Wildlife is one of the biggest attractions in South Africa and each year it draws thousands of tourists to our beautiful country. The most world renowned of these animals is of course the celebrated “Big Five” – Buffalo, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhino!

South Africa now has fantastic interactive wildlife experiences available that come in many forms. There are rehabilitation centre’s, where you can reach out and touch the animals, learn about them and their habits and experience firsthand what it takes to care for them before releasing them back into the wild. Spier Wine Estate in the Western Cape is home to the renowned Cheetah Research Centre and here you are able to get up close and personal with hand reared Cheetahs – perfect for photographic opportunities and also a great way to contribute to the conservation of these remarkable creatures. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, in the Limpopo Province, focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals. Cheetah Conservation is one of their core disciplines and a visit here offers a perfect learning opportunity. The HESC also offers an intensive, hands-on Student’s Programme to conservation and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.

But, one of the most amazing experiences for many is the opportunity to get up close and personal with African Grey Elephants, probably the most majestic of all the African animals. An elephant back safari is not just a ride on the largest animal in Africa, it’s an unforgettable experience where people get to interact with the elephants as well as enjoy a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful riverine scenery. All the elephants at these sanctuaries are well cared for and much loved with excellent living conditions and personal trainers who adore them. This is the perfect way to get up close and personal and understand these stately African creatures. It truly offers a safari of a lifetime.

There are many places in South Africa that offer Elephant Back Safaris, but if you really want to treat yourself to an amazing and unforgettable experience, then you must stay at Camp Jabulani in the Kapama Game Reserve. It is an experience not to be missed!

We hope you enjoy your African Safari!

Http://www.africansands.com

Enjoy:

• 3 nights The Constantia (Cape Town) – including breakfast
• Transfers from The Constantia to the Blue Train Station, Cape Town
• 1 night The Blue Train – All meals, off the train excursion, high tea, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks Transfer from the Blue Train Station, Pretoria to the Sheraton Hotel
  1 night the Sheraton Hotel (Pretoria) – including breakfast
• Complimentary welcome drink on arrival  
• 2 nights at Jock Safari Lodge – full board including game activities

From:  R20.185.00 per person!!

Price excludes:
Flights
Additional Transfers
Car hire
Any additional extras not described as inclusive

 Valid 15 April 2010 – 30 September 2010

For more information on exciting holidays in South Africa, contact us!

http://www.africansands.com

At the Table Bay Hotel’s Conservatory Restaurant, a superb venue overlooking the  boating bustle of the working harbour at the V&A Waterfront and the soaring face of Table Mountain, food plays as important a role and the hotel’s resident Executive Chef, Dallas Orr has always believed, “it is not enough to simply provide your guests with good food; you must do more than that.  You must entertain them and make them feel welcome and appreciated.”

“With the introduction of our Cape Flair Menu,” Orr emphasises, “we hope to take our international and local guests on a journey of aroma and flavour.  This is not about the fiery hot Indian curries, it’s a subtle blending of aromatic spices that makes the Cape Malay dishes so fascinating.” 

Orr’s “fresh is best” motto continues in his latest menu. Produce comes in daily from the markets, is prepared immediately and is ready to serve the same day.  He has also put together a young and enthusiastic team, specifically chosen to head this menu, and the excitement in the kitchen is palpable.  

The Conservatory Restaurant’s Cape Flair Menu creates a taste explosion for your taste buds!   And, like those original Malays, Orr has created typical Malay-inspired dishes (like curry, which is served even on hot days as it’s believed to help cool the body).  The starters menu is a culinary delight with a classic homemade West Coast crab samoosa served on a salad of cherry tomatoes, red pearl onions and rocket, and an egg mimosa aioli or a Penaied (family of) prawn skewer marinated in masala aromatics served with celeriac and crème fraiche slaw and frizzled onion.  There’s a baby spinach and rocket salad served with succulent chicken tikka strips, carrot, roma tomato, cucumber and toasted cashew nuts.

