october 2010
It is a tough job I have. A few months ago I was informed that I was to depart on a trip to Tanzania. I failed to convince any of my friends that I was in fact ‘working’ and not going on holiday but I nevertheless packed my bags for my ‘business’ trip. After a week in the North and in Zanzibar I headed to the largest area of protected land on the continent, the Selous Game Reserve in Southern Tanzania.
The area hosts large populations of wildlife but is most famous for hosting 30% of Africa’s population of the rare wild dog. This park has an incredible landscape, the focus of which is the meandering Rufiji River. The advantage of a safari in the Selous is that you can get out of the vehicle and explore the region by boat or on foot.
From Dar es Salaam I had an exhilarating flight by light aircraft over the Selous into the airstrip, shooing away a giraffe as we landed. During my five night stay I had four boat excursions along the Rufiji which is teeming with grunting pods of hippos and crocodiles. Along shore in the swampy inlets we also saw giraffe and elephant. But it is the bird life evident along the lakes and the river which is really appealing. Inevitably these boat trips culminate in a spectacular sunset casting the tall borassus palms and baobabs into brilliant silhouettes.
My game drives in the Selous were also particularly rewarding. Besides seeing tons of Masai giraffe, lions, waterbuck, impala, white-bearded wildebeest, greater kudu, spotted hyena amongst others, the absolute highlight of my visit was an encounter with a pack of 14 wild dogs.
Towards the end of my trip I was offered a walking safari. With my highly specialist guides I set off for a three hour walk. My heart was in my throat when we encountered a family of elephant passing in front of us. My guide let us know that the male had picked up our scent and we had to hide behind a tree until he had passed. My excitement was at a premium but I felt completely safe in the hands of my guides. It was just wonderful to view these incredible creatures on foot. My walk ended with me sharing a bush breakfast with my guides and a pod of hippos from the nearby lake.
As I had spent a lot of time sleeping in the larger lodges up North I was so pleased to finally sleep under canvas. There is nothing like putting the light out and lying listening out for the slightest of noises outside your tent, or being woken up in the morning to a chorus of hippos and the cry of the fish eagle. One evening I even had a bushbaby join me for my shower!
I will never forget spending my evenings in the Selous, joined by other guests, gin and tonic in hand, watching the African sun go down behind the horizon as the moon and stars make an appearance. Always excited to see the Southern Cross again I remember looking up and thinking I had never seen so many stars! This is when the stresses of the city seem another world away and you truly relax.
Until my next visit to Tanzania, I will continue to explore this wonderful continent of Africa. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.
Sarah stayed at the following accommodations in her trip: Impala Camp, Lake Manze Camp, Sand Rivers and Selous Safari Camp all at Selous Game Reserve.
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I have been lucky enough to have travelled and experienced many African countries and all the natural beauty that have to offer, but I have never before encountered the diversity that is offered within Namibia. I was constantly mesmerized by the stunning landscapes, endless blue skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and the desert wildlife. The best way that I can describe Namibia is ‘a country that gets into your soul’.
Namibia contains one of the world’s oldest deserts and has some of the highest dunes in the world. From the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, to the breathtaking dunes and scenery of the Sossusvlei and the famous Etosha National Park, it is a region of contrasting landscapes. To explore the country you can choose a fly-in safari through Namibia were you can absorb the vast scale and dramatic scenery from the air; or you can hire a car and drive yourself to the various destinations of interest. The roads are in a great condition but a 4X4 is recommended to fully explore all terrain.
In the Damaraland you will find the desert adapted black rhino and elephant; the latter being very different from the African bush elephant. The guides in the region are very knowledgeable and will explain in detail how the rhino and elephants have adapted to desert life.
The dunes in Sossusvlei are some of the largest in the world. Climbing the largest dune -‘Big Daddy’ - is an amazing experience. It will take you a few hours to summit depending on your fitness level but once you reach the top and see the breathtaking scenery below, your efforts will be richly rewarded. Another great way to soak in the Namib Desert is by a hot air balloon Safari. A truly unforgettable experience that in my opinion is an absolute ‘must-do’! Departing just before sunrise you will drift slowly over the dunes for approximately an hour finishing with a champagne breakfast on landing.
