Botswana – Our Top Destination For 2018
There are many great destinations on the continent of Africa. For international tourists, it can be difficult to decide which country to visit specifically, unless they have the time and money to see many in one trip. We at, Jewel of Africa Safaris have packages to many of Southern Africa’s best destinations, but this article tells of one place, not as internationally well known as Cape Town or the Victoria Falls perhaps, but one that offers a wealth of wonderful vacation experiences – it is Botswana – our top destination for 2018. So, what makes this country so special? Well Botswana is a peaceful country in Southern Africa, surrounded by land and sharing its borders with South Africa in the south and east, Namibia in the north and west, Zimbabwe in the northeast and Zambia in the north. It is therefore a central travel destination, but it is Africa’s best kept tourist destination secret because there are just so many great destinations within its borders. Let’s have a look at a few of them: 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. The Park is especially famous for the massive volume of wildlife that roam the riverbanks and wetlands of this large conservation area. The Chobe National Park is further divided into smaller conservation areas, i.e. the Savuti and Linyanti concessions. 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 not be missed. Savuti’s almost desert-like landscape with a scorching sun, loose, hot sand, animals escaping the heat by clumping together in the limited available shade, and elephants lining up to get to the water supply, offer a wildlife experience you won’t easily forget. Linyanti hosts large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant. Our favourite lodge is set on the banks of the Chobe River – the elegant, five-star, fully Ecotourism-certified safari lodge, Chobe Game Lodge. You can immerse yourself in an all-inclusive safari both on land and water in this primary wildlife destination, as you explore the diversity of the park. Land based safaris are conducted in open top 4×4 vehicles and water borne safaris by boats. This is sure to bring you within meters of the wildlife and renders the perfect opportunity for stunning photo safaris. However, if you want to venture further into the Park, we can arrange accommodation at Savute Safari Lodge. 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. Within the Okavango Delta you will find the renowned Moremi Game Reserve to be found in the eastern section of the Okavango Delta – 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. Our favourite lodge is Camp Moremi, situated on the edge of the Xakanaxa Lagoon in the Moremi Game Reserve, an area well known for its spectacular game-viewing opportunities. The Okavango Delta is famous for its Mokoro excursions – these are customized ‘canoes’ that are used to effortlessly glide on the never-ending channels and lagoons of the Delta. Your guide will steer you as you sit back and relax and watch the world float by. You may even be lucky enough to spot great wildlife close to you! A Few Special Features All the destinations within Botswana are easily accessible with direct flights from major cities in South Africa. Charter flights can be arranged for transfers between lodges. It is also excellent birding territory and other great stopovers are the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Central Kalahari. If you are now as convinced as we at Jewel of Africa Safaris are that Botswana – our top destination for 2018 is really worth a visit, remember we have excellent packages that include many of these special features, but more importantly we are flexible enough to create any specialised tour to Botswana or many other Southern African destinations in accordance with your budget, availability and preference. Book today to begin a lifetime of unforgettable, personalised travel experiences in Africa with us.
A Luxury African Safari – For Bird Lovers!
When one thinks of an African Safari, we automatically associate it with exciting sightings of Africa’s beasts of river and veld, but there are literally multitudes of beautiful creatures of the wilds that adorn the African skies too. Bird watchers and bird lovers may be forgiven for turning their binoculars to the skies and treetops whilst others are pointing at Lions and Elephant! One of the things about engaging really flexible guided tour operators like Jewel of Africa Safaris, one of Africa’s most successful, is that you as a bird watcher can have your Safari experience geared towards your preference for bird viewing. So, how about a luxury African safari – for bird lovers? When to Visit? As with most places in the world, spring and summer are favoured times, as many birds migrate before winter. There are certain spots however, where birding is possible all year round – and these are a few of them: Where To Go Birding Here we offer some suggestions on specific areas to visit if you are a keen birder. South Africa The Kruger National Park with over 2500 km of road allowing access to well frequented water holes and viewing spots, is not only south Africa’s premier game viewing area, but is also home to over 500 bird species! The Garden Route National Park is a birding paradise with 371 species of birds to be spotted including 45 vagrant species which are seldom seen, so these are prize sightings! 22 species of raptors have been spotted here too, including the Crowned Eagle and the African Cuckoo hawk. The West Coast National Park was established to protect a section of the coastline, the Langebaan lagoon and 4 bird islands. The Langebaan lagoon is said to be one of the great wetlands of the world. A bird watchers paradise in summer when over 60 000 birds make it their homes, arriving from as far away as the Arctic, Greenland and even Siberia. Botswana The Okavango Delta Up to 15000km2 of the kalahari is transformed into one of the miracles of nature and one of Africa’s prime wildlife regions. Rain water falling 1000km away in the central Angolan highlands flows southwards down the Okavango river into the flat kalahari desert of Botswana and never finds its way to the sea. The water turns the hostile, dry kalahari into one of nature’s paradises. This fast-flowing river transforms the desert into lush waterways, lagoons, floodplains, and fast and slow flowing rivers to create a wonderful haven for all forms of wildlife. Bird life is stunning with the peak during the spring and summer months from October through to March when the intra-African and