Cango Caves, found in the Swartberg Mountains, just north of Oudtshoorn in South Africa's Western Cape Province, is frequently described as one of the great Natural Wonders of the World.
These caves are a cultural and natural landmark and date back to at least 20 million years ago. Within the caves, there is a series of hidden chambers which have cut deep into a thick limestone rock layer. This helps make Cango Caves the biggest cave system in Africa and one of South Africa's oldest tourist attractions.
When the Cango Caves became a popular attraction during the 1800s, many visitors would break off stalagmites and stalactites as souvenirs or write their names on the walls. Due to this the first Caves Regulations were published in 1820 to protect it as an environmental resource and put a stop to the vandalizing of the caves.
Many of the discoveries within the caves, were made by the first full-time guide, Johnnie van Wassenaar, who opened many of the side chambers and introduced thousands of people to Cango 1, which remains the only part of the caves open to the public to this day. This cave contains countless dripstone formations as well as Van Zyl’s hall - named after its discoverer - and is simply breathtaking it is so huge.
Cleopatra’s Needle, which stands 9m high and is at least 150 000 years old, is one of the main attractions at the Cango Caves, but the beautiful dark grey roof, with its smoothly sculptured hollows and pendants, comes a close second.
In total, it is estimated that the extensive system of tunnels and chambers in the Cango Caves stretch for over 4 kilometers, but the section that is open to visitors (Cango 1), is only about a quarter of this.
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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a merger of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in Northern Cape, South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana and is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world.
History was made when Botswana and South Africa signed a treaty in 1999 to form the first Transfrontier Park in Africa. Even though plans were discussed as early as 1989 to form this partnership, it was only in May 2000 that everything was finalised and the park was officially opened. This protected area, which is an immense 37 000 sq kms, is now shared by both countries and is jointly managed.
The Kgalagadi is not a Big Five destination, as it has no elephant, rhino or buffalo. It does however have two of the Big Five: lion, which is a common sight in the park and then the more elusive leopard. Even though animal numbers are lower than other safari destinations, the open terrain makes for excellent viewing. Predators are the park’s biggest attraction and apart from leopard and lion, there are also cheetah, spotted and brown hyena and smaller species such as the bat-eared fox and Cape fox. Lions are numerous and the males are known for their spectacular black manes. The desert-adapted springbok and gemsbok are the main antelope species. You will also find smaller species such as ground squirrels, the nocturnal springhare and the evasive pangolin amongst many others. The entire park is completely unfenced, which allows the wildlife to move freely along the migration routes which is a necessity for their survival in the desert.
For many people, the scenery is as much an attraction of this park as the wildlife. With red sand dunes and golden grasslands, this stark desert environment allows for excellent photographic opportunities. The best time for wildlife viewing in Kgalagadi is March to May which is towards the end of the Wet season, as this tends to be when animals congregate in the riverbeds.
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Found in the Western Cape, Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town's most visited beaches and the only place in the world you can get close to a colony of African Penguins.
The first few penguins settled on the beach between the large boulders in 1982. It was the perfect spot seeing as the boulders protected them from the wind and the large stormy waves and due to this perfect habitat, the colony has now grown to an estimated 3000 birds. Unfortunately the African Penguins are still classified as an endangered species due to many factors like over-fishing, pollution etc.
Boulders Beach and the surrounding beaches, have now thankfully formed part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, which will ensure that the beaches are kept clean and safe for these adorable little creatures.
Wheelchair friendly boardwalks have been constructed through the dunes and vegetation and make visiting the penguins an enjoyable trip. Not only do the boardwalks provide great viewing spots but also protect nesting penguins and their chicks.
Boulders Beach is also a family-friendly swimming beach, as kids can climb over the boulders, explore the rock pools, or swim in the cool, clear False Bay water.
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Extending from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape all the way through to the Tsitsikamma forests in the Eastern Cape, The Garden Route is a coastal drive through old forests, past beautiful rivers, lakes and glistening beaches. This part of South Africa is world-famous and attracts many visitors throughout the year - due to the pure beauty of it.
The Garden Route has so much to offer apart from the variety of beaches along the way. Enjoy mountain biking, bird watching and the unique flora and fauna (hence the name) including indigenous fynbos. One of the main highlights are the incredible hiking trails with spectacular views of the surrounding area. It is home to one of South Africa’s most famous hikes, the Otter Trail in Tsitsikamma.
