Archive for January, 2010

Safari to Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa

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.

Addo National Park Safari South Africa

Addo National Park (Eastern Cape):
The park was proclaimed to protect the remaining Elephants in Addo area in 1931 since they where less than 15.
At one time, it hard the largest herd in the Eastern Cape with 140 Elephants. However, with hunting, the animals decimated in a period of 200 years.
Among other hunted animals include Lions and Black Rhino. Mr. J.T Harney the land owner at Barkly Bride rescued the remaining Elephants by allowing the Elephant in his land.

Elephants had to be chased to Addo Elephants National Park, asset a side elephant area. However, the fence was not strong enough to stop the elephants from escaping, hence they continued to be killed by trains which passed by line and by farmers.

The manager of the park started feeding the elephants in an attempt to keep them a round,  in 1933. An elephant-proof fence was developed in 1954 by Graham Armstrong lift cable and tam rails being used. A total of 2270 hectares was fenced and still stands to hold the elephants today.

Visitors would come and see elephants in the erected floodlight around the feeding area. However, the feeding caused more problems since elephants could congest in the area expecting food.

The elephants became more aggressive to each other and feeding trucks since most plants were destroyed.
This feeding was stopped in 1979 since most elephants were injured.

In 1981, its when the park was first opened to tourists and a number of grown elephants could be seen easily.
Also protected were the disease-free Cape buffaloes, Eland, flight less dung beetles, Black rhino, Hippos, Warthogs and Zebras were also introduced in Addo elephant National Park in the following years.
In 2003, Lions were re-introduced. In 2003/04, hyenas were as well introduced.
Among other animals seen in Addo Elephant National Park are Kudu, Red hartebeest, Duikers and Jackals.

There are no natural water holes in Addo Elephant National Park. The water holes are of good advantage since they supply water by the roadside, which gives you excellent photo
opportunities with a  number of elephants and other animals going to the water holes anytime.

The hide and the speak water boom water hole are excellent for photographers. Hapoor water hole is named after a bull by Lankey (an up coming bull). Hapoor escaped through the developed fence by Graham Armstrong (The only one which did so). He was shot when it was found grazing by coerney station since it was an aggressive animal. A cast of this giant elephant head can be seen at the camp’s main restaurant in Addo National Park.

This main camp offers top quality accommodation to campsites from chalets, safari tents are also available outside the park and its normal to have an elephant or herd of buffalo pass you by.

Also available is horse riding. These tours are though the game area and are generally nerve raking and experience here is needed. Other ridings offered include sunset morning and night drives and very informative and good value for money. Its essential to book in advance especially during the holidays.
Its better to drive during the day since the park is generally small.

Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Safari South Africa

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.

Mpumalanga Province South Africa

Despite of Mpumalanga being the first choice holiday destination in S.Africa for foreigners and local people, with a range of natural features and scenery, it is also a breath taking place covered by water falls and visiting wildlife. While for bird lovers, the Southern grass and wetland areas may be favourable.

The area’s floral attributes is diverse and for plant lovers, its an interesting place to visit. The place has a variety of waterfalls, nature reserves, hiking trails and a number of indigenous trees, with Blyde River canyon being the biggest nature reserve and this place provides spectacular views of Low veld. The Badplaas’s natural springs provide an oasis.
There is much to keep holiday makers busy.

In S. Africa, Chrissces meer is the largest fresh water lake and its home to a number of flamingos and bird variety.

Deep indolmite rocks lie Sudwala caves in the surrounding mountains where Swazi perform several cultural and traditional dances and songs. It’s a place for a visit.

The Low veld area has Gold rush towns, which include; Barberton, Graskop and Pilgrims Rest. This place was the most visited by explorers and pioneers and hence it’s worthy visiting since it gives an enjoyable look to the tourists of Ermelo, which is popular for San paintings.

Barberton is where the first stock exchange was set and Pilgrims Rest is a national monument place.
The White River offers a gateway path to one of the most comfortable villa to enjoy spectacular scenery, wildlife and Golf courses for playing golf for a memorable holiday.

In S. Africa, Dulls room and Bel fast are known as main fly fishing grounds.
In most streams and dams, its where brown tout and Rainbow are stocked.
Sable provides an excellent picturesque beauty nature in the majestic Drakensburg Escarpment Mountains., a small country town near Kruger park.

