Author Archive

South Africa Car Hire,Tips Car Insurance

Car hire in South Africa is relatively cheap and is the best and safest alternative when dealing with safety and dependability. The road network is well maintained as compared to other countries in Africa. Despite the fact that 4X4 wheel vehicles are not required, it is wise to acquire such a vehicle from the car-rental-service provider so ad to adventure through the 4X4 trail in the country and also venture through d\game reserves.

In most main towns, you will find various car hire companies that provide a wide variety of vehicles range from classic cars to caravans.you will be able to travel to all parts of south Africa and on departing leave the car at one of the branches of S.A car rental in that city. If you plan on rent  a vehicle, ensure that it can run for unlimited time and offer air condition when need arises.

If you have 3 to 4 days you can visit Cape Town and the surrounding wine-lands in your hired vehicle or drive from Johannesburg to the nearby Kruger National Park – a 4×4 vehicle is best for this trip but any vehicle can be used. If you have a week and a half to two weeks consider traveling in your car hire around Cape Town’s Garden route and stopping at the quaint seaside towns along the way or visit Durban, the Drakensberg mountain range and the Transkei with its breath-taking beaches and rich culture.

S.A is a place of rich beauty and diverse cultures. Nestled within S.A you can stop at the independent countries of Swaziland and Lesotho or even take a trip in your car hire outside of the country to the picturesque Mozambique, arid Namibia or wild Botswana. If you love camping South Africa is the place to be, take your car hire to a South African game reserve or seaside town and enjoy nature at its best. S.A has a laid back and friendly attitude in which tourists are welcomed with open arms – do some research before you visit but come with an open mind and you’re bound to have the best holiday of your life with your South African car hire.

Travel Health Insurance South Africa

Travel Health Insurance

Health Care and Vaccinations:
Despite the fact that travelling to South Africa is in most cases a first world preference, adventure in remote villages and tribal areas may however bring you health risks.
In South Africa, Cholera usually occurs, but there is no standard immunization for the citizens in South Africa.
In local communities, Hepatitis A & B and TB infections are common and out bursts of rabies within animals. Therefore, travellers visiting these infected areas should be immunized.

Below are the recommended immunizations for those visiting the deeper rural areas of South Africa: -
Typhoid:
This disease is caused by water or food, which is contaminated, leading to high Fever and Septicaemia. Immunisation for Typhoid is meant for people visiting areas with lower standards of food and water hygiene.

Hepatitis A.
A single injection for protection against this water-borne disease is necessary. A vaccine is suitable for the frequent visitors and is now available for protection for almost 10 years.

Polio:
Its orally given especially on a lump of sugar. It protects Poliomyelitis, which is now still prevalent in some tropical countries.

This is a rare disease in travellers so it remains un considered for most travellers, for this is old injected vaccine. However, where its known, a Cholera certificate may be demanded by the officials. So it remains safe to move with this certificate.
For protection against Cholera, there is anew Oral Cholera vaccine.

Tetanus:
This disease has spread throughout the world. A single injection is given to act as a booster dose.
Its not always necessary to go for immunizations, but the best thing you can do is visit a doctor a month before you travel. They will provide you with pills of boosters required during your stay in South Africa.
Before you leave your home, its recommended to move with your Medical Insurance.

Pocket Friendly Tours in South Africa Eased by Partnership

By a partnership between hotel group Southern Sun along with South African Tourism (SAT), traveling topically has turned out to be easier, a lot exciting, but certain of all easier on the pocket.

Catching on to the achievement of SAT’s Sho’t Left drive – encouraging South Africans to tour inside their own country – Southern Sun kicked off its SunBreaks campaign in April 2008.

The SunBreaks effort is Southern Sun’s latest stand from which to direct young, enterprising South Africans, promoting them to take shorter, more reasonable vacations, more frequently.

