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Uyaphi.com Africa Travel Newsletter
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The main attraction of Africa is the wide–open spaces, sunshine and blue skies, not to mention unique wildlife found nowhere else on the planet.
This month we head for the great outdoors. The first destination that springs to mind is the Kruger National Park. The Park was declared a conservation area over a century ago in an attempt to reverse the rapid destruction of wildlife by unabated hunting in the previous century. If it were not for places like the Kruger Park, many African animals would now be extinct. Luckily we can rest assured that they are still there for the next generation to enjoy.
Put on your hiking boots, head off the tourist track and take in some of the more remote destinations in Southern Africa. We take a look at the Top 5 Hiking Trails of the region.
If rugby boots are more your thing, you may be interested in the Lion’s Tour to South Africa scheduled for June/July next year. You’ve left it a little late to make travel arrangements if you're planning to follow the tour ... but perhaps Uyaphi can help with some last minute arrangements.
Regards,
The Uyaphi.com Team
Uyaphi.com’s service shines bright as the African Sun...
“ Thank you for asking, we had a fantastic time on the safari and really enjoyed our holiday. Namibia is a beautiful country and the safari was very well organised and perfect in everything.
Thank you again for all your help and if we return to Africa in the future we'll get in touch again.”
Heather (United Kingdom)
In this newsletter:
- The Kruger National Park – One of Africa’s Oldest Wildlife Destinations
- 5 of the Best Hiking Trails in South Africa and Namibia
- Accommodated Safari: South Africa in a Nutshell
- Uyaphi News: Lions Rugby Tour to South Africa in June/July 2009
- Exclusive Special: Kruger and Cape Discovery
The Kruger National Park – One of Africa’s Oldest Wildlife Destinations
It lies in the northern reaches of South Africa: the Kruger National Park was established by forward thinkers well over a century ago and still offers visitors an astounding variety of wildlife packed into an area the size of a small country. The Park is highly accessible for both self–drive and tour led groups.
The Kruger Park lies on the national border and now forms part of a massive peace park that amalgamates the areas of Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. There are no internal borders in this massive 35,000 square–kilometre Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park that allows wildlife to move freely on their ancient migration routes.
The Kruger (as it is affectionately called) is home to an impressive number of species: 147 mammal species, 336 types of tree, 49 classes of fish, 34 amphibian and 114 reptile species. 507 bird species makes the Kruger a favourite birding safari destination too.
The Park covers a vast area. There are 6 distinct ecosystems – from scrubland to riverine forest to wide–open plains. Different animals prefer these different habitats and the network of roads criss–crossing the Park north to south and east to west mean you have the perfect chance of encountering the animal of your dreams.
A full range of accommodation is available, basic to luxury: 21 rest camps, 7 private lodge concessions and 11 designated private safari lodges. So you can be sure that your Kruger Safari will be a comfortable one.
The Kruger Park is open all year round, but the winter months (April to September) are the best time to visit. This is the dry season and the animals tend to congregate around the waterholes and rivers. The vegetation is also less dense making game spotting a little easier.
Uyaphi Recommended Kruger Park Packages:
· Kruger Park camping safaris
· Kruger Park lodge safaris
· Kruger Park fly-in safaris
· Kruger Park walking safaris
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5 of the Best Hiking Trails in South Africa and Namibia
What better way to experience Southern Africa’s spectacular open spaces for yourself than by pulling on your hiking boots and heading for one of the varied hiking trails on offer?
Whether it’s a day hike or a mammoth trek deep into the wide outdoors that takes your fancy, there is plenty here to amuse an avid walker. We feature 5 of the most popular and spectacular hiking experiences in South Africa and Namibia. But be warned, these trails are extremely popular so it is advisable to arrange hiking permits well in advance to avoid disappointment.
1. The Otter Trail, Garden Route (42 km, 5 day)
Follows the spectacular Tsitsikamma coastline, taking you through unspoiled indigenous forest and along rugged shorelines. There are two dramatic river crossings taken at low tide. Steep ascents and descents. The shorter 17 kilometre 2 day Dolphin Trail takes you through the same sort of terrain. Overnight accommodation in guesthouses rather than hiking huts, and your pack is delivered from one overnight spot to the next (known as slackpacking in the hiking fraternity!)
· Pre/post Accommodation: Kurland Hotel
2. De Hoop Whale Trail, Cape Overberg (54 km, 5 day)
Hike through beautiful plains of fynbos and the salty sea air of the De Hoop marine protected area. Unsurpassed whale watching between June and December.
· Pre/post Accommodation: Arniston Hotel
3. The Fish River Canyon, Namibia (86 km, 5 day)
Second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon, stretching 180 kilometres though the desert of Southern Namibia. The trail itself is spectacular but grueling. Camping under the stars is the order of the day.
Be warned: this is not a hike for beginners.
