Here are four of the most appealing sites in the country for you to consider for your upcoming South Africa holidays:
Kruger National Park
There are many rest and campsites as well which are available to the public and require no special permits. These sites are hugely popular among backpackers and travelers on budgets since it provides an affordable way to experience the African wildlands and witness the majestic splendor of all its inhabitants.
Cape Town and Cape Peninsula
Cape Town was also significant during the time of Apartheid, serving as the home (and prison) of many notable leaders of the opposition party, most notable being Nelson Mandela himself. Robben Island, the site of the prison, has a long-standing history and is now open to visitors in the form of a museum. The island has served many purposes, ranging from worship site to leper colony, and has a well-documented record of events. Many of the guides are former prisoners themselves, and they walk visitors through the annals of the island’s many past lives, detailing the island’s (sometimes harrowing) political and historical accounts.
Stellenbosch, Winelands
Known as the “City of Oaks” for its wonderfully wooded streets, Stellenbosch has much to offer in the way of agricultural tours, museums and quaint architecture, and should be near the top of your list for a relaxed, but interactive South African getaway.
Johannesburg
Originally founded in 1886 due to the discovery of local gold deposits, the population skyrocketed to 100,000 over the span of ten years, and it remains the most populated city in all of South Africa. While most travelers choose to stay in Johannesburg for only a few nights, you would be remiss to not visit Johannesburg and experience the wonderful things that the city has to offer.
Bulungula Lodge
The different workshops available span from fishing classes to classic cooking techniques, agriculture workshops to traditional face painting. The main language spoken in Bulungula is Xhosa, and introductory lessons can also be arranged.
We all know that life with kids is the most fabulous experience that you can imagine, but it is also one of the most strenuous. As you may now understand, fun-filled family holidays are very important so that you can make memories to last forever. Let us look at a list of the top five fun-filled holiday ideas that your kids will go crazy for.
1. Argentina
A Visit to Argentina is like none other; and if you are bilingual and have an affinity for intriguing urban culture and the beauty of nature, this is the country to go.
The Beagle Channel Tour is ideal for your kids to visit sea lions and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
Your kids will develop a love for travel, planes, boats, and trains on things like the boat ride to Colonia, Uruguay that provides delightful activities for both you and the kids. And the Tren del Fin del Mundo, Ushuaia, otherwise known as the End of the World Train, is also worth having a ride on.
A tour of the Tierra del Fuego national park by bus is divine. The bus normally tours multiple localities, and you may visit different sites before hopping back onto the bus. Either way, a bus tour can be an excellent way to see the country
If you're looking for an authentic Argentinian lunch try El Charco while in Colonia. And if you need a ride, a golf cart can be rented to move around town and visit the colonial sites in style. SOmething the kids would no doubt enjoy
2. Mallorca
If your kids love to spend their holidays splashing about, then Mallorca is the perfect destination. There are rides and slides at Western Water Park, Aqualand, and Hidropark. And you can rent a villa in Mallorca with a pool so you and your kids can enjoy playing games whilst keeping cool.
Check out the natural parks at Cala Mondrago and Península de Llevant where you will find mysterious coves, enticing playgrounds and stone towers from an era of long ago.
Talking of long ago, walking along the Medieval Walls of Alcúdia is great fun for your kids.
The Castell de Bellver offers a superb view of the Badia de Palma, woodsy scented pine, and an intriguing museum.
The Santuari de Sant Salvador monastery offers exploratory opportunities along its ramparts and one of the most scenic panoramic views above Artà.
Mallorca is not without silky smooth sandy beaches and shallow blue-green waters at the Badia d'Alcúdia.
Have a boat ride along the way from the wondrous Blue Cave with ethereal turquoise waters to the Illa de Cabrera national park.
3. South Africa
There is a wide array of things for kids to do on a holiday to South Africa. Cape Town offers a Pirate-themed Adventure Mini-Golf Course which is open every day so that the entire family may enjoy. Don your most authentic pirate garb and enjoy exploring the 18 pirate-themed holes.
Visit African penguins at Boulder’s Beach Penguin Sanctuary. Who knew there were penguins in Africa? Your kids will have magical stories of this place. It can get a bit windy at times so be prepared for that but you don't want to miss out on this incredible sanctuary.
Bon-Af Berry Farm offers a delightful day of berry picking. Your whole family can join a guided tour of the farm and are given special containers to place the rewards that you have reaped. You pick juicy berries and have tea and other refreshments on the farm. There is also a tiny museum that displays artifacts from as far back as 1889.
