Friends of Zimbabwe – Travel

While you are in the city you could visit attractions like the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, which is a huge shopping and entertainment area located between the harbour and Table Mountain. Also within the V&A Waterfront you will find an exciting Aquarium and a Marine Museum.

Table Mountain overlooks the whole city. Though the top is frequently cloud covered on a clear day the view from the top makes the gruelling climb worth it, of course if gruelling doesn’t sound like your cup of tea then you can always just hop-on the Cable Car to the top! The area also has a number of walking trails which can also be very rewarding.

Located 7kms off the coast and 12kms from the city is Robben Island, which was a famous prison during the Apartheid era and it is where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years here as prisoner 46664. This number is now the name of a series of concerts in support of AIDS Charities. Please bear in mind that there is actually a two week waiting list to visit the island so you can either put your name on the list as soon as you arrive, join a tour group or you could try booking ahead.

Some other attractions within the city include The Castle of Good Hope, the South African Parliament, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the District Six Museum and the Galleria Gibello Photographic Gallery.

What’s to see in the Cape Town Area?

Cape Town has much to offer the curious tourist, both in and outside of the city.

Heading out of the city there is much to explore in the Western Cape Province. Why not take a drive to the Cape Peninsula. At the end of the Cape you will find the Cape of Good Hope which is often, though wrongly, stated as being the most southerly point of Africa (It is in fact Cape Agulhas, 150kms away). Also on the Cape Peninsula is Chapman’s Peak Drive, a coastal road that offers many spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to visit Boulders Beach during your drive and see the Penguins definitely a favourite with the kids.

North of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands is the West Coast region of the Western Cape Province. This is a less touristy area and probably all the better because of it. Travelling up the coast along the R27 you will find the West Coast National Park after about 120kms. Though not as impressive as some of the other parks in South Africa this one has some interesting features of its own including such fauna as Cape Gannet, Jackass (African) Penguin, Flamingos, Waders and Black Harriers. If you are travelling in the Yzerfontein area, at the southern end of the West Coast National Park, during the spring time then you will be amazed by the fields upon fields of multicoloured flowers that sprout at this time of year. Also you will find the 16 Mile Beach which is a perfect place to do a little sunbathing or Whale Watching.

The Cape Winelands lie directly to the east of Cape Town. Stellenbosch, at about 50kms from Cape Town, is the gateway city to the whole Cape Winelands. It is the second oldest European settlement in South Africa after Cape Town. It is a University city and it is also the prime location of viticulture and viticulture research for the Winelands. The other main wine regions within the Cape Winelands are Constantia, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington. Each has its own history and unique qualities that help make their wine distinctive and popular throughout the world. Many of the vineyards can offer tours, so be sure to visit at least one during your visit, just remember to take it easy on the wine tasting!

South of the Cape Winelands and the N2 road to Swellendam is the Overberg. You will probably pass close to Hermanus on your trip and if you are there at the right time of year (roughly the end of September) you could get involved in some Whale Watching. This region also includes Cape Agulhas, the most southern point of Africa and the associated Agulhas National Park. This park is fairly small compared to others but it has its share of beautiful nature trails and all the while you are overlooking two oceans, the South Atlantic and the Indian and next stop south is Antarctica! A little further east is the De Hoop Nature Reserve; this is one of the largest marine reserves in Africa. You will however need a snorkel and goggles to appreciate the wondrous beauty of the land under the sea. Just to the east of the Overberg is the Garden Route and beautiful road journey towards Port Elizabeth.

Some other attractions within driving distance of Cape Town include Swellendam (just 240kms on the N2) and the nearby Montagu. These towns offer you a fantastic opportunity to check out some examples of the early Dutch-Cape architecture.

By: Mairead Foley

About the Author:

Website content

People travel to Bhutan for many reasons. For some it is the lure of an ancient culture steeped in spiritual history; for others it is the challenge of entering the interior of a country which is still much of a mystery to the outside world; and for those with adventure in their hearts, it is an opportunity to trek through the spectacular mountains and valleys of Bhutan. Tours to this country can be as diverse as the travellers themselves, but the one common thread running through all the reasons which draw people to Bhutan, is the people.

Known as an extremely spiritual race, the Bhutanese place happiness above all else. Bhutan’s leaders head the only government in the world which makes its policy decisions based on their impact on GNH – Gross National Happiness. This policy means that Bhutan’s decisions are often at extreme odds to other countries which base their decisions and actions on monetary and power-seeking opportunities. Bhutan tours will take you into the heart of a country where time and technology have not yet sullied the minds of its people, and where television was not even introduced until 1999. Even now it is not wholeheartedly embraced and many TV programmes, which are not deemed to contribute to the happiness of the people, are banned.

Many throughout the world expound that the Bhutanese have found the ‘formula for happiness’, but it appears that, in fact, it is a quality so spiritually entrenched that it needs no teaching. While the government nurtures Bhutan’s spiritual development by placing it above the importance of material gain, anyone who has spent time in Bhutan will vouch for its people’s natural warmth and spirituality.