European migrants are resident. Botswana, and in particular the Okavango Delta, is the greatest stronghold in Africa for the Wattled Cranes, boasting the continent’s largest population as well as most of the world’s Slaty Egrets. Other important bird species of Botswana include White-backed Night Heron, Pel’s Fishing-owl and the country is an important habitat for the African Skimmer. Botswana also has the most renowned Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo breeding sites in southern Africa. Africa’s Most Famous Africa has loads of great birds to offer, from the reclusive Grey-necked Rockfowl, to the super-DIY Weavers and the powerful and enigmatic Martial Eagle. Just a few of the most famous and most sought after sightings are: The Bateleur, a stunningly beautiful eagle, with jet-black plumage, scarlet face, and a terracotta red back. In flight, it appears almost tail-less. Livingstone’s Lourie, a bird of the coastal lowland forests from northern South Africa and up along the coast of Mozambique, these birds are large, about the size of a Black-headed Gull. Ostriches, flightless birds native to Africa, are the largest living species of bird. They are distinctive and comical in appearance, with a long neck and legs and they can run at high speeds. Ostrich ‘races’ are a famous tourist activity in the Outshoorn area! The African penguin is a uniquely different, small to medium sized Penguin species that is found along the coast of South Africa and on a number of its surrounding islands. The Blue Crane – is the national bird of South Africa and can be commonly seen in the wild. Endangered Bird Species There are unfortunately many endangered birds in Southern Africa. The destruction of indigenous vegetation, forests or grasslands to make way for agriculture, commercial plantations or residential/industrial development, have led to habitat loss which is a big problem! Electrocution from transformer boxers and even, in some cases, birds killed for use in traditional medicine, have all contributed however. Just a few well known endangered birds are: Southern ground-hornbills are classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN in Africa, however, the South African population is classified as ‘endangered,’ as only about 1,500 individuals still live within the country. The Grey crowned Crane, White-backed Vultures and the Northern bald Ibis are just a few more which can be found on this list. The Black Oystercatcher, Birdlife South Africa’s Bird of the Year. Although numbers are on the rise, the African Black Oystercatcher still faces some challenges, especially where it breeds in or near urban centres. The biggest threats include continued habitat loss due to coastal development, and disturbance of breeding birds by beach visitors and their dogs. Make It Happen Jewel of Africa, famous for their flexibility and tailor-made packages, create customised guided tours that can be arranged for those clients who are especially interested in birding. We guide you and arrange your package around the best season and destinations in South Africa for great sightings. Contact us to learn more and let us start to arrange your personalised, specialised, unforgettable luxury African safari – for bird lovers!
Etosha National Park, Namibia’s Greatest Wildlife Sanctuary
If there is one country that needs to be on the ‘destinations’ bucket list of every international traveller, it is Namibia in Africa. Here you can explore the oldest desert in the world and with its amazing nature & wildlife, Namibia is affectionately known as ‘The Jewel of the Desert.’ Hauntingly beautiful, its German influence is evident throughout and this is really one of the world’s natural treasure troves. This article, compiled by one of Africa’s preferred travel companies Jewel of Africa Safaris, specifically looks at Etosha National Park, Namibia’s greatest wildlife sanctuary. About the Park Etosha National Park is indisputably one of the world’s greatest game reserves and before the rainy season, it offers wildlife viewing that rivals the very best on Earth. The Park covers an area of 22,207 square kilometres which includes the world renowned ‘Etosha Pan.’ The best time to visit Etosha National Park is between May and December for general game viewing, but truth be told, with eight months of peak game viewing, Etosha National Park, like the rest of Namibia, is almost a year-round destination. The Etosha Pan Formed about 1000 million years ago, the Etosha pan is a massive mineral pan dominating Etosha and forming part of the Kalahari Basin. The rains occasionally flood the pans, which attracts thousands of birds including remarkable flocks of Flamingos. This is in fact a mass breeding ground for Flamingo’s, who’s magnificent plumage turn the pans into a beautiful pink blanket, while the perennial springs along the edges of the Pan draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds. The Wildife The Park is world renowned for its spectacular wildlife. Home to four of the Big 5, elephant and lion are common in the park, while the elusive leopard hides in the densely vegetated areas. However, one of the best reasons to visit Etosha Park is its healthy population of black rhinoceros. This archaic beast is endangered, and the waterholes are probably among the best places in the world to see this precious animal. Accommodation And Floodlit Waterholes On the magnificent Jewel of Africa Safaris 14 day Royal Namibia tour, the ‘Vreugde Guest Farm’ is the main accommodation whilst enjoying safari drives in the park. This is a tranquil place where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Activities around the farm include hiking, swimming, birdwatching and many more. However, if you choose to stay in the Park itself, a renowned feature of the camps are the floodlit waterholes where wildlife can be clearly viewed at night! One of the best waterholes to visit is the Namutoni Camp on the western boundary of the park. Situated next to a waterhole, animals and birds quench their thirst here both day and night. Tailor-Made Packages We hope this brief overview of Etosha National Park, Namibia’s greatest wildlife sanctuary has wet your appetite to join us soon to come and experience this magnificent place. Remember, although our 14 day Namibian Royal tour is a comprehensive, exciting package, we at Jewel of Africa pride ourselves on offering tailor made packages specific to your, choice of vacations, affordability and availability. Contact us to find out more and begin to experience our superb hospitality and service.