Sable offers hiking, back packing, fly fishing, mountain biking, white water rafting, abseiling, bird watching, rock climbing, horse riding and caters for large groups of families

Eastern Cape Province South Africa

Although not popularly visited as the adjacent Western Cape, the Eastern Cape Province contributes largely to the history of South Africa. It was in this place that Nelson Mandela was born and later in the year 2000 a museum was opened to correspond with the 10th anniversary of Mandela’s release from prison. The museum located south of Umtata at Qunu on the N2.

In addition the Eastern Cape has a rich natural radiance along with a mild coastline that attracts surfers, an incredible inland landscape of rising and falling farmlands and valleys. It is considered to be one of the moistest strips on the seaside woodland on the entire earth.

On the fur west coastline of the province is the world renowned Garden Route, simplifying the decision to continue in the North-East direction along Africa’s shoreline towards the Eastern Cape.

In addition, the Eastern Cape is a grand safari holiday destination with three national parks that are malaria-free and these are the Mountain Zebra, the Tsitsikamma and the Addo Elephant National Park. The Eastern Cape’s first private conservation project was the Shamwari, between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. It has since been a big achievement as an outstanding holiday destination and in regards to environmental moral principles. It offering a comfortable safari experience to its visitors.

Fort Elizabeth is the most important city in the entire Eastern Cape and without a doubt one of the best kept secrets in South Africa. Other than it being an ideal base for day pleasure trip; PE as commonly referred to, it has a wide variety of tremendous golf courses and seaboards. In its urban centre you can involve in several great mountain bike trails, windsurfing, pleasant walks, sailing and surfing, kitesurfing, and unbelievable scuba diving.

Unlike other places which have the “Big Five” the Eastern Cape is a sanctuary to the “Big Seven”. In addition to the “Big Five” which are Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo and Elephant, you will also see the Southern Right Whale and the Great White Shark.

The Eastern Cape has a number of wonderful game reserves. Shamwari is the greatest game reserve in this area and has won a number of awards for its distinctiveness. The park has bred a number of the Big 5 thus greatly increasing their population through its existing programmes. Other game reserves in the area are the Kwandwe Game Reserve and the Kwantu Game Reserve, which has foreign wildlife and splendid scenery.

This worth visiting reserve is located in a rough country area of the Eastern Cape. It has a number of activities to get pleasure from and they include safaris, hiking, and mountain climbing. When you drive from Port Elizabeth along the N2 highway to King Williams Town, you will take the R63 left to Adelaide, and track the signs to Molweni.

The sole ski resort in South Africa is also found in The Eastern Cape. Tiffindell lays north eastern section of this Province. It is situated next to the town-land of Rhodes, and placed in the Drakensberg Mountain Range. It’s on the position of Ben McDhui, which at 3,000 meters high as the highest mountain summit in the Cape. This ski resort found at Tiffindell was founded in 1993.

Visiting the Drakensberg National Park is mandatory. You will be able to sight at the over thousands of years  old mesmerizing paintings of Bushmen drawn on rocks in the sandstone-caves. You can also book your accommodation for your stay in this same area.

You can alternatively opt for a tour in the most important cities of the Eastern Cape, such as Port Elizabeth. There are very many things to entertain you ranging from historical attractions to museums, and superb beaches on the Algoa Bay. The Algoa Bay pride in close to 40 kilometers of golden-sandy beaches washed with warm humid waters of the great Indian Ocean. Some of the attractions in Port Elizabeth are the Bayworld Aquarium, the Market Square St George’s Park and Donkin Reserve.

A trip in the Port Elizabeth region would not be complete if you don’t visit Jeffrey’s Bay! This Bay is located on the N2 west, 70 km from Port Elizabeth. It is a seventh heaven for surfers.  Alternatively referred to as “J-Bay” the beach hosts surfing contests annually and it’s well-known for its great surfing waves. The long sandy beaches here attracts many people particularly those interested in getting  away and wish to enjoy the beautiful sun!

Among the other places that you should endeavor to visit in the Eastern Province are Buffalo City and East London.they have spectacular beaches, specifically the Orient Beach, Nahoon Reef and the Nahoon Reef. In addition, there are a number of museums in this area, and the greatest is the East London Museum. Mpotshane Private Game Reserve, the East London Lion Park and Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, are some of the game reserves that are recommended.

