Friday 26 September 2014

WHAT TO BRING ON SAFARI

There are several things that you need to bring when you are about to go on a Soutern African safaris. And what to bring will also depend in part on where you are going and what time of the year. The following are things that you should bring on Safari:

Photo from:www.mountziontours.co.za

Long-sleeved clothes for evenings and early morning game drives.


It is very important to pack long-sleeved shirts in order to protect you against the sun, wind, insect bites and scratchy branches on early morning and evening game drives in the African bush. It is advisable that you should pack at least two.

Toiletries


You should bring your favorite toiletries, preferably dispended into handy-sized travel bottles. In most lodges they will supply you with complimentary toiletries like shower gel, body cream, conditioners and shampoo. If you are on any medications, it is very crucial to make sure you have ample supply for the duration of your safari.

Medications


Before you leave your place, you should make sure that you have the following medications: plasters travel sick tablets, antiseptic cream, antihistamine tablets and cream, headache tablets, eye drops, rehydrate sachets, strong insect repellent, sunscreen with high SPF for face and lip balm.

Camera

No one wants to return home without pictures especially for safari. Having a camera will help you to capture incredible safari moments. Never forget to bring extra memory cards and batteries because it will be sad if your camera shut down while trying to capture your best safari moment, so make sure you have extra batteries to avoid being disappointed. At least you must bring 300mm lens because is usually adequate for wildlife photos.

Safari luggage

The thing to remember when choosing luggage is mobility, so make sure that you plan accordingly when packing your luggage. Suitcases with wheels don’t work very well in the African bush but they are adequate if you don’t mind carrying them. A good safari company will probably have someone on hand to carry your luggage for you if they are too heavy for you to carry them.

Travel documents

A valid passport is required for your trip and you need to make sure that the expiry date of your passport is checked properly. It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as an additional piece of identification. And don’t forget booking confirmations and travel insurance details.

Comfortable walking shoes

Please bring your most comfortable shoes for when on drives or lounging about the camp, open shoes are also fine. For the walking however, open shoes or sandals are not permitted, so make sure that you bring good hiking boots if you like.

Other clothing items


It is recommended to bring the following clothing items: hat, rain coats, shorts/trousers, one swimsuit, cotton socks, underwear, sweater and a jacket.

Wednesday 17 September 2014

TOP TEN SOWETO ATTRACTIONS

  1. Orlando Towers

Orlando Towers

Orlando Power Station known as Orlando Towers is a decommissioned coal fired power station in Soweto. The power station was specially made at the end of the Second World War and served Johannesburg for over 50 years. Orlando Towers turned into most distinctive landmarks in Soweto and the site of the world’s first bungee jump between two cooling towers. If you’re an adventure seeker, then Orlando tours is a must see for you.

2. HECTOR PIETERSON MEMORIAL AND MESEUM

Hector Pieterson Memorial

The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum situated in Orlando West, Soweto. The Memorial and Museum were established in order to honor the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid. The two commemorative sites are just few blocks from where Hector Peterson was shot in 16 June 1976. Those who want to learn more about South African history based on the incident that took place in 1976 in Soweto, you to visit Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum.

3. MANDELA HOUSE


The house of former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela is now called the Mandela Family Museum, is one of the attractions in Soweto. Visiting this house, you will get the opportunity to learn an authentic history about Nelson Mandela’s life before prison and after. This house consists of four inter-leading rooms, paintings and photographs of Mandela’s family as well as a gathering of honorary doctorates bestowed on Nelson Mandela from universities and institutions around the world.

4. REGINA MUNDI CHURCH

Regina Mundi Church
Regina Mundi to be found in Rockville in the middle of Soweto is the largest Roman Catholic Church in South Africa. This church wrote its name in South Africa’s history books during apartheid when it opened doors to protesting students during 1976 Soweto student uprisings. Protesters fled to Regina Mundi from Orlando Stadium to run away from the police’s bullets and teargas containers. This church was constructed in 1964 and forms part of the rich history of Soweto.

5. KLIPTOWN


Kliptown is the oldest area in Soweto, well-known as the site known as the Congress of the People, where 3000 people gathered together in 1955 to write the Freedom Charter. It later served as the basis for South Africa’s liberal constitution. In the heart of Kliptown, you can find a museum called “Kliptown Open Air Museum’’ which forms part of the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication, a historical museum in Soweto that includes informal traders, art galleries, shops and a hotel.

