Gauteng Province South Africa
April 18, 2008
Gauteng Province South Africa.
Among the 9 provinces in S. Africa, Gauteng is the smallest, totalling 18810 sq km. The 3 major towns in Gauteng are; Soweto, Johannesburg, and Tshwane (Pretoria).
The province’s history dates back to 218000BC. This is when Meteorite created the Tswaing Crater of Tshwane in the North.
Because of the mined Gold in the area, Gauteng is very known as a Gold province. One of the major economic provinces in S. Africa.
Gauteng Province is a multicultural and cosmopolitan mixed group of people ranging from vibrant Soweto Metropolis then dynamic Johannesburg Gold city to Pretoria’s three-lined diplomacy. Gauteng’s social legacy and cultural heritage is seen as a multi cultural melting pot. This is true because of the many theatres, museums, craft markets, precincts and galleries.
Gauteng province capital Johannesberg offers visitors with a number of recreation historical and cultural attractions. From Johannesberg, it is 50km away.
The city of Pretoria is covered with shrub trees and beautiful colour gardens. This is occasionally seen in spring in Mauve, when jacarandas grow up.
Gauteng history refers to people who suffered in this place and a scar of a crushing meteorite. The people and kingdoms of Gauteng refer to the stories and their oral traditions of their ancestors.
Take time here to discover Gauteng’s history of its people Twana, Pedi and Basotho people who settle in the mountain plains.
Experience the real diverse history by learning about the wars and their ways of living.
Its hard for people in Gauteng to forget telling their stories, yet a gain you can find many monuments to tell regional battles fought.
In Pretoria, it’s the women’s memorial and in Soweto, it’s the Hector Peterson memorial. These are some of the historic testimonies.
Sharpeville memorial reminds us of the protestors that were killed. The hector Peterson memorial pays tribute to the Soweto youth members who died in the 1976 uprising.
Wilderness National Park
April 18, 2008
Wilderness National Park
Wilderness National Park is situated in the heart of the Garden route. Through the wilderness Nature trails and relaxing rivers are provided and also a home to King fisher species and the reknown brightly coloured Kynsna Lourie, while great coloured flowers concentrate in the area in Spring months. This provides great spot for picnic.
A variety of activities are offered at Wilderness National Park and these include Dolphin and Whales watching from Dolphin point especially in winter and spring months. Hire canoeing, cycling, hang-gliding, paragliding and abseiling.
Others include bird hide visiting for all ages under African star camping. Also available along side the log cabins and coastal rivers.
The park starts in the west around Touw River and then spreads down Swartulei estuary and then joins the Goukamma Nature Reserve. This helps in 5 lakes protection and serpentine.
Safari to West Coast National Park
April 18, 2008
West Coast National Park.
To protect the migratory birds that once were seen at the park and the wetland area, measures to proclaim the park area were raised in 1985. On Malgas Island, a quarter f the earth’s Cape gannets are supported by the park, with over 70,000 migratory wading birds and 12% of Oyster catcher. Safe nesting sites are provided along the coast. This place is a home to over 31/2 million sea birds.
From misty mornings, sunny and warm summer days emerge on the Langebaan lagoon and rains between may and August are reserved.
To visitors, the coastal climate is very friendly for enjoying all out door activities.
The lagoon still waters are surrounded by luscious green vegetation and this gives clear view of all the natural beauty of the west coast region.
The region has a number of fauna and flora that concentrates itself along drawbacks to the eco-tourist system.
The park has abundant bird life, seasonal beautiful flowers and fossil deposits.
West coast National Park enjoyed activities include; Fishing in peace fun and silent areas, picnics in secluded spot areas, excellent game viewing such as the antelope within your private vehicle. It becomes more convenient to hire a private car in the cape for those coming from up country.
Share a chance to drive through this natural beautiful west coast and seaside towns, while exploring.
Along the set coast, during August and September, spring flower season is celebrated for this period, Portsberg Trail and it is the park’s special hiking trail. This trail gives you a chance to explore the natural beauty of the park.
Before leaving the park you are given cold drinks and light meals offered by Geelbeck homestead. These home steeds are surrounded by bird hides for viewing the birds in the area and other sea birds that nest on the lagoon sheltered islands.
The most frequent inhabitants of the park include stunning pink flamingos, black harrier waders and jackals penguin.
So before heading home, you should try your best to spot these wonder birds.
Along the R 27 high way, its 100km to the west coast gates. The parks’ roads are terraced and you ca drive through.