· Pre/post Accommodation: Canon Lodge
4. The Giants Cup Hiking Trail, Drakensberg (60 km, 2 - 5 days)
Explore the Ukahlamba Wilderness Area, World Heritage Site, through treeless mountains, sweeping grasslands and patches of montane bush in protected river valleys. Ideal for the less experienced hiker. Slackpacking option also available for this route.
· Pre/post Accommodation: Montusi Mountain Lodge
5. Hoerikwaggo Trail, Cape Town (25.5 km, 3 day)
Guided and portered trail taking you from the Cape Town City bowl, up and over majestic Table Mountain towards Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The trail forms the first part of a route that continues all the way along the mountainous spine of the Cape Peninsula towards the Cape of Good Hope.
· Pre/post Accommodation: Colona Castle
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Accommodated Safari:
South Africa in a Nutshell
South Africa is a vast country, each region distinctly different from the next. For the first time visitor, it is often overwhelming trying to decide quite where to start and how to go about it.
Uyaphi.com takes the stress out of this decision with The Kruger and Cape Discovery Tour. This is the ideal safari package to give you a taste of the major attractions. The 10–day tour is fully accommodated and takes you on a comprehensive journey around South Africa's tourist highlights.
You will be treated to the “Big Five” South African experiences:
1. Game viewing in the Kruger National Park
2. The scenic beauty of the Garden Route
3. The Cango Caves and ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn
4. The Cape of Good Hope, tip of Africa, and Boulders Penguin Colony
5. Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain
The tour begins up north in Johannesburg before heading off for the vast Kruger National Park for a taste of the African bush and unsurpassed wildlife encounters. Next on the agenda is a flight down south to Cape Town (booked separately). After taking in Cape Town’s highlights, you head out to the Garden Route for a taste of the spectacular scenery and gastronomic experiences on offer there. The tour ends with wine tasting in the Cape Winelands before heading back to Cape Town.
The Safari is fully accommodated so you are well taken care of. Accommodation is in small hotels and Kruger Park rest camps on a bed and breakfast basis. You are assured of personal service as tour groups are kept small, from 4 to 10 people. Speak to us about pre and post tour accommodation and transfers too.
Click here to read more about the Kruger and Cape Discovery Tour.
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Uyaphi News: Lions Rugby Tour to South Africa in June/July 2009
In the past month we have received an increasing number of enquiries from people who are battling to find accommodation for the Lions Rugby Tour to South Africa in June/July 2009.
Most of the major hotels are already fully booked and bed nights are severely limited in a number of the match locations. Never fear, our intrepid Uyaphi consultants have sniffed out establishments in the area. Speak to our consultants if you have still not made arrangements and are keen to follow the tour. We will put together a package for you.
This is the ideal opportunity to enjoy your favourite game and at the same time take advantage of the sights and experiences that Southern Africa has to offer. The tour takes place in a varied mix of South African destinations and we are happy to recommend other activities that would best complement the Lions Tour Schedule.
The Lions Tour Schedule:
| Date | Team | Match Location | ||
| Sat 30 May | Highveld XV | v | British & Irish Lions | RUSTENBERG |
| Wed 3 Jun | Golden Lions | v | British & Irish Lions | JOHANNESBURG |
| Sat 6 Jun | Cheetahs | v | British & Irish Lions | BLOEMFONTEIN |
| Wed 10 Jun | Sharks | v | British & Irish Lions | DURBAN |
| Sat 13 Jun | Western Province | v | British & Irish Lions | CAPE TOWN |
| 15/16 Jun | Coastal XV | v | British & Irish Lions | PORT ELIZABETH |
| Sat 20 Jun | South Africa | v | British & Irish Lions | DURBAN |
| Tue 23 Jun | Emerging Springboks | v | British & Irish Lions | CAPE TOWN |
| Sat 27 Jun | South Africa | v | British & Irish Lions | PRETORIA |
| Sat 4 Jul | South Africa | v | British & Irish Lions | JOHANNESBURG |
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Exclusive Special:
Kruger and Cape Discovery
Our exclusive offer for Newsletter Subscribers this month:
Book yourself on the Kruger and Cape Discovery Tour for any departures until the end of March 2009 and receive a discount and free gift from Uyaphi.com!
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· Why Book with Uyaphi.com?
1) Our Africa travel consultants have the knowledge and expertise in all the products and destinations we offer.
2) We are accredited by SATSA and ATTA.
3) With our offices based in Cape Town, South Africa, should a problem arise, we will be able to respond to the relative issue in the same time zone as you are located. We are contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4) Since all products and services are pre–paid through Uyaphi.com you are never surprised with any additional costs, with this in mind you can budget properly for your Africa safari.
5) We do not charge Visa & Mastercard surcharges.
· Our Client Feedback
“..we safely arrived back to Croatia.We had wonderful time in South Africa and I wanted to thank you for your assistance. You will definitely be the first person to recommend or contact for any future trip to Africa. Our guide Maxwell is a person to thank as well. He is really trustworthy, polite, friendly, safe driver and never late...”
