Let's Plan Our Holiday » Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

Heather — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:32:33 +0000

Cape Town in South Africa, despite its widespread popularity, seems to be something of a well kept secret, in that there are a lot of people who never considered the kind of spectacular holiday they can experience by visiting the beautiful Cape.

Cape Town is considered the end all, be all of holiday spots in gorgeous South Africa. Part of this is due to the stellar climate there, in addition to the stunning setting and natural landscape. For instance, Table Mountain is an enormous draw. It is part of Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park. You can hike right to the top of the mountain, or get there by the cable. Naturally, Cape Point is another popular spot, along with Cape Peninsula and Chapman’s Peak Drive.

The beaches in Cape Town are something to envy as well. You can, in fact, enjoy spending time at a number of different beaches all in one day without taxing yourself.

You cannot forget about Cape Town’s rich culture and cultural based attractions either. You can shop, visit zoos and aquariums, and basically anything you would ever want to do on holiday.

Luxury Hotels of the World! Part 4

Heather — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:48:19 +0000

So we are coming to the end of our luxurious hotels of the world blog series, the Meikles Hotel in Africa is going to be the last one and honestly, this hotel is absolutely gorgeous! Not only has it been around since 1915, but it has also been regarded as Zimbabwe’s premier hotel on more than one occasion! The pictures of this incredible looking hotel definitely do not do it justice and if you want to get a life experience, you should definitely check this little slice of heaven out.

This hotel is also very close to some of the best sights of Africa and certainly in one of the best cities. The Harare’s Central Business District, Africa’s Unity Square gardens, flower and curio markets are all within walking distance of this incredible hotel and honestly? The rooms look beautiful and are certainly the lap of luxury!

So if you are looking to take a trip to Africa, you definitely need to check out this little piece of heaven!

Madagascar Tourism

Jeremy — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:19:17 +0000

Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean of the eastern coast of Mozambique, known for its unique wildlife and biodiversity. The eastern part of the island in mainly tropical rainforest, separated from the dry forests of the western side by the central highlands. Antananarivo is the Capital, a typical African Capital, overcrowded and noisy, places of interest are: the ruins of Rova citadel, The Zoma: a permanent street market on both sides of the city’s main avenue, Prime Minister’s Palace, Queens Palace Tower.

Exploring nature:
National Park of Ranomafana: rainforest, habitat to 12 lemur species, including the red- bellied lemurs. National Park L’Isalo: unique scenic views, offered by a landscape varying from grassy plains, to sandstone ridges. Impressive gorges and canyons. Some of the animals to see are: ring-tailed lemur, Verreaux’s sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur. Tsingy of Bemaraha natual Reserve: Tsingy is a unique limestone formation which stands majestically like an impenetrable fortress. Some of the animals to see: grey mouse lemur, wooly lemur, narrow striped mongoos. Ampijoroa National Park, Kirindi Forest (Baobab trees), Ankarana Reserve, Masoala National Park, Lokobe special Reserve, all these parks are worth a visit and harbout unique wildlife and vegetation.

Beautiful tropical Beaches:
Nosy Be archipelago (in the north), Ile Sainte Marie (west-coast), Itafy and Nosy Ve, Morondava, are Madagascar place to be if you’re looking for a resort-style holiday. With offshore isles to be discovered, corals to explore, this is paradise on earth. You might even consider some Island hopping aboard a luxury private yacht.

Kenya, Beaches and Safaris!

Jeremy — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:23:30 +0000

Situated in the East of Africa, Kenya is a true paradise on earth. The beaches are gorgeous, the people are fascinating, and the diversity of nature from the hot savannas, over snow-capped mountains, to the colourful corals shows the splendor of nature. It is not the variety in landscape, but the wildlife that attracts the majority of tourists. A great amount of National Parks and Reserves secure the existence of large amounts of wildlife throughout the country.

Amongst the most beautiful once we find the parks of Samburu, Amboseli, Nakuru, Mount Kenya, Meru, Tsavo, Masai Mara. The main objective of any safari would be to see “The Big Five” – the lion, the buffalo, the elephant, the rhino and the leopard.

Nairobi is the Capital , located between the city of Mombasa in the east and Kampala (Uganda) to the west. Places to visit in the Capital are: Nairobi National Park, Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe centre, and Elephant nursery, Bomas of Kenya. At night you cannot miss dinner at the Carnivore restaurant.

Mombasa is the second largest city in the country and one of the largest ports in Eastern-Africa. It ’s located on an island, separated from the mainland by two creeks. The old city built around Fort Jesus is worth a visit. North and south from Mombasa we find the white sandy beaches and Holiday Resorts.

South Africa: A different kind of Africa

Jeremy — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:52:17 +0000

South Africa, situated in the most southern part of Africa, has always attracted visitors. Its key position at the Cape and its mineralogical wealth made this country a paradise for immigrants. Apartheid being abolished only in 1990 opened the gates of the country to the world. To the visitor South Africa may seem a complicated country. Pretoria is the official Capital of the country, Bloemfontein the judicial Capital and Cape Town the legislative.

Official languages are Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, English, Tswana, Sotho, Swati and South Ndebele… but be sure, English will get you everywhere. Johannesburg is the largest city of the country and perhaps the most representative to feel the countries heartbeat. A great contrast of wealth and poverty is experienced here and crime rate is high. Tourists should use common sense and not advertise excessive wealth to avoid street violence.

Cape Town is a beautiful city to visit. The panoramic Table Mountain views, rugged landscapes, glorious beaches, vineyards, and the people’s hospitality will make your visit an unforgettable experience. If you are looking for an adventures hiking holiday, the stretch of Eastern Cape Coast, known as Shipwreck Coast might be you ideal spot. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with its impressive rock formations and rainforest can also be explored on foot. But South Africa is best known for its wildlife and many national Parks offer safari tours. Kruger National Park is South Africa’s number one, and a certainty in observing the big five. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park might be even more beautiful (best time to visit June-July). Other parks to visit: Addo Elephant National Park, Agulhas National Park, Augrabies Falls, Table Mountain National Park, Mountain Zebra National Park, Wilderness National Park Tankwa Karoo National Park, Knysna National Lake Area (seahorse), Marakele National Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Nature Reserve.

South Africa has great tourist infrastructure and cheap flights can be found all year round, so look carefully for promotional opportunities which will make your stay a lot cheaper.

Tanzania, a country of contrasts and great variety

Jeremy — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:28:27 +0000

Tanzania is a country of contrasts and great variety. Dar Es Salaam is the Capital and largest city of the country. It is also the principal port of Tanzania. Remnants of the colonial period can be seen around its city center. Places to visit: National Museum, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, White father’s Mission house, Botanical Gardens, State House. Visiting the many colourful markets is also a great way to enjoy the typical African atmosphere. A little to the north, offshore, lies the tropical island of Zanzibar (formerly famous for its slave and ivory trade). Nowadays the islands Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia are a holiday paradise, where diving and snorkeling are the favorite sports.

The mainland of Tanzania is the ultimate place for a wildlife safari. To the North we find the Serengeti planes, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Manyara. In the South-East we find Selous Game Reserve where boat safaris are possible among the Rufigi River. To the east, Katavi national park is the most untouched part of the entire country. At Mwanza you reach Victoria Lake and here Rubondo Island National Park offers a nice break from the normal game drive.