Zulu tribe.

South Africa is a country rich in history and culture, containing some of the world’s oldest archaeological sites, and has accumulated a series of myths and legends over the years to reflect the country’s personality.

Due to the number of civilisations which inhabit South Africa, there are an endless variety of stories to be told, from Zulu mythology to the Saan religion. Take a look at some of South Africa’s most well-known myths and legends:

Captain Van Hunks

Legend has it that the 18^th century sea captain, Jan Van Hunks, decided to retire and live on Table Mountain with his wife. Every day Van Hunks would climb to the top of the mountain to smoke his pipe and admire the beautiful views.

One day, Van Hunks climbed to his usual smoking spot and was surprised to see a strange man already sat there, smoking a pipe; the stranger challenged Van Hunks to a smoking contest, which he gladly agreed to.

Van Hunks was victorious in the competition, much to the stranger’s dismay – and who else should this stranger turn out to be than the devil? Angry for losing, the devil vanished, taking Van Hunks along with him.

Today there is a thick cloud that hangs above Table Mountain, which is said to be left over from Van Hunk’s and the devil’s smoking contest.

Two Roads Overcame the Hyena

One day, a hungry hyena came across a fork in the road, with two separate paths each leading to two goats caught in the thickets.

Unable to choose a path, the hyena decided it would tread the left path with its left legs and walk along the right path with its right legs. However, as the paths grew further away from each other, the hyena was eventually split in half.

Two roads overcame the hyena is a well-known African proverb, meant to encourage people to choose a path and commit to it – otherwise they will be stretched too thin, like the poor hyena!

Ga-Gorib

The myth of Ga-Gorib originates from the Saan religion, which consist of the various indigenous hunters of South Africa.

The Ga-Gorib is a beast who attempts to lure people into its pit by tricking them to throw rocks at it. However, the stones always bounce back from the creature’s hide, and the caster falls into the pit.

When Heitsi-eibib – the hero of the story – meets the beast, he refuses to throw a stone, and instead waits until Ga-Gorib’s back is turned. When Ga-Gorib isn’t looking, Heitsi-ebib casts his rock, sending the beast tumbling into its own pit.

In another version of the story Ga-Gorib repeatedly tries to throw Heitsi-ebib into the pit, but he always manages to escape; Heitsi-ebib ends up throwing Ga-Gorib into the pit, as in the other versions of the story.

Ga-Gorib means “the spotted one”, which could refer to a leopard or cheetah, which are known for their cunningness in other legendary tales.

–

 Amy Labbadia is a travel writer for the luxury tour operator Wanderforth, specialising in holidays to South Africa.

In actual fact, Africa is home to a number of fantastic holiday destination choices offering a range of experiences from blissed out beach life to exciting safaris. Today we outline some of the best destinations for those looking for bargain holidays on this beautiful and diverse continent.

1 – Morocco

Spices Square – Marrakech.

Whether you long for a surfer’s paradise or a bustling city break, Morocco has an abundance of options. Both Fez and Marrakech are famous for their Arabesque architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites and overflowing, colourful medinas.

Book yourself into a traditional riad and enjoy a little respite from the frantic city life. Top surf destinations include Taghazout and Agadir and if you want to team the surf with a little yoga and meditation, there are some good deals to be found all year round.

2 – Gambia

If you are in need of some winter-sun in a destination that offers fantastic value for money then The Gambia could be just the place for you. The country is relatively small so if you wish, you can travel around to a couple of different areas to really get a feel for things – it also gives you the option to combine beach time with a spot of culture.

Sukuta Region (Western Division)…

If the culture part is top of your list – then you should seek an invitation to a Gambian compound where you can meet members of the country’s traditional tribes – Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola.

3– Cape Verde

If all that you are seeking from your discount holiday is the chance to laze around on the beach, splash about in blue waters when the sunshine gets too much and get through those five books that you have downloaded on your Kindle, then Cape Verde should be your destination.

Boats at the Salt Mine – Sal.

The archipelago located off the coast of West Africa has long been a popular choice with Portuguese holidaymakers. However – with destinations like Sal earning global recognition for enjoying 350 days of sunshine, it is easy to see why it is growing in popularity at an impressive rate.

