Ratanga Junction

South Africa’s top five theme parks promises plenty of fun

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Amusement or theme parks in South Africa go beyond offering just fantastical and frivolous fun; they incorporate educational and historical attractions to provide a more holistic experience the whole family can enjoy. South Africa’s top five theme parks can be found throughout the country and rank highly on the visitor’s list of must-dos.

Fun and learning go well together at South African styled theme parks. Carnival rides including looping rollercoaster rides, bumper cars and big wheels; exhilarating wildlife centred shows to historical attractions form the centrepiece around which these amusement parks revolve, catering for a wide variety of entertainment activities for all ages to enjoy.

1. Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City forms a comfortable combination of a multitude of exhilarating adrenaline-pumping gut-wrenching rides to a farmyard of animals, kiddie’s corner and an amphitheatre showcasing tribal dancing. Located in the heart of Johannesburg, this top rated theme park houses a museum offering a peak into 19th century life in Johannesburg that tells the golden tale of this metropolis’ beginnings, 30 thrilling adventure rides, underground tours of the still operational mine and gold-pouring demonstrations. Aptly named rides such as the Tower of Terror, the Anaconda, the Miner’s Revenge and the Golden Loop is just a sample of the breathtaking escapades available; although not for the faint-hearted.

2. Sun City theme park
This highly popular tourist attraction is situated in the North West province and is attached to the Sun City resort complex. The overwhelming number of family-oriented leisure and entertainment options is why this iconic theme park reserves its popular reputation with both local and foreign visitors. Entertainment options on offer are a variety of adventure sporting activities, safari tours, Valley of the Waves (a water park with a 6500m² wave pool, plunge pool) and Kamp Kwena (a children’s activity park with trampolines, mini-cars and adventure golf).

3. Ratanga Junction
Ratanga Junction is Cape Town’s offer to South Africa’s theme park contingent characterised by subtropical plants and winding waterways. Boasting over 30 attractions, 24 of which are scintillating heart stopping gravity-defying rides with names such as the Slingshot, The Cobra, The Diamond Devil Run, Congo Queen, Crocodile Gorge, Bushwhacker, and Monkey Falls; it comes as no surprise that this entertainment world ranks highly on the city’s list of tourist attractions. Shopping and leisure options presented by this theme park include snake and exotic bird exhibitions as well as live music shows.

4. uShaka Marine World
Located in the sun-kissed city of Durban is the world renowned uShaka Marine World. This visionary family-oriented entertainment complex is hard to beat for those wanting some fun in the sun. An underground aquarium, a water park complete with slides, splash and palm-lined swimming pools, recreation of a wreck of an old 1920 cargo ship, dolphin and seal stadium showcasing award-winning dolphin shows. For shopping enthusiasts there is Village Walk enclosed within the complex with over 11 250m2 of retail speciality stores, restaurants and other indigenous and tourist-focused goods and services.

5. Plett Puzzle Park
Fun-infused entertainment activities at the Plet Puzzle Park in Plettenberg Bay are a work out for both the mind and body. Attractions include the life-size 3D maze, the first of its kind in South Africa; a Rope Maze, jungle gym, coffee and gift shop. Navigate your way through the Forest Puzzle Walk with word, shape and general knowledge challenges.

Eco travel

Turn your holiday into a green eco friendly travel experience

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Responsible travel is growing in momentum and the travel industry has sat up and taken notice. Continuous growing worldwide concern for our vulnerable planet has seen many tourists opting to go green and adopt eco friendly practices in order to help save our natural resources and optimise their travel experiences.

The International Ecotourism Society defined eco tourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”.

In the drive towards conserving biological and cultural diversity, eco tourism and sustainable travel practices have become the critical factors to observing responsible travel behaviour. The history of eco tourism can be traced back to the late 1970s. Twenty years later and the phenomenon has become one of the fastest growing sectors of the global tourism industry.