Fishing at Magoebaskloof Getaway is another fun activity. You can enjoy catching and releasing catfish, bass, trout, and carp in the two scenic dams. You may fish at no cost unless you wish to keep your catch.
4. The Maldives
If you think that The Maldives is a honeymoon destination, think again. There are a number of child-friendly resorts like the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa and Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef to name a couple.
Another possibility is renting a hut on the beach so you can privately enjoy the gorgeous beaches with your family. And if you want to relax you can sit on your porch and watch the kids splash around the crystal clear shallow water.
Another great activity for kids is to take surfing for a spin. There are tons of ways to get started surfing in some of the most beautiful waters in the world.
Crab racing is another one of those activities that can occupy kids for hours. They can collect hermit crabs (ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length), examine them and then put them to race on the sand.
5. Cape Tribulation, Australia
There are Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cape Tribulation that both you and your kids would love. Some tours actually offer crèche options. This means that there is always someone available to look after your children if you want to explore a little farther.
There is a lot of flora and fauna to be seen at Cape Tribulation. Stroller access can be limited so you will have to be prepared to carry younger children, but the reward is more than worth it. Your kids will love exploring the fascinating rainforest. A more extreme option if you have older kids would be to take a night tour of the forest.
The Daintree Entomological Museum houses a large collection of live insects, including butterflies and various jungle insects. It also makes a great place for a family picnic.
Of course, there is the attraction of smooth sands and unbelievably clear waters that no one can say no to. This is perfect for spending the day with your children building sand castles, scavenging, searching for seashells and having loads of fun!
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1. Argentina
The Beagle Channel Tour is ideal for your kids to visit sea lions and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
Your kids will develop a love for travel, planes, boats, and trains on things like the boat ride to Colonia, Uruguay that provides delightful activities for both you and the kids. And the Tren del Fin del Mundo, Ushuaia, otherwise known as the End of the World Train, is also worth having a ride on.
A tour of the Tierra del Fuego national park by bus is divine. The bus normally tours multiple localities, and you may visit different sites before hopping back onto the bus. Either way, a bus tour can be an excellent way to see the country
If you're looking for an authentic Argentinian lunch try El Charco while in Colonia. And if you need a ride, a golf cart can be rented to move around town and visit the colonial sites in style. SOmething the kids would no doubt enjoy
2. Mallorca
If your kids love to spend their holidays splashing about, then Mallorca is the perfect destination. There are rides and slides at Western Water Park, Aqualand, and Hidropark. And you can rent a villa in Mallorca with a pool so you and your kids can enjoy playing games whilst keeping cool.
Check out the natural parks at Cala Mondrago and Península de Llevant where you will find mysterious coves, enticing playgrounds and stone towers from an era of long ago.
Talking of long ago, walking along the Medieval Walls of Alcúdia is great fun for your kids.
The Castell de Bellver offers a superb view of the Badia de Palma, woodsy scented pine, and an intriguing museum.
The Santuari de Sant Salvador monastery offers exploratory opportunities along its ramparts and one of the most scenic panoramic views above Artà.
Mallorca is not without silky smooth sandy beaches and shallow blue-green waters at the Badia d'Alcúdia.
Have a boat ride along the way from the wondrous Blue Cave with ethereal turquoise waters to the Illa de Cabrera national park.
3. South Africa
Visit African penguins at Boulder’s Beach Penguin Sanctuary. Who knew there were penguins in Africa? Your kids will have magical stories of this place. It can get a bit windy at times so be prepared for that but you don't want to miss out on this incredible sanctuary.
Bon-Af Berry Farm offers a delightful day of berry picking. Your whole family can join a guided tour of the farm and are given special containers to place the rewards that you have reaped. You pick juicy berries and have tea and other refreshments on the farm. There is also a tiny museum that displays artifacts from as far back as 1889.
Fishing at Magoebaskloof Getaway is another fun activity. You can enjoy catching and releasing catfish, bass, trout, and carp in the two scenic dams. You may fish at no cost unless you wish to keep your catch.
4. The Maldives
Another possibility is renting a hut on the beach so you can privately enjoy the gorgeous beaches with your family. And if you want to relax you can sit on your porch and watch the kids splash around the crystal clear shallow water.
Another great activity for kids is to take surfing for a spin. There are tons of ways to get started surfing in some of the most beautiful waters in the world.
Crab racing is another one of those activities that can occupy kids for hours. They can collect hermit crabs (ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length), examine them and then put them to race on the sand.
