africasafari.travel

Gap Year Ideas

admin — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:22:07 +0000

5 Reasons to spend your Gap Year in Africa

1. Africa has wild animals
2. A wonderful variety of plants
3. Awesome scenery
4. Beautiful people and
5. Interesting cultures!

Learn while you visit.

Choose from a selection of courses that allow you to experience a Game Reserve intimately and perhaps opt for a qualification too…

Six month to one year Courses – learn for 6 months and opt to put what you learnt into practice on a South Africa Game Reserve:

The True Game Reserve Experience
Cost: R132 000 (If you start in January 2012)
R135 000 (If start in July 2012)
Includes:
• Accomodation
• Meals
• Instructors and Training
• Game drives
• Walks
• Tea/coffee and cordials
• Equipment needed for the course
• Laundry
• First Aid Level 1 course and Fire fighting course
• Transfer to and from OR Tambo
• Cyber Tracker track and sign identification training and assessment
• FGASA level 1 registration, subs, books, exam
• FGASA level 1 practical assessment
• Cybertracker trailing and assessment
• Game Capture
• Snake handling
• Advanced rifle handling
• Back up trails guide
• SASSETA
• Trails guide manuals and theory exam
• Birding
• Survival Training

The Game Reserve and Marine experience
Cost: R98 000
• Accomodation
• Meals
• Instructors and Training
• Game drives
• Walks
• Tea/coffee and cordials
• Equipment needed for the course including diving gear
• Course Notes
• FGASA level 1 registration, subs, exam
• FGASA level 1 practical assessment
• FGASA marine and coastal guiding level 1
• FGASA trails guide certificate
• Advanced rifle handling certificate
• PADI registration
• Uniform
Dates: 13 February – 11 August or 14 May – 17 November 2012

Kenya – 2 lodges where you pay for 2 nights but stay for 3!

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:54:05 +0000

Travel to Kenya between the 1st of November to the 19th of December 2011 and you are entitled to this fantastic special offer:

Pay for 2 nights at either Mara Plains or ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya & get the third night ABSOLUTELY free !

Mara Plains is set in the exclusive Olare Orok Conservancy of the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. Guest can enjoy game viewing in 100 000 acres of “Big Cats” paradise.

ol Donyo Lodge, nestled in the Chyulu Hills and facing Mount Kilimanjaro, offers superb wildlife viewing, game walks, mountain biking, star beds, and horse riding.

No Single supplement applicable and Standard Green Season Rates apply on a fully inclusive basis of all meals and scheduled activities. Conservancy and Park fees are applicable for all nights stayed.

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History: tongue-in-cheek, my 2c worth

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:11:53 +0000

Part 2 – my 2 cents worth!

The arrival of livestock introduced concepts of personal wealth and property-ownership into Bushman society. There is a saying that money is the root of all evil and in South Africa’s case, whenever something of wealth was discovered, bought or sold here – war started. It was the concept of MINE perhaps that is why some would prefer to live a solitary life – you need not share nor defend that which is rightfully yourss!.

In time community structures solidified and expanded, and chieftaincies developed. These pastoralist Bushmen became known as Khoikhoi (‘men of men‘), as opposed to the still hunter-gatherer Bushmen, whom the Khoikhoi referred to as San. At the point where the two groups became intermarried, mixed and hard to tell apart, (again debatable – who was trying to tell who apart, they sure knew who was who) the term Khoisan arose. Over time the Khoikhoi established themselves along the coast, while small groups of Bushmen continued to inhabit the interior.

Legend has it that the Bantu peoples migrated into Southern Africa from the Niger River Delta and that the Bushmen and the Bantu lived mostly peacefully together, but there is no proof only hearsay from story telling so researchers know little of this period outside of archaeological artefacts, making these times mysterious and as such looking at the art and ancient tools is very appealing to the inquisitive mind – like it appeals to my mind!

The Bantu peoples had started to make their way south and eastwards to the present-day KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Bantu-speakers not only had domestic animals, but also practiced agriculture, farming wheat and other crops. They also displayed skill in working iron, and lived in settled villages. The Bantu arrived in South Africa in small waves rather than in one cohesive migration. Some groups, the ancestors of today’s Nguni peoples (the Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, and Ndebele), preferred to live near the coast. Others, now known as the Sotho-Tswana peoples (Tswana, Pedi, and Basotho), settled in the Highveld, while today’s Venda, Lemba, and Shangaan-Tsonga peoples made their homes in the northeastern areas of South Africa.

Bantu-speakers and KhoiSan mixed, as evidenced by rock paintings showing the two different groups interacting. The type of contact remains unknown, although linguistic proof of integration survives, as several Bantu languages (notably Xhosa and Zulu) incorporated the click consonant characteristic of earlier KhoiSan languages. Archaeologists have found numerous KhoiSan artefacts at the sites of Bantu settlements.

