Hazyview, Mpumalanga for the Adventurous Couple

If your idea of a vacation is ditching the spa and heading to the woods, then Hazyview is the perfect destination for you. Here you can try out any sport or activity you want from white water rafting and tubing to aerial cable trailing and abseiling. If you’re looking for a more romantic adventure, you could also take a horse ride along the Sabie River or ride in a hot air balloon and watch the sunrise. There are also affordable hotels in the area such as the Protea Hazyview, where you can continue your adventures with an outdoor swimming pool or a snooker billiards room.

Hluhluwe, KZN for the Private Couple

If you’re simply looking to get away from life and spend time together, then book a stay at the Hluhluwe River Lodge. It’s an affordable stay that will put you right in the middle of a romantic location. Its remote area will help you relax and pay attention to each other’s desires. However, if you’d like to explore, you’re also close to the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, the oldest nature reserve in Africa. You can get up close and personal with the amazing wildlife in the area and enjoy the natural views.

Plett, Garden Route for the Couple that Loves Sand

One of the most traditional honeymoon spots is the beach. So, if you’re a lover of the sun and the sand, then head to Plettenberg Bay to experience the ocean mixed with a romantic view of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. You can picnic in the sand and listen to the Southern Right Whales playing in the ocean waters. There is a lodge there that also offers a romantic fireplace and bar as well as swimming pools, sun decks, and a honeymoon suite.

How to Make the Best of Your Money

The best way to make the best out of your honeymoon is to book everything early. The best time to book honeymoons are six to eight months in advance so that you can get the date that you want at the price that you want. You also don’t have to leave for your honeymoon right after the wedding. Weddings are generally on the weekends, which is also the most expensive time for transportation and hotels. So, wait a couple of days and head on your vacation on a Monday or Tuesday. Try not to schedule on holidays and also be aware of hidden costs. Think about any other fees you would need such as airport transfers, activity costs, and petrol.

Planning a honeymoon shouldn’t be a headache. Let it be a relaxing journey to express your true love at one of these amazing budget-friendly locations.

By Jane Sandwood

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Game viewing on foot

The Wilderness Trails in Kruger Park offer the visitor such a wilderness type of experience. The more adventurous tourist can experience wildness, remoteness, tranquility, peace and the bonus of no other people.

The Wilderness Trails are conducted in five remote areas within Kruger Park. On the trails you’ll experience vast open spaces and also encounter the smaller things that most people miss when they only drive around.

Being on foot makes you feel part of the environment and not removed from it when you spend your time in a vehicle. It tunes you in to all facets of nature because you can see, smell, hear, touch, feel and even taste wild things.

The camps are situated within a wilderness trail area and far away from normal tourist activities. All trail camps are rustic and spartan. There are no electricity or power generators. Accommodation consists of A-frame huts or tents. There are only four units that sleep two each. Ablution facilities are communal and consist of flush toilets and gas geyser showers. The cook prepares all meals in a very basic kitchen with washing up basins and storing facilities. A fence surrounds the camp but it is basically only to tell animals and people where the camp boundary is.

The main aim of these trails is to have a wilderness experience. Wilderness ethics are very important and you will not be allowed a cell phone, radio or tape/cd/mp3 player or a private vehicle. There are also no generators at the camps.

The mornings start before the crack of dawn with a cup of coffee, tea and a rusk after which the walk will start. You return late morning and after a well-deserved brunch a siesta is a welcome treat till mid afternoon. The afternoon activity consists of a short walk and traditional “sundowners”. A well cooked meal is served in the evening. The second day is a repeat of the first day’s activities.

The last morning trailists have the opportunity to enjoy the early morning bush chorus from the camp as no walking takes place. Guests are then returned to point of departure after a small breakfast.

The Wilderness Trails in Kruger National Park offers you one of those rare opportunities to get away from modern day living.

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Brandy tasting on Route 62

South African brandy is experiencing an unprecedented golden era being considered among the best in the world. It has over years demonstrate a consistent ability to perform outstandingly well on international competitions.

