How To Book Your Perfect African Luxury Safari For 2019
So, you’ve finally made the decision to make Africa your preferred destination for 2019, but you don’t know what to do next? Well, for that honeymoon, family vacation, conference trip, or for whatever reason you may have decided to visit, we at Jewel of Africa Safaris can certainly help you to make the best choices along the way. Booking a luxury African safari involves a little forethought and of course assistance from experienced, flexible luxury safari tour operators like us. The more we know about exactly what you expect from this once in a lifetime experience, the more we can help you to achieve it. This article on ‘how to book your perfect African luxury Safari in 2019’ is therefore a sort of check-list of what you need to consider long before you leave home. Where Do You Want To Go? – Your Destination Jewel of Africa offers our clients access to a large range of destinations in Southern Africa. You can choose from any of our packaged tours, or we can combine different destinations to create a tailor-made package for you. The four main destination countries we can assist with are South Africa (Our home base), Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. They all offer uniquely different attractions and budget permitting we can combine great experiences in any of these places. Favourites are, for example, combining a wildlife safari in the Kruger National Park in South Africa with a trip to Zimbabwe’s world wonder Victoria Falls, or combining a water-based wildlife experience in the Okavango Delta in Botswana with a visit to Cape Town and another world wonder Table Mountain. Check out our destinations and Safaris and Tours on our website for more information on the range of options, or speak to us about your personal preferences. What Do You Want to See? The thrill of a predator’s kill may not be your preference and you may be someone who just wants to be surrounded by the beauty and wonder offered by so many of our destinations. The panoramic views of the Eastern highlands, the magnificent scenery of the Garden Route and majestic Table Mountain, all found in South Africa are breath-taking, but equally so is the incredible sight of the spray that rises from the thunderous Victoria falls and the absolute serenity you feel when in the Kalahari desert or on the salt pans of Botswana. Let us know which of these you would really like to see, or maybe combine a thrilling safari with a spectacular scenic experience? What Do You Want to Do? You may be the type who’s bored to tears by game viewing and finds scenic wonders as exciting as watching paint dry. Action and activities are your thing and you want to do it all! From some of the highest natural bungee jumps in the world, to hot air ballooning over vast expanses, helicopter flips over the Victoria Falls, white water rafting, sliding over natural forests on a ‘Foefie’ slide or hiking up Table Mountain – Africa has all this and so much more! If you are keen on more leisurely activities like visiting cultural villages or relaxing in Spas, we take you where you want to go, to do what you want to do, so just decide what will really float your boat! When Do You Want To Be Here? Remember to always check with your tour operator when is the best time of year to be travelling in relation to what you want to be doing. Game viewing in most of the game reserves should generally not be in the hottest or coldest months of the year, but in early spring when many of the animals are being born, or in our very temperate Southern African autumn, better known to our American friends as the ‘fall’. If you’re one for beaches and barbecues however, you will enjoy the summer months at the coast, and if you’re one for many of the extreme activities you would probably prefer to be doing those sorts of things in our winter months. Remember in most of Southern Africa, even winters days can be in the 20 to 30 degree centigrade plus area! How Much Do You Want To Spend? The time of year you choose to visit Africa can also influence your spending and one of the greatest things about our flexibility at Jewel of Africa Safaris is that we consider everyone’s budget and advise accordingly with regard to pre-set or tailor-made packages. We have ‘Classic,’ ‘Luxury’ and ‘Privately Guided’ budget categories and because we know our destinations so well, we know the best value to be had wherever you choose to go. Years of building relationships with lodges and suppliers of every nature mean that we can pass on many savings to our valued customers, so let us advise you and ensure you get the best value throughout your tour. Who Are You Going to Call? – Your Luxury Safari Experts From the moment you make contact with us, we at Jewel of Africa Safaris will begin to assist you, become your travel planning partners and assist you all the way in booking your perfect African luxury Safari in 2019. We pride ourselves on personalised service, personal safety (an absolute must with every tour) and personally tailored tours. Flexibility is the keyword, so once you have considered the factors discussed here and pass your preference on to us, we can ensure your African Luxury safari experience in 2019 will be a truly unforgettable one!
Why A Luxury Zimbabwe Safari Must Be Your First Priority In 2019
It is a land of contrasts and extraordinary beauty. It has everything any international traveller would like to encounter in one safari. Despite its previous reputation as a country beset with political turmoil and economic woes, Zimbabwe today has put all that in the past and offers you one of the finest safari destination packages on the planet. So confident are we at Jewel of Africa Safaris that this is already one fo the top priority places in Africa to visit, we have compiled a top 10 shortlist of the many great reasons to do so. It’s a Highly Rated Safari Destination Zimbabwe is an excellent emerging safari destination. Our enthusiasm about the extraordinary place we believe it to be was recently echoed by Lonely Planet, one of the world’s most popular travel guides, when they rated Zimbabwe in third place on their ‘Top 10 Countries primed to capture travellers’ imaginations in 2019!’ Superb Year-Round Weather It has one of the most temperate climates in the World. Certainly, there are areas that can get warm and in the Eastern highlands one can cool down, but the average temperatures almost year-round hover between the 20 – 30 degrees centigrade mark. The beginning of 2019 is in fact glorious summer – so what are you waiting for? The People Are Welcoming Welcoming is even an understatement. By nature, hospital people, Zimbabweans as a nation, in the interests of rekindling their once booming tourism industry, are united in being warm, welcoming and as helpful as possible to any international or local traveller. A Central Safari Destination With easy access to the surrounding similarly great safari destinations of, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, Zimbabwe is a very central base from which one can easily execute great multiple stop packages. The Zimbabwe Tourism Offering is One of The Best in Africa World renowned safari destinations like the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls, the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Kariba and the wildlife reserve with the largest elephant population in the world, Hwange National Park, make Zimbabwe a place of literally unbeatable safari attractions! High Levels Of Service And Hospitality At Excellent Lodges With a high level of service, hospitality and superb accommodation offerings, Zimbabwe is now highly rated amongst preferred tour operators as one of the most hospitable places to visit. With new luxury safari lodges constantly being built and old ones being upgraded, Zimbabwe, and its lodges, managed by some of the best safari companies in the world, is a place that people often return to. Zimbabwe Boasts With 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites This is something of a major achievement for such a small country. Two of these include the aforementioned Victoria Falls and Mana Pools National Park, situated on the banks of the famed Zambezi River. A Well-Developed Transport Network Access to and in Zimbabwe during your safari is excellent with international flights to the main cities and a well maintained network of road, rail and charter flight transportation from destination to destination within the country. Great ‘Off The Beaten Track’ Extras With easy access to incredible rivers, the finest waterfalls, a great diversity of wildlife and bird life and many beautiful scenic landscapes, Zimbabwe has so much more to offer than just the renowned favourite spots. Let Jewel of Africa take you there. Excellent Tailor-Made Safari Packages That is exactly the beauty of dealing with a flexible, personalised guided tour and Safari company like Jewel of Africa. We are preferred operators in Zimbabwe and will take you off the beaten track, or to any favoured destination, combining the destinations you personally choose within the scope of your preferred travel times and availability. If these 10 reasons Zimbabwe should be your first 2019 vacation have whet your appetite to join us in the coming year, then contactus to learn more and let us start to create the vacation that will capture your imagination and your heart for many years to come.
