Here are 8 tips that I recently read from ‘Lonely Planet’ which I would like to share with you so that you can plan and enjoy a safari that so many people dream about:

   1.When is the best time for a safari

For wildlife watching, winter (June to September) is ideal as many trees and shrubs are leafless, which aids spotting. Limited food and water also means that animals are out in the open more  or grabbing a drink at a waterhole where one can park, wait and enjoy.

2. Choosing a wild life experience

South Africa has over 600 parks and reserves. From utter desolation, to verdant savanna’s rich with life in all forms. You can join guided safaris, go on your own or find serenity at a campsite far from others.  You will find options for every budget. Most have good roads and you can tour in your own rental car but guided tours in an open game vehicle with experienced game rangers is what we would recommend.

3. Choosing a private reserve

There are two main reasons not to choose a private wildlife reserve: cost and too much comfort. These are not places for people on a tight budget, nor are they places for travellers who want to live frills-free –But for people who want the ultimate safari-experience, a lodge in a private reserve offers:

• Close proximity to wildlife. Not only do you avoid long drives before your safari starts but that bump you hear in the night may be an elephant looking in your window. Sabi Sand, which adjoins Kruger National Park, is widely considered to be the best place in Africa for spotting animals. If you need something close without venturing too far away when based in Johannesburg the  Pilanesberg  is a great malaria free option and Moonflower Cottages an affordable self catering base to use as ‘home from home ‘ accommodation in the northern suburbs of Victory park in Johannesburg
• Fewer crowds. Safari jeeps may hold only six people compared to a dozen or more in big parks, guides will be able to give you individual attention and when, say, a pride with lion cubs is spotted there won’t be a feeding frenzy of jeeps.
• Luxury. Some of the private reserve lodges are merely comfortable but others, such as Ulusaba in Sabi Sand are the retreats of the famous, such as the owner Richard Branson, and feature every amenity.
• Customisation. Since you’re staying amidst the wildlife, you can easily create your own menu of activities on the fly, such as guided walks through the bush or tours that focus on particular species. At Samara Private Game Reserve in a verdant valley amidst desert in the Eastern Cape, there are treks to track cheetahs on foot.

One way to save on the costs of a private reserve is to spend just a few nights at one at the start of your trip. Take advantage of the talented guides and abundance of wildlife to see a lot of animals quickly and learn a lot about South Africa’s wildlife. Then, with your wildlife urges somewhat sated, try a completely different experience in a national park, where you can concentrate more on appreciating the rhythms of life and natural beauty.

4. Use a guide

The first time your guide shows you easily-missed leopard tracks crossing your path, you’ll be glad you’re not wandering aimlessly on your own. Although guides can keep you safe from marauding lions, their great value is simply in explaining the vast complexities and subtleties of the African bush. Animals carry the colours they do so they will be easy to miss.

5. Don’t be a ‘Big Five’ cliché

Sure, it’s great – and a reason to go – to see lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes and rhinos.   But there are obviously a far greater veriety out there: zebras, hippos and giraffes are just a few and the list goes on.

6. Drive or fly

You can fly close to Kruger park, connecting from Cape Town or Johannesburg. If you’re pressed for time this is essential for having plenty of safari time. Most other parks and reserves are equally well served by local flights and you can work out itineraries where resorts or lodges handle all your transfers. But if you can afford the time, driving in South Africa is rewarding. Outside of parks and reserves there are wine regions, spectacular natural beauty and all manner of interesting small towns and cultural attractions. As an example, from Johannesburg you can reach Kruger or Sabi Sand in a full day of driving or you can break the journey at Pilgrim’s Rest, a charmer of an 1880s gold-rush town that hasn’t been over-restored.

7. Bring the right stuff

Dawn safaris during the winter in and around Kruger can be surprisingly cold; layers (even gloves and a warm hat) can be shed as the sun and temp goes up. Binoculars are an obvious choice and don’t expect your lodge or guides to provide them. A compact pair will let you see that big cat skulking in the distance. Don’t count on wi-fi in the bush, so a good book about the land and life around you is essential.

