Vacations For Africa - Latest Blog Entries

The A-Z Guide for Botswana Vacations

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:36:00 -0600

For those planning Botswana vacations, the Southern African country offers plenty to discover. From art to wildlife, here's an (almost) A-Z guide of the best to see while on Botswana vacations…

Art

There is a world-renowned tribal art and craft tradition in Botswana, as well as a wealth of ancient rock art. The Tsodilo Hills, west of the Okavango delta, are the richest rock art site in southern Africa with over 4,000 catalogued paintings.

Birdlife

With almost 600 species of birds, including many unique and rare specimens, a Botswana vacations would not be complete without an appreciation of its wonderful bird life. When the Makgadikgadi fills with the annual rains, hundreds of thousands of waterbirds migrate to Botswana, adding to the colourful spectacle.

Chobe

Chobe National Park is a superb wildlife reserve with the largest elephant population in the world.

Culture

Botswana has a rich cultural history, including the stone wall ruins, patterned pottery and Stone Age tools that litter the countryside. Botswana preserves its local traditions and has carefully protected its ancient human culture, such as the Stone Age artefacts of the saltpan areas.

Kalahari

The Kalahari Desert, which covers most of Botswana, is the largest stretch of wind-blown sand on the planet, and hides many remarkably adapted creatures, which can be found in its striking, stark landscapes.

Makgadikgadi

The flat salt-baked expanse of the Makgadikgadi pans that, with the adjacent national park, covers an area as large as Portugal, is the bed of a once massive super-lake that covered much of central and northern Botswana. In the rainy season this unique landscape is filled with water and remarkable bird and wildlife.

Okavango Delta

The most popular area for Botswana safari holidays, the Okavango Delta, has a unique ecology and plenty of wildlife and bird species, which can be viewed at close-range from a mokoro (primitive dugout canoe). The Okavango Delta is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17,000 square kilometres and the world's largest inland delta

Tranquility

Unlike trips to much of Africa, Botswana vacations are safe and secure, with little crime in the area and no political unrest. The people are passive and content, and with a growing number of successful community based tourism initiatives, there is a widespread appreciation of tourists and the revenue Botswana safaris bring to the country.

Tuli Block

A region that is close to the capital but often neglected on Botswana vacations, the Tuli Block is a fascinating study in geology and ecology as well as one of the prime areas for the mineral wealth of the country.

Wilderness

Botswana has one of the lowest population densities in the world, and with it's exclusive tourism policies, the wilderness attractions are largely unspoilt and uncrowded, promising an unparalleled African adventure experience.

Wildlife

Herds of wildlife can be found throughout the country, both in and outside the national parks, with growing concentrations in the northern tourist areas. Botswana has the largest population of elephants in the world and is home to a migrant population of over 120,000 of these massive creatures.

Book accommodation for your Botswana vacations now!

To read the full article visit: http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Z-of-Botswana-Safari-Holidays-(Almost)&id=1113781

Namib Desert Challenge 2010 - Namibia Vacations

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:35:00 -0600

Looking for a physical challenge when on your Namibia vacations? Have you got what it takes to run in the mighty Namib Desert? Well, there's only one way to find out..!

One of the ultimate running adventures is this 5 day 250km trail footrace through the Namib Desert, home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world.

The Namib Desert Challenge is back for the second year and the route will once again take place in areas which are closed off to tourists and the general public.

Be one of the very few to set foot over these highly protected areas. Competitors carry their kit and food in their backpacks during the ultimate African Adventure. It is a self sufficient event so you are on your own when it comes to food and equipment.

Temperatures will reach in excess of 35 degrees Celsius; this challenge is definitely for the experienced ultra runner. Only the toughest will make it to the finish!

The desert race is held in Sossusvlei from 21st to 25th February 2010.

Book your accommodation in Sossusvlei now take part in or be a spectator in this awesome race!

Wildlife Photography Tips for your Botswana Vacations

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:56:00 -0600

The last thing you might think about before setting off on your safari Botswana vacations is the quality of the photographs you bring home. Do not overlook this all important aspect of your trip as it will be these pictures that capture all those memorable moments. I read an interesting article on wildlife photography by a professional safari photographer.

Here are some great tips…

Know the locations of wonder

Too many of amateur photographers don't typically have enough knowledge on the perfect locations for safari photographs. USually the water holes are a great start!