6. VILAKAZI STREET


Vilakazi Street
Vilakazi Street is probably the most renowned street the Soweto. Vilakazi is the only street in the world that have housed two Nobel Prize winners- the former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. At the present, the Vilakazi Street has become fully visitor-friendly, with public art, memorials and benches. Visitors can experience this street as a place to stroll, to take pleasure in the newly planted trees and to admire the new artworks.

7. CHRIS HANI BARAGWANATH ACADEMIC HOSPITAL

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is the third largest hospital in the world after the School of Medicine, Sichuan University and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou. This hospital occupies around 173 acres (0.70 km2), with approximately 3200 beds and about 6760 staff members. Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is one of the well-known landmarks in Soweto.

8. SHEBEENS

Chaf Pozi Sheeben

Soweto sheeben tours give visitors a unique way to experience the culture and friendliness of the Soweto people. During Apartheid era sheebens in Soweto were convenient informal meeting places for some politicians to gather and debate while at the same time listening to some jazz music. Some of the sheebens in Soweto are selling the African traditional beer “Umqombothi”, beers and other types of liquors.

9. RESTAURANTS

Wandies Place Restaurant

Soweto offers the best restaurants that attract most of the tourists from all over the world. Eating out in Soweto offers a true dining experience and a taste of township life where you will find wonderful restaurants. There are a number of restaurants to choose from in Soweto, the famous Wandies Place, Chaf Pozi and Sakhumzi’s in Vilakazi Street are among them.

10. ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES


There are many adventure activities that attract most of the people to visit Soweto. Most of the popular adventure activities in Soweto include Quad Biking and Bungee Jump. These two adventure activities draw attention of visitors not to leave Soweto without experiencing them. The Quad Biking takes place in the awesome dusty streets of Soweto while Bungee Jump is done at Orlando Towers between the two cooling towers. Other adventure activities include paintball and boating.

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Monday 8 September 2014

BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN CAPE TOWN

PROTEA HOTEL BREAKWATER LODGE

Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge

The Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge provides comfortable and affordable accommodation in Cape Town which now boasts 191 bedrooms. Facilities at the hotel include the Time-Out Café, s lae carte restaurant and a bar and the Stonebreakers self-service restaurant, as well as a mini in-house gym and a Transit Lounge which offers computer access for all guests.

VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL

Victoria & Alfred Hotel

There are 94 spacious air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms all with tea/coffee making facilities, safe, interactive and satellite television, high speed and wireless  internet connection. The rooms either have a view of the ever-awake Alfred Basin, the majestic Table Mountain. Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa offers 5 stylish rooms, a sumptuous suite, a boutique spa and fitness centre, a swimming pool set in a luxuriant garden, a butler service and exquisite furnishings of the highest international standard.

THE TABLE BAY HOTEL

The Table Bay Hotel

This hotel is situated amongst world-famous landmarks such as Table Mountain and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront 25km from Cape Town International Airport. Accommodation is 329 air-conditioned rooms with stunning views characterize the spacious en-suite rooms, featuring electronic safe, hairdryer, mini bar and butler station, international direct-dial telephone with voicemail, fax machine, high speed internet connection, television, writing desk and 24-hour room service. It has best restaurants and exclusive shops.

PROTEA HOTEL CAPE CASTLE

Protea Hotel Cape Castle

The accommodation is 65 fully serviced spacious luxury apartment boast generous en-suite bedrooms, dining areas and state-of-the-art kitchens. Standard en-suite rooms have either double or twin bed and all rooms offer satellite television, air-conditioning and breathtaking views of either sea, city or mountain. It is a beautiful hotel situated within easy strolling distance of not only the CBD, but also the CTICC, Cape Town Stadium, the V&A Waterfront, bistros, restaurants, pubs and shops.

SOUTHERN SUN WATERFRONT CAPE TOWN

Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town

The Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town provides all the essential comforts and quality one would expect from a full service hotel. There are 546 well appointed rooms, all of which have air-conditioning, satellite television, television, telephone, computer modem point, safe, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer and en-suite bathroom with a separate shower. Guest facilities include an excellent breakfast room, an additional a la carte restaurant,a cocktail bar, fitness centre,outdoor swimming pool,meeting rooms and business centre.