8. Just relax

Besides shivering in the cold dawn air you should be ready to simply chill out. Guides will be doing their best to hit a checklist of animals but this doesn’t always happen. Take time to appreciate the land around you, the beauty of a deserted waterhole reflecting the vast African sky or the sounds of a bird far in the distance. Don’t fret about picking off a checklist of critters and certainly don’t spend all your time hunting for them through a tiny viewfinder. Get out of your vehicle and simply revel in the quiet. Sometimes the most magical moment on safari is when you see nothing at all.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa/travel-tips-and-articles/76934#ixzz1sIdV0ypr

Research Your Destination Beforehand

• Understand local cultures, rules, laws, crime rates, weather conditions, attitudes, etiquette, price of things and similar information.
•  Find out which areas of your destination are considered safe to stay or travel through and which are considered shady.
•  Read up on common scams and crimes in your destination area.
• Read local reports on the internet and follow up on current events, especially any political unrest.
• Learn what could be termed offensive behavior at your destination, to avoid provoking people by accident.

Checks and decisions to make …before leaving home

• Take only as much with you as you absolutely need during your travel. The less you take with you, the less your loss in case of theft and it’s not expensive to buy clothing which you would most likely do anyway.
• Don’t carry expensive gadgets openly and avoid looking like a tourist.
• Take copies of your passport, fronts and backs of your credit, debit and prepaid ATM cards, traveler’s checks and other travel documents. Keep a set in your luggage and one set on you.
• Take cards and some cash of local currency in small denominations.
• Before leaving on your trip, visit your state department’s website and obtain travel advisories for your destination country.
• Take copies of your itinerary and leave them with family and friends at home. Whenever you move to a different locality or register in a new hotel, message the contact numbers and contact people’s names to your family.
• If you want to drive while abroad, obtain an international driving permit.
• If you’re carrying medication, leave some of them in your luggage, some in your pocket and some in your carry-on luggage.
• If you’re a diabetic or if you suffer from any other disease, carry a note from your doctor, along with your prescription and latest health reports.

First things to do on Arrival

• Register your international driver’s license with your country’s embassy in your destination city. If anything happens on the road, your embassy will have contact information for you and will contact your family.
• Buy a cheap phone and get a local SIM card with international calling facility.

Keep Your Valuables Safe

• Don’t carry all your cash in your wallet. Every time you open your wallet, you risk exposure. Hide a bit of your cash in a hidden compartment in your luggage and your clothing.
• Use your debit or credit card to make purchases as much as possible.
• Keep your valuables such as jewelry and costly purchases under lock and key.
• Keep your wallet in your inner jacket pocket so that it won’t be easy to steal it. Carrying a money belt under your jacket is also a good idea.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

• Don’t get fully engrossed in the sights. Make sure you look around now and then; being aware of any suspicious looking people can help prevent thefts and other crimes.
• Get hold of the phone numbers for the local authorities whenever you travel to a new destination. Report a crime over phone the moment it occurs and follow it up with a written complaint.
• Use a GPS if you are unfamiliar with the roads or carry a map with you and check your route so that you know exactly where you’re going and how to get there.
• Travel with pairs as much as possible. Solo travelers are usually targeted more often by criminals than those in a group.
• Avoid walking around in a strange area during the night.
• In countries where the crime rate is high, manage your foreign exchange, taxi booking and other necessities with government approved agencies. Resist dealing with currency exchangers, gypsy taxis and street vendors.
• Don’t get into a battle of words with people you don’t know. This is how con people operate; they try to engage you in a conversation and try to lead you astray.

Try To Blend In

• Blend in as much as possible to avoid standing out as a tourist. This reduces your likelihood of being targeted for theft.
• Learn a bit of the local language, at least enough to get answers to basic questions.

Select the Right Accommodation

It’s best to stay at a hotel/Lodge/Self Catering establishment recommended on the internet or by friends. Have a look at Moonflower Cottages if you are looking for something central in Johannesburg’s Northern Suburbs which is safe and has reasonable rates.

Well let me explain a little bit about them. We have been running Moonflower Cottages in Victory Park, Johannesburg’s northern suburbs for the last three years, so we know a bit about the Apartment Accommodation business.