Being over 330 years old, the South African industry is rich in tradition and history. What better way is there to get an inside look at the culture and enjoy brandy tastings and tours at the distilleries on the famous Cape Route 62? This will include stop-overs at the towns of Worcester, Robertson, Montagu, Barrydale, Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn. And if you start from Cape Town, include the KWV in Paarl as your first stop.

The KWV House of Brandy in Worcester (approx 110 km from Cape Town) is the largest distilling cellar in the world. Tastings and tours are available.

Klipdrift Brandy Tasting Room

In Robertson The Klipdrift Distillery mix informative tastings and tours through the world class distillery with entertaining glimpses into the history of its brandies. Klipdrift has a restaurant, Die Brandewyntuin, where homemade South African fare gets a brandy twist.

The Kingna Distillery is located 18 km outside Montagu on a country setting that offers beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains and farmland. Their first pot still brandy was produced in  2010.

In Barrydale the Barrydale Cellar has added a third pot still brandy to its popular and award-winning duo. The town offers the visitor many things to do including handmade arts and textiles.

In Calitzdorp the Boplaas Family Vineyards has an illustrious heritage in the production of fine brandies. Boplaas also became the first cellar to release an estate brandy, after the change in legislation in 1994 allowed this style.

Oudtshoorn, already famous for ostriches and the Cango Caves, has two great distilleries nearby. Grundheim is renowned for its witblits (a colourless white spirit) and Mons Ruber makes estate brandy in a traditional pot still.

This Brandy Route is one of two dedicated routes in South Africa. The other follows a path through Wellington, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Grabouw.

Worcester, the first stop, is approx 110 km from Cape Town and thereafter the stops are conveniently close. A self-drive journey is ideal to explore and learn more about South African brandy culture.

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In height and width Victoria Falls is rivaled only by Argentina and Brazil’s Iguazu Falls.

The Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world and certainly a “must see” destination.

What to do at Victoria Falls
You can easily spend 2 or 3 days at the falls on:

• Guided walking safari through the tropical, spray-drenched rain forest. The forest is on the very edge of the Victoria Falls
• Sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River with its hippos and crocodiles
• River bank game viewing by safari vehicle
• Tour of the 100 year old bridge – the heart of Cecil John Rhodes’ vision of a Cape to Cairo railway
• Any of a variety of adventures activities of your choice:
  – bungi jumping
  – elephant back safari
  – white water rafting
  – river boarding
  – helicopter ride
  – bridge slide
  – bridge swing
  – microlight flight over the falls

Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders)

Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
The best time to visit the spectacular Falls is from February to May. This is after the region’s summer rains when the water level is at its greatest volume. The Falls is roughly twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls. The sheer force of the water drives a column of spray far into the air with a thunderous roar.

Accommodation
Victoria Falls town (in Zimbabwe) lies on the southern bank of the Zambezi River at the eastern end of the falls themselves. The Airport is 18 km south of the town and has international flights to Johannesburg (South Africa) and Windhoek (Namibia).

Livingstone (in Zambia) is a historic colonial city and tourism center for Victoria Falls lying 10 km south on the Zambezi River. It is a border town with road and rail connections to Zimbabwe on the other side of the Falls. The Airport has international flights to Lusaka and Johannesburg in South Africa.

View Accommodation options in Zimbabwe with guest ratings, grading and rates – request a quote and book online. See also the options for Accommodation in Livingstone across the river in Zambia. As alternative you can consider booking a tour to the Victoria Falls from Johannesburg.

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Being South Africa’s highest mountain range, the Drakensberg, was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000 – uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. This World Heritage Site protects a stunning natural mountain wilderness area as well as an amazing cultural legacy of ancient rock art painted by Southern Africa’s earliest inhabitants, the San or Bushmen.

Royal Natal Park from Thendele rest camp

The mountain range stretches some 1,600 km from South Africa’s northernmost provinces to the Eastern Cape. Hiking, rock climbing and fly-fishing are the most popular pastimes here, although simply sitting and gazing at the spectacular vista surrounding you is very acceptable.

