Self Drive Safari Tips

Below is a video of a couple on a self drive safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park in South Africa.

In the video they pass on some excellent advice, including not to drive to fast whilst on safari as well as not to go out game viewing during the mid day sun.

Safari Holiday in South Africa

A very nostalgic video of a Safari Guide's view of working on Welgevonden game reserve in the Limpopo region of South Africa. Enjoy...

Safari Holiday and the Blue Train

One of the worlds great Train Journeys is the trip from Pretoria to Cape Town on South Africa's Blue Train. A vision of luxury, a five star hotel on wheels. Now the Blue Train will offer two new trips that combine the luxury train journey with a safari at Legacy's Bakubung Bush Lodge in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and a Golfers Breakaway in conjunction with Zimbali Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal.

There are two departure dates for each package in 2008 and each trip lasts for four days.

The Blue Train and Golf Holiday Package
You could be travelling on the Blue Train as well as enjoying a golfing holiday in South Africa, which includes two rounds of golf at Zimbali Golf Estate

Dates: 11 – 15 September 2008 and 13 - 17 November 2008. This 4 night package, departing on a Thursday evening, includes a return overnight journey on The Blue Train and 2 nights at Zimbali Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal on a B&B basis.

Prices are about £660 per person per person sharing in a Deluxe suite.

Blue Train and Safari Holiday
The Blue Train safari includes one overnight forward & one return day trip’s accommodation on The Blue Train, plus 2 nights at the Bakubung Game Lodge in the Pilanesberg Game reserve. You can also go on one guided game drive per day which is included in the price.

Dates: 24 Sept – 27 Sept 2008 and 29 Dec 2008 – 1 Jan 2009.

Prices from £525 per person sharing.

For more information, visit Bluetrain.co.za.

White Rhino on Safari

History of the Kruger

History of the Kruger National Park

The first evidence of human occupation in and around the Kruger Park stems from the one hundred rock paintings and 300 archaeological sites left by early humans thousands of years ago.

François de Cuiper, who led a Dutch East India Company expedition to the Kruger, was the first recorded European in the region. His expedition however was thwarted by an attack by local tribesmen.

Europeans and local farmers were attracted to the region by rumours of gold, and by the trade in precious goods such as ivory and skins. The rapid obliteration of the wildlife was noted by then president Paul Kruger, and he urged the Transvaal government to establish a wildlife reserve for the protection of the species. The Sabie Game Reserve, bordered by the Crocodile River in the south, the Sabie River in the north, the Lebombo Mountains in the east and the Drakensberg Mountains in the west, was established in 1898. Scottish-born James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed Sabie's head ranger in 1902. He proved to be a man with vision and fortitude, and eliminated poaching on the reserve. Not long after his arrival he was called Skukuza - he who sweeps clean - by the nearby Moçambique tribes. By 1905, the Park had expanded to seventeen thousand kilometres. In the 1920's it became clear that game reserves had tourist potential. Stevenson-Hamilton set out to exploit this new source of income. When he learned that the South African Railways had a nine day tour of the lowveld he immediately arranged an overnight stop at Sabie Bridge to be part of the itinerary. As public knowledge grew so did funds. The Park was opened to the general public in 1927. Over the years, the Kruger Park changed from an inaccessible expanse of wilderness with few camping areas and fewer roads to what it is today - a well-run National Park that is a national flagship for conservation.

One of the men who was in large part responsible for this remarkable transformation was James Stevenson-Hamilton, undeniable father of the Kruger National Park - "I had at least brought up Cinderella and launched her on her career. I loved her best when she was a pathetic and dust-covered little wench, derided and abused. Always I felt that, giver her chance, and her attractions recognised, unlimited possibilities lay before her. Now that she had become a Great Lady it was fitting she should be provided with custodians better suited to provide her new requirements (Upon retiring, 1946)."

In 1950 a research station was opened in Skukuza, which heralded a new era - research continues to this day, and Skukuza is still where the main research centre is housed. Nine years later an eighteen hundred kilometres fence protected the animals from the Kruger National Park from the outside world. Since traditional migrating routes of the herds were now cut off this caused many problems, which needed careful management.