First of all what exactly are ‘self-catering holiday apartments’? Generally they are privately owned apartments, managed and operated by the owners. There are large chains that offer ‘self-catering apartments’ but generally these are also ‘serviced apartments’ in hotel style complexes. This article is focused solely on privately owned apartments, which offer quite a few advantages over the apartments from large chains, but be aware there are also some disadvantages.

First let’s look at the advantages:

• Whether you are traveling alone or in a group it is almost always cheaper to book self-catering apartments than hotel rooms.
• An apartment will have a lot more space than hotel rooms. Generally is will consist of between one and three bedrooms and have a lounge, a kitchen, a dining area as well as the bedrooms and bathroom and a lot they offer a much more relaxed and ‘home from home’ environment particularly for women travelling on their own.
• You can cook for yourselves, thus saving money on restaurant meals, and healthier than eating cheap takeaway for all meals. You can even prepare packed lunches and it also allows a wide variety of choice if you do choose to go out or even get take outs before curling up in front of the TV. You can also choose to get meals delivered to your doorstep.
• There will be no interruptions from a room maid and you do not need to worry about coming back to the room in the afternoon to find the maid has not been and you can’t have that afternoon nap.
• Most apartments are likely to be garden cottages or villa’s and offers a swimming pool set in tropical gardens, and often a gym, a spa and sometimes even a sauna on the premises or in close proximity.
• Most apartments also have a balcony or patio, which is a great spot for a pre-dinner drink, especially if it overlooks the pool.
• The apartment owners will offer an individualised service, using their local knowledge to provide tips on the things to see and do, without relying on commercial, and more expensive, tour companies.
• Johannesburg apartments are generally centrally located but in quiet neighborhoods’, away from busy, noisy streets and offer safe off street parking with remote access so that you can come and go as you please and even entertain friends or business guests in a relaxed and comfortable invironment..
• If you have a large group it is often possible to rent a number of apartments at the same facility allowing you all your privacy and where you can get together for meals. This is great if you are attending a business convention or sporting event and have a lot of spare frequent flyer points that you would like to use up.

Now let’s take a look at the disadvantage, because you will be disappointed if you arrive expecting the advantages of a hotel, with full reception, retourants, maid and room service. Here they are:

• You will have to make your own beds and keep the apartment clean. There will not be a maid coming in every day to make the bed and clean the bathroom. Of course the apartment management will send in a cleaner at least weekly and after you leave, but they do like you to leave the apartment in a reasonable clean state.
• You may also have to figure out how things work for yourselves. Things that are different from home, such as the microwave, the remote, and even how to open the windows, can seem rather daunting after an 18 hour flight. You will of course, have a phone number for the apartment management or access to an onsite manager but it is a good idea to try to sort things out yourselves. If you lock the keys in the apartment you should be prepared to wait awhile for the management to come around to open up.
• As there is generally limited reception you may need to arrange a time to pick up and drop off keys. This means you must read the instructions sent to you, and bring them with you. There is no good flying half way around the world only to find that you don’t know where you are going, or how to get in. Taxi drivers generally do not know the location of the apartments, so don’t rely on jumping in a taxi and saying take me to Moonflower Cottages. I once ‘found’ my very late German guests sitting in a local internet café trying to pick up the emailed instructions they had been sent months before. They couldn’t believe it when I asked them if they were my missing guests, but they must have thought Johannesburg is a pretty small city.
• As the apartment owner only has a small number of apartments it is less likely that they will be able to offer an early check in, or a late checkout without arrangement so once again plan ahead. Unlike hotels that will generally have a few spare rooms, if the apartment has another guest arriving on the day you leave, the apartment will need to be cleaned and prepared for the next guest. They may also find it difficult to look after your luggage for you, so be prepared and if you are arriving at 6 am perhaps you should book for the night before, or if your departure flight is at midnight it may be better to book for that night.

So overall, if you are looking at a holiday in a self-catering apartment take all of these points into considerations, and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages and then make your decision.

Perhaps one of the country’s most exciting destinations, Johannesburg is a wonderful choice for this kind of short adrenaline filled break. It’s famed for its fantastic restaurants, bistro’s, steak houses and fine cuisine, numerous historical attractions, parks, Zoo’s and Botanical gardens, offering something for people of all ages.