There are 6.2 million South Africans out in that location that have the imaginations and taste to travel, but just aren’t sure how to go about it, or whatever packages are on offer.

Addressing at the launching of the partnership on Wed, Ms Mahlaba informed BuaNews: “Value for money when travelling is one of the greatest things that encourages people to travel.

“So partnering with Southern Sun, who have such an array of hotels across the country, we now have a partner that can fulfil the needs of emerging, young, and up-and-coming South African travellers.

Discussing at the Africa Investor Tourism Awards in February, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk said foreign arrivals to Africa amounted to 846 million in 2006, mapping an extra 44 million arrivals over the closing year with the same outgrowth drawing near for 2007.

South Africa cities and Destinations

Online guide for cities of South Africa, attractions and where to find them, hotels and restaurants.

Pretoria
Capetown
Johannesburg
Suncity
Durban
Port Elizabeth
Guateng
Stellenbosch
George South Africa

South Africa Hotel Reviews, Hotels in South Africa, Accommodation Options

South Africa has a number of different types of accommodation to offer. Regardless of whether your stay is for a day, weeks, or a few months, there will definitely be an appropriate accommodation to suit your needs and budget. There are a number of lavish but expensive hotels with spectacular and breathtaking scenery for those who wouldn’t mind spending a little extra amount of money on accommodation. But for those who find staying in such a place extravagant, there are many more options we would recommend. Read on for more details.

Many people believe that staying in a luxurious hotel or safari lodge are the only choices of accommodations to choose from when on holiday in South Africa. Personally, I believed like many other people that being accommodated in a hotel is the way to go regardless of where you travel to. However, there are plenty of different of different accommodation options that offer equivalent comfort, hygiene and services as hotels at a much discounted price.

There are various types of accommodation South Africa has to offer ranging from one star to five star hotels, bed and breakfast accommodations, guest houses, self-catering rental apartment that are commonly referred to as vacation apartments and villas. All of them offer basic furnishing, clean, functional and comfortable at the same time, and is worth every penny.

Whether you are planning to visit Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban or any other city, there is sure to be an accommodation that will surely make your stay in South Africa an unforgettable one.

Because of the Economic Crisis that has affect people in one way or the other globally, there is need to be mindful of where and how you use your hard-earned income. So being familiar with the different accommodation types South Africa offers will help you save lots of money.

By browsing through the internet, you will discover numerous websites talking about the varying accommodation type. These will show pictures and give detailed information about these places, thus giving you a platform from which to choice your desired place that the suits your budget and lifestyle.

In South Africa, when it comes to choosing an accommodation place, you will find very many alternatives that will suit business travel, leisure trips or international tourists.  This superb accommodation presents outstanding services, luxury and excellent value for money. South Africa’s hotels vary from Intercontinental chains to local-boutique hotels. Many of these hotels are highly recognized and stand to be compared with some of the world’s best, and regularly feature in ‘World Best Awards’. Examples of some of the luxurious hotels are the Arabella Sheraton, The Saxon, the Cape Grace, the West cliff, the Mount Nelson   and Michelangelo.

After choosing your travel destination as South Africa, the next challenge is deciding the place to stay and making a comparison between the various offers given by the five and four Star hotels. Available is a local and international airlines which offers regular flights to major cities thus enabling visitors to explore various places but within the same boarders. South Africa also offers a variety of entertainment and visitors can participate in a number of adventures such as cultural, city tours and game drives.

Although hotels in South Africa are easily accessible, it is wise to book into one before you embark on your trip. You can book into your hotel of choice over the internet. Important to remember is that not only do hotels in South Africa offer just a place to rest, they have a variety of services in place suited to make your stay a memorable one.

