Friday, 27 February 2015

10 THINGS TO DO WHILE IN JOHANNESBURG


Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and also  the second largest city in Africa, with more than 3 million people calling this bustling metropolis home. Joburg, or Jozi as some prefer to call it, offers visitors an experience as unique and diverse as the city itself. Whether you are on business, in search of a cultural encounter, and adrenaline rush or simply want to relax and unwind for a few days, the city of Johannesburg has everything you’re looking for and more. Here are the 10 things to do while in Johannesburg:


1. Soweto

Soweto Township

Observe a different side of Joburg with a visit to Soweto. This place is in the South of Johannesburg, is a city developed as a township for black people under the apartheid system.  Get the opportunity to explore what life is like in South Africa beyond the city suburbs, Soweto is a site of historical importance, featuring Kliptown, where Freedom Charter was drawn up. You will get a fascinating glimpse of bustling neighborhood life as you drive by the former residences of two South African Nobel Peace Price winners, as well as visit icons of the struggle such as the Hector Peterson Memorial, the Regina Mundi Church and Freedom Square.

2. Carlton Centre

Carlton Centre

If you are seeking for a bird’s-eye view of Johannesburg, the 50-storey Carlton Centre is the place to go. Visiting this centre you can enjoy a panoramic view of the City of Gold from the Top of Africa, as the topmost floor of the building in known. The tallest building in Africa and once the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, the Carlton Centre stands 223m high- about 40m shy of featuring on the world’s top 100 skyscrapers list. Get a view over Jo’burg from the top of the Carlton Centre, the tallest building in Africa. It costs less than a cappuccino and the view is well worth it.


3. The Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum

For a sad insight in South Africa’s history, the Apartheid Museum is an essential destination, giving a thorough overview of the rise and fall of apartheid. The museum makes excellent use of multimedia exhibits to show the political and personal aspects of apartheid. The Apartheid Museum, close to downtown Johannesburg, focuses on the notorious system of racial discrimination that became synonymous with South Africa from 1948 until 1994, the year in which the country held its first fully democratic elections.

4. Lion Park

Lion Park

Nowhere can you get closer to a pride of Lions and other animals and still be completely safe. Explore the animals up close in all the activities that the Lion Park offers, whether you go on a self-drive tour, guided tour or in the new electric silent vehicle, you will get super close to the animals, not to mention special tours like the amazing cheetah walk and exclusive mesmerizing lion tour guided by world renowned animal behaviourist, Alext Larenty. Amazing photos opportunities await around every corner in the park, share your memories with friends and family by having your photos taken professionally by photographers.


5. Newtown


Newtown Mall

Newtown is positioned in Johannesburg’s central city and forms part of the city’s cultural and creative hub. The area includes theatres, houses, art galleries, museums, restaurants, book stores, craft markets, clubs and cafes. The area has politically turbulent past and due to its multiracial diversity, it was the scene of some of the first forced removals in Gauteng implemented by the apartheid government. Today, Newtown remains resolutely colour-blind with artists of all races gathering here. Take in a show at the Market Theatre, visit the Sci-Bono Centre, drop in at Museum Africa, or catch some local and international music acts at Bassline. Make sure you see a nice view of Mandela Bridge lit up at night.

6. Markets

Rosebank Mall

Have brunch with the hipsters at Market on Main on Sunday morning, and take a look at the quirky designer offering on sale. For a more relaxed feel, try the Rooftop Market at Rosebank Mall, a huge market with everything from souvenirs and handmade goods to old movie posters and antiques. You can also find traditional South African food- at prices locals will pay. If you’re still hungry, eat your fill every Saturday morning at the Jozi Food Market.

7Sandton

Sandton

Spending time in a mall is a central part of the Johannesburg experience. If you’re into shopping, the place to be is Sandton City which is situated in one of the city’s commercial and business hubs. Sandton City hosts upmarket designer boutiques and, well, just about anything else you might want to find. Have lunch in Sandton Square, or just let your inner child run free in the fountains. Sandton City offers an unparalleled shopping experience that combines the world’s most desirable brands with everyday leisure and entertainment.


