Overlanding Africa.com offers budget safaris, Africa overland tours, camping & backpacking advice for Africa. About us or enquire now.

Get the free Overlanding Newsletter!
Use the Overlanding Google Map

Build Your Trip to Africa

Where?

Where do you want to go?

Close
Close Button
When?

Close
Close Button
How Long?

Close
Close Button

Archive for the ‘Whats Hot!’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Call it Vic Falls or Victoria Falls – It’s the Overland Hub of Africa

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

victoria falls at sunsetcropHailed as one of the world’s most spectacular destinations, it’s easy to see why Victoria Falls overland tours have become so popular.

Known by its full name, and its affectionate nickname favoured by locals and travellers, this is one of Africa’s most impressive destinations by far. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a truly unforgettable safari experience that is sure to leave all who visit with memories to last a lifetime.

To get the most from your Vic Falls overland experience, here is some more information on the falls and some of the many attractions that you may enjoy on an overland tour in this beautiful region.

Victoria Falls Fast Facts
Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River, bordering both Zimbabwe and Zambia. The falls can be accessed from either side on a typical Victoria Falls overland trip, either via Livingstone on the Zambian side or Victoria Falls town on the Zimbabwe side. The falls sits at a massive 1, 708m wide, making it the largest of its kind worldwide. There is a drop of 90m to 107m into the Zambezi Gorge, with about 550,000 cubic metres of water plummeting over the edge every minute. With this amount of water thundering into the Zambezi, it is easy to see where the falls gets its name ‘Mosi-oa-tunya’ (the smoke that thunders’) from the local dialect.

When To Visit
While the falls are at their fullest during the flood season, which runs from February to May with a peak in April and sees the spray from the falls rising as high as 1, 300 feet or more, this season is one of the least favourable times for Vic Falls overland tours. This is mostly due to the fact that it is hard to see the falls through the spray, and many of the walking trails are impossible to access. During dry season, from September to January, the gorges are more visible – offering better views and more chance to enjoy some of the adventure activities on offer around the falls.

Game Viewing and Bird Watching
There are a number of excellent national parks to explore, including the Victoria Falls National Park in north-western Zimbabwe, the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wildlife that you will see in these parks includes large numbers of elephant, lion, leopard, antelope and other game, with an abundance of bird species ranging from endemic species to birds of prey, water birds and other migratory species. Game drives and walking safaris offer and excellent way to experience the falls’ wildlife.

Activities
For those wanting to make the most of their Victoria Falls overland tour a host of activities await with something to suit every taste. Known as Africa’s adventure capital, Victoria Falls plays host to a huge range of exhilarating adventure sports, from bungee jumping to abseiling, microlight flights, scenic flights, kloofing and many others. Those preferring a more sedate experience can try guided walks, hiking, boat trips or visits to local villages.

Getting There
Most overland tours to Victoria Falls access the falls from the Zambia side. Depending on your tour, you may visit the falls as part of a larger Southern Africa tour, or you may choose to do an exclusive Victoria Falls tour. Vic Falls overland tours travel by overland trucks, while additional ways to enter the falls include flights to Livingstone in Zambia, or Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe.

For all your Vic Falls overland questions and trip information contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com or post your comments below.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Southern Africa, Whats Hot! | No Comments »

Ancient Jerash – Hidden Gem of Jordan

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

OvalPlaza550Gee – those ancient Romans traveled far and wide didn’t they?

Just north of the Jordanian capital of Amman lies the ‘City of 1000 Columns’ – Jerash – one of the most important and best preserved Roman city’s in the world.

Recent archaeological finds show that Jerash was inhabited as far back as the Bronze Age (3200 BC – 1200 BC) but it only became really prosperous around the end of the first century when the Emperor Trajan built miles of roads and encouraged overseas trade. The Persian invasion in AD 614 started off the rapid decline of Jerash, however, the city came back into its own during the Umayyad Period before a massive earthquake destroyed much of it and its surroundings. Continuing the up/down history, the  Crusaders then pulled down a few monuments to build their forts and the famous Temple of Artemis.  Excavation and restoration of Jerash has been ongoing since the 1920s.

Top Spots to See in Jerash….

- the Corinthian columns
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Temple of Zeus
- Temple of Artemis
- the Forum
- the ancient city walls
- Christian church floor mosaics.

So, after you have finished running around the more well known Jordanian sites like Petra and the Dead Sea, take a day or 2 and head up to Jerash. You won’t be disappointed.