Bring the proper equipment

You may not have the talent for photography yet with the right equipments and devices, you are sure to bring out the best from even the worst photos you have taken.

Your best buddy for safari photos is the digital camera as it provides you countless advantages that you may never have from other camera units.

Be conscious of the composition

Most safari photos are spoiled because they do not have the right subjects in them or the subjects were not thoroughly and properly positioned in the image. You have more control on the composition using positioning principles. Make the most out of the latter though.

The main focus of the composition is how you frame your subjects.

When you choose the composition of the safari photos, you have to have quick decisions, as wild animals dont normally stay for long in single locations. Be extra careful of your movements as well to avoid distracting their attention.

And never forget…be patient

We have no control over the animals that pass our sights. They move at their own phase and at their own time. They simply behave in manners that they naturally do so you cant obviously expect them to move as you want. Be patient in waiting for subjects to come by. And once they do, use all your advantage to capture them in photos. Remember, the most beautiful safari photos are those that depict unusually beautiful movements.

You may not control luck, and that's for a fact. Luck or opportunity is one thing that determines the beauty if action is to be captured in photos. If you are patient, nature may help you see the marvel in each wildlife scene- a chase of preys and predators, lion clubs at play and solitary trees that reserves excellent elegance.

Great deals on Botswana vacations!

2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw Party on Long Street, Cape Town - South Africa Vacations

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:04:00 -0600

On the 4th December 2009, the world will find out which teams will face off in the group stages of next year's FIFA World Cup final to be hosted in South Africa. For those who were considering planning South Africa vacations there couldn't be a better time to be in our beautiful country.

World renowned party zone, Long Street in Cape Town, will be set ablaze with spectacular celebrations planned for the Final draw. The entire street has already been closed off to vehicle traffic as bars and clubs anticipate the influx of tourists and revellers. Thousands of fans from around the country will party hard on Long Street, including visitors from neighbouring countries. Many tourists on Botswana vacations and Namibia vacations have planned their trips to include a detour to South Africa to attend this event. All the finest musical acts the country has to offer will be on hand to entertain the large crowds expected to descend on the CBD. 1 500 international journalists and media representatives are currently jetting into the country to document the proceedings.

This will be a historic event for South Africa, one that will bring a much needed economic boost to the country and massive hangovers for days afterwards!

Book your trip for the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa now.

Awesome Safaris on Botswana Vacations

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:45:00 -0600

For those planning an African safari for the forthcoming holiday season, Botswana vacations are ideal for wildlife/nature lovers and those seeking an outdoor adventure. Several lodges have great discount specials that you should take advantage of before they're fully booked! An article by Low Jeremy gives an in brief look at safari possibilities for your Botswana vacations. This vast piece of land is only one of the few where wildlife need not compete for land and resources with man. The land area is as large as France yet the population counts only to mere 1.6 million people. As an outcome, wildlife has increased in great number that the place becomes a sanctuary for the finest games in all Africa. Kalahari dessert dominates 84% of all Botswana. Though it is a dessert by name, Kalahari is not much like a dessert, as we may perceive Sahara. Except for occasional sand dunes, Kalahari is mostly covered with vegetation characterized by bushes, grasslands, trees and scrubs. The finest game in the whole region are found in the Chobe National Park which is located somewhere in the north east side of the country. It harbors the most varied games in the country and is refuted to nurse the largest group of elephants in a single place. Elephants here are estimated to have reached up to 80,000 individuals. Savuti Marshes, on the other hand (which is located in the Chobe National Park) is refuted to have the largest density of predators found in all Africa. Its resources for water encourages buffalo, antelopes, zebras and the likes that are followed by predators such as the leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, and jackals. Check out some great bargain deals on Botswana vacations, accommodation and safari holidays. Simply click 'Botswana' on the site menu. To read the entire article, visit: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy http://EzineArticles.com/?Botswana-Safari--the-Haven-of-Wildlife-Sanctuaries&id=300522

Experience the Deserts of Southern Africa - On Botswana Vacations and Namibia Vacations

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:33:00 -0500

Being a lover of African Safaris and the diverse landscapes of this beautiful continent, I was intrigued by this article I read recently about the Southern African deserts. Deserts might immediately be associated with harsh conditions and an unpleasant climate, but these African deserts must be explored at least once for the amazing wildlife and natural scenery they offer.

