Top Outdoor And Adventure Activities While On Safari In The Western Cape, South Africa
A safari or guided tour to the Western Cape in South Africa is said by many to be the most idyllic vacation one can ever experience. Majestic Table Mountain oversees a vibrant city, beautiful beaches and superb scenic mountains that surround wonderful, world renowned winelands. It is as much as you could ever want in one vacation, but what about those who want to know where to go just to boost their adrenalin flow? Is this serenely beautiful, relaxing place somewhere you can have a real adventure holiday? You bet it is! Whether you are in the Mother City itself, or go South, East or North/West, the thrills and spills are not just about sighting Africa’s big five, but blood boiling, eye popping, heart stopping adventure activities that will have you thinking you have arrived at adrenaline Nirvana. So what are the top outdoor and adventure activities while on Safari in the Western Cape, South Africa? They are really too numerous to include in one article, but this is a reasonable overview of what you can expect in terms of adventure in Cape Town and beyond. Cape Town Whilst in the Mother City you’ll find out that Table Mountain is not just for looking at. Some may take the cable way up the mountain, but you can hike it on foot, take a helicopter flip over it, or even abseil off it! You can experience a thrilling paragliding adventure off nearby Signal Hill or Devil’s Peak too if the sky is your limit, but why not also plunge to the depths of the ocean and dive with sharks in Gansbaai or Simon’s Town or go snorkelling with seals in Hout Bay? If you love the beach you can learn to surf in full view of Table Mountain, or in the warmer Indian Ocean waters of Muizenberg and take a sunset gallop on horseback along Noordhoek beach. Nature lovers can go kayaking with penguins and other animals in Simons Town, South Africa’s naval base. The West Coast Travel North-West and you will begin to experience the fun and fantastic attractions of the Cape’s West Coast. Famous for seafood, surf and quaint little coastal villages, many of the adventure activities are all about enjoying the beaches and the ocean. Take horseback rides along long, unspoilt beaches and boat trips from Langebaan Lagoon and Saldanha Bay to Lambert’s Bay further north up the coast. Sailing in these waters reveals the wonders of the coastline, an abundance of birdlife and marine mammals. Deep sea fishing too is a favourite around these parts. For something totally different, you can book mountain biking tours or enjoy fabulous scenic hikes. In the ocean we get back to the adrenalin junkie stuff with jet skiing, kite surfing and kite boarding, which are very popular because this is where the wind blows to some great speeds every day. The Cape Winelands Now head to the East and venture into the Cape Winelands with miles of vines, stunning mountainous surrounds and of course elegant wine farms that produce some of the World’s finest. As relaxing and serene as this environment is however, action still abounds! Again, mountain biking and bike tours are a favourite, as are quad biking, tram tours and E-bikes, especially for just taking a casual tour of the winelands. In Stellenbosch you can enjoy exciting activities at the Acrobranch Adventure Course. Designed as the ultimate treetop experience, Tarzan swings, walkways, acro-bungee and zip-lines are some of the challenges that await you on an Acrobranch Adventure course. Staying with the unusual, regardless of the weather, on any day you can go Cable waterskiing, no water required and suited for waterskiing, wakeboarding and knee-boarding! Take to the air with a myriad of airborne adventures like gliding, hang gliding, hot-air ballooning and stunning helicopter flips! Do take some time out to thrill your taste buds too and savour some of the world’s finest wines, olives and cheeses in one of the most beautiful regions in the Cape. The Garden Route Now we travel South over the mountains to embark on one of the most stunningly beautiful drives you can experience anywhere. Mile after mile of scenic beauty and stopovers at the small towns that are dotted along the coast. Once again just as one is lulled into a dreamy stupor of relaxation, action adventures await around every corner. The abundance of forestry beckons you to indulge in tree-top activities like Canopy tours that have you zip lining above the forest floor and Acrobranching obstacle courses. The mountains beckon you to abseil, hot-air balloon and take more breathtakingly beautiful helicopter flips. There are just so many things that are crazy and exciting, like crocodile cage diving, crawling in caves, cliff jumping and walking with Cheetahs to name just a few. All along the way the experiences match the features of the area like the world’s highest bungee jump off the Storms River bridge. There are water sports at Plettenberg Bay, surfing at the world-renowned premier surfing spot of Jeffrey’s Bay and lounging on a lagoon cruise at the Knysna Heads as you savour their famous oysters. Head to the small town of Wilderness for some scenic canoeing, paragliding off the dunes and onto the beach, and forest hikes to waterfalls and rock pools. Do It Your Way! Whatever your choice, we at Jewel of Africa encourage you to do it your way and our flexibility will suit you perfectly. We tailor make tours to take our visitors to South Africa exactly where they want to go and do exactly what they want to do! Contact us to compile a package that takes into account your availability, budget and especially activity preferences. Whether you want to indulge in some of these top outdoor and adventure activities while on Safari in the Western Cape, South Africa, thrill to a luxury African safari experience, or simply just chill, we’ve got you covered!
