Tag: southern africa holiday

4 Day Cape Garden Route Holiday

Leave a comment

Tsitsikama Suspension Bridge

You have explored Cape Town, now you want to head out and discover the world renowned Garden Route.

This 3 night/ 4 day itinerary is perfect for you!

Depart Cape Town heading for Oudtshoorn, via Route 62, a picturesque route that explores the contrasting regions of the Western and Eastern Cape. Stop in the Tradouw Valley for lunch, followed by a wine tasting. While in Oudtshoorn, once known as the “Feather Capital” of the world, enjoy an informative tour of an ostrich farm aboard a tractor learning about the intricacies of a working farm. Spend the night at Surval Boutique Olive Estate (or similar)

The next day continue onto the Cango Caves for a guided tour before continuing over the Outeniqua mountains to the Garden Route. Enjoy incredible photo opportunities in Wilderness, with its sweeping views from the Map of Africa lookout point. Then make your way to Knysna where you will stay for 2 nights at the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays (or similar). In the late afternoon embark on a sunset Knysna oyster cruise. This is an informative cruise introducing guests to the culinary delights of a wild Knysna oyster.

After breakfast, head for Plettenberg Bay. Take a boat at Lookout Beach for a marine excursion with the emphasis on marine-mammal conservation. This Fair-Trade Tourism certified ocean safari affords guests close-up views of whales, dolphins and seals. Back on shore, enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Qolweni Township, school and crèche. This community development programme focuses on education. Allocated tour proceeds are channelled into initiatives targeting the education of Qolweni’s young children. You are invited to donate pencils, books and other stationary.

The next day travel to Port Elizabeth, via Storms River and the beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest. The Garden Route features lush forests, blue ocean waters and rugged mountain peaks. Stop at Storm’s River and enjoy a short walk to the suspension bridge to take in the views. Enjoy lunch in the Tsitsikamma Forest area, home to century-old trees.

Arrive into Port Elizabeth – transfer to the airport to stay at one of the Beachfront hotels.

Contact African Sands for more details on this 4 day Cape Garden Route Holiday

8 Day Luxury Safari in the Kruger National Park

Leave a comment

Hippos in Sabi Sand Reserve

Going on a safari is probably an item on many people bucket list. And who can blame them?  A safari is a truly incredible experience, which allows you to relax with spectacular nature surrounding you and offers an incredible opportunity for you to get up close with the Big Five.

It is a time to lock the mobile phone away, forget about the WIFI, your job and all the city stresses. Just relax…. Breathe deeply….. and enjoy the peace and tranquillity!

African sands has a fantastic 8 night luxury safari in the Kruger National Park that allows you to explore the 3 distinctly different sides to the Greater Kruger National Park.

Starting up North in the Makuleke Concession, spend three nights at The Outpost, overlooking the Luvuvhu River Vally, Pafuri enjoying spectacular views of this vast remote wilderness areas

Then move onto Kings Camp Private Game Reserve, situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Enjoy two nights of splendour in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve while revelling in the warmth of gracious hospitality from a bygone era at the ultra-luxurious Kings Camp. Live the true African Safari game viewing experience in refined luxury a leopard on the hunt, lions roaring at twilight, hippo wallowing, or a crocodile basking on a sandy beach; each viewing will enthral.

From Kings Camp, you will be whisked off to the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve where you can relax and soak up the tranquillity of the African bush for three wonderful nights at Leopard Hills Private Game Lodge. This exclusive lodge is built on a hill overlooking a natural waterhole with spectacular game viewing from the deck of your private suite… explore the endless fascination of Africa’s wildlife in open, state-of-the-art game viewing vehicles, indulge in pampering treatments and savour spectacular sunsets. En-route to Leopard Hills from Kings Camp, you will be transferred to Elephant Whispers where you will be enthralled by a two hour Ultimate Elephant Experience. Interact, ride and indulge in a champagne picnic surrounded by these gentle giants.

Finally, it will be time to make your way back to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg.

This is an incredible safari experience that is fully inclusive: Accommodation, All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and Drinks (local brands) as well as scheduled activities – such as game drives and bush walks.

Prices from ZAR 81,800.00 per person sharing 

Contact African Sands for further information on this 8 Day Luxury Kruger Park Safari 

 

Cape Malay Cooking Safari

Leave a comment

Cape Malay Cooking Safari

For me, travelling is all about discovering the local culture. Learning about the history, the people and events that have affected or influenced the culture of that society.

It is fascinating, and makes visiting new destinations that much more interesting.

The fastest way to learn a new culture, is to learn about their foods.

In Cape Town, there is a REAL interactive experience in the Cape Malay quarter, one of the countries oldest established communities. This community dates back to the early settler days, when captives were brought to the shores in the 1600’s to work on the farms.