On the 31st of May 1972 the Sabie and Shingwedzi reserves together with 70 privately owned farms were consolidated into the Kruger National Park, one of the great game parks of Africa. Important also was the Act of Parliament by which the park was established.

The last few years have seen the removal of fences separating the Kruger Park from the neighbouring reserves - Sabi Sand, Timbavati and Thornybush, allowing animals access to increased requisite resources and allowing tourists increased access to the game. In addition, the Kruger Park, which currently covers 2 million hectares, is to be extended into a Peace Park - the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. This massive reserve will incorporate the Kruger National Park, the Limpopo National Park of Mozambique and the Gonarezhou National Park of Zimbabwe into a 36000 square kilometre park larger than Switzerland.

The Kruger Park has been lauded for the professional management of its wildlife and people. It is a living monument to President Paul Kruger, James Stevenson-Hamilton and those that fought for the establishment of a large wilderness reserve, where dwindling African wildlife may still find refuge. The Kruger Park offers, without a doubt, one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the world. For more on the Kruger visit the Kruger section of the Safari Guide

Welgevonden

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Originally uploaded by arimathea

Driving in Welgevonden game reserve South Africa

Battle at Kruger

A battle between a pride of lions, a herd of buffalo, and 2 crocodiles at a watering hole in South Africa's Kruger National Park while on safari

Incredible video well worth watching

africa safari

Kruger National Park Wilderness Trails

Wilderness trails in the Kruger National Park allow adventurous visitors a close personal encounter with nature by traversing large areas of unspoiled wilderness on foot, under the guidance of armed and experienced trail rangers.

Wilderness Trails
No persons under 12. Maximum 8 per trail. Participants spend 3 nights in a wilderness camp accompanied by a trail ranger costs approx R2400.00

Olifants River Back-Packing Trail
Depart from Olifants on Sundays and Wednesdays between 01 April and 31 October. Duration 3 nights. Bookings are made per trail. Approx R10600,00 per trail (max 8 persons)

Mountain Bike Trails
For Full day trail all 6 spaces must be reserved. Currently available from Olifants only. Morning: R325,00 Afternoon: R185,00 Full day: R685,00

Lebombo Motorised Trail
Maximum 4 persons per vehicle. Duration 4 nights. Participants to supply own catering and equipment. Approx R5200,00 per vehicle

Kruger National Park Accomodation

Accommodation in the Kruger national Park South Africa
Kruger National Park Accommodation styles range from standard bungalow, to luxury safari lodge, to basic camp site, with prices to suit every budget. So whether you are a family on holiday, a serious safari camper, or just looking for a weekend break, there's bound to be something for you.

Main Kruger Park Lodging and Rest Camps: Self-catering, economy family cottages and guesthouses. Bungalows, chalets and huts.

• Skukusa Restcamp in Kruger National Park is the biggest and probably the most popular rest camp situated in the heart of Big Five territory and is easily accessed by road and by air. Skukuza Restcamp in Kruger National Park is capable of accommodating over 500 guests with 104 camp sites, 21 furnished safari tents, 180 economy bungalows, 20 luxury bungalows, 15 guest/family cottages, one dormitory and 4 luxury guesthouses. The myriad of birds and wild game in the area is easily spotted by going on bush walks and game drives. Wildlife documentaries are shown in an outdoor amphitheatre. There is a magnificent 9 hole (18-tee), Par 72 golf course available for golf enthusiasts. There are also facilities such as a shop, ATM, internet cafe, restaurant, library, fuel station and more.
  
