My African Safari Vacation

I had not been on a holiday in what felt like years! I decided to make it worthwhile and do something that was a little extreme for me. So a few weeks ago I booked my vacation.

I set out on a true African safari adventure. Seven days in the Botswana Okavango Delta on horseback. My family laughed at the prospect of me on horseback (and I don’t really blame them), but my determination to venture into the African wildlife was strong.

Well ok, I’m really not much of a rider; in fact, I have not been on a horse for a very long time. What convinced me was an excitable, yet lengthy talk by my friend who had experienced it before and told me that I simply had to try it at least once.

Getting started…
Departing from Johannesburg, the flight to Maun was approximately two hours. I was torn between nervous fear and absolute excitement. For our welcoming, we went on a short game-viewing air-adventure. And from high above Botswana you can see why this African country is such a highly sought after venue for safari vacations. This view of nature made me feel ready for an all African holiday, especially for experiencing it on horseback.

No Black Beauty…
After our flight we were met by our driver who took us by 4×4 to our holiday accommodation where we had an overzealous lunch. I met the people who, together with my friend, were going to join us on our seven day horseback adventure.

Later, I was introduced to my new hoofed friend. Everyone got the chance to get to know the horses a little bit better. Horses, like humans, have a personality of their own, and mine sported a stubbornness to match. This brown beauty was strong and she clearly had spirit. After I got to know my horse, Daisy, a bit better by bribing her with ample carrots I felt a wave of excitement and ready to start our journey.

Early morning…
I was so excited that I awoke just before five in the morning. We were scheduled to leave at seven, but I couldn’t wait!

My luggage was already packed and I was ready to get going. We were briefed on emergency procedures during our quick breakfast; thereafter we set off to the stables. Daisy was already saddled and it seemed just as ready as I to start our trip. I poised myself as best I could on the saddle. Luckily it was one of those old well worn-in American saddles – a comfort fit, so it was not too difficult. I gave Daisy a slight nudge with my heels and off we went.

A learning curve…
Getting into the rhythm of riding Daisy felt very natural, it helped that we kept a relaxed pace.

The sunrise shed a golden hue onto the rocky terrain we were crossing. It left a sense of absolute peace and stillness. What bliss. As we walked along I remember thinking to myself, this is what a holiday should be.

We soon after entered an open field where zebras grazed for as far as the eye could see. The zebras didn’t seem to mind us much as we strolled alongside the herd.

What a thrilling feeling to be so up close and personal with nature! After our zebra encounter, it was time to stop for lunch. As I clumsily dismounted Daisy I could feel that riding her was having an effect on my back, a painful one too. And not just my back, but my legs seem to buckle as I tried to walk over to the make-shift lunch table.

Belly filled, getting back into Daisy’s saddle proved a little bit trickier. For some reason, I found that I wasn’t as flexible as before, but as always my determination to prove that I am a true cowgirl and after a few efforts and the help of a nearby tree stump I continued on my safari.

How small we felt…
Our next wildlife encounter was with the giants of the bush, elephants. Now I don’t have to explain how intimidating this meeting was, even if you’re sitting on your high horse.

Daisy was much calmer than I. She had obviously done this trip a few times! It felt like I was close to having a heart attack (whether it was from fear or excitement is uncertain). The elephants were so close that we could hear the gentle rumblings as they spoke with one another, and although they were very much aware of us, they didn’t make any attempts to approach. After what could only be described as a pure adrenalin rush we continued on our merry way back to the lodge as the sun set in the distance without so much as a scratch from a branch.

The lodge…
Back at camp I said goodnight to Daisy and went straight to my luxurious safari tent. My legs were still buckling underneath me. I was in total agony, but I embraced every minute of it.

After a good scrubdown, my friend and I walked to the main lodge to join the festivities in the boma where a huge bonfire awaited. The traditional pot was on the fire and the smell of a true African meal wafted to us accompanied by the sound of the drummers. The meal prepared by the Macatoo “Mamas” was rich, warm and filling as we swallowed it down with huge gulps of the African beer.

