Travel in South Africa

Wydah Tours/African Safaris & Tour Packages

With so much to see South Africa lends itself perfectly to touring holidays. Exploring the country is easy with a whole range of quick and easy transport options available.

Fly/drive options are a particularly popular offering from tour operators while there are a number of reputable car hire companies to choose from on arrival.

Car hire, car purchase/resale

Many travellers to South Africa will want to hire a car for at least part of their trip for the freedom it offers, allowing you to explore at your own pace and to include on your itinerary attractions that particularly interest you.

The roads in South Africa are good – and outside the main centres they are comparatively uncrowded, so getting from A to B can be a pleasure.

In non-built-up areas, speed limits are 120 kph (75 mph) so you can cover considerably more distance over a period than you could in the UK or Europe.

Car rental rates compare very favourably with those in the UK and the quality of the vehicles is generally high, with air-conditioning frequently available. The option of picking up a vehicle from one point and dropping it off at another is also commonplace.

Motorhomes and campers, for those seeking the extra freedom of an “hotel on wheels,” are becoming increasingly popular. Minimum age for hiring a car is 23 years (21 years on presentation of an American Express or Diners Card). An international drivers licence, or the new-style drivers licence with an integral photo, must be produced.

For trips of a longer duration, a car purchase-resale scheme through a specialist operator could well be the most cost effective option. It can pay to purchase a vehicle if it is required for periods of six weeks or more in the case of a car, or four weeks for 4×4 vehicles (jeeps and campers). The operator guarantees to re-purchase the vehicle at the end of the trip.

Driving is on the left, but road sign distances and speed limits are in kilometres. Note that route-direction signs are located on the far side of a junction, not on the near side as in the UK, so anticipate turn-offs in plenty of time.

At petrol stations credit cards cannot be used to pay for fuel. In the main centres many filling stations are open for 24 hours, otherwise they are generally open from 7 am to 7 pm. In rural areas petrol stations may operate more limited hours and there may be considerable distances between them, so it�s best to fill up at every opportunity.

There are road tolls on certain roads in South Africa, all of them main highways or N roads.

If visitors are intending to drive on arrival they should ensure they have some South African currency, preferably in the form of coins or small denomination notes.

Travelling by air

South African Airways flies between all the main cities in South Africa as well as providing services throughout the region. Airlink, and British Airways Comair also offer extensive domestic air services. There are a number of other airlines which operate on various routes, making all main centres in South Africa accessible by air.

Travelling by coach

A number of coach operators offer inter-city services, touring packages and day tours.

Getting around the cities

Ask your hotel reception or at the local tourist office for details about local transportation. In general, public buses are not recommended for international visitors, with the following exceptions: In Durban the Mynah Shuttles run frequently between the city centre and the beach promenade during the day.

In Cape Town regular tourist bus shuttles operate from the Cape Tour information centre in Adderley Street (near the main station) to the Cable Car and to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, as from Sea Point to the Waterfront.

Regular Metropolitan Bus services to Sea Point or Kirstenbosch run from the central bus station behind the Golden Acre Shopping Centre, Cape Town.

In general, however, you may find it more convenient to take taxis to get around the city areas – they are plentiful and comparatively cheap, although always insist that the meter is turned on prior to departure. Taxi cabs do not cruise and must be booked from a rank or your hotel.

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Self drive tours through the Western Cape

People tend to plan their holidays around what the tour operators offer, never allowing themselves the freedom to see a country for what it is, only for what the operators want you to see it is. For those adventurous spirits and for those people that like to see a place for it’s genuine beauty and friendliness and not it’s perceived beauty and friendliness, then a self drive tour is a definite must.

The Western Cape has beautiful scenery and fantastic friendly people you are after then why not take a trip from Cape Town to the end of the Garden route and for those shellfish lovers, why not plan your trip around the time of the Knysna oyster festival where you will find copious amounts of oyster’s, champagne and wine at bargain prices. You will also experience some interesting South African Style dishes with oysters as the backdrop for every specialty.