Presenting The ‘Little 5’ – The Charm Of The African Veld
Much has been written about the fabulous ‘Big 5’ of the African veld. They are the five sightings that must be made in order for one to say that you have really experienced a great African Safari. We believe however that their tiny counterparts (and they do exist) are just as charming and if truth be told probably far harder to spot! It is only when one takes a personalised African safari, that knowledgeable game rangers will take you off the beaten track for a walk in the African bush to teach you about the plant life and look for and find these unsung heroes, just as significant to the ecology of the bush as their big cousins. Ladies and Gentlemen without further ado – Presenting the ‘Little 5’ – the charm of the African veld: The Rhino Beetle You all know his namesake, the now sadly endangered Rhino, but what about this little guy, so named for the horn on his snout? Dynastinae or Rhinoceros beetles are also known as Hercules, Unicorn or Horn beetles. Over 300 species of Rhino beetles are known. They are dung beetles and assist in cleaning up after the larger animals in the veld. The Ant-Lion You all know him, the king of the jungle, but did you know his insect counterpart in the air? These winged creatures (actually Antlion – one word) sometimes mistaken as Dragonflies, are are a group of about 2,000 species of insect in the family ‘Myrmeleontidae.’ They are something of a local delicacy when cooked and usually herald rain. The Leopard Tortoise The Leopard is the most difficult of all the Big 5 to spot – and this guy? Well if you’re not looking for him, you’re unlikely to be able to name him amongst your trophies. This is an attractively marked (like that of the Leopard) Tortoise found in the savannas of Eastern and Southern Africa, from Sudan to the Southern Cape. The leopard tortoise eats plant matter, but also old hyena scat (coprophagia). They also gnaw on bones (osteophagia). The high calcium content in both provide essential minerals to keep the tortoise’s shell in good condition, and to aid eggshell production. Elephant Shrew Now here’s an extreme comparison! From the world’s largest land mammal to this small insect eating mammal named from a fancied resemblance between their long noses and the trunk of an Elephant and their superficial similarity with Shrews. Buffalo Weaver Buffalo are those huge strong bovine creatures that hang around in rivers and even Lions fear them. The buffalo weaver however, simply put, is a weaver bird that just likes to hang around with them and they can be seen ‘Buffalo riding’ all the time! Buffalo weavers live in dry regions, where they forage omnivorously on the ground in small noisy flocks, often in the wake of buffalo herds. The nest, a heap of thorny twigs, contains compartments for two or more pairs; several nests may occupy the same tree. The whole nest is usually found in a thorny tree or in a windmill near areas inhabited by humans. It is interesting to note that when humans depart from particular areas, so do the red-billed buffalo weavers living in the same area. When you compile that photo album of your luxury safari experience why not stand out from the crowd and include some photos of the ‘Little 5’ and some of the myriad of other creatures you will encounter on a bush walk? Things like the dung beetle, maybe a millipede, a termite hill and many other cool things can add some colour and perspective to your great safari experience. Then you can say you have really had a bush experience with a difference! Rest assured that when you entrust Jewel of Africa Safaris with your next luxury African Safari, you can experience both the Big 5 and all the wonders that can be found on a great guided bush walk. Their 4 Day Fly in Kruger Safari & 5 Day Private Lodge Kruger packages include this experience, but as always they pride themselves on their flexibility and make up tailor made vacation packages to suit your specific preferences. Now we have presented the ‘Little 5’ – the charm of the African veld…. contact us to find out what more we can offer to make your African safari truly unique and unforgettable!