The benefits of socially and environmentally sound travel principles have highlighted the importance of making green friendly choices in our daily living and incorporating such a lifestyle into the way we travel too. Going green is feel good and requires relatively very little additional effort.

Here are some ways in which you can turn your holiday into a green eco friendly travel experience:

1. Support local communities. By choosing to consume local produce as sourced from farmer’s markets, you get to savour authentic nutritious delicious food in addition to experiencing the culture.
2. When making air travel bookings, you would want to fly on the most fuel-efficient aircraft available. The Airbus 345 and Boeing 787 are good examples of eco friendly aircraft.
3. One of the easiest ways to incorporate environmentally friendly principles is to choose eco friendly activities whilst on holiday. Hiking, bicycling, kayaking, provide enormous opportunities for fun and unique perspectives on the landscapes.
4. You can begin planning your eco friendly holiday by researching a region for all it has to offer and appreciate its culture and nature’s treasures.
5. Reduce your carbon footprint on holiday by using eco friendly gadgets. Innovative technological developments have produced products such as solar-powered phones and rechargeable batteries.

Seeing that the tourism industry is very much consumer-driven, travellers can influence more ethical travel options being put into practice. Almost every industry is becoming environment conscious and the global travel industry is no exception. The green savvy traveller has plenty of options to making holidays eco friendly too. Green friendly hotels, lodges, tour operators, safari excursions, tourist activities and attractions all cater for the needs and concerns of the eco tourist.

Eco friendly accommodation should bear certification which assures you that the hotel observes energy and water conservation, contributes positively to the environment, holds a responsible position in the local community and has a waste reduction management plan in action.

Minimise your environmental footprint whilst on travel and enjoy the rhythms of the natural world through a green eco friendly travel itinerary.

Adventure travel

Accelerate your sense of excitement through adventure travel

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How do you pursue adventure whilst travelling on holiday? Accelerate your sense of excitement through adventure travel. A definitive holiday experience can be had, creating unforgettable memories.

Revitalize and invigorate your next holiday by engaging in exciting activities available on location. Transform yourself and your holiday. Resist being a mere passive spectator sightseeing by welcoming a myriad of thrill inducing activities such as surfing, canoeing, hiking, white-water rafting, caving, water-skiing, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, paragliding, ballooning, rock climbing, micro lighting, mountain biking or archeological expeditions, all of which provide spectacular fun.

Be an active participant on your holiday as adventure travel invites you to see the world in a new light and you get to meet new people in exotic foreign locations. Apart from providing heaps of excitement, you are also challenged to leap out of your comfort zone and learn new skills.

The very nature of adventure travel makes it difficult to pin down a precise definition as adventure is a relative term. In a broad sense adventure tourism refers to any domestic or international trip that features a minimum of two characteristics: physical activity, engaging with nature or a cultural learning experience.

Holidaymakers with the penchant for travel often seek unique travel destinations offering activities and unique experiences that are mostly adrenaline driven. Adventure travel in the tourism industry is a popular trend and an important, growing tourism segment. Latest statistics put the global adventure market at $89 billion according to xolaconsulting.com.

Tourists seeking exciting escapades represent a significant, growing market. Adventure travel in the current tourism industry is said to be 50% of all reasons why travel is undertaken by 2050. Dr Philippe Durverger conducted research which revealed that adventure travel has a stunning growth rate of 17% in relation to mass travel that has a consistent growth rate of 4%.

Adventure travelers are not defined by gender or age but by incorporating a superior interest in leading a stimulating life. A higher importance is placed on exploring new places, time spent in nature; meeting and engaging with local cultures and pushing through your physical limits.

Making the most out of your holiday requires much thought and proper planning. When trying to decide what would set your holiday apart from the ordinary, the following helpful points should be borne in mind:

• As most activities require some level of fitness, you should be realistic about which activities you would be comfortable to engage in.
• Allow some room for flexibility; put back–up plans in place should the weather not be conducive to outside activities.
• Choose reputable tour companies with experienced and trained staff.
• Make certain to protect yourself by reading all waivers carefully before signing.