Langebaan town serves the best in accommodation. It offers rental houses for the week end.
Opportunities for other accommodation facilities are also present in plenty. From breakfast, bed caravan parks and campsites. Langebaan town ahs a number of restaurant branches and shopping areas to serve all your needs.
For those interested in bird watching west coast national park remains number I place along with Geelbek bird hide which makes it the best place.
For viewing migratory birds. During winter, 400 flamingos are seen at sea berg at high tide.
Fertile and fresh cold water is sent by Benguela current from the Antarctic. This helps in marine life concentration.
The August and October spring month wild flowers grow in the region and if you are here this time, try not to miss this glorious colour from these natural flowers.
Safari to Tsitsikamma National Park
April 18, 2008
Tsitsikamma National Park (Garden Routs).
The National park is located in the middle of the Golden Route in the Southern Eastern East area of the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The word Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word that means, “Place of much water”.
The heart land stretches 5km further to the sea. This helps in protecting the inter-tidal life deep sea fish and the reef.
The park also comprises of 80km of rugged coastline with stunning sea views and a beautiful scenery.
The area is covered in mountain fynbos characterised by evergreen forest and proteas, with cutting rivers creating valleys, ravines and gorges.
Cmpared to the 20 National parks in South Africa, Tsitsikamma National Park is the 3rd visited park. It comprises of forests, mountains and coastlines and has a mean annual rainfall of 1200mm.
The park protects a number of marine life and becomes one of the most protected areas in the whole world and became the first marine national Park to be proclaimed in the African continent in 1964 and conserves 11% of the country’s temperate South coast rocky shoreline.
Fynbos almost covers 1/3 of the park, scattered amongst the forest vegetation, hence boosting a variety of beautiful flowers like the protease.
The Tsitsikamma park is a cultural heritage site destination ranging from Khoisan to small fishing villages, then to forestry sites.
In the month of June-September, the Southern right whales visit the area and dolphins cavort in the waves.
Among the major activities in Tsitsikamma park is mountain biking, 4 x 4 trails, bungee jumping, tree top tours and mountain climbing.
Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Safari
April 18, 2008
Richter’s Veld National Park.
This is a mountain desert park located in the north by Orange River curve. The terrain is undulating and rugged and differ in form of wind sculpted rock formations.
There are irrigated lush green land areas and that which is not irrigated remains bone dry and reddy brown.
The rugged terrain162445 hecatres was proclaimed on 16 August 1991 in the park which is home to Nama small groups within various succulents you will find singular vegetation.
This is the reknown place where halfmens boom (half person tree) grows. A bunch A bunch of thick remains on this succulent tree as well as wrinkled leaves that look in form of a person’s head. This makes its from the inspiration of its rare appearance. Richtersveld climate is generally summer and temperatures go beyond 500C and remain uncommon and it’s the sea fog that provides animals with moisture while strong dew at night occurs in the park.
For serious tourism, the park is not well-equipped. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended when traveling in Richtersveld National Park. The park has some rocky and steepy mountain roads as well as some crossing sandy rivers.
Its recommended to check in the morning and then in the evening at the office by the gate.
A small number of group is allowed in the park at a time. This is a measure to protect the delicate ecosystem. Maps are necessary in your drive in Richtersveld national Park.
Signposts have not been raised in place. Its recommended that you book your trip in advance.
You will be able to see Klipspringers, baboons, vervet monkeys, bat-eared fox, antelopes, duiker, silver fox, steenbok, genet, leopard, rock dassie, aardwolf, porcupine, pangolin, meerkat, caracal, brown hyenas and Hartman’s mountain zebra as well during your trip at the park.
Safari to Mountain Zebra National Park , Tour
April 18, 2008
Mountain Zebra National Park.
Cape mountain zebras faced extinction in the early 1930’s and a few were left in Cradock district. This led to the proclamation of Mountain Zebra National Park in July 1937, by the Trustees of the National Park’s board.
The park at first was 1712 hectares and the population of the Mountain Zebra comprised of one male and 5 stallions. Only two old stallions remained by 1995, since this small population failed to breed.
Mr. H.S. Lambard facilitated the conditions by giving the park 11 zebras for blesbok in trade, he was in the nearby Water val Farm.
The rate at which zebras increased remained slow and only a few 25 zebras were present in the park by 1964. The park’s size was increased to 6536 hectares, by buying several neighbouring farms. 30 zebras were added in the Roorplaat section and were reported by Mr. P.W. Michau and his two sons. This was the shooting time of the zebra by the farmers. Since then, the number increased significantly and 5 animals were relocated to De hoop nature reserve in 1975. This was the first natural establishment of the first mountain zebras.