Akagera National Park – The Pride Of Rwanda
The Wildlife and Birdlife of Akagera The game drive from the gate to Magashi takes 45 – 120 minutes, depending on wildlife sightings and photo opportunities and is part of the splendour of a stay there. Magashi is situated in the only area where you can combine a bucket list gorilla trek in the legendary Virunga Mountains with a sublime savannah safari experience! See It In Style This is yet another of the ever growing number of premier African safari destinations being offered by Jewel of Africa Safaris. We pride ourselves on creating tailor made packages for international travellers who want a variety of Luxury African safari options. Contact us to book and organise a package designed to suit your schedule and pocket – and include a trip to beautiful Akagera National Park – the pride of Rwanda! Already famed for its great Gorilla Trekking population, Rwanda also plays host to the magnificent Akagera National Park. Akagera is a superb wildlife conservation area and it is especially famed for its incredible wildlife population – in particular the Rwanda Leopards. Akagera National Park – the pride of Rwanda, was among the first parks to be created in Africa. Covering 433 square miles (1,122 sq.km) it is the only savanna park in this beautiful mountainous country. Akegera’s History in Brief The 100 000-hectare Akagera was founded in 1934 to protect the plants and animals in the savanna, mountain and swamp regions of Rwanda. Between 1957 and 1958, six black rhinos were introduced into the park, which was the introduction to what, many years later, would make Akagera one of the ‘Big 5’ destinations of Africa! In the 1970s Elephant and lions roamed the park and thousands of antelopes, zebras and buffaloes flourished in this great savanna. However, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda sadly not only took the lives of more than million Rwandans, but also lead to the park being abandoned and becoming a settlement for cattle. In 2010, the nonprofit conservation organization ‘African Parks’ partnered with Rwanda’s Development Board to create a 20-year management agreement and since then the park has grown and flourished. It comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains. Akagera has undergone an incredible transformation in the last eight years where poaching has essentially been eliminated and wildlife is now thriving. African Parks reintroduced lions in 2015 after a 20-year absence and reintroduced the black rhinoceros in 2017. This is a place where the big cats roam freely and Akagera is famed for its Leopard population. Of the antelopes, Impala appear to dominate a vast population of Eland, Oribi, Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Roan and Sable antelopes. Watering holes play host to majestic Hippos and wiley crocodiles and Buffalo and Elephants are more prevalent in the north. Wildlife highlights include buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, spotted hyaena, zebra, topi, roan, eland and more. The Park also boasts almost 500 species of birds including the spectacular shoebill with its implausibly massive bill and the near-endemic red-faced barbet. Magashi Camp Magashi Camp has been opened in Akagera National Park in mid-March 2019. In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and conservation group African Parks the six-tented camp, called Magashi, is situated in the north-eastern part of Akagera overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga – home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles, and (hidden within its wetlands) the secretive sitatunga and shoebill stork. At the camp guests will be able to view a range of wildlife on expertly guided game drives, walks and boating trips.
Magnificent Kwazulu-Natal – Come Experience Its Splendour!
Cape Town and the iconic Kruger National Park may the favoured destinations of many who travel to South Africa, but there is another area that is rapidly becoming a favourite. Durban, the colourful vibrant city that centres a long coastline of beautiful quaint coastal towns and villages along the Indian Ocean coastline, the world famous Drakensberg mountain range and some of the finest game preservation areas in Africa, all make up magnificent Kwa Zulu-Natal – Come and experience its splendour! Year Long Summer It is known as the ideal winter retreat in Southern Africa as this sunny, sometimes somewhat humid region, apart from in the mountains, seldom drops below comfortable temperatures. Many tourists from within South Africa flock to its shores in the winter months to enjoy this almost always temperate climate. Its Scenic Splendour For those families who like to experience drives in scenic areas, KwaZulu Natal offers some of the best in the World. From its coastal splendour, to its hillsides with lush plantations, to the magnificence of the Drakensberg ‘Amphitheatre.’ it is a place of great beauty and majesty. Oceanic splendour The coastline is a balmy, lush sub-tropical area stretching for miles along the warm Indian Ocean. Beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, the up-market Umhlanga rocks and Ballito to the North and the quaint South Coast towns of Margate, Port Shepstone, Leisure Bay and many more, wait to welcome you. The Dizzy Heights of The Drakensberg The high jagged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains are snow-topped in winter and offer serious climbers and paragliders wonderful extreme sport opportunities. The Drakensberg is also known as uKhahlamba (or ‘barrier of pointed spears’) in the isiZulu language. Here, beautiful lodges with cosy fires nestled in forestry areas, also offer those who just want to chill great hikes and horseback riding trails. Sublime Safari Experiences To the north of KwaZulu-Natal lie the Big 5 wildlife areas of isiMangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Nature Reserve and Phinda Game Reserve. These are all magnificent African safari destinations where you will see the best wildlife that Africa has to offer. Phinda is famous for exceptionally good sightings of Cheetah. Although you are less likely to see Leopard, all of these do offer the ‘Big 5’ with a good selection of antelope, Giraffe, Zebra and wildebeest as well. You are virtually guaranteed to see the now endangered and therefore slightly scarcer Rhino in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park! In the IsiMangaliso Park, surrounded by Lake St Lucia, Lion and Elephant are rarely seen, but it has its own particular charms. It has excellent birdlife and scenic splendour not offered by the others. Lake St Lucia has the highest vegetated dunes in the world and there are vast expanses of open grassland alongside spectacular warm Indian Ocean beaches. If you time your safari right, you can also witness the great turtle spectacle on the beaches of Lake St Lucia, where sea-turtles come to lay their eggs in the summer every year. This is an experience not to be missed! Let Us Take You There On land or on foot Jewel of Africa Safaris can build any of the offerings of this wonderland into packages tailor made to suit your pocket and schedule. Contact us and from day one and begin to experience the personal guidance and attention to detail that has made us the preferred African safari and guided tour operators in Southern Africa. What are you waiting for? An unforgettable vacation experience awaits you in magnificentKwaZulu Natal – Come and experience its splendour!