5. Cape Tribulation, Australia
There is a lot of flora and fauna to be seen at Cape Tribulation. Stroller access can be limited so you will have to be prepared to carry younger children, but the reward is more than worth it. Your kids will love exploring the fascinating rainforest. A more extreme option if you have older kids would be to take a night tour of the forest.
The Daintree Entomological Museum houses a large collection of live insects, including butterflies and various jungle insects. It also makes a great place for a family picnic.
Of course, there is the attraction of smooth sands and unbelievably clear waters that no one can say no to. This is perfect for spending the day with your children building sand castles, scavenging, searching for seashells and having loads of fun!
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Many people already have South Africa on their bucket list and for good reason. Based at the southern most tip of Africa it is a beautiful location rife with safari destinations like Kruger National Park as well as stunning beaches perfect for surfing. There are also large bustling cities, stunning forests and of course the famous Table Mountain to explore.
Most people I encounter that have been or are planning a trip seem to look to Cape town or Johannesburg as the spot to lay their heads and explore. I recently discovered Durban and love the elements of adventure, beauty, and seemingly never ending list of things to do.
So follow me on a journey to discover why Durban should be part of your next African adventure.
How to get there and where to stay
Ok I know you want to get to the good bits, the adventure and all the fun things to do in the Durban area but getting there and knowing where to stay are pretty important too so lets get that part out of the way and then move on to all the fun to be had.
The easiest way in would be by plane. There is a brand new international airport located 40 KM's from the town center called King Shaka International airport. From there you can opt for a taxi (most expensive) or a shuttle to whatever hotel you are staying in.
Alternatively if you are already in the area or choose to fly into one of the bigger airports there is also bus service as well as train service directly to the city center. You can also take a cruise although there are not very many that port in Durban. Even a passage on a freighter is possible but only if you are looking for an interesting journey!
As for places to stay there is a lot of room for discovery. There are loads of great places to stay that fit just about any budget! Everything from a backpackers hostel to a luxury resort is available in the city and surrounding area, As with every post I write about where to stay I suggest you do some due diligence and focus on budget and location. We discovered early on in traveling that even if you have a great day rate if you are super far from where all the action is then you'll pay heaps getting around as well as waste time on all the in between.
Best budget option seems to be Black Mamba backpackers lodge, although the name may dissuade you. Too many mid range spots to pick just one. As for luxury there, again, are plenty of options but The Quays, locates right on the water looks to be about as luxurious as anyone could ever need.
What to see and do
South Africa has so much to offer and nearly all the good spots can be reached quite easily from Durban as a side trip. I won't bother mentioning all the must see spots on South Africa as most of you already have those on the bucket list. Instead I will focus on Durban specific sites. Here is a list of all the best ones that I have discovered:
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| Photo by Pe_Wu |
So follow me on a journey to discover why Durban should be part of your next African adventure.
How to get there and where to stay
Ok I know you want to get to the good bits, the adventure and all the fun things to do in the Durban area but getting there and knowing where to stay are pretty important too so lets get that part out of the way and then move on to all the fun to be had.
The easiest way in would be by plane. There is a brand new international airport located 40 KM's from the town center called King Shaka International airport. From there you can opt for a taxi (most expensive) or a shuttle to whatever hotel you are staying in.
Alternatively if you are already in the area or choose to fly into one of the bigger airports there is also bus service as well as train service directly to the city center. You can also take a cruise although there are not very many that port in Durban. Even a passage on a freighter is possible but only if you are looking for an interesting journey!
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| Photo by Simon Sutcliffe |
Best budget option seems to be Black Mamba backpackers lodge, although the name may dissuade you. Too many mid range spots to pick just one. As for luxury there, again, are plenty of options but The Quays, locates right on the water looks to be about as luxurious as anyone could ever need.
What to see and do
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| Photo by Brian Snelson |
- Durban Botanical Gardens
- Berea Ridge
- City Hall, art gallery and library
- Crocodile Creek
- Ghandi Setlement
- Japanese Gardens
- Golden Mile beaches
- Skydive
- Casino nights
- uShaka Marine world
- Greyville Horse racing course
- Shark Institute
- Blue Wilderness Marine adventures
- Multiple festivals throughout the year
- Yacht charter centers
- Shopping at: Gateway Theater of shopping, Victoria Street market, Pavillion, African Arts Center, BAT center on the waterfront
- Umgeni River Bird Park
- Mitchell Park Zoo
- Explore and shop the Indian district
- Tala Game Reserve
So as you can see there is no shortage of fun to be had for people of all ages. Everything from lounging on the beach, to gambling at the casino or horse track to viewing some of the best wildlife in the world. There is one amazing adventure to be had after another!