8. Montecasino

Montecasino

Montecasino, situated in Fourways, North of Johannesburg is known being Gauteng’s number one entertainment destination having being voted Best Casino, Best Entertainment Complex, Best Cinema Complex and Best place to take out-of-towners. With the diverse range range of attractions including accommodation- there is something for everyone at Montecasino to be enjoyed by young and old alike. Montecasino’s attractive Tuscan style appearance makes it an attractive filming destination as well as an ideal venue for events, having hosted several local and international performers. It is described as “Gauten’s Premier Entertainment Destination”, given that it’s home to cinemas, a casino, and the largest theatre in Africa, the Teatro. The Teatro has hosted a number of world-class musicals featuring South African casts, and the smaller theatres have a steady run of more intimate shows.


9. The Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind

It only takes a short trip from Jo’burg to get back to your roots. Get in touch with your ancient ancestors in the Sterkfontein Caves, where Mrs Ples and Littlefoot were discovered, and spend time exploring the award-winning Maropeng visitor centre. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is one of eight South African World Heritage Sites. It is the world’s richest hominin site, home to around 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils.


10.  The great Outdoors 

Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden

Johannesburg is also home to a number of beautiful parks, the biggest of which is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden in Roodepoort. Take an easy hike to the top of waterfall, and keep your eyes peeled for the resident eagles. For an even more relaxed day, go for a walk or a picnic in the sunshine at Emmarentia Dam, or indulge your inner pirate and go boating on Zoo Lake.
  

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK FOR A LION PARK TOUR


There is no other place than Lion Park where you can interact with lions and other animals and still be completely safe. Many activities such as self-drive tours, cheetah walk, guided tours, Alex tour and electric vehicle tour are being offered at Lion Park, and you can also get tremendous close to the animals.  Almost everyone who doesn't have phobia of getting close to animals would love to take a picture playing with a lion or walking with a cheetah or even feeding a giraffe, so that they can share their wonderful memories with friends and family.

Beside the animal interactions and tours that are being offered at Lion Park, there are many other attractions that will make you wish to visit this park. Lion Park, the Gauteng's number one tourist attractions has more attractions such restaurants, retail shops, picnic area and kiddies’ playground.


It is a home to more than 85 Lions with rare white lions. This park offers the opportunity to see lions like you have never seen them before. You will experience an amazing opportunity to amuse yourself with lion cubs. It is completely safe because they provide you with knowledgeable handlers to show you how to interact safely with these gorgeous small creatures. Wouldn't you love to take a nice picture with these amazing creatures? Taking pictures with lion cubs or other animals in the park will create an everlasting experience. You will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a professional photograph taken of you and the cubs.

Have you ever imagined yourself feeding a lion or a giraffe? Lion Park offers you a great opportunity to experience the natural interaction of a feeding lion pride up close. The mighty roars and sounds of lion festivity fill the game vehicle while the guides share interesting facts with you on the night drives. You will watch lions feeding from your own vehicle.



Animals in the park are divided into two categories, there are predators and herbivores. The predators include cheetah, wild dog, and striped hyena, spotted hyena while the herbivores include blesbuck, impala, ostrich and springbok.


You don’t have to worry about where to eat because the park has a restaurant that offers a selection of meals at the large outdoor family restaurant, kiosk and bar. They offer hamburgers, homemade pizza, flame-grilled chicken, sandwiches and samosas. They also have offers of a selection of cakes and milkshakes, braai lunch, halaal food and please note that Muslim prayer facility is available.

Lion Park offers a massive range of merchandise. There are retail shops in the park that sell an extensive collection of African artifacts, crafts, music, videos and books and also well-stocked children’s and adult clothing departments.

You shouldn't leave your kids behind, why leaving them while they can enjoy children activities at the park? Lion Park has a playground with a great variety of jungle gyms, jumping castles and many other entertaining rides.