4 – Ghana

Paddle Boy.

If you crave a little adventure from your bargain holiday then why not opt for a getaway to Ghana? The interior of the country is hugely popular with active tourists who want to mountain bike or trek.

It’s also a great destination if you want to volunteer whilst you are away – you could help to teach or to build a new classroom. There are a fantastic array of options in Ghana for those who get bored within five minutes of lying on the beach!

What is a group of zebras called?

Most people usually know that a group of lions is called a PRIDE, that a family of elephants form a HERD, or that ants can be found in a COLONY!

However, do you know how a group of giraffes is called? Or even a group of hippos?

How about a group of rhinos?

Not as easy, huh?!

Shall we find out?

What do you call a group of…

–

* Mammals

–

Antelopes

A group of antelopes is called a herd (e.g. A herd of impalas).

Apes

A shrewdness of apes.

Baboons

A troop of baboons.

OR

A congress of baboons.

OR

A flange of baboons.

Badgers

A cete of badgers (e.g. Honey badgers).

Bats

A colony or cloud of bats.

Buffalo

A herd, troup, gang, or obstinacy of buffalo.

Cheetahs

A coalition of cheetahs.

Dolphins

A school of dolphins.

OR

A pod of dolphins.

Elephants

A herd or parade of elephants.

OR

A crash of elephants.

Foxes

A skulk of foxes (e.g. A skulk of Bat-eared foxes).

OR

A cloud, troop, or company of foxes.

OR

A leash or earth of foxes.

Giraffes

A tower of giraffes.

OR

A corps, troop or herd of giraffes.

OR

A kindergarten of giraffes.

OR

A journey of giraffes.

OR

A kaleidoscope of giraffes.

Gorillas

A band of gorillas.

OR

A whoop of gorillas.

Hares

A husk, down, mute or warren of hares.

OR

A trace of hares.

Hedgehogs

An array of hedgehogs.

Hippos

A bloat of hippos.

OR

A raft of hippos.

OR

A pool or herd of hippos.

Hyenas

A pack of hyenas.

OR

A cackle of hyenas (e.g. Spotted hyenas).

OR

A clan of hyenas.

Hyraxes

A colony of hyraxes.

Jackals

A pack of jackals (e.g. A pack of Black-backed jackals).

Lemurs

A troop of lemurs.

Leopards

A leap or prowl of leopards.

Some people even say it should be a “spot of leopards”.

Lions

A pride, flock, sawt, souse or troop of lions.

OR

A sault of lions.

Meerkats

A mob, gang, colony or clan of meerkats (also known as suricates).

Mice

A horde of mice.

OR

A mischief of mice.

OR

A harvest of mice.

OR

A colony or a nest of mice.

Mongooses

A business of mongooses (e.g. Banded mongooses).

Monkeys

A troop, cartload or barrel of monkeys.

Porcupines

A prickle of porcupines.

Rhinos

A crash or herd of rhinos.

Seals

A colony, herd, harem, trip or rookery of seals.

OR

A pod of seals (small herd).

Squirrels

A dray, colony or scurry of squirrels (though squirrels are seldom seen in a group).

E.g. A dray of ground squirrels.

Warthogs

Warthogs live in groups called sounders.

Whales

A school, herd, grind or gam of whales.

OR

A pod of whales (small school).

Wild Dogs

A pack of wild dogs.

Wildebeest

A herd of wildebeest.

OR

An implausibility of wildebeest (or gnus).

Wolves

A pack,  rout or route (when in movement) of wolves (e.g. Ethiopian wolves).

Zebras

A dazzle, herd or zeal of zebras (e.g. Burchell’s zebras).

Zebra crossing, you say? Perhaps…but not quite!

–

* Birds

–

Birds (in general)

A flock, flight, or parcel of birds.

OR

A pod of birds (small flock).

Buzzards

A wake of buzzards.

Cormorants

A gulp or flight of cormorants.

Cranes

A herd, seige or sedge of cranes.

Crows

A murder of crows.

OR

A hover, muster, or parcel of crows.

OR

A horde of crows.

OR

A parliament of crows.

Doves

A flight, dule, dole, piteousness or plague of doves.

A pitying (of turtle doves).

Ducks

A raft, paddling or bunch of ducks (on water).

