by africagirl | Sep 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
Most people who come on a South African safari do so in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the magnificent and famous Big Five species of the African animal kingdom: the elephant, lion, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard.
What few people know is that the Big Five have five little counterparts, called – of course – the Little Five. The list for the Little Five was dreamed up by some clever folks to promote the cause and plight of these tiny creatures. You’ll notice that the name of each chosen little one quite wittily refers to a member of the Big Five.
First up is the Ant Lion. It is an odd-looking, round-bodied creature (in some stages of its life it is said to even resemble a dragonfly, even though it doesn’t fly) and can be found digging conical depressions in dry, soft sand in order to trap its prey: ants.
Next we have the Buffalo Weaver. These red-billed, social birds are known to build rather messy nests high up in the forks of tall trees. Apart from being bad builders and housekeepers, they are noisy too! Not the most ideal neighbours then.
The Rhinoceros Beetle is so-named due to the horns on its head, lending it a look reminiscent of its larger counterpart. Even the females are horned, because they use the horns to climb, dig and mate. Unlike the males, the females don’t use their horns for fighting rivals, though. Rhinoceros beetles are among the largest beetles found in southern Africa.
The Leopard Tortoise gets its name from the distinctive and beautiful black and yellow spots on its shell. These bushveld dwellers can grow to be quite large. A male can weigh more than 23 kilograms and have a shell with a circumference of up to one metre!
Rounding up the Litte Five is the Elephant Shrew. At first glance, it is evident that this weird-looking creature gets its name from its elongated snout. These insectivores feed on insects, fruit, nuts and seeds. They are found all over South Africa, but they are on the shy and wary side, so they may be incredibly difficult to spot.
In fact, to see most of these creatures, people will need endless patience and telescopic vision. Let us know if you have any luck though!
by africagirl | Jul 31, 2009 | Uncategorized
Every year, thousands of travellers from around the world flock to the South African bush, hoping to catch a glimpse and a photograph of any member of the Big Five – or the Big Seven, if you count the recently included denizens of the deep the Great White Shark and the whale.
However, apart from the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhinoceros and the buffalo, there are an equally famous species which visitors to any of South Africa’s luxury lodges are also bound to encounter these days. They are not indigenous to South Africa, but recently, the local lodges and the bush have been teeming with them.
They are called celebrities and for many of them, South Africa’s plentiful luxurious lodges and game reserves have become a favourite getaway destination. Not only do our lodges offer more than affordable prices for world-class luxury – fit for even the most pampered celebrity – but the seclusion and privacy of the bush also offer them the unique experience of being able to escape and unwind far from the glare of the spotlight and paparazzi flashes.
Recent well-known, A-list celebrities who have taken in a spot of wildlife on safari include British singer Lily Allen, actor John Travolta and his actress wife Kelly Preston – who came here to honour the memory of their late son Jett – to name but a few.
You never know, your next safari and lodge stay might just include some complimentary star gazing!
by africagirl | May 6, 2009 | Uncategorized
South African Tourism recently collaborated with BBC World News to conduct a marketing campaign. The campaign, branded as “Journeys”, also turned into an informal type of survey which gave SA Tourism some insight into the kind of experiences global travellers seek when coming to South Africa.
The “Journeys” campaign consisted of eight short films and two 60 second television commercials. The films and ads were shown on BBC World News television, the BBC World News web site and on a specially created micro-site: southafricanjourneys.com
Viewers were asked to nominate the films displaying the experiences that they would most like to do while holidaying in South Africa.
Viewers from around the globe heeded the call, and of the eight films, ‘Safari’ received the most votes.
This news doesn’t surprise us in the least. There is simply something magical about experiencing a true South African safari and getting to view animals in their natural habitat, which is why it is on the top of so many people’s wish lists of things they wish to experience in their lifetimes.
by africagirl | Apr 8, 2009 | Uncategorized
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!