Indeed, whether you’re seeking a quiet break relaxing in a quiet bird filled garden enjoying the sunshine or something a little more adventure-fueled, you’re likely to find exactly what you are looking for here.

Home to some of South Africa’s best night life, you certainly won’t be short of choice when you pick a holiday here. As well as being perfect for theaters and some of the country’s best and most exclusive shopping malls places like Hartebeesport dam is an hour’s drive through rolling hills

Alternatively, you could explore one of the destination’s many sites of historical intrigue and beauty, such as the many old mining magnate’s houses and estates, some of which are rumored to be haunted. The City of Gold holds many secrets and interesting forays into its glittering past.

This spectacular destination is awash with exciting activities for adventurous travellers, from mountain biking to bungee jumping from old cooling towers, 4×4 trails and game farms are within an hour’s drive and there are a host of artists or organic markets to visit and find that special treasure..

Weather you need to visit the city on business or pleasure …or a combination of both there is always something to attract and interest both you and your partner and if you enjoy golf there is a selction of over 10 excellent courses to choose from within a 10km radius

To start planning your affordable self catering getaway, why not take a look at the five different garden cottages on offer from Moonflower Cottages….you might just become a regular?

The coastline is extremely long and there are spots all along where you can readily dive and have a wonderful experience. Many of the coastal areas are considered to be some of the best diving sites in the world. In fact, both Aliwal Shoal and Sodwana in Northern Natal have been chosen as one of the top ten must-do dive sites  in the world . The coral growth and sponges in this areas are prolific and colorfully gorgeous and the reef is well known for shark diving as Ragged Tooth sharks use this as a breeding ground and the annual ‘Sardine Run’ is a must see between the months of May and July.

Aliwal Shoal

A divable wreck that has drawn some interest in South Africa is The Produce. This was a Norwegian tanker that was in commission during the 1960′s and 70′s. In 1974 the ship sank off of the coast near Aliwal Shoal in the area of the Northeast Pinnacles. There weren’t any lives lost, but the ship sank to the bottom in thirty meters of water.

The site has been classified for intermediate to experienced divers because of the currents that surround it. There are a lot of big fish about for you to enjoy viewing including a variety of sharks, plus a large number of smaller tropical fish whose wonderfully bright colours stand out in sharp contrast to the turquoise waters. Ragged tooth sharks, can be predominantly found in the area from June to November. Tiger sharks and Hammerheads can be seen from December to January.

Another wreck in the area is The Nebo. This ship sank in 1884 carrying a large load of railroad materials. Although over the years the hull has been broken and some of the stern has been lost, it is still fairly well intact for having been in the water as long as it has. The ship is still a large draw for many divers in the region. One of the reasons that people enjoy diving here apart from the interesting wreck is that there are a lot of really big grouper in the area.

The Northern Pinnacles is an interesting dive site in a region known as Protea Banks. This site is most well known for its display of a rare pink coral and the numbers of rare reef fish that can be found. Also, divers can visit two caves known as ‘Hole in the Wall’ and ‘Hole in the Floor’. These caves make for interesting penetration dives and they are also a focal point of the ragged tooth sharks during the mating season. It is recommended that people who want to dive at the Northern Pinnacles do so in the colder months (June to November) in order to get the best experience.

Since the waters can reach a chilly 19C from July to October, it is recommended that you try to dive in the warmer months of February and March when the water is around 24C.

Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay is located on the east coast of South Africa, between St. Lucia and Lake Sibhayi. Coordinates: 27°32′S 32°41′E

Sodwana Bay National Park is a narrow strip of forested sand dunes located along the KwaZulu Natal coast. Proclaimed a national park in the 1950s it is a paradise for anglers and divers.

Sodwana is situated in the Maputaland Marine Reserve and the only scuba diving area along the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park (now renamed to Isimangaliso) coastline. Classified as one of the top dive sites in the world this 50 km reef complex boasts around 95 species of hard and soft coral, sponges, other invertebrates and around 1200 fish species.

It attracts 35 000 scuba divers every year. Vast 700m deep valleys, submarine canyons, are strewn over a distance of 2km. It was in one of these that on 27 November 2000 that the coelacanth was rediscovered.