Namibia’s Top Attractions For 2019
It is a beautiful description of a land that is both serenely unspoiled and wild but vibrant, sparse and dry, but tempered with greenbelts that play host to a myriad of wildlife. Affectionately known as “The Jewel of the Desert,’ Namibia is a hauntingly beautiful country. Its German influence is evident throughout and this truly is one of the world’s natural treasures. There is such a vast range of things to do there that we felt we should try to nail it down to just the premier points of interest for our clients – and so here, we believe are Namibia’s Top Attractions for 2019. The Main Cities and Towns There are three primary urban/resort areas that one must visit. Those of the famous German influenced Swakopmund, Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Swakopmund is a coastal city west of the capital, Windhoek. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert on the western coast, Swakopmund is one of those great traveller stops along the African road. This is Namibia’s adventure capital and a surreal colonial remnant and is also the ideal place to start your exploration of the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert. This is a city with as much personality as it has sea frontage and it retains a strong German flavour – from its cobbled streets and picturesque buildings to typical German restaurants and pubs serving German cuisine. This is also one of the much cooler destinations in Namibia, with its moist sea air, mist and rain sometimes surprising you in the Desert. Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, in the country’s central highlands. In the centre of the city are the 1890s Alte Feste, a former military headquarters with historical exhibits and the Independence Memorial Museum. To the South the vast ‘Heroes Acre’ war memorial commemorates Namibia’s 1990 independence. This place has a city buzz and teams with nightlife and fun things to do. Walvis Bay is a port town on the coast of Namibia and a beautiful resort for those who prefer action and relaxation at the seaside. Its tidal lagoon plays host to abundant birdlife including flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns and sea creatures include Dolphins, Whales and Cape fur seals which inhabit the Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point Lighthouse. Here you can enjoy a catamaran cruise with oysters and champagne. The harbour is teaming with fishing boats and ships. Great for sea food and fun in the sun! The Main Wildlife Areas Etosha National Park is undoubtedly one of the star attractions in Namibia. The Park is largely flat with vast grasslands surrounding its famous Etosha Pan, an extensive salt pan of 5,000km², the breeding ground of over one million flamingos in the rainy season. Etosha is home to a surprising variety of animals – four of the Big Five and some unusual endemics like the endangered black-faced impala, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and the world’s tiniest antelope, the Damara dik-dik. It is also home to one of the largest populations of black rhino. Okaukuejo camp is the main camp inside Etosha Park. It is known for its look-out tower and a very famous floodlit water hole and is a haven for wildlife photographers. If you are keen on seeing desert-adapted wildlife, then it’s best to head to Damaraland and southern Kaokoland for elephants, the Kunene region for black rhino and the Skeleton Coast for Brown Hyaena. Between Damaraland and Skeleton Coast, you may also be so lucky to see the unique and rare desert-adapted lions of Namibia, which roam across this vast country in search of prey. There is also one specific camp, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, that offers you the best chance to see these amazing animals, as its resident researcher tracks these cats on a daily basis to ensure their survival and safety from human-wildlife conflict. One of the most iconic animals of Namibia, the Oryx, can also be seen across the country. The Mountains The Erongo Mountains, Spitkoppe and Brandberg are amongst the most remarkable mountains in the world and the Namib Naukluft feature on the list of absolute ‘must see,’ mountains and yet are comparatively unknown. Twyfelfontein is a site of ancient rock engravings in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia. It consists of a spring in a valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain that receives very little rainfall and has a wide range of diurnal temperatures. Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei The deserts to the South of the country are in many ways the highlights of the stunning nation. The Skeleton Coast, where glorious dunes plunge into stunning Atlantic waters with almost no inhabitants, is justifiably world famous. Even more so is the area of Sossusvlei, also in the enormous Namib Naukluft. It is usually seen as the single most beautiful desert scape on Earth. On a Jewel of Africa tour, at Dune 45, we make a stop to view the world’s most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 1.6 kilometre round-trip guided walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the healthy visitors. The more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy Dune, one of the highest dunes in this area. Dead Vlei is astounding, featuring trees petrified by centuries with little rain that reduces first time visitors to speechless wonder. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world! And So Much More We have really just touched on the best of what this amazing land has to offer international tourists. Why not contact us or visit our website if you would like to learn more or book one of our popular packages. We can also tailor make a tour specific to your availability, pocket and preferences. We look forward to introducing you to this incredible land and guiding you through Namibia’s Top Attractions for 2019.
