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Archive for the ‘Tours’ Category

Top 5 Botswana Overland Trips

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

So, you have been thinking about heading to Africa for a safari… don’t have time to travel the length of the continent but still want that authentic African experience? Look no further than the center of Africa.

okavango delta mokoroWe make it easy for you with the top 5 overland trips in Botswana.

Yawning hippoDelta to the Falls
Local cultures, mokoro cruises in the Okavango Delta, excellent game viewing and adventure activities at Victoria Falls. This short tour has it all!

Delta and Chobe Expedition
A quick trip covering the best of Botswana – wildlife filled Chobe National Park and the majestic Okavango Delta. Finish off with the thundering Victoria Falls to get the blood pumping!

Kalahari and Okavango Delta
Visit one of the biggest game reserves in the world on this wildlife specific tour. We focus on the Central Kalahari Game Reserve but also visit the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans and Chobe National Park.

Central Africa Loop
A round trip that encompasses most of Southern Africa’s highlights. Meander through the Okavango’s waterways, raft the mighty Zambezi or explore Zimbabwe ruins, a trip you will never forget!

Delta ReedsSouthern Loop
Explore Southern Africa from Victoria Falls to Etosha National Park, journey to the waterways of the Okavango Delta, and be amazed at the starkness of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Add to that the adventure capital of Namibia – Swakopmund – with endless activities to choose from.

Post your comments below or contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com for more overland tours and budget backpacking advice.

5 Tips for the Perfect Africa Family Safari

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Africa Family SafariParents planning the holiday of a lifetime may struggle to decide where to go and what to do – consider an Africa family safari – one of the most popular and worthwhile holiday options by far.

Blending all the benefits of an enriching experience in Africa’s leading game reserves and natural landscapes with education, cultural interaction and of course, plenty of fun, family holidays in Africa have it all, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family – from the youngest member to the oldest. When planning your dream safari with the family, consider these expert tips from Africa travel specialists:

Plan ahead – right down to the very last detail
As any parent knows, when it comes to travel with small children, preparation is essential. This is why planning your Africa family safari is the most important step of all. This means that every last detail, from passports and visas, all the way through to connecting flights, transfers, overland agency bookings, vaccinations, packing, activity planning and any other thing that you may need to bear in mind for the safari needs to be planned beforehand, so that you are free to enjoy the trip without the worry of missing a crucial step. Children need to be kept busy, without unnecessary delays or issues with lost papers, missed flights or other travel dramas thrown into the works.

Choose a shorter safari to get the most from the trip
While you may be dreaming of a month long safari in the deepest darkest depths of Namibia, Kenya or Mozambique, realistically speaking, children generally fare better on shorter, more rewarding trips. Unlike adults, who crave the peace and quiet that safaris in the bush offer, children need to be kept busy and entertained at all times. This means ensuring plenty to do each day – something that can get challenging when you are on day 21 in the remote wilderness of Africa.

Consider your activities carefully
Make the most from your family holidays in Africa with activities that aim to entertain, educate and enrich. This means choosing things that your children can benefit from, rather than things that purely keep them out of your hair for a few hours. Plan fun activities such as game drives (keeping safety in mind at all times, and following your guide’s advice on age limits), bird watching, horse trails, visits to cultural villages, nature walks, hikes, fishing, snorkeling (again, keeping safety in mind – only strong swimmers should be allowed to snorkel), visits to nature and game reserves and environmental organizations and other landmarks to teach your children about the countries you visit.

Choose the best season and destination for your safari

The best season for all safari experiences depends on what you are aiming to enjoy – game viewing is generally best in the dry season, however this is also the hottest season. Birding is often best during the wet season, which also means heavy rains. Speak to your travel guide to learn more about which season will suit your needs, and which destination offers the most for what you would like to see on your Africa family safari – game, culture, fun or education.

Make sure the safari is fun for the whole family

At the end of the day, this holiday is meant to be fun for the whole family – from the little ones who are able to enjoy some activities, but not the game drives and other options that are best for older children, to teenagers who may not be thrilled at the idea of spending time with the parents. Speak to your travel adviser to learn more about child-friendly family holidays in Africa.

For Family Overland Safaris and family trips in Africa speak to the Team at OverlandingAfrica.com or post your comments below.