A Lion Park tour is one of the everlasting experiences you can share with family and friends. Why not booking for this amazing tour? You can book by clicking here: Lion Park Tour Bookings

Monday, 26 January 2015

FIVE GREATEST ANIMALS IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has the greatest animals called the Big Five which includes lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.  The term Big Five is originally used by hunters.
Just picture yourself watching the sun over the horizon whilst you capture the moment of a pride of lions hunting their victim. Staring at a buffalo walking to a water hole with strength. Viewing the rhino, which is almost extinct, with its extraordinary horns. And the leopard with its beauty and skill to hunt. The Big Five are the best animals to witness when visiting South Africa.

Majority of tourists will never leave South Africa without having spotted the Big Five. A visit in South Africa without going on a safari to explore the Big Five is incomplete, so make sure that you discover African greatest animals before you leave the country.

LION


Lion, the king of the jungle, is part of the well-known Big Five of the animal empire. Lions are the most common of the cat family. They live in prides consisting of one or two males, up to seven females and 14 or 15 cubs of different ages. Prides occupy territories that they defend against nomadic lions and other prides; this is made by the leading male or males, by means of guarding and smelling marking.
The female lions usually do all the hunting, regularly at night, late afternoon or early morning.
Lion's prey includes mostly wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, kudu, giraffe and buffalo. They also tend to attack young elephant calves. In difficult times they will even go for small prey, like porcupine, with disastrous consequences for both.

RHINO


Rhino is part of the famous Big Five of the animal kingdom. There are two types of Rhinos, namely White and Black Rhinos.
Black Rhinos prefer densely wooded areas, with a lot of shrubs and plenty of water whilst the White Rhino prefers more grassland. 
Black Rhinos are very solitary animals, with bulls associating with females only for mating. Sub adults and youngsters stay with their mother only until the next calf is born, when they are driven off to find their own territories.

The Rhino bulls mark their territory by dragging their feet trough their dung, scattering it all over the place and by urinating on to bushes. They are extremely aggressive animals.

A charge by a Rhino, with is loud snorts, it's a terrifying affair. They readily attack predators including humans. They are also short sighted, but their sense of smell and hearing is very acute. Adult males can weight up to 1200 kg, females being slightly smaller. Their life span is about 40 years. Rhinos are browsers, eating leaves, fruit, flowers, but also herbs.

 

ELEPHANT


Elephants  are very clever and exceptionally social animals. They live in herds, made up of the matriarch (the oldest animal in the group), her female calves and the youngsters. The herd can comprise between 6 and 30 animals, after what they split to form new herds, always maintaining contact with each other at water holes and feeding spots. 

At 14 years of age, males leave the heard and associate with other bulls of the same age or older. 

Within the "bull area" hierarchy is well observed and understood by all bulls; if a group of bulls come across a cow in oestrus, the animal occupying the highest rank is the one to mate.

Males are much larger than females and their tusks are much longer and heavier.

Elephants have 6 sets of molar teeth; when the last set is lost, the animal is unable to feed and eventually dies. Their life span is about 50 to 60 years.


BUFFALO


Buffalo is part of the famous Big Five of the animal kingdom. They are extremely adaptable animals, being able to occupy open grasslands, wooded savanna and thickets.

They are extremely social animals, buffalo associate in herds of up to 1000 or more individuals. Although being very aggressive and extremely dangerous animals, buffaloes are very peaceful amongst themselves. 
The dominant bull normally is the oldest bull in the herd. Both sexes have horns, but those of males are more robust and heavier. Males can attain a mass of about 800 kg and they have a life span of approximately 20 years.
 Female buffalo become sexually matured at the age of 5 years. The gestation period is 11 months and one single calf is born.


LEOPARD


Leopards normally hunt at night and dusk, staying in secluded spots during the day or lying in high branches of trees. They are solitary animals by nature, only associating with a female for mating and staying with her only for a couple of days.

Leopards are masters of camouflage and they move silently through the vegetation to attack their prey at very close quarters. The victim is normally killed with a bite on the back of the neck, and then taken up a tree, where the leopard will feed at leisure, away from scavengers.

Leopards are extremely territorial animals. Their life span is about 15 years, and they can attain a mass of about 70-kg.
Leopards are the most successful hunters of the cat family. Their prey includes Impala, Bushbuck, Warthog and also the young of Wildebeest, Kudu and Waterbuck. Rodents, ground birds, monkeys, baboons, frogs and fish, also make part of its diet.