Ideal Family & Kid Friendly African Safaris
Many international tourists are under the misconception that an African Safari would not be a suitable family holiday. They see the game drives as boring for the little ones and the bush as a dangerous environment. Nothing could be further from the truth! An African Safari can be both a fun and extremely educational experience that your kids will never forget. It’s perfectly safe, providing normal rules are observed and what a ‘show and tell’ they will have when returning to school after their African safari vacation! It is also an excellent way for a family to bond as they share the thrill of the African veld, its extraordinary wild inhabitants, its people and its culture. So what do you need to know and do to ensure you embark this year on an Ideal Family & Kid Friendly African Safari? When to Go This will vary from country to country, but when viewing game Spring is always the best time, as that is a time of new birth and nature comes alive following the cold, dry winter. In South Africa the best time of year would be September through to April, as these months experience cooler temperatures, but are not too cold. Summer months can get extremely hot and this can be quite a challenge for families with littler ones. The best idea is to consult your specialist Safari tour operators for information on where and when to go if these months don’t suit you. Where to Go There are many countries where you can safari; South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and many more. It really depends which area appeals most, or if you want to combine your safari with a different experience. The Jewel of Africa website, is just one place you can learn about many destinations and packages to choose from. It imperative that you choose accommodation that are child-friendly though and have activities available for kids between the game drives. Some lodges have great swimming pools with water features for kids and play areas as well as child minders. Some safari lodges in the Kruger for instance have special children’s programmes, as planned by their own personal rangers where they learn more about all creatures big and small and are kept busy while the adults are out on their game drives. Some even have a few ‘tame’ animals that frequent the camps and can (under supervision) be fed by the kids! So again consult your African safari tour operators to choose the most child friendly options to ensure your trip to Africa is happy and successful. What to Know – Before You Go We don’t recommend taking infants or children younger than 5 years old on a safari. Most establishments aren’t infant or toddler-friendly and the heat and dust on the game drives may make a baby feel uncomfortable. However, some lodges will welcome families and children of all ages with open arms, and this can be discussed with your Jewel of Africa Safaris tour consultant. For teenagers of course it’s great and might keep them off their phones and iPad for a while (some lodges don’t even have wireless internet), but just remember that many family-orientated lodges will not allow children under the age of 16 to participate in bush walks. However, each lodge is different regarding their child policy, so please speak to us to advise you accordingly. Also, some lodges will allow children to share a room with adults in a day bed or cot, and other lodges won’t necessarily have these facilities. Family rooms can also be requested, depending on availability. Some hotels also offer inter-leading rooms so that a family can stay next to each other, but in separate rooms. A short list of what to pack – and remember to pack as light as possible, as your kids will definitely want to bring home some souvenirs: Light summer clothing and swimming gear — but warm jackets for night drives Insect repellent and all basic favourite toiletries, plus sunscreen, as they may not be available in the bush Camera batteries and memory cards, plus binoculars Medication including anti-malaria medication if venturing into a high-risk malaria area. Children of a certain age will not be able to take certain kinds of malaria medication – again seek advice from your tour experts. How to Make it Fun When planning a family safari for kids, choose activities that include your kids and combine good wildlife sightings with keeping kids interested and entertained in-between. Here are a few good ideas to remember. On thedrive – Involve the children to keep their attention and make a game of who can spot something first. Kids love that and it keeps them well occupied. ‘I spy’ on the jeep is also a favourite as in the bush there is so much to point to. Keep driving distances reasonably short, or at least break up the day with some interesting stops and ask the guide to show kids the bugs and insects and teach interesting things about trees and what their leaves and roots are used for by the locals. In between – Also do plenty activity that takes place outside the vehicle. A short walk, where kids have animal footprint-identifying sessions and pretend to be tracking game, is great too. Teach your kids how to use binoculars. Teach them about and give them a chance to look for birds as well. You can also combine your wildlife safari with some time in cultural areas at African villages, where they can learn bead work and crafting, or combine the tour with one that goes to the Victoria Falls or to the beach, where the family can chill together in surf and on sand. This is where we at Jewel of Africa safaris come in, as with our flexibility we can tailor make a family fun tour exactly to your specifications. Check out our website for our standard packages, but do contact us even if your needs are entirely different and let us help you to create your own unique Ideal Family & Kid Friendly African Safari.
The Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. The Eden Of Africa Returns.
Bordering South Africa and Zimbabwe, Mozambique in Africa has had a chequered and somewhat tumultuous past, particularly from a political point of view. It is now very much recovered however and once again seen as a fabulous international tourist destination, particularly with its great beaches and coastal resorts. What is not so well known is that it plays host to a myriad of wildlife and a magnificent game reserve known as Gorongosa National Park.The Eden Of Africa Returns. Return To Eden Once known as the ‘Eden of Africa,’ Gorongosa National Park is one of the finest in Africa and finally overcoming the ravages of civil war and mass poaching, it is returning now to its former glory. And what a glorious rebirth it has been after so many years of turmoil. This is currently one of the biggest and most exciting success stories of Mozambique! Some History Originally founded as a hunting reserve for Portuguese authorities in 1920, it became an official Game reserve when hunting was banned in 1960. It soon became one of the most popular too, as infrastructure and roads were developed to accommodate tourists. The demise began during the Civil war from 1964 to 1974 when some poaching took place, but fortunately it was fairly strictly preserved even in these times. Heavy poaching came however, when a rebel army based itself there following independence and hunting to feed the soldiers became the order of the day. By 1992, the park had been closed for tourism and the Elephant population had decreased from 6,000 to 300 and from 500 Lions – there were only 6 left! Respite and Rescue Finally respite came in 1996 when proper protection was afforded the park with the help of donor funds and in 2004 a US-based organisation, the Carr Foundation, set up funding for the future development of Gorongosa and tourism facilities were re-developed. Today with the translocation into the park of wildlife from other areas, the Gorongosa National Park, is reclaiming its place as one of the top safari destinations in Africa and the return to Eden has finally evolved! What Does This Eden Offer? Gorongosa is sometimes referred to as the “Serengeti of the South” and it’s no surprise as its famous floodplains are now teeming with majestic waterbuck. It’s still famous Lions now once again proudly rule the savannah and woodlands and thankfully once again huge herds of Elephant splash around in its waterholes, quenching their thirst or just taking a good bath! They keep a wary eye as they wade though on Crocodiles and Hippos and the surrounding plains are dotted with herds of African antelope of every description. There are plenty of significant smaller game too and the park has also seen the return of the endangered and always charismatic wild dogs. Mount Gorongosa, is an isolated mountain with some globally unique inhabitants, including the Mount Gorongosa Pygmy Chameleon! Why Visit Gorongosa? This is a place of great beauty with a fascinating array of wildlife and some terrain and creatures can only be seen here. Its difficult history and triumphant return to glory just makes it a special place to be. Fine, but limited accommodation options are currently on offer, but new luxury lodges like the Royal Gorongosa (Royal Portfolio) are opening later in 2019, to cater for the growing luxury safari trade, as Gorongosa National Park’s reputation as one of Africa’s finest destinations continues to grow. Mix and Match Gorongosa with The Magnificent Coast Flexibility and personal attention have always been pillars of the Jewel of Africa’s service offering and through this we can arrange tailor made packages to various parts of Mozambique. Contact us and let us arrange your unique journey to this ‘land of smiles,’ where you can combine a fun in the sun tropical island excursion, engaging in a horde of activities from scuba diving, snorkelling, water sports, fishing, sunbathing, swimming with dolphins etc.- with the thrill of an African safari at the Eden of Africa – Gorongosa National Park!