How To Fully Explore The ‘World Wonder’ Victoria Falls
It is not surprising that it has always been one of the official ‘Wonders of the World.’ So magnificent is it to see, that one just has to be there to experience the thrill of this amazing sight known as The Victoria Falls. The Victoria falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. The locals call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – The ‘Smoke That Thunders’ and the spray when the falls is in full flood does indeed resemble a thick cloud of smoke – and the thunder? – You can hear the falls literally from miles away! A journey to the Victoria Falls isn’t just about the Falls, and this place offers tourists much more in terms of experiences, dining, culture and adrenaline activities. One of the preferred tour operators in South Africa with a vast knowledge of the place and it’s best features, has compiled this review of how to fully explore the ‘world wonder’ Victoria Falls: Take A Guided Tour Start out by viewing the falls up close. Feel the spray on your face and take in the sheer might of one of the great natural wonders of the world! Guests will be accompanied through the rainforest and your guide will give you a brief history of the Falls as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Raincoats are provided when needed. You will make your way along the designated path which takes you to the various 16 view points along the edge. The heart-pounding sensation of actually standing on the edge of the precipice above the raging Zambezi waters is something quite unforgettable. Take A Zambezi Sunset Cruise A complimentary sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River is the perfect way to end the day. Sublimely relaxing, you sip cocktails as you slide over the calm waters of the river whilst viewing hippo, crocodile and elephant too! Visit The Lookout Café And The Boma Restaurant Both lunch at the Lookout café, and dinner at ‘The Boma’ restaurant, are favourite culinary experiences. The Lookout Café, offering the best view in Victoria Falls, is perched 120m above the turbulent rapids of the Zambezi River, overhanging a giant chasm of the Batoka Gorge, just down from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge which forms part of its spectacular backdrop. At ‘The Boma’ restaurant you will be treated to a delicious dinner followed by an interactive drum show in a traditional robe presented to you on arrival. Great food, fun and interaction with the locals! Experience Helicopter Flights The helicopter flip over the falls is known as the ‘flight of the Angels,’ probably because you feel that you are experiencing a little piece of heaven! Breath-taking and exhilarating, it is one of the absolute must do’s when visiting Victoria Falls. Thrill Of A Microlight Flight For the more adventurous, if you want to feel the spray as you glide up close and personal to the falls, you can take a safe but spine-chilling microlight flight, which leads us to – Exciting White-Water Rafting The world’s wildest white-water-rafting trip is just one of a myriad of extreme adventure activities that can be experienced at the Victoria Falls! Your white-water rafting experience will include moving through a set piece of rapids in the Zambezi River, depending on the water levels at that time. You can also bungee jump off the 111-meter high bridge, zip-line the ‘flying fox’ across the river, do kayaking, a heart stopping gorge swing and many more. Tailor Make Your Experience Lastly…The Best Time To Visit The Victoria Falls? For some the best time to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls is when the Zambezi River is at its highest – from February to May, directly after the region’s summer rains, when you’ll see the world’s largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume. However, during this time of the year you will definitely get wet during your guided tour, and good quality photographs will be difficult to come by, so it’s probably best to schedule your safari for after May when the water levels start to drop and the Falls are more visible. We don’t recommend visiting the Falls at the end of the dry winter period – October through November – when the water level is at its lowest and the weather is very hot and humid.
Swakopmund – Your Gateway To The Namib Desert
Swakopmund is a beautiful Namibian town with a distinctly German flavour due to its history and its many German inhabitants. It is snuggled on the outskirts and seen as the gateway the magnificent Namib Desert. The Namib is the oldest desert in the world and home to the amazing natural wonders and wildlife of Namibia, affectionately known as ‘The jewel of the desert.’ Swakopmund, at the mouth of the Swakop River is an elegant, charming and friendly city with broad avenues. Founded by German settlers, it is a little piece of Hamburg at the edge of the desert. In this article we feature just a handful of the highlights and unique and interesting activities on offer in and around this beautiful town of Swakopmund – your gateway to the Namib Desert. German Architecture and Cuisine There are beautiful German architecturally designed buildings in this place that feels more like a beautiful little hamlet than a city, that tell of a bygone era. German cuisine abounds too, with many restaurants offering tourists plenty of variety, but obviously the German options are a favourite. These offer the traditional German fare like Eisbein, pork belly and of course a variety of German sausages with sauerkraut! It’s also super easy to get around here, with the city being small enough to navigate on foot. Desert Adventure Activities For the adventurous, hot air ballooning at nearby Sossusvlei, sandboarding and exhilarating quad biking on the dunes of this beautiful desert landscape, are just three of the adventure activities one can experience. Magnificent sunrises and sunsets can also be experienced by just walking the dunes! Living Desert Tour For those more inclined to examine the natural creatures of the area, you can take an extraordinary ‘Living desert tour’ with one of the preferred tour operators. Here you enter what appears to be barren lifeless terrain where you don’t see a living creature, but to your amazement, your guide digs out over 25 species of geckos, spiders, snakes, chameleons, legless lizards and many more! You will also be shown how plants and small animals survive the unforgiving desert climate, and how they attain water for life, a unique and fascinating experience. Walvis Bay Sightseeing And Catamaran Cruises A good day-trip would be south from Swakop to Walvis Bay, Namibia’s port town. The road to Walvis Bay provides good views of the Namib dunes meeting the Atlantic. From the port of Walvis Bay guests can enjoy a catamaran cruise to Pelican Point with its landmark lighthouse and 60,000 resident Cape Fur Seals. In season (July to November), larger mammals such as the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whales are often spotted, while other whale species, such as the Gray whale and the Pygmy Right whale have made appearances. Bottlenose, Heaviside and Dusky dolphins are regularly seen, as are Mola Molas and Leatherback Turtles. Accompanying the catamarans throughout are a variety of seabirds, such as the Kelp Gull, Hartlaub’s Gull, Pelicans and Cape Cormorant. See An Endangered Plant Species For hobby botanists a half day trip to the south east will take you to the legendary, endangered Welwitschia mirabilis plants. In a place where there is no rain for decades the only water source this plant uses are fog and humidity. Welwitschia plants can become over 1000 years old and only live in this part of the Namib desert, 40 to 120 km away from the coast. All of these sights and activities can be experienced in fact in one 10 day Namibia highlights tour offered by local highly recommended tour operators ‘Jewel of Africa’. As always though, Jewel of Africa also offers tailor made options to any of their destinations and you need only visit the website to find out more, or contact us to talk about your specific requirements when you choose to visit Swakopmund – your gateway to the Namib Desert!
