Archive for South Africa Tourism
Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge – Mpumalangas Superb Mountain Getaway
Posted by: | CommentsDawsons Game and Trout Lodge is located close to Badplaas about four hrs out of Joburg in a fabulous location encompassed by hills along with a trout lake. As well as the Lodge, addititionally there is a cottage alongside the trout lake and this is ideal for anybody who wants to catch trout. Many of our travelling companions stayed at the Lodge whilst I spent the night down at the thatched roof stone cottage. It is a self-catering unit which is very well equipped and even has satellite tv. The size and style makes it ideal for a family group of 4 or five people that prefer their own personal space.
We got here late afternoon hence there was not enough time to do anything following check-in prior to an evening meal was prepared. Just before the evening meal, we had been invited to observe the cook demonstrate to us the way to prepare a fish and while I’m not a fish eater, it was very interesting. Its generally impressive how straightforward professionals make their job look.
Much like everywhere we stayed, the food was excellent and the entire group dined together on one long table which added to the experience.
The following day just after a really good breakfast, there was the opportunity to take part in various things to do including archery, quad bikes and horse riding but most of us made a decision to take pleasure in the chance to sleep in a lttle bit later than we had been able to all week. I had got up early to try and capture some photographs as the dawn broke. It is a beautiful sight in the African wilderness to wake up as it gets light and then to view the shadows thrown by the hills retreat as the sun’s rays advances. The early morning mist very quickly vanished and a wonderful blue sky was soon in its place.
Sadly there was not enough time to enjoy everything at Dawsons Lodge but you can find lots of adventures offered like bird watching, game viewing (no predators), fly fishing, hiking and walking, horseback safaris, archery, clay pigeon shooting and quad biking. Dawsons Lodge is additionally the ideal setting for weddings in which the newly weds can relax following their special day in the spa and wellness facilities. If you plan to check out Mpumalanga, Dawsons Lodge is a outstanding place to wind down.
Kruger Park to get new luxury hotel
Posted by: | CommentsThe Rezidor Hotel Group, which has more than 400 hotels in operation and under development and 86300 rooms worldwide, is set to add a new 120-room development in the Kruger Park in Mpumalanga to its portfolio.
The new Radisson Blu Safari Resort is being built along the Crocodile River 10km from the park’s Malelane gate.
Architectural plans show that the hotel, to be built inside the 20000km² park, will feature 104 rooms and 16 suites with private terraces. In addition it will have a restaurant with an outdoor dining and entertainment area, a cigar bar, a pool bar and terrace, and five conference rooms.
Other features include two swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre, and game-viewing decks over the river.
“This hotel will be the first internationally branded hotel within Kruger, and will clearly strengthen the Radisson Blu brand in South Africa,” said Kurt Ritter, chief executive of Rezidor.
“At the same time, it adds a new segment to our successful Radisson Blu portfolio.”
Andrew McLachlan, vice-president of Rezidor’s Business Development for Africa, added: “This unique product will be positioned between the luxury and exclusive private game lodges.”
The development is scheduled for completion in 2013.
Source: Times Live (http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article748106.ece/Kruger-Park-to-get-new-luxury-hotel)
A Few FAQ’s On South Africa
Posted by: | CommentsSouth Africa is a fantastic family trip spot but yet for the people who have never been there, they will typically have numerous questions they would like clarified just before they decide to take a trip there.
The country possesses excellent airline connections with several overseas destinations. The majority of flights from Britain are usually overnight and take roughly 11 hours. After arriving in South Africa, holidaymakers will find that even though there are 11 official languages, English is actually commonly used and many road signs tend to be in English.
As South Africa is such a substantial nation the weather varies from location to location although it’s the ultimate winter sun choice since it provides undoubtedly one of the greatest number of ‘sunshine hours’ each year of any place in the world.
The Mother City and the Western Cape Province is an extremely preferred spot for folks to take in while areas like Kruger National Park are regarded across the earth as a safari choice. It is also worth spending a few days in Johannesburg which is a modern metropolis while Durban is South Africa’s beach front playground.
Though it receives a bad press, South Africa is rather a secure holiday location for visitors, providing you take shrewd safeguards. There are spots which can be less secure to pay a visit than others though the same is true of practically almost every other place in the world.