For those that enjoy their wines and the beauty that surround the estates then why not try out the Winelands and explore the different routes. Some of the best routes include but are not limited to the Paarl route, Stellenbosch route and the Durbanville route with all routes featuring everything from specialty wines to mass produced products of high international standards. Most of the wine estates will offer diverse entertainments including restaurants, horse riding, boat cruises and many more.
Nobody ever raves about the Karoo and little Karoo but then again not many people have experienced the magnificent flower extravaganza that occurs when the first rains fall or have ridden an ostrich. The Karoo has a diversity of splendor with Wildlife abound in some of the most exquisite settings. If it’s not wildlife you’re after then the Karoo and little Karoo also have some fantastic hidden spots like the Sex shop which is actually a pub with wonderful service and a quirky nature.

Cape Town itself is one of the most visited cities in Africa. It’s diverse cultures, beauty and relaxed attitude is what brings visitors flocking year in and out and dare we say it’s natural beauty. It is a must see as it is a vibrant city with the lonely Table mountain as its heart. Some fantastic gardens like the Kirstenbosch gardens often have paths that lead to the top of the mountain where you have some of the most amazing panoramic views of the surrounding city, countryside and ocean but remember to take lots of liquids when doing this climb as it is a mountain after all.

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Wydah Tours

Wonders of the Garden Route

Strewn along the South East Coast of Africa lies hidden a shoreline of secret coves and enchanting forests that envelopes the magical Garden Route. Starting in trendy Cape Town the Garden Route takes you on a scenic journey through picture perfect beaches and unspoilt wilderness and ending off in the miniature coastal city, Port Elizabeth. Visitors from across the globe flock to our shores all year round to experience this road trip of a lifetime..

The Sights and Scents

The Garden Route is a ten day vacation ride on a guided tour safari, stopping at lazy beaches, seaside resorts and tiny seaside villages encircled with wild flowers in all the colours of the rainbow.

Whether you’re a tree-hugger, bird fanatic or just looking for a peaceful time away from city buzz, the Garden Route has got to be priority on your holiday to-do list. The constant Mediterranean climate of the Garden Route allows it to be a perfect getaway destination in both summer and winter. In summer the forests are fresh and green and most of the wild flowers have already started blooming. Though much more visitors are expected in the warmer seasons, the mild winters are just as beautiful with the sweet sounds of the birds and the scent of unpolished soil just dampened from the drizzle, an ideal place to meditate.

The coastline which escorts the Garden Route lies parallel to a series of enigmatic lakes, majestic mountains and amber coloured rivers that stream close to the mountain like minuscule pathways. Three of the countries most infamous hiking trails are founded here: The Tsitsikamma, The Dolphin Trail and The Otter Trail. The twisty hiking trails mysterious appearance leaves room for plenty adventure.

The guided tour safari also takes you on a land cruise to the world’s best whale watching destination, Hermanus, which boasts some of the most scenic roads in the country. You’ll stop to enjoy some fine food and wine at the Cape Winelands and then pass the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn, before you eat your way through as much oysters as you can in Knysna, and witness the unbelievable sights at the Tsitiskamma National Park.

If you don’t want to be restricted to a planned pleasure trip you may also opt for a Self Drive Safari where you have the freedom to explore the Garden Route at your own pace. There is no disadvantage to self drive safari’s as South Africa has well constructed roads and excellent mobile phone network coverage, on the contrary self drive safari’s have become even more popular than guided tours as visitors that travel the Garden Route want to be free from a planned itinerary since there are still so much sights and scents that remain uncovered.

The distance from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is an estimated 769km but that doesn’t mean that you’re going to complete the trip within 12 hours. There are plenty of stops you can grab a quick bite to eat or even sit down and dine, and if you’re keen on staying the night (or two) there is an endless list of cosy little guest houses available.

The Top Four Attractions

Pack your travel bag with your camera to capture all the memorable sights the Garden Route has to offer. There are four main attractions that are essential for all Garden Routers:

The Cango Caves
The Cango Caves exceeds man’s expectation of a natural beauty. This fortress of corridors and dripstone formations is the result of a geological flaw in the Swartberg Mountains, formed by the merging of hundreds of thousands of years of time, water and natural chemistry. Many of the hallways and caves still stand exactly as it was when created and they all carry dreamy descriptive labels such as the Organ Pipes, which is the mirror image of an actual organ.

Monkeyland
Next stop: A hearty meal in the bubbly forest of Monkeyland. Its is an innovative primate sanctuary set up in an untouched natural forest that homes chimpanzees and ape species from all over the world. It’s unique in it being the only location in the world where you are able to have your café latte while watching the primates playing. Visitors leave this thrilling venture always coming back for more.