Another activity is day trekking to explore caves and overhangs containing some of the more than 22 000 individually painted rock art images by the San people. The Main Caves at Giant’s Castle offer tours by accredited tourist guides.

When visiting, the best is to explore the Park by region:
– Northern Drakensberg (best known area with the popular Royal Natal National Park within the region)
– Central Drakensberg (accommodation and tourist facilities aplenty plus the rock art caves of the San at Giants Castle)
– Southern Drakensberg (excellent fly-fishing opportunities and rivers for swimming, rafting, canoeing and tubing)

Each of the regions has its own kind of beauty and character and all have magnificent mountain views.

The Drakensberg offers you a host of holiday pursuits and superb accommodation. Here you’ll find fine cuisine and excellent conference and wedding facilities. Sports enthusiasts can indulge in a multitude of activities ranging from horse riding and fishing to high adrenalin sports including quad biking, paintball and canopy tours. There is also a fantastic variety of childrens entertainment and a daily activity programmes at many of the larger resorts.

The Drakensberg is one of the best holiday destinations you’ll find in South Africa.

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Cape Point

Table Mountain National Park offers a number of wonderful picnic and braai sites. However keep in mind that braaing should be undertaken with care and is often banned due to high winds. Alcohol, dogs and music are prohibited in the picnic braai areas.

Oudekraal
Situated between Camps’ Bay and Llandudno, this lovely secluded beach is perfect for a family picnic. The sea is calm and ideal for swimming although there is no life guard on duty at this beach. Open season is from 1 October- 31 May. This picnic site is open weekends and public holidays irrespective of the season.

The tuck-shop located in the Oudekraal picnic site is open 09h00-16h00 during the picnic site operating hours and stocks braai wood, charcoal , a small selection of drinks and snacks and rents out umbrellas and braai grids.

Newlands
Conveniently situated off the M3 near Rondebosch, this picnic area is situated under the shade of pine trees and is popular on weekends. Several hikes are also accessible from the picnic area. Newlands Picnic Site is closed during the winter period from 1 June to 30 September.

Newlands Picnic site has no credit card machine and all entries have to be paid for in cash on arrival or upon production of a wild card.

Perdekloof
Just 45 minutes outside of Cape Town on the way to the Cape of Good Hope, Perdekloof also offers good shade combined with a sense of “getting away from it all”. Operational hours 09h00 to 17h00. The picnic site is closed between the 1st of May to 31st of October.

Silvermine
Currently closed, Silvermine is due to reopen before the end of December 2015.

Among the most spectacular venues in the Park, the Silvermine picnic site is situated on the banks of the reservoir with spectacular views of the Fynbos clad mountains. A boardwalk provides a picturesque trail around the reservoir that takes about 25 minutes to complete.

No braaing allowed in the summer months in Silvermine at the sites around the reservoir. Picnicking is allowed all year round. The picnic sites around the reservoir operate on a first come first serve basis and cannot be reserved. Cycling is only allowed during gate operating hours, and not at night.

Day permits for cycling are available at the Gate 1 access point. Visitors wishing to use the day permits as an access option may enter at Gate 1 only.

Tokai

Excellent picnic spots

Situated on the edge of the Tokai Plantation, this is a centrally located, spacious site shaded by pines. There is ample space for large families and is convenient for accessing many enjoyable trails through the plantation.

Please note Chacma baboons enter the picnic site on occasion and are attracted by food. Baboons may become aggressive when confronted. Please avoid contact with the baboons and do not feed them.

Entry fees
Conservation fees (varying amongst the sites) are payable at the entrance gates. Fees range from R25 to R65 per adult per day with children from 2 to 12 years at a discount. You are reminded that you may asked to produce proof of identification upon entering.

Visitor Safety
The Park recommends that you never carry out your activity alone and strongly recommends you always have two or three buddies with you when out hiking, trail running. cycling or horse riding.

Please load the emergency number into your phone before setting off 0861 106 417 and let someone know which route you will follow and when to expect you to return home. Entry to the park remains at all times at your own risk

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Tugela Falls in Drakensberg

The Royal Natal National Park is in the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa and forms part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. The main features of the park are the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, a rock wall 5 kilometres long by up to 1,200 metres high, Mont-Aux-Sources peak where the Orange and Tugela rivers have their origins and the 948-metre Tugela Falls.

