There are several locations around the world where one can enjoy whale watching, but few can compare to South Africa. In June, the Southern Right whales leave their sub-antarctic feeding grounds and migrate north to mate and calve in the warmer waters of the protected rocky bays and inlets that occur along the South African coastline. From Cape Town, along to Hermanus, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Jeffrey’s Bay and Port Elizabeth, these magnificent mammals can be seen from the shore, their antics providing hours of entertainment for travellers intent on playing witness as literally tonnes of aquatic beast breach and tail-slap as if to order.
Hermanus
Hermanus provides the perfect base, with elevated views of the bay from the rugged cliff-top paths. The ‘Whale Crier’ patrols the streets blowing a kelp horn to inform passers-by of the best sightings of the day. From July through to October, good sightings can be almost guaranteed – and although Hermanus is well known for this, don’t discount sightings at other seaside towns.
De Hoop
For a more laid back place to stay and see the whales, the De Hoop will fit the bill. This place used to be the retreat of Presidents of South Africa up to the end of apartheid and subsequently is set in a beautiful bay and the land around is now a reserve for wildlife. Imagine standing on a sandy dune watching whales in front of you while not far behind you are zebra browsing on the fynbos. This is a great place to relax, bike around and swim in the sea while being aware of the history of the place.
A tour of the Cape Peninsular, a stroll on the beach at Knysna or Plettenberg Bay, or a stay at Jeffrey’s Bay will also prove rewarding, and all can be combined in a self-drive route along this southern coast – please see “South African Highlights”.
Photographs by kind permission South Africa Tourism
This corner of South Africa has much to offer, and is home to battlefields and beaches, wildlife and vistas.
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Kwazulu Natal
A corner of South Africa with much to offer. KZN is home of Zulu culture, battlefields, beaches, wildlife and vistas.
Day 1: Ballito Day 3: Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve Day 5: Maputaland Day 8: Hluhluwe Day 9: Battlefields Day 12: Northern Drakensbergs Day 15: Depart Durban or Johannesburg [/wptabcontent]
The Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu Natal represents a holiday destination in its own right, and here we explore just such an itinerary including a little of everything, for everybody. The State of KwaZulu Natal is the traditional home of the Zulu people, a nation of tribes, ruled by a chief. They are lovely warm and friendly people, eager to please!
Day 1: Ballito From Durban, drive to Ballito – a quiet little residential seaside town. At the right time of year, bottlenose dolphins, southern right and humpback whales can be seen. Two nights Ballito
Day 3: Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve Head north, roughly following the coast, to Hluhluwe. The big five are present here, which hopefully you’ll spot on your game drives. Two nights Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park
Day 5: Maputaland Driving further north today, heading towards the Maputaland Marine Reserve. In the Coastal Forest Reserve are several lodges, offering a range of activities from scuba diving to horse riding and walking. At the right time of the year you will be able to see the turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Three nights Maputaland
Day 8: Hluhluwe It is possible to get all the way to your next stop in one go, but it is a long day, and worth, we think, breaking the journey at Hluhluwe again. This time, we suggest choosing a lodge close to the St Lucia Wetlands for an overnight stay. One night Hluhluwe
Day 9: Battlefields Turn inland now to the Battlefields, to re-live the Zulu wars. For even the armchair historian or those with a passing interest, a tour is essential; one cannot help but feel moved by the stories of these epic battles. Three nights Battlefields
Day 12: Northern Drakensbergs Drive via the Spionkop Battlefield, to the Drakensbergs. See the Amphitheatre – the source of the Tugela River, and home of the second highest waterfall in the world. Three nights Drakenbergs
Day 15: Depart Durban or Johannesburg Return to Durban or Johannesburg today for the onward or homeward journey.
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Little Gems
Fifty miles of pristine beaches, backed by dunes and only three lodges to choose from. This is remote wild Africa at its best – we love it! [/wptabcontent]
[wptabtitle] What our clients say[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
While coming under the heading of Southern Africa, Madagascar should be in a category on its own. Firstly, being the world’s fourth largest island, there is much to do and see and almost all of it is unique. 80% of its flora and fauna is endemic added to which most of it is fascinating and beautiful to see.
This uniqueness also applies to the Malagasies themselves. Many being a mixture of African, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern origin, they vary considerably in looks and physique. Tourism has not reached mass market proportions and unlikely to do so in the near future. Expect the accommodation to be more basic than such places as Mauritius and the Seychelles, but this is part of the charm of the place.