Travel Specialist’s Guide To Activities In The Greater Kruger Area, And Hoedspruit
What is not known by many travellers and especially our valued international tourists are that when visiting the Kruger National Park, the adjacent private game reserves and nearby Hoedspruit, there are a number of really great activities to partake in, apart from the obvious ones, when in this area. Here’s a list compiled by our travel specialists of all the activities on offer when visiting the Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit and surrounds, some of which you may not have thought of to include in your tailor made package to this much sought after area. In The Kruger National Park And Private Game Reserves Guided Walks Remember that even when you are in the Kruger National Park and its surrounding private game reserves, apart from doing wonderful sunrise and sunset game drives, you can also enjoy guided walks with your ranger and experience the sights and smells of the bush on foot. Guided walks can even extend to longer hikes if under supervision and this will include visits to unique picnic spots and other places to learn more about the history of the park and gather more information on the wildlife itself. Photographic Safaris Some of the private lodges offer exclusive photographic safaris to those who are visiting Kruger only for that one perfect shot. Some lodges also offer you access to specially redesigned game-drive vehicles which are built to specifically accommodate photographers and those long lenses! Hot-Air Balloon Safaris Get a bird’s eye view of the ‘Big 5’ with a hot air balloon ride too. These usually depart before sunrise to capture this magnificent moment while in the air. You will be amazed by the endless Kruger wilderness that stretches to the horizon from above… In Hoedspruit and Surrounds The Nyani Cultural Village A visit to the Kruger National Park area is incomplete without a visit to Nyani Village & the Cultural Experience “Roots of Rhythm” Tribal show. The history and culture of the African tribes comes to life at Nyani Cultural Village. The cultural journey starts in the Shangaan village where guests experience an original show “Limpopo Pathways” featuring the costumes, songs and dances of the San (Bushmen), the Shona & Venda, the Tsonga, the Balobedu (Modjadji the Rain Queen), the Pedi and the BaHananawa (Tswana). We also include the Swati and Zuludances as these tribes played an influential part in the history of the Limpopo. Following the show (approximately 60 minutes), you will be introduced to all aspects of a typical Shangaan village. Here you learn about the architecture, the agriculture, family duties and the customs of the Shangaan people. A traditional African lunch can also be served. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is a unique African wildlife facility focusing on conservation and the sustainability of rare, vulnerable and threatened species of wildlife in Africa. Daily tours are available to visit this centre, which has adopted a holistic approach to its conservation activities, such as educating the surrounding communities, tourism, breeding, rehabilitation and anti-poaching. It is a fascinating insight into the issues facing our precious wildlife. HESC houses a number of animal species including cheetah, African wild dog, lion, African wild cat, Ground hornbill, Sable antelope, to name just a few. Visitors can view the resident animals in close proximity, in a habitat simulating what they would experience in the wild. Guests are also afforded the opportunity of watching rare African vultures feeding at the Vulture Restaurant. Blyde Dam Boat Cruise The Blyde River and the Blyde River Canyon are well known destinations to the locals and a cruise on the Blyde dam is a great way to experience them. From the vantage point on the water, you can learn about and view the third largest Canyon in the world and a tour guide will take you to the rare living Kadishi Tufa Waterfall and the Three Rondawels, the best place from which to oversee the Canyon. An abundance of wildlife is to be seen too, whilst learning more about the canyon’s natural history. The Kinyonga Reptile Centre This very interesting centre of conservation and education, just 14 km away from Hoedspruit, focusses on rescued and adopted reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and some other species. Interactive tours allow visitors to feel the cool scales of a python or a boa, feed flowers to plated lizards, or meal worms to a vale chameleon. The brave can even experience the velvety thrill of handling a golden brown baboon spider (a gorgeous yet vulnerable spider only found in the Hoedspruit area). Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre This excellent initiative, also in the Kruger and Hoedspruit area, provides a home for abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife and is a respected contributor to wildlife conservation. The main focus at Moholoholo is to create awareness in order to preserve the animals that you may see like Lion, Leopard, Serval, Cheetah, Hyena, Honey badger, Eagles, Vultures and various baby animals which are not suitable to be released back into the wild and remain as ‘permanent residents’ at the centre. It is a heart wrenching, but really worthwhile visit! We hope that this guide has given you an idea of what to add to your itinerary when visiting this much sought after area. One of the great advantages of engaging the services of flexible, personalised tour operators like Jewel of Africa Safaris, is that they will, whenever you desire, take you off the standard, packaged ‘beaten track’ to design a tailor made tour, in which you can include all these interesting activities and destinations. Contact us to learn more and come and experience Africa in all its glory, in the best way possible!
