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Africa
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Recommended
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Africa |
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For
most people, Africa evokes images of sun-drenched
plains, nomadic tribes, and vast game parks, and though
all of this is present, Africa offers visitors more than
just safaris and sunsets. Exceptional sailing and scuba
diving awaits you on the east coast and if you like
breathtaking views with your adventure, then Mount
Kilimanjaro is for you. Cape Town is a prime shopping
destination where you can buy everything from crocodile
teeth to gold bracelets, and if you are interested in
seeing other people’s riches, then a trip to the
Egyptian Pyramids will put a sparkle in your eye.
Africa will surprise you with its wealth of experiences
and although you may come for its beasts, you will stay
for its beauty.
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South Africa |
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South
Africa is a young nation, transformed from a country of
racial segregation to a diverse nation of unity and
hope, boasting many traditions and rich cultures, joined
together to become a “rainbow nation”.
There
is something for everyone, from luxurious, modern clubs
and casinos in big cities with large active hotels, to
the more historical, scenic towns and villages with
amazing cultural museums and monuments with quaint
little lodges in their setting. It is home for “the Big
Five”, i.e. elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino,
as well as a vast array of other fascinating animals and
birds. It is great to be able to visit them in their
own natural habitat. South Africa is truly a magical
destination. |
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Cape Town
One word truly sums up this destination -
exceptional! South Africa’s “Mother City” is
indescribably beautiful, steeped in fascinating history
and pulsating to a heady African rhythm. A ride in a
cable-car to the top of Table Mountain, a ferry journey
to Robben Island, or a meandering tour through the South
African Winelands will leave you in no doubt that this
place is an absolute highlight on any vacation to
Africa. No visit to Cape Town is complete without a stay
at the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel, idyllically
located where earth, sea and sky meet, poised above the
Atlantic surf and flanked by majestic Table Mountain and
the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Another standout
experience is a getaway to Bushmans Kloof this privately
owned wilderness reserve is world-renowned for its 130
rock art sites. Immense open plains, deep ravines,
spectacular waterfalls and prehistoric rock formations
characterize this ecological oasis, nestled between the
majestic mountains of the Cederberg and the vast plains
of the Great Karoo. |
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The Garden Route
Framed by the majestic Outeniqua, Tsitsikamma and
Langeberg Mountains, Mossel Bay and Storm’s River, this
coastal route to the east of Cape Town holds visitors
spellbound with an abundance of rivers, spectacular
mountain passes, lagoons, lakes, beaches and birdlife.
Knysna is one of South Africa’s most visually arresting
resorts with its famous sandstone heads guarding the sea
entrance to a spectacular tidal lagoon. |
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Johannesburg & Pretoria
They came from far and wide to strike it rich when
gold was discovered here in 1886, and the “City of Gold”
still pulsates with entrepreneurial energy. A must-see
is the Apartheid Museum which takes visitors on a
fascinating, shocking, humbling and ultimately inspiring
journey. South Africa’s administrative capital to the
north, Pretoria is famed for its grand architectural
masterpieces, countless museums and thousands of
magnificent Jacaranda trees. |
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Blue Train and Rovos Rail
Take a train journey in to a timeless world of
grace, elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery
stirs the imagination and luxurious comfort soothes the
body and soul. The Blue Train offers journeys between
Cape Town and Pretoria, or along the Garden Route.
Rovos Rail also offers trips through Swaziland, Durban,
Namibia, and of course, their annual 12-night journey
between Cape Town and Tanzania |
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Greater Kruger National Park
South Africa’s world-renowned Kruger National Park is
home to “the big five” (elephant, lion, leopard,
buffalo, and rhino). Peripheral private game reserves in
the Sabi Sand and Timbavati areas offer incredible game
viewing twice daily in open 4x4 vehicles. This is safari
country with outstanding viewing opportunities; no
fences between each reserve’s boundaries and the park
allow the main attractions to wander freely. |
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Sun City
Approximately a two-hour drive northwest of
Johannesburg, in the midst of untamed bush, is Sun City,
an entertainment Mecca, with a championship golf course,
and a man-made beach! The nearby Pilanesberg National
Park also plays host to “the big five” (elephant, lion,
leopard, buffalo, and rhino), and features abundant bird
life.