After satisfying our hunger and a short introduction to traditional dancing, we set off back to our safari tent where our comfortable beds awaited. It did not take long for us to drift off to a deep sleep after our very full day.

Closing this chapter…
The rest of our week was filled with further adventure. Despite the initial meeting Daisy proved to be a trusty steed. The guide was professional, the group was fun, and even though I had to endure a few days of stiffness from the saddle, I would not have traded her in for the back of a 4×4.

I felt satisfied; I had my true wildlife African safari. A vacation experience that would last me a good couple of months!

Source: Hidden Vintage

A Luxury African Safari Adventure Can Be A Reality

Many people in the US would love to travel to Africa for a luxury African safari adventure. Because the North American continent is along way from Africa, most will never book the trip of a lifetime. The experience of Africa should not be missed if at all possible. There is so much to see and do and people can do it all by taking a luxury African safari.

There are several companies that have luxury African safaris in many different countries like Botswana, Kenya, and Namibia. Also included in this category are South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

One of the things that make a safari an African luxury safari is the different choices available for lodging. One great place to lodge is at Kichwa Tempo tented lodge that lies in the Masai Mara. With views looking out over the plains while being pampered in high end tents full of only the best and surrounded with things all Africa.

Another place to visit and stay is in the area of South Africa. A person will want to visit places like Okavango Delta and Victoria falls. Another place to visit is the Etosha National Park. All of these places are world class sights that offer all that luxury money can buy.

Luxury African Safari In East Africa

If the area of eastern Africa is what people want to see then book a luxury African safari to see places like Masai Mara and the Serengeti. While visiting this area of east Africa a great place to stay in the luxurious Mnemba Island lodge. First class accommodations on the island resort with Zanzibarian flair are filled throughout with luxury living while on a luxury African safari.

People can explore the beaches and the jungle area while living better than most people do at home. Africa is truly one of the last great places in the world.

Lastly, taking a luxury African safari will most likely be one of the highlights in a person’s life. With plenty of pictures to take and luxury living, going back home and sharing with friends will bring back the wonderful trip in ones memory. Also, the traveler may want to warn friends that they have enough pictures to last for a long weekend and to be prepared for a long visit.

Taking this ultimate trip will not only stay with the person but it might also push others to take a similar trip in the near future. A luxury African safari may not always be available as people continue to need more space and the land and animals become more stressed with the loss of habitat. Now is the perfect time to take a luxury African safari.

Source: Article Base
Luxury African Travel

Travel Africa

It’s impossible to capture the beauty of Cape Town in words or photos. It can only give a glimpse of the magic.

Long, long ago when the likes of Dias were traveling the seas to discover new countries the Cape was called the “Cape of Storms”. Cape Town has very interesting weather patterns. Most of the times it is warm and sunny but when the “Suidoos” (the local name for the very strong South Eastern wind) starts blowing you have to hold onto everything you own.

Table Mountain is the best example of this unpredictable weather. The one minute it’s open and beautiful and the next minute the misty clouds come blowing in. Within minutes a white tablecloth of clouds rests on top of the mountain.

But it doesn’t matter how bad the weather is, there is always something to do. A big world city framed by the mountain on the one side and the ever changing ocean on the other side.

VICTORIA AND ALFRED WATERFRONT (V&A): Very commersialised and expensive but a total treat. The vibrant atmosphere and energy is addictive. The aquarium is well worth seeing. If you have children it is a must. There is a touch area with a variety of sea plants that can be touched to get an idea of the textures. Feeding times you can watch the sharks having their lunch. There are great restaurants and coffee shops for the hungry. In the designer shops you can virtually shop till you drop.

THE MOUNTAIN AND THE MOTHER CITY: The cable car is an experience on its own, with a rotating floor and magnificent views when going up and coming down the mountain. Phone in advance or check on the website if the cable car is going up. It is not always open. The weather can change in a second from great to foggy and cloudy. On the top is a restaurant and shop with great views.