OR

A team, brace, bed, flight or flock of wild ducks (in flight).

OR

A badling or flush of ducks.

Eagles

An aerie of eagles.

OR

A congregation of eagles.

OR

A convocation of eagles.

Flamingos

A stand of flamingos.

OR

A flamboyance of flamingos.

Geese

A gaggle or flock of geese.

OR

A plump of geese (on water).

OR

A skein, team or wedge of geese (in the air).

Guinea Fowl

A confusion of guinea fowl.

OR

A rasp of guinea fowl.

Herons

A scattering, seige or sedge of herons.

Ostriches

A flock of ostriches.

Owls

A parliament of owls.

OR

A stare or wisdom of owls.

OR

A study of owls.

Parrots

A pandemonium or company of parrots.

Pelicans

A squadron of pelicans.

OR

A pod or scoop of pelicans.

Penguins

A rookery or colony of penguins.

Pigeons

A flock or flight of pigeons.

OR

A kit of pigeons (flying together).

Sparrows

A host of sparrows.

Starlings

A murmuration of starlings.

OR

A filth of starlings.

OR

A chattering of starlings.

OR

An affliction of starlings.

Storks

A mustering of storks.

Swallows

A flight of swallows.

Swans

A bevy, game, herd, team, or wedge (flying in a “V” formation) of swans.

Vultures

A committee or venue of vultures.

–

* Reptiles and Amphibians

–

Cobras

A quiver of cobras.

Crocodiles

A congregation or nest of crocodiles.

OR

A bask or float of crocodiles.

Frogs

An army or colony of frogs.

OR

A knot of frogs.

Snakes

A den, bed, pit or slither of snakes.

OR

A nest or knot of snakes.

OR

A brood of snakes (family group).

Tortoises

A creep of tortoises.

Turtles

A bale, dole or nest of turtles.

OR

A turn of turtles.

Vipers

A nest or brood of vipers.

–

* Fish

–

Fish (in general)

A shoal, draft, nest or school of fish.

OR

A run of fish (in motion).

Sharks

A shiver or school of sharks.

–

* Invertebrates

–

Ants

A colony of ants.

Bees

A grist, hive, swarm, drift or bike of bees.

OR

A cluster, erst or nest of bees.

Caterpillars

An army of caterpillars.

Crabs

A cast of crabs.

Flies

A cloud, hatch, business or swarm of flies.

Grasshoppers

A cloud or swarm of grasshoppers.

Insects (in general)

A swarm of insects.

Mosquitoes

A cloud of mosquitoes.

OR

A scourge of mosquitoes.

Spiders

A cluster of spiders.

Termites

A brood, colony, nest or swarm of termites.

–

Have other interesting groups of animal names to share?

Feel free to do so in the comments section…

Christopher Rimmer’s photography invariably evokes similar responses in the viewer. There are those who leave his exhibitions with tears in their eyes and those who feel somehow ennobled, yet humbled, by the images they have seen, as if the pathos and the splendour of these visions of human and animal survival, had touched their brow with an extraordinary brush of light.

© Christopher Rimmer

Christopher Rimmer’s formative years were spent in South Africa during the 1970’s when the country was firmly in the grip of the Apartheid policies of B.J. Vorster’s National Party. He began taking photographs as a teenager and from an early age, his photography revealed a sophisticated insight into his environment that belied his youth. His work was published in South African magazines whilst he was still a teenager and work from his most recent exhibition, Spirits Speak, saw him shortlisted in London for the prestigious Black & White Photographer of the Year award.

I spoke to Christopher Rimmer over lunch in Johannesburg just a stone’s throw from where he grew up.

 –

Well I suppose I should ask how it feels to be back in South Africa. Does it still feel like home?

Yes it does. I’m always happy to be in South Africa. I travel here often. I left something of myself here when I left in 1982 and I re-connect with that whenever I return. The photography I have produced in southern Africa is also an expression of that re-connection.

Do you think that the fact your work ‘comes from the heart’, so to speak, is why people are drawn to your photography? There are many aspiring photographers who take photographs in Africa, why do you think your work has been so successful?