Canadian-American actor and Parkinson’s disease sufferer Michael J Fox, undertook several of his own Bhutan tours whilst producing his documentary, “Adventures of an Incurable Optimist”. Returning several times to Bhutan in his search for the reasons that make people happy, Fox expressed his fascination with the country’s commitment to the happiness and spiritual well-being of its people.

The GNH is based on the Buddhist premise of taking ‘the middle path’. Instead of striving, as most western societies do, towards the cultivation of economic and social progression as their ultimate goals, Bhutan believes that true enlightenment and happiness arises when “spiritual and material development occur side-by-side to complement and reinforce each other”. Michael J Fox said that, although not a Buddhist himself, his Bhutan tours had strengthened his own personal philosophies on staying positive and being optimistic regarding the future.

With its reputation as a destination for healing and happiness, it seems that word may be spreading to the rest of the world about the wisdom of the policies of Bhutan. Tours to the country have become more popular over the past few years and, of course, its location in the foothills of the majestic Himalaya only enhances its attraction. Although tourism is regulated to limit damage to the environment, Bhutan welcomes foreigners. The people live out their principles of kindness, compassion and respect for all living things and you will be embraced into a culture of real and sincere happiness. Perhaps you will take a little of the formula away with you…

By: Jude Limburn Turner

About the Author:

Kansieo.com

Want to catch the ultimate fun and pleasure of seeing wild beasts in their natural life? Well, you need to channalize your holiday destination towards Namibia, which is considered as the gem of the Southern Africa. In other words, Namibia is a true destination for people who have a desire to feel wildlife and wilderness in their lives. However the country id hot and humid but you can be assured of real enjoyment and fun activities in Namibia and get the fullest pleasure of your trip and cherish best memories with your friends and family. So, in your next vacation planning Namibia safari can help you gain your senses lost in everyday life and world.

Holiday Namibia can be a refreshing and challenging experience capable of giving ultimate excitement and exuberance. Holiday in Namibia can give you a chance to feel the harsh life of Africa and give you the best opportunity to hobnob with local people and vegetation of Namibia. Moreover, you can see the unique culture, breathtaking landscapes and exquisite silences of the country to give you the most rejuvenating sense of your life.

Precautions to be kept in Mind before Taking a Namibia Trip

Safari holiday in Namibia can be a golden chance to enjoy the varied life of Namibia. However there are few precautions that need to be taken into consideration before finalizing your trip to Namibia. To get the full enjoyment of your trip, you must register yourself with registered safari agencies. It is advised to carry essential medicines and bandages in your jungle trip. Also, it is better to stay with your group till the end of the trip, so that you cannot get lost your route. If you want to click pictures of monsters, you should keep extra film rolls not to miss any action.

By: Anirban Bhattacharya

About the Author:

Create a video blog…instantly.

With ‘modern life’ continually encroaching upon nature, it’s only natural (pun intended) to want to reconnect with the wilder side of the planet. What better way is there to do that than with a safari? Large expanses of wilderness teaming with wildlife lie barely a few kilometres outside of Cape Town, South Africa. These reserves put safari tourists within viewing distance of buffalo, rhino, giraffes, leopards, and karakul (also known as the lynx).

One interesting safari tour begins a short distance away from Cape Town, taking visitors across the Hex River Valley to the Aquila reserve. Aquila verreauxii (a rare Black Eagle) are found in abundance in the southern Karoo highlands. You can catch a glimpse of rhinos, lions, and giraffes on these game drives or spot herds of zebras, black wildebeest, klipspringers, duikers, greybucks and ostriches. Keep a close eye out for the resident troops of baboons as well. As part of the game drives, visitors are shown a number of bushman rock art sites that are thousands of years old. Game drives are offered by the Aquila Private Game Reserve for morning, sunset, or night time in an open Land Rover. For the truly adventurous, two hour long horse safaris for groups of up to nine people are also available in the evening and early morning. These have a minimum age requirement of nine years. Those aged 16 and above can opt for a quad bike safari in a group of up to 10 people.

Accommodation is available in the form of cottages that feature en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, ceiling fans, fireplaces and mini bars. The Aquila Private Game Reserve offers a luxury honeymoon suite (equipped with a private Jacuzzi), a Conference Centre that can support 40 to 80 delegates, a Cigar Bar, and the popular Boma Restaurant, which offers indigenous cuisine. Luxury chalets are also available. These are equipped with all the amenities of the cottages as well as tea and coffee facilities and high quality linens.

One or two day wildlife safari tours are also offered at the Inverdoorn Game Reserve. Luxurious en-suite chalets and guesthouses are offered, inclusive of full breakfasts, buffet lunches and five course dinners. Their tour packages include one or two two-hour game drives in an open four wheel drive vehicle as well as a trip through the wine regions and fruit regions near Cape Town. In addition to the game drives, guided nature walks can also be requested.

The Kagga Kamma private game reserve near Ceres is located about 40 minutes (by air) from Cape Town. The region is rich in culture and history as evidenced by the numerous Bushman/San rock paintings found here, some of which are as much as 6,000 years old. Experienced field rangers guide safari tourists, explaining the significance of these icons of South Africa’s cultural heritage.

By: Orson Johnson

About the Author:

Create a video blog…instantly.