Romantic Safari Choices For An Idyllic Southern African Honeymoon
It has to be the most romantic place in the world. A bush boma at sunset, a winelands tour in the fairest Cape, five-star accommodation in plush surroundings and the magnificence of a desert sunrise, are just a few of the myriad of choices available to you when planning a honeymoon in Southern Africa. The difficult part is simply deciding which of the perfect honeymoon destinations to include in your itinery and what’s even better is knowing that certain preferred tour operators not only insure that your honeymoon is incredible, but will organise tailor made packages suited to your specific dream honeymoon vacation! These are our suggestion of just four destinations that we believe should be a part of your romantic choices for an idyllic Southern African honeymoon! The Kruger Park And Surrounding Areas One of the must-visit destinations in South Africa, the Kruger Park offers magical unpredictability as you experience more species of mammals and birds than in any other African game reserve! Seek the ‘Big 5,’ on your daytime bush safari, culminating in sublime sunsets and romantic evenings, enjoying the finest African cuisine by firelight, before retiring to plush 4 and 5-star lodges with great service & hospitality. The roar of the Lion as you drift off to sleep soundly in plush surroundings, is as romantic as any honeymoon can be! Some of our preferred luxury lodges also offer romantic and private sleep-out decks or treehouses offering you the chance to sleep in the arms of your loved one under the stars. Cape Town & The Cape Winelands It is known as ‘The fairest Cape’ and not without reason, its beauty is breath-taking and simply lends itself to love and romance. Two oceans meet at Cape Point & magnificent mountains, including the iconic ‘world wonder’ Table Mountain, are part of the incredible scenery that surrounds you whether in the City or anywhere you go. Outstanding cuisine and accommodation is offered by world renowned establishments and the Cape Winelands offer delicious tastings of the finest Cape wines at winery after winery, all with their own unique product and atmosphere. Tours are on offer to places with intriguing wildlife and birdlife, including Whales, Penguins, Seals and why not swim together with Dolphins? Experience the magnificence of these beautiful creatures ‘up close and personal.’ What can be more romantic than that? Chobe & Okavango Delta Spectacular wildlife and scenery abound in the Chobe National Park, famed for its large Elephant population. Take a silent mokoro trip in the Okavango delta gliding through still waters as you view many species of African wildlife and birdlife. Beautiful, romantic lodges rest right in the midst of all the beauty surrounding them, on the Chobe River or in the middle of the Delta, where high levels of service & hospitality welcome you and make you feel utterly spoiled from the minute you arrive. Sublimely romantic settings and a range of activities offer travellers access to the true heart of Africa! Namibia If it’s good enough for Harry & Meghan’s honeymoon, why not make this your choice? Endless dune and desert vistas, the Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park are all destinations that dreams are made of. Amazing desert-adapted wildlife are unique and offer a different kind of luxury safari experience, especially the favourites, like Black Rhino, Lions and Elephants. 4 and 5-star luxury accommodation, amazing sunrises and sunsets and a range of activities to suit everybody, including culturally unique encounters, all add to the romantic ambience of this unique country. Take to the roads – a good quality and safe road network is available for self-drive honeymooners or take to the skies reaching your destinations quickly via a charter flight. Why not try a very romantic hot air balloon safari? Up, up and away! The sky is literally the limit with the vast array of choices and activities this ‘must see’ area offers! We hope that these romantic choices for an idyllic Southern African honeymoon have been of some help to you to arrange your perfect honeymoon package in this wonderful part of the world. There are many packages on the Jewelof Africa website that include these destinations, or why not contact us for more ideas and advice and to discuss your tailor made honeymoon package, which will ensure you include all your dream destinations and make this once in a lifetime vacation absolutely unforgettable!
5-Star Service and Hospitality Plus the Big 5 in Abundance!
Much has been written and spoken about Africa’s ‘Big 5’. They are the five species of animals that are deemed to be the prize sightings when on safari – Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo and the usually very elusive Leopard. It is said that if you haven’t seen them all you haven’t completed your safari experience and so as an avid wildlife enthusiast you will keep travelling on safari until you have. This is not so easy for international travellers journeying to Africa for what may be just a ‘once in a lifetime’ safari experience …and in fact, unless you are at the right place to do it, the prized ‘Big 5’ sighting experience may well elude you. Many travellers want to go on a luxury safari, but they are not keen to be part of a large crowd and want to enjoy personalised service, first class travel and luxurious accommodation …a ‘5 star’ African safari experience as it were, but can you combine this with the assurance of seeing all of the ‘Big 5?’ Well, thanks to a brilliant luxury safari experience devised by one of South Africa’s preferred tour operators, ‘Jewel of Africa’ ….you can certainly experience 5-star service and hospitality andthe Big 5 in abundance! Here is one of our itineraries that combines all of this in one luxury package: The 7 Day Sabi Sand And Timbavati Luxury Safari Experience The Sabi Sand and Timbavati Game Reserves are two of the top 5 wildlife destinations on the African continent and they offer amazing game viewing opportunities, pretty much guaranteeing you ‘Big 5’ sightings. The Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s premium safari reserves offering the ultimate safari experience in the Greater Kruger National Park. With no fences between the reserve and the Kruger National Park, all species of wildlife, including the Big 5 move through here freely. Leopards are very elusive in most game viewing areas and usually the main reason even frequent safari enthusiasts may be deprived of the ‘Big 5’ viewing prize. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve however has the highest concentration of leopard in Africa. The exclusive Timbavati Private Game Reserve lies in the western region of the Kruger National Park, north of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. The large tracts of land that make up the Timbavati Game Reserve remain largely unspoiled and wild. This reserve is renowned for the population of white lions that roam this area. These genetically rare specimens are not albino lions but are listed as a sub-species of lion. Here you can also hope to see elephant, cheetah, lion, buffalo, rhino, wild dog, over 360 bird species, 79 reptiles and over 80 species of tree. Thus, by visiting these two reserves you will get to experience the best game viewing of any region in Southern Africa. As for the luxury? …Well, 5-star luxury and personal attention is exactly what the lodges that you will stay at offers as well as Jewel of Africa Safaris themselves – and their attention to detail makes it even more special. Here you will be spoiled by high levels of service and hospitality and all meals and drinks are included. Most lodges even offer a wellness spa for luxurious leisure time between safari outings. This tour is easily accessed by road or a short 50-minute flight from Johannesburg. From here one can fly to Cape Town and other fabulous holiday destinations in Southern Africa where the same kind of ‘5-star’ luxury guided tours are offered by Jewel of Africa. If you would like to go where 5-star service and hospitality as well as the Big 5 are abundant, contact us today to learn more. We will be assist with your booking and you can begin to experience the personal attention, safety and flexibility that will ensure your African safari is always unique and special!
