The Ngorongoro conservation area was initially a part of the greater known Serengeti before the British set it apart in 1951.

The Ngorongoro conservation area, which  became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, is located towards the north of Tanzania and covers an expansive area of over 7,000 square miles.

The park joins up with the Serengeti to the north-west and it is through here that wildebeest horde through during their world famous migration from the Masai Mara to Serengeti, then to Ngorongoro.

The Ngorongoro area has been the site of on-going experiments on multiple land use. This involves having human inhabitation among the presence of wildlife. The human inhabitants of the Ngorongoro are mainly the Masai. The use of land for these activities is highly controlled to maintain a strong balance of the land for the sake of the eco-system.

The Maasai are allowed to hunt most of the smaller animals like hare, dikdik and gazelles but this activity is also controlled. They are however not allowed to hunt for sport, and the hunting of bigger animals such as elephants, lions, rhino and buffalo among others is strictly forbidden .

The Ngorongoro is named after the long gone mountain which is said to have existed close to two million years ago. The mountain is said to have been 19,000 meters in height and among the tallest in the world. This mountain was an active volcano and at one time, an eruption caused it to cave in and form a 612 meter deep crater.

The Ngorongoro crater covers an area of 264 square kilometers and is easily the most stunning spectacle of the entire Ngorongoro conservation area. The two most eye-catching view points of the crater are from up above where you can see the floor of the crater, and from down below where you can look up at the unbroken, steep, and towering walls of the crater. The crater is doubtlessly one of the most popular Tanzania safari feature drawing over 360,000 annually. Read the rest of this entry »

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Table Mountain is one of the most well-known mountains in Africa, offering a magnificent backdrop to the city of Cape Town in South Africa.

Renowned for the sheet of clouds that pours incessantly down its slopes, the mountain provides mountain climbers a wide range of routes.

Table Mountain adventures depend on your preference; you choose whether you want to reach the peak and enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town or simply move around the cool shade of indigenous forest. But no matter your choice, you will never be disappointed.

Hiking on Table Mountain is a preferred activity among locals and tourists and several trails of varying difficulty are available. Steep cliffs around the summit limit the number of direct ascents from the city side. There is a prominent gorge up the centre of the main table known as Platteklip Gorge, which offers straight forward ascent to the summit. This usually takes between 1-3 hours depending on one’s fitness level.

Longer routes to the summit go through the Back Table, a lower area of Table Mountain placed to the south of the main plateau. From the Southern Suburbs side, the Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine routes begin at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

The route via Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon is referred to as Smuts Track in honour of the late Jan Smuts, who was a keen hiker. The Bridle Path, also known as Jeep Track, makes a less steeper ascent from Constantia Nek along the road used to service the dams on Back Table. Kasteelspoort, a gorge overlooking Camps Bay, is the most popular ascent on the Atlantic side.

Rock climbing on Table Mountain is also a popular activity for most people who undertake Cape Town tours. There are well-documented climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty up the many faces of the mountain. The main climbs are placed on cliffs below the upper cable station. No bolting can be done here and only traditional climbing is allowed. Commercial groups also offer abseiling from the upper cable station. Read the rest of this entry »

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Located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, Robben Island was used as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups, and a military base between the 17th and 20th centuries.

In the 20th century the maximum security prison facilities of Robben Island held for over twenty years within their walls Nelson Mandela and some of his comrades who were most vocal in the fight against apartheid.

Though the original intention was to detain and quiet anti-apartheid political activists here, the results were the total opposite. Robben Island turned out to be the central and pivotal point that propelled the struggle for democracy and representation onto the international stage.

Today this island is a reminder of the refreshing power of forgiveness. For many, it is a destination of political pilgrimage. Robben Island is, according to UNESCO, a witness to the triumph of democracy and freedom from oppression and racism. The institution has, since 1999, enlisted the entire 6 square kilometers of the island as a world heritage site. Read the rest of this entry »

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The province of KwaZulu-Natal is one that captures the romantic fancies of anyone who knows of the history of South Africa.

Shaka was the Zulu king who still embodies the epitome of an African warrior and leader. The region was named Natal by Vasco da Gama when he landed there on the Christmas of 1497.

In preparation for 2010 South Africa has created a stadium that will remain the crown jewel of Durban’s architecture. Named after Moses Mabhida, one of South Africa’s most iconic struggle leaders, Moses Mabhida Stadium (pictured) was inspired by the South African flag. Its 106 meter high arch symbolizes the unity of a nation once divided. It has the capacity to sit 85,000 people and is surrounded by a complex of other sports centers.

The Kings Sports Precinct, in which Mabhida is located, is not only for the sports fanatics, it’s also popular with shopping addicts and connoisseurs of exotic cuisine. It is a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re there to watch a match or simply to relax with your friends. The climate makes the region excellent for outdoors activities, so you might indulge in a game of cricket.

Durban has approximately 320 sunny days almost every year, and some locals will joke that the city knows only two climates: hot and sunny. Needless to say, Durban draws a lot of tourist traffic. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons flip with those of such regions as North America and most of Europe.