There is so much to recommend to do for your trip to Madagascar but below are some of the highlights/suggested activities. For the fuller background to these places, do give us a call.
Highlights:
Spend 2 nights exploring Antanarivo, the capital, with its markets and French influenced quarters.
Swim with turtles at Nosy Be
Watch turtles laying their eggs and/or the eggs hatching at Nosy Be and other locations on the Island
Sail along this tropical paradise coastline on a dhow, camping on different beaches each night.
Visit the 30 species of lemurs in the indigenous forest National Parks that are found all over the island. Your drive to these Parks will take you through villages and paddy fields that are a feature of Madagascar.
Explore the drier south with its Spiny Forest in a 4×4.
Dive, fish or snorkel from almost all the beaches that surround Madagascar
Explore the old pirate haunts of the Eastern part of the Island. This is wilder and for the more adventurous.
Hike in the drier Western part of the Island.
Whatever your itinerary, ensure that you end with a few days lazing (or not) on one of the fabulous Madagascan beaches.
Times are changing fast in Zimbabwe and tourism, which in the recent past has concentrated on the Victoria Falls area, but is now looking to expand across the whole country.
There is much to offer the traveller who has a love of Africa or those that want to visit before too many others arrive. While this itinerary concentrates on the wildlife areas of the country it can easily be built upon to include the cultural and historic side of a diverse and fascinating country.
This itinerary gives you the highlights of what Zimbabwe has to offer from the scenery and wildlife point of view. We can easily ensure you have plenty of cultural and historic aspects of the country.
Day 1
With Victoria Falls International Airport recently refurbished and more major carriers flying in to it, getting to this town has become easier. On arrival transfer to your hotel either in or close to the town or consider one in a National Park along the Zambezi River.
Over the next couple of days, you will explore the Falls and involve yourselves in the activities that abound here. When in the year you go will determine what type of experience you will have at the Falls. At the end of the rainy season the Falls are in full flood and good soaking guaranteed. However, when the rate of flow drops so the adrenalin activities (such as white water rafting) begin.
Day 4
Transfer to your lodge deep in the Hwange National Park. For a really different way of getting half way there, consider taking the train that runs along one of the boundaries of the Park. There is something magical in sitting in an open sided carriage looking out for the wildlife and with a cool drink close to hand. Your lodge’s 4×4 will meet you at the station and give you a game drive as you head to your lodge.
The next couple of days will have you exploring this huge Park with some of the largest herds of elephants and sable antelopes in Southern Africa.
Day 7
Transfer to Mana Pools National Park on the border with Zambia brings you to one Africa’s most iconic and beautiful spots on the Zambezi River with excellent wildlife around. Getting there could be a long drive and the chance to see the country up close or catch a small plane direct to the Park – and a chance for a different view of Zimbabwe. The Long Pool offers large numbers of crocs and hippo with a host of games animals coming down to drink. This in turn brings in the predators. A true untouched African scene.
As well as being a World Heritage Site parts of the Park are a Ramsar Site so bird watching is at a premium. For the adventurous you can canoe on the Zambezi, join a lion tracking walk or consider a guided and even unguided walking (if you are comfortable with being in a true wilderness) tour.
Day 10
Transfer to the Bumi Hills alongside Lake Kariba. With time to unwind you can go fishing on the lake, make the most of the stunning views from your lodge overlooking the Lake. There is still plenty of wildlife and bird life around the Lake to keep you experiences going.
Day 12
Return to Victoria Falls and your homeward flights.
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
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Little Gems
Being a few yards from a full grown elephant and on foot (downwind), as you watch as he/she feeds from the bushes and trees.
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[wptabtitle] What our client says[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Until now, balloon safaris in Tanzania have only been possible in Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks, with the beautiful landscapes and the possibility of a bird’s eye view of the great migration.
We are delighted to inform you that in 2 months time, from 15th June 2018, balloon safaris will be operational in the Ruaha National Park for the first time.
Picture courtesy of Angie Watson
Covering some 20,000 sq km in Southern Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is the country’s biggest National Park. Ruaha is a far cry from the busy tourist circuits of northern Tanzania and it boasts a baobab-studded landscape and excellent game viewing by vehicle or on foot and as such, will soon offer a very different flying experience to the Serengeti.