I seldom meet people who purchase my photography but on the occasions when I have they often tell me the photograph ‘speaks to them’ which I take to mean that there is something visceral occurring when the person views the image which is in truth, a mystery to me. I operate with a visual agenda when I’m working and I seldom, if ever, even think about the person who may end up hanging the finished print on their wall.

What do you mean by a visual agenda?

I mean that I have something visual in my head that I seek and I keep going until I feel I have captured it. Perhaps that explains why my work is so graphic; the image exists as a vision to some extent before it is captured. So I go out there in pursuit of visual ideas which I attempt to bring to fruition.

When Facebook removed your photographs of bare breasted Himba Tribal women, it became a news story. Did that upset you?

© Christopher Rimmer

The Facebook thing didn’t really upset me although I think an organization as large as Facebook would benefit from a more sophisticated means of differentiating what constitutes art and what constitutes obscenity. What upset me was the debate that raged in some media about the images of the Himba women being patronizing and colonial.

I realize that this genre of photographing indigenous people is ideologically tainted, but I find it aesthetically compelling nonetheless. I think, as an artist, I should be free to explore this without a bunch of holier than thou, do-gooders suggesting that by doing so, I am revealing some concealed sense of superiority over my subject.

Do you find photography in Africa specifically problematic?

No more than anywhere else. There is more of a culture of paying for photographs in Africa, particularly in the urban areas which some people find a difficult thing to navigate. Certainly the quality of light in Southern Africa in places like Zimbabwe and Namibia is unlike anywhere else on earth. The work I did in Namibia has a particular signature to it that I know I would find impossible to replicate anywhere else and that’s down to the quality of light.

Your Wildlife Shots have an incredible level of detail. How close do you get?

© Christopher Rimmer

I get asked that all the time and the short answer is very close. I only use short lenses. The quality comes from the fact that I use medium format. If you get in close with a good lens, you can get some great results assuming the light is good too. You have to balance it with staying safe though.

Do you attempt to promote conservation with your photography?

Obviously when people see my work, inevitable questions regarding the extinction of species and the destruction of traditional tribal culture through modernization are raised. I have always thought that if people could emotionally connect with what they see in my work, they would be encouraged to care.

When Lowveld Lion looks directly at you as he does, how can you not feel him asserting his right to exist? How can you not respect him a sentient being with whom we share this planet? Shouldn’t we be doing more to ensure he survives? I think we should.

What’s on for Christopher Rimmer the remainder of 2013?

Well I’m working on some new material which I intend to exhibit next year. I have been photographing the ghost town of Kalmanskop in Namibia and making massive colour C Type prints. I was over in Namibia earlier this year and I’m heading back in August to continue. I am exhibiting work at Photo Menton in France and a few other festivals in the E.U. over the northern summer.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak to me.

Christopher Rimmer Photo Gallery

With many animal species entering the endangered list or becoming completely extinct, more and more people want to witness these rare and beautiful animals in their natural habitat – and safari holidays offer them this exact opportunity.

What is a safari?

A safari is an overland journey, embarked upon by a group of people who wish to observe animals in their natural environment. It’s a brilliant opportunity for budding photographers to capture rare and opportune moments of some of the world’s most exotic and enchanting animals.

South African safaris are particularly popular, and boast the possibility of meeting the Big Five. Consisting of the lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo, the opportunity to witness these rare animals is a once in a lifetime experience.

The safari’s origin

Safaris were originally used for big game hunting, but due to many of these animals now being on the endangered list, these types of safaris are growing less and less common.

The word ‘safari’ entered the English language in the 19^th century, and means ‘long journey’ in Swahili. This couldn’t be more accurate, as some game drives can go on for hours, ensuring that travellers experience these rare animals at all times of day.

In 1836, the English military engineer and hunter William Cornwallis Harris led an expedition across South Africa which lasted a year. Beginning in Cape Town, Harris and his team of explorers journeyed to Grahamstown and the Kalahari, where he encountered his first Sable Antelope.

Harris seemed to have started a trend, for now safaris and game drives are among the most popular holiday types in the world.

Modern day safaris

It has become increasingly common to blend outdoor adventure with modern day luxury, with many South Africa safari lodges offering guests the chance to embark upon daily game drives and also relax in luxurious accommodations.