Cape Town is full of historical buildings that are worth a view and great for pictures. In the famous Castle of Good Hope, you’ll find examples of beautiful antique furniture. You can also experience the dark dungeons where prisoners were kept. It’s horribly cold, pitch dark and small. You can take a guided tour at the Castle and get all the info on Jan van Riebeeck, the Van der Stel’s, Lady Anne Barnard and everybody that was involved in the beginning years of the Cape.

There are also numerous historical church buildings. Take a drive through the city area on a Sunday or Saturday afternoon to visit all these buildings. During normal business hours the streets are too busy to find parking.

KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS: Don’t miss this. You can pend a whole day and still haven’t seen everything. You will only find indigenous South African plants like Protea, Fynbos etc. There is a path up Table Mountain from inside the gardens. We climb for a while but it is quite steep and we had no idea how long it would take. I wouldn’t advise this unless you have all the info on hiking up to the top of the mountain.

The weather can change very quickly and then it is dangerous to be out somewhere on the mountain. On Sunday afternoons (late afternoon) in summer you can attend musical concerts. There is a nice restaurant or bring your own picnic basket. Lots of space for a picnic.

MALAY QUARTER The old Malay quarter or as it is called nowadays the Bo-kaap is worthwhile seeing. It is basically in the city. Drive in Wale Street to Green point. The area has been upgraded in a lot of places and property prices are rising sharply. It is conveniently located and has a great atmosphere. The houses are painted in bright colours and look festive. Streets are still cobblestone and narrow. From the top the view over Cape Town is amazing.

CAPE POINT: Contrary to some beliefs this is not where the two oceans meet. The actual meeting point is at Agulhas. Nevertheless Cape Point is an incredible experience. The last time we went there Chapman’s Peak was closed due to rock falls and we took the road past Kommetjie and Scarborough. The whole area is a nature reserve. There are 2 200 different plant species to see, as well as a lot of smaller animals. You can take the funicular to the point or take a walk. It is a bit of steep to climb but do-able. The view is absolutely amazing. Stop at the Dias cross in the reserve. It is a big stone cross that commemorates his achievements.

GREAT CONSTANTIA: THE OLDEST WINE ESTATE

The history of the farm dates back to 1685 when it was granted to the first Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, as an experimental farm for agricultural produce. Van der Stel named the farm “Constantia” and the produce of vegetables and fruit was supplied to ships that called in at the Cape. You can taste and buy the award winning red and white wines at the cellars. There are daily wine tours, tasting and buying of wines.

CLIFTON: THE PLAYGROUND OF THE RICH

Clifton is not for those scared of heights and narrow roads. The houses seem glued to the cliffs. They park on top of their roofs or so it seems. Any builder that can build a house here deserves a reward. Most of the houses are more mansions than houses and are worth a few million. Clifton is especially famous for its beaches but the water is still cold like the rest of the Cape waters.The small rock pools are excellent for children to play in and obviously not that cold. Unfortunately it is also the ideal spot for beach parties and some of these areas can be very dirty.

CHAPMAN’S PEAK: The view is worth paying the R22 toll fee on this road. You don’t need to come back the same way. From Noordhoek you can take the Muizenberg road back to Cape Town. From Hout Bay go back past Landudno and Camps Bay which is the other beautiful coastal road.

KALK BAY: A tiny little place a few kilometers out of the city. The shopping experience is very different form that at the V&A. Here you will find individualistic little arty shops each with it’s own character and style. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, away from mass production, you need to visit Kalk Bay’s main street. Cape to Cairo and Papagayo stands out but they are all worth a visit. The shops are so nicely decorated and painted in vibrant colours. There are also nice art galleries, a theatre and restaurants.

SUNSET ON SIGNAL HILL:

Instead of going up to the cable car take the road to the right and drive up Signal hill. Lovely sunset.