  
• Crocodile Bridge Restcamp
  Just a stone's throw from the Mozambican border and Maputo, Crocodile Bridge Camp is rich in local history and is the best half-way house you could wish for. Accommodation and lodging at Crocodile Bridge Restcamp comprises of bungalows, safari tents and caravan/tent camping sites. This area around Crocodile Bridge Restcamp in Kruger National Park is flat scattered with Marula trees alongside the Crocodile River. The game viewing area is known as the 'Southern Circle' and is renowned for its concentration of different prides of Lion with different hunting techniques and behavior. It has an abundance of prides, heards, troops, packs and swarms. It is home to a larger percentage of the Kruger National Park's total Rhino population.
  
  
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  • An ideal camp from which to pursue the Big Five
  • Self-catering facilities are available for the independant camper
  • The camp comprises of bungalows, safari tents and camping sites
  • Amenities include a laundromat, grocery shop and liquor store
• Letaba Restcamp
  A green and thriving oasis, Letaba Camp offers comfortable accommodation with excellent game viewing especially for elephant and birds. The idyllic Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. At Letaba Camp you can choose between a guest house, cottage, bungalow, hut or a furnished safari tent, as well as camping and caravan sites for your lodging in Kruger Park.
  
  
  • Being close to 3 major dams, provides for excellent wildlife viewing
  • View game on a 3 hour night drive
  • Banking facilities, first aid and a fuel station are available
  • The Goldfields Environmental Education Centre is located within the camp
  • Guest houses, cottages, bungalows, huts or furnished safari tents
    
    
• Lower Sabie Restcamp
  From Lower Sabie Camp you have the opportunity to watch the endless procession of animals coming to drink at the Sabie River. A range of lodging options is available from a luxurious guesthouse to family cottages, huts, bungalows, safari tents and campsites at Lower Sabie Restcamp in Kruger Park. Lower Sabie’s accommodation caters to a variety of guest requirements.
  
  A very recent innovation at Lower Sabie Restcamp in Kruger Park has been the addition of dreamily romantic, semi-luxury 2-bedded tents, positioned so as to secure intimate privacy for each one.
  
  Each has its own small bathroom and kitchenette, and some have the added advantage of a river view for sightseeing. Three of the tents have been adapted for use by visitors with impaired mobility at Lower Sabie Restcamp in Kruger Park.
  
  
  • Large numbers of game are attracted to the plentiful water
  • An ideal family oriented camp with a wide range of activities
  • A wide variety of bird species will appeal to the avid bird watcher
  • Day and night game drives are available at Lower Sabie Restcamp
    
    
• Olifants Restcamp
  The Olifants River attracts large numbers of crocodile, lion and other game, The panoramic view from Olifants Rest Camp provides a perfect vantage point from which to spot wildlife.
  The 2, 3 and 4 single-roomed thatched bungalows fitted with en-suite facilities and kitchenettes afford panoramic views across the surrounding bushveld. One of the 2-bedded huts are specially fitted with aids for those with mobility difficulties, so they may also enjoy authentic Kruger Park lodging.
  
  Because Olifants Camp is situated in a transitional zone, 2 distinct types of vegetation can be found, offering a wide range of game. In the north, the low lying Mopane trees provide cover for Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Elephant.
  
  • Accommodation in bungalows, guest cottages and 2 luxury guesthouses
  • Picnic site and Kruger Park shopping facility
  • Abundance and diversity of wildlife and birds
  • Fully equipped Conference facilities accommodate 20 delegates
  • Mountain bike riding can be enjoyed

For more info and photos go to The Kruger National Park Safari Guide

Cape Town

Cape Town is the third most populous city in South Africa. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape.

Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Often regarded as one of the world's most beautiful cities because of its geography, Cape Town is the most popular South African destination for tourism

Table Mountain
Arguably one of the most well-known mountains in Africa, Table Mountain provides a magnificent backdrop to cosmopolitan Cape Town.

Famous for the tablecloth of clouds that pours endlessly down its slopes when the south-easter blows, this is a mountain of many moods and offers walkers and hikers a range of routes that vary from strolls to rigorous hikes.
You decide whether you want to reach the summit and revel in spectacular views of the city or simply stroll along in the cool shade of indigenous forest – which ever you choose you won't be disappointed.
The ancient Afromontane forest has a fairy charm as vines and canopies create a magical atmosphere.