This style of holiday is the ultimate blend of old and new, where travellers can experience the pleasures of days gone by whilst appreciating the decadence of modern day comforts.

Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve is a prime example of luxury safari living, as they offer both game drives and spa services! So, if you thought a safari holiday would be all rough and tumble – think again.

A safari has so much to offer: sights, sounds and unforgettable experiences. Over the years the nature of game drives may have changed, but the essence is still the same: nature deserves to be marvelled at. And with a bounty of plush South African safari lodges to choose from, lovers of luxury will have no problem easing into the safari way of life.

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Asante sana!

Keep in touch!

Strand, Western Cape.

Guest Post by David Elliott.

South Africa is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, especially since it hosted the World Cup, and cities like Johannesburg are experiencing a real boom.

As well as the vibrant urban life, visitors on safari can get close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating animals in their natural habitat, and the rich and varied landscape is ideal for a range of outdoor activities.

Get a few insurance quotes before heading out and you’re guaranteed a fabulous time in one of the most exciting countries in the world. There are some great deals on offer, and a little forethought and planning will ensure also that you make your money stretch farther once you’ve arrived.

It’s always cheaper to travel outside the peak season of August to September, which is the dry season in the Madikwe and Kruger safari areas, when viewing game is easier because of the scarcity of water. May to August is the best time to come for cheaper rates in the game lodges.

As a side note, if you’re planning on visiting the Okavango Delta region (Botswana) be aware that in June and July the prices all shoot up pretty dramatically, but if you go there in May or early June this is classed as the ‘low season’ and rates drop, although there is still plenty of game around because of the good floodwaters at the various lodges.

You can also save money by going as a group, and this works out well in safari lodges as well as in city apartments, where there are frequently ‘four for the price of three’ offers, especially in the low season here.

If you decide to spend more time in just the one area you can save a tidy sum. South Africa is such a vast country, and if you visit many different parts during the one trip you’ll be facing higher flight costs as well as additional transfers between airports and hotels.

Stopovers in places you don’t care about will rack up your expenses unnecessarily, and the time spent in them will only detract from what you have at your disposal.

If you spend a little time weighing up the relative interests of each of the areas, and factor in the costs of getting to them, you can reduce costs dramatically. If you’re here on safari this will also be the best strategy for viewing the most animals.

If your budget isn’t up to staying in a particular location, such as a top notch safari camp, you can always try mixing them. Splash out a bit on just a few nights there and add in a few more at lower cost accommodation such as a rustic camping site.

When you stay with the same lodge group or hotel you’ll also probably be able to take advantage of their special ‘long stay’ room rates, rather than if you just dropped in for a night or two before flitting off elsewhere.

Some of them also have sister camps or hotels where you can get better rates for staying in the family. As most such deals are not advertised on the internet it’s best to ask your operator about them.

–

David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He’s spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.

Guest Post

You are looking at your “Bucket List” of things to do before you die and one sentence in particular is highlighted in fluorescent yellow: “Travel to South Africa to take a safari in the Kruger National Park”.

Actually, your dreams are only a flight away to South Africa on a reliable airline to Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport. If you are a wily traveller, booking a sturdy 4×4 vehicle in advance off the Internet will give you the advantage of getting great savings on cheap car hire, where you can find the perfect vehicle to safely get you to and around the Kruger Park.

Once through airport customs and immigration, a friendly Rental Agent will be there to meet and greet you, making your arrival to South Africa a welcome one.

After sleeping over in Johannesburg you will set off on the first stage of your safari to Kruger, world-famous for its abundantly diverse wildlife.

The Park’s magnificent scenery and unique wilderness with the “Big Five”; Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino and an array of other animals, makes it one of the few remaining areas where one feels as if they are in the true Africa of old, away from the noise of smoggy cities and the endless hum of traffic.

Instead there is the peace of the bush, the sound of the African fish eagle’s lament echoing out across the Olifants River and the rat-tap-tap of the tok-tok beetle as it trundles through the fallen leaves of the mopane trees.

There are so many places where you can stay in the Kruger Park and surrounding areas, with a range of accommodation from low budget to luxury game lodges. These can be booked through the South African Department of Tourism at the same time that you book your car.