The summer months fall between December and February, and the numerous Durban hotels will ensure your comfort throughout the stay. So instead of cozying up to some old blanket and fantasizing about the warmth of the sun, you could take a South  African flight and enjoy and a winter getaway in Durban. Read the rest of this entry »

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Although a majority of visitors coming into South Africa do so by air, the country is reachable by land and sea as well. Getting to South Africa overland requires you to go through the country’s neighbours; Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

There are three main international airports in South Africa; O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and Durban International Airport. The main airlines offering South Africa flights include South African Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa and Swiss Air. It would help to get a travel agency which will help you plan your trip as well as get good deals on flight or cruise fares, as well as accommodation expenses.

There is an array of reputable travel agencies on-line all of them offering different types of deals. Find one that best suits your idea of a fantastic vacation and negotiate. However, it is important not just to go for the cheapest rates but for the agency with a solid reputation and good efforts.

A visa is needed to gain entry into South Africa. Visitor’s or tourist visas are sufficient for if you do not intend to stay in South Africa for more than 90 days. However, if you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a “temporary residence permit” instead of a visitor’s visa. These can be issued at South Africa’s points of entry. They regulate the duration of your stay depending on the purposes you stated on your application. If you are already in South Africa and holding a visa, but need to prolong your stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for a temporary residence permit at the Department of Home affairs in South Africa. Read the rest of this entry »

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Cape Town is one of the world’s most popular safari destinations. Millions of tourists mill into Cape Town every year to experience the culture and interact with its high-spirited residents.

There is something for everyone in this town. People in Cape Town are generally fun-loving and welcoming. The lifestyle here is one where people work hard and play harder.

Cape Town residents are very liberal and are therefore not quick to judge. Cape Town is a gay-friendly town and so don’t be surprised if you see men or women holding hands or kissing. There are also numerous adult shops lined along the streets and advertising their wares on posters or the front of their shops. Capetonians love to drink, party, and have fun but be sure to drink responsibly especially if you are going to drive. Cape Town’s traffic rules are highly enforced and you might end up spending the night in custody if you go against the law.

The daytime is the best for strolling around the town and suburbs so you can get familiar with the surroundings which could come in handy when you want to go out later at night. Activities during the day are mostly family oriented; you and your family can indulge in mouthwatering dishes at any of the numerous Cape Town hotels depending on your budget or what you want to indulge in. From take out joints, delis, pizza huts, exotic dishes and traditional cuisine, sea food and fine dining all offer tasty, unforgettable, worth of your money meals.

There are South African restaurants as well as internationally run chains such as MacDonald’s. There also are quite a number of sophisticated shopping malls dotted all over Cape Town. You can shop for all your needs here, whether souvenirs to take back home, fancy or ordinary clothes, equipment or even if just window shopping. The malls are usually bustling with activity especially during the day and are therefore also a fun place for afternoon strolls.

The coast of Cape Town is a fun place to be especially in the summer when the weather is hot and there are a lot of people on the beach. There are a lot of fun activities to engage in. Swimming, surfing and diving are the most common.  There are also other activities like water sports, whale watching, shark diving and sailing. Read the rest of this entry »

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Located on the southern tip of Africa, with over 3000kms of coastline with the Atlantic Ocean bordering the greater part of its West, South Africa offers so much to see and do. Each town and region in South Africa offers a different experience telling different stories of the country’s heritage.

Cape Town, rated as one of the top fifty most beautiful towns in the world, is a must visit destination for anyone on a South Africa travel adventure.

Cape town travel is very popular among visitors wishing to enjoy breathtaking views of Cape Town from atop the world-famous Table Mountain. The mountain is christened so because its top looks relatively flat from a distance, much like a table top.

The options for getting to the summit of the Table Mountain are either hiking its steep sides or riding a revolving cable car. The cable car moves relatively slowly allowing the occupants to maximize the experience and if you choose to hike to the top, the aches and pains will be forgotten as soon as you get to the top and get a glimpse of the spectacular view of Cape Town as far as the eye can see.

If you enjoy swimming and sunbathing, you will certainly have a blast swimming and snorkeling in the surprisingly warm waters of Durban. Have fun lazing along the beach; the famous “Golden mile”. It will prove to be a much deserved break.

And if you want to learn a little more about the history of South Africa and the struggles of its people, just visit the Hector Pieterson museum in Johannesburg. The Hector Pieterson museum was set up in honour of them that lost their lives in the struggle for South Africa’s independence. It is named after Hector Pieterson who at the tender age of thirteen lost his life in a hail of bullets fired by police at school children as they were staging a demonstration. Inside, you will find documented tales and testimonies of the life of South Africans during apartheid that are bound to melt even the coldest of hearts.

While still in Johannesburg, catch a thrilling elevator ride to the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg. Also known as the “top of Africa”, the Carlton is the tallest building in Africa and offers a wide spectacular view of the city of Johannesburg. Don’t forget your camera because the view the Carlton center offers if phenomenal.