The Elephant Park
There is a sad history about the Knysna Elephants, but one you will only learn on your Elephant Safari. Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, the Elephant Park is home to the world’s southernmost elephants as well as South Africa’s resident elephants, and with the help of your tour guide you will be well informed about the differences between these two species. Get a panoramic view of the lush native and exotic forests as you roam on elephant back. Guided nature walks alongside these humble mammals are also available for those afraid of heights.

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
The Choo-Tjoe (pronounced choo-choo) is a vintage little steam train, the only one in the world that passes across a scrap of the ocean and large lake. The train is popular as a means to see part of the Garden Route that runs from George to Knysna. This one-way three hour train ride with a view takes you on a charming adventure along the coast and also passing the Kaaimans River Bridge, one of the most photographed fixtures in the world.

Be Part Of The Experience

The best part of the Garden Route is that there are accommodation spots in almost every tourist attraction location. Apart from Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route, Montagu is at the top of our list of stunning places to stay. It is rich in rock formations and is best known for its hot mineral springs. Other top resorts include Swellendam, a rural Cape Dutch town, Hermanus, the little town on the coast where whales flock to each year, and Plettenberg Bay, known to the locals as the best beach in the Western Cape.
So whether it’s a family break you’re planning, a romantic getaway or honeymoon, connect with a travel operator that knows the area and make sure to experience the South African Garden Route. It’s a treasure…

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KwaZulu-Natal 14-day Self-Drive Tour

This is an extremely exciting tour of this province of South Africa and affords you the opportunity to experience Big 5 wildlife in Africa’s oldest game park, a boat cruise up Africa’s largest estuarine river system laden with crocs and hippos, a majestic mountain range to explore, stunning white sand beaches fringing the warm Indian Ocean, and historical battle sites as British and Zulu took to arms towards the end of the 19th Century.

Furthermore, culturally you will experience the life of the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest tribal group, the flavors and smells of Indian traders in Durban, and the incredibly beautiful arts and crafts of the local people. To round off, you will be treated to some phenomenal cuisine, ranging from traditional Zulu food to western style gourmet restaurants, and offered some of the country’s rich array of locally produced wines and beers. This is a truly wholesome tour, leisurely paced and, mostly importantly, exceptionally well organized and arranged for your convenience. Do come and enjoy this enriching South Africa experience.

Day 1: Durban – City of Sun and Sea

On arrival at Durban International airport head straight for Avis Car Hire’s Preferred Customer counter to pick up your pre-booked saloon hire car which comes with unlimited mileage usage, air conditioning and maximum (100%) insurance cover. Drive to your 4 star hotel, the Edward, the grand old dame of Durban’s famous beach front establishments built in 1909 and exuding Victorian elegance. After lunch take a leisurely drive through the historic city of Durban or simply take a walk along the famous “Golden Mile”, Durban’s own Marine Parade.

Today’s inclusions:

motor car

4 Star hotel accommodation

breakfast

Day 2: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Big 5 Game Park

After breakfast drive to Africa’s oldest Big Five game reserve, drive time approx two hours. Your pre-booked accommodation at the wonderful Hilltop Camp within the reserve’s boundaries is on a self catering basis. Self drive through the park to take in the marvelous natural attractions, hopefully seeing a few of the Big 5. The Park offers a wonderful restaurant and bar should you opt not to Barbeque under African skies.

Today’s inclusions:

game park guest lodge

breakfast

Day 3: St Lucia Wetlands World Heritage Site

Depart on a pre-booked pre-dawn open safari vehicle game drive of approximately three hours before returning to Hilltop camp for breakfast. Leave mid morning for your 1 hour drive to the World Heritage site Isimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly St Lucia) where you check into your pre-booked three star Protea Hotel. Your pre-booked two hour boat safari departs from the local jetty mid afternoon for a truly memorable experience which will guarantee you close up views of hippo and crocs as well as numerous bird species. Fine restaurants will round off a memorable day.