South Africa Vacation Holiday Guide

South African is among the member of the Common Wealth and basically known as the Republic of South Africa. South Africa lies in the Southern part of the African continent and borders countries like Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique as well as surrounding Lesotho as an independent country. The coastline of South Africa covers more than 2500Km and spans between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

South Africa is the 25th largest countries in the world with an area of over 121,0000Km2
South Africa will welcome you for whatever adventure you enjoy doing your Safari, with all the necessary accommodation. During your Safari, you will enjoy bungee jumping, and watching of world life with the help of the 5 major Safaris.

South Africa also offers lodges with clear view of game as well as a number of blue Flag beaches to soak up the sun and for relaxation.

Among the 9 Provinces splited from Impala South Africa include: -
Free State, Limpopo, Western Cape, Northern Cape, North West, Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape Province and Mpumalanga.

In plant bio diversity, South Africa is among the best places for the plant lovers and is a home to more than 20,000 different species of plants with almost 10% found within the boundaries of South Africa, the re-known plant species on the earth, with the Protea family of Fynbos being the common in South Africa.

During your stay in South Africa, you will also be able to enjoy a variety of tastes and textures especially the food lovers. Atleast a traditional South African Baari or Barbeque has to be attended for any visit and for surprise to our tourists, few people will be cooked sheer amount of meat. So all meals in South Africa are incomplete without any meat type and quality summer wine.

Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga is among the well-known and most famous game reserves in South Africa, with abundance of wildlife and a variety of coloured bird life and if you are lucky, you can watch the big 5 wild life.

In Africa, South Africa is also known for its oldest archaeological sites.

South Africa Travel Planning, South Africa Trip

Planning your trip to South Africa.
There are quite a number of things that you should not leave home when you are planning your trip to South Africa.
A comprehensive travel insurance plan firstly is strongly recommended and probably the most important for purposes of treatment, since in some hospitals you will be refused if you don’t have an insurance and also helps to know the duration of your trip.

Secondly, in South Africa, the sun is too strong than that of Europe. Its recommended to avoid exposing your body to midday sun especially in the summer and spring months.
Cover yourself with high factor sunscreen or with loose clothings whenever in the sun. Take notice of this since even on overcast days, the sun still remains strong and nothing is bad on a holiday like being burnt by the sun, it can ruin up the whole trip.
The sun almost remains strong throughout the year and on your trip, never get insect repellent, moisturizer, lip shine, a wide brimmed hat as well as not forgetting the sun glasses.

Also essential for your use include work clothes, since its not hot throughout the year. In Cape Town, winds blow the surrounding and even some evenings remain cool.

South Africa Travel Planner

Time changes:
Eastern:     Standard winter time  + 7 hours.
Central:    European winter time + 1 hour.

Comfy shoes:
If you intend to walk through some National Parks in South Africa and a pair of good quality walking boots is also important, since some paths remain un certain despite the majority paths and tracks being good.

Driving licence:
If you intend to drive, then a Driving licence is more important.

National book service:
During your stay, you will need more information on how accommodation can be booked in the whole of South Africa, by Compu ticket as well as cinema and theatre. For more details, visit the web site.

Electricity:
At 50 cycles per second -220/230 Volts AC, Universal round fringed plugs. For electric small appliances and showers, all rooms inmost hotels have 110 Volts outlets.
If you are bringing your own appliances, a travel adapter may be required.

Safari in South Africa, Safari Companies, Safari Agents

South Africa presents a number of various packages for a holiday safaris. It has numerous national parks and game reserves which give the opportunity to come close to the wild beasts as they meander in their natural environment, and also explore the it’s different landscapes. Because of this wide range of attractions, making a choice may be overwhelming at times. But if your time of visiting is limited, below is a list of destinations that you could opt for.

Addo Elephant National Park

Unlike other pack that have the big five, Addo National Park prides in the big seven which include leopards, rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalos, the white sharks and whales. These make this park both a marine and land adventuring platform for holiday travelers. Addo Elephant National Park is popularly known for having the biggest population of elephants in the whole world; so if you fail to catch sight of an elephant in this park you won’t be able to see any other anyplace in South Africa.