Whales can also be seen along the entire coast line in whale season, which is usually between June to November annually. For those wanting an elephant interaction, Knysna is definitely the place to go to spend some time with rescued orphan elephants. For those golf fanatics, some of the best golf courses in the world are found along this route. Not forgetting about the adrenaline junkies out there...experience sharks up close while shark cage diving or even take the leap with a bungee jump! There are many, many more activities to choose from when visiting The Garden Route.
Enjoy visits to many places along the way, like Mossel Bay, the City of George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Natures Valley – with many little villages in-between, each with their own little unique selling points. Each stop along the route offers something special, whether you are just driving through or spending the night, The Garden Route will not disappoint!
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The Karkloof Canopy Tours, based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has been built in the beautiful valley of the Karkloof Forest Reserve.
Consisting of 12 platforms and 10 zip lines, the longest being 200m, enjoy sliding from tree to tree, high in the forest canopy. Enjoy the variety of views, whether it be the surrounding forest, the 20m waterfall flowing into the forest stream or far across the Karkloof Valley into the distance.
Your guide will also point out different trees and ferns in the forest below as he gives you handy pointers to navigate each slide. Look out for the incredible bird life where you have the chance to spot Emerald Cuckoos, Knysna Turacos, a wide variety of raptors and the elusive Narina Trogon. There are also a variety of mammals including the Samango monkeys.
A tour lasts about two hours and is an exhilarating but safe adventure for ages from 6 to 80+!
Should you not be in the Midlands area you can also enjoy a Canopy Tour in the Drakensberg, Magaliesberg, Tsitsikamma, Magoebaskloof or in Cape Town.
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Sun City Resort, which was opened in the North West, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in 1979, is one of the best holiday resorts in South Africa and for good reason. Sun City has the distinction of being the only surf and safari destination within a 2 hour drive from landlocked Johannesburg, thanks to the fact that it borders Pilanesberg National Game Reserve and is home to the Valley of the Waves.
Within the resort are four world class hotels, ranging from the glamorous Palace of the Lost City, to the more family friendly Cabanas - whether you are enjoying a romantic stay with your partner, a getaway with friends or a holiday with the whole family, there are a range of accommodation options to suit each need and budget. There is also a wide variety of entertainment on offer, ranging from slots at the world class casino to "Big 5" (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino) safaris at Pilanesberg National Park; the spectacular theatre events, a games arcade and of course the Valley of Waves amongst much more.
The Valley of the Waves is the most advanced water park in South Africa and here you will find a large lagoon with a wave machine capable of generating 1.8 meter waves every 90 seconds making you feel like you are at a real beach. The park also has five flume rides, from the most thrilling, Temple of Courage (swimmers drop a heart stopping 17 meters down a chute and under a bridge before splashing into a small pool), to the less daring 'Lazy River' where you enjoy a relaxed tube ride.
The amazing South African weather also ensures that there are many sporting activities available throughout the year, including Tennis, squash, swimming, golf, mountain biking, horse riding, and parasailing. For those keeping to a fitness routine there is the Gym and Health spa, where you can enjoy a workout and then wind down afterwards with a treatment in the Spa. There are also activities on offer at the Resort's Waterworld, including Water-skiing, Parasailing.
Sun City Resor
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa. With peaks up to 3,482 metres, they are part of a 243,000 hectare mountain range. Drakensberg consists of three sections, the Southern, Central and Northern Drakensberg, with mountains across these three sections being home to many nature reserves, waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
Known to the Zulu people as uKhahlamba, meaning “Barrier of Spears”, the Drakensberg forms a majestic semi-circular border between KwaZulu-Natal and the inland mountain kingdom of Lesotho. With its many peaks, deep gorges, and sheer cliffs, it is famous for its hiking routes with incredible scenery around every corner. Great for visitors in every season you can enjoy cooling down in summer in one of the many waterfalls or experience the beautiful snow-capped peaks in winter.
The Berg (as it is known to locals), is also famous for the rock art left behind by the indigenous San people, with some of the artwork dating back to more than 2400 years ago.