It is said that the Kruger National Park is the prototype of wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, offering a wildlife experience that ranks as one of the best in the entire continent.

Established in 1898 to protect the animals in the Lowveld of South Africa, the park comprises nearly two million hectares and is unrivalled in its vast diversity of flora and fauna, with an estimate of some 336 trees, 114 reptiles, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

It is also interesting to note that man has been part of the environment for centuries, from the bushman’s paintings that are still visible in rocky outcrops and caves to the fascinating archaeological sites of Masorini and Thulamela. Giving evidence of cultures before ours that lived and hunted in the vast tracts of land, and part of the proud conservation of the Kruger National Park.

Africa’s mysterious magic has always been its unique wildlife and the habitats in which they can be found. For you as the visitor, the African bush provides remarkably stirring experiences with only a few other African Game Parks as diverse as that of the Kruger National Park.

Reluctantly you will leave the Park on your homeward journey, dropping your 4×4 vehicle back at the airport where you will promise yourself a return to Africa where the old saying goes “the dust of Africa never leaves the soles of your feet”.

–

The menu was well worth it, with a wide choice of hearty options, of which steak and seafood were the centrepiece. I opted for the Camel steak with little trepidation, I love exotic meats and I figured Egypt’s widely accepted national treasure wouldn’t disappoint (unfortunately I don’t have a picture of this, I inhaled it so quickly I didn’t have a chance to reach for my phone).

It didn’t. The Camel was juicy and tender enough to rival any beef I’ve ever eaten, and that wasn’t the half of it. The cocktails were divine, and the price of the meal was impressive, for two people having starter, main, dessert, and two drinks, the total was under £50, less than half what you pay for the equivalent in London.

“The Lodge” Restaurant & Bar.

For those who want to continue the party, Hurghada is littered with big name clubs that wouldn’t be out of place in Ibiza (Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi to name drop a couple). While I can see that the town is trying to draw in younger crowds with the temptation of cheap alcohol and well known night-life brands, there’s a kind of awkward unspoken conflict here between strict religion and excessive hedonism, between pockets of untold wealth and poverty, separated by just a few hundred meters. In any case this is probably just me over thinking things; Hurghada is an ideal spot for a night out.

Aside from all this splendour, Hurghada has a traditional side, the streets are lined by market stools selling everything from suspect electronics to, well, suspect trainers. The street vendors are pushy, even slightly intimidating at first, some firmness is required to convince them you’re not interested in their ‘Comverse’ sneakers, but fundamentally, the majority of them are happy people who love tourists and more than anything else, are just keen to socialise with westerners.

As mentioned, Hurghada does have its poorer areas, and there is certainly no risk in exploring these, but do be prepared for a culture shock. Indeed, such areas aren’t hard to stumble across, there’s a very thin line between rich and poor here (literally) and in less than a minute you can make the transition from a lavish fish restaurant to dilapidated market stools selling mouldy fruit, with the odd goat hobbling around, you won’t see this side of Hurghada in the brochures.

In reality few tourists will spend any significant amount of time in Hurghada town, there are some hotels based in the centre but many of the large resorts on the outskirts provide everything most families or couples require from a ‘sun’ holiday. Nevertheless it’s worth venturing into town at least one night to get a feel for Egyptian culture, if you can escape the lure of the All Inclusive buffet for a few hours!

Even if you don’t feel like experiencing Hurghada town there’s plenty of opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the Red Sea coast (which the salesmen wondering around your hotel will be more than happy to inform you about on a daily basis!).

Desert tours run daily – these involve tearing around the dunes on a buggy or quad bike, followed by a visit to an authentic Bedouin camp, an Egyptian BBQ and finally stargazing at the Arabian night sky.

Ok, a slightly cobbled together mix of activities, and I’d personally question the authenticity of the Bedouin camp but this package is nevertheless popular and breaks up the sunbathing.

So far I’ve failed to mention diving. The Red Sea is positively teeming with colourful marine life, and the diving opportunities are a huge draw for tourists, both professionals and casual holiday makers who wish to partake in some underwater exploration, as we found out when I was nearly knocked out cold by an errant oxygen canister on our coach transfer to the hotel!