Of course with the good comes the bad and one horrific tale is not at all about peace and joy mind you! A strory proudly told by a lady of Pedi origin. She told of how her people feared the Bushmen of the north and how valuable the Bushmen were in that they could perform a dance to bring rain. Bushmen children were captured and tied to trees in their village, only being freed to perform their rain dance a few times a year!

and while this was happening, the white man was moving north…

History : the tongue-in-cheek version

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:36:49 +0000

The following is a brief introduction to the ancient history of South Africa as told by a white female South African who loves this country and wants you to experience our rainbow nation and prized land…

There are always politics undermining the beauty of all the peoples of this land and telling history holds some awesome moments, heroic moments and sad moments for everyone, so, to get the brief part over, ancient peoples lived here long before any form of civilization as we know it.

History books are now official recordings of what the Western world found, first the Portuguese, then the Dutch, Germans, French and British followed by meeting up with the northern tribes of Africa and the Bushmen or San and then of course there was the bringing of Indians as ‘free’ slaves and not to be forgotten are the Irish, Welsh and Scottish shipped here to help fight wars. It is no wonder we have a rainbow nation with so many cultures, tribes and languages!

South Africa faced many wars in her fight for Freedom, Gold and Diamond mining determined her wealth, but it is her people that are unique and her beautiful land and animals that make South Africa precious! With Apartheid abolished and a democratic government in place, we lean on the characters that shape our nation and have our voices heard – we are history in the making and we love our land!

The Bushmen (or San) may not have been the very first to live here and have been classed as the first offspring of the hunter-gatherers ( or Stone Age peoples), but I like to call them The Erudite People of Southern Africa because they ate, slept and drank this land – they knew every source of food, water and that which enabled their existence and they preserved it, they were ecologists, conservationists and a people who loved the land and that which was upon it.

I wish we could all live like the Bushmen who as humans have the same emotions as us but are peace loving and will avoid confrontation so as to preserve life in all forms…

History : the tongue-in-cheek version continues here

Cape Town’s Colona Castle

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:13:23 +0000

Offer ends 31 October 2011

Set high on mountain slopes above a shimmering Lake District on the warm False Bay Coast, this Mediterranean retreat has breathtaking views across Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and Atlantic Ocean. Luxurious bedrooms and suites have views of the sea, lake and mountains. The service is friendly and impeccable, and the cuisine an artful combination of the Cape’s freshest ingredients. Golf, beaches, whale watching and wine estates are nearby.

Children: All ages welcome

Special on offer – Stay 3 nights Pay for 2 nights
Stay 3 Pay 2 – This wonderful special is on a Bed and Breakfast basis, from R2300 per suite

Valid for travel until 31 October 2011.

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Africa & Indian Ocean Travel Workshop

admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:22:39 +0000

Entrance is Free – Registration is Compulsory (complete form)

You’re invited to attend the Spotlight on Africa & Indian Ocean Travel Workshop

A few places still available for the Tuesday October 11 session at Inanda Club Inanda Sandton

08h30-12h00 -workshop & breakfast

****Regret October 12th session is now fully booked

Promoting leisure, business and conference tourism within South Africa and outbound to Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands

During Spotlight can you find information on all these countries in just three hours??

Kenya, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia; Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda,Namibia and South Africa

Africa is a REALLY important destination for South African business travellers as well as leisure tourism…………

At Spotlight you can network with 25 hotel groups, tour operators, airlines, tourist offices, conference venues and safari lodges (see the Exhibitor list below).
Each Spotlight session will be a free flow tabletop workshop, lasting only 3 hours. No long drawn out presentations, you choose the tables you want to visit. Entrance is free of charge.

Exhibitors List (as at 07 October)
InterContinental Nairobi; Africa Classic Escapes Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania ; Radisson Blu Sandton:Sarova Hotels Kenya; Southern Spoor Marketing; The Westin Cape Town; Asyanut Safaris Uganda; Air Namibia; Doubletree by Hilton Tanzania & Zanzibar; Holiday Aviation –Ethiopian Airlines; Blue Bay Hotels Zanzibar; &Beyond :Go Touch Down; Rwandair, EasyTravel Rwanda; Destination Connect Kenya; Air New Zealand; Limpopo Tourism; Cresta Hotels Botswana, Zimbabwe & Nigeria; Genesis Suites Johannesburg; Inyati Game Lodge;An African Anthology;Meikles Hotel Harare;Syavaya Tours;

HOW DO I REGISTER?

