by Safi | Jun 30, 2009 | Safari Planning
It may be winter in the Southern Hemisphere right now, but due to South Africa’s year-round sunshine, it actually makes it an ideal time to travel to the country and to come and experience a dream safari.
During the winter months of July and August, the days in most parts of the country are usually sunny, comfortably mild, and dry (except for the Western Cape, where winter is rain season) making it lovely to be out and about and even to go on game drives. Since it’s not as uncomfortably hot as usual, there are also less pesky mosquitoes around!
The evenings do get chilly, but that will merely give visitors the perfect opportunity to snuggle up around a fiery barbecue pit (or in front of an indoor fireplace) and to savour some of South Africa’s fantastic, world-class wines and exquisite cuisine.
In the daytime, the light this time of year is particularly great for capturing the wildlife on film. One is also more likely to actually see the wild subjects, because the bush in the winter is less green with less foliage. The animals therefore don’t have too much opportunity to coyly camouflage themselves and hide from those camera lenses, providing visitors with a likely opportunity to see and photograph each of the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Since it does fall out of season, travellers would find great bargains, not only in air fare, but also for accommodation.
So, what are you waiting for?
by Safi | Apr 8, 2009 | Safari Planning
As spring descends upon the Northern Hemisphere, thoughts invariably turn to the long summer holiday looming just around the corner.
With wallets thinning due to the global recession, many families are looking for cost-cutting getaways, preferably without skimping on luxury.
South Africa is a veritable holiday paradise for families with children. And even though Northern Hemisphere summer holidays occur during the Southern Hemisphere winter, the South African winter climate is mostly mild and pleasant.
Most game reserves and lodges offer safe game drives where kids can view wild animals in their natural environment. It is also an ideal gateway to exotic Africa for families who do not want to do without European or North American standards.
According to Stephan Gotta, who works for South African Tourism in Frankfurt, Germany, an increasing number of South African tour operators offer safaris (and other South African activities) tailor-made for families with children.
“Hotels and restauranteurs have reacted to rising demand and geared accommodation and prices to families with children.”
South Africa is an extremely child-friendly destination. Almost all hotels, lodges and restaurants welcome children – children’s beds and highchairs are standard equipment. Self-catering holiday homes are common, and most places have playgrounds. Many lodges and hotels provide a baby-sitting service so that parents can occasionally go out without their offspring without worrying about their well-being.
Now that’s what we call an all-round, ideal family vacation!