The National Park has become a memorable destination for Cape Mountain zebra preservation. Since the zebras were saved from extinction and their population steadily stands in 350.
A variety of plants are also habituated at the park and in spring the flowers cover the veld and during the rains in this good climate Fynbos flourish come especially in winter and summer.
Cape Mountain Zebra are different from Burchell’s zebra since they have shadow stripes, orange colour face and narrower stripes.
On higher pastures, we find the mountain reed buck and grey rhebok. The park’s main predator is the caracal, hence keeping the zebras and antelope a distance.
Also found in the park are Kuddu Spring bok, Red hartebeest and Eland. The rare black rhino and African buffalo are the2 recent reintroduced in the park.
Kruger National Park Safari to Kruger Tour Mpumalanga
April 18, 2008
Kruger National Park Safari Reviews Mpumalanga.
Kruger National Park lies on the S. Africa’s border with Mozambique. The country’s low veld. In Africa, South Africa’s Kruger National Park is the oldest and biggest reserves. The park is a home to a variety of game and bird life and it must be counted on your trip to S. Africa for your safari. The park area occupies the Sabiie River in the North and Crocodile River in the South. The Kruger National Park habitates an impressive number of over 507 bird life, 147 mammals, 336 tree species, 114 reptiles. 49 fish and 34 amphibians.
The park offers the most tourist attractions in S. Africa and should not be under estimated. It offers daily safari tours.
However, its recommended that you should book in advance especially in the high season.
From select camps, working safaris are also available. The easiest way to tour Kruger is by car, the roads are tarmaced well with an option of using gravel roads too.
Its possible to see as many animals as you can think of during your safari. You have to be at your pick to see S. Africa’s infamous big five i.e. Buffalo, Leopard, Rhino, Lion and Elephants.
You can as well see zebras, baboons, giraffes, impala, wildebeest and bush pig seen with ease.
During the winter months of April to September, it’s the best time to spot game in Kruger National Park.
As water is only restricted to rivers and permanent water holes.
Since the vegetation is less dense, visibility generally remains good.
Due to the rains of October to March, the summer months remain lovely since every thing remains green and lush due to the surrounding water. Animals spread out more easily so water holes besides the road are much less used. Bird watching activities remain excellent during this time.
November and December are calving months, best for a safari and gives you a chance to see lots of young animals. However, you should see carefully since larger animals at this time are very protective of their young ones so keep distance a way from them.
There are many camps for day and night visitors in Kruger National Park, which offer very good value for money and well stocked for all your needs. For a braal under African night sky, Kruger is the best place to stay. This is accompanied by a viewing place for the stars than else where.
This offers you a chance to see a number of active animals during the night.
The park is open al year round and gates open in day light between 5h 30 & 6h 00. Wer recommended you to stay in your car or rest camp and viewing area.
Never feed any animal, mind to keep your rubbish, observe the speed limit (50km per hour) on gravel roads (its 40km per hour).
For more information on Kruger National Park
Knysna National Lake Area
April 18, 2008
Knysna National Lake Area
Knysna’s holiday destination is well-known for its forest friendly people lagoon. The park provides an excellent and beautiful atmosphere for planning your gateway and well-known for its friendly people. It’s a pleasure to travel 500km from Cape town to Scenic Garden Route. The Coastline climate makes Kynsna one of the memorable and exciting place to stay during your holiday.
Visitors of Knysna National Lake area can look out for the memorable experience of dining on fresh seafood dishes and open African sky camping.
Months of summer are ideal for visitors to enjoy. The environment is characterized by warm sunshine on the waters of the tidal lagoon.
The area provides excellent fun activities and you are taken further to experience the natural beauty of the park.
The Knysna River Estuary and the nearby lagoon provide the great natural colourful wildlife in the area. The National Lake area is a home to a variety of sea creatures as well as the endangered Knysna sea horse, which drifts amongst seaweed clusters in a carefree manner and enjoy the stable conditions of the lagoon.
Among the birds spotted in summer time include sand pipers, Green shanks and Grey plovers. While in the lagoon, you can spot the Cormorants, Egrets, Gulls and Ibises especially in winter season. Also spotted for bird watchers are the Cape shoveller endangered African Oyster catcher, Avocet and Black winged stilt. This great scenery for bird life provides excellent bird views and photo opportunities. The bird trees are located at Rondevlei and Langulei.