Wednesday, 19 November 2014

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TOUR OPERATOR

Choosing The Best Tour Operator For Your Holiday To Southern Africa

The best advantages of travelling with a Tour Operator in Southern Africa make this better option for most travelers. Picking a good tour operator is the most important thing to do when you are travelling to a particular place. Give yourself enough time to do a research and comparing options ahead of time, so that you don’t feel rushed into making any rush decisions when planning your travels in Southern Africa.  Here are the three key factors to help you to pick the right Tour operator:

1. Quality Service 

You need to make sure that the tour operator you choose delivers the highest quality Southern Africa travel experience. Pay attention to what are the previous travelers saying in their reviews about that particular Tour operator. Fortunately, in this digital age, the pigeon has been substituted by the online forum, so you can read about what people are saying about various tour operators. 

Visit one of the reputable review platforms such as TripAdvisor. This platform allows you to read about what people are saying about that particular tour operator you want to choose. Using this platform, you can easily check up on the company’s track record by reading feedback from past customers.

Who they are?

Who are these so-called tour operator experts? Go through the operator’s website and have a look at the About Us section and it’s social networks channels.  Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter,Google+ Instagram and Pinterest helps you to get a feel for the company and its culture.

How well do they know the destinations?

You need to be aware of how well do their guides know the ropes.  Spending some time communicating directly with a tour operator, as well as checking their blog, website and social media profiles, will give you a good idea of how well they know their destinations and their own products.

How long they have been operating?

Consider how long the Tour operator has been in the operation; you need to be aware of how long they have been around. The period that the Tour operator has been doing business for is usually a good sign of the company’s reputation, although not full proof.  Tour operators that have been operating for years have the benefit of accumulated lessons and insights gained on the ground. If the tour operator company has been operating for years, it probably means that they are more experienced on their own tours and they are familiar with many destinations. If the tour operator has been operating excursions in specific areas for decades, then it’s safe to say that they know how to travel there successfully.

What activities do they offer?


It is very important to consider the types and quality of the activities offered by the operator so that you will be able to choose your favorite activities. There are many activities that you can enjoy on Southern Africa tours such as elephant back ride, shark cage diving, game drives, walking safari, quad biking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, open vehicles and bird watching, to name but a few.

Different destinations are as well prominent for particular activities-Soweto for bungee jumping, abseiling and quad biking, Victoria Falls for bungee jump, Pilanesberg for hot air balloon rides, Chobe for sunset cruises. If you don’t confirm what activities the tour operator offers and where, you might find yourself missing out on some remarkable moments. Even if the activities offered at one of the destinations are not incorporated in the tour itinerary, a high excellence operator should be willing to make time allowances, and assist with bookings and transport arrangements.


2. Travel style

It is very important to find the style that suite you and falls within your price range. But It depends on your budget and what kind of travel you want. If you are looking for a luxury accommodations, transports or down-to-earth adventures, then you must have a tight budget.

What kind of accommodations do they offer?


The most important thing is finding a tour operator that uses the type of accommodation you desire. Many tour operators are offering every type of accommodation- from boutique hotel, self-catering, and lodge to guest house and Backpacker hostels. Your travel consultant will assist you with choosing the suitable accommodation for you. Request your operator for more images of the accommodation or more detailed information if you are uncertain. You can also go through those accommodation websites or TripAdvisor to see how they have been recommended by past customers.

What kind of vehicles & transport they are using?



It is your responsibility to check what kinds of vehicles are used for transfers, long distance and game drives. For long distances, it is recommended that vehicles with air conditioning can make a big difference to your level of comfort. When it comes to game viewing, the 4X4 safari vehicles offer the best wildlife view in the bush. Be able to choose vehicles that will make your travel a memorable experience.

3. Destinations


Many tour operators across Africa usually specialise in travel within specific areas, countries and wildlife areas. When evaluating tour operators you can narrow the options down according to the destination combinations offered.

What kind of destinations offered?

Southern African destinations combinations that you might look out for include the Kruger Park safaris,Garden Route & Cape Town Tours, South African SafarisCape Town, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mauritius tour packages.