So only one last thing to do....book your flight and head to Durban now!!
Casino, or gambling trips, have been on the rise over the past few years. Even though children cannot enjoy the casino floor there are quite a few locations around the world that offer so much more than just the casinos they are known for.
I never did understand the idea of spending day after day in a casino. So below I have compiled a list of great spots around the world to enjoy a beautiful casino while at the same time enjoying what the region has to offer. Places that offer gambling and luxury for adults with great culture and adventure for kids of all ages.
I already covered US locations to enjoy casinos so no US areas made the list! Everyone knows that Vegas and Atlantic city along with places like Monte Carlo are casino havens but what about the lesser known locations? Can they, in fact, be family vacation spots?
You may want to do a practice run at an online casino first to brush up on those skills. Picking the right one can be a bit of a minefield though however there are some good guides out there to picking the right one.
Without further ado, here is my top 5 list of the lesser known casino hot spots around the world. You can decide for yourself if you think it would make for a great family locale.
Argentina
Mendoza, a beautiful mountain town located between wine country and the Andes mountains also offers one of the most beautiful casinos in the world. State of the art facilities including a variety of table games and slot machines makes it a great spot for gambling while the general area offers skiing, hiking, water parks, biking, spas, wine tastings, and so much more. I know my family would have a blast and that my husband and I would also enjoy a little gambling in the evening.
Mendoza is stunningly beautiful. If you have more time you can visit surrounding areas as well as try your hand at learning Spanish or catch one of the regularly occurring festivals!
Macau
Have you heard of the Venetian in Las Vegas? Well did you know there is a sister casino in China? Me either. Apparently you can get the same level of luxury and variety in China as you can in Vegas. Well maybe not as much glitz but darn close. The casinos in the area tick off all the boxes on what you'd like to see in any casino but it is the surroundings that make it a wonderful getaway for couples as well as families.
You can experience world class shopping, every type of spa treatment ever devised, as well as enjoy entertainment shows daily. Macau is a huge city that offers many opportunities for culture and language acquisition. Museums, beaches, and hiking are available as are many exciting things to see and do in neighboring cities. It is a long way to Beijing but hey, you are there anyway right?!
Do remember to work on your visas in plenty of time for your trip. China is known for being difficult and time consuming in regards to obtaining visas.
South Africa
Personally I have been wanting to visit South Africa for a long time. It is an iconic area in Africa and offers so much diversity there is no way anyone could be bored. Everything from safaris and UNESCO heritage sites to diving, surfing and everything in between is available in this amazing corner of the world.
Unbeknownst to me there is also quite a casino mecca there as well. Sun City, a beautiful resort in the mountains is just one example. There you can enjoy every casino game and slot machine imaginable. You can also enjoy water sports, movie theaters, safaris, jazz clubs, and shopping. A little bit of something for everyone and I never even knew it!
Montreal
When I think of Canada I usually envision cold and the great outdoors. While that is what a lot of the country is like, there is also much more to it, from cosmopolitan cities to gaming meccas. Montreal, located in the Eastern province of Quebec is considered to be the cultural and economic capital.
Gaming is a huge business in this area so there will be no shortage of casinos and games to keep busy. While you are not gambling you and/or the family can enjoy a great number of alternate activities. There is history and culture in Old Montreal, museums and underground malls downtown, street art to admire around every corner, skiing, sating, and even a huge theme park to enjoy in the summer.
Aruba
Aruba has an entirely different feel than the other countries/areas I previously mentioned. It is a Caribbean island so beautiful water, ocean activities, and relaxing in the sun are going to be the main ways that families can enjoy their time outside of the casino. You can also enjoy natural pools, lighthouses, an aloe factory, bird sanctuaries, and butterfly farms. There are even a couple of shipwrecks you can explore!
That being said all of Aruba's main resorts have casinos and the age for entrance is 18 as opposed to 21 in the United States. Aruba's casinos offer all the favorite table games and slots as well as some that are unique to the island, but some casinos are not open 24 hours so be sure to factor that into your scheduling.
Can a gambling mecca work for a family vacation??
