Mozambique is renowned for snorkelling and other water sports activities. But what most people haven’t discovered is island hopping safari’s in Mozambique. However, these islands are located at the northern parts of Mozambique. The pristine islands of the Quirimbas archipelago are also situated along the far northern coast of the country. Most of these islands are gathering white sands, while other are no more than coral atolls. These island hopping safaris in Mozambique have beautiful accommodation. Take for instance the Ibo Island; it has a Portuguese mansion surrounded with coastal culture and vibe.
It is also important to take a break from the island hopping safari. Make sure that you go by the dhow, where you will meet fishermen and hang around with all kinds of cultural people at the remote reefs. As part of your island hopping safari in Mozambique; you will explore the uninhibited islands which incorporate giant coconut crabs and varied birdlife. Most of the evenings are spent preparing fresh fish on an open fire, right underneath the stars. After that is set and done, you will climb into a comfortable bed in a secure tent planted on the sandy beaches. This is just the right atmosphere for those who love to listen to something before they sleep; they will get a chance of listening to the waving sea.
On the other hand, if Quirimbas were to be featured in the dictionary; it will be synonyms of beautiful, immaculate, relaxed, pristine and all those magnificent elements that are becoming increasingly sporadic in our times. This collection of many islands and coral heads is less developed than the southern island hopping safaris in Mozambique. However, the Quirimbas provides the best entertainment and fun that you can ever get elsewhere in the country.
A long time ago I was told about how some people from the US and UK think that South African’s live in the open jungle and breed lions and elephants as pets. South Africa is a developing country meaning we get to enjoy the best traits of a first world country as well as a third world nation.
Here are the top 3 Safari destinations in South Africa:
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was given the honour of being South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 due to its natural beauty and unique global values. There are beautiful coral reefs and an array of underwater creatures, popular activities include snorkelling, diving, kayaking and horse riding.
• Pilanesberg National Park
You needn’t worry about your health this park is located where there is no Malaria, if you want an up-close view of the African big 5 (Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Elephant) then this is the safari for you in addition there’s Antelopes, Giraffe and about 300 bird species in the park.
• Madikwe Game Reserve
A great place to take your family, Madikwe Game reserve has a wide range of wildlife and beautiful Safari Lodges. The game reserve is in close proximity to the Kalahari Desert and you can spot the big 5.
South African safari destinations will go beyond meeting your expectations. Only Tarzan will be missing on this expedition.
1. Earth Lodge
This is a haven that is the perfect epitome of the new era that has been taken by South African safari lodges. This splendid lodge uses lights and texture to give visitors the best experience ever. Furthermore, the Earth Lodge has been described as the most environmentally friendly lodge in Africa. This is due to the fact that the lodge takes its cue from the surrounding environment.
2. Great Rift Valley Lodge
Driving for just half an hour from Nairobi will lead you to the great Great Rift Valley Lodge in Kenya. In this lodge visitors will enjoy one of humankind’s oldest views. The lodge is situated 7 000 feet above the rest of the region, rewarding dwellers with sensational views. Moreover, visitors can get a chance of seeing the waters of Lake and the Golf Resort which enjoys some of the best views in all of Africa.
3. Khwai River Lodge
Botswana is proud to be host of one of the top 5 best safari lodges in Africa; the Khwai River Lodge. The lodge is located on the river banks, encircled by the calls of the wild. This is one of the vintage lodges in Africa, never mind Botswana. There is a lot of Leadwood and Fig trees, which create a camp like sort of experience. The trees overlook the Khwai river flood plain which is mostly visited by tourists.
4. Serengeti Migration Camp
Tanzania is renowned for hosting some of the greatest wildlife experiences, so why not combine this experience with staying in the Serengeti Migration Camp. This is a game lodge which is hidden among the outcrops of the amazing Serengeti National Park. The lodge is right next to the river where the wildebeest come to drink water. This always creates a picturesque moment for the visitors. So make sure that your camera is always ready.
5. Pondoro Game Lodge
This illustrious lodge has been operating for the past 14 years. The lodge is inside the greater Kruger National Park. Visitors will get the opportunity of participating in morning and evening game drives. The Pondoro Game Lodge is magnificently set on the banks of the Olifants River. This is a great aspect because animals always come here for a drink, affording visitors with the chance of seeing the likes of the Big5.
Mozambique is a strong country that has survived floods and a violent civil war. This amazing country can be located on the south-eastern coast of Africa. Even though its history tarnished its reputation a bit; Mozambique has now become one of the jewels of the African continent. When you go down to the coastline you will discover that Mozambique has beautiful long white beaches and warm waters provided by the Indian Ocean. There are also islands that create an exquisite tropical getaway — featuring water sports, fishing, shaded beaches, surfing, snorkelling and many more.