Zimbabwe, The Number One African Safari Destination For 2019
Zimbabwe, the number one African safari destination, not always in the headlines for the right reasons, is in fact a very safe, magnificent safari destination and was recently rated by one of the world’s most popular travel guides LonelyPlanet in third place on their ‘Top 10 Countries primed to capture travellers’imaginations in 2019!’ This is what Lonely Planet had to say: “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.” Yes, this certainly is a great place to visit for many reasons and here we take a closer look at why Zimbabwe is your ‘must visit’ African safari destination for 2019! It is in the first place a simply beautiful African country, not large but with many worlds in one, from the eastern highlands where lush green forest-filled mountains beckon, trout fishermen and trail riders, to the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Kariba, and of course it co-hosts, with neighbours Zambia, the magnificent Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country and borders South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia. The two main cities of Harare and Bulawayo are vibrant business hubs and the two main indigenous African tribes are the Shona and Matabele people, all warm, welcoming and of course today sophisticated, well-educated inhabitants of this colourful place of many cultures, contrasts and most importantly great places to visit! Victoria Falls National Park – Victoria Falls One of the seven Natural Wonders of the world, The Victoria Falls makes a thundering 108m drop into the narrow Batoka Gorge, where there’s white-water rafting and bungee-jumping on offer, just two of the of exciting activities that one can enjoy here once you have recovered from the jaw dropping first sight of these magnificent natural falls! It is one of the widest waterfalls in Africa, over a mile wide and the spray it produces has created a narrow strip of dense rainforest around the falls. It’s beautiful to walk on top of the gorge and the sound of the falls can be heard for miles, hence its local name ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya,’ which is ‘The Smoke that Thunders.’ Along a guided walk, you can see and photograph the beauty and magnificence of it all from 16 viewpoints. Some of these take you right to the edge of the precipice, quite a heart-pounding experience! Other recommended Victoria Falls safari activities include helicopter flights, tandem sky dives and many extreme sport and other leisure pastimes. Best time to go: March to September The Zambezi River A favourite additional activity, while on safari in Victoria Falls, is a serene sunset cruise along the Zambezi River where wildlife like Hippo, Crocodile and Elephant can be spotted in the water and along the river bank as you sip on champagne and cocktails. Fishing is extremely popular here and the Zambezi National Park is a great game reserve with wildlife a plenty, many bird species and one of the largest herds of the rare Sable antelope in Africa. White-water rafting, Kayaking and Canoeing trips are also favourites. Western Region – Hwange National Park This is an excellent, relatively unspoilt wildlife safari reserve and is one the largest on the planet! It is just 1 hour’s drive south of Victoria Falls, however we will recommend a longer stay of a minimum of 3 nights here. Hwange National Park, pronounced ‘Wang-ee’, has a ridiculous amount of wildlife. Some 400 species of bird and 107 types of animal can be found in the park, including lions, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs. But the elephant is what really defines Hwange, being home to one of the world’s largest populations of around 40,000 tuskers. Hwange offers visitors on safari access to incredible morning and afternoon game drives, bush walks, birding expeditions and some lodges also boast with sunken game viewing hides and lodge-based waterholes, so you don’t have to travel far to see amazing animals from up close. The accommodation here ranges from mid-range to luxury, so you are spoilt with a choice of all different kinds of accommodation, including those offered by some of the world’s best eco-tourism companies. Best time to go: May to October (best wildlife viewing from July to October). Northern Region – Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park The largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Kariba is fisherman’s paradise and a game lover’s dream come true. Glorious sunsets and balmy summer days as you cruise to see the sights or just wait for a bite, make this is a piece of heaven on earth. For those more interested in safaris, when the lake was created, the Kariba valley’s prolific game was concentrated on its islands and southern shore, where the Matusadona National Park was created. Birding, canoeing and photographic safaris are just a few of the large range of activities on offer here including plenty of extreme sports like Abseiling, White river rafting, Elephant trails, Hydro speeding and River boarding ….to mention just a few! Best time to go: July to October Northern Region – Mana Pools National Park This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its protected wilderness and is widely considered one of Zimbabwe’s finest parks. There is little mystery as to why. Mana Pools is remote and delivers a true sense of being in the wild. The park is renowned for its position on the Zambezi River, massive elephants and healthy lion population. This is one park in Zimbabwe where you’re guaranteed close encounters with plenty of hippos, crocs, zebras and elephants and are almost guaranteed to see lions and possibly wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs. With beautiful, intimate luxury camps to stay at and land- and water-based safari activities like their famed boat cruises, game drives, canoe safaris and bush walks, Mana Pools National Park is a safari jewel that one cannot ignore when visiting Zimbabwe. Best time to go: April to September (closed in the rainy season from December to March). Speaking of jewels, we at Jewel of Africa
