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 

10 Must Do Trips in 2015

 

Season’s Greetings from The Wanderers!

Happy New Year! 

We take this opportunity to thank each of you for making 2014 a great year for The Wanderers. And we wish you and your loved ones a fantastic 2015! May it be bigger, better and happier for everyone, wherever you are. To add to your happiness quotient, we promise to bring you awesome travel experiences from around the world throughout 2015 As a trailer, here’s a glimpse of what we would like to begin with! A winter trip to Canada, a wild trip to Botswana, a boat trip down the Mekong, a journey to Colombia or a road trip to North East India. We have all this and more for you in 2015. It’s after all the year of the wanderer.

Don’t believe otherwise..

Dine in the wilderness,Botswana

Botswana

Explore the wonders of Botswana in the wilderness hotspots of this diverse country with this luxury camping expedition. You spend your days in the Okavango Delta and take game drives in Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park before finishing the trip with the sight of the cloud of spray from the mighty Victoria Falls. Its a one of a kind trip- exclusive & wild! Check out our latest package on Namibia

Frozen Lake Louise

Lake Louise and Banff National Park

Enjoy a unique range of recreational activities from world-class ski options, to Dogsled mushing, snowshoe tours, skating along ice-trails and much more. This trip is dedicated to highlight the winter wonderland – Canada, where you get to experience dog sledges, some winter wildlife, visit Lake Louise and Banff National Park and explore Vancouver city.

Prime Cathedral,Bolivar Plaza, Bogota

Colombia

Colombia, located in the southwest of South America, is a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm. It is known to fascinate the world with its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery & adventure and the warmth of its people and rich centuries-old culture. Discover this completely new world. Check out our latest package on Colombia 

Mekong river cruise

River Mekong in Laos

Take a trip down the River Mekong in Laos and its world renowned islands. Start the cruise at Pakse, situated at the confluence of Xe Don and Mekong Rivers, before continuing your cruise to Wat Phou – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the remote 4000 Islands!

Discover the beauty of the Sultanate of Oman with this seven days journey. Start your travel in the capital city of Muscat, a vibrant city that has successfully balanced the modern with its traditional culture. Here you will be introduced to Oman’s history, culture and development. Make your way along various tourist hot spots of Oman like Nizwa, Bahia Fort, Wadi Nakher, Jebel Shams and Wahiba Sands before returning to Muscat, where you end your trip. This trip gives a fascinating insight into a destination so close to India. Check out our package for Vietnam 

South Africa

Pamper yourself and your loved one while discovering this beautiful country together. This 11 day tour takes you on a magical journey in Rainbow Nation. With the ease of self drive for most part of the journey, you can take your time reaching your destinations. Stop at little-known places. Discover those hidden nooks. Go on game drives. Do activities together. Get awed by the sights and the scenery along the way. Live in luxurious lodges and hotels throughout which have been handpicked specifically for this luxury offbeat tour.

Tanzania

See the best that Tanzania has to offer in luxury. Stay at some of the most luxurious tented accommodations and camps while you go on Safaris and game drives. Start your trip at Ngorongoro, famous for its Crater where humans and wild beasts coexist peacefully. Move on to Serengeti National Park, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Drive down to Lake Manyara National Park, extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. From here you can either return back home or extend your trip and take in the beaches at Zanzibar while staying in the lap of luxury some 45 km away from Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. Check out our latest package on Tanzania.

Mongolia

Discover Mongolia starting with a 2 day visit to the smaller brother of Baikal, Lake Khuvsgul, the deepest lake in Central Asia. In Ulaanbaatar, you will experience a blend of tradition and modernity in the rapidly developing city. Head east to Maikhan Tolgoi, followed by a trip to Gobi desert and then a walk through the ice gorge at Yolyn,Am,Mongolia’s largest sand dunes.Finally, experience Naadam festival which is the most colourful festival of the Mongols. Check out our latest package to Mongolia.


Kailash Manasarovar

Our Kailash Manasarovar Expedition to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which lies in the Southwestern part of Tibet, is an incredible experience. It is an epic pilgrimage to the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, that is considered the most sacred and revered pilgrimage for Hindus, Jain’s and Buddhists alike. It is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding spiritual journeys known to man. Apart from this group tour, we have other journeys to Mt Kailash including a trip via Lhasa, another one which is an arduous trek, the inner parikrama, the chopper tour, the private journey and more. Do contact us for details, Check out our latest Kailash package 

North East India

The North Eastern region of India is one of the least explored regions of India. With its abundant natural wealth, wildlife sanctuaries, high mountains, tribal culture, tea gardens, waterfalls, famous temples, the majestic Brahmaputra valley, angling opportunities, fast flowing rivers, quaint markets and a flourishing textile trade, it’s a wonder that these sister states have been able to keep themselves under wraps for so long! This unveils all of the above during its sojourn through Assam, Meghalaya and the Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh.

Meetings – Incentives – Conferences – Events

Does the reward of a trip to London and Paris or to Australia and Thailand galvanise the sales force into action? We are sure it does if the booming numbers of incentive travelers to places far and wide is any indication. But how about taking this a notch higher and announcing a trip of a lifetime that is truly worth coveting? A voyage to the Antarctic for the top performers! Or a trip to the Arctic Circle or the North Pole or a Trans Siberian Rail journey for the deserving few… Is it time to turn incentives on its head and move away from mundane trips to the truly extraordinary experiences of life? So, next time you are planning a trip for your delegates, do you want to go on planning the ordinary or would you like to give it a Wanderers touch? For more info, please click on the link.

Return as a Wanderer..

Thanks for all your arrangements. The trip was absolutely fantastic and very well organized. Thank you for making this trip happen in a short period of time. I know it was challenging indeed, given the time constraints.It will certainly remain a Dream Trip etched in our minds. I do look forward to organizing a trip too next year with Wanderers ..and hopefully many more trips thereafter.  It was really a pleasure working with you!

Cheers,

Om Hemrajani, after his recent trip to Switzerland, Austria and Prague

Israel – Shalom!

Abhik Dutta, The Wanderers

 Abhik Dutta traveled to Israel for a recce trip and this is what he had to say about this beautiful country.

Solomon’s Pillar, Timna, Park

“I had always wanted to visit Israel having grown up reading books about the country and its people, how the state was formed, about kibbutz life, their culture of innovation, the politics and religion of the region, the holocaust etc. So, when I got the invite from the Israel Ministry of Tourism to visit the country, I already had one leg in the El-Al flight! Tel-Aviv, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea is a city on steroids! An active city, where people are forever on the go. Cycling, running, skating, sailing, segwaying, dancing. Always moving. No wonder its called the Non-Stop City. Jaffa, is the exact opposite. Quiet, reflective, artsy, historical. To escape the noise.

For more offbeat trips and unique experiences around the world, please visit our website

We would also like to hear from you!  If you have any ideas or requirements to help customize personalized tours, do write to us at askus@thewanderers.co.in  or contact us at any of our offices.