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| Photo courtesy of http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201208/lessons-living |
I already covered US locations to enjoy casinos so no US areas made the list! Everyone knows that Vegas and Atlantic city along with places like Monte Carlo are casino havens but what about the lesser known locations? Can they, in fact, be family vacation spots?
You may want to do a practice run at an online casino first to brush up on those skills. Picking the right one can be a bit of a minefield though however there are some good guides out there to picking the right one.
Without further ado, here is my top 5 list of the lesser known casino hot spots around the world. You can decide for yourself if you think it would make for a great family locale.
Argentina
Mendoza, a beautiful mountain town located between wine country and the Andes mountains also offers one of the most beautiful casinos in the world. State of the art facilities including a variety of table games and slot machines makes it a great spot for gambling while the general area offers skiing, hiking, water parks, biking, spas, wine tastings, and so much more. I know my family would have a blast and that my husband and I would also enjoy a little gambling in the evening.
Mendoza is stunningly beautiful. If you have more time you can visit surrounding areas as well as try your hand at learning Spanish or catch one of the regularly occurring festivals!
Macau
Have you heard of the Venetian in Las Vegas? Well did you know there is a sister casino in China? Me either. Apparently you can get the same level of luxury and variety in China as you can in Vegas. Well maybe not as much glitz but darn close. The casinos in the area tick off all the boxes on what you'd like to see in any casino but it is the surroundings that make it a wonderful getaway for couples as well as families.
You can experience world class shopping, every type of spa treatment ever devised, as well as enjoy entertainment shows daily. Macau is a huge city that offers many opportunities for culture and language acquisition. Museums, beaches, and hiking are available as are many exciting things to see and do in neighboring cities. It is a long way to Beijing but hey, you are there anyway right?!
Do remember to work on your visas in plenty of time for your trip. China is known for being difficult and time consuming in regards to obtaining visas.
South Africa
Personally I have been wanting to visit South Africa for a long time. It is an iconic area in Africa and offers so much diversity there is no way anyone could be bored. Everything from safaris and UNESCO heritage sites to diving, surfing and everything in between is available in this amazing corner of the world.
Unbeknownst to me there is also quite a casino mecca there as well. Sun City, a beautiful resort in the mountains is just one example. There you can enjoy every casino game and slot machine imaginable. You can also enjoy water sports, movie theaters, safaris, jazz clubs, and shopping. A little bit of something for everyone and I never even knew it!
Montreal
When I think of Canada I usually envision cold and the great outdoors. While that is what a lot of the country is like, there is also much more to it, from cosmopolitan cities to gaming meccas. Montreal, located in the Eastern province of Quebec is considered to be the cultural and economic capital.
Gaming is a huge business in this area so there will be no shortage of casinos and games to keep busy. While you are not gambling you and/or the family can enjoy a great number of alternate activities. There is history and culture in Old Montreal, museums and underground malls downtown, street art to admire around every corner, skiing, sating, and even a huge theme park to enjoy in the summer.
Aruba
Aruba has an entirely different feel than the other countries/areas I previously mentioned. It is a Caribbean island so beautiful water, ocean activities, and relaxing in the sun are going to be the main ways that families can enjoy their time outside of the casino. You can also enjoy natural pools, lighthouses, an aloe factory, bird sanctuaries, and butterfly farms. There are even a couple of shipwrecks you can explore!
That being said all of Aruba's main resorts have casinos and the age for entrance is 18 as opposed to 21 in the United States. Aruba's casinos offer all the favorite table games and slots as well as some that are unique to the island, but some casinos are not open 24 hours so be sure to factor that into your scheduling.
So what do you think? Do these gambling meccas make for great family vacation spots?
South Africa is blessed with abundant nature that has been well preserved in state and private reserves. They offer the public a truly unique opportunity to get back to nature in safe and comfortable surroundings.
Since there are so many I thought I would compile a list of the top 10 I am hoping to visit soon:
Kruger National Park
The largest and most famous of South Africa’s parks is Kruger National Park in the east of the country bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is incredibly large, hosts the Big Five, and offers superb accommodation, meals, and guided safaris. A trip to the Kruger is simply a must.
Isimangaliso Wetland Park
Another large and beautiful park is the Isimangaliso Wetland Park cantered around St Lucia in the northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The St Lucia River is a magnificent experience, especially on boat safari, and the beaches and surrounding wetlands are truly fabulous. St Lucia is well adapted to receive visitors, and accommodation is very good.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a truly unique experience in the desert and semi-arid areas between the Namibia and Botswana borders. The park has the Big Five and some incredible bird life that is not seen elsewhere in the country, while accommodation is top-class.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in KZN is a fabulous park, Africa’s oldest and host to the Big Five. You can stay in luxury at the Hilltop Camp in the north or experience a more rustic experience at Mpila in the south. There are also private camps in the park, and regular open safari game drives take place.