What We Love About South Africa – Recommended Wildlife Safari Destinations And Game Reserves
The tourist industry in South Africa is massive and not without reason. There are spectacularly beautiful places to see and visit, ranging from green mountainous highlands to flatlands of beautiful unspoilt veld stretching for miles. With the spectacular scenic Garden Route drive to Cape Town, home of Table Mountain and serenely beautiful winelands and beaches, South Africa has much to offer. Without doubt though, the biggest drawcard for tourists both locally and internationally is the exhilarating experience of driving in an open safari vehicle through the bush, seeking encounters with Africa’s wildest creatures! ‘Big 5’ hunting they call it and it feeds the soul with a sense of peace and excitement that keeps people coming back time after time. There are a couple of Game Reserves, preferred Safari destinations, which showcase these wild animals and birds and provide the perfect, sometimes luxurious, sometimes rough and ready, Safari experiences. This article takes a look at just a handful of the best of them. They are all different and have their own unique magic. The Kruger National Park The largest and best known, the Kruger National Park, is an institution in South Africa when it comes to wildlife preservation and tourism on a massive scale. The world-renowned Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and is definitely one of the must-visit destinations in South Africa. This is a wildlife sanctuary like no other, offering magical unpredictability and endless wilderness that is the true quality of Africa. This is the land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, Amarula and mopane trees underneath which lurk the Big Five, and more species of mammals and birds than any other African Game Reserve. Visitors to the Kruger also have the option of taking drives in their own vehicles as opposed to the more common traditional ‘Game drive’ with a Game ranger. Guided walks are also available. Accommodation is plentiful in a range of camps, but so popular is this park that it is advisable to have your preferred Safari tour operators book well in advance! Mapungubwe National Park Located where the Shashi and Limpopo Rivers join, Mapungubwe National Park borders South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe and is unique by way of the rich fossil deposits, Bushman rock art and gold artefacts of ancient civilisations that once lived in this region. For this reason, it is a National monument. Its wildlife population is as different and diverse as its scenery, with giant baobab trees, riverine forests and associated flood plains providing an intriguing habitat for them. The Pilanesberg Game Reserve Covering over 55,000 hectares this is one of the better-known game reserves to international tourists because of its proximity to Johannesburg and the famous ‘Sun City’ tourist destination. It is substantial though, being the fourth largest in the country and also home to the ‘Big 5.’ Interestingly it rests within the zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, and so unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone. Visitors to Pilanesberg can stay in any of the 3 to 5 star lodges that are located within the Park, including the more exclusive, private lodges. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Also host to the Big Five, this magnificent wildlife preservation area in the heart of Zululand is renowned for its extremely ‘up close and personal’ sightings. With viewing hides at pans and waterholes and trails that go deep into the bush, many rate this as one of the premier Safari destinations. This is the oldest reserve in South Africa, where King Shaka hunted and initiated the first preservation laws. Addo Elephant National Park Uniquely different, a favourite with tourists and located in close proximity to the Garden Route and the city of Port Elizabeth, the Addo Elephant Park is actually the third largest park in the country. Founded in 1931, to provide a sanctuary for the eleven remaining Elephants in the area, the park has proved to be very successful and currently hosts more than 600 elephants and a large number of other mammals. It is one of the very few wildlife areas very close to a City and this makes it more accessible to locals and tourists alike. Madikwe Private Game Reserve Regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and also offering sightings of all the Big 5 in a 750sqm park, Madikwe Game Park is the fifth largest in South Africa and offers a number of luxurious lodges as well as community lodges in a malaria- free zone. Situated against the Botswana border close to the Kalahari Desert and fairly close to Johannesburg, the park is home to approximately 66 large mammals and roughly 300 bird species. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Located between South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park boasts vast open desert spaces and endless horizons, with a truly unspoilt and special eco-system. Despite frequent drought and an extreme climate, Kgalagadi nurtures a great abundance of wildlife, including the famous black-maned Kalahari Lions, Gemsbok, Springbok and colourful raptors soaring through forever blue skies. Accommodation ranges from fully furnished cottages to modest bungalows and even camping areas. These then are just a handful of South Africa’s best Safari and Game Reserves and we at Jewel of Africa Safaris, who pride ourselves on our tailor made tours, would be happy to ensure we include the ones that you would like to visit in your personalised package. Take a look on our website at the various Luxury Safari and guided tour experiences available or contactus to find out why we are regarded as one of South Africa’s preferred Guided and luxury Safari tour operators. Let us help you to experience the thrill of an African bush encounter!
