to offer these cheetahs as ‘gifts’ to our overseas clients, whose names will be featured on the enclosures. It’s a win win situation. Thompsons, which offers affordable safaris in Southern Africa, is helping to preserve the environment, but at the same time, we are raising international awareness”, she says.

 

The Centre’s, Manager, Juanita Ungerer, says its wonderful to have Thompsons on board and that the finances raised through adoptions helps them a lot with their expenses as well as the purchase of costly research equipment. They are soon hoping to purchase a sonar machine.

 

11 September 2008

For more information please contact Angela Shackleford on angela.shackleford@thompsons.co.za or Melissa Williams on mellissa.williams@thompsons.co.za or visit www.affordablesafaris.co.za for more information’s on Tours in and around South Africa.

 

 

 

 

Woni Safarisbelieve in the conversation of Kenya’s inheritance, their wildlife. While other Africa countries pride themselves in having natural minerals like gold and diamonds and oil, in Kenya their pride lies in the conservation of their wildlife and more so the endangered species. Woni Safaris are the official tour operators for The Friends of The Elephant. They have been providing services to the foster parents of Friends of the Elephants since their inception up to date. The number of the foster parents has been on the rise every year from the initial 11 persons to the current approximate over 100 Persons. Some of their consideration areas include:

Conservation of their Environment: Woni Safaris work with local schools in Kenya on tree planting projects where by they accord their clients to leave a mark when they came on safari by planting a tree.

Conversation of the African Culture: Woni Safaris, are very proud of the African culture and are proud to showcase it to their clients. They give their clients an opportunity to visit and interact with the local communities.

Education: Their clients also get an opportunity of visiting local schools where they have child sponsorship projects as well as donating of schoolbooks, sports uniforms and accessories.

Poverty Alleviation: Woni Safaris have incorporated Eco tourism as one of their main products and this has proved to be very popular with their past clients. They donate a percentage of all the activities they undertake during their eco tours at the places they visit. This generates income for different projects as well as giving the local community another alternative of earning a living as opposed to activities, which destroy the environment such as sand harvesting and tree cutting for fire wood.

The clients undertake the above projects after they see the needs of concerned communities as follows:

The Education Sponsorship: When Woni Safaris take their clients to visit the Masai in their villages, the clients get to notice that some girls as young as 14 years old with young babies strapped at their backs. Almost always travelers want to know why these children do not go school and are informed that the young girls are people’s wives as the Masai community marry off their girls because the younger they are, the more dowry they fetch.

The Tree Planting Project: On one of the development charts of the school Woni Safaris visits, top on the list was “fencing of the school compound”. This was so that the school can embark on tree planting project without fear of domestic animals from the surrounding village destroying the young trees. One client took note of this and when she went back home, she started fundraising for tree seedlings for this school for a dollar a tree and this was very successful.

There are many wildlife parks and reserves for visitors and residents to enjoy to be found within the Western Cape of South Africa. There are hundreds of varieties of animals including reptiles, birds, mammals, and fish. The highlight for many visitors are the mammals such as the lions, buffalo, leopards, and elephants.

Welcome to Sanbona

Some of the native people of the Western Cape of South Africa, the San, were the inspiration for the name of the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. The reserve has more than one hundred thirty thousand acres located at the bottom of the Wamwaterberg. The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is the only reserve in the area that allows lions to roam about freely.

The Western Cape of South Africa was roamed by the San people for thousands of years. During their stay on the land they created a variety of religious artwork that can now be visited by guests of the reserve. Some of the seven pieces of rock art on the reserve has been dated as being more than thirty-five hundred years old.

The Sabona Wildlife Reserve in the Western Cape of South Africa has been breeding a rare form of white lions. These lions have always been a rarity in the region but now, unfortunately, in many areas they are completely extinct. The owners hope that by breeding the lions they will one day be able to release them again into the wild.

This wildlife reserve offers guests guided tours through their area of the Western Cape of South Africa. With the extensive area and numerous animals guests are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. The reserve offers a variety of lodges for guests to retreat to after their day of exploration has ended.

Welcome to Ko-Ka

Near the Western Cape of South Africa city of Cape Town is the Ko-Ka Tsara Game Reserve. The reserve encompasses about thirty thousand acres and more than twenty separate species of animals and an additional two hundred varieties of birds.

Visitors who stay at the Ko-Ka Tsara Game Reserve in the Western Cape of South Africa have the option of going on guided tours to view the wildlife both day and night. For those who are looking for a more private experience the reserve also has bird watching areas and hiking trails. At the end of the day guests can watch the stars next to a cozy campfire.

This reserve in the Western Cape of South Africa has seven luxurious chalets, a lounge, and a conference center. Each chalet was designed with local materials so that they would not disrupt the natural beauty of the land. Guests can cook their own meals or enjoy one of the meals prepared by the reserve chef.