If you are a novice who is looking for a good dive, or an intermediate diver who wants to see something different, there is a small reef at Sodwana Bay that is known as Anton’s Reef. The area is very shallow and there is a visibility of about fifteen metres, which have combined to showcase the region’s wonderful variety of coral types and marine life.

Divers will be able to enjoy the large schools of tropical fish and the exciting underwater topography which is formed by many of the overhang regions.

A diving site located in Sodawana Bay that attracts some of the more serious divers is Nine Mile Reef. This area is a little harder to get to than some of the other reefs in the area, so it is not frequented by as many divers, leaving it in nearly pristine condition since it hasn’t been bothered by too many people.

The underwater topography in the area is stunning, with large drop off regions, large coral tree growth and gorgeous pinnacles. Another bonus is the fact that there is a large diversity of tropical marine life (perhaps even the largest collection of specimens in the region), and there are also large schools of fish that will pass by as you dive, making it a truly spectacular underwater experience.

Diving conditions: Visibility: 10-50m, best Sept-March; Depth range: 8-80m; Marine life: Indian Ocean species and cold water species. Humpback whales. Ragged tooth sharks(nesting and hatching reefs); whale sharks; tiger sharks; manta rays, moray eels; Dive qualifications: minimum is Open Water. Technical dive locations available too. The water temperature ranges from around 21C in the winter months and up to 27C in summer

Reefs: 1/4 Mile, 2 Mile (ALL LESS THAN 18M) Stringer, Antons, Zambi Alley, Caves & Overhangs, Coral Gardens, 4 Bouy, Pinnacles, Waynes World, 2Bouy, Cat, Smarties, Chain, 5 Mile(Hotspot32m, Gotham 44m, Lettuce 30m, Ribbon, Pothole), 7 Mile (Northern wall, 3xAmpitheatres, Mushroom Rock), 9 Mile aka Green Tree. In addition there are secret reefs restricted to locals or good divers.

Also, do not worry if you are a novice scuba diver as there are plenty of diving schools that will help give you instruction so that you can safely dive off of the South African coast. This gives you the comfort of training before you get fully immersed in the water.

Types of Marine Life in South Africa

There is a great diversity of marine life that can be seen up and down the coastal region of South Africa. Here are just some of those types of life you might encounter in your diving location: great white sharks, ragged tooth sharks, humpback whales, turtles, mantas, eels, Zambezi sharks, coral, sponges, hammerhead sharks, rays, grouper, tuna, southern right whales, sardines, whale sharks, tiger sharks, and a wide range of tropical and reef fish as well as schools of pelagic fish.

South Africa Diving Fact Sheet:

Average Air Temperature: 25C – 29C

Average Water Temperature: 19C – 24C

Recommended Exposure Protection: Anywhere from a 3mm – 7mm suit depending on where you are diving and what time of year you plan on doing the dive.

Average Visibility: Anywhere from 5 to 50 metres.

Coldest Times: July to October

Hottest Times: February to March

Best Times to Dive: Since the waters can reach a chilly 19C during the month span from July to October, it is recommended that you try to dive in the warmer months of February and March when the water is around 24C.

Worst Times to Dive: There really isn’t a bad time to dive as there is always something to see. As I have dived all over the South African coast line I am happy to share any information that would like when planning your Scuba Diving adventure and can also assist with planning dive trips if you prefer. For the start or end of your adventure Moonflower self catering cottages can offer you a perfect base in Johannesburg at reasonable rates.

The country has all the necessary ingredients: Beautiful Scenery, Great Weather, Excellent Cuisine, Majestic Wildlife, Cultural Diversity and most of all… a Fantastic Riding Experience on some of the planets best uncluttered roads stretching far and wide across the country

Furthermore, once you get off the highway routes and experience the quaint little downs each with their own rich history(as true bikers will surely want to do), the roads are quieter and often the only other people sharing the road with you are your fellow travelers.

South Africa has some of the most incredible motorcycle riding available on the planet today. Motorbike enthusiasts with or without pillions (passengers) wanting to experience the thrill of riding with new or old friends on the open road will find that there are many operators offering different tours all over South Africa, from day rides and weekends away to seven day or even three weeks long trips.