Desert To Delta – Jewel Of Africa Safaris’ Most Recommended Destinations In 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. Botswana plays host to amazing and unique safari destinations. Places so unspoilt and vast, with such an array of beautiful wildlife, that these special destinations can really take your breath away. A visit to Africa is simply not complete without including Botswana in your African safari itinerary. In this article we take a closer look at a few of these unique safari destinations when visitingBotswana. The Kalahari Desert Deserts may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but apart from the beautifully sculptured wind shaped terracotta dunes, as a wildlife enthusiast, you can see an array of desert creatures, designed to live in these harsh and hot conditions. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve One of the world’s largest, is just one park where you can see 320 species of mammals and birds alone. These include the black-maned Kalahari Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Giraffe, Hyenas and Wild dogs, to name just a few of the larger predators and the smaller game include the famous Meerkats, Honey badgers, Porcupines and Aardvarks. The Makgadikgadi Pans Staying with vast open spaces and those who love to cruise for miles with 4 x 4 vehicles, these amazing salt pans seem to go on forever with an indeterminable horizon separating only flat earth and sky. The renowned Pans are the dried up remains of a great lake in North-Eastern Botswana, but safari lovers will enjoy sightings of Zebra, Wildebeest and their predators. This is the place to stay where you’ll feel as far away from civilization as you’ll ever be! The Okavango Delta A maze of sparkling lagoons, meandering channels and overgrown islands teeming with wildlife, Botswana’s Okavango Delta lies like a sparkling jewel at the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Known as “the river that never finds the sea”, crystal clear channels spread over the thirst lands of the Kalahari with their papyrus-fringed banks and fertile floating islands. Adapted for a life in and out of water, the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga antelope are found in this watery wilderness. Lion, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog share the floodplains with large herds of elephant and buffalo. This is one of Botswana’s premier safari destinations and certainly its most well-known. Safari lovers prefer to visit in the dry season when the wildlife is spectacular and bountiful. Apart from Rhino, who have been introduced to the area, but not always seen, the remainder of Africa’s Big Five, the Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo, are all easily spotted. One of the world’s largest deltas, the Okavango invites you to partake in a unique safari tour spotting wildlife from the safety of a traditional canoe (better known as a ‘mokoro’) and then camp overnight. This is a special experience and simply can’t be missed when visiting Botswana on Safari. Chobe National Park Chobe National Park, one of the largest Parks in Botswana is situated in north-east Botswana on the banks of the Chobe River. Due to Chobe National Park’s location close to some of the Africa’s most visited natural attractions, this is an ideal safari destination. The Park is biologically diverse and boasts with the highest concentration of elephants in the world. The wildlife and scenery can be enjoyed during game drives, bush walks and boat cruises which are on offer at all lodges and hotels. Originally home to the San Bushmen, with sections of marshland, flood plains, savannah, grassland, woodland and two rivers, the Chobe National Park is incredibly diverse and makes up some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. In 1957, Chobe became the first National Park in Botswana and driving tours and boat excursions along the river are both great ways to see the myriad of indigenous game that inhabit this park. Tsodilo Hills Here the Sans people have dwelled for over for over 30,000 years and their 4,500 cave paintings created thousands of years ago date back as far as 500 AD. These hills have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to this fascinating history and have, tongue in cheek, been named the ‘Louvre of the desert!’ Moremi Game Reserve This special reserve, considered one of the most beautiful in Africa, is part of the Okavango Delta and consists of a network of waterways surrounding two large islands. Moremi Game Reserve can be found in the eastern section of the Okavango Delta and is an excellent safari destination. The Reserve is one of the most spectacular wildlife conservancies in Botswana, where an abundance of wildlife moves around freely. The unique landscape features a unique mix of dry ecosystems as well as wetlands. Among the roamers of the bush are the Big Five, but this is also a hotspot for a profusion of unique bird species. It is a pristine wilderness area, where birdlife is prolific and varied, with over 500 species ranging from water birds to forest dwellers. Elephants too are numerous, as well as buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, jackal and the full range of antelope. Savuti Region – Chobe The Savuti is an area in Chobe National Park which borders the Okavango Delta to the west and Chobe National Park to the east and is one of Africa’s best known big game areas. Famous for its mysterious Savuti Channel which flows and subsides seemingly with no relation to rainfall, Savuti National Park is wild, remote and full of exceptional wildlife spotting. It’s here you can see one of Africa’s incredible migrations as thousands of zebras make the journey to the Savuti for the lush grass during November and December and the dry season is a great time to spot prides of lions hunting prey collecting around the shrinking waterholes. Savuti is famous for its predators, especially its resident lion and spotted hyena populations. The game-viewing can be exceptional, and the wide variety of activities make this an area
A Night Drive In Kruger – Your Gateway To A Unique Wildlife World!
Imagine, it is pitch dark. The stars above are brilliant and the milky way seems to go on forever, but around you can see nothing but the huge shadows that surround your game drive vehicle. So close you can smell them, you can scarcely breathe. Finally, you hear the foliage snapping under their feet as the elephant herd moves away and you breathe a sigh of relief. It is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. You have experienced something similar by day, but a night drive brings a whole new dimension to wildlife encounters. Now you know why a night drive in the in the Kruger park offers you access to a new wildlife world. What Is A Night Drive? Many international tourists may not even be aware that night drives are available to them and what they are. There are different ways that wild animals can be viewed in the Greater Kruger National Park – either in your own vehicle by day and the best time to go is at sunrise or sunset, but you are restricted to when you need to be in your camp areas and there are many side roads that only professional game rangers are permitted to take in 4 x 4 vehicles. You can also take walks with professional game rangers. Professional safari companies like Jewel of Africa Safaris also offer a night drive experience. Usually this will depart in the late afternoon and you will only arrive back at camp after dark and therefore part of the drive is a ‘night drive.’ Why Take A Night Drive? A night drive is an enthralling and entirely different experience. Because wildlife is accustomed to the headlights of vehicles – you go out using powerful hand held spotlights and look for many creatures that are usually only seen by night. The stars are also spectacularly beautiful in the veld by night and there is an atmosphere that is electric as you often don’t know what you will encounter. What Do You Need? Even when it is very warm by day, an open sided vehicle by night in the veld can get very cold. Dress warmly and the Game rangers will usually pack blankets for extra warmth and of course plenty hot drinks! Obviously the spotlight is a must and have cameras that can take good pictures in the light of the spotlight. Don’t use flashes particularly in a close encounter as this can ‘spook’ the game! What Will You See? Prepare to see a myriad of ‘nightlife’ (Wildlife only usually seen by night) as you drive slowly through the bush. Eyes glow out from the dark as the spotlight picks up night creatures. Some are transfixed, but many instantly move away. These include some of the predators like the Leopard, much more of a nocturnal creature and very elusive by day – and some of the other smaller cats. Hyaena, Wild dogs and a number of other scavengers are opportunistic and prefer to operate under the cover of darkness and are therefore much more commonly seen at night. Beautiful, mysterious Owl’s eyes stare back as you encounter them in the branches of the trees. The spotted Eagle owl is one of the most common and other nocturnal birdlife, like Nightjars can also be seen. The African ‘bush baby’ or Galagos – is a type of monkey also with huge eyes and another of the creatures seen only by night, so a night drive in the Kruger Park certainly is a whole new world! We at Jewel of Africa safaris have several packages that include visits to the Kruger National Park, so why not visit our website to learn more? – Or contact us and we will ensure you can create any package specifically tailor made to suit your vacation requirements.