For information on Jerash and overland trips in Jordan contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com or post your comments below.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Middle East, Whats Hot! | No Comments »

5 Things To Do in Jordan Before You Die

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

petra550You might think that Jordan is just a massive empty desert… Partly correct! However, concealed in that beautiful desert are some of the world’s most amazing sights!

Check out the top 5….

Wadi Rum Desert
Wadi Rum, in the south of Jordan, is a area of huge sandstone and granite mountains and wide sandy valleys. Narrow canyons conceal ancient rock drawings etched by the people of the desert over previous millennia. Bedouin tribes still live among the mountains of Rum and their large goat-hair tents are a special feature of the landscape.

There are several options for exploring Wadi Rum. Visitors should head for the Visitors Centre where, apart from visitors’ facilities, you can hire a 4×4 vehicle, together with driver/guide, and then drive for two or three hours into the Wadi system to explore some of the best known sites. Alternatively you can hire a camel and guide.

Petra
Petra is known as the Rose-Red City (for the colour of the rocks in which Petra is carved), and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed. Once inside the site, you can hire a donkey, or for the more adventurous, a camel – both come with handlers and take designated routes throughout the site.

Amman
Amman, the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the World. The city’s modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilizations. Amman is a great base to explore Jordan with the Dead Sea a mere 40 minutes from this bustling capital.

Karak
Karak is a city known for the famous crusader castle Kerak. The castle is one of the three largest castles in the region, the other two being in Syria. An ancient Crusader stronghold, Kerak sits 900m above sea level and lies inside the walls of the old city. The city today is home to around 170,000 people and continues to boast a number of restored 19th century Ottoman buildings, restaurants, places to stay, and the like.

Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea
Without doubt the world’s most amazing place! The Jordan Rift Valley is a dramatic, beautiful landscape, which at the Dead Sea end is over 400 metres (1,312 ft.) below sea level. The lowest point on the face of the earth, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to an extremely high content of salts and minerals which gives its waters the renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities, and its buoyancy.

Contact OverlandingAfrica.com for all your Middle East overland trip options or leave your comments below!

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Middle East, Whats Hot! | No Comments »

5 Top Destinations for Camping Safaris in Africa

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

With so many breathtaking destinations to choose from it can be hard to decide which camping safaris to choose.

Africa offers a wealth of exotic, beautiful, fascinating and spectacular destinations across each corner, from west to east – each one with its own unique attractions and highlights.

Depending on your travel requirements and interests, you could try game watching in Etosha, boat cruises along the Okavango Delta, microlight flights over Victoria Falls, see the annual wildebeest migration at Serengeti or explore the spice and other delights of Zanzibar.

Here’s what makes these top five destinations such excellent options for camping safaris in Africa:
Etosha National Park
With about 114 mammal species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and over 340 species of bird, Etosha National Park is one of the top wildlife destinations in Africa. Situated in Namibia, Etosha Park has a range of landscapes, from wetlands to grasslands, all teeming with wildlife.

Camping safaris here give you the chance to camp inside the park, or just outside – ensuring that you are able to wake early to enjoy the excellent game spotting opportunities at dawn. As this part of Namibia may pose a malaria risk, it is always essential to consult your doctor about malaria medication before setting off for an overlanding adventure here.

Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta camping safaris rank as one of the top safari adventures on the planet, boasting all the beauty of the lush Okavango – a sprawling oasis of waterways and rivers situated in the middle of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana.

On a typical safari here, you will be able to explore the delta in a dug out canoe, spotting elephant, antelope, hippo, crocodile and many other creatures – many of which are extremely rare and only found in this habitat. With clear water, and lush vegetation lining the banks, this is one of the most spectacular regions in Africa.

Victoria Falls
Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most famous destinations in Africa, and an absolute must-see on any camping safari in Africa. Bordering both Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls on the planet, thundering into the Zambezi River below with tremendous force.

Here you can enjoy game viewing, bird spotting, adventure sports such as microlight flights and bungee jumping plus a number of other activities to suit all tastes. Many safari companies offer a trip to the falls as an add-on option, as well as a full tour option.

Zanzibar Island
The island of spices evokes thoughts of tropical beaches, spotless white sands, clear water and exotic cultures. Situated off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and for good reason. While the island is less about game viewing, and more about beaches, culture, spices and breathtaking views, you will be able to enjoy a host of attractions and activities here, resulting in a memorable safari experience that is quite out of this world.

Serengeti National Park
Situated in Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful game reserves in the world. This park is also famous for the annual wildebeest migration, which sees millions of wildebeest cross over the Serengeti into the neighboring Masai-Mara National Park in Kenya.