Hurghada is a great option for a reasonably priced holiday with some guaranteed sun virtually all year round. Don’t expect historic sites here, think more of a motorway, airport, a stretch luxury all inclusive hotels and a relatively lively town.

That’s not to say you can’t experience real Egyptian culture here, the locals are ultra friendly and hospitable, always keen to engage in some banter. With a flight time 5.5 hours from the UK Egypt is a brief jaunt and makes a great alternative to Spain or Greece; highly recommended!

Indeed other countries in the region, notably Morocco and Tunisia are also experiencing a boom in tourism, but Egypt is arguably the best equipped to please tourists from all walks of life with its ancient historical sites in Luxor and Cairo, luxury hotels and resorts along the Red Sea coast and of course the long, meandering River Nile, along which cruises operate year round.

Sharm el Sheikh is without doubt Egypt’s primary holiday resort (ask your Auntie, she’s probably been there), and has been for some time but as tourism in the country continues to grow, similar resorts have sprung up, catering for families, couples and single-sex groups in search of a sun-drenched break.

Hurghada is one such resort, located about halfway down the Red Sea coast on the eastern side of the country, the area is made of the main town, Hurghada airport, and an approximately 12 mile stretch of motorway lined with large hotels.

Hurghada hasn’t always been teeming with activity, it was once a small fishing village but it began attracting tourists in the 1980s, particularly divers since the Red Sea is a haven for colourful marine life and coral reefs.

Growth started occurring when oil was discovered near Hurghada, and U.S., European and Arabic investors began to plough cash into the area. In recent years the number of permanent inhabitants has increased over four-fold (from 20,000 to almost 90,000) and one million tourists per year now visit Hurghada; watch your back Spain!

As mentioned Sharm el Sheikh is the most popular and most famous resort in Egypt, so much so that Brits have now affectionately nicknamed it ‘Sharm’. Hurghada certainly comes a close second however, at least for tourists looking for a resort type holiday, offering a similar experience on slightly smaller, and some might say a slightly cheaper level.

The first time we went was with Hayes and Jarvis, these guys do some good value offers on a range of hotels. Hurghada is surrounded by several ‘satellite’ resorts which are far smaller and more upmarket, such as El Gouna and Soma Bay.

Hurghada Airport is adjacent to the town, slightly inland. It is of course possible to stay in a hotel in the centre of Hurghada town, but it’s quite rare for holidaymakers to do this. Most of the biggest and best hotels are based along the coastal road to the North and South of Hurghada.

The majority are no longer than a one hour transfer from the airport, we stayed in a four star property called Jungle Aqua park (yes it did have its own water park!), which was little more than a twenty minute transfer; ideal, after all who wants to sit on a sweaty coach full of strangers for hours on end?!

Taxis are available to book to and from hotels, or there are several private taxi firms operating in the town that you can hail for a lift back to your hotel.

Hurghada itself comprises of old and new parts of the town, the new side of town features a picturesque Marina, along which many of the best restaurants are based. It really is a town of contrasts, there are modern high rise buildings and global brands on show, I even saw a Gold’s Gym here which sparked a hint of jealousy (we don’t even have them in the UK!).

On the other side of the street you could find scruffy market stalls selling fruit, barefoot traders walking around amidst all the noise and hubbub that makes you realise what life was like before mega malls and smart phones!

Without a doubt the smartest part of town is the marina, the place is reminiscent of Puerto Banus in the Costa del Sol or even Monaco, the U-shaped harbour is lined with expensive yachts, most likely owned by Russian oligarchs (there are a LOT of Russians in Egypt), gently bobbing on the water, occasionally reflecting the afternoon Arabian sunlight .

The Marina certainly has an exclusive feel, but it’s great to see a mix of locals and tourists strolling around, enjoying an al-fresco drink or smoking shisha pipes.

Hurghada Marina map.

The restaurants are top drawer, and wouldn’t feel out of place in central London, or indeed any other big city. Upmarket Sushi bars and steak houses nestle among chic cocktails joint lit up in indigo and blue, one bar even had a live band playing, a stark contrast to the hive of activity on the other side of the road.

We opted to eat in ‘the Lodge’, a wood-clad intimate venue that was dimly lit and filled with German and Dutch tourists, conversing and enjoying a drink.

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==> Read Part 2!