The Garden Route – A Spectacular Scenic Adventure!
The route stretches from the beautiful resort of Storms River and the lovely Tsitsikamma forest on the South Eastern coast of South Africa’s ‘Cape’ provinces to Mossel Bay, close to the ‘Mother City’ at the southernmost point of Africa – Cape Town. It is a renowned scenic drive, one of the finest in the World. Along the way you experience lush green forests and miles of beautiful beaches along a coastline that offers the best of everything – beauty, entertainment, amazing sightings, wonderful wildlife and still more to see and do just off the beaten track. Best visited in the summer season between September and March, there are many reasons to ensure this is part of your South African self-guided or guided tour experience. Whether you a golfer, a surfer, an adrenaline junkie, a wildlife lover, or someone who just wants to chill, take in sublime scenery, eat the Cape’s finest foods and have endless fun – the Garden Route has it all! So let’s take a look at just a few of the things that can be seen and experienced as you take the drive of your dreams along the Garden route – a spectacular motoring adventure! Vibrant, Beautiful Coastal Towns All along the way you are tempted to pull in and take in the sights and great tourist attractions in each of many coastal resort towns. Just a few of the favourites are: Knysna – right at the heart of the Garden Route, Knysna boasts the famed Knysna forests, Knysna Heads, the annual Oyster festival and the vibrant fun filled waterfront. What makes this place all the more mysterious is the mystery of the seldom seen, but present Knysna forest elephants. George – one of the largest towns along the Garden Route, with the Outeniqua Mountains forming a perfect backdrop to this urban settlement. Do drop in for some shopping at the local Garden Route Mall or botanical beauty at the local Botanical Garden. This is also the departure point for domestic flights to the rest of South Africa. Plettenberg Bay – miles of stunning beaches, hikes, great restaurants and lively entertainment venues, ‘Plett’ as the locals call it is both a local and international favourite hangout for the jet setters. Wilderness – with its lovely laid-back village and forests abuzz with abundant birdlife, this is a favourite for those seeking peace and tranquility, right on the Touws River Lagoon and in close proximity to all the activities that the Wilderness National Park has to offer. St Francis Bay – an even quieter part of the route – a sublimely beautiful retreat with white-washed cottages, teeming rock pools and fantastic surf! Extreme And Leisure Activities Not To Be Missed There is so much to see and do along this short 200 kilometre stretch of scenic drive that it’s hard to decide where to stop, but a few suggestions are these favourites: A Bungee Jump Off The Bloukrans Bridge – the highest in Africa at 216 metres! The Tsitsikamma Forest – beautiful forestry that stretches for miles – a walk to remember Wilderness Lagoon and Touws River – Surrounded by the Wilderness village and nearby beaches, this lagoon and river offers tourists the perfect place to canoe, swim and hike along its shoreline. The nearby Wilderness rest camp is also situated on the river. Knysna Lagoon – an array of water sports and activities and a visit to the KnysnaHeads Kaaimans Gorge – in the Wilderness National Park – An abseiler’s dream flight, along an amazing waterfall, only to land in a canoe below! Garden Route National Park and crossing the Storms River Bridge – from hiking to boat cruises and kayaking, there’s so much to see and do here The Otter Trail – a world renowned hiking experience, along 43 kilometers of beautiful beaches and rivers over 4 days Oudtshoorn – a little off the beaten track, but the famed Ostrich races and the spectacular Cango Caves nearby, are worth taking this diversion from the main Garden Route! We hope this article on the Garden route – a spectacular motoring adventure has convinced you to tour our beautiful land of diversity and amazing experiences. We at Jewelof Africa safaris, as always, can design a package to cater for your specific needs and we offer this garden route adventure as part of our many standard packages to the Cape. Contact us or visit our website to find out more about our personalised, tailor made Southern African luxury safari and guided tour experiences.
Walking With The White Rhinos Of ‘Mosi-Oa-Tunya’ In Zambia
Mosi-oa-Tunya’ means the ‘smoke that thunders’ and this nickname has been given to the world-renowned Victoria Falls. These falls are hosted both by Zimbabwe and Zambia in the Southern-central region of Africa, but on ‘the Zambian side’ as it is known, this is also the name of the National Park where just a few surviving White Rhinos can roam without fear. It is truly sad that creatures that once roamed so freely and in such abundance now need to be constantly guarded in protected areas to avoid their mass slaughter and total distinction. This is the reality of the plight of the African Rhino population, both Black and white and the result of this terrible scourge we call rhino poaching! Due to the fact that their very existence is something of a miracle and because they have become so acclimatised to people in their safe space, that walking with the white Rhinos of ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ in Zambia has become something quite special and revered by tourists to the area. The White Rhinos at ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ Zambia once had a healthy population of several thousand Black Rhinos, which due to this poaching scourge were almost wiped out. To balance things out, in 2008, the Zambia Wildlife Authority successfully relocated four White Rhinos from South Africa to Mosi-oa-Tunya to create a new population close to Livingstone on the north side of the Zambezi River. The river is their natural northern boundary, so technically the park’s Rhinos live outside the species’ traditional range. Today, as a result of a successful breeding programs and 24/7 protection, more than 10 White Rhinos reside within the park’s 26 square miles. These rhinos are protected 24 hours a day by armed guards and you will have the opportunity to spend some quality time with these animals. Walking with The Rhinos Visitors to Victoria Falls have the opportunity to track and spend time with these amazing creatures. The overall period of the visit is about 4 hours, of which about 2 hours is actual walking time. It starts early – 6-30 am in summer and 7-15 am in winter. You will be collected from your hotel and enjoy a short road transfer to the park entrance for registration and a briefing. You will be given the do’s and don’ts as obviously these are still wild animals and should be treated with respect. You will then proceed on a short game drive to the area where the Rhino have been located. Here you do the specific ‘walk briefing’ and then start the game walk. It is fascinating and you feel like you are spending some “quality time” with these magnificent creatures. You are also likely to get some pretty exceptional photos as this is really and ‘up close and personal’ experience. We will also look for and be informed about other game and learn a little bit about the flora and fauna of the area. Time stands still and the experience is sublime. As the day progresses you are met with cool drinks and transferred to your picnic spot for snacks, after which you reluctantly drive out the park and back to your hotel. We at Jewelof Africa Safaris have excellent packages for trips to the Victoria Falls and other exotic locations very close by. One of the things we pride ourselves on and a typical example of our flexibility, would be to take a side excursion to go walking with the white Rhinos of ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ in Zambia if that’s what you desired as a part of a tailor made package just for you. Contact us to find out about the many great Safari and guided tour packages we have to some of the best destinations in the world. Our beautiful Rhino population really needs your support. Come and help us to help these beautiful, but tragically threatened members of Africa’s famous ‘Big 5’ start to re-populate and grow in number again. We await you. Africa awaits you – and our Rhinos are waiting to walk with you!