Picture credit: Forbes.com

Mango airlines

Mango airline’s new ergonomically designed seats offer more passenger comfort

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South African passengers choosing to fly with Mango airline on its domestic routes will be happy to hear about the new seat rollout plan. Mango airline’s new ergonomically designed seats offer more passenger comfort; and are environmentally friendly with saving about 820kg in aircraft weight, resulting in overall emission reductions of up to 1, 7 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

The airline’s seat replacement programme commences this August with two new generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft sporting the new seats. The new seats are ergonomically designed to offer increased legroom. Nico Bezuidenhout, CEO of Mango Airlines, was proud to point out that, “The new seats will increase leg room by between 6 and 7.5 centimetres, depending on where you are seated, delivering one of the best seating configurations in domestic economy class”.

The new ergonomically designed seats feature the latest in aviation technology. The slimmer seats make more efficient use of available space and allow the airline to still maintain a 186 guest load capacity. The efficiency in space utilization does not affect the number of passengers allowed on board. The only difference the new seat replacement programme brings, says Mango, is the level of added comfort for passengers with the increase in legroom.

The airline believes that the latest developments in its seat replacement programme together with the on board Wi-Fi facility and its on-time performance record and distribution accessibility will grant it a competitive edge in the local airline industry.

“The seats are also more light weight, with a saving in excess of 1.7 million tonnes in carbon emissions annually due to less fuel burn once the programme is completed,” adds Bezuidenhout. “The savings in fuel allows Mango to lower its cost base even further, making it possible to contain fare affordability even more.”

The airline will see its local flight capacity increase by over 30 weekly flights thanks to the addition of the two new 737-800 airplanes. The increase in flight schedules will be on routes between Johannesburg and Durban, Durban and Cape Town; and between Cape Town and Johannesburg.
A Durban base for Mango is in the pipeline and set to be implemented later this year will house permanently stationed aircraft. According to the airline this will promote a more improved schedule to and from the city.

The increase in flight frequency on existing routes furthers the growth of the airline with new domestic and regional routes being planned for the future. “We have applied for a schedule operation to two east-African destinations and presently in the final planning stages for a seventh domestic port.” says Bezuidhout. At present Mango runs charter flights to Zanzibar for AfricaStay, a tour operator.

Hiking in Spain

Adventure activity holidays in Spain

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Holiday travel has become much more than just exciting exotic locations and soaking up the local culture as holidaymakers demand much more out of their travel experiences. Adventure activity holidays are becoming increasingly popular with more and more requests being made for sightseeing tours coupled with adrenaline-driven activities such as horseback riding, safaris, white water rafting, hiking, rock climbing, camping and zip lining in the hope for the more definitive holiday experience.

Adventure activity holidays in Spain can provide ultimate thrilling experiences with the added magic of picturesque landscapes. If you thought that all Spain had to offer was bullfighting and Flamenco dancing, then be prepared to be wonderfully surprised. Exquisite mountain ranges, miles and miles of coastline, olive groves, rivers and caves all showcase the natural marvels of Spain and sets the scene for all sorts of action-packed adventures.

Hiking is a popular adventure activity that is suited to the whole family and reveals Spain’s history and natural beauty in all its glory. Soak up the essence of Spain on a hiking expedition. There are plenty of footpaths, country lanes and forest tracks to meander along. There are hiking tours that cater for all levels and pace. The Circular Route Togores in Catalunya, rich in history, is perfect for the moderate hiking enthusiast. Collserola National park is also known as the ‘green lung’ of Spain and has enough wooded hills to delight the adventure seeker.

Traverse carefully designed horse trails on mild mannered horses on a number of horseback riding tours deep into beech forests, medieval fishing villages; circumvent extinct volcanoes or Spain’s charming coastline. Spain’s gorgeous geographic diversity from the towering Pyrenees in the north to the sun-kissed Mediterranean in southern Spain makes for riveting horseback riding adventures whilst exploring the deep cultural and historical roots of Spain.