The Balloon flights operate from 15 June to 31 October and would be a real bonus to your holiday in South Tanzania.
Information on Tanzania and suggested itineraries that can be made bespoke to you and incorporate this amazing trip please see our Tanzania pages or contact us.
Here are some of the reasons to visit Namibia with our tailormade Namibia itineraries…
Drive through four deserts and learn how different each one is and just how much life exists in what at first appears to be such a harsh environment.
Visit one of Africa’s prime National Parks in Etosha which has a string of waterholes around its massive salt pan. These are a life saver for a huge variety of animals.
Track desert adapted elephants and rhinos in Damaraland.
Visit the colourful Himba tribe who have maintained their way of life.
Learn to read the signs of the bush from a genuine San tracker.
Quad bike over some of the most colourful dunes in the world.
Come face to face with a seal and see the diverse sealife found in Walvis Bay.
Kayak with seals and dolphins for close company.
Watch hippo below your accommodation on the great rivers in the northern provinces.
Trek for three/four days with mules in the Fish River Canyon – the second largest canyon in the world.
Below is just a small sample of the varied itineraries we can offer in Namibia. Whether your interest lies in wildlife, photography, spectacular scenery, geology, history of you a planning a family adventure, let us help you plan the perfect trip.
Namibia Northern Tour
This sample itinerary tours Northern Namibia taking in some of the most well known parts of this fascinating country. Guided or self-driven… Highlights
Okonjima (home of the Africat Foudation, world renowned Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Erongo Mountains
Drive the Four Deserts of Namibia
In this self-drive itinerary idea, explore the magical, unique and enthralling southern parts of Namibia; this could be a stand alone trip or part of a bigger experience… Highlights: Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Succulent Karoo, Nama Karoo, Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei
Tribes and Wild Camping
In this unique itinerary you will be taken to parts of Namibia travellers rarely have the opportunity to experience. You will meet the Himba people and camp in spectacular wild and remote locations.
South Namibia and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
For those that like exploring the different kinds of deserts found in Namibia then this itinerary should satisfy their interests. It is an ideal self drive trip with stunning scenery and wildlife.
Namibia Caprivi Strip
There is another side to Namibia which is greener, with wide rivers running through it and giant trees fringing the banks.
For those that like exploring the different kinds of deserts found in Namibia then this itinerary should satisfy their interests. It is an ideal self drive trip with stunning scenery and wildlife.
A taste of all 4 deserts in Namibia and the wildlife that manages to survive in these harsh environments. Stunning scenery and the chance to explore the different types of desert make this a great self drive destination.
Day 1 – Sossusveli
Drive from the highlands of Windhoek down in to the Namib Desert with its giant red coloured sand dunes. Choose a lodge within the Park or on the edge to make the most of the changing colours of the dunes.
2 Nights in Sossusvlei Lodge
Day 2 – Sossusveli
An early start as you drive in to the Namib Park and the Dune fields as the sun rises. The changing colours are a photographers dream with the added bonus of animal and birds found here. Climb Big Daddy – allegedly the largest sand dune in the world! Perhaps take a balloon trip over the desert and note the star shaped dunes.
Day 3 – Aus
Your next stay is in the Aus Mountains on the edge of the Namib and Karoo deserts. Wonderful walks take you through the mountains with views in all directions or on to the plains, where the wild horses live.
2 Nights in Klein Aus Eagle’s Nest
Day 4 – Aus
Take a day trip down to Namibia’s second port. Luderitz. Just as you getting there turn off to visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop, once a diamond town with an opera house and thriving community. Wander through the houses and buildings that are slowly being reclaimed by the desert sands. The coast line is rugged and home to colonies of seals and penguins.
Day 5 – Gondwana
Your stay in the Nama Karoo is close the second largest Canyon in the world, Fish River Canyon. Look out for the quiver tree, an aloe indigenous to Southern Africa and dassies living amongst the giant boulders found in this area. Perhaps stay in one of the lodges that have its chalets interwoven with the boulders.
2 nights in Canon Lodge, Gondwana
Day 6 – Gondwana
Explore the area and certainly visit the rim of this gigantic canyon.
Day 7 – Kalahari
Drive to the SE border of Namibia and then cross in to South Africa and the remote Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Stay in a couple of locations in the Park to make the most of the unique environment deep in the Kalahari Desert. Places to consider would be Two Rivers, Kalahari Tented Camp and Nossob.