Today’s inclusions:

3 hour game drive

3 star hotel

2 hour boat safari

Day 4: Shakaland Zulu Country

After your hotel breakfast you can laze around St Lucia before heading off to Shakaland near the town of Eshowe, a two hour drive to this interesting cultural village where you will have lunch. Your pre-booked two hour cultural tour kicks off late afternoon during which you will learn about the history of the Zulu people, their homesteads, how they make grass mats, beaded ornaments, traditional clothes and more. A visit to a traditional medicinal healer, a spiritualist, as well as the sharing of a gourd of traditional beer with the homestead chief is all part of the experience. A magnificent buffet dinner full of Zulu treats then awaits you ahead of an unforgettable, moving Zulu dance program to round off your evening. Tonight you bed down in your luxurious Zulu bee-hive style chalet at Shakaland.

Today’s inclusions:

breakfast

2 hour Zulu culture tour

traditional Zulu dinner

3 Star Zulu bee-hive chalet/hut

Day 5: Anglo-Zulu Battle Route – Isandlwana

After a hearty breakfast your Zulu dawn kicks off with the second part of your culture tour, finishing late morning. A leisurely 2 hour drive though the heart of Zululand’s rolling hills brings you to the iconic Anglo-Zulu battle sites of Isandlwana and Rorke’s drift. This afternoon you join a highly experienced guide who will relive with you the dramatic and tragic events of 1879 when virtually the entire British troop force of 1,200 men, milling in the area with the aim of deposing the Zulu king Cetswayo, are surprise attacked at camp resulting is nearly all dead. Spend the evening at a wonderful guest lodge.

Today’s inclusions:

Breakfast

2 hour Zulu culture tour

guest lodge

Day 6: Anglo-Zulu Battle Route – Rorke’s Drift

After breakfast you depart for Rorke’s Drift, the last outpost of Isandlwana’s survivors. Here 139 British troops, mostly evacuees from Isandlwana, fortified themselves in the hospital mission station at Rorke’s Drift. Here they held fort while around 4,500 Zulu warriors attacked the fortress over several hours. Relive the drama that resulted in Queen Victoria awarding 10 Victoria Crosses for bravery. Overnight at your comfortable 3 Star friendly guest lodge.

Today’s inclusions:

breakfast

guest lodge

Day 7 Drakensberg Mountains – Cathedral Peak

After breakfast a beautiful two and a half hour drive takes you to the foothills of the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains. En route stop off at a candle factory and rug maker before climbing through traditional African farm lands to reach your fabulous three star Cathedral Peak hotel. Afternoon at leisure either at the swimming pool with fabulous views, or play badminton or volleyball in the age old gardens or simply take a leisurely stroll along one of many well signposted walks. A magnificent meal awaits you in the grand old dining room of this historic hotel.

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Wydah Tours

Private Tour South Africa

People travel from all over the world to come and enjoy the beauty of Africa and if you are looking for a private tour in South Africa to any of the sensational sightseeing wonders then you can rest assured that Mmilo Tours can accommodate you for one of the most memorable experiences you will ever experience. There are a number of different packages available at sensational value for money in group tours, or if you prefer a private tour in South Africa tailor made to your liking that is certainly no problem.

We have used internet technology to allow anyone desiring to book a private tour in South Africa guided by professional and well educated guides and you can make your reservations all online, in the comfort of your own home. Each of our tours provides background of what is offered including prices and duration allowing to you book a getaway vacation that will be a very memorable in exciting Africa. Many people choose to visit the stunning wildlife in the famous Kruger national Park or the beautiful sights of Cape Town that are breathtaking in every sense of the word. Come and discover the tribal dancing in Kwazulu Natal or visit the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg on your private tour South Africa.

If you are planning to come and enjoy a vacation with a difference for you or your family to this African paradise then you can select any tour you wish to the variety of different wonders South Africa offered by Mmilo Tours. In order to avoid disappointment, we suggest you make your bookings well in advance, because our excellent value for money tours we offer are unbeatable and very popular. Trained hands on tour guides will ensure you enjoy a vacation that is relaxing, exciting as well as interesting when you learn all about the indigenous cultures in Africa. No doubt after you have learned just a sample of the wonders on your private tour in South Africa you will promise to visit again.

While you are our guest we want to ensure that your every need is taken care of and your professional and friendly guide is available to answer whatever questions you have while visiting the many choices there are available to visit in South Africa.

Mmilo Tours would like you to enjoy a visit to South Africa that promises to be your vacation of a lifetime at great value for money.