Track Gorillas In Uganda This Year!
So, you’ve been on safari have you? You say you’ve seen the ‘Big Five,’ so named because they are supposed to be the hardest wild animals in Africa to spot? I think not! Without a doubt, one of the most magnificent animals living in Africa’s wilds is to be found in the hills of primarily Uganda and Rwanda. The Silverback Gorilla Trekking. This is a different experience altogether. This is a tracking or ‘Trekking’ experience (as Africans prefer to call it) – this is not a luxury safari or guided tour, this is well supervised and safe, but an Experience with a capital ‘E!’ Come and do it – go one better than a luxury African safari – come Track Gorillas in Uganda this year! Why Uganda? Uganda simply offers the best tours and Gorilla tracking experiences that are to be had along with other sightings and activities. Treks are a bit longer, but the place is friendlier from a tourist perspective. We at Jewel of Africa safaris offer this tour only to Uganda for various reasons. One of our three pillars of excellence is Safety and given its past and less favourable circumstances, we don’t see Rwanda as an ideal option. Secondly, Jewel of Africa’s Operations manager Neil has been to Uganda recently and as your guide can offer expert advice and impart knowledge surrounding the country – always useful when visiting as a tourist. Advantages of Gorilla trekking in Uganda As already mentioned, the advantages of visiting Uganda for Gorilla trekking as opposed to the alternate Rwanda and the DRC are numerous and include: You can see more – You can combine Gorilla tracking with Chimpanzee tracking and see the tree climbing Lions of Ishasha. Also, because there are two National parks that access the treks and because the treks are longer, you get to see more in the National Parks. You can choose game drive options to combine this major experience with the usual Safari experience! You live better – There is a wider choice of accommodation and the choices are excellent! You combine the experience – Because of its situation, Uganda is more accessible to surrounding and adjacent popular tourist destinations, so package tours to wildlife and even beach areas are easier. It is an adventure – Possibly because the trek is longer here and you go through the parks and see so much, there is a real sense of having had a total adventure. When To Go The very best time to go is right now in February and September, but it is a year-round experience providing you don’t mind trekking in the rain. This too has its advantages though for photography, as the overcast conditions provide better lighting and a different feel. What’s It Like? Well the experience is surreal and sublime. You head off early and see much along the way. The trek can be taxing but the sights and smells keep you going until there’s that moment – the guide pulls back a branch of the thick undergrowth and you are suddenly face to face with one of these magnificent creatures. More often than not you come upon a whole family. You are humbled as their gentleness and innocent curiosity belies their size and strength. The babies are playful and real show-offs. Your heart skips a beat as one of the Silverbacks beat their chest as a sign of dominance or even stage a mock charge! Don’t worry you’re safe, but it is an exhilarating experience! You have just an hour of being part of these sadly now almost extinct creature’s family life and reluctantly you wind your way back to camp. A warm fire awaits as you each relate your own feelings about this incredible encounter. Now you know you’ve seen the real big one – gorillas in the mist – you’ve done it! Trekking Permits – And How To Get Them To track the mountain gorillas in Uganda you need a permit. They are purchased on a per-person, per-trek basis and a percentage of each permit goes back into the local community and park infrastructure. JOA Safaris can organize your gorilla permits for you, as obtaining it directly with the park can be hard work … and this is just one of the many things we do to ensure that this is an amazing, but well organized experience. Useful advice like recommending that you get 2 permits to do 2 trips because the first time you do so much photography that you miss half the experience, comes as part of the package, so contact us and let us create a specifically designed Uganda and surrounds experience that will see you accomplish what most people only dream about – you will TrackGorillas in Uganda this year!