Should you want to discover Mozambique on a broader scale, make sure that you get yourself an amazing Mozambique holiday travel package. These packages have been designed in a manner that caters for all your travelling fantasies; making your holiday a momentous one. Different packages come with different tour guides. However, be it any holiday package in Mozambique, tour guides (travel professionals) are all more than willing to answer any forms of questions regarding Mozambique. Some people are familiar with the country, so they will have their own region preferences which require special attention. For example, there are beautiful venues that can be used for weddings and honeymoons.
Here are a few things that you have to put into consideration before heading off for Mozambique: flights, accommodation, backpacking, bus tours, tailored car, scuba diving, camping and so forth. You also need to confirm that you don’t forget your camera because there is so much to capture, especially the birdlife. Moreover, Mozambique has many landscapes that will always get your finger ready on your camera’s shoot button.
Around the 18th of January 2012 the Kruger National Park experiences a lot of floods that resulted in parts of the game reserve site being closed.
A few tenants also had to be evacuated from the Tinga Private Lodge and guests that were on the Sweni Wilderness Trail had to also be evacuated.
Roads between Letaba and Olifants and Letaba and Phalaborwa were not accessible. The SANParks had also warned that all gravel roads and low level bridges were to be avoided.
On Monday January 23rd 2012 the South African National Parks issued a statement saying that all gates to the park were now open, most of the tarred roads and the parks safari camps were also all open and operational.
SANPArks added that it was busy repairing some of the damages caused by the floods and that some services might be down or disrupted during this period.
On the upside no animals were affected by the flooding and no deaths or injuries to the park’s visitors were reported, six tourists whose car was washed away had received treatment from the park’s doctors.
The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa. The reserve has numerous locations ranging from lodges, tented camps, and chalets. There are also a number of tours and safari’s to choose from.
The Kruger National Park is open all year round when flooding is not an issue.
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems, millions of years ago the river used to flow into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi which is today known as Makadikgadi pans.
Exploring the Okavango is something reserved for adrenaline junkies and extreme travellers. The floods for a timeous route from Angola all the way to Botswana with flood originating from the Angolan rains which will start around October and end in April. These floods cross the border between Botswana and Namibia in December and reach the bottom end of the delta called Maun around July.
The best time to observe game in the delta is between May-October. This is due to the animal life being concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation has dried out.
If vegetation and bird viewing is more your thing then be sure to come during the rainy season (Nov-April) this is the time when the migrant bird population returns and the plants are flowering and turning green.
Meet the five ethnic groups that originate from the Okavango Delta namely the Hambukushu, Dceriku, Wayeyi, Bugakhwe and Anikhwe people. All these groups have a wealth of wisdom and all of us could learn a thing or two from them.
You can go canoeing by the main waterways in what they call a mokoro (a traditional canoe), and there is 4×4 game viewings, a walking safari as well as helicopter and light aircraft game viewings.
1. South Luangwa
This is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. There is so much emphasis and concentration that it is placed on the Luangwa River and other attractions. The South Luangwa Park hosts a wide range of beautiful wildlife, vegetation and birdlife. There is a walking safari that is now dearly loved by many people because it leads you to the most interesting places. It is the finest ways of experiencing this prestigious wilderness of Zambia. This park has more than 60 different animal species. Birdlife is in abundant with over 400 different bird species.
2. Lower Zambezi
The Lower Zambezi has 3 main habitats; the riverbanks which have a huge mahogany and baobab trees; secondly you will come across the inland floodplains that are in line with the Mopane forest with winter-thorn trees; and lastly the broadleaf woodland which is covering the escarpment hills. The Lower Zambezi has river safaris and other activities such as canoeing. Such activities offer you opportunities to get closer to the animals.
3. Victoria Falls
Since its discovery 150 years ago, Victoria Falls still looks as impressive and appealing. There are hotels in the vicinity, but they are just two storeys high. Guests are able to feel at home and act themselves since the infrastructure around the Falls is unobtrusive. There are secluded walkways – these are there for people to search the perfect vintage point. Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of water in the world because it is 1, 708m wide.
Now that you all set for your first time or one of many safari tours of your life, you need to do what we call a last minute checklist. There are many things that you are allowed to forget like your toothbrush, tooth paste etc, even though they are major things — they can be easily accessible in any country. However, there are things that you cannot by any slightest chance afford to leave behind…
1. Camera
The reason why you are on the safari tour is because you want to create moments. And these moments need to be captured and there is no better way than to get a camera. Make sure that you bring a camera that has more than 11 megapixels. This will ensure you good quality pictures. You should also bring extra batteries, but it is recommended to have a battery charger. Be sure that your camera has a bag and can be easily accessible because there are moments where you see a beautiful bird and want to capture it, just to realise that your camera is far. And just like that, you have missed the moment.