Start your day with a Walking Tour of this historic, Heritage Protected area, visit to a Community Empowerment Project, the popular local Spice (Masala) shop and the Bo-Kaap Museum.

Then it is time to visit your hostess – a local resident, for an exciting encounter with her religious, cultural and indeed culinary background – in her own home! You will participate in preparing and cooking samoosas, Rooti (flat bread) and chicken or veg curry-in the kitchen around her table. Once the lunch is prepared, you get to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

It is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture

Contact African Sands to learn more about a holiday to Cape Town & the Cape Malay

Beach & Bush Holiday in South Africa

Leave a comment

South Africa is a great place to visit for a relaxing holiday!

Why not try and combine a “Beach & Bush” holiday to enjoy a truly relaxing vacation.

When people think of South Africa, they generally think of Cape Town and the Kruger National Park. They tend to forget about South Africa’s sub tropical gem… KwaZulu Natal.

We feel that this is the perfect destination to offer a wonderfully relaxing “Beach and Bush” experience. With so much to do and explore, you will never be bored!

The Natal North Coast has a wealth of activities to enjoy, from simply relaxing on white sandy beaches and soaking up the golden sun rays to being as actives as you want with golf, micro lighting and fishing top of the list!

Highlights in the area include:

  • Enjoy a boat ride along the coast and get close up to the bottle-nose dolphins
  • Enjoy a microlight ride for the adventurous with breathtaking views
  • Visit the only organisation of its kind in the world – The Natal Sharks Board. Observe a shark dissection, see an audio-visual presentation and learn about the sensory biology of sharks and their role as top predators in the marine food chain. For the more adventurous, join the inspection crew for their eary morning tour of the nets off the beaches in Durban.
  • Explore the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park and spot the Big Five on a game drive!
  • Visit the Greater St Lucia Wetlands area and Spot hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles as you cruise the lake at this World Heritage Site
  • Visit one of the many Zulu cultural villages offering an unforgettable insight into traditional customs, ancient lore and legend and the sangoma (witchdoctor). Be entertained by the tribal dancing and learn about the beer ceremony.
  • At uShaka Sea World you come face-to-face with the ocean’s most amazing creatures.
  • Croc Valley Nature Reserve – Get back to nature as you meander through the coastal swamp forest

Then continue onto an exciting Bush experience.

The KwaZulu Natal north coast has a wealth of game viewing opportunities and fantastic scenery to explore with lots of history and culture around. The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National park is one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa and is home to the “Big Five” including the elusive White Rhino.

The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park or the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park as it is now called is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense beauty and incredible natural wildlife biospheres.

Activities in the area include

  • Lake St Lucia – boat trips, water activities
  • Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve – day trips and game excursions
  • Outdoor activities – hiking, walking, kayaking, horse riding and quad biking
  • Cheetah and Serval project – see big cats close up and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these beautiful animals
  • Visit a Zulu Cultural Village and learn more about these fascinating people and their history

See “wild” Africa at its best and come home feeling truly rejuvenated – what a great holiday!

Contact African Sands for more information or to make an enquiry!

South African Safari – what to expect!

Leave a comment

Heading off an African Safari is definitely one of the most exhilarating and awe-inspiring things you can do. Exploring the wide open savannah seeking out the Big Five (Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephants) in their natural habitat is an incredible thing to do. It makes you realise how wonderfully amazing our planet really is!

It is also one of the most tranquil, relaxing and romantic things to do!

Many people want to go on an African safari, but often wonder what happens when on a safari expedition, so I thought I would draw up a simple outline of what a typical day on a magical African Safari is like.

05.00am – Rise and Shine! Your game ranger will be by to knock on your door. With the sun just rising, you are able to capture some awesome photographs with the light!

05.30am – Rendezvous your ranger and tracker for early morning tea and coffee before departing out on a true African safari in search of the “Big Five”!

Return to the lodge and enjoy a hearty South African breakfast!

The rest of your morning is at leisure for you to do as you wish. Perhaps relax by the pool, or look through the wildlife books often available for you to read through.

11.00am –  Many private game lodges offer a short walking Safari with an experienced and knowledgeable ranger and tracker.

After your walk you will have a chance to chill out and relax or enjoy a swim to cool down from the relentless African sunshine.

1.00pm  –  A delicious lunch is served.

4.00pm – Meet with your ranger for afternoon tea before starting off on an evening Game Drive. This time of day can allow for the most incredible sunset photographs!

6.00pm –  Surrounded in natural splendour, enjoy some cocktails and refreshments.

6.30pm –  Continue on your game drive finding the more nocturnal animals such as Leopards, Lions and Hyenas. Just sit back, observe and listen, as the stars twinkle into existence and the sounds of Africa call all around you!

7.30pm – Your return time to the lodge is flexible and is determined by the activities on safari!

8.00pm – Dinner Time!

Enjoy your African Safari!