A visit to Namibia is not complete without seeing the famous Etosha National Park, one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa. The most distinctive feature lies in the central heart of the park - the vast Etosha silvery pan. Large herds of plains’ game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season and make for exciting game viewing and easy sightings.
There are many other areas to visit in Namibia such as the remote Skeleton Coast where you will find the beaches littered with whale bones, shipwrecks ruins, flocks of pelicans, flamingos and the Cape Cross Seals. Namibia also offers a unique cultural experience with the Himba villages located in the far North West of the country well worth a visit to get a real insight into Namibian traditions.
I only managed to scrape the surface on the array of areas and activities that can be found in this amazing country and cannot wait until I can go back again to further explore Namibia and once again experience its natural beauty.
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An amazing holiday to a range of exotic destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands is more accessible than you might think. Follow our Top 10 tips to ensure your holiday adventure is one to remember, for all the right reasons…
1. Research the range of African destinations on offer well in advance of your planned departure dates to make sure you choose a safari or beach holiday that meets your specific requirements. Indulging in a spot of escapism by reading up onyour preferred locations and looking at photos is a wonderful way to get you through the winter months.
2. Make better use of frequent flyer points and airline award programmes that you may have built up over years but never redeemed – putting these to good use may make a long-haul destination more viable than you had previously considered.
3. Visit South Africa. Whether you love or loathe football, you can’t have missed the beautiful imagery of this amazing country being beamed into your living room from the recent World Cup…book up fast to avoid the stampede!
4.To get the best rates travel Off-Peak, that is if you are not restricted by school holidays! It may mean you can enjoy a luxury, 5-star experience, previously considered to be out-of-reach. For example, the tropical paradise of Mauritius offers year-round sunshine and fantastic value outside of peak months, especially May and June.
5. For most of us, we save all year round for our annual summer holiday. For financial peace-of-mind, make sure you only book with a travel company who is properly licensed e.g. by ATOL or TTA to ensure you are 100% protected. Also, make sure you have your travel insurance in place before you book your holiday as you are generally entitled to a full refund if an unforeseen event prevents you from travelling.
6. Don’t waste precious days of your all-too-short holiday break suffering from jetlag, especially if you are travelling with children. Fly south to avoid traversing time zones and enjoy your holiday from the moment you land. Any African country is no more than 2 hours ahead.
7. Don’t take any risks – check with your GP at least 2 months ahead if you and your family require any specific vaccinations for the countries that you plan to visit. There are a number of malaria-free safari destinations if this is a particular concern – speak to an expert travel consultant who will advise you.
8. Break out of your usual travel patterns and welcome new destinations for an enriched experience – you will reap the benefits of a break from the old routine. Add at least one emerging tourist destination to your travel wishlist for 2011. The rewards of travelling to countries such as Mozambique, Namibia or Uganda before tourism develops on a larger scale are manifold.
9. Remember to not just rely on your camera when travelling – take time to soak in the scenic landscapes, sunshine and unique cultures of the locals. This will truly enrich your overall experience and you can call upon these happy memories to help get you through the dreary days back home.
10.Perhaps our most important tip, we highly advise that you trust your travel planning to a reliable expert tour operator. They will have in-depth knowledge of your chosen destination and be equiped to give you first hand advice. If you are interested in visiting Africa or the Indian Ocean Islands contact Mahlatini and let them plan your dream holiday in 2011.
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If you were to ask the average person on the street if they had heard of the ‘Wildebeest Migration’ most would answer in the affirmative. Yet ask them ‘where’ the Great Migration takes place and you will undoubtedly receive a few blank stares or vague mumbled replies, 'Africa' or 'Kenya'. On further probing you would probably find that whilst people are aware that this great spectacle occurs (probably as a result of the Lion King or various documentaries), little is actually known about it. Many assume that the migration is all about the dramatic river crossings but it is so much more than that. The following is an ‘idiot’s guide’ so to speak, to the greatest show on earth.