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Bring the Kids! – Family Safaris and Holidays in Africa

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

For parents looking for the ultimate holiday experience, an Africa family safari offers one of the most rewarding experiences for children of all ages to enjoy – combining all the fun of a safari in Africa with child-friendly activities and plenty of learning opportunities. With a number of affordable family safaris on offer, it has never been easier to enjoy a wildlife and nature experience in one of Africa’s top safari destinations.

Some of the biggest benefits to family holidays in Africa include the following:
1.    Fun for the whole family
All too often children get bored on adult-tailored safaris. With many activities that are more targeted to grown ups the younger generation are left to try and enjoy the same activities, or settle for a play area at camp, with not very many activities specifically tailored for children to enjoy. Family holidays in Africa meanwhile are designed to ensure that children and adults both get the most out of the safari with plenty of attractions for children of all ages to enjoy.

2.    Learning experiences abound
From the abundance of wildlife and bird life to be seen on a typical African safari, to the various landscapes and environments to be seen, Africa offers plenty of learning experiences for parents to share with their children. A wide range of interesting subjects can be explored on an informal basis, helping children learn more about the animals, birds, plants, history, culture and people of Africa – without ever having to open a book! Learning as a family is one of the best ways to learn and on a typical Africa family safari children will be able to discover a whole world of wonder on every game drive, day trip or walk.

3.    Experience all the thrills of a safari in Africa
Enjoying thrilling experiences as a family is excellent for bonding – giving plenty of memories that will last a lifetime. Some of the most popular family holidays in Africa include tours to top destinations such as Namibia (home to towering dunes, vast landscapes of contrast, game-rich regions and many exciting activities), Zambia (where the magnificent Victoria Falls can be seen, and plenty of adventure sports from white river rafting to micro-light flights can be enjoyed), Botswana (excellent game viewing, river cruises, bushman tracking adventures and plenty of other activities on offer) and South Africa (Kruger National Park, beaches, activities and many other attractions) to name but a few – each offering a myriad of things to see, do and experience within Africa.

4.    Cost effective safari for the whole family
Family safaris are one of the most affordable safari options especially those that stick to the basics. Camping safaris and overland tours give the best value for money as these types of safaris use standard accommodation and often camping rather than luxury accommodation at lodges that cost the earth. Many activities are included in the tour cost which means that there are very little additional costs.

With so many benefits on offer and so much fun and learning to be enjoyed it is no wonder that Africa family safari tours are such a popular choice for families seeking affordable holidays in Africa.

For all Family Safaris and Holidays in Africa contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com or post your comments below.

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Camping Safaris in Africa

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Camping safaris in Africa offer the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Africa, with a wide range of highly affordable safaris on offer to suit every taste and budget.

From the very early days of African travel, visitors have long been enthralled by the scenery, wildlife and birdlife that the continent has in such abundance, with each destination offering its own unique charms. Camping safari trips take things one step further, putting you right into the heart of the African wilderness for an adventure that will be remembered for years to come.

camping safarisThree of the most popular and rewarding camping safaris by far include the following:

1. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park safaris
are hugely popular with visitors and locals alike, offering a thrilling and memorable wildlife experience on the borders of South Africa’s Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.

The park is home to a staggering 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 114 reptile, 507 bird and 147 mammal species (including the famous Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo), with 18,989 square kilometres of beautiful landscapes to be found. A number of rivers run through the park from west to east, including the Sabie River.

The size and sheer magnificence of Kruger National Park makes these camping safaris extremely popular, offering an excellent option for travellers seeking an affordable and exciting big game experience.

2. Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park offers one of the most unforgettable camping safaris in Africa, with the awe-inspiring natural spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration into bordering Kenya offering a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

Situated in Tanzania, and forming part of the Northern Tanzanian Safari Circuit this park is home to an abundance of wildlife including the millions of wildebeest that make their way across the borders each year in a huge stampede.

Additional must-sees in the park are the famous tree-climbing lions and some of the largest elephants in Africa, with massive tusks that are built to adapt to the vegetation and landscapes of this area. Within this region you can also visit Ngorongoro Crater – a prehistoric crater that is teeming with game and luscious vegetation presenting incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The trip from the Serengeti into the Crater is one of the most beautiful and memorable ones imaginable, passing through the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ and the Rift Valley, with undulating landscapes and game to be seen throughout.