Mkuze Game Reserve
Just nearby is the legendary Mkuze Game Reserve, a pretty basic bush experience accommodation and restaurant area, but a fabulous place, especially for birdwatchers with its incredible number of species. It is advisable to bring along a good deal of your own food and drink requirements.
Addo Elephant Park
The Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape is also a highly rated park with excellent elephant-viewing opportunities and great accommodation. Of all those listed I think this park would be the biggest hit with my kids. In Thailand we grew to love elephants so much and seek our opportunities to spend time with them as often as possible.
Pilansberg Game Reserve
Pilansberg Game Reserve, north of Johannesburg, is also a popular park for visitors to Sun City, and its relatively small size allows for good viewing of animals.
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site
The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site is a spectacular park with incredible mountain scenery offering a range of short, medium, and long hikes. Alternatively, just relax at one of the many hotels at the foothills of the mountain, or enjoy the wide array of family-orientated activities, from golf to horse riding and bicycling to tennis and bowls, or indulge in a body care treatment at one of the many spas.
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town takes in the fabulous Table Mountain, where you can drive to the top of signal hill, the Cape Peninsula with its fabulous point nature reserve with its abundant penguins, and False Bay, all while enjoying the comforts of the great mother city just a few minute's drive away.
Garden Route National Park
The Garden Route National Park, which includes the exotic forests of the Tsitsikamma, offers you a spectacular stretch of coastal wonders, taking in great towns like Knysna, where you can boat on the lagoon, and Wilderness, where you can take some great nature walks and also enjoy the beach.
All told, these are lifetime experience parks offering you memories you will never forget.
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| Wiki commons image |
Kruger National Park
The largest and most famous of South Africa’s parks is Kruger National Park in the east of the country bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is incredibly large, hosts the Big Five, and offers superb accommodation, meals, and guided safaris. A trip to the Kruger is simply a must.
Isimangaliso Wetland Park
Another large and beautiful park is the Isimangaliso Wetland Park cantered around St Lucia in the northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The St Lucia River is a magnificent experience, especially on boat safari, and the beaches and surrounding wetlands are truly fabulous. St Lucia is well adapted to receive visitors, and accommodation is very good.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a truly unique experience in the desert and semi-arid areas between the Namibia and Botswana borders. The park has the Big Five and some incredible bird life that is not seen elsewhere in the country, while accommodation is top-class.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in KZN is a fabulous park, Africa’s oldest and host to the Big Five. You can stay in luxury at the Hilltop Camp in the north or experience a more rustic experience at Mpila in the south. There are also private camps in the park, and regular open safari game drives take place.
Mkuze Game Reserve
Just nearby is the legendary Mkuze Game Reserve, a pretty basic bush experience accommodation and restaurant area, but a fabulous place, especially for birdwatchers with its incredible number of species. It is advisable to bring along a good deal of your own food and drink requirements.
Addo Elephant Park
The Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape is also a highly rated park with excellent elephant-viewing opportunities and great accommodation. Of all those listed I think this park would be the biggest hit with my kids. In Thailand we grew to love elephants so much and seek our opportunities to spend time with them as often as possible.
Pilansberg Game Reserve
Pilansberg Game Reserve, north of Johannesburg, is also a popular park for visitors to Sun City, and its relatively small size allows for good viewing of animals.
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site
The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site is a spectacular park with incredible mountain scenery offering a range of short, medium, and long hikes. Alternatively, just relax at one of the many hotels at the foothills of the mountain, or enjoy the wide array of family-orientated activities, from golf to horse riding and bicycling to tennis and bowls, or indulge in a body care treatment at one of the many spas.
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town takes in the fabulous Table Mountain, where you can drive to the top of signal hill, the Cape Peninsula with its fabulous point nature reserve with its abundant penguins, and False Bay, all while enjoying the comforts of the great mother city just a few minute's drive away.
Garden Route National Park
The Garden Route National Park, which includes the exotic forests of the Tsitsikamma, offers you a spectacular stretch of coastal wonders, taking in great towns like Knysna, where you can boat on the lagoon, and Wilderness, where you can take some great nature walks and also enjoy the beach.
All told, these are lifetime experience parks offering you memories you will never forget.