Where does the migration take place?
The wildebeest migration takes place in East Africa between Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara. These two parks form one continuous ecosystem sliced up by an invisible man-made border.
Is it only Wildebeest which migrate?
No, following the approximately 2 million wildebeest are thousands of zebras and gazelles which combine to form a super herd. Zebra and Wildebeest are often found together as the Zebra tend to feed on long tough grass stems preparing them for the broad muzzle of the wildebeest, more suited to close short grasses. Lions and other carnivores do not migrate with the grazing animals but feast on them when their paths cross.
Why do the animals migrate?
In essence the animals are following the rains in search of lush new grass. The wildebeest are taking advantage of the strongly seasonal conditions, spending the wet season on the plains in the south-east, and the dry season in the woodlands of the north-west, but the sheer weight of their numbers means that they themselves play a role in shaping their environment to their needs.
Although the migration is often portrayed as an intense phase of activity the 800 km pilgrimage is actually an ongoing cycle of movement and dispersal. Each year over 250,000 wildebeest alone will die as a result of injury, exhaustion or predation.
The Migration is not a continually forward motion. As the wildebeest need to drink daily their movement is very much dominated by the accessibility of water and they seem to have a sixth sense in following the storms.
There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water.
The River Crossings
The most poignant image of the wildebeest is the famous crossing at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers. This spectacle has been well documented by some excellent photography from the likes of the BBC and National Geographic. Forced on by the power of the herd the wildebeest have no choice but to take a suicidal plunge into the crocodile infested waters often drowning in their thousands.
When should I visit East Africa to witness the Migration?
There is never really a right or wrong time to visit as each season offers its own highlights but it is important to be in the right area according to season.
Jan – Early Mar (Serengeti)
This is one of the most popular times to visit the Serengeti when the wildebeest calves are born over a 3-5 week period. The defenceless young provide easy picking for lions, hyenas, and other predators but because so many calves are born in such a short time the predators do not have time to eat them all. It is best during these months to choose a camp or lodge in the southern plains of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Conversation Area.
April / May (Serengeti)
During these months the depleted plains are unable to sustain the endless herds. The migration, sweeping west and north, moves from the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the long grass plains and woodland of the Serengeti’s western Corridor, almost to Lake Victoria.
June / July (Serengeti / Masai Mara)
By June the wildebeest have exhausted the Western Corridor’s best pastures and the herds must move further north. The migration often splits and one column passes west to Lake Victoria, another passes north through the northern Lobo area of the Serengeti. By July the countless herds have amassed along the swollen Mara River - a final barrier from the short sweet grasses of the Masai Mara.
These months are unpredictable for catching the crossing as the timing and duration varies widely each year - in years of little rain very few wildebeest cross the Mara River into Kenya. Generally you should try to locate yourself in either the Serengeti’s Western Corridor or its northern reaches; however, in some years being on the Kenyan side during these months offers the best views.
Aug – Oct (Masai Mara)
From August to October the migration is usually dispersed across the plains of Kenya's Maasai Mara. In some years a large portion of the herds remain in the Serengeti so we would recommend basing yourself in the northern reaches of the park during these months (known as the Lobo area).
Nov / Dec (Serengeti)
The arrival of the short rains summons the herds south across the Tanzanian border in November and usually by December the wildebeest disperse on the southern plains of the Serengeti.
Where to Stay?
Kenya and Tanzania offer a huge selection of accommodation styles and Mahlatini can offer everything from luxury lodges and classic tented camps to simple mobile bush camps (designed to put you in the best place to catch all the action).
Recommended Documentaries
The BBC’s Nature’s Great Events narrated by David Attenborough
The upcoming National Geographic ‘Great Migrations Born to Move’ coming in November 2011
Photographs by: Asilia & Nomad Tanzania
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South Africa has the key elements for a great family holiday - excellent weather, great scenery, accommodation to suit all budgets, good road infrastructure for self-drives, and superb wildlife. Packed with endless attractions and activities aimed at both adults and children, a family safari in South Africa is the ideal way to spend a family vacation.