Iconic National Parks Of Zimbabwe – Hwange And Mana Pools
One of the premier destinations on the African continent, certainly within its southern regions is Zimbabwe. Famous for the world renowned ‘world wonder’ Victoria Falls, it is less well known internationally for 2 of its superb National Parks. These are places of preservation for the precious wildlife of the country, some of it sadly endangered and of course a vital part of Zimbabwe’s massive tourist industry. Many of South Africa’s preferred luxury safari operators include Zimbabwe in package tours as it borders South Africa, Zambia and Botswana, all neighbours with exciting guided tour and safari destinations. For the purposes of this article though let’s explore these two Iconic National Parks of Zimbabwe – Hwange and Mana Pools… Hwange National park This is a place of stunning beauty – the African veld at its best with dry Savannah plains dotted with palm trees where Zebra, antelope and Wildebeest can run free, until stalked and brought down by predators. Here and there clusters of rocky outcrops and trees host the elusive Leopard and playful monkeys. This is ‘big 5’ country where lion, leopard and cheetah are regularly seen, and night drives reveal the smaller nocturnal predators – Serval and Civet Cats and bat-eared foxes. Other special species include Sable, buffalo and eland who can easily be spotted on the open plains. 18 times the size of New York City, at 5,657 square miles, it has an estimated 50,000 elephants, a really impressive population, many of which are in large breeding herds of up to 300. These are seen throughout the park and are a favourite at the waterholes dotted throughout. There are also more than 100 different kinds of mammals and an estimated 400 bird species living in the scrub-land. The lodges available in the park are luxurious and superb and rival any of the award-winning establishments in neighboring South Africa and Botswana. Here you can enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, bush walks and even sleep-outs in star beds or stay at the lodge and enjoy the view onto the lodge waterhole or wait for the perfect photography opportunity in one of the hides. Most importantly, visiting Zimbabwe and supporting place like Hwange is an important way to help control the devastating poaching of Elephant and Rhino for their ivory tusks and horns. Mana Pools National Park Mana Pools National Park is also impressively populated with a myriad of Africa’s finest wildlife species and is one of the few places, where, at your own risk you can safari in a vehicle or on foot! The park encompasses the Zambezi River, flood plains and rocky escarpments and is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. This place leaves the impression of stepping through a time warp to prehistoric times and comes highly recommended as a place which is unique and original. The Park’s luxury lodges are all situated on the Zambezi River, with stunning views of the mountains of Angola beyond. Here, the magic of the River and the Park can be enjoyed during game drives, bush walks, canoe trips and boat cruises. During game drives you can expect to see members of the Big 5 and a variety of plains game. The river teems with hippo’s and crocodiles, and your river guide will safely steer you away from them while on your canoe or boat. The boat cruises are a perfect way to experience the beauty of the River at sunset, as well as the colony of Carmine Bee-eaters that breed here in summer. Being so close to the water and the wildlife you will feel an amazing calm and peaceful ness descend on you. This is truly the best way to experience the wonder of the Zambezi and all it has to offer. This is exactly the kind of thing at which local safari experts Jewel of Africa Safaris are brilliant! They will take you off the beaten track and tailor make the luxury safari tour of your dreams in these National Parks. We hope this insight into Iconic National Parks of Zimbabwe – Hwange and Mana Pools has whet your appetite to contact us and come and experience Zimbabwe and all the great places that surround it. Whatever you need to see, we will arrange it, personally and professionally!