For main courses, there are a selection of authentic Cape Malay curries like the chicken which is slow cooked in aromatic spices served with wilted spinach and dhal makani (a smooth creamy butter gravy of black lentils and beans).  There’s fried kabeljou in red spiced batter or pan fried kingklip served with pilaf rice baked with wild mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and oven roasted bell peppers served with lemon caper butter sauce.  Perhaps the masala grilled beef fillet or rump steak served with sumo chips, wild mushroom stuffed baby gem squash, rocket and a turmeric béarnaise sauce will tempt your taste buds.

Dessert is a sublime old fashioned milk tart, a speciality in South Africa,  made with an amarula anglaise and served with cinnamon condensed milk ice cream.

Malay cookery is about culinary magic and expertise where the outstanding characteristics are the free, almost heroic use of spices and aromatic flavourings, the prolonged steady, but slow application of moist heat to all meat dishes, and the skilful blending of many diverse constituents into a combination that still holds the essential goodness of each.

It is a sensual taste explosion! One you have to try for yourself!

The Conservatory Restaurant at the Table Bay Hotel will be open from 19h00 to 22h00 every Friday & Saturday 

Click here to enquire about a unique South Africa Holiday for you!

Experience the diversity of the country with this fantastic “Beach & Bush” itinerary that is something just a little different from where everybody else goes!

Combine the magic of Pafuri Camp in the Kruger National Park, with Rocktail Beach Camp on the tropical east coast The Pafuri area is regarded as the most diverse area of the Kruger National park. It offers a remote, authentic wilderness experience with great game to go with it. From Pafuri continue onto Rocktail Beach Camp, where this remote lodge is nestled in the Dune Forest of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park (a world heritaghe site). It offers you an amazing base to explore this marine paradise and its incredible natural wildlife.

RATE: R12,335.00 PER PERSON!

What’s included:

3 nights at Pafuri Game Lodge

- Located in the Makuleke Conservancy, one of the most scenic regions of the Kruger National Park

 - Game Drives and game activities daily including a cultural tour of Makuleke and the ancient civilization of Thulamela

- Full board basis (excluding drinks)

 3 Nights at Rocktail Beach Camp

 - Set in the coast forest of the iSimangaliso Wetlands National Park (a world heritage site)

- Snorkelling, turtle watching, forest and coastal walks, trip to Lake Sibaya

 - Includes Breakfast and dinner daily (excluding drinks)

What’s Excluded:

- Flights/ transfers to Pafuri

 - Flight/ transfers to Rocktail Beach Camp

- All drinks and any items of a personal nature

- Single supplement

 Recommended:

To extend the itinerary and get an overall picture of South Africa, we suggest you consider adding in a stay at Mashatu, Timbavati Game Reserve, Phinda Game Reserve or the historic KwaZulu Natal Battlefields.

For more information on great South Africa Holidays, contact us here

http://www.africansands.com

- All light vehicles (under 3.5 tons) will pay R110.00 (incl. VAT)

- All heavy vehicles (3.5 tons and above) will pay R230.00 (incl. VAT)

- In addition, each guest/visitor will be charged R20.00 per person (incl. VAT)

So, if you are travelling to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, keep this in mind!

Contact us here for more South Africa Holiday ideas

Join the renowned wildlife photographer Lou Coetzer in the Caprivi, on a specialised boat on the beautiful Chobe river for an absolutely incredible photographic safari experience as you witness nature in its element. The Chobe/Caprivi floodplain area is renowned for its concentration of buffalo and elephant, and provides fantastic wildlife viewing

What’s on offer?

• Exclusively designed and unique photographic boat with specialised swivel seats and Wimberley Heads no’s’
• You will be under the guidance and watchful eye of the professional wildlife photographer, Lou Coetzer – his goal is your success!
• Small, exclusive groups allows for personalised attention,  and better photographic opportunities
• The privilege to try out the latest Nikon equipment
• Archiving, labelling and editing under professional supervision – come home with great, professional edited images

Departure dates

• 3 Night Photographic Safari
• 22 – 25 October 2010
• ZAR 12,890 per person sharing / Excludes flights, however we can assist with this 
• Alternate dates available on request for exclusive groups (min 6 guests)