On-line: By Clicking Here

Tel: 078 166 3464 or 082 464 0901
(012) 665-0896 or 012 665 1191

An Egyptian Promotion for December from South Africa

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:15:35 +0000

Egypt is a fantastic destination and the special travel offers available for travel to Egypt are excellent if you dont mind fixed departures! Here is an example…

09-19 December 2011 : SOUND & LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA

Economy flights on Egypt Air

2 nights in Cairo

1st Day: Visit the Grand Pyramids of Gaza and the majestic Sphinx - lunch incl.
2nd Day: Egyptian Museum of Antiques, the world renowned
Khan El Khalile Market, Sound and Light show at the pyramids. Breakfast and Oriental dinner out of hotel incl.

3 Nights: NILE CRUISE

Sightseeing during the cruise: The High Dam, Unfinished obelisk, felucca ride around the Agha Khan Mausoleum, Sound and light show at Philse temple, Kom Ombo & Edfu temples as well as the famous Valley of the Kings, where ancient tombs have been found, Colossi of Memnon & Queen Hatshepsut’s temple and world renowned Luxor temple.

3 Nights: RED SEA RESORT IN HURGHADA

All inclusive of all meals, soft drinks and local alcohol.

Swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea or relax under an umbrella with an exciting book, alternatively book an optional submarine dive and desert safari by quad bike/4×4 for an adventure!

For other options, please see the advert below…

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Fly from Dubai to Zambia with Emirates

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:58:18 +0000

Emirates, flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates have announced the extension of their African network by adding five times weekly flights to Lusaka from 01 February 2012, ensuring even more accessibility to Zambia!

Passengers flying Emirates from Lusaka will be able to connect seamlessly to points across the Far and Middle East, Indian sub-continent, Europe and Australasia via the airline’s hub in Dubai. Flights will depart Dubai every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 09:25, arriving in Lusaka at 14:50 and departs again from Lusaka at 21:50 and arriving back in Dubai at 07:10 the next day.

Take a look at some Zambian options

Zululand Lodge Spring Special

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:31:35 +0000

Spring Special

Amakhosi” is a five star big five safari lodge, situated in the heart of Zululand on the
Mkuze river in a 12.000 ha, beautiful private game reserve,
where royal treatment is part of every day.

Save R1100 per person per night in a High for Low season Rates exchange

Rate Includes:
- Accommodation in our luxurious River Suite
- 3 Meals excludes drinks.
- 2 game drives per day with qualified guides

VALID TILL 31 October 2011 for stay in October
For NEW bookings only min two night stay subject to availability and to specified dates .

SEND AN ENQUIRY NOW:

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Zambia or Zimbabwe in Africa’s summer

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:35:27 +0000

Travel to Zambia or Zimbabwe – for some people, Zimbabwe is still a “no-go” travel destination, but for others, staying in Zimbabwe is proving to be better than staying in Zambia. The author of this blog has travelled in 2010 and 2011 to both Zambia and Zimbabwe and had no hassels, so here with the choice favourites

In the Livingston Region it is best to view the Victoria Falls from the Zambian side when the Zambezi is in flood – the reason, being – you can hardly see anything but mist from the Zimbabwean side.

Toka Leya – set in a private and secluded location in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, overlooking the mighty Zambezi River and close to the Victoria Falls.
Tent interiors boast cool wooden flooring, tasteful, uncluttered African décor in earthy hues and climate-control.

The River Club – located on an elevated bank of the Zambezi River with sweeping views upstream, this well-appointed Edwardian-styled lodge offers a refined start or end to any safari.

Sanctuary Susi & Chuma – just over ten kilometres upstream from the world-famous Victoria Falls, and built on the banks of the Zambezi, the lodge offers air-conditioned tree houses, connected by wooden walkways, and two private family houses, all with uninterrupted views over the Zambezi River. (Costs for the two Chuma Houses will be based on a minimum of 4 guests).

NB: The River Club, Toka Leya and Sussi & Chuma all include a visit to the Victoria Falls (viewed from the Zambian side) and a sunset cruise in your stay. We recommend adding to your experience from a wide selection of adventure activities that include “The Flight of Angels” helicopter flight, bungee jumping and even white water rafting (at an additional cost). During the November to January period, we would also recommend a Tour of the Falls on the Zimbabwean side (at an additional cost) due to low water levels.

South Luangwa can get busy – very busy, which is why visiting this area during the hottest parts of the year will keep most of the crowds away.

Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge – originally built for Kenneth Kaunda, the first Zambian president, the historic lodge’s unique hilltop position in the South Luangwa affords incredible views over the lush valley below. Perfect for families with interconnecting suites and no age restrictions.

Hwange has come a full circle, from fighting to protect its wildlife, through financial and political battles, it now offers travellers the opportunity to view Zimbabwe’s natural wild animals.

Davison’s Camp – is beautifully situated in south-eastern Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife destination and conservation area. As one of the few camps located within park boundaries, Davison’s offers total privacy, while the Linkwasha Concession, in which Davison’s is found, offers a compelling mix of diverse wildlife, ensuring one of the best nature experiences imaginable in Africa.

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