With more than a dozen wildlife reserves and parks located within the Western Cape of South Africa each vacation is sure to be memorable. With such a variety of animal, fish, and bird life to be found no two trips to the Western Cape of South Africa will ever be the same.

There are dozens of wildlife parks and reserves for residents and guests to explore within the Western Cape of South Africa. Hundreds of varieties of wildlife can be found in the Western Cape of South Africa including birds, reptiles, fish and mammals. For many visitors to these reserves the main attractions are the mammals such as the lions, buffalo, elephants, and leopards.

The Wildlife Reserve of Sanbona

The San were some of the first indigenous peoples to live in the Western Cape of South Africa. These people were the inspirational in the naming of the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. With more than one hundred thirty thousand acres, the reserve is located at the bottom of the Wamwaterberg. The only privately owned reserve in the area that allows lions to roam about freely is the Sanbona.

The Western Cape of South Africa was home for thousands of years to the San people. During their stewardship of the land they created religious artwork on the local rock formations that can now be viewed by guests of the reserve. There are seven different piece of rock art to be seen, some of which are thirty-five hundred years old.

The owners of this wildlife reserve in the Western Cape of South Africa have been breeding a rare form of white lion. This type of lion has always been rare in the area, however, now they are almost totally gone from most locations. By breeding the lions in captivity the owners hope to be able to renew the population and eventually place them back into the wild.

The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve gives guided tours through the Western Cape of South Africa. With such a vast area and a huge range of wildlife guests are sure to have a unique experience. At the end of their excursions guests can look forward to returning to their comfortable rooms on the reserve.

The Wildlife Reserve of Ko-Ka

Located near thecity of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa is the Ko-Ka Tsara Game Reserve. This reserve stretches across thirty thousand acres and is home to about twenty separate species of animals in additionto two hundred varieties of birds.

Guests staying at the Ko-Ka Tsara Game Reserve in the Western Cape of South Africa can go on guided tours of the area either at night or during the day. Guests who wish to explore the area by themselves or in a smaller group can do so by hiking the trails or watching birds in the blinds. After a long day of exploring the wildlife guests can watch for shooting stars beside the campfire before returning to their rooms.

This Western Cape of South Africa reserve has seven lovely chalets as well as a lounge and a conference center. Each of the chalets was constructed with local stone and lumbar to keep the experience as true to the wilderness experience as possible. Guests can cook their own meals in their chalet or have meals prepared by a chef.

The Western Cape of South Africa has more than a dozen parks and wildlife reserves for visitors to explore. With so many options and such a variety of wildlife with the Western Cape of South Africa each visit is sure to be a new and exciting adventure.

Swellendam, South Africa’s third oldest town is nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has much to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature, outdoor activities and art. Swellendam is ideally situated halfway between Cape Town and George and is therefore an ideal stop over for tourists. In these two hours from Cape Town to Swellendam, you will pass through unspoilt villages and towns. Take a trip back in time and stay in some of the historic homesteads and country houses in the area, which offer bed and breakfast. Rainfall is spread over the year and there is little wind and temperatures are moderate all year round

Swellendam has been an important travel centre for centuries. Early travelers and explorers traded with the Khoi-Khoi people and in 1743 the Dutch East India Company declared Swellendam a magisterial district and built the Drostdy which was completed in 1747. This Drostdy, a national monument, is the only eighteenth century Drostdy that is preserved in its original form and will give tourists a wonderful insight as to the life of the settlers.

The more adventures tourist can go on the Swellendam hike. Located in and around the Marloth Nature Reserve this hiking trail is one of the most beautiful in the Cape. There are numerous shorter routs if a six day hike is too long for you. On this trail you will see stretches of fynbos alternated with cool indigenous forest, small animals and birds. Other sections of the trail will give you the sensation of being in a peaceful and secluded wilderness. The six day hike demands a medium to high level of fitness and is therefore not recommended for the light hearted. The Marloth Nature Reserve is also one of the best birding spots in the Western Cape and therefore defiantly worth visiting.

The rare and beautiful Bontebok antelope and other small buck species can be seen at the Bontebok National Park. This park is only 6km out of Swellendam. A total of 126 different bird species have also been identified here. There is a charming caravan park on the banks of the Breede River where they also have fully equipped chalets for hire and where day visitors are welcome to swim, fish or picnic.

Other than hiking the adventurous at heart can also enjoy a day or two off river rafting. The Breede River rafting adventure is about a 2.5hour drive from Cape Town. On this adventure you will enjoy your days paddling in two-man Mohawk canoes in the tranquil waters of the Breede and your nights socializing around a campfire. The Up the Creek Camp is situated near Swellendam on a hill side overlooking the river where the accommodation is A-frame chalets or 3 ox-wagons. This accommodation includes comfortable beds with linen and Duvets. All in all, this adventure will be well worth a try and is ideal for a family to enjoy together.