With many resorts, hotels and local establishments, there is an abundance of accommodation to choose from, each with its own amazing views, giving you a unique experience each time you visit.
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Nelson Mandela, a name known around the world, is the late former president of South Africa, known for his efforts to establish racial, social and political equality in South Africa due to the Apartheid regime.
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site, just outside of Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is built at the site where Nelson Mandela was apprehended for his anti-Apartheid activism acts in August 1952. He had been travelling between Durban and Johannesburg and after 17 months of evading the police, they finally captured and arrested him at this spot, making this is one of the most significant moments in the history of Apartheid. Even though he spent the next 27 years of his life in prison, he continued to make big moves in making people aware of the inequalities and unfair treatment that were carrying on in South Africa.
The monument, created by Marco Cianfanelli and Jeremy Rose, who worked together to produce this incredible sculpture, is to honour Nelson Mandela and his efforts and show how an individual with determination can have such an enormous effect on not only an entire nation, but the world.
The sculpture comprises 50 steel columns that are between six and 9.5 meters in height and cover a width of almost 30 meters. These were cut by laser to form an image of the former president when viewed at the correct angle. When lined up, at a specific angle, the columns create what seems to be a two-dimensional image of Mr Mandela. The image can be seen from up to 30 meters away so as you are walking down the path, which represents the long walk to freedom, you can start to see the face of the former resident.
Apart from the sculpture, there is also an exhibition that includes a 360 surround film, a dazzling display of historical artifacts and many photographs showcasing the life of Mr Mandela.
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Kruger National Park, found in northeastern South Africa, is one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations. Not only will you find the Big 5 here - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo, you will find over 130 other mammals including cheetah, giraffe, hippo and zebra amongst many more. Over an above the wildlife, you will find over 500 varieties of bird.
With a vast network of roads winding throughout the 19,485 sq-km Kruger National Park, you can make your way to the granite hills in the south, the Lebombo Mountains in the east or the tropical forests in the north and see something completely new around every corner.
There is a wide variety of accommodation available in the many camps scattered throughout the reserve so you can make the most of every day.
Get in touch with us to organise a trip to South Africa's most exciting African safari destination.
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SPOTLIGHT ON ROBBEN ISLAND
Most people would agree that they have heard of Robben Island at least once … if not, you have scrolled to the right place for a quick tour…
Robben Island is exactly that … an Island!! Found in Table Bay, Cape Town, the Island is famously known for the imprisonment of former president and the Father of our Nation – Mr Nelson Mandela. It was on this Island that he spent 18 of the 27 years in prison, before the end of apartheid and the freedom of a multi-racial democracy.
The Island is accessible by ferry and tours are operated almost daily (weather dependant). The tour visits various historical sites including the Robben Island Museum, the infamous lime and blue stone quarry, the ship wrecks, the navy and army bunks, the penguin boardwalk and the main attraction of the tour is a visit to the maximum security prison. These are just a few highlights of the trip.
The Island is also home to a protected colony of penguins and boasts being a hotspot for sea bird biodiversity.
So the next time you are in Cape Town, why not take a walk where our forefathers did and experience pure history. Alternatively, give us a call and we will make the journey seamless.
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SPOTLIGHT ON THE MIDLANDS MEANDER
Just an hour’s drive from Durban, you will find "The Midlands Meander". Set in KwaZulu-Natal, this collection of arranged routes, offers a great and pleasant experience no matter how many times you go on them.
There is so much to see and do and many different places to dine and shop. Enjoy the scenic drive, the rolling hills, locally grown organic foods, arts and crafts, wine tasting and much more.
If you are looking for a quiet weekend away, The Midlands Meander is the place to be - with a wide variety of different accommodation, like guest houses, self-catering options and hotels.
There are also plenty of activities for the children so it really is something for the whole family to enjoy!
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SPOTLIGHT ON TABLE MOUNTAIN
Table Mountain, in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, is the most iconic landmark of South Africa and is known to people all over the world.
Enjoy a trip to the top of Table Mountain using the Cableway which was first built more than 90 years ago! The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 5 minutes, but that is long enough to take in a 360° ariel view of the city, thanks to the rotating floor. For those feeling more energetic, there are trails available to hike up the mountain.