3. Botswana
From its lush waterways to its harsh deserts, Botswana is teeming with wildlife, bird life, plant life and fascinating culture. Key destinations on camping safaris in this region include the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Savuti National Park and Chobe National Park, with large numbers of elephant, lion, rhino and many other game species to be found throughout. Explore the deltas of the Okavango in a moroko (canoe) and witness some of the rare and magnificent species of bird, reptile, fish and game to be found in this beautiful country.

Botswana is arguably one of the most visited countries in Africa for its wildlife alone, ensuring one of the best options for camping safaris in Africa – especially for nature lovers seeking an affordable overland adventure in this spectacular country.

For information and trips into these beautiful regions, contact the experts at OverlandingAfrica.com.

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Top 5 Namibia Tours – We Make It Easy For You!

Monday, May 17th, 2010

There is so much to see and do in stunning Namibia that we hear it is too hard to choose just 1 trip of a lifetime!

Short, medium and long trips (and even longer or shorter if you want) cover the best cultural, wildlife and activity based adventures Namibia has to offer.

Camp under the stars or have a bit of luxury in lodges and chalets, travel with a small group or a big one, overland truck or minivan – aaarrgghh, too hard to choose!

So we made it easy and picked out the top 5 tours to Namibia – just for you.Namibia Top 5 Tours

Taste Of The Desert – 7 day Cape Town to Swakopmund
From the coastal beauty of Cape Town through the arid desert of Namibia this short tour explores the best of both worlds. End it off with some serious adventure in Swakopmund!

Highlights of the Desert – 12 day Cape Town to Windhoek
Discover the best Namibia has to offer. From the dry desert valleys in the south through rich cultural areas to some excellent game viewing in the north.

Cape Town to Windhoek Accommodated – 13 day Cape Town to Windhoek
Gaze at the spectacle that greeted the early explorers as Table Mountain appears to rise from the sea, then explore the deserts of Namibia where giant sand dunes merge with the cold Atlantic Ocean.

Magic Namibia – 14 day Swakopmund to Victoria Falls
So much to see! From the rolling dune fields and adventure paradise of Swakopmund to Namibia’s own Matterhorn – Spitzkoppe, the wildlife extravaganza of Etosha to the quiet water of the Okavango Delta. Finish it all off with adrenaline pumping action in Victoria Falls!

Desert, Delta and Tribes – 20 day Victoria Falls to Cape Town
Start with the glorious Victoria Falls, continue with the Okavango Delta, a visit to Himba and Bushmen villages and Etosha National Park,  then end at the famous Table Mountain. It doesn’t get much better than this!

** (These trips also run in the opposite direction if that makes it easier for your flights!)

For more info about the above trips and any other Overland trips in Africa contact the experts at OverlandingAfrica.com

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Budget Safaris from Cape Town… Overland Style!

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Experience the ultimate Cape Town budget safari, taking you from the Mother City to some of Africa’s most beautiful and popular travel destinations.

Cape Town Budget Safaris

Here are three excellent budget safaris departing from Cape Town, to suit all time constraints:

1.  Cape Town to Swakopmund

This safari takes you from Cape Town to Swakopmund in 7 days, travelling through some of the most spectacular destinations across South Africa and Namibia.

Starting from the world-renowned city of Cape Town, you will begin the journey to Namibia, travelling by overland truck. Each night, you will stop at key points to set up camp – admiring the wealth of landscapes, wildlife, birdlife and natural splendour. All tents and camping equipment is provided, and you simply need to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat plus suitable clothing and personal supplies.

Key highlights of this Cape Town overland tour include a meander through the beautiful Cape Winelands, continuing on to the majestic Cedeberg region before heading to the Orange River. From here you will cross the border into Namibia to visit Fish River Canyon, Helmeringhausen, Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, Sesriem and Swakopmund. Along the way, you can enjoy a number of things to see and do, including river rafting, game viewing, bird watching, dune boarding, dune exploring, skydiving, quad biking, fishing trips, desert flights, golf, water sports, sand boarding and four wheel drive hire to name but a few of the activities on offer.

Check out the Cape Town to Swakopmund trip itinerary.