A recent addition to the action-packed activities on offer on a visit to Spain is the growing popularity of zip lining adventures. The thrill unique to zip lining while whizzing through the air along the tree tops or inside canyons definitely contributes to the definitive holiday adventure. Zip lining circuits can be found at adventure parks too which provide rides that are family friendly as well as catering for the more intrepid adult adventurer.
A novel aerial adventure is gliding through the air 3 000 feet high on a hot air balloon ride. Admire panoramic views as only a hot air balloon ride can provide. Early morning rides make for the best experiences. Rides last anything from an hour to three hours long across diverse spectacular landscapes and unique points of interest.

Adrenaline addicted adventurers will be happy to note that white water rafting is growing in popularity in Spain. The surging Noguera Pallasera River provides 28 miles of foaming water on which to canoe, kayak or raft. An alternative aquatic activity is to ride the roaring river on a hydrospeed (a version of a boogie board for water). The best times to test your skills against the river would be in May or June with the swollen river fed by the snowmelt from the mountains.

No matter your choice of adventure activity, be it by air, water or on horseback, your holiday in Spain is sure to be unforgettable, packed with plenty of fun.

Picture credit: Stefano Buonamici

Little Karoo

Destination Little Karoo: a tourist’s introduction

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At first glance the appearance of the arid, dry bleak landscape of the Little Karoo in the Western Cape is quickly dispelled by majestic mountains, crystal streams, mystical caves and a unique biome studded with aloe and miniature baobab trees characterised by their yellow peeling bark and red tubular flowers. A tourist’s introduction to the Little Karoo (Klein Karoo) is met with the warmth and honest hospitality of the locals coupled by distinctive, unrivalled landscape beauty.

The Little Karoo is comfortably placed between the magnificent Outeniqua, Langeberg and Swartberg Mountain Ranges. For both local and international tourists, the region’s magnetic pull are its desert landscapes and wide-open skies which promise unforgettable stunning sunsets.

The word ‘little’ included in the name of this picturesque area bears no significance to the number of attractions available for any visitor to the region. Quite the opposite in fact. Little Karoo welcomes all visitors with a wealth of natural and man-made attractions guaranteed to delight all of the senses.

In the spring time, the Little Karoo showcases its colourful tapestry of flower fusion to visitors who descend on the area from around the globe in droves to witness the magic of desert sand converted into a profusion of colourful splendour.

Among its many claims to fame, the Little Karoo boasts being home to possibly the world’s longest wine route and most diverse wine producing region in South Africa – Route 62. Thanks to its semi-arid climate and winter rainfall, the region’s winemakers are adequately equipped to producing an extensive range of good quality wines. This ability may be attributed to the vines grown in the fertile alluvial soil found along the river banks.

On the calendar of top attractions is one of the country’s favourite events – the Little Karoo Arts Festival. South Africa’s blend of talent, from artists to musicians to craftsmen, all come together to display and celebrate their spectacular God-given gifts. Hosted by the town of Oudtshoorn, the festival flaunts a fabulous array of music, fine art, poetry, drama and food that would satisfactorily satisfy any festival-going fan.

Another major inducement to including a visit to this incredibly fascinating area is the Cango Caves. Located about 30 km out of Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves houses some of the largest stalagmite formations to be found in the world. These spectacular limestone structures were set about many millions of years ago. Some names include: ‘the bridal couple’, ‘glass flower fantasy’, ‘weird cango candle’ and ‘the hanging shawl’.

The towns of Little Karoo mirror the history and unique culture of this expanse of South Africa. Oudtshoorn, the main town is regarded as the ostrich feather capital of the world owing to its ostrich rich farming industry.

Calitzdorp prides itself on housing four wine estates. The nearby Gamka Mountain Reserve is where the endangered Cape mountain zebra can be found.