From Sunrise To Sunset – A Day On Luxury Safari In Africa
Here in Africa we believe that this is the nearest place to heaven on Earth. The African veld, better known to locals as ‘the bush’, is serene and savage, peaceful and thrilling, with bright sunshine and pitch-black nights with stars so brilliant they are like fluorescent lights in the sky. Yes, a place of contrast and a place that you will always yearn to return to. Welcome to a day in the bush on a luxury safari – Welcome to 24 hours of ‘Heaven on earth!’ So, you have finally gotten here. Africa. It is colourful, and its people are welcoming. The weather is fine and your expert tour operators are friendly, attentive and you know you are in good hands. You look forward to your first day at your luxury lodge and your first ‘wildlife’ experience. So how will this and pretty much every one of the few days you are here look like? From lodge to lodge or camp to camp this can vary a little, but this is a pretty typical day on a luxury Safari in ‘the bush’… From Sunrise To Noon Early wakeup call – Your day starts early, around four or five am, depending on the time of year, before sunrise, but don’t be put off by this, the reward is great! Your game ranger will let you know it’s time to wake up and you will hear the distinctive sounds of bird calls in the bush. They are different and welcoming and beckon you to rise to a new day. Light breakfast, coffee & tea – Something light like the traditional ‘Rusks’ (better known to many as cookies or biscuits, but deliciously different) and other light snacks will be enjoyed together with a great locally brewed coffee or traditional English tea. The morning game drive – You have been warned to wear something warm, because even in summer a ride on an open 4 x 4 vehicle can be chilly, but blankets and flasks of coffee are provided, and you find the wind in your hair exhilarating. Your expert game ranger welcomes you, cautions you to keep your hands inside the vehicle and immediately starts to educate you on what you may experience as the drive progresses. The sunrise is sublime, as before your eyes the bushveld comes alive. Birds flit from thorny bushes to trees you’ve never seen before and you spot a small herd of some of the common smaller antelope, usually Impala, or you see a Warthog or a few Zebra. These fascinate you as this is all new to you. Your game ranger entertains you with quirky tales of the bush, or amusing information, like a group of Zebra are known as a ’Dazzle’ because they are hard to spot by colour blind predators. Suddenly it happens. You turn a corner on the dirt road and one of the ‘Big 5’ are right there – so close up you think you could reach out and touch them. An Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, an elusive Leopard or the sadly endangered Rhino stand before you – or turn to run from you. The binoculars are out – cameras flash. The feeling of this first-time encounter is thrilling! This will be the course of the drive – learning, pointing out interesting things and now on your mission to see all of the ‘Big 5’ you realise how addictive this can be. You take a break in a scenic spot and again enjoy some snacks and hot coffee or tea and now the conversation is abuzz with all the new sightings. Return to camp – breakfast/brunch – You feel ravenous when you return to camp late morning, the bush bug has bitten you and the fresh air arouses your taste buds. Wherever you go the food is prepared by expert chefs. Breakfast varies from the standard English and European ‘continental,’ breakfasts to a full breakfast with hot and cold food on offer. Relax and unwind – There are optional bush walks at some camps for those who feel they need the exercise or are just more interested in seeing the smaller creatures of the veld and learning about tracks and flora and birdlife. Honeymooners and those who want to relax may decide to just spend the time at the pool – it’s a great time to enjoy the African sunshine and get a tan – or even be spoiled with a massage or beauty treatment at the Spa available at some of the more upmarket lodges. Guests are also welcome to retreat to their room or the lounge with a good book or for a short nap. From Midday To Sunset Lunch – At some camps a full lunch is now offered, or you can usually get at least a light lunch ordered from the kitchen of the lodge. The dining continues and it’s always good. This is usually a buffet of sorts offering all the usual popular international dishes and some local favourites – like various game meats. Siesta time – The bush has a way of lulling one to sleep. The afternoon siesta is a great favourite with guests. Some will sleep, some will read their favourite book, but the bed in your air- conditioned room is inviting as the sun becomes a little fiercer! Afternoon tea – ‘High tea,’ as it is known in the finer establishments, consists of light snacks and your favourite drinks, just getting you ready and well fed for the next game drive that lies ahead. The afternoon game drive – The experience is similar to the morning drive, but now it is nearing sunset and the ranger is more likely to take you to watering holes and hides, where the big and small game come for a drink and to bathe and socialise. Once again you will stop halfway through the drive for a cooling sundowner and snacks, while enjoying the view and sunset from a scenic spot. Then as night falls your game ranger switches on the big spotlight. He flicks it from place to place
Mashatu Game Reserve – Botswana. The Land Of Giants, Predators And Wildlife Adventure Just Across The Border!
Botswana really is an amazing place to visit. A thriving country producing valuable diamonds, and from the high-powered business hub of Gaborone, to the incredibly unspoilt getaways in its many wildlife preservation areas, it is, without a doubt, a land of great contrasts. It offers a smorgasbord of things to do and see, like vibrant cities, cultural villages, places of historic interest, top level accommodation and wildlife galore! Host to the famous Okavango Delta waterways and the Chobe National park, it also has one of Africa’s best kept secrets – the Mashatu Private Game Reserve! Many international tourists have never even heard of it, but this is one of Africa’s finest game preservation areas and the locals know it as the ‘The Land Of Giants, Predators And Wildlife’ because of the massive Baobab trees littered throughout its landscape and its impressive elephant population! Where is Mashatu Game Reserve? Mashatu is located within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana right at its North-Eastern edge, where it borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe. The reserve is located just across the border from South Africa. Direct road travel to Mashatu is not a problem, as Botswana and South Africa have excellent road networks. Direct daily charter flights are available from Johannesburg to Polokwane and onwards to the reserve. A Wildlife Photographer’s Dream Come True… Mashatu Game Reserve is famous for wildlife photography and a mecca for serious wildlife photographers. This is essentially because it is different, with a different kind of landscape. Being an unfenced reserve, the feeling of wilderness is immediate, yet it is the openness of the terrain, coupled with the relaxed animals, that make it such an excellent photographic destination. Whereas many other reserves have long grass and thick bush, Mashatu often has lions and leopard sightings in clear openings, making for great photo opportunities! Mashatu is a semi-arid area which means animals are attracted to water in the dry season from June to October, making the professional photographic ‘hides’ that Mashatu have created in front of waterholes, an excellent location to allow animals to come to you! What’s Special And Different About Mashatu Game Reserve? Incredible Wildlife – The combination of large predator sightings, the most relaxed elephant population in Africa and the very large assortment of over 