Have you been to any of these? Which was your favorite?
With the long winters in the US and the UK becoming drastically colder in recent years it makes sense for many people to go in search of hotter climates throughout this period. Knowing that some parts of the world will be experiencing their summer season around December and January, the chance to enjoy the sun whilst it is freezing cold back at home influences holidaymakers to book their trips away during this time. There are plenty of destinations which can be chosen to visit during the winter, three of which we have listed below:
Australia
Being on the other side of the world, Australia is widely recognised as being one of the sunniest locations to visit over winter. With reversed seasons compared to the US or UK it can get extremely warm Down Under, especially in central parts of the country. The vast majority of people will visit the notable port cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth and experience the vast array of beaches, cafes, lagoons and bars which attract thousands of locals and tourists alike.
It surely is a country that has so much more to offer than you’d think, with so many ways to see it, be it in luxury, by escorted jeep tour across the outback or even an exotic cruise holiday around the coast and out into further Australasia. Notable attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, Twelve Apostles and Ayers Rock.
South Africa
Although South Africa is in another hemisphere it is in the same time zone as the UK which means that jet lag can be avoided. Being one of the main colonies of the British Empire, it is an ‘Europeanised’ country on the African continent. This has forged South Africa into an extremely diverse location to visit with a multi ethnic society encompassing a wide variety of cultures, religions and languages. For tourists, you can visit modern cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, or take a more natural approach by travelling out to the more untouched towns deeper into the country.
Thailand
Thailand is a popular country to visit in winter due to its sunny climate and eclectic mix of tourist-friendly destinations. The majority of people will initially travel to the capital city Bangkok, although there are plenty of other areas that can provide your dose of sun over the winter months.
The Thai islands provide you with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and relaxing restaurants nearby to chill out in and soak up the conditions. Prices are generally reasonable for food, drink and accommodation all over the country. This means you can have that bit extra to spend on seeing some of the impressive Buddhist temples, experiencing a proper Thai massage, taking boat trips around the islands or simply enjoying the busy nightlife.
There are plenty of sunny locations all over the world for which you can travel during the winter along with the three listed above. Many countries in Africa, Asia and South America will have hot climates throughout November to March that make sense to visit during this period as a way to escape the sub-zero temperatures which hit the UK and US during the same time frame.
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Australia
Being on the other side of the world, Australia is widely recognised as being one of the sunniest locations to visit over winter. With reversed seasons compared to the US or UK it can get extremely warm Down Under, especially in central parts of the country. The vast majority of people will visit the notable port cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth and experience the vast array of beaches, cafes, lagoons and bars which attract thousands of locals and tourists alike.
It surely is a country that has so much more to offer than you’d think, with so many ways to see it, be it in luxury, by escorted jeep tour across the outback or even an exotic cruise holiday around the coast and out into further Australasia. Notable attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, Twelve Apostles and Ayers Rock.
South Africa
Although South Africa is in another hemisphere it is in the same time zone as the UK which means that jet lag can be avoided. Being one of the main colonies of the British Empire, it is an ‘Europeanised’ country on the African continent. This has forged South Africa into an extremely diverse location to visit with a multi ethnic society encompassing a wide variety of cultures, religions and languages. For tourists, you can visit modern cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, or take a more natural approach by travelling out to the more untouched towns deeper into the country.
Thailand
Thailand is a popular country to visit in winter due to its sunny climate and eclectic mix of tourist-friendly destinations. The majority of people will initially travel to the capital city Bangkok, although there are plenty of other areas that can provide your dose of sun over the winter months.
The Thai islands provide you with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and relaxing restaurants nearby to chill out in and soak up the conditions. Prices are generally reasonable for food, drink and accommodation all over the country. This means you can have that bit extra to spend on seeing some of the impressive Buddhist temples, experiencing a proper Thai massage, taking boat trips around the islands or simply enjoying the busy nightlife.
There are plenty of sunny locations all over the world for which you can travel during the winter along with the three listed above. Many countries in Africa, Asia and South America will have hot climates throughout November to March that make sense to visit during this period as a way to escape the sub-zero temperatures which hit the UK and US during the same time frame.
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Scuba diving isn't like anything else; it offers you a window into a completely different world - one that's tranquil, beautiful and, at times, dangerous. Equally, scuba diving in South Africa is different from diving in other destinations, largely because of the fact that its coastline touches two very different oceans - the Atlantic and the Indian.