PROTEA HOTEL VICTORIA JUNCTION

Protea Hotel Victoria Junction


This hotel is situated 1300 metres from the Two Oceans Aquarium at the heart of the Victoria and Waterfront. It comprises 172 rooms which are divided into 24 loft rooms, 72 standard and 74 superior rooms as well as 2 rooms for guests that are physically challenged. All have Sony Bravia Televisions,iPod docking stations, international adaptor installations and bathrooms with environmentally friendly fixtures. The majority have walk-in rain showers.

GARDEN COURT EASTERN BOULEVARD

Garden Court Eastern Boulevard
This hotel is a mere 15 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and Camps Bay, one of the most popular beaches in the world. Tastefully decorated rooms are furnished to tend to your every need and offer air conditioning and TV ensuring the comfort you would expect in your own home. The comfortable rooms offer views over Table Bay and Devil’s Peak as well as the historic Robben Island. It has high speed internet access that is available 24-hours a day.

PROTEA HOTEL SEA POINT

Protea Hotel Sea Point

This stylish hotel is based in the heart of Sea Point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, just 26km from Cape Town International Airport and 6km from the V&A Waterfront and CBD. The accommodation consists of 124 rooms, 6 are ‘Luxury Art’ suites. All rooms overlook either the Atlantic Ocean or historic Signal Hill. The elegantly appointed rooms are air-conditioned and offer satellite television and tea/coffee making facilities. There is Wi-Fi throughout the hotel at no extra charge.

PROTEA HOTEL PRESIDENT

Protea Hotel President

This hotel is situated in the heart of scenic Bantry Bay, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and majestic Lion’s Head just 4Km from Cape Town’s popular Clifton & Camps Bay beaches and 25km from Cape Town International Airport. The accommodation has 349 well appointed rooms and apartments face either the ocean or historic Signal Hill and Lion’s head. All rooms have air-conditioning, satellite television, hairdryers, telephone, sleeper couch, electronic room safes and wireless internet.



Monday 1 September 2014

GARDEN ROUTE SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES


Cheetah


The Cango Wildlife Ranch & Valley of Ancients is an endangered species breeding facility extraordinaire and the oldest and biggest cheetah contact centre world-wide that offers visitors the rare opportunity of interacting with hand-reared cheetahs and getting actively involved in saving this species and others from extinction. Venture over ‘Snapper Gorge’ via a suspention bridge while 4 meter Nile crocodiles keep a close watch on you from the Cango Diving pool. It is here that you are given the only opportunity in the world to get very close to the super predators a Croc Cage Dive.

SAFARI OSTRICH SHOW FARM


Ostrich Show Farm
Oudtshoorn is an ideal town with a rich history and things to do for the whole family. Cango Ostrich Show Farm is situated halfway between Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves. It is an operating farm where visitors will be able to explore large flocks of ostriches at different stages of development in the neighboring fields.

KNYSNA FEATHERBED-JOHN BENN



A cruise to Knysna Heads
The John Benn is a completely enclosed luxury ferry, superbly selected with her upper and lowers desks constructed from Yellowood sourced from the Knysna Forest. This unique vessel has carried many local and international travelers on the Lagoon over the previous years and offers daily cruises to the Knysna Heads. The lunch time or sunset cruise aboard the John Benn is an experience not to be missed. This famous floating restaurant is for eating, drinking and having fun offering a wide dinning selection from the a la carte menu.

OCEAN BLUE ADVENTURES-DOLPHIN & WHALE


Ocean Blue Adventure
Ocen Blue Adventures in Plettenberg Bay introduces you to a world of humpback and southern right whales and cheerful dolphins by the dozen. It offers boat trips to look at dolphins and whales.  In summer there are great chances to see the rare Humpback, Bottlenose and Common Dolphins while in winter there are chances of seeing Southern Right and Humpback whales. Ocen Blue Adventures is also one of the longest-running ecotourism operations in South Africa.

MONKEYLAND & BIRDS OF EDEN


Birds of Eden

Visitors are taken on monkey safaris in the forest by game rangers. On this safari visitors can expect to see 400 primates, ranging from Gibbons of Asia, Howlers from South America to the Lemurs of Madagascar. Visitors can stroll through Birds of Eden sanctuary without a guide, where they can see over 3000 birds consisting of 280 global species, which range from African Turacos to the parrots of South America.


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