Africa - the second largest continent in the world is also home to the largest desert in the world—the Sahara. In fact there are three deserts on the continent—The Sahara, the Namib and the Kalahari. Together these three amazingly vast and diverse land masses cover a large portion of Africa.

There are around 4 million people or so that dwell in the Sahara, mostly in Mauritania, Western Sahara, Algeria, Libya and Egypt. Additionally there is a fascinating and impressive array of animal life, include gerbil, jerboa, cape hare, desert hedgehog, barbary sheep, oryx, gazelle, deer, wild ass, baboon, hyena, jackal, sand fox, weasel and mongoose. The bird life includes more than 300 species. This vast life and diverse culture comes all in one desert.

The Namib Desert - The sand dunes of the Namib Desert are the highest dunes on Earth. At 50,000 kilometers, the Namib-Naukluft Park is the largest conservation area in Namibia and one of the largest in the world. Wind blows the thirsty Namib Desert sand into sharp ridges. Amazingly there are animals, insects and plants that reside in this beautiful, yet mostly inhospitable region of the world.

The Kalahari Desert - A geological wonder, the Kalahari Desert is part of the huge sand basin that reaches from the Orange River up to Angola, in the west to Namibia and in the east to Zimbabwe. The sand masses of wind-shaped sand that are so common in the Kalahari landscape were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. Thanks to vegetation in the area, the dunes were stabilized 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. Strangely enough, the grasses, thorny shrubs and Acacia trees can survive long drought periods of more than 10 months a year. Some scientists don’t consider the Kalahari a true desert because some parts of the Kalahari receive more than 10 inches of rain in a year. Animals that live in the region include brown hyena, lion, meerkat, several species of antelope, and many types of birds and reptiles.

Great deals on accommodation and general info Botswana Vacations

Great deals on accommodation and general info for Namibia Vacations

Make sure to visit Montagu Springs while on South Africa Vacations

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:05:00 -0500

To all planning South Africa Vacations (Cape Town specifically), make sure you visit Montagu Springs in Montagu for the time of your life!

Montagu is only an hour and a half drive from Cape Town and is situated on the longest wine route in the world, Route 66. I recently took a drive there with my significant other and the in-laws. What makes this destination a real winner is that the journey is just as marvellous. Visiting wine estates en route to Montagu was definitely a hightlight for me, with world renowned wineries like Robertson and Graham Beck (fanastic bubblies!) welcoming us. Please use the spittoons or get a designated driver.

The chalets and rooms at the Avalon Springs Hotel are well appointed and affordable. Even if you are not using the hotel accommodation, day visitors are allowed to use the spectacular hot mineral pools at very cheap rates per day. Stepping into the naturally heated mineral pools on a chilly night is absolutely heavenly. There is an olympic-size cold pool for the hot blooded too! Swimming times are from 8h00 to 23h00.

The Rose Cottage in Montagu has received great reviews from other guests and I would certainly recommend this B&B for accommodation in Montagu.

Click here to make your booking now.

Enjoy!

Cultural Insights to enhance your Botswana Vacations

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:02:00 -0500

When on vacation in Botswana, it is beneficial to have an understanding of the cultural norms and background that will help you to understand and relate to the Batswana people. Even more so if it's your first time. Here is a brief overview by Elizabeth Morgan to get you on your way.

The dominant national culture of Botswana reflects the dual heritage and intermingling of Tswana and English cultural dominions. Nowadays, members of the country’s ruling circles are equally comfortable in both languages, no matter what the member’s regional or ethnic origin and home language are.

Traditional Tswana music was based on the human voice and string instruments, with little to no drumming. But the traditional music and dance began to decline during the last decades of the colonial period, because it was perceived as anti-modern and anti-development. Now there is a revival of interest, with school dance troupes welcoming official visitors, but black South African and imported African-American 'soul' music still dominates music on the radio. In the 1970s, there was an emergence of didactic drama to raise popular awareness of development issues. Later, the teaching of music and art in schools was revived to some extent.

The art form of Botswana best known abroad is the traditional craftwork of basketry, most of it from the northwestern part of the country. The National Museum and Art Gallery in Gaborone holds regular exhibitions of local graphic artists, and its annual Artists in Botswana festival every April.

Films and television programs are still at a nascent stage in Botswana. Although no major feature film has been made in Botswana, the US National Geographic Society has releases some wildlife documentaries.

In Botswana, football is the national sport, played on fields and at stadiums across the country every Saturday. Tennis, golf, and softball have also some takers.