The sight is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on the planet, bringing thousands to the park to witness this event, and enjoy the abundant game and bird life that makes this one of the top destinations for camping safaris in Africa.

Contact OverlandingAfrica.com for all your camping safaris in Africa or post your comments below.

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Africa, Whats Hot! | No Comments »

On a budget? Travel to South Africa and get real bang for your buck!

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Looking for the perfect tour without breaking the bank?

Budget travel in South Africa offers an excellent safari experience at affordable prices – ensuring a memorable tour in one Africa’s most diverse and interesting countries.

While it may not seem too obvious choice for a safari compared to ‘wilder’ destinations such as Botswana or Namibia, South Africa is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for safari and game viewing.

With no malaria to worry about, and one of the world’s largest and most famous game reserves at Kruger National Park, South Africa also boasts the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), spectacular bird life, and lush biomes ranging from desert to shrubs and forests – offering an excellent destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a riveting safari experience in Africa.

Here are some of the biggest advantages to choosing South Africa as your safari destination:
- Easy on your wallet
South Africa budget travel gives you all the benefit of a tourist-friendly economy with competitive prices on all goods – especially basics such as food and supplies. With excellent deals from leading travel agencies in the country, visitors can be sure that they are getting affordable rates on overlanding tours, accommodation, flights and any other travel related expense, and still have spending money that will stretch if spent wisely (this means avoiding the over-priced ‘tourist trap’ goods such as curios!). The Euro, Pound and Dollar are especially strong to the Rand giving visitors from these destinations an even bigger budget advantage. Plus, there are many great specials for off-season travel on offer in South Africa.

- Spectacular wild life and bird life
Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or simply love to enjoy nature, South Africa is sure to provide an amazing experience. With a range of environments to explore, plus hundreds of endemic and migratory bird species, an abundance of game ranging (from small mammals such as the ubiquitous dassie to baboons), all the way up to large predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah, the country has a wide diversity of species across its various regions. Plus, South Africa is also home to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, which is one of the largest reserves in the world. Budget travel in South Africa helps you get the most out of your experience with a number of tour options ranging from short tours to long tours.

- Diverse and colourful cultures and traditions
Another major highlight to enjoy with South Africa budget travel is the diverse culture of its people. South Africa is one of the few countries on earth that has eleven national languages, with each major tribe represented. Although English is widely spoken throughout the country, you may also hear local languages such as Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho and many others during your travels. In addition to this, there are a number of different racial groups, religions and cultures present – creating a melting pot of culture that has its own unique charm. During your tour, you may have the chance to witness traditional dancers, visit a local shabeen, try delicious dishes such as samoosas, boboti, boerewors, rotis, seafood or bunnychow to name but a few, or simply enjoy the warm hospitality and engaging nature of South African locals.

- Wide range of things to see, try and do
Yet another major benefit of South Africa budget travel is the wide number of activities and attractions on offer across the country, all at highly affordable rates. Speak to your travel operator or OverlandingAfrica.com for more information on things do with budget travel in South Africa.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Southern Africa, Whats Hot! | 2 Comments »

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.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Tours, Whats Hot! | No Comments »

OverlandingAfrica launches hot ‘Overland In My Shoes’ Facebook App!

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The IT geeks here at OverlandingAfrica are a-flippin-mazing!

We didn’t want our travellers to waste valuable overland trip time sitting in front of a computer – so we invented a nice, easy Facebook application to update your wall for you automatically!

A short update posted on your ‘Wall’ tells your Facebook friends where you are and what you are seeing today – so they can share your Overland experience with you and literally ‘Overland In My Shoes’!

I hope it doesn’t make them too jealous!

Check it out!

Share

Tags: ,
Posted in News Flash, Whats Hot! | 1 Comment »

Top 6 Morocco Adventure Activities

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

camel treksmlAfter the kasbahs and sightseeing, there are still plenty of activities to keep the adventurous busy while the rest of us laze on the beach!

Check out the top 6!

Surfing and Kiteboarding
Year round consistent wind make Essaouria and Agadir popular water sport destinations. These seaside towns are a 2 to 3 hour bus ride from Marrakesh.  Rent equipment and lessons by the hour, day or week.

Desert Motorbiking
For a great open road experience try biking in the Sahara desert and Atlas Mountain area. Most tours or motorbike rental operations are based in Ouarzazate and offer tours for everyone, novice to expert. You can fly into town from Casablanca or get a taxi from Marrakesh.

