Tag: adventure

Insiders View on South Africa

Pieter Erasmus,  Johannesburg


South Africa is home to a wide array of vibrant, rich cultures, each with their own deep history. The South African landscape is as beautiful as it is diverse. It has an endless abundance of natural wonders – mountains, forests, rock formations, beaches, deserts and various other geological features.

One little-known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to South Africa?

People sometimes forget that after many years of isolation it is only in the last 20 years or so that tourism has become a viable industry in South Africa. With this South Africans are still fascinated by people from other countries and there is a real interest to talk to people and find out about their cultures and countries. This makes South Africa a very warm and welcoming place to visit.

What is a must buy when in this region?

If I had to narrow it down, then I would say wine. We produce world class quality wine and at a very affordable price. Wine culture in South Africa is very accessible and not “snobbish” so it’s easy to buy good quality wine.

What is your advice to first-time travellers?

Hmmm. Come hungry! We are notorious for our food portions so you will probably leave the country a couple of kilograms heavier.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to this region?

Sunglasses. South Africa has one of the highest percentages of sunny days per annum of any country in the world.

One activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss.

Africa = safari. So a good safari experience is not too be missed. There are many options but a proper 48-hour stay at a good private game lodge is not too be missed. Unlike some of the other African countries, safari in South Africa is accessible and the infrastructure around the lodges is excellent.

Where should anyone, travelling to this region, definitely get their picture taken?

Difficult one because there are so many spots. Most people, however, will take a picture at the Cape of Good Hope and specifically the most South-Westerly point of the African continent.

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

On a clear day from the top of Table Mountain!

The best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Nothing beats the sunset/sunrise in the African bush. Luckily staying at a safari lodge you will be out on safari during both these events so you won’t miss out!

The most romantic place to take a special someone to.

Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands is a beautiful small town that oozes romance. Lovely small boutique hotels and guesthouses and some of the best restaurants in the country to enjoy a romantic dinner.

The best place to have local food?

I love the African dinner experience at Gold Restaurant in Cape Town. More than just dinner it is an evening of African music, storytelling and food.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.

For the sweet tooth, a local delegacy is called a Koeksister. Knotted dough deep fried and soaked in syrup. South Africans can have a 10-minute conversation about their favourite type of koeksister!
A favourite non-alcoholic drink is Appetizer, a sparkling apple juice which most people enjoy.

One place only the locals would know.

There are many tourist towns along the Garden Route along the main road like Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay etc. However, there are some little gems which the locals keep to themselves. Nature’s Valley is a good example, a small coastal enclave with beautiful beaches, mountains and forests.

The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink.

There are some excellent pubs in the city of Cape Town. A personal favourite is called The Village Idiot in Loop Street.
For the non-drinkers, Truth Coffee in Buitenkant Street in Cape Town is widely acclaimed to be the best coffee shop in the world! Try the flat white it’s superb.

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see.

The annual Knysna Oyster Festival normally takes place at the end of June, beginning of July in Knysna which is outside traditional tourism season for Knysna which is towards the end of the year. Great festival with art, food and some sporting events to participate in.

The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about.

The big turnaround in downtown city of Johannesburg. For years Johannesburg City had a bad reputation around safety, but there are some amazing pockets that are re-developing at an amazing rate like the Maboneng Precinct, Braamfontein etc.
Guidebooks might tell you to avoid Johannesburg City but this is no longer the case!

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to this region and what would that reason be?

Not really, South Africa really is all year round destination. Weather is temperate so we don’t have extreme weather or temperature fluctuations.

How would you describe South Africa in one word?

In one sentence, South Africa is Africa “Lite”. Let me explain, South Africa provides a great introduction into the continent of Africa, offering all the experiences people come to Africa for i.e. wildlife, culture etc. but wrapped up in modern, convenient travel experience.
Like a “Lite Beer”, all of the taste, less of the calories…

 

 

Pieter Erasmus,

I am 42 years old and have been in the Tourism Trade for my entire work life.

I love South Africa and I am passionate about sharing this country with the world.

 

Check out our latest package on South Africa 

Go wild with your tribe

By Farah Bode

Made up of a number of islands, Borneo itself isn’t a country, but 3 countries who exist side by side, Malaysia, Indonesia and the supremely tiny but extremely oil-rich kingdom of Brunei. Our adventure takes place in Malaysia.

If you are looking for a fun family adventure holiday with something for a large group across ages, look no further. Malaysian Borneo is your own island paradise. Made up of 2 districts— Sabah and Sakau there is so much to see, feel and experience.

