If you’re like us, you’ve probably puzzled over where the ‘deepest, darkest’ bit of Africa is. We’ve been there many times, wandered all over it, checked all the maps, asked all the guides and we still can’t find it. What we have found though, is a continent so large and diverse, so rich in history and culture, so full of opportunity and adventure; it would take a hundred Doctor Livingstones a thousand lifetimes to explore it. So you’d better get your skates on.
A holiday in Africa might entail a stumble along the wineroutes of Cape Town or a Cleopatra-like barge cruise down the Nile. It might mean a trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa, or stalking wild game, heavily armed with long-lens cameras, in the Kruger National Park. It might include a rail journey in some of the world’s most luxurious Pullman cars through some of the world’s most extraordinarily beautiful landscapes, or it might mean skinny dipping at night on the shores of Lake Victoria after a hard day tracking wildebeest on their annual migration.
Africa is naturally renowned for the its wildlife and you’d be hard-pressed to visit this continent without seizing a safari opportunity; think a gorilla safari in Uganda or bird spotting in Namibia, hippo spotting on the Zambezi or chimpanzee stalking on the Congo, just to whet the appetite. Naturally, the Big 5 are on most people’s agendas when they head south to the Kruger National Park area.
But it’s not all about wildlife; taking time to immerse ourselves in culture and anthropology has tremendous rewards in Africa. From the mighty warriors of the Masai, the Bushmen of the Kalahari, the Berbers of Morocco and the Pygmies of the Congo and dozens of others, there are histories and cultures spinning back millennia.
Holidays in Africa can’t be pigeon-holed into any category; there’s just so much diversity. To become an African explorer, call your Travel Counsellor and work with them to plan the holiday adventure of a lifetime.
What we love about Africa
It’s a nature-lovers’ paradise; the game parks make our own Dubbo and Werribee open range zoos seem a little tame by comparison.
Each of the 53 nation states offers a uniquely different holiday experience.
Madikwee and Morukuru Private Game Reserves
Sunday 7th March 2010
Travel Counsellor: Trish Hollis
The Madikwe Game Reserve, situated along the Botswana border, 90 km north of Zeerust, just three hours' drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, is now one of South Africa's prime safari destinations. Madikwe is a Big Five game reserve covering some 75,000 hectares. It is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities.
Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species including the Big Five and approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species.
With many lodges in the reserve we stayed at two, Madikwee Hills and Morukuru Lodge. Fantastic venues and well catered for families as well.
Madikwee Hills offers ten luxury air-conditioned suites, one four sleeper family unit complete with private plunge pool, mini-bar, fire place, outdoor shower and double indoor shower. I have to say the outdoor shower overlooking the game reserve is definitely a serene experience.
Morukuru... view full story
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