You will find it easy to select the tours and combination packages that appeal to you the most on our website and you are also welcome to contact us for details for your convenience. A private tour in South Africa is definite must because no matter what type of person you are, there is certainly a destination that will appeal to your tastes. You can rest assured of enjoying Africa in a memorable way with a professional certified tour company that will ensure you will leave after a sensational experience of Africa with fond memories

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A whale of a tale with a fishy ending

The Vaal River in the Parys area is just an hour away from Johannesburg and offers A River Runs Through It experience, with a local twist.

Okay, so there’s no spectacular Rocky Mountain backdrop, but the surrounds are beautiful nevertheless, especially this time of the year when the grass is green, the birds and insects are abundant, and the weather is fair.

The river itself is beautiful, varying from long, slow-flowing pools to stretches of rapids and riffles, where the smallmouth yellowfish (Barbus aeneus) like to hold.

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These streamlined indigenous fish are the local equivalent of the more famous but exotic rainbow trout. They keep station in the current behind the larger rocks, where the eddies allow them to hold position without fighting against the current. From such positions, they can dart out into the current to snatch up insects and insect larvae as they flow past before returning to their original position.

If their feeding tactics are known, then all one has to do is to match them with rod and fly, and success should be forthcoming.

Well, in theory anyway. In practice, it’s not that easy. These fish are wily critters and are able to spot any fly that is not behaving naturally, and will duly ignore it as it drifts past.

The river itself is beautiful

Success comes with persistence (don’t necessarily expect to have much luck on your first expedition, unless you are already an expert) and using the tried-and-tested set-up and tactics. The correct tactic is called “Czech-nymphing” in the world of fly-fishing and it’s a bit different to fishing for river trout.

In Czech-nymphing a dropper fly and strike-indicator are used. The strike indicator is a brightly coloured, floating, pea-sized ball that is attached to the leader close to the actual fly line and allows the fisher to keep track of things in the torrent.

A foot or so below the strike-indicator is where the dropper fly is attached and right at the end, in the normal position, is where the terminal fly is attached. This terminal fly is usually a bead-head nymph of some description, with the bead and the dropper fly adding the necessary weight so that they bounce along close to the bottom, where the yellows feed.

If the set-up is a bit different to what’s used for trout, then so are the actual tactics. There’s no need to cast 9m upstream. Czech-nymphing entails using a short section of line, 3-4m long, which is flicked out upstream and brought back in the current. Rather than casting far, the key lies in finding the places where fish will hold and bringing the fly in with the minimum of drag and unnatural movement.

Streamlined indigenous fish

With a bit of patience and persistence, success will be forthcoming, as it was for me and my fishing friend on a recent excursion to Eendekuil, a fine yellowfish venue along the river. We had been to the area a few times without much success and it initially seemed that we would end up having another blank, though enjoyable, day. The morning was slightly crisp, despite the time of the year, the river flowing at a perfect 26 cumecs (flow is controlled at the barrage upstream) and the first four hours produced nothing but tired arms.

After a break for breakfast and coffee, we tried again and soon the first fish was hooked, although admittedly it was a foul-hook and the fish was brought in by the tail. Nevertheless, it seemed to herald a change in fortunes and it was just as I had finished taking photographs of Elton’s tail-hooked fish that I caught one – this time hooked in the pectoral fin. Well, we were getting closer to the mouth at least!

Now, in fishing there’s often a bit of subtle competition, even between good friends. There are also lessons to be learned and, sometimes, learning follows competition. Elton caught his second fish, legitimately hooked in the mouth, and soon lost a couple more, while I was still on number one. Furthermore, he would be getting married in four days’ time, while I am still very much a bachelor, so my hackles were slightly raised when he caught another fine yellow.

Does he have to have all the luck? Well, I thought to myself as I began a cast, there’s naught I can do except to persevere with the tactics I know are right.

As the fly landed in the torrent, I felt a nice fish take and soon landed probably the best fish of the day. So there’s the lesson: when things are not going your way, just do what you know is right and keep trying as there’s not much else that can or needs to be done. By the end of the day, I had caught three yellows and a mudfish, while Elton had also caught three yellows, making it, to date, our most successful day on the Vaal.

So next time you feel the urge to use your fly rod, forget about going all the way to Dullstroom or the Natal Midlands and head down to the Vaal. It’s close, there’s much to do in the area for the non-fishers, the surrounds are beautiful and peace-inducing, and the fishing experience can be extremely rewarding. Who knows, you might even come away with a lesson or two learned.