Youngberry tasting can be done at the Buffeljags Dam. This cultivated wild berry was imported to South Africa in 1939 by Prof OSH Reinecke. The industry is sadly declining because of endless problems associated with wind and rain damage or to much heat, pest attacks and insufficient labor during the peak harvesting period from mid – November to early December. Today over 90% of the total annual crop of just over 600 tons is produced by farmers in the Swellendam area. On your visit to the Hermitage Liqueur Farm just 3km out of town you can sample some of the liqueur made from youngberries. Other Youngberry products are also for sale here.

Local artists like the potter Jan du Toit’s vases are famous, visit him and other artists in the town.

Other activities that Swellendam has to offer include:

* 4×4 Mountain Experience: Marloth Nature Reserve

* Canoe the Breede River

* Sunset Cruises on a kitted-out double-decker wooden raft

* Buffeljachts Dam for Water sports

* Horse Trails

* White water raft the Breede River

* Waterskiing

* Several well-known artists have settled in Swellendam and their studios may be visited

* Pop into the Sulina Faerie Sanctuary: Magical Faerie display

Egypt is consistently the top destination for world travel each and every year – and not surprisingly so. The country uniquely bridges the African and Asian continents across the Suez Canal by possession of the Sinai Peninsula. This key positioning has guaranteed Egypt a major role in the strategic and historic relationships between the east, west, north and south of Africa, Europe, Asia and the more direct Middle East beginning more than 5000 years ago when the first Kingdom of Egypt was unified. In addition to a most remarkable past, Egypt offers the eager traveler thriving international cities, lavish Red Sea resorts, fabled oases and literally hundreds of miles of ancient pharaoh monuments along the Nile River Valley.

Water, Torch and Tomb

When Muslim Arabs introduced Egyptians to Islam in the 7th century, much of the already weary monuments of the native dynasties became even less central to national heritage. Luckily, a renewed interest in archeological preservation over the past few centuries has kept these ancient wonders intact for the world to continue to enjoy. The ideal place to begin is Cairo, where the Egyptian Museum boasts hundreds of thousands of artifacts and will give you an opportunity to catch up your knowledge of ancient Egyptian history from the 4th grade. Nearby are the breathtaking Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, cut from a single slab of stone over 4,000 years ago, which can be viewed more peacefully beyond the crowds from horseback. South of Cairo, Upper Egypt offers a string of exciting temple towns between legendary Luxor and Aswan, including the Valley of the Kings. Although King Tutankhamen’s Tomb rests here, it is not nearly as impressive as the surrounding royal tombs, particularly the general-kings of the Ramesses Dynasties.

A Little Ocean with your Sand?

Aside from the Nile River Valley, Egypt is largely made up of the Saharan desert to the south and west; however, Egypt also happens to be a first class resort destination with nearly all (500 miles) of its eastern edge bordered by the tranquil azure waters of the Red Sea Coast. Visit the lively town of Harghada where traditional Egyptian life intermingles with international resort luxury. This area is extremely popular for scuba diving and snorkeling with its numerous underwater shipwrecks, sea caves and exotic fish. There are a multitude of islands to which you can escape by ferry or paddle boat and many small fishing towns for a little peace, quiet and local flavor added to your vacation.

The Mediterranean coastline also provides a nice break from the rolling sand dunes. Alexandria is Egypt’s busting port city with more Greek and French flare than the rest of the country. The city’s history is extremely eclectic, making a stroll through the streets feel like a wander across cultures and time periods. Alex the Great staged his resistance against the Romans from Alexandria, bringing a large population of Greeks with him, and for a short period Napoleon had managed to gain control of the ancient city.

Remember that Egypt is both ancient and modern. Travel to Egypt is not only about the archeological wonders and bone-chilling tales but also about the experience of a nation that is geopolitically and economically central to its larger surrounding region, a nation that is just as crucial to the identity of North Africa as it is to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Egypt is justifiably as monumental today as the Giza Pyramids that symbolize the nation’s heritage.

The rains have been good this year, the Cheetas, impalas, bush duikers, guinea fowl, lions and the many animals of Africa are everywhere, the is dung everywhere. We are on our way to Shaba in the north of Laikipia in Kenya.It is a two hour drive from Nanyuki. We see a river the Ewaso Nyiro at times it bursts its banks however to day it meanders tirlessly navigating is way through the meanders formed from years of existence it’s gorges deep, they seem to deepen each year, some day we shall not be able to see the water except for a deep valley and some sound of flowing water will tell you that there is river. We reach our camp site, the tents are pitched and this time they are large, there a few other visitors also at the campsite. My friends love nature and quickly jump for the tent idea. The sun sets steadily and as the night closes we here elephants in the distance, once they have passed we light our fire, and cook our food roasted beef and ‘Ugali’ a favorite in this part of the world. After a heavy meal we lie down and focus on the milky way. a night game drive is the last action of the night, a few animals still grazing in the moonlight. We finally snuggle into our sleeping bags. Africa the land of wild wild wild dreams…

Geographically South Africa is a vast country and also a very beautiful place to visit. For British people its very nice place to visit because there is a common language and also same time means virtually there is no time difference between Southern Africa and UK. So planning a holiday trip to South Africa for the first time can be a difficult task. Before going to you should know geography and climate of Southern Africa. Then only you can make your trip enjoyable.