There is something for motorbikes of every taste and type. Many tours combine off-road adventures and interesting on-road rides to create exceptional experiences, with perhaps a touch of luxury here and there. You can even try a Harley Davidson Chauffeur experience to deliver you in style and make an entrance you will never forget.

Here is an example of several notable tours and if you either start from Johannesburg or end in Johannesburg and if you are in need of affordable, comfortable and private self catering accomodation then contact Moonflower Cottages: I will be happy to welcome you to my Harley bar to wash the travel dust down. Lock up garage will be made available.

LOWVELD LEGEND TOUR (7 days / 8 nights)
JHB – Northern Drakensburg – Lowveld – Kruger Park – JHB

Lowveld Legend, departing and returning to Johannesburg; rides out via the highveld (highlands) plains before plunging down the mighty Northern Drakensburg Range and into the warm lowveld (lowlands). The week is spent exploring this land of myth and legend where transport riders hunted wild game on their trek while bringing in mining supplies to the scattered gold diggings which attracted thousands of starry eyed fortune seekers. The tour boasts the highest concentration of Spectacular Mountain passes on the planet today. A rest day is spent ‘Big 5′ Game viewing from the seat of an open safari vehicle as the area is famous for high concentrations of African Wildlife in their natural habitat.

SOUTHERN SPEAR TOUR (8 days / 9 nights)
JHB – Northern Drakensburg – Lowveld – Kruger Park – Swaziland – Kwazulu Natal – Golden Gate/Lesotho – JHB

Southern Spear is a raggedy loop starting and finishing in Johannesburg; an extension to the ‘Lowveld Legend’ via Swaziland where fantastic ‘twisties’ can be found and enjoyed and into Northern Kwazulu Natal before meeting the subtropical east coast and the St Lucia Estuary. Continuing through Zululand and the spectacular Oribi Gorge before heading back up to Johannesburg via the beautiful Golden Gate National Park and skirting the Lesotho Maluti Mountains.

CONQUEST OF PARADISE TOUR (12 days / 13 nights)
JHB – Northern Drakensburg – Lowveld – Kruger Park – Swaziland – Kwazulu Natal – Wild Coast – Garden Route – Route 62 – Cape Town

This is the “Big One”; enjoy the magnificence of the absolute best of South Africa. Starting in Johannesburg, the tour begins with a bang as the ride heads east meandering down into Mpumalanga and the lush Lowveld bushveld with a myriad of excellent mountain passes via much of the Lowveld Legend route. Then it’s into Swaziland, often dubbed ‘Switzerland in Africa’ before heading back into South Africa and down through Zululand (Kwazulu Natal).

After touching on the laid back lifestyle of Durban, the lush untamed ‘Wild Coast’ will be traversed. Just as you regain your breath the world famous Garden Route looms in your visor. Often referred to as the world in one country, you would be forgiven to think that you’ve seen it all… until the mountainous and unforgettable Route 62 meanders before you.

Finally Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula will be your Oyster as you ride in via possibly the world’s most spectacular coastal route (R44 to Gordon’s bay via Betty’s Bay – see ‘Long Way Down’ final episode). The fairest Cape has been reached and you have Conquered Paradise.

Almost all tour operators rent motorbikes, although some allow you to bring your own machine and will adjust the price of the package accordingly. Typically, packages include accommodation and either one or two main meals a day. All fuel, all road toll-fees and entrances to game parks and other places of interest may also be included. Some operators offer recorded DVD and custom photos with every tour.

Items you will need for your motorcycle tour:

A valid motorcycle driver’s licence. If you want to rent a bike, bear in mind that some operators set the minimum age limit at 21, 24 or even 28 years. International travellers need to bring an international licence. For tours encompassing neighbouring countries, you will need a valid passport with corresponding visas.

• Bring along personal accident and medical insurance documents.
• A good Helmet, gloves, jacket and other protective travel gear
• A good pair of sunglasses.
• Helmets are mandatory in South Africa and tinted visors are legal and can be worn.
• Motorcycle tours are usually undertaken in dry season, but bring along a rain suit, just in case.
• Also pack some casual clothing for the evenings
• A good sun-block and an insect repellent
• Swim suits, sandals and shorts are a good idea as it can get very hot

Live to Ride and Ride to live

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