2 nights in Kalahari Tented Camp
Day 8 – Kalahari
The huge dunes are linear here and there is good vegetation in between which supports a host of wildlife. There is a wildebeest and springbok migration in the area making the most of the infrequent rains and waterholes. This attracts the predators such as cheetah and lion. The male of the later are famous for their dark heavy manes.
Day 9 – Bitter Camp
Change camp and explore further in to the Park.
3 nights at Bitter Camp
Day 12 – Kalahari
Leave the Park today and start your drive back towards Windhoek. Break the journey with a stay in a private game reserve in the Kalahari. Go for a chalet perched on the top of the dunes for stunning views, particularly at sunset.
1 night at Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge
Day 13 – Windhoek
Overnight in Windhoek.
Day 14
Fly home.
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
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Little Gems
Wander through the piles of giant boulders stacked one on top of another in the Giants Playground. This natural phenomenon is home to colonies of dassies which in turn attracts eagles that hunt them. The quiver trees that grow here add to the photo opportunities.
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[wptabtitle] What our client says[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
This is a different side to both South Africa and Botswana which has the mighty Limpopo River as its main theme. The river and its tributaries support a huge variety of animals and birds. Add in evidence of human history that goes right back to our earliest times to give you another interest while here. A different type of safari in a different South Africa and Botswana.
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Southern Africa and Botswana – Along the Limpopo River
The northern border of South Africa is often described as a different experience of this country – wilder and more remote. Combining this with the Tuli Block in Botswana, known as the land of Giants for its elephant herds and huge baobab trees, and you have a smorgasbord of the unexpected and the best of the wild Africa.
Day 1: Johannesburg
Stay overnight in Johannesburg and consider a tour of the city, taking in Constitution Hill with its fort and the Constitution Court, a trip to Soweto to see the Apartheid Museum and a visit to the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners have lived (Mandela and Tutu).
One night Johannesburg
Day 2: Madikwe
Drive towards the Botswana border. Your first stop is Madikwe Game Reserve home to the Big 5 and wild dog and with a mixture of plains, forest and rocky hills to vary your experiences. Being malaria free adds to the attraction of this Reserve and many of the lodges here are family friendly.
Two nights Madikwe
Day 4: Mashatu, Botswana
Head to the North West South African border with Botswana at Pontdrift and cross the Limpopo into the Tuli Conservation area of Botswana. Your days here focus on the wildlife that is abundant in this region, particularly large herds of elephant and good sightings of leopard, lion and cheetah. Take time to join a walking safari or take to mountain bikes and follow your guide as you negotiate the rough terrain and the wildlife you will encounter. Also make time to explore the history of the region going back to the beginning of man, the Great Zimbabwe era and the colonial past.
Three nights Mashatu
Day 7: Limpopo
Return to Pontdrift and then drive along the Limpopo towards the very northern part of the Kruger National Park. Break the journey with an overnight stay at one of the lodges that have views over the Limpopo River.
One night Limpopo
Day 8: Kruger
Enter the Kruger National Park by its most northerly gate – Pafuri. The river is a great attraction for animals and birds and sitting on a platform watching the coming and going at the river is a good way to spend a few hours. Your guide here will take you out through the Park to see a whole host of wildlife and stunning scenery such as the Fever tree forest (glows in the moonlight) and stone tools fashioned by stone aged people. If you enjoy birding this region has much to offer in the way of rare specimens.
Three nights Kruger
Day 11: Panoramic Route
Leaving the Kruger behind you will start your journey along the Panoramic Route. There are many attractions along the way to ensure you do not rush it, such as the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, God’s Window and a number of waterfalls.
One night Panoramic Route
Day 12: Hazyview
End the Panoramic Route with a night in Hazyview and time to relax.
One night Hazyview
Day 13: Johannesburg
Return to Johannesburg for the end of your trip.
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
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Little Gems
Stand on an outcrop looking down on a herd of elephant as they make their way to a waterhole in the near distance while shaded by a baobab tree carved with the initials of Cecil Rhodes and his paramour, and sipping a sundowner.
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[wptabtitle] What our client says[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
This itinerary ensures that you will see all the best that Uganda has to offer, both in wildlife and scenery. It also gives you the chance to see the endangered and rare mountain gorillas.