2.  Cape Town to Victoria Falls

For those with a little more time on their hands, the 21 day Victoria Falls safari begins in Cape Town and continues on to Namibia, before heading towards Victoria Falls. You will travel in an overland vehicle, and will camp overnight at key points along the way – allowing a chance to sleep under the stars in the beautiful African wilderness.

Key highlights of the Victoria Falls Cape Town budget safari include all the attractions of the Cape, as well as Namibia hot-spots such as Fish River Canyon, Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, Sesriem, Swakopmund, Spitzekoppe, Etosha National Park and Rundu. After passing into Botswana, you will also visit Maun, the Okavango Delta, Kasane and the stunning Chobe National Park. From here you will make the crossing into Zimbabwe, where you will visit the magnificent Victoria Falls – the ’smoke that thunders’. Enjoy outstanding game viewing and bird watching, take a scenic flight over the falls, try micro-lighting flights, relax at camp or spend a few days exploring the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the falls before your riveting Cape Town overland tour comes to an end.

Check out the Cape Town to Victoria Falls itinerary.

3.  Cape Town to Nairobi

The ultimate Cape Town overland tour takes you on a 6 week journey from the Cape, through the stunning destinations of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and finally to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Along the way you will experience a myriad of cultures, landscapes, wildlife, bird species, weather conditions and many incredible sights. This is one of the best long safaris for those wanting a full African overland experience, with all the top travel destinations you could ever imagine.

Key highlights of the Cape Town to Nairobi safari include Cape Town’s Winelands and Cedarberg region, Namibia’s deserts, sand dunes and other attractions from Fish River Canyon to Rundu, as well as the beautiful waterways and deltas of Botswana. In Zimbabwe, see the mesmerising Victoria Falls and experience a host of adventure sports, before experiencing the beautiful attractions of Zambia. Malawi and Tanzania offer beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife and a warm and friendly culture, while Kenya offers some of the best wildlife in Africa, ending your Cape Town budget safari on a memorable note.

Check out the Cape Town to Nairobi itinerary.

For information about these tours and much more contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com!

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7 Sensational Camping Safaris in Africa

Friday, April 30th, 2010

For those that prefer the thrill of sleeping under the stars, camping safaris offer the perfect blend of adventure, nature, wildlife and spectacular views – allowing you to experience the ultimate camping trip in some of the most beautiful destinations across Africa.

Camping SafarisFrom the remote rain forests of Uganda, to the idyllic beaches of Mozambique, there is a camping tour to suit all tastes, budgets and travel needs, offering a host of activities, attractions and sights. Camping tours are ideal for travellers who are not afraid to get their hands dirty, and do not mind sleeping in the great outdoors with just their mosquito-proof dome tents to protect them against the elements. For travellers who enjoy being right in the middle of all the action however, these trips offer a memorable travel experience in Africa.

The top 7 sensational camping safaris in Africa that are simply not to be missed include:
1. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park camping safaris offer a glimpse into South Africa’s largest game park. This four day safari takes you from Johannesburg to the beautiful Kruger Park, continuing to Timbavati to visit a Cheetah Breeding Centre and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. This camping trip is ideal for travellers wanting a short tour with plenty of game viewing.

2. Gorilla Trekking
The five day Gorilla Trekking camping tour is one of the most memorable experiences imaginable. See highly endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, high up in the forests of Uganda. The tour starts in Kampala, and continues on to visit Kisoro and Lake Bunyoni. Gorilla trekking, plenty of game viewing and bird watching, as well as camping in the beautiful rain forests of Uganda are all just a hint of what you can expect on these camping safaris in Africa.

3.    Victoria Falls
Visit the World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls, the ’smoke that thunders’, and see why this mindboggling waterfall has been rated as one of the wonders of the world. There are a number of camping tour options you could consider for Victoria Falls, with many tours offering a stop-over to this iconic destination as an added option. However you get there, camping in Vic Falls is not to be missed!

4.    Namib Desert Safari
Explore the land of contrasts with an eleven day Namib Desert Safari that takes you across the staggering dunes and deserts of Namibia. These camping trips start in Windhoek and head on to Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Sesriem, Sossusvlei and Fish River Canyon before heading back to South Africa via the Orange River.