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, who is an old hand at wild water rafting, or simply someone who wants to experience the joys of wild water rafting, or simply want to introduce your passion to those important to you with grade 1 & 2 rapids, the Kiulu River awaits. This beautiful river, in the north-western part of the Sabah province, is the perfect place to truly engage with the deceptive grace and hidden power of this beautiful sport, to be humbled by a mighty river, to get soaked and make memories of a lifetime. Easy enough for the children in the group and the folks enjoying their second childhood to partake, this is truly a family activity.

While the rapids may take all your attention, and your energy, a quick look up towards the rainforest will calm your soul.

Returning to the hotel after a sumptuous lunch will put you in the right mind for the next day’s adventures.

Snorkelling is perhaps the closest that we can get to being fish, enjoy the colour, beauty, diversity and calm of the world beneath the waves. Riding out to the marine park under the watchful eye of a master diver will allow you to enjoy a brief spell of sunshine on the boat, preparing you for the majesty of what lies beneath!

Schools of fish, welcome you into their quiet serene world. Following the rules keeps you safe and respecting their domain keeps the fish safe. What wonderful sights await the intrepid adventurer, one who is brave enough to take the plunge- pun intended.

An experience that will be hard to describe, because as usual so much happens beneath the calm of the surface. Swimming, hiding from predators, feeding, all in a day’s work for the underwater folks, but an experience of a lifetime for us, who are merely visitors to their world!

For those who haven’t found their inner mermaid or merman the beach awaits! Sunbathing, walking by the shore in the spotlessly clean beach, picking up shells but keep you busy on the outside, while your soul is refreshed by the gentle lapping waves, the rhythmic flow of water that lulls you into a state of bliss. Perfect for deep introspection, or revisiting the forgotten art of daydreaming. Watching clouds roll by, or curling up with a great book. Switch off from the world, move beyond technology to the here and now.

All the nature lovers, immerse yourself in the lush equatorial forest of the islands. Bring that geography class to life, moving the words about Equatorial forests, canopies and the like to really live 3D experience
While the youngsters marvel at this, the older generation will be reliving a past when these dense forests were but a drive from their very city.

The UNESCO World Heritage site Kinabalu National Park is home to a mind-boggling 4500 species of plants including 77 types of orchids! Spot pitcher plants, that devour insects, to beautiful orchids that are indigenous to Kinabalu on your guided tour. Finish your day with a Canopy walk, a look at the forest from a totally different angle. Enjoy the grandeur of the old trees from the treetops – a height that is usually reserved only for birds and monkeys. Feel the majesty of nature in all her glory. Soak up the aura of the deep green foliage, recharge your soul through this immersive experience. Breathe in the pure air, recharge your spirit!

Somewhere between the humongous pitcher plants and the grace of the old forest canopy, lies the Poring Hot Springs. These sulfur springs are best enjoyed in Japanese style bathtubs, perfect for rejuvenating from the exertions of the earlier two days. Tired and aching muscles will find a new lease on life, the cool forest climate is a perfect foil for the warm and welcoming bath.

The beautiful state of the Sabah still has so many intriguing and wonderful secrets to share. The Gomantong cave system with its intricate cave system that is home to the largest birds cave, home to bats and swiftlets.

Moving on to the Sakau province, explore the richness of the ecosystem by the banks of the Lower Kinabatangan River as your real adventure awaits. Cruising down the river spot Orangutans, River Monkeys, Gibbons and Macque. The mere beginning of your own Indiana Jones Adventure.

Taking this up to the next level is the nocturnal safari, where one can sight crocodile birds and other creatures of the night!

Waking up to the calls of the hornbills and chattering monkeys, this alarm clock sets the tone for yet another day immersed in the forested wonderland.

Spending the day learning about Orangutans at the Kabili-Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch dedicated workers work with these cute and adorable orphaned babies rehabilitate them in their natural habitat. Making the 10 min trek to the viewing point becomes so worth it when these gentle giants come to share a meal with you.

This trip is one of a kind. The very wide variety of things to do makes it a complete family holiday. With something for everyone, it moves beyond just lush meadows and paddy fields into the very heart of an undisturbed jungle. Beaches and snorkelling, diving and boat cruises, walking under the canopy to walking alongside it, watching animals to playing with baby Orangutans. This is, in fact, the perfect trip to take the whole family on.

When we all speak of saving the Earth’s forests, it is when we visit places that are supremely well tended that we are actually in reality helping save them. By putting our money where it can be utilised best and most effectively we are in effect helping save these wonderful forests and the animals that inhabit them. But with all great and wonderful things, it rests on us to enjoy responsibly, because after all we but guests in their world!

Check out our latest package on Borneo