Today, we're going to give you a glimpse of some of the best places to go scuba diving in the nation. The good news is that there's a strong PADI presence here and there are plenty of sites suitable for beginners as well as seasoned scuba divers, so there's scope to enjoy this activity no matter what level you're at. If you want advice on sorting out the basics of your holiday, like where to stay or what tours to take, check out what's on offer at Wanderforth.
Cape Town
Let's start by looking at one of the most popular tourist spots in South Africa, Cape Town. This city is something of a must-visit and probably more famous for its cultural attractions (as well as the spectacular Table Mountain) than its coastline, but that doesn't mean you can't find amazing dive sites here.
One of the joys of diving in Cape Town is that you can actually dive at the southernmost tip of the African continent. Meanwhile, creatures you can look forward to seeing in Cape Town's waters include broadnose sevengill sharks and Cape fur seals, while there are also some impressive wrecks and reefs.
False Bay
You can head out to False Bay during your stay in Cape Town. Around 30 km long, this bay has warmer seas than the Atlantic coast side of the peninsula, which generally makes for comfortable conditions.
What's nice about False Bay is the variety - you can't really pigeonhole it into any one type of dive. For instance, the Gordon's Bay and Simon's Town sites are home to spectacular, brightly coloured sea fans, while Smitswinkel Bay has a reputation for its amazing wreck dives.
While the dive sites here are really varied, you can broadly expect rockier terrain on the west and sandier bottoms in the east. Across both are kelp forests, which have better visibility and are home to creatures like the charmingly-named pyjama shark.
Gansbaai
Not far from Cape Town is Gansbaai, which is the place to come to if you have your heart set on an adrenaline-pumping dive. You see, at Gansbaai you can have a close-up encounter with a great white shark by going cage diving.
Depending on the company you dive with, you could travel to the Geyser and Dyer islands from Gansbaai's Kleinbaai Harbour to see these powerful creatures. As a quick tip, said harbour is just a 45-minute drive from Hermanus, which is the country's whale-watching capital. If you have time, it's well worth popping over there to spot these amazing giants.
Sodwana Bay
Last up we have Sodwana Bay, which is among the best-known dive sites in South Africa. Home to one of the world's most southerly reef systems, this bay has more than 1,000 fish species and a wide variety of corals - a combination that makes dives here utterly spectacular.
You can expect visibility of around 20 ft, while dives vary in depth from about 10 m to 30 m and deeper.
As you can see diving in South Africa can be fabulous, particularly if you are a diver. Now I just need to save up and convince the rest of the family to head there next!
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| Wiki |
Cape Town
Let's start by looking at one of the most popular tourist spots in South Africa, Cape Town. This city is something of a must-visit and probably more famous for its cultural attractions (as well as the spectacular Table Mountain) than its coastline, but that doesn't mean you can't find amazing dive sites here.
One of the joys of diving in Cape Town is that you can actually dive at the southernmost tip of the African continent. Meanwhile, creatures you can look forward to seeing in Cape Town's waters include broadnose sevengill sharks and Cape fur seals, while there are also some impressive wrecks and reefs.
False Bay
You can head out to False Bay during your stay in Cape Town. Around 30 km long, this bay has warmer seas than the Atlantic coast side of the peninsula, which generally makes for comfortable conditions.
 |
| Wiki |
While the dive sites here are really varied, you can broadly expect rockier terrain on the west and sandier bottoms in the east. Across both are kelp forests, which have better visibility and are home to creatures like the charmingly-named pyjama shark.
Gansbaai
Not far from Cape Town is Gansbaai, which is the place to come to if you have your heart set on an adrenaline-pumping dive. You see, at Gansbaai you can have a close-up encounter with a great white shark by going cage diving.
Depending on the company you dive with, you could travel to the Geyser and Dyer islands from Gansbaai's Kleinbaai Harbour to see these powerful creatures. As a quick tip, said harbour is just a 45-minute drive from Hermanus, which is the country's whale-watching capital. If you have time, it's well worth popping over there to spot these amazing giants.
Sodwana Bay
Last up we have Sodwana Bay, which is among the best-known dive sites in South Africa. Home to one of the world's most southerly reef systems, this bay has more than 1,000 fish species and a wide variety of corals - a combination that makes dives here utterly spectacular.
You can expect visibility of around 20 ft, while dives vary in depth from about 10 m to 30 m and deeper.
As you can see diving in South Africa can be fabulous, particularly if you are a diver. Now I just need to save up and convince the rest of the family to head there next!