A Guided Group Tour Can Make For A Really Great Vacation!
Many international tourists when travelling to far off, exciting destinations feel a little more comfortable when travelling in a group. They feel that being in a foreign country can be a bit daunting, even if you’re with an expert tour guide. Single travellers especially, tend to prefer to go with the crowd. Well if you choose to travel in this way, you should not let those who say it isn’t personalised enough put you off at all, because there is a lot to be said for guided group tours and this article looks at a handful of good reasons why a guided group tour can make for a really great vacation! It Can Be Intimate Group tours vary from tour operator to operator – Some cater for huge bus loads of people all vying for window space …and the toilet …at stops that don’t really cater for crowds. Well thankfully there are also some very personalised luxury guided tours with good operators like Jewel of Africa Safaris, that make even group tours small and very personal. The group size ranges from 6 to 10 – so it’s intimate and comfortable. It Is More Affordable Although Jewel of Africa Safaris’ guided group tours are far more luxurious than standard ones, you will definitely save money and the more people in the group, the less it costs per person. This is one of the main reasons people are happy to travel with others. Obviously in all things that matter, the individual’s privacy is respected. It Is More Fun A travelling group become like a family, sharing their past experiences and joining together as like-minded individuals with a passion for travel. You can have more fun in a group and meet people from other countries and backgrounds too. For the singles – who knows? –many a romance has been spawned on vacation and a luxury African safari can be one of the most romantic experiences on the planet! It is Great For Planning, But Still Flexible Because you are travelling as a group on a package tour, your arrival and departure times are set, enabling you to plan properly in advance. There are obvious advantages to this, but don’t think that it restricts you too much. Jewel of Africa Safaris pride themselves on their flexibility and so ‘add on’ activities can be added whilst on tour – like a trip for 2 nights to Victoria Falls, where you can have a romantic getaway with your spouse – or that new romantic interest you just met on the group tour! You Still Get All The Important Benefits Travelling as a group does not exclude you from enjoying access to Jewel of Africa’s 3 main pillars of service excellence – 1) Personalised attention to detail, 2) Safety and 3) Tailor-made packages. You are all still treated as important individuals and we go the extra mile to please you. We ensure everyone’s safety and can customise your package for you to extend your experience as you wish. Contact us now for all the information and booking assistance you need – and come and find out why a guided group tour can make for a really great vacation!
Southern Africa’s Top Safari Packages For 2018
As we embark on a whole new season of guided tour and luxury safari adventures in Southern Africa in 2018, there are three in particular that really stand out. They are all proudly offered by Jewel of Africa Safaris, one of the area’s premier touring companies and they include superb travel experiences not only to South Africa, a much sought after travel destination, but also the surrounding territories of Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. The three packages we consider to be Southern Africa’s top safari packages for 2018 are all adventure packages that take you from one premier destination to another in a week and half of luxurious bliss. 10 Day Kruger Park, Cape Town & Victoria Falls Safari In this spectacular South African and Zimbabwean guided tour and safari you get to see not one, but 2 world wonders! It begins with a safari at the idyllic and very luxurious Phelwana Safari Lodge, where you stay for the first 4 nights. It begins with a bush walk with a trained ranger where you can expect to see small game as a prelude to the big game sightings of Lion, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino you will experience in the Kruger Park itself and a later open vehicle game drive at the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve. There is a beautiful scenic tour in between on the ‘Panorama route’ that takes in God’s window, some beautiful falls and the Blyde river canyon, the worlds largest and greenest! Cape Town comes next – where world wonder Table Mountain overlooks one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the World. A tour here includes spectacular scenery on the breath taking Chapman’s peak drive, the colliding of two oceans at Cape Point and the sublimely beautiful Cape Winelands where South Africa’s finest can be enjoyed in an atmosphere of sheer opulence. Finally, a flight to Zimbabwe sees you descending on World wonder number 2 – the magnificent Victoria Falls. Activities here include the world’s wildest white-water-rafting trip, a bungee jump off the 111-meter high bridge, zip-lining the flying fox across the river, kayaking and a heart stopping gorge swing. A complimentary sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River is the perfect way to end just the first day …and there’s still more to come with a Vic Falls guided tour – what a great package –what variety in such a short time! 10 Day Victoria Falls, Chobe Park & Okavango Delta Safari This is for those who really love the wilds and the beauty of the African veld. The same beautiful scenery, chill time and thrills are experienced for the first few days at the Victoria Falls – then it’s on to 2 incredible luxury wildlife safaris, firstly at the Chobe National Park in Botswana, where land based safaris are conducted in open 4×4 vehicle and water borne safaris by boats and then dugout canoe and walking safaris at the world famous Okavango Delta, home to some of the world’s most endangered species of large mammal like Leopard, White rhino, Black rhino, African Wild Dog and Lion. Both these game viewing destinations are sure to bring you within meters of the wildlife and render the perfect opportunity for stunning photos. 