Inga and Dalibor (Croatia)
“..just wanted to drop you a note to tell you what a great time we had. The trip could not have been planned better.... All were greater than our expectations. Everyone we met was extremely cordial and very helpful. The host’s mother at Elephant Hide in Knysna told us the Botswana safari would be the “cherry on top”, and she was right. She also said you had done an excellent job planning the trip for us, we totally agree. We are ready to come back right now but realistically we are looking at coming back in 2010. We had a wonderful time and appreciate all of your hard work in bringing it together for us..”
Jeannine and Joe (United Kingdom)
“..Just a short note to thank you for the arrangements in our trip to AFRICA we have the best time ever... the guides were terrific we saw a lot of animals particularly leopards and lions, Also the tours in Johannesburg and Cape Town were very good , we will certainly think of your company when we plan our next safari and we will recommend you to our friends and family.”
Jose & Claudia (Mexico)
“... I wanted to let you know that the travel itinerary you helped me with for the Uganda Gorilla Trek, Botswana Safari and Victoria Falls went very well. I appreciated the service provided and felt safe. It was an amazing trip. I also really enjoyed seeing Cape Town and traveling by car on the Garden Route and in wine country. South Africa is a beautiful country. I hope all is going well for you and Uyaphi. Take Care and all the best this holiday season!”
Joan (United States)
“... Thank you very much. It was unforgettable vacation and the service we got was absolutely perfect. ”
Vadim (United Kingdom)
“... Thanks very much for organising our holiday – we really loved it. The safari was fantastic and Zanzibar was very relaxing! Nothing to complain about at all!”
Sophie (United Kingdom)
“... I wanted to THANK YOU...THANK YOU....THANK YOU for all of your help in organizing, and co-ordinating all of my endless requests and answering my non-stop questions!! You are truly an amazing travel agent and I thank my lucky stars that I had someone like you to make my birthday trip such a memorable experience. Considering all of the planes, transfers and infinite details needed to co-ordinate this trip.....it all went pretty smoothly and we enjoyed every action-packed minute of it!...I will highly recommend your agency to anyone that I know is planning a trip to your beautiful country!...”
Dianna (Canada)
More Client Feedback
· Featured Hotels
ELEPHANT PLAINS GAME LODGE
A lodge that offers you comfortable and affordable style in one of the world's few remaining wilderness areas. Elephant Plains is a privately owned and operated property within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, part of the 2,2 million hectare Greater Kruger National Park.
» Read more
GOMO GOMO GAME LODGE
A unique and private getaway, situated in the greater Kruger National Park. It is an intimate, child-friendly camp built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the prestigious Timbavati Game Reserve, one of South Africa's most pristine and unspoiled reserves.
» Read more
TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE
An exclusive safari lodge under traditional grassing. Situated on a private Manyeleti Reserve concession, within the Greater Kruger National Park. A pristine wilderness reserve nestled between the Sabi Sands, Timbavati and Kruger Park, abounding in big five game and spectacular bird life. The area is unique for its minimal vehicle density and so offering a true exclusive safari experience.
» Read more
HONEYGUIDE KHOKA MOYA
Located in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, lie Honeyguide Khoka Moya. Manyeleti, meaning "Place of the Stars" borders Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand and Timbavati and is a true Big Five Reserve.
» Read more
JACKALBERRY LODGE
Situated within the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, which is one of the world's premier big five game viewing areas. The Majestic Drakensberg Mountains provide a spectacular backbrop for this initmate camp, offering magnificent views, understated luxury and restful, ethnic ambience that blends harmoniously with nature.
» Read more
LION SANDS INVORY LODGE
Built on the banks of the Sabie River with magnificent views, extending onto the open sand banks of the Kruger National Park. The Lodge faces due south and is approximately 100 meters upstream of River Lodge.
» Read more
NGALA TENTED CAMP
Nestled amidst the island shoreline, idyllic dhow sails and achingly beautiful skylines. In the heart of Mozambique, the Bazaruto Archipelago has been named the Crown Jewels of the Western Indian Ocean. Benguerua Island is the diamond-encrusted tiara in this chain of pristine Islands..
» Read more
THORNYBUSH SHUMBALALA LODGE
With its pristine African bushveld, this lodge is adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park. Thorny Bush Game Reserve with its abundance of bird and mammal species including the 'Big 5', is also home to five exclusive lodges. The Lodge has been described by many who have visited it as a feast for the senses and a journey for the soul.
» Read more
RATTRAYS ON MALAMALA
Chobe Chilwero Lodge borders the Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana. Chilwero, means "place of high view" in the local language of Setswana. The lodge sits above the Chobe River and offers unparalleled panoramic views across the islands and flood plains as far as Namibia.
» Read more
Tel: +27 (0) 21 788 3580 • Fax: +27 (0) 21 788 3540 • Contact Us Online
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