2. Sun Screen
Africa is hot, and the hottest continent by far. Therefore, it is essential to bring sunscreen and other sun blocks like a hat, sun lotion and after-sun cream. As much as some people enjoy the sun, it is paramount to refrain from being sunburnt. Your hat should be a wide-brimmed one so that it will cover you from head to toe. An umbrella is not an option because it asks of you to carry it, and by doing so, you might just lose your freedom.
3. Mosquito repellent
Africa does have quite a number of Malaria free camps, but nevertheless, you should always pack your mosquito repellent or itch cream just in case.
4. Water bottle
As stated above, Africa is a warm continent; therefore, it is imperative to consume fluids now and then. A water bottle is a solution. Also affirm that you have a small backpack where you can store the bottle and other necessities.
1. Mopane Worms
Over the past centuries, insects have been a fascination amongst humans. Some insects are beneficial, like the bees, they provide pollination. Some insects are bad, like mosquitoes, they cause malaria. Insects are eaten in almost every African country, but those that stand out are the Mopane worms. It is the single most hunted insect due to its divine taste and high demand. Some African hotels have Mopane worms on their menus. These scrumptious worms are also exported to Paris, Brussels and other interested countries.
2. Ugali (Cormeal Mush)
Ugali is produced through the pounding of fresh corn and squeezing out the cornstarch. The cuisine is infamous in East and West Africa. It is cooked in boiling water, and when ready, it can be rolled into a ball. It can be boiled with 1 quart water or chicken broth. The cuisine is delicious and the same wheat can be used for cereal purposes. The cuisine was originated in Tanzania. In South Africa, it is called mealie pap.
3. Matata (Clam and Peanut Stew)
Originated from Mozambique, Matata is made with pumpkin leaves. Some countries use spinach as a substitute to bring in those green touches and taste. It is quite a unique combination: clams, peanuts and young greens. However, is properly cooked, it is scrumptious especially with touches of crushed red pepper. It only takes no more than 30 minutes to cook and provinces like Mpumalanga and Limpopo are familiar with this cuisine.
4. Oysters Mombasa
This African cuisine is baked with a Wine Garlic Sauce. Kenya prides itself for producing the best oysters in the world. The Mombasa is served in different small dishes, with a large bowl of dark, dark-red cocktail sauce and slices of lemon. Top it off with a freshly ground pepper and make sure that you don’t add too much salt. The cuisine taste better when served and eaten immediately.
5. The Meat of the Matter
This is steak meat roasted over an open fire and served with mieliepap and tomatoes, grilled onions as gravy. It is also known as Braai/BBQ. This should, however, not be confused with biltong, dried meat. The meat on the matter cuisine has spread in many different countries. Its origins are not vivid, but the Africans have managed to come up with their own way. People eat the meat with buns and other bakery stuff, but Africans serve it with fresh and warm pap
1. Black Rhino Game Lodge
The four star lodge is situated in the midst of the old Tamboti forest at the Pilanesberg National Park. This beautiful lodge is recommended for its malaria free location in the North West Province of SA. The lodge offers 10 luxury suites and outdoor showers. It is located on a brilliant perspective for better game viewing. It is the right place for relaxation and taking those necessary random walks. The game park is situated right next to the Botswana border and totals up to 2 000 hectares in size. It has become one of the most visited luxury safari lodges due its close proximity from the infamous Sun City. The lodge caters for families, leisure, couples and business delegates.
2. Motswari Game Lodge
This magnificent lodge is located in the heart of the renowned Timbavati Private Game Reserve. It is a home for relaxation, unique game experience, natural living and sustainable tourism. There are 15 luxury apartments that are well secured and afford guests with privacy. This prestigious game lodge is a home for all types of people. Facilities like the gym and Spa are not part of the package since the owners believe that there is so much more to experience in the area. The area is a bit too far from cities, but once you get there, you will realize that it’s better to be there than to be living in the hectic city life.
3. Bushwise Safari Lodge
The game lodge is located next to the Crocodile River, overlooking the Kruger National Park. The lodge has luxurious rooms that are proportionally placed to provide you with good views of the river. The animals wander freely around the lodge, giving you that unique experience of game viewing. You can take part in horse riding, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, bush walking and many more interesting activities. After a long day of excitement; you will be served an excellent traditional cuisine outdoors.