Lovers of wine and food can have much fun by taking a trip to the exciting Sun City - described by many as the “Las Vegas” of South Africa. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, it is also home to a string of exciting South Africa hotels and casinos. There are daily scheduled concerts and other performances. Everyday is fun day in the splendid Sun City. Read the rest of this entry »

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South african visitors are mainly drawn by its natural beauty, as well the country’s diverse ethnic and social history. The natural splendour of South Africa is perhaps best encapsulated by the Northern Kruger National Park.

Kruger Park is the most popular public- entry game park in the world. It is unrivalled in terms of its wildlife species all ranging from birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians to trees. It is rightfully a landmark of one’s South Africa safari for both local and international visitors.

Further up- north of the Kruger Park is recommended for the enthusiastic traveler up for a challenge. This section is difficult to access and is in isolation thus making it suitable for those looking for a touch of solitude.

The park is vast covering an area of two million hectares and is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques. Opened in 1898, the park is named after the then president Paul Kruger at his instigation. It is one of the top South Africa safari destinations.

One can get to the park by air or by road. Three airports in the southern, central and northern sections serve the Kruger area. Flights are daily from Johannesburg. If going by road cars can be hired from major South Africa cities e.g., Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town all with different distances to the park. Read the rest of this entry »

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Cape Town, South Africa, with magnificent Table Mountain as its backdrop, is reputed as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations.

Cape Town is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan destination with breathtaking scenery, idyllic beaches, world-class golf-courses and superb restaurants.

The Wine Routes are especially a huge attraction to Cape Town tourists. The main routes are Garden Route and the Whale Route. The Garden Route, also known as South Africa’s Garden of Aden, is endowed with lush, evergreen vegetation.

Some of South Africa’s most ancient forests can be found here. It is at the Cape’s Garden Route that you can find breathtaking hiking trails, exquisite mountain scenery, the highest bungee jump and so much more.

Whale Route is a paradise for the whale-watching enthusiasts. With the arrival of whales in June to November and peak calving season in July to August, the Whale Route offers the best land-based whale watching in the world. Read the rest of this entry »

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Superb golf courses in combination with an incredible array of wildlife and idyllic beaches make Kenya an excellent golf holiday travel destination.

Golfers especially find Kenya attractive because of the country  offers them a unique opportunity to play their favourite game, view wildlife and to laze on the sandy beaches all during the same holiday.

Kenya boasts 40 golf courses 12 of them being 18-hole. Interestingly 6 of Kenya’s best golf courses are within a 20 mile radius of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. These include Muthiaga Golf Club, Karen Golf and Country Club and Windsor Golf Club.The oldest 18 hole course is Royal Nairobi Golf Club founded in 1906.

Other fascinating golf holiday destinations include Mount Kenya Safari Club, Sigona and Leisure Golf Club - the only golf course on Kenya’s south coast on Diani Beach.

Most of Kenya’s golf clubs are private membership clubs and are generally very quiet and especially so during weekdays. A majority of Kenyan golf courses are at an altitude of more that 1500m (5000ft) thus giving golfers additional yardage to their stroke.

It’s worth noting that you are required to play with a caddie. He or she will not only carry your golfbag but will also find your balls in the bush, if need be. The caddie may also help you with the club selection or will show you the putting line.

Regardless of the course you choose to play, golfing adventures in Kenya will always recur in your mind every time you try to recount your Kenya safari adventures.

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I happened to read a complaint letter that was sent to Sir Richard Branson a while a go.

The letter which is currently being emailed globally is considered by many to be the world’s funniest passenger complaint letter as you can find out below:

Dear Mr Branson

REF: Mumbai to Heathrow 7th December 2008

I love the Virgin brand, I really do which is why I continue to use it despite a series of unfortunate incidents over the last few years.

This latest incident takes the biscuit. Ironically, by the end of the flight I would have gladly paid over a thousand rupees for a single biscuit following the culinary journey of hell I was subjected to at the hands of your corporation.

Read the rest of the letter here.

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Kruger National Park, South Africa’s oldest and most popular national park, is the best place to view African wildlife. This fact is attested to by the one million or so visitors who tour the national park annually.

Kruger National Park has its origin in the Sabi Reserve, which was set up in 1898 to stem the effects of over-hunting, and is named after Paul Kruger- once president of the Transvaal Republic that later became part of the Union of South Africa.

Kruger National Park stretches from the Crocodile River in the south, to the Limpopo River in the north and runs for 350 km along the Mozambique-South Africa border. The park is fed by six rivers and has a wide variety of ecosystems; it carries 16 vegetation zones. Kruger is generally flat with an average height of 269 metres above sea level.

The southern part of the 20,000 sq kilometre park, which is located in the Mpumalanga region, is more lush and wooded. This area is very popular with visitors and is accessed though the five gates at Malelane, Crocodile Bridge, Numbi, Phabeni and Paul Kruger. On the other hand, the northern and central sections are more arid and fall in the Limpopo region. Fewer visitors on South Africa safaris come here; giving rise to an air of mystery that beckons the adventurous. You get there via the Orpen and Phalaborwa gates. Read the rest of this entry »

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