Make sure you choose the right destination. A tour operator cannot deliver the best tour experience of your dreams in the wrong part of Southern Africa. Choosing the right tour operator can make your trip to Southern Africa a memorable experience.


Tuesday, 11 November 2014

10 TIPS TO BEGIN A SOLO SAFARI


Don’t let the thought of solo traveler intimidate you. Instead, learn how travelling alone can be rewarding and use some tips to help you on how to begin a solo safari. Here are some of the tips to make sure that you have the most memorable safari experience when you’re travelling alone:


1. Use a Tour Company with a great record of delivering incredible services


If you want to know about the Tour Companies with great track records, you need to look at places like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings for you to get proper suggestions and reviews. Looking at these places during your research will help you to pick the best Safari Tour Operator. It’s very great to use a company with good recommendations and reviews from their clients because it will help you to choose the right Tour Company.

2. Travelling solo helps you to meet and make more new friends


You will get the opportunity to meet new people than if you were with a travel partner. It’s known that if you travel alone, you’re far more likely to strike up a conversation with fellow safari-goers than if you had travel friends. And they’re more likely to try and include you in the conversation. This will give you an opportunity to know people and make more friends in that particular place. Making new friends will make your safari an unforgettable experience

3. Select smaller, more welcoming lodges


Some lodges are way more welcoming and any good travel consultant will take pains to book you into these.  Straight off, the lodge staff will go out of their way to make sure you’re looked after and feel comfortable and at home.  Choose smaller lodges because many of them have a communal table-at dinner and breakfast- so you won’t have to sit alone and eat. Most likely, you’ll be seated with your hosts and an interesting mix of guests that will make you feel as if you are at home with your favorite friends.

4. Think about walking safari



Walking safaris are a great option for solo travelers. The group sizes are tiny by nature and it’s an up-close-and-personal experience where you’ll have plenty of time to get to recognize your group members as well as encounter the bush and wildlife like never before.Take a comforting walk and discover the exhilaration and ancient secrets of the African wilderness. Walking safaris provide a good opportunity for travelers to identify tracks and insects, bird watch and learn about habitats and ecology as they walk through the bushveld.

5. Visit different destinations

Different destinations offer you completely dissimilar safari experiences if you are travelling on your own. For instance, at some of the safari lodges in Southern Africa, you’ll be going on bush walks and open vehicle drives as part of a group-even if it’s just one other person.  In some of the eastern African safari destinations, you’ll most likely have your own personal safari guide during your stay. You’ll have plenty of time to absorb all their safari knowledge and stories.

6. Consider Tour companies that offer small group, scheduled departures

This way, you’ll be able to save on costs and be sure to meet up new people on your trip. Young and solo travelers often book on overland tours where they meet and make friends for life. Some tour operators also specialise in arranging tours and itineraries particularly for solo travelers. Small group safaris are perfect if you are looking for an inclusive holiday experience. Travelling with small groups gives you an opportunity to get to more secluded areas and become more involved with the local culture, while still enjoying Africa’s best-loved destinations. 

7. Pay attention to safety matters

Usually, your travel consultant will organize for you to be met at the airport and transport you to the hotel where you’ll spend a night before your safari begins. Of course, a little street knowledge and common sense goes a long way. Don’t go hiking in deserted areas. Don’t stroll alone at night. Also make conversation to the local people and take note of their safety commands.

8. Be flexible and open-minded

Keep in mind that your trip is not about taking pictures of yourself, posing in front of famous animals. It’s all about the journey. Touring is about creating stories you can say again later, and you’ll get a heck of a lot more stories that are appealing from an independent trip than a restrictive guided tourYou will make some mistakes. And you might end up being in the wrong place without a clue about how to return to your hotel. But keep an open mind, enjoy every new experience, and think about the stories you can tell your friends and family when you return home. I promise that once you’ve traveled independently, you’ll never look back.

9. Gather Information

If you are planning for a solo safari, the most important thing to do is to gather the information about your destination. Start to collecting relevant information about your safari. Also use travel guide book, resources online and web forums where you can ask other travelers for information from their own experiences in your destination. Come to a decision about how long you can travel for and the ideal time-span of time to stay in different parts of your destinations. Gather information about the prices, places, tour operator companies and the type of transport you are going to use for your safari.