5.    Madagascar Dhow Island Hopping
Experience the serene beaches and underwater wonders of Madagascar’s islands with an eight day camping safari that takes you from Antananarivo to key islands such as Hell-ville, Nosy Iranja, Mahalina, Lokobe National Park and Nosy Komba, before heading back to Antananarivo. You will be able to camp in exotic beach spots, view the islands rare and fascinating wildlife and explore the warm waters that are teeming with marine life.

6.    Botswana Delta and Chobe Expedition
The beautiful Botswana hot-spots of the Okavango Delta and Chobe have been hailed as the most stunning safari destinations in Africa, and for good reason. The eight day Botswana camping tour takes you across the waterways and game-rich channels of this Botswana paradise.

7.    Mozambique Magic
Mozambique Magic tours take you from South Africa to Swaziland and Hlane Royal National Park, before crossing into Mozambique to visit key destinations such as Praia do Tofo, Bazaruto, Inhambane, Maputo and more. These are the perfect camping safaris in Africa for those who enjoy beaches, friendly locals and stunning wildlife.

For information about these tours and much more contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com!

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5 Short Trips to Kruger National Park

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

kruger_national_parkSouth Africa’s world-famous Kruger National Park offers overlanders and like minded travelers an experience of a lifetime!

The unspoiled environment offers great game viewing and creates an opportunity for you to experience wild Africa just as you imagined it.

Whether you are an early bird, awake before sunrise to view the bushveld’s early risers at the waterholes, or tracking the nocturnal animals with spotlights at night, game drives in the Kruger is one of the best  experiences ever!

Our Top 5 short trips are:

4 day ‘Kruger Highlights’
Visit a Cheetah rehabilitation project and experience traditional Ndebele dancing en-route to the world famous Kruger National Park!

6 day ‘Vic Falls and Kruger Highlights’
From the adventure playground of Victoria Falls through the northern Kalahari to the ever famous Kruger National Park. A short but rewarding tour!

7 day ‘Kruger and Swaziland Lodge Safari’
This mixed pot of highlights includes the best of scenic South Africa combined with the fantastic wildlife in Kruger National Park – and then add the best of Swaziland to the lot!!

7 day ‘Kruger to Vic Falls’
This week long trip takes in ‘Big Five’ game drives in Kruger and open skies in the Kalahari on the way to the rushing white water of Victoria Falls!

9 day ‘Kruger, Swaziland and St Lucia’
Short but sweet – This trip takes in the very best of the Kruger Park, Swaziland and KwaZulu Natal where the warm Indian Ocean & sunny beaches provide the perfect end to this adventure experience.

See longer and shorter tours to Kruger National Park here, or contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com.

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World Cup Travel Packages – It’s Not Too Late!

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Got it!The FIFA World Cupâ„¢ is on our doorstep and South Africa is buzzing with World Cup Fever!

If you haven’t organized your travel, accommodation or game tickets yet – don’t panic!

Check out these all inclusive tours from Drive South Africa and download a Match Schedule while you are there.

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Get Sand In Your Pants – Top 3 Namibia Tours

Friday, December 11th, 2009

I love Namibia – no seriously – I LOVE IT!

Huge expanses of desert sand looking like caramel ice cream as far as the eye can see and the rugged coast steeped in the history of violent seas and shipwrecked sailors. Ancient tribes people talk with clicking tongues and cover themselves not with clothes, but with mud. I could go on…. and on…

Top Namibia Tours

See for yourself on the top 3 overland tours to Namibia

Not much time?
Taste of the Desert
From the coastal beauty of Cape Town through the arid desert of Namibia this short tour explores the best of both worlds. End it off with some serious adventure in Swakopmund!

Couple of weeks?
Namibia in Full
All the highlights of Namibia in one tour! Wildlife in Etosha National Park, adventure activities in Swakopmund and giant sand dunes at Sesriem!

Go all out!
Southern Classic (Accommodated)
This tour allows you to view the world famous Table Mountain in Cape Town, before exploring the ghostly Namibian desert. Wildlife lovers are in for a treat on the Etosha safari. Adrenaline junkies will feel right at home in Vic Falls, take time to bridge jump or boogie board down the Zambezi.

For all you need to know about overlanding in Africa contact the experts – www.OverlandingAfrica.com – or post your comments below.

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The History of Surfers