It is not just scintillating scenery that captures the heart of the visitor to Little Karoo. The quaint Victorian village, De Rust, makes adventure activities available to tourists. These are in the form of hiking trails, horse rides and 4×4 drives.

The quiet rural atmosphere and breathtaking views of Little Karoo makes it a perfect place to be at one with the natural world and should be on every travel itinerary to South Africa.

Long stopover

A traveller’s survival guide to long stopovers

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Surviving a long stopover begins with a change in perception. Glass half full or half empty? Airport stopovers are becoming more of a traveller’s reality as airlines, in their efforts to lower operating costs, are decreasing the more expensive direct flight option. A traveller’s survival guide to long stopovers begins with a positive frame of mind, forethought and planning.

Research the airport’s facilities

Seeing that an airport may be where you will be spending a good few hours, it is well worth taking a look a closer look at the airport’s facilities. Information is vital. Most of the larger busier airports have extensive facilities to soothe away the stress and strains of air travel.

The airport’s website is ideally your first go-to-point for information. Are there pay-to-enter lounges, restaurants, shops, shower facilities, spa treatment facilities, gym, children entertainment areas, internet facilities or any other facilities of interest to you? However unlikely it may be, should the airport you’re researching not have found its digital voice, ask your travel agent or family and friends who have been to the airport before for more ideas on how to make the most of your stopover time there.

You may not want to carry around unnecessary baggage that weighs you down. Investigate whether there is baggage deposit services available to store baggage that you will not need while you make the most of the airport’s stopover facilities.

Long stopover activities for travellers

• Take in a short sight-seeing tour
A long stopover, of more than five hours between flights, is an ideal opportunity to take in the city’s local tourist attractions that are in close proximity to the airport. Making use of the direct trains or bus services is a wiser option than expensive taxi fares and safer should the city suffer heavy congested traffic.

• Exercise
After being seated for hours during a long-haul flight, aching muscles and joints will be in need of a good stretch. A good long walk around the airport will be good for keeping the circulation in your body going and will give you the opportunity to become familiar with the layout of the airport. You could also use the exercise to find the next flight’s departure gate and not waste unnecessary time in trying to find it just before your flight takes off.

• Pamper and refresh weary body
A great idea would be to treat you to a massage or an indulgent facial should the airport offer Spa treatment facilities. A rejuvenated body goes a long way to making a weary traveller feel loads better.

• Window shopping whiles away the time quite easily
Window shopping can be as fun as regular shopping but without adding to the weight of your luggage with unnecessary items.

South African Airways Airbus A320

SAA’s latest acquisition of two Airbus A320s pumps new lifeblood into its fleet

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South African Airway’s initiative to turning around its financial woes began with it securing a contract with Standard Charter Bank to finance half of the airline’s order of 20 Airbus A320s. Two of the 10 A320 aircraft have already been delivered to SAA.

It is hoped that the fuel efficient A320 aircraft, destined for domestic and regional flight routes, will channel the South African airline back into profit making margins. SAA hopes to strengthen its expansion plans in Africa with the aim of being the carrier of choice on the continent.

This first step, in yet another turnaround strategy for SAA, was made possible after the airline secured finance from UK-based Standard Chartered Bank, an influential aviation finance company. The value of the contract between South Africa’s national carrier and Africa’s biggest airline and Standard Chartered Bank remains undisclosed.

Monwabisi Kalawe, recently appointed CEO of SAA said, “The deal will significantly enhance SAA’s domestic and regional growth strategy … the aircraft are central to SAA’s plans to provide an efficient and comprehensive regional route network.”

In addition to its domestic routes, SAA plans on introducing new aircraft on its long-haul routes which has been a major cash drain on the airline’s accounting sheets.

“Our long-term turnaround strategy has identified some big ticket items responsible for our high operating costs. These include high fuel costs as well as the use of fuel-inefficient aircraft. This deal provides the necessary solution by securing a new generation, fuel efficient fleet for us,” said Kalawe.