10 Day Namibian Highlights Tour This amazing tour of the highlights of Namibia incorporates their culture, wildlife and beautiful scenic landscapes! Your private guide will be your host for the duration of your stay and show you the hidden treasures of Namibia while in the comfort of your private vehicle. Experience Namibia like never before to find out for yourself why this country is one of the top destinations in Africa! If this has helped to convince you that these indeed are Southern Africa’s top safari packages for 2018, contact us to find out why we are described as one of Southern Africa’s premier guided tour and African luxury safari specialists. We believe our 3 pillars of excellence – Personal attention, Safety and Tailor-made packaging, can make any of these vacation experiences unforgettable and very special.
The Big 5 of Africa…And Why You Have To See Them
Anyone who has the privilege of embarking on an African safari will know about Africa’s ‘Big 5.’ These are the five species of animals that are regarded as the ‘Royalty’ of Africa’s wildlife. The five animals that game spotters most want to see when on safari. It is believed that if you have not seen all five of this prestigious group, you have not seen all you need to …and so tourists and locals alike aspire to do so. South Africa and its splendid national parks, like the famous ‘Kruger National Park,’ offer one of the best chances to ‘spot’ them all. It is not as easy as it may seem to be either. In spite of trained and experienced game rangers who accompany most game viewing drives, one can be unlucky and never see all of the Big 5 roaming free in their natural habitat…and be resigned to possibly seeing them in a zoo, which is certainly defeating the object. It is an accomplishment and a privilege and just like you say “Hey I’ve seen the Rolling Stones or Madonna,” you brag when you have finally seen these ‘legends’ of Africa. Which animals are the ‘Big 5?’… The Lion Commonly known as ‘The king of the jungle’ and not without reason, for this is a feared predator – the largest of the big cats in Africa and the most powerful. The flowing manes of the males are their ‘crown’ adorning their proud heads with their piercing eyes. Sadly, as with many of the ‘Big 5,’ they are also hunted and currently classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN’s Red List, with their population plummeting about 40% since the 1990’s. The Leopard Mostly nocturnal, mysterious and very elusive, this is the most difficult of the ‘Big 5’ to spot and the one that deprives many tourists of claiming to have seen them all. Sleek, beautiful and superbly camouflaged, one may be lucky enough to spot one (they mostly travel alone and defy normal park boundaries) in the day if you see a tail dangling from a shady tree. Also classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, their numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss and competition with humans. The Elephant Our planet’s largest terrestrial mammal, elephant are the iconic species of the African savannas. Fascinating and family orientated they follow rituals like returning to burial grounds to die. They are capable of human-like emotions such as feeling loss, grieving and even crying. They remember and mourn their loved ones, even many years after their death. Sadly, they are an unfortunate target of the poaching underworld and due to this and habitat destruction, the world´s population of elephants has been drastically decreasing and they too are listed as ‘Vulnerable.’ The Rhino These ‘dinosaur-like’ creatures are gentle giants whose trusting manner has unfortunately aided those who poach them for their horns to have placed them on the ‘Critically Endangered’ list. There are two species of Rhinoceros in Africa – the Black Rhino and the White (or square lipped) Rhino, with the Black Rhino facing extinction sooner than their counterparts. There are only approximately 4,800 black rhinos and 20,000 white rhinos surviving in the wild. It is deeply distressing to think that this is one of the ‘Big 5’ that may never be sighted again in the future. The Buffalo A large and powerful bovine, the African Buffalo reaches a shoulder height of up to 1.5 m and a mass of 750 kg. This is the only one of the ‘Big 5’ who can fall prey to lions, but when the whole herd stands together against a predator, they are infallible and only their young are vulnerable. The Cape buffalo is also considered to be one of the most dangerous animals to be encountered on a hunt as it will often unexpectedly do a full circle and come up behind the hunter! As these animals have such a bad temper, they should be taken seriously if ever encountered on foot! We hope that this has given some insight into The Big 5 of Africa …and why you have to see them. Watch this space for additional articles on where they can best be seen and contact us at ‘Jewel of Africa’ to learn more and to arrange your tailor-made luxury African safari today.