Not only can you take in the breathtaking views of Cape Town from the top, it is also a plant lovers paradise with around 2200 species of plants found on Table Mountain and 1470 floral species. Many of these plants and flowers are endemic to this mountain!
The flat top peak of the mountain reaches 1,086 m above sea level, but being so close to the sea and to the city its features look more imposing.
It's no wonder at all why Table Mountain was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2011.
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SPOTLIGHT ON DURBAN
Known as eThekweni in Zulu (one of South Africa's official languages), Durban, is South Africa's 3rd largest city. There is alot to love about Durban, especially the year round great weather, the warm coastal waters and the friendly Durbanites (as the locals are called). Enjoy your stay at one of the many coastal hotels, giving easy access to the beaches as well as spectacular ocean views from your room.
There is also alot to do in Durban such as a visit to uShaka Marine World which has a Water Park - uShaka Wet n' Wild, as well as a large Aquarium - uShaka Sea World. You can also enjoy gondola rides on the beachfront, fishing, and water sports such as surfing and snorkelling amongst many other activities on offer. For the shoppers, there are plenty of malls, including the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, which is one of the largest shopping centres in the Southern Hemisphere. The sports fans can visit the Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, the Kings Park Stadium and the Mosses Mabhida Stadium - all world class sporting venues. For the adrenaline junkies, the Moses Mabhida Stadium is home to the world's largest swing, which is on a 200m arc above the pitch.
If you are just looking to unwind and have a relaxing time, spend the day along the "Golden Mile" which is Durban's most popular stretch of beach, alive with market stalls and a vast selection of restaurants which cater for every budget and flavour requirement.
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TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY
Sunscreen
Always carry sunscreen on you while travelling (especially in the South African sun!) as you never know when you will need it. Don’t be caught without and end up getting burnt and not being able to enjoy your holiday properly because of it!
If you are doing any water activities remember to use a water resistant sunscreen and to put more on once your activity is over. If you want to be extra cautious, take along a good After Sun lotion.
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Travel Tip Tuesday!
Vehicle Hire
Always try and book your vehicle rental ahead of time (Domestically and Internationally) - this will ensure you have time to shop around for the best rate and of course get the car type you are wanting.
Often when an event is happening, there is limited availability due to vehicles being pre-booked - this might affect your travel plans, especially if you are unaware that there is an event happening. Booking early will also allow you to pre-book any extras you might be needing such as a GPS, car chair etc.
Chat to your local travel agent for assistance with any vehicle rental queries you may have and take the stress off your trip!
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TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY!
CARRY ON LUGGAGE
Always be prepared when going on a long haul flight and pack essentials in your carry-on bag. Items such as a spare change of clothing, toiletries (that are within the liquids and gels restrictions of the airline), wet wipes, spare masks, sanitizer, lip balm, small towel, motion sickness medication, power bank and cable, gum and a few extra snacks. It doesn’t happen often but it is always best to prepare for unplanned situations – spilling a drink on your clothing, flight delays or delayed baggage.
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TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY!
Flights
Even though flying direct to your destination is the most convenient option, if cost is a factor it is always worth while looking into indirect flights. These usually come in much cheaper and the connecting times at the Airlines hub may be minimal so it might be worth it in the long run.
Alot of airlines also allow stopovers at their hub destinations so you can experience more than just your final destination - even if it is just a day trip!
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TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY!
DESTINATION PACKING!
When travelling you tend to be most concerned about the climate, however, if you are going to a new destination, it is always a good idea to do a bit of research on their local cultural customs so you can ensure what you have packed to wear is allowed.
Different dress codes are required for different cultures and areas, especially when it comes to women's clothes. An easy option is to google "what to pack" for each destination - this gives you a good outline and it will usually advise if there is a specific dress code you need to follow.
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Travel Tip Tuesday!
Ground Arrangements
Does this sound familiar - you go online and have a look at a hotel / B&B or Guest House that looks amazing in the pictures. You make the booking and set off on your holiday. When you arrive it is nothing like what was advertised online, leading to much disappointment. The same could apply for ground transportation and sightseeing visits. This is why booking through your travel agent is important – they are using suppliers that have been tried and tested and that they have an excellent relationship with. Your agent only wants the best for you and will be able to recommend the best option within your budget, that they know they can trust!
Speak to your agent today to assist with all your travel arrangements.
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