The Indian Ocean and it’s Islands

Between the turquoise blue water and the spectacular coral reefs lie islands so intriguing they boast some of the high tourist numbers of the islands in the world. 5 Main Islands are the product of the Indian Ocean. They are in no particular order Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Mombasa and Zanzibar.
White sandy beaches offer lazy days in the sun. A True beach holiday is the Indian Ocean islands.

Islands highlights:

Mauritius

East of the African continent lies Mauritius, the island of Love. Popular for a variety of hotels and offer excellent value for money and perfect for honeymooners and weddings. Only 4 hour flight from South Africa and no visas are needed by South-Africans. At present no Inoculations or malaria precautions are needed which make it an easy affordable destination for South-African families and couples.

Mauritius resorts boast some of the biggest variety water sports between the islands which are a must on any beach holiday and most are included in packaged deals.
Mauritius accommodation is mostly hotel style or beach villas.

Maldives

North East of the African continent approximately 9 hours direct flight to the islands of Maldives. Maldives consist of Atolls which make up the separate islands. Most resorts are positioned on their own island which makes it a truly unique experience. Some of the best diving sites are in the Maldives and because of the remote location and protected reefs Maldives are generally more expensive than Mauritius. Read the rest of this entry »

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Franschhoek Offers Classic Styles In South Africa

Nestled in a fertile valley and ringed by majestic mountains, Franschhoek may appear to be merely a picturesque rural village, yet this is the food and wine heartland of South Africa and one of the premier destinations in the world of wine.

The spectacular scenery of this beautiful valley, where vineyards stretch across the mountain slopes and mighty oaks tower over original Cape Dutch farmhouses, nurtures this peaceful settlement that tells a colorful history.

History
When the Edict of Nantes was revoked in France in 1685, hundreds of Huguenots fled their homeland as Protestantism was outlawed. Of these, 227 arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, seeking refuge. Simon van der Stel, the Dutch governor at the time, led them over what is today the Helshoogte Mountain into the valley beyond and granted many of them farm land there. The valley was first called Olifantshoek (Elephant Corner), reminiscent of the vast numbers of elephants that roamed here freely, but with the settlement of the French Huguenots the name was soon changed to Franschhoek (French Corner).

Their heritage is preserved in the Huguenot Monument, which was erected in 1938 and proudly stands at the top of the village. The engravings speak of their religious persecution, their flight to South Africa, the strength of their belief and the influence they had on the development of the area. Each original Huguenot farm has a unique story to tell and their histories are chronicled in the nearby museum.

Today Franschhoek is one of the top five tourist destinations in South Africa, and an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the astounding world of the Winelands. The Franschhoek Valley is especially known for its tranquil beauty and relaxed atmosphere, the perfect setting to thoroughly enjoy the top class wines produced in this area. Read the rest of this entry »

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Safety on the Mountain

One of the best things about South Africa is the diversity that the country offers its own residents. Who needs to go to Australia for the surf when our own beaches offer some of the surfing hotspots of the world?

Rocky Mountains? We have hiking in the Drakensberg. Ski slopes? We have the best waterskiing in the world. Wild bears? We have Big Five safaris.

With so many incredible outdoor activities in South Africa, you never have to leave and you can still have a new and exciting holiday every single time.

But, (isn’t there always a but?) with these outdoor activities come some risks. Whether you are hiking, wake boarding, boating or driving through the Kruger Park on safari, you need to know how to take care of yourself.

So we have put together some tips on how to stay safe while making the most of what South Africa has to offer.

This week we take a look at hiking and everything you need to know to stay safe on South Africa’s slopes.

What to pack

There is a reason boy scouts have the motto “be prepared”. In the event of an accident on a day hike, you need to be prepared to avoid tragedy. It’s as simple as that.

o Lots of water – 3 to 4 containers for a long hike.
o Basic first aid kit – containing at the very least bandages, tape, antiseptic and a painkiller.
o Warm top or jacket, spare socks and a blanket – even in summer.
o Pocket knife and rope.
o Torch and whistle.
o Small flashlight and matches.
o Map or compass and a field guide so you can check before you sample that mushroom.
o Sunscreen and a hat.
o Food – that will provide you with energy-giving carbs, but not require cooking. Think sandwiches, dried fruit and dry cereals for a whole day with an extra portion.
o Cellphone programmed with emergency numbers.

Safety against crime

While every effort is made to secure our national parks and hiking trails, the reality is that some isolated criminal attacks do occur, so you need to “be prepared”.

o Never hike alone. You are a clear target when walking in a secluded area alone. Try and stick together in a group of at least three people.

o Remember your car. When you hike, your car is often left for long periods of time in an isolated spot. Hide all your valuables and make sure everything is locked.
o Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables. While you want your camera and need your cellphone, you don’t need your engagement ring or iPod – so leave them at home. Keep the valuables you do have on you hidden as much as you can.
o Project confidence. Look people in the eye and walk tall.
o Criminals prey on the weak, so do not look weak.
o Carry mace. If you are nervous about your safety on a hike, carry a mace spray or a walking stick with which you can defend yourself and always make sure that you have the park rangers’ number programmed in your phone.
o Stay on designated paths. You are more at risk of attack if you stray off hiking trails. Trails guarantee traffic and the protection of other hikers and rangers, if you stray off these you are more vulnerable. Read the rest of this entry »

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