A melange of contributing factors has been the cause of SAA’s financial woes: exchange rate volatility, a fiercely competitive air travel market and rising fuel costs with fuel bearing the heaviest weight. The duration of most of SAA’s long-haul flights average above six-and-a-half hours. The longer the flight, the more fuel is needed. SAA’s fuel bill saw its operating costs increase by R 2.2bn which resulted in a loss of R 1.25bn in 2012.

“We are delighted to receive our first two A320 aircraft. Operating a modern and homogenous fleet plays a significant role in cost reduction and boosting revenue. The A320 will assist SAA to achieve this while providing our passengers with a more superior cabin product,” said Kalawe. The A 320 aircraft pumps new lifeblood into the airline’s fleet as it retires its aging fleet of Boeings.

The A 320 airplanes boast IAE-V2500 engines and is characterised by a two cabin arrangement which allows for the seating of 24 passengers in business class and 114 in economy.

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer is equally confident that SAA’s has made the right choice in choosing A320 aircraft to help shed its loss-making reputation. “SAA has long been regarded as a bellwether for Africa on aircraft selection and we are looking forward to expanding our relationship. Our reliable, fuel efficient and comfortable A320s will give SAA a competitive edge and help the airline achieve sustainable profitability,” he said.

Picture Credit:Clement Alloing
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Top 10 National Parks of South Africa

Top 10 national parks of South Africa

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South Africa is the ultimate in wildlife viewing destinations. Two of the world’s most widely acclaimed wildlife reservation areas and more than 20 National Parks dedicated to the protection of its precious natural assets, South Africa is unrivalled in its ability to provide spectacular opportunities to experience the majestic beauty of the natural world in this part of Africa.
The incredible range of protected wildlife regions encompasses diverse landscapes. Deserts, forests, open savannahs, mountains and coastal areas showcase both animal and plant worlds to their advantage.

1. The Kruger National Park
The flagstone and forerunner of national parks in South Africa, the Kruger National Park draws in millions of international tourists and local visitors annually. Representing the largest of all parks in South Africa, there are a multitude of activities to enjoy in almost two million hectares of diverse terrain. Impressive statistics speak of 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Walking safaris and game drives provide an unforgettable personal experience of life in the bush.

2. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Northern Cape)
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is the second world renowned of South African parks. Its unique characteristic is being a sizable ecosystem without man-made barriers and comprises two adjoining national parks straddling the South African and Botswana borders. An abundance of wildlife including 200 species of birds can be observed in habitat of red sand dunes, dry river beds and occasional trees.

3. Mapungubwe National Park (Limpopo)
A World Heritage Site, the great ruins at Mapungubwe talk of human civilization in existence around 850 AD. Rich fossil deposits, Bushman rock art, giant baobab trees and riverine forests are just some of the secrets this transfrontier National Park wishes to share.

4. Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park (Kwazulu Natal)
The third largest park in South Africa and a World Heritage Site, Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park has 328 000 hectares of scintillating scenery. The coastline boundary consists of 280km of coral reefs and pristine beaches. Other habitats contained within the park are coastal forests, lush coastal plains and woodland areas.

5. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park (Kwazulu Natal)
The oldest game reserve, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park prides itself in being home to Africa’s ‘Big Five’. The park has facilitated optimal viewing pleasure of lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinos which remain the prime attractions.

6. Addo Elephant Park (Eastern Cape)
This magnificently diverse national park showcases a wide variety of wildlife including the Black Rhino, species of antelope and Cape Buffalo. The park’s name takes its cue from the main attraction – the African Elephants that call the park home, numbering over 350. Apart from game viewing, visitors can also expect outdoor adventure and cultural experiences.