There is no national Park infrastructure worthy to mention despite calling the lagoon a protected area. The lagoon can be accessed from various points in Knysna. In the town of Knysna, it’s the best way to find accommodation. The place provides private bed and breakfast with a comfortable and pleasant opportunity for relaxation.
The town is also well known for its various activities, which include water sports, secluded sports, forest trails, picnicking and hiking as well. All these allow you to explore these areas for hours either on your mountain bike or on your foot.
Among the water sports include, sailing, fishing, power boats and wind surfing.
While water skiing is being permitted in Swartulei and at the island lake.
Knysna is easily accessible, with the national airport being 70km away in the toen of George. Kynsna is a place to explore so come with your swimming costumes to enjoy the fresh waters in the lazy sunshine of Kynsna.
Karoo National Park Safari
April 18, 2008
Karoo National Park
Karoo National park offers you a chance to experience dusk and dawn. Any traveler visiting S. Africa has to experience the colors, which illuminate the beauty of Karoo, with hope to witness the natural splendor of the country.
This dry and rugged region is characterized by endless loud ships to its inhabitants.
Being the largest ecosystem in S. Africa, Karoo is a home to a number of diverse selection of wild life in both fauna and flora. Any animal capable of surviving in Karoo can do so by adoption to surrounding environment.
The Karoo National park lies between Nuwekeld Mountains and side open rolling plains. Despite the fact that much of the area’s wildlife dwindled, this park has taken care to reclaim the original species to the natural home.
Species in Karoo have unique characteristics and are found only in Karoo due to Karoo Natural Environment.
Animals re-introduced at the park include; Buffalo, Cape mountain zebra and Black Rhino. Also the park hosts over 20 pairs of breeding black eagles.
Visitors are given a chance to experience the Karoo National park in 4 x 4 wheel drive.
For those with no faint heart spirit can easily find themselves driving through the park. Its advised to take in the scenery from a top of the Klipspringer mountain peaks. The spectacular wildlife can be viewed on Karoo National park scenery landscape, which makes Karoo destination one of the most attractive areas in S. Africa for tourists.
The black eagle is among 5 of the major draw cards to the Karoo National Park
Among the other 5 species of tortoises that concentrate in the park include; Springbok and Cape mountain zebra, which in early 20th Century faced extinction.
Synonymous with the park is the Springbok and represented symbolically on the park’s emblem. (Most peculiar to the park) is the guagga and efforts to re breed the guagga to be a family of the zebra have shown more promise in recent years.
Golden Gate Highlands National park
April 17, 2008
Golden Gate Highlands National park.
Golden Gate is situated in the Free State Province in the North Eastern, 360Km South of Johannesburg. This Golden Gate highland lies in the hills that make up the base of Maluti mountains.
The Free State Golden Gate landscape is painted with wooded ravines ands indigenous grassland as well as sandstone cliffs and open blue African skies.
Golden gate highland takes its name from the golden sunlight, which reflects off the sandstone cliffs that face the park.
Its seen clearly on Brand wag rock which stands above the park’s rest camp.
More than 111/2000 hectares of scenery and ecological habitat is covered by Golden Gate highland National Park, making it a home of wildlife which include Orib, Springbok, Zebra and Black wild beest.
The Springbok, which symbolizes the rugby team of S. Africa remains a traditional animal in the park.
Scarcely seen birds include birds include bailbis and bearded vulture can be seen making nests on the sand stone cliffs.
The park also provides spots to our visitors like the Van Reenen Family graveyard cathedral core guided walk, restaurant and the Brandwag buttress of course.
Try Zuluhock if you are interested in senic vantage look out points and Generaalskop view point or try Oribi basin and Drakensberg look out points.
These spots provide excellent photographic opportunities, which allow you take your memories home.
Among the outdoor activities include; bowls, horse riding and tennis. A swimming pool is also formed for refreshing during the day. Also try to see the birds hide at Vulture restaurant and bushmen points.
For more active visitors, there is a 31Km hike on Rheebok trail, where you can see red hartebeest, Black eagle, vultures, zebra and eland. However, a variety of less challenging hikes are provided for everyone, where you can see wild life from your car and excellent drives for seeing wildlife activities during the night.
Arrangements for accommodation are made at Golden Reenen Rest Camp or Wilgen hot Environmental Educational Centre. Brandwag hotel or highlands mountain retreat, which caters for every one’s choice.