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Wydah Tours

Hotels While Staying in Africa

Which One Suits Your Needs

If you plan on visiting Africa, make sure you stay in the best hotel that suits your every need. Not every traveler will have the same needs and therefore should do research prier to leaving. Here are some hotels in Africa that will help make your stay a lot easier.

This hotel is accommodating to both business and leisure travelers as the hotel sits in central location from shopping and major highways. The Garden Court Eastgate hotel is located in Eastgate just minutes away from the Johannesburg International Airport. It’s convenient location helps both business and vacation travelers. The wide range of business accommodations includes onsite taxi service, wireless internet, and fax and printer delivered right to your guest room if you need them. The business friendly hotel will help you prepare for your meetings, but also help you relax with amenities like workout facilities, swimming pools, and exotic gardens throughout the hotel.

If you’re looking for the more cultural side of Africa, then your next stay should be in the Protea Hotel Shakaland. The hotel sits in Zululand, between Eshowe and Melmoth, on the top the Entombeni Hills, that overlooks the beautiful Umhlatuze Lake. You’ll experience the traditional living the Zulu people as you stay in a ‘umuzi’ or homestead. This beehive like room features bathroom and modern conveniences. You’ll not only live like the Zulu people, but they’ll share their tribal dances, spear making, and beer drinking activities with you. Experience the tradition of Africa through the eyes of the Zulu people. The first truly luxurious hotel and resort in Africa is the Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa. The hotel features 82 guest rooms, with 62 of them being executive suites. The hotel offers a variety of relaxing amenities like a massage and different spa and therapeutic services. The resort was named one of the Top 20 Overseas Leisure Hotels by the 2006 Conde Nast Traveller readers traveler awards. Africa will not only let you experience it’s exotic and cultural life, it will also show you the relaxing side.

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Whale Watching Hermanus, Whale Viewing South Africa in and around Western Cape

These whales are rich in blubber and have 2 blowholes. The eyes are very small and lips are large. Right whales were named by whalers who considered them the “right” whales to hunt, since they were rich in blubber, they were easy to catch (they are relatively slow swimmers) and they floated after being killed. There is also a Northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) but it is almost extinct.

There are estimated to be about 3 000 – 5 000 southern right whales at present, and South Africa has a large percentage visiting mainly Cape coasts annually. The southern right whale is distributed widely between latitudes 30 and 55 south

Whale Viewing Time In South Africa

The whales migrate south during the Cape summer months when supplies of krill are plentiful. They appear in numbers around the South African coastline from May to December and Hermanus is the leading whale watching spot in the country. They are able to be seen from the shore quite easily. The “knobs” around the head are called callosites .. they are not barnacles

The blow from a whale is a cloud of vapour produced largely by condensation when warm breath comes into contact with cooler air just luike you and me when we breathe out in winter. The smell accompanying the blow is caused by mucus from the breathing tract of the whale.

The following is extracted from a pdf report by “Syabona Africa” found in the public domain on Google

Hermanus Whale Watching and Hermanus Whale Viewing Tours & Boats

Hermanus has grown from rustic fishermen’s village to being acknowledged by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as one of the 12 best Whale viewing sites in the world. From its rocky cliffs, Whales can be seen as close as 5 metres (16.4 feet). It is also the only place in the world where one can watch the Whales and, by means of an underwater microphone, hear their calls at the same time.

The Southern Right Whales start arriving in Walker Bay from June and have usually left again by December. Peak Whale season, when sightings are virtually guaranteed on a daily basis, is during September and October. Calving season is in August and September and the Whale population peaks in Walker Bay during October.

Whales are large-brained and sensitive creatures. Strong bonds exist between females and their calves. In normal circumstances they are non-aggressive and gentle towards man.

Breaching:

Breaching is when Whales lift their bodies out of the water in massive graceful leaps. Keep watching as they usually breach 3 5 times a session. Whales can push 3 quarters or more of their bodies out of the water and fall back into the sea with an enormous splash.

Spyhopping and Lobtailing:

Spyhopping is when Whales lift their heads and part of their bodies out of the water vertically. This gives them a 360 degree view of the world above the water.

Lobtailing is when they slap their tails on the surface producing loud claps. It may be a form of social communication or a warning to rival Whales or Sharks.