CENTURY CITY: Century City is a bit out of the city close to Milnerton. It is a lovely centre with each and every shop you can think off. Less designer stores than at V&A and obviously not that expensive. The MTN science centre is a hit with children. You can buy a family ticket and spend the whole day there. You get a stamp on your hand and can move in and out as you please. Make sure you attend the “camera obscura” session. It works with mirrors and even though you are inside the building you can see the reflections of the cars moving, the movement of the water in the canals and whatever is happening outside. All the other mall things are there like movies, places to eat, lots of chain stores etc, etc…..

MORE RESTAURANTS AROUND CAPE TOWN BLUES

Sit outside with a beautiful view over the beaches of Camps Bay and the very busy and interesting street running next to the sea. You’ll see anything from a top of the range Ferrari to a “gedaan” (run down) taxi, a luxury tour bus to an old beetle. The menu offers seafood, pasta and a few grill goodies like hamburgers, lamb rib, steak etc. Nice cocktails and wine list. Excellent service.

MARINER’S WHARF (Hout Bay)

There is a beautiful upstairs area for a sit-down meal with spectacular decor. It opens at 12 in the afternoon. If you are too hungry to wait go to the open area downstairs. Get a box of real fish and chips and have a feast.

FARMSTALL, NOORDHOEK On the other side of Chapman’s Peak is Noordhoek. The Farmstall has all the traditional South African cakes and pastries, like scones and milk tart.

This is but the tip of the iceberg and just a few of the exciting places to visit. Explore and feel like Dias with every new discovery.

To travel is to create multiple artworks stored in your mind to take out and dust off whenever the memories are required.

Africa will fill that canvas with extraordinary sunsets, stormy oceans, colorful people and lush forests to treasure for eternity. See magical photos and discussions of African places that will change your ideas of Africa forever.

Source: Article Base
African Safaris

Why Everyone Needs To Book A Holiday Safari In Africa

So, you have done the vacation thing – winters in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, summers in Europe, spring holidays spent on the sun warmed beaches of South America – and now you are wondering just what is left in the way of a holiday destination. And anyone tired of more traditional vacations or for anyone seeking thrills and adventure – not to mention excitement and exotic culture – should be a holiday safari in the lush, beautiful wilds of Africa.

People automatically think of animals when they hear the word “safari,” and while animals are certainly a large and interesting part of any Safari in Africa, they are by no means the only part.

There are a wide variety of activities offered in most holiday safari packages. There are riding and walking tours, during which visitors can see not only game but also breathtaking scenery and depending on the region of Africa, motorboat tours, canoe trips and the self drive itineraries can ensure you get to unearth the hidden Africa.

Visit local tribes and Bushmen, learn about customs and cultures, and take part in game drives and hikes, which are a staple when on Safari.

Observing animals in their natural habitat is a tradition among holiday safaris in Africa and instead of asking what kind of animals you should expect to see on an African safari. A better question would be to question which can you might not expect to see! The Big Five, referring to leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses, can almost always be found, drinking from watering holes, lounging the heat of the day away, or hunting food (or prey, as the case may be), but they are by no means the only animals you can see. And again, depending on the region of Africa where the safari takes place, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of birds and not to mention giraffes, gazelles, wildebeests, and alligators.

In between all of these exciting, adventurous activities, there is also ample time for rest and relaxation, whether it be reading or napping through the balmy heat of midday or taking leisurely tours through the bush. And after a long day, there is no greater retreat than to enjoy the beautiful African sunset, while looking onto the breathtaking countryside. So experience the raw, primal world of nature for yourself and learn about the rich local cultures and customs by booking your own Safari holiday in Africa, which is sure to offer something for everyone.

So, you have done the vacation thing – winters in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, summers in Europe, spring holidays spent on the sun warmed beaches of South America – and now you are wondering just what is left in the way of a holiday destination. And anyone tired of more traditional vacations or for anyone seeking thrills and adventure – not to mention excitement and exotic culture – should be a holiday safari in the lush, beautiful wilds of Africa. You just have to decide, when and where to take the first step.