Best African Beach & Safari Destination Of 2019
Mozambique, to many, is just a little-known place somewhere in Africa, but it used to be a haven of beach activity, a vacation resort of note for the surrounding territories of Zimbabwe and South Africa, the place to go for exquisite prawns and other Portuguese fare. Sadly, this was prior to the turn of the century and to it becoming a war torn political tug of war that saw the tourist industry petty much die for a period of time. But Mozambique is back! So much so in fact, that preferred African safari and guided tour operators are now including it amongst their favoured destinations and another great offering for their international tourists. Now many believe that Mozambique is your best luxury beach destination of 2019. Why Mozambique? It is really different to its neighbours, in that it has this cultural Portuguese heritage which gives it an ambience that is different and very European in a charming way. It is more of a sea, sand and sun experience than the safari experiences of its neighbours, so the combination of a South African safari and a beach extravaganza to Mozambique is popular. It boasts some of the finest beaches, hotels and cuisine and is one of the richest melting pots of cultures to be found anywhere on this vast colourful continent. There are also beautiful islands, some very unspoiled – and the place is famous for off the beaten track idyllic beaches and adventure spots, apart from the excellent standard tourist offerings of palm-fringed sands, National Parks and historic places of interest. The Best Time To Go Although Mozambique is very much a year-round destination with warm coastal tropical climate areas (maximum temperatures are only between 25 – 30°C), peak season would have to be July to October (essentially the winter months) thanks to the more pleasant temperatures than those experienced in May (which is very hot) and the rainy period of Dec to March. Easily Accessible As aforementioned, it is easily accessible from its internationally famous neighbour South Africa and a visit to the Kruger Park in South Africa is just a stone’s throw from Mozambique. A short flight from Johannesburg or Kruger National Park will transport you to Vilanculos, a much-fancied small beach town with coastal charm, beautiful beaches and great water sports! This is also the gateway to one of Mozambique’s highlights – the Bazaruto Archipelago, an amazing cluster of tropical islands and sandbar swirls, preferred by some to the mainland. What To See And Do The coastal resorts and hotels have everything that can be offered in line with a lazy, luxurious beach vacation and adventurous water sports of every kind. Apart from enjoying the beaches though, there is a wealth of ancient and recent history that many find fascinating here. The Capital city Maputo is well worth a visit and is a vibrant centre of cultural and business activity – a sort of gateway to the leisure resorts. Wonderful aromas waft across from spice markets and sidewalk cafés and its classic Mediterranean-style buildings on wide, palm-lined streets that adorn its very colonial hotels, are in contrast to its modern concrete apartment blocks. The Maputo Central Train Station is just one of the many colonial style buildings that one should see – and also explore the Fortress of Maputo and head towards Independence Square to see the neo-classical City Hall, The Iron House and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is the beauty and splendour of the aforementioned topical islands though and the dazzling white sands and crystal-clear waters where one can see and become one with abundant marine life that really brings the tourists to this place. Snorkelling and diving, between languishing on pristine beaches eating, sleeping and sipping on a tropical cocktail, is the Mozambican way, on the mainland or on the islands. The Machangulo Peninsula is a favoured secluded area of sand dune forests and unspoilt almost deserted golden beaches. This is just an hour’s boat ride from Maputo. So, mainland or islands – Which is better? Well it simply depends on the level of seclusion you desire. Are you on a real romantic getaway from it all or a ‘stay with the action’ and hope for a romantic connection vacation? In this, the month of romance, we’ll let you make that choice. What weat Jewel of Africa can help with though is to create a great package designed for your pocket and availability, your desires and preferences. For a honeymoon, fun family holiday, adventurer, explorer or history buff vacation, contact us and we’ll cater specifically for you and go out of our way to really make sure that Mozambique is your best luxury beach destination of 2019.
Travelling With Your Family: South Africa Is Now Much More Child Friendly
We have spoken often about what a great country South Africa is to enjoy a family safari or vacation. There is just so much for kids to do and learn and the thrill of encountering wildlife as a family unit can bring families together in a special way. The good news is that South Africa is also now much safer and more child friendly! There was some concern for a time in relation to very strict rules regarding the producing of Birth Certificates when travelling with children. These were set up by the South African government for the right reasons – to guard against human trafficking, a sad reality in this and of course many other parts of the world. Foreign Travel Regulations Now Relaxed Since the 2nd April this year (2019), children under 18 years of age travelling with both biological parents who are foreign visa exempt, are no longer required to carry a Birth Certificate. They now only need to carry a valid passport. Even for South African children travelling abroad; if they don’t have a birth certificate, they only need to have a passport that shows the details of one or both parents. A Word Of Caution In the interests of always being transparent and assuring our visitors are kept properly informed we must also issue a word of caution. Where both adults travelling with the child are not the biological parents, the South African Department of Home Affairs still advises you to travel with the child’s birth certificate, just in case it is asked for. This applies where the child is travelling with only one parent or with one parent who is not their biological parent. When a child is travelling unaccompanied, they still definitely need to carry their Birth Certificate with them. The Good News In accordance with the latest regulations published by the South African Department of Home Affairs these are the exemptions to all the normal documentation requirements: For more information about the newest regulations as published on the South African Department of Home Affairs’ website, please visit: www.dha.gov.za. Bring The Family on Safari So it’s official, South Africa is now much more child travel friendly… so what are you waiting for? Let us at Jewel of Africa Safaris tailor make a package for you and your family that includes all the activities both you and your kids will enjoy. Contact us to learn about the numerous destinations, safaris, guided tours and child friendly activities that are right here – just waiting to be savoured by the whole family!