Sailing and Grunting:

Sailing is when they lift their tails clear of the water for long periods. This could be means of catching the wind to sail through the water, or as a way of cooling down. Whales often grunt a loud bellowing sound that is carried up to 2km (1.2 miles) away, at night.

Blowing:

Blowing is a hollow, echoing sound made when air is expelled from the lungs through the blowhole, accompanied by a spout of water vapour. The shape of the spout enables watchers to identify the type of Whale.

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Wydah Tours

Africa: Getting Back To The Basics

The astounding beauty of Africa’s many regions has attracted Western explorers, sparked wars and piqued historians’ interests for centuries upon centuries. From the tranquil Mediterranean coast of North Africa to the thriving southern tip of Cape Town, the great continent spans over 10,000 indigenous tribes, more than 500 languages and over 60 independent nations and political territories.

Africa is referred to as the cradle of human life as we know it, being the oldest inhabited territory in the world. Travel through Africa will reveal the modern dilemma of a region pushing forward with globalization and technology at the same time that many cultures and tribes are striving to protect their traditional way of life.

In addition to human life, Africa supports the world’s most spectacular collection of rare species and biodiversity. Encountering Africa’s wilderness firsthand is not only a radically unique experience, but also a once-in-a-lifetime privilege that future generations may not have the opportunity to share.

Many Regions, More Identities The overwhelming expanse of the African continent is best understood and traveled by region. The different regions in Africa are individually as diverse as the continent in its entirety, and the complexities of the cultures and nationalities leave the unsuspecting traveler dumbfounded.

The predominantly Arabic culture of North Africa enjoys the Mediterranean shore, from the majestic pyramids in Egypt to the enchanting Moorish architecture of Morocco. For the adventurous, the Sahara Desert lies just to the south and brings this region drier, hotter summers compared with its northern Mediterranean neighbors.

Along the Atlantic Ocean, West Africa is predominantly comprised of Africa’s savannahs, known for their exciting wildlife safaris. The west is also home to Africa’s greatest cultural and political diversity, largely a result of the colonial era and the Slave Trade. East Africa is one of the most popular destinations where Africa’s two tallest peaks, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, soar imperially above great concentrations of elephants, water buffalo and rhinoceros. Visitors also venture east to explore the Great Rift Valley, a geologic wonder formed by the global movement of the earth’s plates.

Southern Africa is a blend of forests, grasslands and deserts rich with diamonds and gold. Travel in southern Africa is unique due to the high population of Europeans and Indians; consequently, a distinct culture of food, music, art and religion has emerged from the blending of traditions.

Growing urban centers, breathtaking national parks and endless encounters with the past is only the beginning of your African travels. Travel to Africa and meet the many faces of our global history. The constant adventure and intellectual intrigue of this multifaceted and ancient continent is a journey that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Article source: http://www.traveldir.org/articles/

South Africa accommodation at Greenways Hotel offered by Wydah Tours

Greenways Hotel Greenways Hotel, a 5 star luxury hotel set amongst 6 acres of enchanting gardens, in Upper Claremont offers the discerning traveller the convenience of all modern amenities whilst still maintaining the traditional charm and understated elegance one would expect from this historical Manor House. Ashton’s Restaurant at Greenways provides guests with the opportunity of experiencing the freshest South African ingredients prepared in an array of innovative dishes. The fine food of Ashton’s is also complimented with an extensive award winning wine list. Greenways hotel also provides the utmost in sophistication and convenience for those travelling on business, with wireless broadband through out the hotel, ISDN lines in the bedrooms and secretarial services available. Accommodation Greenways offers you a selection of individually decorated Executive Suites and Luxury Rooms with choices of private patios or secluded balconies with spectacular mountain or garden views as well as a private family suite located separate from the main building nestled amongst the magnificent gardens. All bedrooms have a lounging area, air-conditioning, mini bars, satellite TV, internet connection via ISDN-lines or wireless LAN, international plugs and hairdryers. All have en suite bathrooms with under- floor heating and are tastefully furnished with all the comforts and luxury possibly available.