Tsitsikamma National Park lays the western part of the Eastern Cape, is an area of natural beauty and with coastal reserve in the Garden Route which extends from Tsitikamma found in the north to Mossel Bay that is in the south. Basing on its name which means a “place with much water” it includes almost 80kilometers of coastline and is bordered by the warm Indian Ocean waters. You will enjoy a number of activities such as fishing and watching whale. It is accessed on Road by means of the N2.

Ailwal North is another tourist attraction in the Eastern Cape, and is found on the plateau in the fertile farmlands on the Southern Banks of River Orange. There are two hot mineral springs in this place. From East London heading north, the road runs analogous to the natural Coast leading you on an eye-catching tour of an vicinity viewing its natural beauty, hills, forests, and steep cliffs, which harbor white sandy beaches at their bottom. This not commonly explored area that is ideal for water sports along the coastal trail of the Easter Cape Province.

Karoo National Park Safari South Africa

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.

Bontebok National Park South Africa

Bontebok National Park
Bontabok National Park provides a real holiday destination experience inform of natural beauty and colour with doors to diverse idyllic relaxation spots and adventures. Look no where else other than the Bontebok national Park.  The rumour and beautiful setting of the magnificent Langberg serves as natural colours synonymous with the Cape’s floral heritage.

Bontebok National Park is the smallest National Park in South Africa and yet serves simple and wonderful beauty to this park. The floral kingdom is appreciated throughout the year.

A story revealed behind this park’s name shows the importance of this park to natural conservation.
The name Bontebok once numbered a meagre 17, caring attitude and careful to the problem. The world population has been lifted to 3,000. The last 30 of the buck was proclaimed in 1931to host them in the park. This beautiful and colourful Bontebok can be seen in this park naturally. However there are other eco-system to be enjoyed by the visitors.

A mammal life include Cap mountain zebra as well as home to over 2000 bird species.
The popular breede River in the Western border of the Bontebok National Park provides an excellent setting for bird watching, fishing and swimming. Visitors can still enjoy ad relax in the cool water between exploratory outings into the park.

Among the activities at the park include; mountain bike rides and several options in hiking routes, which allow you to explore the park in one day.

Learning about local history is also among the popular part for visiting South Africa these days.

The park makes provisions by providing insight to the lives of the Khoisan and historical development, which have changed the community all round in Bantebol National Park.

A rest Camp, “Long Elsie” named after the Hessekwa Khoi-Khoi chieftainess. The Hessekwa were believed to be the first people to trade with the Dutch.

Accommodation provided by the park serves as a route where visitors can explore wine routes and historical buildings of Bonnievale Montagr Swellendam ansd Ashton, which remains a must visit for any visitor, as well as the Swellendam’s Drostdy museum, which also provides a historical setting of the Khoi-Khoi community.

Langeberg mountain hiking trails are also provided by the park, which can be accessed by the near by Matloth Nature Reserve and its rated one of the best in South Africa.

Augrabies Falls National Park South Africa

Augrabies Falls National Park
Augrables waterfalls roars only 56 meters. The sound of the waterfalls is deafening when the Orange river is full.
The Khoi-Khoi renamed the Falls “Aukoerebis”, which means place of great noise.
The characteristic of this 18km Gorge is rocky landscape cut into by Orange River, which feeds the Augrabies Falls.

The Kokerboom indigenous trees stand isolated in contrast to the wide open African skyline and rocky ground. The wildlife in the area live a battling life survival for the fittest over all generations.

Augrabies Falls National Park is a home to a variety of wildlife, ranging from giraffe and buck as well as reptile to bird species. Over 55 hectares of ground, you can spot Klipspringer, Pygmy, Falcons, Black storks, Gemsbok among others, which visit this beautiful region.

Augrabies Folk story.
The bushmen of the region gave a story about the snakelike creature with scales, which shines in the moonlight, which falls upon the Garcup river. This serpent is known to capture men and pull them down the deep waters beneath the waterfall’s froth, where it would dine on their limbs. However, bushmen dreamt of capturing its treasure.

A beautiful diamond girl is the treasure, which it wears on her head and its believed that if you capture this treasure, you will become more successful and you will live a happier life. However, its this crystal clear diamond which the serpent uses to attract its victims, while the serpent eats her breakfast for one day. It removes her beautiful jewel and hides it in the reeds.