Mountain Biking
The Anti Atlas Mountains in Morocco’s South West is the perfect location to get off-road and mix it up. Rent a bike in Fes for around 20 Euro per day.

Rock Climbing
Cliffs up to 1000 ft suitable for climbing can be found in Morocco. Todra Gorge and Tafouroute are a 5-8 hour drive from Marrakesh. Climbers need to come fully equipped since no local rentals are available.

Camel Trekking
Erg Chebbi dune field near Merzouga is only 50km south east of Erfoud and has the highest and most spectacular sand dunes in Morocco. Catch a Supratours bus (next to the Marrakech Train Station) with your final destination being Erfoud, Rissani or Merzouga. Once there, see any hotel – they can book the trek for you.

Hiking Jebel Toubkal
Only 65 km from Marrakesh is Morocco’s highest peak. A two day trek will take you to the 4167 m summit of Mount Toubkal. It is not an extremely difficult hike but can be cold in the winter.

For Morocco overland trips and Morocco budget travel contact the team at OverlandingAfrica.com or leave your comments below.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in West Africa, Whats Hot! | No Comments »

Overland Tours – The Secret to Finding Discounted African Safaris

Friday, May 14th, 2010

OverlandtoursOne of the biggest attractions of overland tours is that they allow you to travel even on a tight budget. That Africa safari, is now made possible! With the recession still fresh in many consumers’ minds, and the huge costs involved with travel these days, it can be hard to know where to go to find a great travel deal – especially for those who have longed to visit Africa, but simply don’t have the funds for an expensive tour package.

To help travellers find their perfect safari even on a shoestring budget, here are some excellent tips to help find affordable safaris, whatever your budget may be:

1.    Research
There are hundreds of discounted African safaris out there, just waiting for you to try. A simple web search on Google will bring up loads of results – try searching for discounted safaris in Africa, and you will get pages of results that you can check out and compare to find the discounted safaris that best suit your budget and travel needs.

2.    Off season safaris
Generally, peak season overland tours tend to never be discounted, with the off or low season safaris offering great discounts. Africa is situated in the southern hemisphere, which means that summer takes place between December and February – a time that coincides with school holidays across the continent, as well as peak tourist season as many flock to warmer areas to escape the cold winter in the northern hemisphere. Winter on the other hand is low season in Africa, and with less tourists, prices tend to drop. Game viewing is still excellent during winter months, and bird watching is also fairly good, so travellers will still be able to get the full African safari benefits, even if it may be a bit quieter with more rain during these months.

3.    Tour groups
Solo travel has its advantages, but group travel offers far more benefits – especially in terms of prices. Overland groups are the best way to enjoy discounted African safaris, cutting down costs and also adding to the Africa safari experience by allowing you to meet new people, and enjoy a thrilling and rewarding overland adventure. More often than not, you will be able to save thousands when travelling with a group, especially if you choose a low budget camping tour option that stays overnight at camp sites and other cheap accommodation venues rather than luxury lodges and hotels.

4.    Tour planning
You may want to visit almost every country in Africa in one round trip, but realistically, you would be far better off planning carefully and choosing one or two countries that are located fairly near to each other. Each country in Africa offers incredible overland tour options, with abundant game, bird life, culture and activities to be found in almost every region. Choose one of the top overland destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania or Namibia, or focus on a longer safari that covers East African countries or Southern African countries, and you will get the full African feel, at a fraction of the cost of a Cape to Cairo trip.

5.    Short tours
To find the best budget safaris, you will also need to ask around to find the best tour options. If you have always dreamed of going on an Africa safari, but can’t afford a full tour, look for a short tour or even a day tour that departs from a specific location in Africa. If you are staying in South Africa on holiday for example, you could look for short tours that depart from South Africa to Namibia, Botswana or Zambia for instance, ensuring a short but rewarding discounted African safari.

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

Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Specials and Discounts, Whats Hot! | No Comments »

Awesome May Discounts on Africa Overland Trips!

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

OverlandtoursSo here is the deal…. Book any of the selected Africa overland trips in May, and travel any time before January 2011 and you get 10% off the tour price!

Easy right…? It gets better!

Bring a mate and get 12.5% off!
Bring 2 mates and get 15% off!
Bring 3 mates and get 17.5% off!

* Discount applies to tour price only and is for travellers booking together on the same departure date.

Check it out here…

Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Specials and Discounts, Whats Hot! | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

The Surf Reports by Category

Recent Posts

The History of Surfers

The Chilly Bin Surfer Archives