Accommodation at Impalila Island Lodge

The rush of the Mambova Rapids casts a soft blanket of sound over Impalila Island Lodge. Nestled close to the junction of four countries – Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe – and near the meeting place of the mighty Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, Impalila Island Lodge is a water-bound wonderland. With over 100km of waterways to traverse, Impalila lies a mere 80km upriver from the Victoria Falls. Surrounded by rippling beds of pink-tinged water lilies, the lodge lies protectively beneath the branches of a 700 year-old Baobab tree under which, it is said, David Livingstone camped. Eight luxury en-suite chalets all with river views echo the colours of Africa. Here lies promise of excitement by day; tranquillity by night. Encounter Africa’s big game and birdlife by boat or challenge the legendary tigerfish on fly. Follow the island’s footpaths for an intriguing village visit and learn of the medicinal uses of the indigenous plant life.

Contact us here for more South Africa Holiday ideas

http://www.africansands.com

If you haven’t got tickets yet, there is still some availability!!

WORLD CUP INVENTORY IN HAND

MATCH 5: England vs. USA                               June 12th   Rustenburg
CAT: 1  $300.00         CAT: 2  $240.00

MATCH 7: Germany vs. Australia                         June 13th    Durban                       
CAT: 1  $300.00

MATCH 9: Netherlands vs. Denmark                       June 14th    Soccer City 
CAT: 1  $300.00         CAT: 2  $240.00  

MATCH 23: England vs. Algeria                          June 18th    Cape Town     
CAT: 1  $300.00         CAT: 2  $240.00

MATCH 24: Ghana vs. Australia                          June 19th    Rustenburg     
CAT: 1  $300.00

MATCH 25: Netherlands vs. Japan                        June 19th    Durba
CAT: 1  $300.00         CAT: 2  $240.00
MATCH 29: Brazil vs. Ivory Coast                       June 20th    Soccer City    
CAT: 1  $600.00

MATCH 32: Spain vs. Honduras                           June 21st    Ellis Park        
SUITE:  $360.00         (6 Tickets only)

MATCH 37: Slovenia vs. England                         June 23rd    Port Elizabeth
CAT: 1  $300.00         CAT: 2  $240.00       CAT: 3  $180.00

MATCH 39: Ghana vs. Germany                            June 23rd   Soccer City    
PREMIER: $360.00   (3 Tickets only)

MATCH 40: Australia vs. Serbia                         June 23rd    Mbombela      
CAT: 1  $300.00

MATCH 44: Cameroon vs. Netherlands                     June 24th     Cape Town    
CAT: 1  $300.00         CAT: 2  $240.00

MATCH 50: Round of 16                                  June 26th    Rustenburg     
CAT: 1  $600.00

MATCH 52: Round of 16                                  June 27th    Soccer City   
 CAT: 1  $600.00

MATCH 53: Round of 16                                  June 28th    Durban                      
CAT: 1  $600.00

MATCH 54: Round of 16                                  June 28th    Ellis Park        
CAT: 1  $600.00

MATCH 55: Round of 16                                  June 29th    Pretoria           
CAT: 1  $600.00

MATCH 56: Round of 16                                  June 29th    Cape Town     
CAT: 1  $600.00

MATCH 57: Quarter Final                                July 2nd      Port Elizabeth
CAT: 1  $900.00

MATCH 58: Quarter Final                                July 2nd      Soccer City    
CAT: 1  $900.00

MATCH 59: Quarter Final                                July 3rd       Cape Town     
CAT: 1  $900.00

MATCH 60: Quarter Final                                 July 3rd       Ellis Park        
CAT: 1  $900.00

MATCH 61/64: Semi + Final Cape Town Package                          
CAT: 1  $4800.00       (Delivery June 12th)

MATCH 62/64: Semi + Final Durban Package                                
CAT: 1  $4800.00       (Delivery June 12th)

But, having a Braai doesn’t always need to be about thick slices of meat (as delicious as that is!) – so here are some cool alternative recipes that you can try next time you braai!

Lobster with Garlic & Ginger

Place butter in a low, flat roasting tray and allow to melt over the fire, add onion, garlic and ginger. Cut the lobster in half; place the lobster meat side down in the roasting tray, season and leave to cook on the fire. Sprinkle coriander over the top and serve immediately.