Below are some of the places that truly WELCOME CHILDREN, and not merely tolerate them. Our journey specialists will be able to design a routing/itinerary to suit your guests’ specific family needs.
Wilderness Safaris and Safari Adventure Company
This company have put together a variety of activities for kids at selected family camps. Their "Bush Buddies" will be kept busy, being entertained as well as learning about the wonderful African wildlife and environment. At the same time, they can enjoy a little fun time away from mom and dad. All Bush Buddies that are 12 years and under will receive a complimentary backpack filled with selected safari essentials.
Rocktail Beach Camp / Safari Adventure Company (northern KwaZulu-Natal)
Rocktail Beach Camp on South Africa's northern coast has its secluded 40km stretch of beach and forested dune belt to play in; there are intertidal nature walks, shell collecting, snorkelling, fishing and dune boarding, to name but a few. The camp consists of 17 rooms of which 7 are family units with two bedrooms each. A playroom, complete with board games, and child minders can also keep kids entertained while parents relax.
The Oyster Box Hotel & Spa (Umhlanga / KwaZulu-Natal)
This is a luxury family beach destination. Family Suites have a master bedroom along with an additional single room or loft for the children. Beach gear is provided - sun umbrellas, beach bags, balls, bats and suntan lotion. Kids received gift bags on arrival. There are children's bathrobes, prams and cots. Children's films are screened in the hotel's 24 seat private cinema every afternoon. A fully equipped, supervised Children's Club with a range of games and activities is ideal for kids.
Londolozi (Sabi Sands Reserve)
Londolozi offers the Londolozi Cubs programme. The Cub's Den is equipped with fish ponds to splash around in, Land Rovers to "drive", campout tents and an educational centre where wildlife takes centre stage. Activities include, amongst others: Spoor identification, Bug catching, African dance, drumming. Varty and Founder’s camp both accommodate children between the ages of 4 and 16 years. Game drives accommodate children of 6 years and older.
Jaci's Safari Lodge (Madikwe Game Reserve)
Families with children aged 5 - 12 yrs can go together in the family safari vehicles on game drives. Then there are also the "jungle drives" during the day for the very young children 4 yrs and under. Parents are welcome to join, but they must behave like children! Children can sleep in the same room with their parents. Camp beds/stretchers are made up at the foot of the parents' bed for each child (up to 3 children).
Sun City (North West Province)
Besides swimming pools at the 4 hotels, there is also the Valley of the Waves, Kamp Kwena, Waterworld and more! Kamp Kwena is situated at the Cabanas’ children's activities park and offers a daily supervised children's programme. Facilities include a huge selection of books, puzzles, toys, cartoon network channel, playgrounds. Then there is Mini Golf, Trampolines, Bumper Cars and the Finders Keepers Scratch Patch. And, at Waterworld experience the thrill of Jet skiing, Water skiing and Parasailing.
Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa (Knysna / Garden Route)
Located on the Eastern Head of Knysna this resort offers a vast choice of activities: archery, fishing, beach volleyball, petanque, canoeing, field of dreams, driving range, hike/walking trails, canoe, horse-riding, swimming and tennis. Family picnics can be had at Noetzie Beach. Nightly en-suite child minding is provided.
Grootbos (close to Hermanus / Western Cape)
Here children can get totally involved, from collecting their own breakfast eggs to helping in the kitchen with their pizza preparation. The Play Ground is a kiddie's paradise, located next to the horse stables, children can explore their natural surroundings while playing with fluffy bunnies, a domestic pig "Emma" or the ducks. Specialised guides supervise children at the playground, and accompany children during exciting treasure hunts through the Milkwood Forest.
Kurland (Plettenberg Bay / Garden Route)
This luxury family hotel (Relais & Chateaux) is situated on a world famous polo venue. Kurland arranges imaginative activities specifically tailored to children of all ages. Lofts have been created above the main suites, and are fitted with 2 or 3 or, if required, 4 beds. Each has its own play area, toys and en suite bathrooms. Children can dine in a variety of venues including their own Children's Dining Conservatory. Experienced nannies available.