Africa, Your Top Romantic Honeymoon Destination For 2019
From romantic sunsets, exciting luxury safaris, scenic splendour and a million things to do, Africa is a perfect place for lovers to start their journey of a lifetime. This article tells us why Africa is, in fact, the top honeymoon destination of 2019! Luxury Accommodation In Beautiful Locations Everywhere you go, to view the Big 5, the magnificent Cape or to remote ‘off the beaten track’ destinations to ensure privacy and something unique and special, excellent tour operators arrange the very finest world class luxury accommodation in amazingly beautiful locations. The best honeymoon is made even better by excellent staff who understand the importance of every special honeymoon vacation. Air-conditioned and sumptuously appointed rooms become your lover’s nest at a top hotel or lodge. Candle-Lit Dinners for Two Mouth-watering cuisine and discreet service on the beach or under starry skies in bush are all on offer to honeymooners. Experience exotic dishes like Kudu steaks or Ostrich stew at the fireside – or dig into Prawns and Yellowtail fish as you dig your feet into the sand on a beautiful private beach. Soak Up The Sun The weather is fantastic at pretty much all times of the year. Cool evenings are welcomed after a day in the sun and even magnificent thunderstorms are all part of the contrast and allow honeymooners to snuggle up next to warm log fires as thunder rolls across the African skies! So Where Can You Go For a Perfect Honeymoon In Africa? Just a few of the most desirable destinations that the top tour operators offer honeymooners are: Private Game Lodges for a ‘Big 5’ Safari Experience What is more romantic than the thrill of spotting the ‘Big 5’ (The 5 most difficult to spot animals) from the back of a covered 4 x 4 in the African veld? Then, cuddling together under a blanket, you head back to camp for sundowners at the fire in a traditional African boma – before feasting on sumptuous cuisine. Accommodation in 5-star lodges is world class and sheer luxury all the way. Romantic luxury suites and even tented camps – all are air conditioned, opulent and well serviced by expert staff. There are a variety of Game parks in many Southern African destinations to choose from if you travel with preferred tour operators. Cape Town Cape Town is a vibrant city surrounded by many incredible tourist features that offer Honeymooners the perfect place to idle away balmy, hazy days together. Viewing the city and surrounds from the summit of magnificent Table Mountain, whether achieved by a lover’s hike or a lazy 360-degree revolving cable car is a favourite diversion. Beautiful beaches are a favourite, where lithe, tanned bodies lounge on pristine white beaches and you can plunge into the crisp cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side of the mountain, or the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean on the other. Incredibly romantic wine tours can be taken to the best parts of the winelands in Stellenbosch or Franschoek. Sip Africa’s and some of the world’s finest bubbly and wines as you survey mountain ranges adorned with vineyards and forestry. Victoria Falls Zimbabwe is one of the preferred destinations for 2019 but especially because it features the magnificent Victoria Falls – an experience that just has to be on the bucket list of every international traveller. Breathtakingly beautiful and magnificent in its size and scale, this is a ‘world wonder’ and not surprisingly so. This is Honeymoon heaven, with so much to do, like a romantic walk through the natural rainforest formed by the huge spray from the falls, a sunset champagne cruise on the Zambezi River, viewing wildlife on the river banks – or a tandem bungee jump into a deep gorge for the adventurous! Botswana and Namibia Botswana, with its ‘off the beaten track’ amazing destinations like the Okavango Delta and the Chobe National park and Namibia with its quaint German charm and the magnificent serenity and passion of the Namib desert, are also amazing places to spend the early days of a special relationship. Flexible and versatile tour operators can actually combine all these destinations into one unforgettable honeymoon vacation or create specialist packages to create a honeymoon vacation to suite your exact specifications. Jewel of Africa Safaris is a versatile, flexible tour operator and they also offer honeymooners those essential qualities of: personal attention with absolute discretion; guaranteed safety and as already mentioned, the flexibility to take you off the beaten track if you desire it – or just let you snuggle into one heavenly spot! Contact us to learn more and find out for yourself thatAfrica truly is the top honeymoon destination in 2019, when Jewel of Africa is your chosen luxury safari and guided tour specialists!
Travelling With Children To South Africa In 2019
In the interests of always being helpful and ensuring that our valued international guests have the best possible experience when travelling in Southern Africa, we at Jewel of Africa Safaris decided to compile this article on travelling with children to South Africa in 2019. When you travel to South Africa with children younger than 18 in 2019, it is vitally important to take note of certain passport rules and extra documentation with which all international travelers need to comply. At Jewel of Africa we make it part of our service to assist all our customers with every aspect of their travel arrangements, but it is advisable for our clients to be made aware of certain arrangements in advance of travel. Why These Strict Measures? There was some confusion recently when airlines refused travel to families who were traveling without appropriate documentation for their children. To protect children against the scourge of human trafficking, certain laws have been implemented and it is important that all travelers are made aware of these. The laws were recently relaxed to a certain degree and a statement issued by the Department of Home Affairs on 5 December 2018, noted new regulations pertaining to children who are travelling to or from South Africa, stating: “From December 2018, certain categories of child travellers will be exempt from presenting supporting documents at ports of entry. However, travellers are urged to still carry these documents because they may be requested to provide these in certain instances.” What’s The Latest Update On This? If you are from a country that requires visas for travel to our country, you may in the course of the visa application, be required to provide certain documentation, like a birth certificate of your children, as part of the visa application. So, in essence, as of January 2019 these are the requirements for international travellers to South Africa, according to the Department of Home affairs: In the case of countries that endorse the particulars of parents in children’s passports, or other official identification documents, these documents shall be sufficient to establish the identity of the parents of the travelling minor. Supporting Documentation And Birth Certificates New requirements, introduced by the South African Department of Home Affairs from 1 June 2015, and updated on 1 December 2018 specify that all minors (children under 18 years of age) are required to produce, in addition to their passport, a Birth Certificate which shows the details of both parents for all international travel to and from South Africa. Children travelling into the country? • Valid passport of travelling parent and children • Visa, if required • Birth Certificate*: Where both parents are travelling accompanied by one or more of their children, such children have to produce valid passports and a Birth Certificate (BC) for each child travelling. This needs to be the original document (recommended) or a certified copy. For full details of the newest requirements for travelling with children to South Africa, please see www.dha.gov.za or follow this link. *Birth Certificate: In South Africa, a Birth Certificate (BC) is an extract from the Birth Register containing the particulars of a child and those of his or her parent or parents. BCs are official documents issued by the Department of Home Affairs in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 (Act No. 51 of 1992). All birth certificates containing the details of a child as well as the parents of the child shall be accepted for the purposes of these Requirements as BCs, regardless of the country of issue. Let Us Help You We hope that this offers some clarity to our clients and if you are travelling with children to South Africa in 2019, as far as the particulars of the Visa applications for your country are concerned, please just contact us for the latest requirements. As part of our service we remain aware of the current laws and visa requirements, or any changes to them, at all times. Remember personal service is just one of our specialities and we also pride ourselves on maintaining the flexibility to arrange a specifically designed travel package for every individual traveller. We look forward to being of assistance to you and making your Southern African visit a smooth sailing and unforgettable experience!