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs

Cut big chunks of Brinjal (aubergine), butternut or pumpkin, onion and baby marrow into squares. Thread through a sosatie (kebab) stick interspersing with whole cherry tomatoes for flavour. Drizzle with olive oil and Italian seasoning and place on the grill for a few minutes! Yummy!

The best ever homemade Hamburger!

1 egg

1 tbsp water

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp tomato sauce

1 tsp wholegrain mustard

2 tbsp bread crumbs

500g lean mince

1 large onion finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh basil and oregano

2 tbsp olive oil

 Salt and ground black pepper

Mix the egg, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and tomato sauce, mustard and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix well, season and form into 4 – 6 patties. Brush with olive oil and let them rest in the fridge for 10 minutes. When the Braai is nice and hot, sear both sides of the patties until nice and golden brown. Serve on Sesame seed hamburger buns, with onion, tomato and lettuce. Season with salt and pepper. Delicious!

Enjoy the sun and your Braai in South Africa!

Want more information on South Africa Holidays, contact us here  

http://www.africansands.com

Gondwana Game Reserve’s Fynbos Camp´s Kwena Huts and main lodge are the newest addition to Gondwana’s luxury accommodations and are due to start welcoming guests in June 2010!

Fourteen luxuriously appointed private suites feature skylight ceilings and 180-degree views of a breathtaking valley dwarfed by the dramatic Langeberg Mountains. The 140-million-year-old mountain range being the last remnants of the breakup of the supercontinent known as Gondwanaland, is the inspiration for the reserve’s name.  The new Kwena Huts are a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San dwelling.  Kwena Camp facilities include a large pool, a spa treatment suite, a chic open-plan lounge and bar, with food and beverage services offered in an elegant and intimate dining setting around  open fireplaces, the outdoor boma, or private outdoor tsalas. Guests are treated to surprise bush breakfasts, romantic picnics, evening barbecues and scenic sundowner spots.
The Perfect Cape Town Safari Break

Gondwana Game Reserve provides the perfect safari break for Cape Town visitors. Less than a four-hour drive away along South Africa’s popular Garden Route, the private game reserve offers a distinctive malaria-free safari experience. Indigenous Fynbos cloaks the undulating valley and hills, adding vivid colour accents and interest to a Big Five wilderness experience. This exclusive reserve offers guests attentive service, superb cuisine, expert game rangers, walking and horseback safaris.   World-class tourist facilities and attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep include championship golf courses at Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Oubaai and Fancourt, great swimming beaches and the attractive coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

Creating an Eco-Tourism Destination

Owners, Mark and Wendy Rutherfoord, started Gondwana six years ago, transforming a series of cattle and sheep farms into an 11,000-hectare safari destination. The terrain, restored to its natural beauty, consists of open grassland, undulating valleys, indigenous Fynbos and now herds of wildlife. Gondwana has re-introduced endangered species like the Cape Mountain Zebra and Black Rhinoceros and has a high diversity of antelope species such as Eland, Gemsbok, Red Hartebeest, and Springbok.  General Manager Peter Siebert comes with 14 years of 5 star lodge experience managing top CC Africa properties such as Ngoro Ngoro Crater Lodge and Mnemba Island to name a few.

Luxury Safari Villas

Accommodation at Gondwana also includes the established Fynbos Camp Villas, which opened in December 2008.  Ten superior rooms and ten unbelievably spacious deluxe suites feature wraparound valley and mountain views.  A highlight of any stay is in-suite dining with a private chef. The villas are perfect for families and groups of friends looking for more space and privacy; for the ultimate in luxury the villas can be privately staffed with your own ranger, chef and butler to cater to your every whim. The villas can also be utilized on a luxury self-catering basis with a la carte meals and game drives available for those who want a longer stay and the flexibility to enjoy the surrounding Garden Route, its activities and attractions.