Hluhuwe-Imfolozo Game Reserve

Situated in KwaZulu Natal, Hluhuwe-Imfolozo is a natural wilderness that is part of the well-known rhino conservation program. It is comprised of rising and falling hills covered with sub tropic forests and acacia woodland. Taking a safari holiday in this Game Reserve will enable you to see the resident rhino which include the black and white rhinos.

Being a sanctuary for the Big Five, Hluhuwe-Imfolozo provides a unique view in its grass-covered hills and foggy forests of wildlife. It shelters the hardly seen bataleur eagle and the nyala antelope. You will be able to view zebra, spotted hyena, giraffes, and blue wildebeest; and with the rapidly flowing river, you will miss out on seeing the hippos.

Kruger National Park

Being the most admired park in South Africa, Kruger National Park offers the finest game viewing for those on a holiday safari. It is a haven to more than 147 mammals, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 species of birds and different species of plants. You will enjoy a guided tour and view the large antelopes- Kudu, sable antelopes, the roan antelopes which are under extinction, large herds of Zebras, giraffes, and not forgetting the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants and rhinos.

Pilansberg National Park

Pilansberg National Park is best known for its large population of birds. Among the resident birds are the kori bustards which remain the heaviest flying bird species in the world. You will catch sight of secretary birds, weavers, ostriches, golden and red bishops, and widows. Pilansberg not only boasts of the many birds but also offers a game viewing package that includes elephants and rhinos for holiday travelers. Since 1994, there has been a spectacular increase in the population of lions, leopards and hippos. There is a popular game drive through the park in the night to catch sight of the black rhino, spotted eagle owls, Jameson’s red rocket rabbits, the rare bush-baby and genets. You will also see Africa’s biggest rodent; Cape Porcupine.

In South Africa, Spending your holiday in a lavish lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve which neighbors Kruger National Park will enable you to experience the interesting and memorable night game drives. For a safari to be complete in South Africa, it must include this unique adventure of watching the wild beasts as they go about their nocturnal activities.

Night falls

When the sun sets, holiday safaris in South Africa take on a very beautiful appearance beneath the veil of the fading sunrays and escalating sounds rising from typically African bushes!  Various bird species that are not commonly sighted at will be seen with widely opened eyes looking in a surprise. During day time, many animals are usually sleepy and often spend the day lying under trees to shelter from the hot sunshine, and at night they become alive again. The cool evening are usually busied with animals trekking to water holes for a drink as other start on their nocturnal activities.

As a tradition in South Africa, before you depart for a night safari, you must participate in a ‘sundowner,’ (an aperitif) with your accompanying friends. As the day light fades away with the spectacular setting of the sun and the skies turn dark, you will feel the bushes in close proximity and hear the day’s silence gradually giving into the sounds of the night.

On the road

In South Africa, a safari taken at night is always carried out in safe open-topped vehicles in the presence of armed park rangers. These professional rangers are highly knowledgeable about the animals’ predatory night behavior, and give a detailed explanation on the animals’ hunting lifestyle, mentioning who eats who. There are two or three bright spotting lights fitted on these vehicles and you may be privileged to control one of them. At the notification of the ranger you will turn you light and if lucky you may come face to face with a panicky baboon, giraffe, hippo, zebra or a rhino.

As you drive across this South African park, you will hear the echoes and rustles of the numerous of animals in the park fill the air as they meander in search of waterholes. You may come to a halt as large herds of animals by pass just inches away from you as they head to their drinking places.

The unique and memorable experience of the night drive should never be missed when taking a holiday safari in South Africa.  The pleasant-humming of bushes that will continually echo in your mind even long after you have gone, and a feel of the true African Magic, is quite a memorable experience.

Flights to South Africa, Airlines, Airfare, Cheap Tickets to South Africa flight

If you are thinking of traveling to South Africa be it for a family vacation or otherwise, it is always wise to find ways of cutting down your expenses for the entire trip. Traveling to South Africa will require you to visit many places like Cape Town and Kruger National Park.