For people wanting to explore South Africa alone, a fly drive is an excellent choice. You’ll find numerous accommodation options and guest houses throughout the country so it will be quite simple to prepare an itinerary to accommodate your needs. While driving, the principles of the road are very much like the United Kingdom.
Malaria is just found in a few parts of the north east of the country and it’s not a danger for the duration of the South African winter months. Though incidents of malaria in South Africa tend to be rare, you need to get advice from your medical doctor just before flying. HIV / AIDS in contrast are a lot more commonplace than in Europe and suitable safe practices must be observed.
You may also bring your mobile phone with you on your South Africa holiday since it has an extensive GSM network. Having said that, you must check call prices with your mobile phone network provider as calls are often pricey. On the other hand, you can get a local pre-paid SIM while you are in South Africa.
The Southern Area of uKlahlamba Park
Posted by: | CommentsOnly over two hours drive from Durban, people can encounter ambient country hospitality in villages like Underberg, Himeville and Bulwer, which give you tranquil charm alternating with festive merriment amongst numerous stylish pubs, Cheese farms, home-produce stalls, art and craft outlets are readily available in magnificent settings, attended to by friendly residents, enthusiastic to meet and treat travellers.
While it isn’t the most widely known region of the Drakensberg, nestling there in the lower hills of this region are many different beautiful nature reserves, which include Coleford, Loteni and Kamberg, each offering its own natural character, unique grasslands and hiking trails. Closer to the embracing mountains are resort hotels offering all outdoor leisure amenities including golf, home and hiking trails, fishing, boating, tennis, mini-golf and mountain biking.
Numerous pristine sanctuaries attract the hiker, nature-lover and the fly-fisherman, with sufficient thrills and wholesome outdoor activities on give to kids of all ages and interests. The only eastern road access to the Kingdom of Lesotho along the entire length of the mountain range is via the striking Sani Pass, which boasts the highest pub in Africa at its crest at surrounding 2,800m. An off-road vehicle is recommended to be able to cross the Sani Pass, especially in bad climate. Be certain to check out the opening times of the border post between South Africa and Lesotho as it is not open 24 hours a day.
Flower and music festivals draw in occasional friendly crowds, giving laughter and song to the usual stillness allowing all to enjoy the surrounds. Adventure seekers of different degrees are well accommodated with abseiling, paragliding, helicopter trips and river tubing are all available.
While the Southern Drakensberg is successful is fishermen who come here for the crystal clear lakes and rivers, the area has much more to offer the visitor.
Western Cape in South Africa – The Best Bits
Posted by: | CommentsThe Western Cape is South Africa’s most desirable holiday location with good reason. The principle city of Cape Town or the ‘Mother City’ is seen by 70% of visitors who travel to South Africa from the United Kingdom.
The renowned city of Cape Town is found in the shadow of Table Mountain at the spot where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide. The Mother City is many things to many people providing culture, wine, landscapes, the beach or quite a few leisure activities.
Table Mountain rises to about 1,000m above the city and it is certainly one of the most recognised places on the planet. More active people can take on the numerous walking trails to the summit or alternatively, there is a cable car that will take merely three minutes to reach to top.
The Cape Winelands are popular throughout the earth and the wineries of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl go back generations. The various wine routes are complimented by many restaurants, coffee houses and guest houses with superb menus and substantial wine lists.
The jail at Robben Island was where Nelson Mandela as well as other members in the ANC were held for a number of years. Found eight miles off shore from Green Point, Robben Island is today a museum honouring the heroic people who were imprisoned here. It was specified a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Around one hour towards the east of Cape Town is the town of Hermanus and it is acknowledged as among the leading areas across the world to view whales from the coast. Between June and November every year, the Southern Right Whales head past Hermanus as part of their migration path.
Back in Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront is the centrepiece of the city with world class shops, dining establishments, cafes, night clubs and nightspots. The harbour presents a few of the leading hotels in Cape Town together with the 2 Oceans Aquarium.
For people checking out the Western Cape, the Garden Route is definitely a location that simply just has to be visited. This spectacular piece of shoreline between the Mother City and Port Elizabeth is among the most successful places in South Africa. Matted forests, cliffs, striking cliffs and sandy seashores are all part of the scenery. You will find numerous small towns following the Garden Route delivering many different accommodations and cusine experiences.