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Zambia |
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Zambia is a landlocked country, two thirds of which is
situated in the tropics. It is well known for the
Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world,
which it shares with Zimbabwe. Locals from both
countries call this phenomenon “Mosi-oa-tunya”, “The
smoke that thunders”. |
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Victoria Falls & Livingstone
The name Victoria Falls was originally coined by
explorer and missionary, David Livingstone. But the
local people, both in Zimbabwe and Zambia, refer to
Victoria Falls as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” which means “The Smoke
that Thunders”. Due to the relentless mist above the
falls created by the downward plummet of millions of
gallons of water, a small rainforest has actually
developed. Livingstone offers an ample array of
activities, so why not take a microlight over this
stunning region, canoe above the falls, or whitewater
raft below them? Of course, you could also make time for
the second highest bungee jump in the world from
Victoria Falls Bridge. For an adventurous but adrenalin
free alternative explore the Mukuni and Maramba cultural
villages which provide a fascinating opportunity to
observe traditional daily life, or even participate in
an amazing Elephant Back Safari. |
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Luangwa
Experts have called this area in the north east of
Zambia one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the
world. The concentration of game around the Luangwa
River and its ox-bow lagoons are dramatic. In addition,
the topography of the area makes it ideal for walking
safaris. Here the magnificent World Heritage Wetlands
Site of Lochinvar National Park provides a perfect
opportunity to stay at a tented safari camp.
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Botswana |
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Botswana is a landlocked country, the size of Texas,
situated in the centre of Southern Africa. It is a
peaceful country known for diamonds and of course the
splendid Okavango Delta, a remarkable wetland paradise
located within the arid Kalahari Desert. Knowing that
three quarters of Botswana is a desert makes the Delta
even more spectacular than imagined, as it lies between
shallow fault lines at the end of the Great African Rift
Valley.
About forty percent of the country has been set
aside for wildlife and is a true nature sanctuary. The
government is very serious about keeping poachers out of
the reservations and conservation, in general, is a high
priority. |
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The Okavango Delta
Botswana is home to the largest inland delta in the
world. Game abounds year-round in the Okavango Delta and
Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Camps in these areas are
classified as: land camps – where safaris are undertaken
in open 4x4 vehicles; water camps – where activities are
centered on boating and mekoro trips; or combination
camps - where you can experience the best of both safari
styles (subject to water levels which are seasonal). |
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Greater Chobe National Park
This vast area in the far north of Greater Chobe
National Park is revered for its huge and thundering
herds of elephants. The diversity of seasonal
floodplains and grasslands on offer means you can enjoy
a game drive in the morning and a river cruise in the
afternoon. One of Africa’s world famous big game areas,
the Savuti Channel is famous for its lion & hyena
populations, and just northwest of Savuti is Linyanti,
yet another outstanding game viewing area boasting a
range of activities. |
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Safari Life
A day on safari in Botswana typically starts with
a rather early morning wake up call. You meet in the
central area for a snack and juice in the darkness
before departing on an activity, with a stop for a snack
and coffee en route. Upon return to camp at about
10.30am you will enjoy a sizeable brunch. Free time is
then ample during the heat of the day to enjoy a siesta
or a dip in the pool. At about 3.30pm, enjoy afternoon
tea with cakes and savories. Then it is time to depart
for your afternoon activity, with a stop for cocktails
at sunset. The return to camp at approximately 8pm will
ensure you are greeted by a three-course dinner.
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Namibia |
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This vast country is known for its contrasting
landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the
oldest in the world, with its soaring dunes and
awe-inspiring sense of space. In the north, landscapes
range from dense bush and open plains in the great
Etosha Pan, to woodland savanna and lush vegetation.
Dinosaur footprints, prehistoric rock art, and the
ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis, all bare
witness to the timelessness of Namibia. |
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Swakopmund
This fascinating, diverse and unique country is
full of wide horizons, endless stretches of golden
desert dunes and rocky plains that are so unusual in
formation they seem somewhat more likely in outer space.
Namibia’s premier coastal resort is Swakopmund, a pretty
town with palm trees lining the streets and many
eye-catching turn-of-the-century colonial buildings.
Activities here include exciting adventures on the
magnificent dunes such as sandboarding and quad biking. |
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Skeleton Coast Park
To the north of Swakopmund bordering the Atlantic
Ocean lies Namibia's Skeleton Coast. This is truly one
of our planet's most beautiful places, in all its wild,
desolate and uninhabited raw glory. Travelers will
enjoy outstanding views of wind swept dunes, rugged
canyons, and far-reaching mountain ranges. |
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Sossusvlei
Unique and breathtaking in its beauty, Sossusvlei
is situated in the Namib Nauklaft Park. The photogenic
lure of this area is breathtaking, boasting exceptional
scenery, as well as a wild and romantic spirit. It is
made up of a vast, dry clay pan over which towers a sea
of magnificent sand dunes, reputedly the highest dunes
in the world. Travelers can experience the unimaginable
magic of flying above the Namibian desert in a hot air
balloon. |
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Etosha National Park
The word ‘Etosha’ means ‘the great white place of dry
water’. The heart of this area is an expanse of
shimmering images created by this vast salt pan. Travel
to Etosha, will make your Namibian vacation complete. |
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Damaraland
If you want to be inspired by one of Mother Nature’s
rarest beasts, searching for the endangered Desert
Elephant in Damaraland is a must. The remote area of
Damaraland also offers some of the most spectacular
stargazing in the world.