The lesser known of East Africa’s countries, Uganda has a diverse offering in wildlife, scenery and experiences. Where else can you plan to see gorillas in their mountain homelands, watch chimpanzees range through the trees in search of fruit and anything else, see the Big 5 in classic African panorama and finish with a few days on a beach on Africa’s largest lake – Lake Victoria.
Day 1: Kampala
Take time to explore this lake side city and perhaps take a trip out to Mabamba Swamp for some seriously good bird watching. Amongst the highlights would be a good sighting of the incredible shoebill bird with its large flattened beak.
Two nights Kampala
Day 3: Murchison Falls
Next stop is Murchison Falls National Park where the River Nile is compressed from 47 metres wide to squeeze through 6 metre canyon and drop 40 metres making for a powerful view. This Park has all of the main plains animals and some unusual ones such as oribi and Rothschild giraffe. Join traditional game drives and then take a boat cruise to the foot of the Falls known as the Devil’s Cauldron. Going in the late afternoon ensures you will see all the wildlife coming down for their evening drink. Plenty of crocs and hippo to see along the way and over 450 species of bird are found here.
Two nights Murchison Falls National Park
Day 5: Kibale
Your drive takes you along the western rim of the Rift Valley and then to the Kibale Forest National Park. Here you will be guided by the expert trackers/rangers of the Park through the forest looking for the troops of chimps hunting through the trees. There are plenty of other monkeys to be found here, such as the red tailed monkey and grey cheeked Mangabey.
One night Kibale
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive on into the Queen Elizabeth National Park and have a game drive looking for giant Forest Hogs on your way to camp. Here you have the conventional game drives looking for the usual plains game and their predators, most notably lion that climb in to the trees. Then take to a boat on the Kazinga Channel home to what is considered the largest number of hippo in Africa. Take a guided walk to the Blue Lake and the caves nearby which is home to millions of bats which in turn feed many python.
Three nights Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Enjoy a game drive as you leave the Park and head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you will meet the Batwa people who live here. Here you will receive briefing from the Park staff before your guide takes you through the forest to seek out the gorilla family that live here. You will have an hour with these gentle giants before returning to the lodge.
Two nights Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi
Last tour through the forest before heading to Lake Bunyonyi where you can cruise out to Punishment Island where in past days unmarried pregnant girls where abandoned as punishment for conceiving before marriage. Relax in this beautiful location.
Two nights Lake Bunyonyi
Day 13: Lake Victoria
Back to Lake Victoria and a boat transfer to one of the islands on the Lake for some time to relax on a beach.
Two nights Lake Victoria
Day 15: Depart Uganda
Leave Uganda today for the onward or homeward journey.
Picture courtesy of Bethan Evans
Picture courtesy of Bethan Evans
Picture courtesy of Bethan Evans
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Little Gem
Being so close to a family of gorillas, who have accepted you as part of the day, and watching their family interactions. Magical, and worth the climb through the forest even in the wet.
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[wptabtitle] What our client says[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
There are very good reasons to consider Hwange National Park, in Zimbabwe, for your safari destination and the key ones are as follow:
Hwange is close to Victoria Falls which is easy enough to reach by a number of airlines. The airport there is becoming a bigger International destination which will make it even easier to fly in to the region.
Hwange has about 43,000 visitors per year which gives a density of 3 people per KM2 per year. This compares with the Serengeti density of 23 people per km2 per year, Kruger at 85 and Masai Mara at 912.
It is home to about 46,000 elephants and during the dry season it is not unusual to see herds of hundreds at waterholes. None of the other Parks can boast such large numbers of elephant. In fact there are more elephants than visitors.
It has the some of the densest numbers of sable antelope, cheetah, wild dog and lion in Zimbabwe
Your guides here serve an apprenticeship of 5 to 10 years and their professionalism is considered amongst the best in Africa. They will take you on walking safaris within the Park and teach you about all that you see, including tracks, flora and fauna. This will enhance your African experience immensely.
Hwange Park lodges and camps are small and personal. On average 8 rooms serving 16 clients
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
Picture courtesy of Peter Ellis
If you would like more information about a tailor made safari to Hwange and Victoria Falls or Safaris in South Africa then please contact us on – 01323 446550 or email info@experienceholidays.co.uk
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Experience Holidays is fully bonded under the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL scheme and is a member of the
Worldchoice Consortium.