Source: Article Base
African Safari Vacations

Southern Africa Travel, Enchanted and Delightful Safaris and Luxury

Southern Africa is truly a unique and culturally diverse country, with an eclectic mix of wilderness and metropolis, wildlife and nightlife, Old Africa and the New World. My Itinerary began with two days of sightseeing in the water front city of Cape Town, the oldest European settled city on the African continent. From our cable car ascent up Table Mountain we walked along trails with outstanding sea views. Other city sights included Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, the Cape of Good Hope, and a visit to the only colony of penguins in Africa.

Forty miles away are Stellenbosh, Franschhoek, and Paarl, surrounded by vineyards, fruit orchards and mountains, and renowned for their gracious blend of 18th century Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian architecture. There is a lot of exploring the Cape’s premier estates to do here, tasting wines and enjoying the hospitality of this very special area.

One thing worth tyring is travelling on the ultra luxurious Blue train. Gourmet cuisine, fine wines, high tea and sumptuous accommodations, combine with romantic ambiance, impeccable service and beautiful scenery, to make this a truly magnificent way to travel from Cape Town to Pretoria.

A quick flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza and then a short drive, and we were finally at our first game reserve. Mala Mala located in the Sabi Sand Reserve is adjacent to Kruger National Park. Within this private reserve, the luxury and tranquility of Africa is ever present. Exceptional game viewing in open Land Rovers, dinner around an open camp fire in a reed enclosed “boma”, visits to secluded hides and night dives are all part of the unforgettable experience.

Our next destination, spectacular Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls, Musi Oa Tunya “Smoke that thunders” is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and truly a sight worth seeing. Our lodging for the night was the River Club, situated on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River. The River Club’s ten luxury thatched roof bungalows overlook the Zambezi. The rooms are completely open in the back giving the best possible views of the river and creating an Old World romantic atmosphere. Although not a game lodge, the Zambezi National Park is located just across the river. Hippos were regularly sighted, and we woke to their sounds in the early morning.

On to Botswana. Our safari in Botswana explored two contrasting ecosystems. The Linyanti ecosystem is big game country where the majority of the 76,000 plus elephants in Northern Botswana reside, the attraction being the permanent water and mopane forests. Wildlife seen here also includes buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, impala wild dog and cheetah. The second area we explored was the unique ecosystem of the Okavango Delta. Here, as the sands of the Kalahari meet the Okavango River, the waters spread into a maze of meandering channels, forested islands, papyrus thickets and placid lagoons. This green, wet wilderness teams with animal and bird life. Along with day and night game drives, activities offered in this area are mekoro trips (traditional dugout canoe) along narrow canals and guided hikes.

All our safaris were off the beaten path because this unspoiled wilderness has more acres of wildlife reserves than roads to get through them. That is why you are more likely to get transferred by air as you explore this countries vast, best and most pristine wildlife habitat.

In each of our three camps, individual bungalows provided a bedroom under canvas or thatch, with en suite bathrooms in a most traditional safari setting. Built on raised platforms of wood canvas and stone, each camp, Kings Pool, Chitabe and Joa, blended seamlessly into their lush backgrounds. We were made to feel as if we were experiencing an Africa suspended in time, having an authentic bush experience and yet still mad to feel safe and comfortable.

Our host during much of our stay in Southern Africa was Wilderness Safaris. What I found so impressive about this company was not only do they provide a wonderful wilderness experience for their guests, they clearly understand and take the responsibility to help protect the parks, reserves and wilderness areas around them. They also understand the need to empower and uplift the communities around their camps in order that the local people can derive benefits from wildlife-based tourism. To accomplish these ends as a company a portion of each guest’s faire is allocated to the ” Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust”.

Source: Ezine Articles
Africa Safari Vacations