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.
South Africa - Johannesburg
Tuesday 2nd March 2010
Travel Counsellor: Trish Hollis
Johannesburg - March 2010
I have been lucky enough to fulfill one of my dreams and Travel to South Africa.
On Arrival staying at the WestCliff Hotel in Johannesburg, such breathtaking views. Rooms were very spacious in size and the hospitality and food were awesome. Catering from the business traveller with excellent facilities, to the Single or Family Traveller. For the security conscious, the whole hotel is fully fenced with guards.
There are 11 official languages of South Africa and Johannesburg has 9 districts each with their own character. Visiting the jail where Mandela was and hearing the history really puts into perspective the harsh life that was led and the strength it took for some of the great men and women that lived there. Day trips around the city are certainly recommended with a guide.
A 2 hour bicycle tour through Soweto was certainly an experience not to forget. The hospitality of the South African's was so welcoming and sharing the local brew in a shebeen... view full story
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