Read the complete article at:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan http://EzineArticles.com/?Botswana-Culture&id=202251

The Scenic Route to your Namibia Vacations

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:37:00 -0500

Namaqualand flowers

As a Capetonian, I've always wondered what it would be like to hop into a 4x4 and drive along the South African west coast from Cape Town to enjoy a vacation in Namibia. So when I read this article by Gary Terrazaz, I knew I just had to experience the Cape Namibia Route first hand!

The Cape to Namibia route offers travelers a huge variety of landscapes and experiences and is a highly enjoyable way to traverse this region. Why not take a South Africa and Namibia self-drive safari and take your time to explore Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and Stellenbosch before heading northwards through the beautiful area of Namaqualand and into Namibia. From here you can explore the Fish River Canyon. Luderitz, Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei and Sesriem. If time allows you can head towards the coast and Swakopmund before continuing northwards to the magnificent Etosha National Park, finally ending your trip with a night or two in Windhoek to unwind.

Cape Town is the ideal starting point for your holiday as the international airport provides access to all the major travel routes from America, Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa.

Making your way slowly north towards Namibia you stop in Springbok, the heart of the Namaqualand. When in season (July - September) this area turns into the most spectacular flower wonderland. Various small National Parks offer visitors unique views of this arid landscape. A small detour will bring you east to the Orange River and the Augrabies Falls. The two major border posts into Namibia are at Vioolsdrift/ Noordoewer when coming from the town of Springbok and Nakop/ Ariamsvlei when having gone the detour via Upington.

Heading north to the central Namib Naukluft Park you will find the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. See the Tsauchab River disappear into these massive giants of the Namib Desert. Having experienced the many highlights this tourist route has to offer, a 4 to 5 hour drive will take you to Windhoek and an afternoon flight back to Cape Town or straight on to Europe.

You could of course drive this route in opposite direction or add on to your travel and explore northern Namibia or the rest of South Africa, the choices are endless! For your next holiday why not set a bit more time aside and enjoy the best of two countries, South Africa and Namibia.

To read the entire article, go to:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Terrazas http://EzineArticles.com/?Discover-The-Unspoilt-Beauty-Of-The-Cape-Namibia-Route&id=1112497

Savour traditional dishes on Botswana Vacations

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:22:00 -0500

Curious about the type of food you can experiment with while on Botswana vacations? This article briefly describes Botswana cuisine.

Botswana offers a wide selection for the palate. The food found in the country is a combination of exotic dishes found only in Botswana and dishes that are commonly found in the entire region.

Staples

A major characteristic of the Botswana diet is that meat is very popular, with beef being the most widely eaten meat. Other meat sources include chickens, goats and fish. The people of Botswana usually eat sorghum, rice, maize and other cereals together with meat. Vegetables such as spinach, carrots, onions, tomatoes, lettuce and cabbage are also abundant and can be found in most markets. Fruits such as marula, watermelons and other types of melons are also usually found on the market.

Popular dishes

One of the most popular dishes in Botswana is the Chotlho, a meat dish usually cooked by men on special occasions. The meat is cooked in water and salt until it is tender and ready for eating. Serobe, on the other hand, is a dish cooked just like Chotlho but with the inside parts of a goat, sheep or cow. A popular way of cooking chicken is to cook it using an open fire, which is believed to bring out the best flavor of the meat.

Bagobe (porridge) is usually cooked and eaten together with these meat dishes. Usually, the porridge is prepared by immersing sorghum and maize in boiling water until a paste forms. When fermented milk is added to this porridge, the dish takes on a different flavor and can be eaten on its own.

Bread

Some of the most popular bread types are the matemekwane (dumplings), the diphaphatha (flat cakes) and the magwinya (fat cakes).

To read the entire article use this text link:

http://EzineArticles.com/?Botswana-Food&id=354682

Check out the Swahili Music Festival on your Tanzania Vacations

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:45:00 -0500

If you plan to visit Zanzibar you might have an opportunity to attend the Swahili Music festival, which is an amazing display of Tanzanian music, arts and culture. It usually takes place during the third week of February, so if you missed it this year make sure you don’t in 2010. I found this great article about Tanzanian music and the festival.

The music of Tanzania, especially along the coast and on the spice islands has been influenced from within the African continent and also from the ancient eastern trade routes. The Arabic and Indonesian cultures have had strong influences on the Zanzibar islands as well as the Swahili coast line of Tanzania.