Mount Nelson (Cape Town)
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, this leading family friendly 5 star hotel offers complimentary second room for up to two children under 17 years old travelling with their parents. Nine acres of garden, swimming pools, the Nellie & Nelson Children Activity centre and even children's yoga classes are available. Kids receive welcome amenities, and child-size robes and slippers. An exciting annual programme which includes cricket matches, face painting, story-telling, swimming, games and treasure hunts are organised.
With thanks to Wilderness Safaris
Find out more about Family Holidays
One of the most popular holidays in South Africa is a self drive through the Cape taking in Cape Town, a safari and the famous Garden Route region. With an excellent road network, signage in English, a huge variety of places to stay and an abundance of tourist activities, this is a safe, well worn route which has been tried and tested by millions of satisfied tourists.
It is worth noting that you can drive the route either starting with Cape Town and ending with the safari near to the city of Port Elizabeth or vice versa.
If you have two weeks away and begin in Cape Town we normally suggest spending around 3 or 4 days exploring the city. The appeal of the city lies not only in its spectacular setting with a backdrop of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and endless miles of sandy white beaches but in its melting pot of cultures, colourful history, marvellous cuisine and the general friendliness of the people on which it prides itself. Cape Town provides the visitor with and endless array of things to do from its cultural; and historical activities such as Robben Island and the Cape Town Castle, it's culinary delights and fine wines and vibrant night life to the fantastic views and walks of table mountain, the beauty of Kirstenbosch gardens and the endless miles of sand on Noordhoek beach.
Situated about an hour's drive from Cape Town, and surrounding the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek lies the Western Cape's world famous winelands. You can visit the winelands on a day trip from Cape Town (both self drive and organised tours are available) as it is relatively close however we would recommend you stay there for at least 2 days in order to get the most out of your experience. Not only can you visit the vineyards to see how their wines are produced and sample some of South Africa's wonderful array of new world wines but the towns offer a unique insight into the colourful history of the area with its French, English and Dutch influences. The winelands are also renowned for their culinary delights and are well worth the trip just to experience the fantastic array of cuisine on offer.
Another popular stop situated about an hour and a half's drive from Cape Town is the beautiful seaside town of Hermanus. Built on the shores of Walker Bay, Hermanus is one of the best places in Southern Africa if not the world to see the Southern Right Whales which frequent the Cape Coastline from June to November when they come to calve in the relative safety of the coastlines many bays.
Stretching East from Hermanus for approximately 500km's lies the world famous Garden Route with its dramatic backdrop of the Outeniqua mountains, the Knysna forests and it's rocky coastline of large bays and beautiful beaches. It encompasses the towns of Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Storms River, St Francis Bay and Jeffrey's Bay. The lush forests and valleys of this region give rise to the name garden route and create some of the most beautiful scenery South Africa has to offer. We generally recommend 3 to 4 nights minimum to fully experience all that this stretch of coastline has to offer. The Garden Route is all about dramatic scenery and the unique ways from which to view it, from a ferry ride on the Knysna lagoon, walking the Robberg Peninsular in Plettenberg Bay to scaling the heights of the Tsitsikamma forests in a very popular canopy tour. From its adventure activities to nature walks, beaches and superb golf courses there is something for everybody on the Garden Route. The town of George has an airport which means a visit can start and end on the Garden Route.
Conveniently located about a 3 hour drive from the Garden Route are the malaria free reserves of the Eastern Cape. The best known of these are: Shamwari (Click here), Amakhala (Click here), Kwandwe (Click here) and the Addo Elephant National Park, all of which offer opportunities to see the 'big 5'. Most offer accommodation in superb lodges or tented camps combined with game viewing activities. 2 to 3 nights in the region can begin or end your stay in the Cape with an approximately one hour drive to Port Elizabeth airport.
The weather in the Cape is best from September to May. The winters (June, July and Aug) can be windy and wet however the weather comes in coastal fronts so in theory you could have lovely weather at that time of year. It is just more unpredictable than the summer months.
When planning your trip chat to an expert who will have done all of the drives and visited an array of hotels and guest houses.
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