Jewel of Africa’s Top 2019 African Safaris Destinations & Guided Tours
International travelers who have never experienced the thrill of a predator on the hunt in the wild, or the magnificence of Victoria Falls, or majestic Table Mountain in the fairest Cape in the world, simply cannot say they have really seen the world’s best. Hereby Africa becomes a bucket list destination! For 2019, why not turn your dream to visit this exceptional place with its colourful cultures, exclusive wildlife and scenic splendors into a reality? We hope this article on Jewel of Africa’s Top 2019 African Safaris Destinations & Tours will help to guide and ultimately convince you to be our guest in the coming year. Who is Jewel of Africa Safaris? Jewel of Africa Safaris is rated as one of the top safari and guided tour operators in Southern Africa. With over 20 years’ experience, we are masters at creating your ideal luxury African holiday by providing our customised and affordable Africa luxury safari tour packages. Why Jewel of Africa Safaris? From the very first step, the booking of your Africa safari, to the final farewells filled with fond memories of a once in a lifetime experience, we believe that a top-rated tour operator needs to offer personalised attention and flexibility. Every journey booked with us can be tailor-made for your convenience and the personalised nature of our itineraries ensures 7-star service and flexibility. At Jewel of Africa one of our pillars of focus is every customer’s safety and peace of mind. All vehicles are fully authorised & insured to carry international tourists and we use only experienced, registered and medically cleared tourist- and nature guides. All guides and drivers have professional driver’s permits and are trained first aid practitioners. We are expert exponents of luxury safari experiences in every respect. All excursions are conducted using luxury sedans, microbuses and 4-seater luxury busses, ‘Rovos Rail’ luxury trains, Lear jets, twin-engine executive aircraft and helicopters. All accommodation is first class, from private lodges to luxurious tented camps, it’s air-conditioning, sublime comfort and sumptuous cuisine at every stop. Our Suggested Top African Destinations For 2019 Zimbabwe Recently rated by one of the world’s most popular travel guides Lonely Planet in third place on their ‘Top 10 Countries primed to capture travellers’ imaginations in 2019,’ this is what they had to say about Zimbabwe: “Not only is it one of Africa’s safest destinations, it’s one blessed with ultra-friendly locals, Big Five-filled national parks, World Heritage-listed archaeological ruins, forested mountains and, of course, the mighty Victoria Falls.” That pretty much sums up the magic of this magnificent tourist destination, once beset by political woes, but now welcoming and safe and one of the greatest places to visit for many reasons. Click here to read: Zimbabwe, The Number One African Vacation Destination for 2019. Our Zimbabwean 12-Day Tour Jewel of Africa’s excellent 12 day luxury tour to Zimbabwe combines all of the top destinations within this beautiful country, including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools National Park. These offer you access to magnificent waterfalls, wildlife-rich wilderness, vast lakes and the chance to experience wildlife and scenic wonders alongside the majestic Zambezi River. Famous for taking you off the beaten path and suggesting some side attractions, may we suggest in this case a magnificent helicopter flip over the Victoria Falls? You can almost feel the spray and hear the thunder of this incredible world wonder. What about a walk with lions for the brave, or white-water rafting on the Zambezi River for the adventurous? Find out why a luxury Zimbabwe safari must be your first priority in 2019. Botswana Beautiful Botswana. It is a unique and special place. Its array of cultures and vast range of unspoilt natural wildlife sanctuaries are diverse and inviting for both local and international tourists. A prosperous county with untold wealth, it still retains the unspoilt beauty of its natural areas. Botswana plays host to amazing and unique destinations like the Kalahari Desert, the world-renowned Okavango Delta and the Chobe National Park, one of the best in the world. These are places so unspoilt and vast, with such an array of beautiful wildlife, that they can really take your breath away. Find out more about Botswana’s most recommended safari destinations for 2019. Our Next 12-Day Tour The Jewel of Africa 12 day tour to Botswana includes the Chobe National Park (including the Savute region) and the Okavango Delta mentioned above, as well as the beautiful, vast, unspoilt Makgadikgadi Pans. This all-inclusive safari offers you luxury accommodation, effortless travelling and incredibly scenic destinations combined with unrivalled land-and water-based game viewing. As a matter of interest, the Chobe Lodge is excellent and luxurious, offering a gym and a Spa where one can enjoy some relaxation and self-pampering between all the thrills! Namibia Namibia is a unique and fascinating place. With German origins and German influences, it hosts the Kalahari Desert, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park and the Na’ankuse Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a place of massive contrasts where you can explore the oldest, driest desert in the world and take time to listen to the silence and to your soul. Then climb the highest sand dunes in the world before you descend to the floor of the deepest canyon in Africa! Visit a German-inspired town where ocean waves and sand dunes merge into one. Namibia has it all. Find out more about the famous Etosha Pans – Namibia’s Great Wildlife Sanctuary. Our Namibian 12-Day Tour The Jewel of Africa 12 day tour to Namibia includes visits to all these aforementioned attractions and the Safari combines luxury accommodation, high levels of service and hospitality with incredible scenery and unforgettable experiences. All the while, as with all our personalised tours, you’re in the presence of your private Jewel of Africa Safaris tour guide who accompanies you and shares his experiences with you along the way. A few extra attractions here include hot air ballooning at Sossusvlei; quad biking the dunes and a visit to a Seal colony at Cape cross. South Africa This is our flagship destination and what a country it is! Alive with some of the most magnificent