The Arabic influence is especially seen in the singing and many of the stringed instruments.

Over the past three years in particular the Sauti za Busara (Sounds of Wisdom) music festival is becoming increasingly popular from within Tanzania and from overseas. For many years now the Swahili Music Festival has firmly established itself as one of East Africa’s finest annual events. It takes place over five days and brings people together from different backgrounds and cultures all under the umbrella of music.

In Past years the festival has been focused manly on musicians from Zanzibar, the Tanzanian mainland, Uganda, Kenya and Burundi. However, in more recent years people have come from West Africa and even as far away as Swaziland and Europe. Tanzanians are a truly peace loving and friendly people and this music festival has been described as the "The friendliest festival on Planet Earth ".

This festival also offers an opportunity to visit historic Stone Town, village cultural projects, spice plantations, taarab rehearsals, beach trips, dhow cruises, game safaris, snorkeling, diving, and swimming with dolphins. If you organize excursion trips through the festival then you are ensuring you get the best deal and profits go to the local communities and not an overseas middleman.

The past few festivals have had more than eleven thousand visitors and future festivals can only become more popular.

To read the entire article, go to:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Williamson http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Zanzibar-Islands-and-the-Music-of-Tanzania&id=172625

The best time to take Botswana Vacations

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:31:00 -0500

Autumn and winter are the best times to take Botswana vacations. This is between April and August when the animals gather by the water holes and the weather generally comfortable and predictable. As a result this is the busiest time of the year as droves of people visit the country. Thus it is advisable to make travel bookings in advance prior to your arrival.

Summer is not the best time for Botswana vacation as rain can fall for days on end ruining any safari plans. Gravel roads become muddy and the wildlife takes shelter and remains out of sight. Besides that, the intense summer heat can become quite overbearing depending on your personal preference.

Water is plentiful during the monsoon so animals don’t have to come to any particular area to drink. The months of December, January, February and March are even more difficult. The heavy rains during these months make the Chobe and Moremi national parks especially inaccessible. Moreover, most of the lodges are closed during this season.

One&Only resort in Cape Town a must for South Africa Vacations

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:48:00 -0500

This article appeared in the Sowetan documenting the grand opening launch party of the exclusive One&Only resort that has opened it's doors at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town South Africa.

Nelson Mandela, Mariah Carey, Thandie Newton, Marisa Tomei and Morgan Freeman were among the who’s who of the world who attended the opening of One&Only Resort in Cape Town.

The hotel falls under a chain owned by Sol Kerzner, chairman and chief executive of Kerzner International and owner and operator of One&Only resorts. Last Thursday Kerzner welcomed friends and family to an intimate evening and a series of private events as he unveiled his latest luxury masterpiece situated at the centre of Cape Towns fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

After dining, the 350 guests were entertained by a group of Cape Minstrels for a taste of Cape Town’s world- renowned jazz festival. Kerzner was then surprised with one metre-long and one-half metre high cake, a detailed replica of One&Only Cape Town to commemorate his return to his homeland 40 years after he started out his career in the South African tourism industry.

The guests were also treated to the master ensemble of global musicians including Clint Eastwood's son Kyle Eastwood on bass, Dave Koz on saxophone; Jonathan Butler on guitar; Patti Austin on vocals; Maceo Parker on sax; six-year-old Cape Town percussion prodigy Daniel Peterson on drums and Hugh Masekela on flugelhorn and trumpet. They performed an array of hits including Fire & Rain, I'll Take You There, Let's Stay Together and many more.

All the food was donated to Feedback (www.feedback.org.za) immediately after the event.

Top Ten Things to Do on Namibia Vacations

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:53:00 -0500

Here is a list of the top ten places to visit and activities when on your Namibia Vacations according to a great article I ran into recently by a seasoned travel writer.

1.) Waterberg Plateau Park

Located some 68 kilometers east of Otjiwarongo, Waterberg Plateau is home for some rare and endangered species of antelope and birds, rhinoceros, buffaloes, and sable.

2.) Damaraland

Damaraland is the home for a wide selection of tourist destinations like the 35-m natural obelisk Vingerklip and the Namibia's largest repository of Stone Age petroglyphs Twyfelfontein. Another famous Damaraland attraction includes the Organ Pipes formed by volcanic movements

3.) Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is the biggest game reserve of Namibia. It shelters some 250 lions, 6000 zebras, 300 rhinoceroses, 2500 giraffes, 2000 elephants, and some 20000 dainty springbok as well the occasional pelicans, flamingo, impalas, and other animals.