Nature Activities

Guests at Gondwana are offered an assortment of inclusive activities, from horseback and walking safaris to fishing and mountain biking in a fenced 1000-hectare protected area. Family itineraries include a junior ranger programme.  Guests can also enjoy informative Fynbos walks with local experts and discover endemic birdlife that occurs nowhere else in the world, such as the Black Harrier and Orange Breasted Sunbird, and indigenous wildlife such as the Grey Rhebok, Cape Mountain Zebra and Bush Buck.  Stone age sites are found throughout the reserve with hand tools and other artifacts.

African Corporate Getaway

Lehele Lodge, with its cool organic style and warm African flavours, is ideal for high-end boutique corporate getaways and private functions including product launches and weddings. The lodge comprises an interconnected lounge, bar, library and dining area with conference facilities. The outdoor areas including an infinity pool, boma deck area, which has been nicknamed “the party pit”, and ample outdoor seating for meals and sundowners.  The interactive media library has Apple Mac flat-screens for internet use and reference guide books.

For more information on this fantastic African Safari experience contact us here!

To see other African Safaris on our website click here

http://www.africansands.com

South Africa is affordable. During these tough economic times, who doesn’t want an affordable holiday? In South Africa, you can even afford luxury and have some spending money for shopping and other treats! With a good international exchange rate, South Africa is a great destination to explore.

Stunning Scenery

South Africa has something for everyone! It truly is a rainbow nation blessed with spectacular scenery. From Table Mountain to God’s Window, craggy mountains, lush tropical forests, endless white sandy beaches with an incredible coastline to harsh but beautiful deserts. This is an amazing country to explore and lift your spirits

Third World Country but First World facilities

South Africa has a very good road network, good tourism centres, excellent restaurants and accommodation to suit every taste and budget. Whether you want Five Star Luxury or you want to explore the authentic Africa you will find it easy to get around and find a great place to stay.

Great Weather

When thinking of South Africa the phrase “Sunny South Africa” often pops up and this is because South Africa does have great all year round weather. It creates a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and is perfect for sun worshipers, outdoor enthusiasts, golfers and anyone else who loves the sun!

Rainbow Nation

South Africa truly embraces all its cultures and its diverse history. It makes for a very exciting country to explore with lots of different cultures, religions and customs to learn about. Find out how friendly our people are whilst you try your tongue at the countries 11 official languages!

Adventure

South Africa really has something for everyone! With over 130 adventures and counting, you are sure to find something that appeals to you from treetop canyoning, black water tubing, white water rafting to spectacular mountain walks and shark cage-diving – it is no wonder South Africa is known as the adventure capital of the world!

A World in one Country

South Africa is blessed with a truly diverse appeal and a wide range of things to do from watching the big five (Buffalo, Elephants, Lions, Leopards and Rhino) in one of the world’s biggest free range national parks to enjoying a relaxing time at one of our fantastic beaches to the adrenalin pumping thrill of one of the many adventure sports & activities that abound in the country.  Experience our local culture and heritage, enjoy good food and wine, explore battlefields, watch whales frolicking in the worlds best land based whale watching city, or get up close and personal with the great whites. Go mad shopping in some of the worlds largest shopping malls, or get back to nature and explore the numerous scenic hiking trails on offer. The options are endless!

Wonderful Wildlife

South Africa is home to the Big Five (Buffalo, Elephants, Lions, Leopards and Rhino) and a host of other fascinating animals, birds and insects. Combine this with its beautiful flora and you have a great African safari.

Post 1994

South Africa is proud to show off how determination and human spirit overcame the oppression that ruled the land. Here you can discover a nation’s struggle for freedom whilst following the footsteps of Mandela, Hector Pieterson and many other celebrated revolutionaries. This tour will touch and inspire you.

Responsible Tourism

The Kruger National Park is one of the worlds largest free range National parks housing a large variety of animals and flora and it is not the only national park in the country. With this comes huge responsibility and South Africa is proud of its record in Responsible tourism. There are many social and conservation projects that abound in the country and if you were interested you could get involved with one of them – such as learn to be a game ranger, help the anti poaching unit, or volunteer some time and skills to one of the local medical centres or schools.

Go on…. Next time you plan your Africa Holiday, think of South Africa!

Contact us here to plan your perfect Africa Holiday