Signal Hill and Lion's Head
If you face Table Mountain and look right you will see Lion's Head and Signal Hill, two popular destinations in their own right.

Lion's Head is a short but popular hike that offers 360 degree views of the coastline, the City and Mountain.
Signal Hill offers excellent views of the City and harbour. It is from here that the noon day gun marks 12:00.
The peak to the left of Table Mountain is called Devil's Peak.

Cape of Good Hope:
So named by Portugal's King John II this area has captured the imagination of European sailors such as Dias who first named it the Cape of Storms in 1488 and later in 1580 Sir Francis Drake who called it the "The Fairest Cape in all the World."

Rich in cultural and natural heritage this is one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa and includes the famous Cape Point. Due to the variety of wildlife that occurs here it is the only section of the park that is fenced and visitors should look out for Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok and Zebra.

Boulders Beach
Just around the corner from the seaside village of Simons Town turn left off main road to Boulders Visitor Centre to visit the famous colony of Jackass Penguins, so called for their hilarious braying call.
This beach is ideal for kids as immense boulders shelter the cove from currents and large waves - but please always take care.

Beaches
The park has a beach for all preferences. If you like to mingle with bronzed beach goers and enjoy a bit of a beach culture, try Llandudno on the Atlantic seaboard.

However, if you are more of a laidback beach user head south and try out Noordhoek, Kommetjie or Scarborough - all of which are spacious enough to accommodate crowds and are also good for watching the sun set.

The Cape of Good Hope section offers more wild and secluded beaches with the benefit of beaches on both the Atlantic and False Bay coasts.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront development has grabbed the imagination of Capetonian and visitor alike. With majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop and the unique interest of the 'working harbour', it is not surprising that the 'Waterfront' has become Cape Town's most popular attraction. Its success has largely been built upon local support and attracts over a million visitors a month, of which 70% are Capetonians.

Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain National Park, South African jewel, international tourism icon and Natural World Heritage Site.

Situated at the southwestern tip of Africa, the Table Mountain National Park, part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south - a distance of approximately 60 km.

The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay and has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope.

Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

The Park is recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora - with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats - is a truly remarkable natural, scenic, historical, cultural and recreational asset both locally and internationally. Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

A unique feature of the Table mountain national park is that it is primarily an open access Park with only three points where conservation fees are payable, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders and Silvermine, the rest of the Park is open access and free for all to enjoy.

Outdoor Activities
3-Day Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail
A luxury three-day, guided, portered, catered, hiking experience that links the cultural history of Cape Town city with the natural heritage of Table Mountain.

Mountain Biking
Several approved mountain biking trails exist within the park. These trails are limited to existing jeep tracks and roads only, and are found at Tokai Forest, Silvermine, Kloofnek to Mowbray Ridge and at the Cape of Good Hope. Mountain ClimbingThere are a number of approved climbing routes. Contact the Mountain Club of South Africa for further details, telephone (021) 465 3412.

Hang Gliding/Paragliding
This is available at Lion's Head and Silvermine.

Hiking Trails
There are many hiking trails within the park that appeal to a wide audience - from those wanting a short or leisurely walk to those seeking a longer and more challenging hike.

Water-based Activities
Spectacular beaches abound for sun-seekers. The numerous beaches and reefs encircling the Peninsula also permit surfing all year round, and the ample supply of wind in the Peninsula makes this area the ideal spot for wind-surfing and sailing enthusiasts. The clear waters of the Cape Peninsula also provide excellent scuba diving and snorkelling conditions, although a wetsuit is necessary to ward off the cold. There are tidal swimming pools at Oudekraal and at Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay at the Cape of Good Hope.

Angling
This is a very popular pastime, although there are seasonal and area restrictions determining where, when and which marine resources may be caught. The seas around the peninsula are a Marine Protected Area and there are restricted zones where no extractive sports are allowed.

For more information: African Safari Guide, the internet resource on your safari holiday to Africa