350 bird species, makes Mashatu the destination of choice for game viewing. Having a breeding herd of elephant come right up to your vehicle and surround you completely is quite an amazing – and quite scary, sensation. Safety is always a first concern though, with top professional tour guides and game rangers, so one has nothing to fear. Adventure Safari Activities – Mashatu is different though, in that they offer a lot of extra adventure-focused activities, knowing that not everyone wants to spend all their time in the 4 x 4 vehicles viewing game. Mashatu’s substantial elephant population has created a myriad of elephant trails that criss-cross Mashatu as the large mammals move between feeding grounds and water. These trails, mostly a meter wide, are traversed almost daily by the herds of elephant and it is on these trails that Mashatu’s adventure safaris take place. So, they also offer: Photographic Underground Hides – PhotoMashatu has pioneered the concept for photography in southern Africa, of an exclusive concession to provide dedicated photographic hides within Mashatu Game Reserve. Guests can sit quietly and watch animals moving directly towards them, all the while taking pictures from unique angles, resulting in exclusive and exceptional quality photography. Photographic hides are structures built at a waterhole to maximize the photographic potential of the animal subjects that visit them. These hides can be used to view wildlife in the normal manner but have been positioned with consideration of the angle of the sun, the background, and the angle the viewer occupies in relation to the animals and birds. A professional wildlife photographer will accompany participants to the hides. They are close at hand to tutor aspiring and experienced photographers in camera work techniques, which will enhance the quality of their images. Mashatu offers guests access to two hides, Valley Elephant Hide and Matebole Elephant Hide. Guided Walking Safaris – A great chance to combine exercise and a focus on the smaller and no less interesting creatures of Mashatu, often missed when out in a vehicle on safari. Walkers are fascinated by the little, interesting aspects of the bush like tracks, plants, insects, etc. Mountain Bike Safaris – Adventure lovers can take a mountain bike safari in the company of an armed and experienced guide. On a bike, the cyclists are, in effect, conducting their own safari and get to enjoy the reserve and its inhabitants from a completely different perspective. Horse Safaris – ‘Limpopo horse safaris’ on Mashatu is recognised as having the best specially trained ‘safari horses’ in Africa. It is a thrill to feel these majestic animals transport you as you view the animals of the wilds! NB: This is an advanced ride for experienced equestrians only and children under 12 are not permitted. We hope this has whet your appetite to head to Botswana to experience the Mashatu magic. The ‘land of Giants’ awaits you and we at Jewel of Africa can arrange tailor made packages to suit your pocket, availability and choice of destinations. For example, a visit to Botswana can be combined with a trip to the famous Mala-Mala reserve in Sabi Sands and the iconic Kruger National Park. What a feast of incredible game viewing that would be! Contact us – anything is possible. Africa awaits you – let us make it and unforgettable experience!
Summer In Botswana: When Savute’s Zebras Really Dazzle!
Summer is a special time, especially for wildlife enthusiasts visiting the Botswana region of Africa, especially when you choose to visit the Savute region of the Chobe National Park. Savute boasts the second-largest summer Zebra migration in Africa; its timing is determined by the rains, but usually occurs between November and December and again between February and April, when huge numbers of zebra move from the rivers in the north in search of the rain-ripe grasslands and full waterholes in the southwest of the park. The migration is always followed by large numbers of predators, including lion and hyaena. This is why the Zebra migration is a must-see for visitors. The Savute Region The Savute is an area in Chobe National Park which borders the Okavango Delta to the west and Chobe National Park to the east and is one of Africa’s best known big game areas. Savute is a beautiful part of the spectacular Chobe National Park in Botswana and it stretches all along the northern boundaries of the park to the Linyanti River. Stretching from the Linyanti River all the way to Savute Marsh, the winding waterways of the Savute Channel have pumped life into the western section of Chobe National Park for many thousands of generations. However, this fickle and unpredictable channel, which has a fascinating history of flooding and drying up, independently of good rainy seasons and flood levels elsewhere, has mystified local inhabitants, geologists and others for many years. When David Livingstone, the first European to visit the area, saw the Savute Channel in 1851 it was flowing. Thirty years later it had disappeared, and the Savute Marsh had dried out, remaining this way for almost 80 years. It flowed again from the late 1950s to the early 1980s, when it again receded, hence its reputation as ‘the river that flows in both directions’. In 2009, after another extended hiatus, the channel began flowing again and by January 2010 had spilled into the Savute Marsh for the first time in three decades, but for how long – no one knows … Currently, Savute’s waters are running again and it offers an excellent base for Botswana safari tours. With its lush vegetation and marshlands, an abundance of wildlife roam freely and apart from the famous Zebra migration, there is a myriad of birds and incredible wildlife including Lion, Hyaena, Buffalo, and Elephant. Savuti is famous for its predators, especially its resident lion and spotted hyena populations. The game-viewing can be exceptional, and the wide variety of activities on offer make this an area not be missed. Many day trips will incorporate a visit to the Savute Marsh to give you a chance to see the historic presence of the Savute Channel at the marsh against a backdrop of teeming wildlife. Guests can also enjoy a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills – a small hilly outcrop which forms a prominent landmark in the otherwise flat landscape. The African Zebra There are three species of Zebra in Africa: Burchell’s or plains Zebra, the Grevy’s Zebra of east Africa and the Mountain Zebras, Cape and Hartmann’s, of South Africa and Namibia. Only the Burchell’s Zebra are seen in the Savute area. The Zebra, with its black and white striped coat, is generally an inhabitant of the African savannahs. What is not so well known is that the Zebras of the southern wilderness areas also have a shadow brown stripe in-between the white and black striped pattern. This distinguishes them from the Zebra of East Africa. An interesting fact is that no two coat patterns of any Zebra are the same! Similar to fingerprinting in humans, every individual’s coat pattern is unique. This is why when a Zebra is born the mother keeps it hidden from other Zebras until her patterns have been imprinted on the foal’s memory. Did You Know? The collective noun for a group of Zebra is a ‘dazzle,’ so named because animals are colour blind and they find zebra very difficult to spot, especially when running in a herd – so this is their self defence mechanism. Some Incredible Botswana Tours Apart from a summer tour to Savute, there are many other incredible sightings and exciting places to see, when on tour with internationally renowned tour operators Jewel of Africa. We have a comprehensive range of tours to this and other equally impressive destinations. 5, 7, 9 and 10 day tour packages are available to various parts of Botswana and can be combined with tours to the Victoria Falls and the Okavango delta. Check them out on our website or contact us to arrange your own personalised, tailor made tour to suit your pocket and preferences.