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Kenya |
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Kenya is the home of ‘safari’. The boundless wilderness
and big game of this country have long attracted
adventure seekers from all over the globe. No other
African country boasts such an incredible range of
landscapes, unique geographical features and species as
Kenya. The endless plains of the Masai Mara are renowned
for one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth –
the migration! Travel to Samburu to see one of Kenya’s
rare species – the Long-Necked Gerenuck
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Tanzania |
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From Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest, permanently
snow-capped, free-standing mountain in Africa to the
warm and exotic island of Zanzibar, nearly a quarter of
Tanzania, East Africa’s largest country is made up of
protected national parks. Here the finest game
sanctuaries of Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara,
Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha, and Selous beckon with
extraordinary scenery, staggering topography, warm
people and incredible wildlife, making this a
trulymagnificent country to visit.
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Zanzibar |
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This romantic paradise island is situated in the
Indian Ocean, about 21 miles off the coast of Tanzania.
Zanzibar remains wonderfully unspoiled; it’s an idyllic
mix of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas with a
strong Arabic influence. It is the largest coral island
off the coast of Africa. Mnemba Island, located just off
the coast of Zanzibar is renowned by travelers as one of
the most romantic ocean destinations in the world,
offering privacy and rustic exclusivity unparalleled on
the African coastline.
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Mauritius |
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The small volcanic island of Mauritius is situated
in the warm inviting water of the Indian Ocean,
surrounded by magnificent coral reefs and an abundance
of exotic and colorful sea life. The scattering of
quaint towns and villages offers visitors an opportunity
to see true Mauritian life while the watersports on
offer are wide-ranging, from excellent diving and
snorkeling to deep-sea fishing. The historic capital of
Port Louis showcases a bustling marketplace brimming
with exotic spices, gifts and unique souvenirs.
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Seychelles |
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The islands of the Seychelles offer a world of
perpetual golden summer, where people and nature live in
effortless harmony. The Seychelles is the name given to
an archipelago of 115 islands in the heart of the Indian
Ocean. All the islands are splendid in their own right;
Mahe boasts 75 beaches, Praslin is home to the Coco de
Mer, and La Digue is a bird lover’s paradise. But no
visit to the Seychelles is complete without a trip to
North Island – one of the most beautiful islands on the
planet.
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Mozambique |
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Mozambique is once again emerging as a tourist favorite.
Vilanculos is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a
string of beautiful, small sandy islands lying roughly
12 miles from the mainland. The main islands are Santa
Carolina, Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque. They offer
a quintessential tropical vacation with undiscovered
palm and Casuarina tree shaded beaches. There are rich
tropical reefs, clear warm water and excellent surf,
plus rock and fly-fishing alternatives. This is the area
Dugong seacows choose to call home!
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Rwanda |
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Rwanda is a land of great
diversity and beauty and is famous for its Gorillas.
Situated in the heart of Africa the country shares the
natural riches from both the Congo Basin and the Great
Rift Valley of eastern Africa resulting in unsurpassed
biodiversity. Among its many and enduring attractions
are the primates, in particular the Mountain Gorillas;
one of the most awesome wildlife interactions in the
world.
The
capital city Kigali is located at Rwanda's geographical
heart. Kigali is blessed with a moderate high altitude
climate and is conveniently located within three hours'
drive of Parc des Volcans, home to the Mountain Gorilla.
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Nyungwe National
Park
This jungle in the south of Rwanda
is the largest and most ancient afro-mountain forest
remaining in the East and Central Africa, dating back to
the last ice age.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its large
families of Colobus Monkeys, Chimpanzees and over 14
species of primates, as well as 86 mammal species.
Nyungwe is one of the largest mountainous rainforests
remaining in Africa. One of the Africa’s best
kept secrets; the forest is interspersed with well
marked and maintained trails and boasts 13 rare primate
species, the world’s largest ever recorded arboreal
troupe of black/white Colombus Monkeys, over 300 species
of birds and 100 types of orchids.
There are two species of
chimpanzee in Africa; the Bonobo and the Common
Chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes) – often shortened to
Chimpanzee, and sometimes referred to as the Robust
Chimpanzee. The largest remaining populations can be
found in central Africa and number around 400
individuals, needless to say their population in Rwanda
is an endangered one.
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Parc des Volcans
Situated in the far northwest of
Rwanda in the Virunga Mountains – a magnificent chain of
dormant volcanoes in the north of the country – the park
forms part of the extension of the Congo-Nile divide,
separating two of Africa’s most important watersheds.
The park
is a haven to numerous mammal and bird species, the most
notable being the endangered Mountain Gorilla, currently
a mere 700 individuals.
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Call
a Swain Specialist for itinerary planning assistance. |
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