Therefore if you are wondering on how to organize an affordable trip, always start by booking in an inexpensive airline flight heading to Africa. That way you will be able to save the extra cash for your tours in Johannesburg. Endeavour to book earlier before your proposed flight date; remember that South Africa is one of Africa’s top most visited states that offer exciting but affordable holiday packages.

To acquire the best seat at a good discounted price, make sure you book in your flight at least  8 weeks earlier than your expected travel date. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays you will be able to enjoy discounted flights heading to Cape Town. Other discounted flights to Cape Town are the month of October. Remember that booking much earlier will save you some dollars.

Always put into consideration the season you intend to take your flight. All airlines usually offer discounted airfares during the course of the week as compared to weekends. Unfortunately, many people prefer traveling on Fridays, over the weekend or during major festive seasons like the Christmas, yet flights during this time are rather expensive.

Consider making a reservation for a well discounted flight to South Africa from Europe. Preferably traveling during the day is much cheaper than flights at night.  You could be flying from, London, Paris, Rome or Amsterdam; such an arrangement will help you save a large amount of dollars.

Making reservations with local-travel-agents will reward you with discounted tickets. Always make a comparison between the flight tickets to see the route that is cheaper. Some routes go through Ethiopia wile East African routes go through Kenya.

Alternatively, make good use of renowned airline companies. Airline companies such as British Airways, South African Airways, United Airlines, Air France Delta and some smaller airlines provide direct travel flights.

Discuss at detail with a reliable travel agent or travel agency on ways to attain a cheap flight to Africa so as to save on your travel expenses. Majority of the inexpensive traveling and leisure packages include flights to Africa and tours to various tourist destinations.

Because of the numerous number of flights available to South Africa, special considerations should be put in place when choice one to take. There are both International and local flights and not to forget discounted flight for those who would love to save on their flight-fares. We shall now guide you on how to book a flight.

Steps/guidelines on booking a flight to South Africa

• The first step and fastest way to help you get a good discounted flight is by visiting the ‘trvelstart.co.za page’

• You will then fill an online form clearly stating your place of depature, destination place and select the duration of your trip.

• A list showing numerous flights will pop and from it you will choose the flight you prefer to take.

• From this list you will view the prices and make a comparison before making your choice.

From London to Cape Town

Among the available flights for this journey are: Emirates, South African airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qatar Airways, BMI, British airways and Etihad airways. British Airways offers the shortest flight while Etihad Airways offers the longest flight duration. The lowest airfare at the time of writing this ranges between R6, 672.00/ $1112.00 and a luxurious flight R8, 916 / $1486.

Highlighted above are the guidelines to help you book a flight to South Africa. No matter which destination you are planning to visit, these guide lines will avail you with all the basic

Facts about book flights to South Africa

Because of the numerous wildlife, the splendid night-lifestyle and classy restaurants, South Africa is one of the destinations that attract most visitors from all parts of the world. There are a number of basic requirements that you should know of before you book into any flight. Highlighted above are the guidelines to help you book a flight to South Africa. No matter which destination you are planning to visit, these guide lines will avail you with the entire basics to help you get your desired flight.

Summary

• There are both Local and International Flights to make your pick from.

• For quick and the most rewarding results, you will have to visit the trvelstart.com page.

• You will fill an online form to capture your place of departure, place of arrival and duration of stay.

Additional information

There are five major reasons that will entice you into booking a flight in S.A. first and Foremost, because it is south Africa, secondly it is very convenient, thirdly, it’s a haven for the Big Five that include leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalos, fourthly it is an entire world in just one country, and lastly, the flight fare will cost you less than you expect.

Golden Gate Highlands National park South Africa

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.

South African Holidays and Tours Guide
South Africa Guide
Real Time Analytics