4.) Cape Cross Seal Colony

Enjoy the sight, the sound and the smell of thousands of fur seals in Namibia's Cape Cross Seal Colony. It is located 130 kilometers from Swakopmund.

5.) Namib-Naukluft Park

Namib-Naukluft Park covers some 50000 km2 and famous attractions include the dunes of Sossusvlei and the Sandwich Harbour as well as exotic plants and animals.

6.) Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop is a deserted that provided shelter against the harsh Namibian Desert conditions for Consolidated Diamond Mines miners. In 1956 it ended its operations, and became fully deserted.

7.) Swakopmund

Swakopmund with its Atlantic Coastline, cooler temperature and preserved German architecture is one of the premiere destinations of Namibia. Several Swakopmund tourist attractions include Altes Gefängnis Prison, Wörmannhaus, National Marine Aquarium, a crystal gallery, and a transport museum.

8.) Skeleton Coast

Be mystified and awed by the Skeleton Coast Park's ever-changing moods, dense coast mist, scattered shipwrecks, and majestically intact surroundings.

9.) Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa, measuring 160 kilometers long, 27 kilometers wide and some 550 meters deep.

10.) Kaokoland

Enjoy Namibia's raw wilderness by traveling to Kaokaland region with breath-taking mountain sceneries and natural animal refuges. The jagged landscape also serves as home for the Himba tribe who still lives by their own tradition and culture. Be captivated by the silent, serene environment which Kaokaland offers while enjoying water rafting, canoeing and bird-watching and more.

Make travel plans for your Namibia vacations now to enjoy these wonderful offerings.

The full article can be read at:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Williams http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Ten-Things-to-Do-in-Namibia&id=1012935

Travel to your Botswana Vacations directly on South African Airways

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:45:00 -0500

Direct flights from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Gaborone in Botswana have recently been announced by the SAA. Realising that Gaborone is ranked number 20 in Africa as far as direct destinations from foreign countries are concerned, the airline has broadened its focus on Africa.

There will be 13 flights per week (two flights per weekday) between these two destinations and one flight on Saturdays. An Airbus A319 with business class as well as economy class available will navigate the route.

SAA presence in southern Africa will be bolstered by the launching of these new flights that will encourage business travel between both countries and simplify the influx of travellers from international countries. This is especially helpful if tourists are taking South Africa Vacations.

Run the Comrades Marathon while on South Africa Vacations, if you dare!

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:36:00 -0500

Next month, the brutal Comrades Marathon 2009 will be underway in South Africa on the 24^th of May. For keen runners planning South Africa vacations, bring your blood, sweat and tears with you. You’re gonna need them. Here’s a chilling press release of the renowned road race:

Fifty-five famously fierce miles. Five punishing climbs. The merciless clock. Blisters, sweat and tears. The Comrades Marathon may be the world's greatest race, but it's not for sissies.

The world's oldest and largest marathon happens to take place in KwaZulu-Natal. The famous 55 mile ultra-marathon alternates between an 'up' run or a 'down' run every year. The race is run over an extremely tough course that can be best described as "The Big Five". The Big Five are uphills on the route of the Comrades Marathon and, on the up run they appear in the following order: Cowies Hill, Field's Hill, Botha's Hill, Inchanga, and finally, Polly Shortts. On the down run there are another set of equally challenging hills, and many runners are surprised that a race described as down still has some exceptionally tough hills to climb, including Inchanga, Alverstone, Bothas Hill and Cowies Hill. The 2009 marathon will be a 'down' run so it will start in Pietermaritzburg and come to a blissful end in Durban.

Zimbabwe Vacations still an option at the Victoria Falls

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:43:00 -0500

Planning Zimbabwe vacations to view the breathtaking Victoria Falls is still as safe as ever, despite all the negative publicity surrounding Zimbabwe. A recent visitor to the Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe, Jacquie Stafford, had great things to say about her trip...

Yes it is still safe to see the magnificent Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side.

Whilst Zimbabwe faces a massive crisis and is racked by economic despair and violence, visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is still an option. The little town that has remained a major tourist attraction is a great distance from Harare and has been largely unaffected by the political havoc that is being wreaked in the capital.