7. Table Mountain National Park (Cape Town and Cape Peninsula, Western Cape)
Table Mountain takes on a legendary status around the world. This natural wonder of picturesque mountains, crystal seas and bleached white sands has taken on the latest mantle of New 7 Wonders of Nature. Included in the park’s protected areas is an indigenous forest and The Cape Floristic Region which is the world’s smallest diverse floral kingdom.

8. De Hoop Nature Reserve (Whale Coast, Western Cape)
This wetland reserve located on the western Cape coastline boasts over 200 bird species, deserted beaches, rock pools and beautiful unique shrub lands (fynbos). It is also highly rated as providing the world’s best land-based whale-watching opportunities.

9. Pilanesberg Game Reserve (North West Province)
Sitting on the remnants of an alkaline volcanic crater, this national park offers a unique mosaic of mammals, birds and vegetation across 55 000 hectares which is attributed to the reserve’s location traversing the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation.

10. Garden Route National Park
A jewel in South Africa’s crown of wildlife conservation areas, Garden Route National Park, situated on the southern coastline, harmoniously blends a diversity of landscapes, seascapes, forests and mountains into a picture perfect natural and cultural heritage.

Picture credit: addoadventure.com

Walking Safari

Safari walking tours: the ultimate bush adventure

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Safari walking tours not only provides the ultimate bush adventure activity for the discerning tourist, but allows for an invaluable intimate experience with nature that can be enjoyed by all ages. Take delight in discovering diverse landscapes and terrains, ancient secrets of Mother Nature in the wilderness and get up close and personal with the fascinating flora and flora of the African bush.

Superb guided walking safaris excursions are offered throughout South Africa’s comprehensive network of abundant National Parks and game reserves. Numerous options of walking safaris are available to choose from. The choices range from guided night walks, single day tours to multi-day walking trails. More in depth information on types, duration and accommodation is available from individual safari walking tour companies, National Parks or safari lodges.

The unique features of walking safari tours are what make this type of adventure highly popular with international visitors. On a walking safari through a game reserve or national park, you get to identify animal tracks, track game and bird watch while at the same time learning about the habitats and natural balance of nature. Of the multitude of animals to be spotted, the popular are lions, elephant herds, rhinos, giraffe, antelope, zebra, wild pigs, crocodiles, hippos and a diverse variety of birds.

In the interests of safety and in experiencing the ultimate bush experience, it is strongly suggested that tourists opt for guided walking safari tours. This segment of the tourist industry has been revolutionized of late and rangers and field guides have undergone extensive training to provide superior service. Take advantage of experienced and expert field guides and their intimate knowledge of the area, indigenous vegetation, wildlife that can be observed and the accompanying history and legends that came before. Guides instruct visitors on the appropriate etiquette to observe whilst in the bush, and what to do upon sighting animals in the wild. Rule number one is never to approach any of the animals you encounter and to keep a safe distance away.

Perfect for the adventurous tourist, walking safaris bring you within feet of Africa’s great wildlife.
The sights and sounds of the African bushveld are open to any able bodied tourist with a moderate fitness level. Depending on the length and duration of your guided walking safari tour, trails can either provide leisurely walks at a relaxed pace or exhilarating walks through the bushveld that gets the adrenaline pumping. Walking safaris can be complemented perfectly with game drives or horseback riding safaris for comprehensive game viewing pleasure.

Essential items to pack for a walking safari should include comfortable, long socks with a good quality pair of walking or hiking shoes, a hat that protects the head and neck, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, pair of binoculars, powerful torch and a camera is highly recommended too. Light coloured clothing with long sleeved shirts and trousers are more favourable while trekking through the bush under the hot African sun. Digitally record your authentic bush experience, and relive the magic again and again when sharing with family and friends.

While South Africa is fortunate to be blessed with wonderful welcoming weather all year round, the most opportune wildlife watching season is during the winter months (April to December) when animals tend to populate rivers and waterholes, and when foliage is sparse. Officials advise international visitors to plan walking safari tours well in advance to be able to select from the best camps and tours available.

Picture credit: safari.co.uk