A young man saw it and carefully o the diamond quickly while the serpent was not looking ad he ran a way believing his life is to become a dream.
However, there was one thing that spoiled the happiness of this young man. When the man was fully reflected off the shimmering scales of this serpent, this young man could hear her sorrowfully weeping in the gentle night breeze.

The serpent inquired among the creatures if they had seen her jewel and an otter one day told her that a to-legged yellow creature had taken the gem. However, luckily for this young man, a springhare informed him that the serpent was on to his search.
This young thief thought of the situation and decided to hide the gem where the serpent had hid it originally in the reeds. The serpent came to the bushman demanding to know where her jewel was with fury in her eyes and the fire in her mouth and then this young man stood and said, “I will help you look for your jewel”.

He took the serpent down to the river and pointed out to the reeds saying, you should have looked a bit harder see!!. The serpent was happy again and the bushmen a warded the young man with a title and gifts and thought that he was extra ordinarily brave.
If you look carefully and you are lucky, you may be able to see this shimmering creature under the full moon light in the waters of the Garcep.

Kruger National Park Safari to Kruger Tour Mpumalanga

Kruger National Park ranks second after Cape Town beaches, as the most commonly visited tourist attraction in South Africa, receiving over 1.5 million tourists annually. The highly skillful and knowledgeable game rangers will guide you through the park detailing you about the resident animals.

The park has numerous private reserves like the popular Sabi Sand Reserve in the South East best known for its luxurious lodges. On the western boarder of Kruger Park, there are private game reserves like Thornybush, Makalali, Timbavati, Malewane and Sabi Sabi.the large green vegetation serves as a haven to a variety of wildlife species.

On a particular game drive in Kruger Park, you will see the African lion, wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, elephant, wild dog, spotted hyena, antelopes, crocodiles and warthogs among many other mammals. Primates such as the olive baboon, colobus monkeys and bush baby, are regularly seen in the park. Birding fans can expect to see the European roller, vultures, bustards, bee eaters, martial eagles, sun b

A game drive through the park will help you catch sight of then various animals such as lions, zebras, spotted hyenas, hippos, elephants, antelopes, buffalos, wild dogs, warthogs and crocodiles. Among the resident primates frequently seen roaming in the park are olive baboon, bush baby and colobus monkeys. Not to forget, for those who love watching birds, there are very many beautiful species you will see especially during the rainy season such as bee eaters, sun birds, European roller, martial eagles, starling and vultures.

Viewing wildlife is an activity that takes place all through the year but it’s more rewarding during the dry season between April and September. Game drives are usually taken early in the morning and in the evening. Many animals gather together early in the mornings near the water holes and arid river beds to drink water. During the rainy season that stretches from October to March, the park blossoms with green pastures due to this being the rainy season, and very few animals are seen grazing. You will also visit the painted rocks in the area.

Kruger National Park is South Africa offers superb accommodation at affordable prices. This ranges from lavish safari lodges, self-catering lodges to outside camping in the bushes. Among the renowned private lodges in this National Park are Grand Kruger Lodge, Crocodile Bridge and Skukuza Rest camp. The private Sabi Sabi game reserve boasts of having the best luxurious lodges in Kruger Park and among them are: Little Bush Camp, Timbavati Safari Lodge, Selati camp and Earth Lodge.these offer a variety of services like luxury suites, swimming pool, spacious terraces and charming restaurants.

Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa covering an area estimated to 18,989 square kilometers; surprisingly almost half of the total size of Switzerland. One of its Pioneer founders Paul Kruger the then ruling president of Transvaal state; created Sabie Game Reserve in 1898 to manage hunting in the park so as to protect the then reducing number of wildlife.

According to SAN Parks, Kruger National Park is currently a sanctuary to 336 trees, 507 birds, 49 fish, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians and 147 mammals

Flora and Fauna

If you are searching for a unique and exciting opportunity to view game in South Africa, the ideal place to visit is Kruger National Park. There you will see a variety of game including the Big Five, various species of birds and enjoy the serene and charming scenery.  Kruger Park offers a lot to observe, listen to and smell.

You will surely be astonished by the wonders Mother Nature offers!

Basing on my personal judgment, Kruger National Park is one of the ideal destinations to visit, and will offer an opportunity to come across the large elephants and black rhinos found all over the place. Always remember not to go too close to these animals as it may turn out to be dangerous.

Safari to Mountain Zebra National Park , Tour

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.

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