The Falls stretch a mighty 1.7 km across the Zambezi River, and most of them are in Zimbabwe. From the Devil's Cataract on the banks of the river you stroll slowly through the Rain Forest in front of the Main Falls and Horseshoe Falls. One of the most spectacular parts of seeing the Falls is that you are literally right in front of them. A narrow gorge is all that separates you from the incredible force of tons of water thundering down a height of 108 metres. And you'll get very wet!

You only need a couple of nights to be able to experience the sheer beauty and majesty of this natural wonder of the world. There are some wonderful places to stay, with my all-time favourite being the Victoria Falls Hotel. It's a gentle colonial giant, originally opened in 1904 and visited by royalty and heads of state over many years. Regularly refurbished, it still smacks of old-fashioned splendour. The extensive gardens lead down to the entrance to the Falls and, if you're sitting on the hotel's terrace (preferably with a G&T in hand) you'll see the spray rising over the Falls bridge.

The Falls are so vast that the only way to see them all at once is from the air, and it's well worth taking a flip to catch the enormity of this natural wonder. Also there are fabulous photo opportunities from the air. If you're heading on to Botswana it's worth going via Zambia and spending a couple of nights in Livingstone, to see the Falls from the "other" side. But that's another story...

For more insights on Jacquie's safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za

Book world class accommodation at Victoria Falls now.

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33% Discount on Botswana Vacations Accommodation!

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:21:00 -0500

If you are planning your Botswana vacations, book now at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge and get an amazing 33% discount for your safari holiday.

Ichingo is a luxury African Lodge providing the safari experience in one of the world's finest wetland areas with dazzling game and bird viewing, and the opportunity to land a mighty Tigerfish. The Lodge is a member of the Hotel Association of Namibia. It also has its own airstrip on the island with customs and immigration facilities, ensuring that your stay starts off with the convenience and good service that will typify your visit.

Activities nearby include Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. Whether you love nature, adventure, or simply relaxing in tranquil bush surroundings, you will find something to suit your preferences. From game viewing, fishing, mekoro excursions, white water canoeing, guided walks and bird watching, Ichingo has it all!

Book your Botswana Vacations accommodation at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge now, before the offer disappears!

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Fun Facts To Share on your Kenya Vacations

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:03:00 -0500

If you are planning a holiday in Kenya, here are some interesting facts on which you can base conversations with the locals. Thanks to Kenyan author Alejandro Onofre, we now know the following about Kenya that we previously didn’t. (Well, most of us)

DID YOU KNOW…

Kenya, formerly known as British East Africa, became independent in 1963 and a republic in 1964.

DID YOU KNOW…

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city is an international place with every kind of accommodation. Nairobi has many restaurants that serve everything from monkey to antelope.

DID YOU KNOW…

Conservation is a global effort, and the African country is doing its part to conserve ecology’s bounty. Different from Peru and Ethiopia, Kenya has introduced wildlife conservation into the public school curriculum. The African country has an established record of cooperation with international conservation organizations.

DID YOU KNOW…

Kenya has become much more stable since the democratic elections of 2002.From 1963 to 2002, Kenya was a dictatorship.

DID YOU KNOW…

Kenyan Bernard Barmasai is the fastest man in the 3,000 meters steeplechase with a time of 7 minutes, 55.72s.

DID YOU KNOW…

UNESCO has declared Lake Turkana National Park and Mount Kenya National Park World Heritage Sites.

DID YOU KNOW…

In fact, Isak Dinesen, best known as Karen Dixen, loved Kenya so much. Her first novel Out of Africa (1938) focuses on Kenya´s scenery. Furthermore, Out of Africa was also the basis of a 1985 Hollywood film starring Meryl Streep, one of the best American actresses.

For more of Alejandro’s Kenyan insight check out:

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alejandro_Guevara_Onofre http://EzineArticles.com/?Fun-Facts-About-Kenya&id=553268

South Africa Pinotage hopeful for Official 2010 World Cup wine

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:02:00 -0500

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Chairman of the Pinotage Association, Beyers Truter, is campaigning to have Pinotage designated the official wine for the 2010 World Cup Football tournament to be hosted by South Africa. Pinotage is world renowned as a distinctly South African cultivar and the highest selling red grape for our country’s producers locally as well as abroad. “If it is accepted, we will donate a sufficient quantity of wood-matured Pinotage wine for official functions and for participants and winners of the tournament”, said Truter.

To order divine South African Pinotage go to www.mhudi.com