| South Africa |
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South Africa is one of the most developed and geographically diverse nations in Africa. With scenic and wildlife rich national parks complemented by beautiful beaches, mountains and countryside, climate characterized by dry winters and rainfall in the summer and stable infrastructure, South Africa makes for a prime tourist destination. South Africa represents the synthesis of old and new cultures, with seventy percent of the population made up of four traditional ethnic groups: the Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana and Bapedi while fifteen percent of the population is white, sixty percent of whom are Afrikaners. Kruger National Park is the largest and best-known wildlife park in South Africa. Much of the wildlife viewing is done in private reserves along the western border of the Kruger in the Sabi Sands. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park is another premier reserve. Next Adventure works with the best of the luxury safari lodges mostly in the Kruger region. A tour program linking one or two of these with lodges in other parts of the country makes for a comprehensive wildlife safari. CAPE TOWN, GARDEN ROUTE AND WINE COUNTRY Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, is only 40 km from the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the African continent. The scenic splendor of the city includes mountains, beaches and vineyards surrounding it, the latter being the oldest and most beautiful wine producing region of South Africa. The scenic valleys around Stellenbosch and Paarl, which were first settled in the 1670s will enrich your historical knowledge of South Africa. With inhabitants from diverse ethnic backgrounds, Cape Town not only makes for an unforgettable cultural experience, with an enchanting contrast between luxurious places with a European feel to them interspersed with Africa traditional arts and crafts, it also has a relaxed and open-minded atmosphere.The Garden Route is a three to four day trip that visits the spectacular area in and around Cape Town. The route encompasses the coastline from western Still Bay to eastern Plettenburg Bay. The plains along here are forested and bordered by lagoons, sand dunes and beaches against the backdrop of the mountains with the Karoo desert behind them. Cape Point: Penguins, coral reefs and lush vegetation line the beautiful coast. The tour begins along the Atlantic seaboard with a drive through Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Camps Bay, Llandundno, and the fishing village of Hout Bay. Treat yourself to delicious lunch at two oceans restaurant which marks the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The return journey is a spectacularly windy excursion in penguin territory at Boulder’s beach followed by a visit to Simon’s Town and False Bay coastline to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, the center for the study and preservation of indigenous flora of Southern Africa. Robben Island: Formerly a place of isolation and imprisonment and institutional brutality, it now symbolizes the triumph of human spirit over hardship and diversity with the imprisonment and subsequent release of Nelson Mandela. It houses a museum with data, details and description of South African heritage. We will arrange a special, scenic and spectacular guided tour for you that includes a leisurely ferry trip to and from the Island. Table Mountain: An area of unrivalled flora and fauna, the table mountain can be explored by hiking on trails in the company of well informed guides. You can also choose to explore the caves for a magical excursion into the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites. Slow rides will give you an opportunity for great photography of the exquisite vegetation that hugs the mountains. DRAKENSBERG A blend of dramatic rock faces, massive spires, plunging waterfalls, endless grasslands, rivers and forests, the Drakensberg mountains are the highest and longest mountain range in South Africa. The magnificent Tugela falls, plummeting 948 meters down the sheer rock, are especially beautiful. Allow us to take you on the Drakensberg Meander with only a short drive from Durban or 3-4 hours from Johannesburg. KRUGER GREATER ST LUCIA WETLANDS Along a sandy terrain, there exists a shallow estuary system against the backdrop of a ridge of sand dunes which is also one of the largest salt water bodies in Africa. It is a receptacle of many rare birds, some of which will be seen resting on the backs of vicious crocodiles and hippos. Within a small radius, you will see five distinct ecosystems, each as different and diverse from the other. Enjoy game viewing, bird watching and boat trips while camping in tranquil, serene surroundings. HLUHLUWE-UMFOLOZI PARK Unlike many other national parks where you will see the “Big Five,” in this Park, pronounced ‘shushluee’, you will see the “Big Six” as you will see both the black and white rhino. You will take in these sights in the comfort of open 4-wheel drive vehicles, guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers that will greatly enrich your appreciation of the wonders of Africa. MASHATU GAME RESERVE (Actually in Botswana) It bears the title of the “Best Game Viewing Destination in Africa” with great pride as this has been awarded through diligent, consistent and fierce conservation of the rich environment. An area of fascinating history and legend, Mashatu offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa in the comfort of open 4-wheel drive vehicles or shaded patios in luxurious hotels, Mashatu boasts of record daily sightings of lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Personalized wildlife experience and a staff to guest ratio of 3:1 ensure that every need is met. SUN CITY AND PILANESBERG NATURE PARK Nestled in an extinct volcano, Sun City reflects the dichotomy that is this still-wild continent. Sample over 55 traditional foods of nine different African tribes and delicious, rare game meat before being carried by majestic elephants through a teeming game reserve. To gain a panoramic view of its splendor, a hot air ballon will afford you spectacular views of the flora and fauna. LESOTHO AND SWAZILAND A small country within South Africa, often called the “Kingdom in the Sky,” Lesotho has a rugged mountain terrain which allowed the Basotho people to defend themselves from the white invaders while forming an independent nation for themselves. The country is best seen and explored on pony treks or hiking and camping in its remote areas about 6000 feet above sea level. Swaziland is another tiny country entirely surrounded by South Africa. Its geography is more varied than that of Lesotho. The country is ruled by a traditional monarchy, with warm and friendly people that have retained many old, fascinating traditions such as the “Reed dance” and polygamy. It’s five small but spectacular national parks hold diverse wildlife and birdlife. |
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