The Tugela River is known to vary greatly in volume and as a result may not flow consistently year round or may dry out completely during certain periods. At the right time of year, however, the Tugela Falls is easily visible from the main road into the park, especially after a heavy rain. Tugela is a phonetic spelling of the word “Thukela” (Zulu) , meaning “sudden” or “startling”.

There are two trails to the falls (from within the park). The second trail’s means of access follows the Tugela River upstream through the Tugela Gorge. This trail is 7km in length and the gradient is not so steep as the first trail. The trailhead is roughly 1585m above sea level.

Before venturing on your trip, please check the weather. And remember a comprehensive hiking guide is available for purchase at the Visitor Centre at the main entrance gate. The guide shows a map of the park and the network of hiking paths which visit every part of the park.

Tugela River Rafting

The Tugela River is the largest river in KwaZulu Natal. The river originates in the Drakensberg Mountains at Mont-aux-Sources, (the source of tributaries of two other major South African rivers, the Orange River and the Vaal River) and plunges 947 metres down the Tugela Falls.

From the Drakensberg range the river meanders for 502 kilometres through the KwaZulu Natal midlands before flowing into the Indian Ocean.

The Tugela passes Bergville and Colenso and its southern end flows in a deep channel between cliffs and valleys until it reaches the narrow coast belt.

There is an excellent 20km stretch of rapids and pools on this section of the Tugela Canyon including the intimidating Washing machine and Finger rock rapids.

Rafting on big water is traditionally between November and April – depending on water levels.

Depending on rainfall conditions you’ll take on the challenge in either 8 or 2 man inflatable rafts. No experience is necessary as fully trained guides will assist you in negotiating the river safely while the roar of the water rejuvenates your soul.

The sheer exhilaration of the Tugela Adventure makes it a great place to build team spirit and work on stress relief.

For bird lovers the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is interesting. The nature protection area of about 100 hectares lies on the southern banks of the Tugela River, almost 6 kilometres before the river mouth. More than 200 bird species were registered here. And there live zebras, monkeys, mongoos and some antelope species.

Contact
Zingela Rafting – Tel: 036 354 7005/7250

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Cape Town offers you Table Mountain, Robben Island, biking, deep sea diving, fishing, shark cage encounters, African craftwork, white sand beaches the winelands and the whale route. The city has been nominated as one of the top travel destinations by a wide range of reputable travel magazines, web sites and newspapers for the past 5 years. It was the New York Times’ ‘Number 1 place to visit in 2014’.

If you are visiting Cape Town on a hectic schedule and have limited time to go around, try any of the following:

Visit the V&A Waterfront
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a working harbour and entertainment hub combined into one. Here you’ll find some of Cape Town’s best restaurants, nightlife, pubs, plenty of shops, aquarium, flea markets, kids entertainment spots, Maritime museum and a lot of activities. The waterfront is a nice area to stroll around in and feel safe, day or night. There are lots of places to sit and watch the seals frolic in the harbour and the fisherman bring in their daily catch.

Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch is one of the greatest botanic gardens in the world. It is a magical mix of the wild and

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

the cultivated and a must-see for anyone with a love of flowers and plants. There’s much to see and experience and you’ll do a lot of walking – sometimes it is steep. The gardens cover 36 ha of the 530 ha estate that covers the eastern flank of Table Mountain. It has an astonishing 7,000 species of plants, many of them rare.

Take the Cable Way to the top of Table Mountain
Nowhere else in the world will you find an area of such spectacular beauty and rich bio-diversity (such as the Table Mountain National Park), exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area.

Visit Robben Island
During the apartheid years Robben Island was used to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Freedom fighters, like Nelson Mandela, spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs.

Tour the Cape Winelands
The Winelands Region is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer. Visit towns like Paarl, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

Cape Town is steeped in a rich history, a cultural melting pot with a diverse and vibrant character and a destination that will surprise you.