10. Go with smaller groups


As with anywhere you go on your own, fewer numbers are friendlier and more comfortable. Just as you’d hesitate to eat out in a vast 200-seater restaurant on your own, you’d probably think nothing of doing so in a cosy 12-seater one? A safari is no different. And you’ll find that game viewing is an excellent ice-breaker. Joining smaller groups will also help you meet and make new friends.

We hope that the tips above will help you to have a memorable experience on your next solo safari. You can travel alone. Never be afraid to travel alone.

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

BEST ATTRACTIONS IN MOZAMBIQUE

Tofo beach

Mozambique is a country that has many associations. Possibly that’s exactly what makes it such an attractive and fascinating place to visit. For many South Africans, Mozambique is an affordable beach destination. It is a good destination for family holiday. Some people also prefer it as a place of romantic African honeymoon. You can pack 4x4 with camping gear and cool boxes of fresh supplies, and make your way up the coastline to your favourite camp spot. Mozambique offers international visitors some of the most exclusive beach resorts on Africa’s east coast.



Bazaruto
The Bazaruto and Quirimba archipelagos boast the ultimate in luxury and pampering in the most pristine tropical settings. No matter what your holiday style, there’s one thing about Mozambique that attracts just about everyone: the miles of unspoilt sandy beaches fringed with towering coconut palms and the blue sea beyond. The beaches are so clean they actually squeak when you walk on them. 

Quirimba archipelago

About 400km north of Maputo, near Inhambane, there is a small coastal village called Tofo. It’s a n area known for great diving, fishing and surfing. Tofo is a vibrant village, in and out of the season. It is the type of place where there’s enough to do, but you could also very quickly get into the vibe of doing not much at all. Tofo is located on a creascent bay with a sandy beach stretching north for about 3.5km to the lighthouse. Beyond the point, the coastline reaches up to another well-known tourist spot called Barra.

Barra Beach

 There are a variety of estuary day tours. Take a leisurely boat cruise or sail on traditional dhow. Snorkel the calm waters to look for pansy shells or shy seahorses. If you opt for a paddling trip, you can explore the mangroves and possibly see a dugong. This dolphin-like species is endangered and protected, and sightings are rare and very special.

The easy way to explore the Tofo area is by taking leisurely strolls along the beach or rural roads. In Mozambique everyone is friendly and it’s safe to explore o n your own. You walk along the beach or through the market and everyone greets you with a smile. It’s true that Mozambicans are friendly by nature. In Tofo, you will find everything that’s available in the village market, from T-shirts, souvenirs and flip-flops to fruit, vegetables, fish and beer. The local rum is a delicious golden spiced liquid ideal for cocktails and is available at every second store.

Tofo is known particularly for sightings of giant manta rays and whale sharks. This is what most visiting divers hope to see. The reefs are aquarium-like, with an abundance of fish. White and black-tip sharks are often seen, as well as moray eel, parrot fish, trumpet fish and large grumpy looking potato bass.  It’s not unusual to be surrounded by hundreds of colorful reef fish as you drift along.  As for seeing mantas, these large creatures are shy. For this season, when diving, you need the dive master while he peeks above the reef to see if there are any around.

Tofo's Whale Sharks

The mantas use Tofo’s reefs as cleaning stations. These are areas where many small reef fish can be found, so the mantas position themselves just above the coral while the tiny butterfly fish pick parasites off them. This symbiotic relationship keeps the mantas healthy and the reef fish well fed. It’s at these cleaning stations where you could get to experience the best manta sightings. Sadly, spotting mantas is becoming increasingly rare. They are being caught and killed for their gill rakers,which they use to filter their food. These gill rakers are dried and pulverized for use in Chinese medicine.

Mozambique is a destination where you can collect a photo book of memories. Enjoy a friendly vibe, incredible diving and the perfect end to a leisurely day- watching the sun dip behind palm trees while surfers dance in the waves.

If you want to take a trip to Mozambique, you can book here: Click

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