Luxury Rooms 4 luxury rooms on the 1st floor consisting of twin or king beds. One luxury room has balcony access. 3 luxury rooms on the ground floor consisting of twin, king beds. One luxury has garden access. 2 spacious garden rooms with interleading doors, twin beds and terrace. All luxury rooms are tastefully furnished and offer comfort and space. Executive Suites 4 Executive Suites on the 1st floor, two have balcony access, three have separate lounges. 2 Executive Suites on the ground floor, one has garden access, one has separate lounge. King size beds and Twins. All Executive Rooms offer a large amount of space to relax with all the comforts. Family Suite: Two bedrooms with king/queen bed, lounge, en suite bathroom and patio. Health and Beauty Soma Studio offers relaxing and effective salon therapies in a tranquil environment at Greenways Hotel. It is situated under trees in the enchanting garden, separate to the Manor House. Soma Studio offers a wide selection of face and body therapies, as well as packages, all using South African products. Soma Studio is available for hotel and non-hotel guests. It is the perfect addition to an event at Greenways or a special occasion. Gift vouchers are also available.

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Safaris Are Great in Botswana

Maun is the primary international link with Botswana via Johannesburg and Harare and secondary links through Gabarone, Windhoek, Victoria Falls, Nairobi, DaresSalaam, Lilongwe, Lusaka and a few other regional airports.Light aircraft charters are a common feature of safaris in Botswana, Maun and Kasane are the main internal hubs, with most of the camps having their own airstrips.

Botswana has a long and dry winter period from May to December, January to April is the wet season. Safaris in Botswana can be very sensitive to seasonal changes depending upon what youd like to see.

In Okavango Delta the floods arrive at Mohembo in December with a peak between January and March, sometimes as late as May. The flood in Maun usually reaches its peak in July or August, sometimes as late as September. Best game viewing is generally July to October. Some areas of the Delta experience heavy winds during August and September and some of the seasonal camps are closed during the wet season.

Moremi is good all year but best during the dry months from May to October.

Chobe The riverfront at Kasane and Linyanti is good all year best from May to October. The Savuti area is best from November to May if the Savuti channel floods or water remains in the Mababe Depression then May to October is excellent. Midwinter can be very cold and the worst heat is encountered from September until the rains start.

Kalahari during winter, the days are hot with night time temperatures at sub-zero. Summer temperatures are scorching. Best tackled March to October.

Arguably southern Africas most popular safari destination. A hugely unpopulated territory that enjoys political and economic stability and is blessed with impressive wildlife and wilderness areas.

Botswana is well suited for both first time African visitors and safari specialists seeking remote and secluded safari getaways.

Botswanas prized safari destinations include the Okavango Delta and Moremi Chobe National Park and Savuti the remote Linyanti/Chobe river system, the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans.

Safari accommodations in Botswana are comparable with the best elsewhere in the region. This applies as much to lodges and seasonal camps as it does to the few specialist mobile safari operators.

With few exceptions, lodges are located in private concessions outside but in close proximity to the actual Park and Reserve boundaries.

One of the major attractions is the generally small size of accommodations with most of them accommodating on average 16 or less guests at any one time.

Source: GoArticles

Take care when you take on the mountain

Gautengers visiting Cape Town must take care when climbing Table Mountain, as there have been several serious accidents in the last few weeks.

A German tourist fell to his death while climbing Platteklip Gorge. He’d almost reached the top of the pass when he stumbled on the rocks and fell 120m. In December, a tourist from the Netherlands, a 79-year-old woman, suffered heat stroke while climbing up the gorge.

There have been several other incidents in which tourists have fallen and suffered serious injuries.

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Wilderness Search and Rescue spokesperson Kevin Tromp said Platteklip Gorge was a busy area for their rescue teams.

While the route was a popular hiking path, it could be precarious if hikers did not take proper precautions.

“It’s a simple zigzag footpath, but we’ve had many cases of rescues where people were not well prepared for a hike like Platteklip Gorge.

“We had one incident where we had to rescue a woman hiking in high heels. Not only are there a few loose rocks in one or two sections of the path, it also gets very hot because there are no trees or shady areas.”

Tromp advised people to take the following precautions when walking the trail (or anywhere on the mountain, for that matter):

Always wear practical shoes, like rubber-soled hiking boots.

Wear a sun hat and sunblock.

Carry at least one-and-a-half litres of water per person and some food.

Take a cellphone along in the case of an emergency.

Pack along extra wind-proof clothing because the weather can quickly become misty and cold on the mountain. This is Cape Town, where the weather can change to four seasons in one day.

Always tell a friend when and where you are hiking, and contact them when you are down.

Stay in groups at all times. It is dangerous to hike alone on the mountain.

Source: IOL