The post Why Visit Cape Town? appeared first on South Africa Travel Blog.

Dry Auob river bed

There are many reasons to visit the Kgalagadi such as the red dunes, star-filled skies and fabulous sightings of big game like leopards, cheetahs and gemsbok, but visiting to see the enormous Kalahari lions and experience the vast landscape will satisfy your senses.

Kalahari Lions
Predators are the Kgalagadi’s biggest attraction. Excellent chances of seeing cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena and the definitive black-maned lion exist.

The black-maned Kalahari lions are kings of the Kalahari Desert. Distinguishable from lions in other areas of Africa, these lions have manes of pale gold, longer and leaner legs and large feet; characteristics shared with other species adapted to desert living. Males flaunt manes ranging from blonde to a dark, striking black – for which they are known. Females have lean physiques – designed for endurance – and are strong and stealthy.

These lions cover far greater distances than lions anywhere else in Africa due to the low prey densities found in this harsh, arid environment. The Kalahari offers no shrubbery or shade except for a few camel thorn trees dispersed through the vast area. Prides that reside here, have far more hardships to overcome than those living in any other area.

The Kgalagadi lions have innate cooling mechanisms that initiate the cooling of their blood before it reaches the brain. They protect themselves against the heat and the enormous stretches of aridity with a determined resistance to thirst.

In order to maintain their strength, the Kalahari lions rely on frequent, small meals and have been known to prey on anything from common birds to enormous eland.

Landscape
The Kgalagadi is a immense desert of scrub and sand that lies between South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. It comprises one of the largest stretches of sand in the world – it covers 2,5 million square kilometres of southern Africa.

It is a desert of endless sands, high dunes and vanishing horizons. Because of the abundant desert grasses, there’s lots of scrub about. The red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob form landscapes that are truly breathtaking. With the uncluttered backdrops, large number of birds and great animal interactions, photo opportunities are awesome.

And in the the evening the setting sun colours the dunes from pale pink to glowing orange.

The Kgalagadi is truly a semi-desert wilderness of blonde grass, red dunes, enormous peace and space.

Bird nests in tree at foot of dune

How to get there
From the Northern Cape town of Upington, head north to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park’s gate at Twee Rivieren.

Get around
Game drives are offered at the South African side (restcamps). It’s most convenient to have your own vehicle and preferably a vehicle with high ground clearance.

Length of stay
You need several days.

What to pack
In summer, cool, loose clothes. In winter, bring the winter clothing for the evenings. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars. And always bring a hat and sunscreen.

Where to stay
Accommodation in the Kgalagadi on the South African side is available in a variety of self-catering chalets and camping facilities

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Bloubergstrand, known for its iconic view of Table Mountain, is a quiet residential suburb about 30 minutes’ drive from the Cape Town city centre.

The attraction of Bloubergstrand lies in its white sandy beaches which offers a spectacular view of both Table Mountain and Cape Town. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, can also be seen from the beach.

Bloubergstrand is popular for water sports like surfing, kite surfing and stand up paddle boarding. However, many other activities can be enjoyed in the area:

• Hiking in the Koeberg Nature Reserve with views of its pristine strandveld, dune veld and a 2km walk along the beach. The walk is most spectacular in spring when the wild flowers along the route are in

• The first Saturday of every month welcomes the Melkbosstrand Food Fair Market in Melkbosstrand

• Day tours can be taken to the Cape Winelands, Table Mountain & Cape Point, townships and for whale watching and flowers along the West Coast (seasonal)

• Birding is popular at Rietvlei Nature Reserve where you can view some endemic species from the bird hide.

• Golf at Atlantic Beach Golf Club

• Ratanga Junction theme park is a short drive from Bloubergstrand and keeps the kids entertained for hours. (Only open during the school holidays)

• The South African Air Force Museum at Ysterplaat is the second largest military aviation museum in South Africa. Twice annually the museum puts an exhilarating air show well worth attending.

• Bloubergstrand offers you a range and variety of accommodation options.

Spend your next break next to the cool waters and the white sandy beaches of Bloubergstrand.

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