There are lots of tour promoters are available with attractive offers. You can decide your tour programmers by online also. Tour promoters will help you to get a good accommodation, travel facility that is any vehicle you want. So in all cases they will help you. Mostly all of the promoters give attractive tour packages that help you in financially and here you can select your package depend on the places you like to visit in Southern Africa. You can have an option of the hotel type you want to reside in South Africa, number of days you like to spend there. Once you decided your trip just inform the corresponding agencies and fix your tour.

In South Africa you will get classic hotels, private villas, guest houses and lodges to stay. South African foods are so nice and delicious especially wines. Most of the Europeans are now becoming aware of these wines. You will get a train journey offers also like luxury train trips, blue train and Rovos rails. The important thing is that you should check whether the tour arrangers or promoters would provide any finance security, because some promoters are providing finance security. So plan your trip well and decide a suitable tour package from good tour arrangers who provide all the securities and best trip and make your trip enjoyable.

This is how they call a coast of Gambia – the smallest country of African mainland. Probably the quickest and cheapest option when you want to catch Carribean-like sun in the middle of European winter.

The country known today officially as “The Gambia”, before tourist appeared there, had been known due to its interesting but sad history. For ages colony of Portugal, France, England, even Courland – Polish Vassals (it was the only time when Poland had someting to do with colonies, although probably no Pole knew anything about it), it was a place from where probably hunreds of thousands of slaves where shipped to New World and Europe.

In sixties famous American writer, Alex Haley, visited the country as his family and main character of his book, Kunta Kinta, were coming from here.

Locals tricked their rich, black American brother a bit and showed him a village where, according to them, Kunta Kinte was born. To these days tourist visit Juffureh although it is rather impossible that Haley’s ancestor lived next to a slave factorium.

Remains of slave trade are one of main tourist “attractions” of the country, but fortunately The Gambia has much more to offer.

First – the seaside. Long stretches of yellow sand, not so crowded like elsewhere, give you a possibility of resting, getting quick suntan, playing ball games with locals or horse riding. Sunbeds belong to hotels and if you stay in one of them, you get your sunbed for free. There are “Beach Boys”, who work sometimes just for tips. They will provide you with a sun bed, play volleyball with you, build a sand castle for your kid or organize for you a lesson of drumming.

There are restaurants along the beach which cook well and relatively cheap. You can have one of traditional Gambian dishes or something international. And good Gambian lager called “Julbrew”. No pints, rather smaller measures, as it gets warm quickly, when you eat outside.

But there are more attractions than beach and sea. We recommend you to visit Katchikali – saint pool with crocodiles. One can even touch one of them. Its name is always Charlie and it is crocodile-vegetarian. It is being fed with fish and it is not interested in humans meat.

In Katchikali they have also small but interesting exposition about local history and tradition. The country although predominantly Muslim, still takes a lot from its African tradition and you can provide yourself sometimes with “Juju” – a kind of amulet used for various purposes.

Those who want more fun can go to Monkey Park, a piece of jungle which main inhabitants are groups of small monkeys. Perfect beggers, except those red ones who live high on trees and are afraid of humans. But their brown brothers, once you will give them a nut, will follow you till the end of your visit. They do not bite, only raise their hands to get a treat.

If you are ready for bigger emotions go to Snake Farm. Yes, it is a place where you can touch or even place a specimen of constrictor around your neck! No worries, the creature realizes humans are to big to swallow them, so it does not try to strangle… There are many more other animals, not only snakes, some of them quite dangerous, but those we can watch only from behind the glass or net. And a Frenchman who leads this enterprise is also very interesting character, one could write a book about.

How to get there? There are several travel companies who organize trips to Gambia. We chose two week package holiday of Thomas Cook who used to work for travelers on this continent already in XIX century. And a price was very reasonable. Last minute offer for a family of two adults and a child cost about £1350 and could be even cheaper, if we had decided earlier – becouse very late deal was in this case slightly more expensive.

For this price we got two week stay in “Badala Park Hotel” with breakfasts, flights and transfers.

The hotel is quite simple, although clean, with friendly, helpful staff, good swimming pool and placed in huge garden. There are a lot birds around, so the hotel is well known for bird watchers among whom Gambia is popular at all.

You can read more stories like this and see some photos at www.onmyisland.com