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Warm Your Winter with Accommodation Specials in South Africa

Winter Accommodation Specials in South Africa ~ Winter in South Africa is full of promise. Crisp mornings, chilly evenings that are best spent around the fire, and spectacular days of clear sunshine… Most of South Africa remains relatively temperate during winter. In fact, some areas are still warm and sunny, while others enjoy a sprinkle […]

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McDonald’s opens ‘restaurant’ for bees

The Golden M is honouring its Swedish franchises with this cute McDonald’s ‘restaurant’ bee hive.

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Mjejane River Lodge, Kruger

Mjejane River Lodge is an exclusive lodge situated within the Mjejane Game Reserve – a private Big 5 Game Reserve incorporated into the Kruger National Park. From the firstly friendly welcome, to your journey of discovery through the African bush with an experienced game ranger at your side, to a starlit dinner around a dancing fire, to the individually decorated luxury bedrooms, Mjejane River Lodge is a truly unforgettable destination.

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Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Voted “Best Safari Lodge” in Zimbabwe for 17 consecutive years and listed on Conde Nast Travellers Gold List, the 4-star Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a place of legend. Enjoy uninterrupted views of spectacular African sunsets and year-round game at the on-site waterhole. Accommodation at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is ideally positioned to offer the most discerning traveler a taste of Africa at its best.

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Man killed by shark in Hawaii

A 65-year-old man, Dr Thomas Smiley, died on Saturday after being bitten by a shark while swimming off Hawaii’s Maui Island near the Kaanapali Shores resort.

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Hamiltons Tented Camp, Self-Drive

Situated in a private concession within the Kruger National Park, Hamiltons Tented Camp guarantees an African Safari experience of a lifetime. Six magnificent tented suites are linked to the main lodge area by raised timber walkways amongst ancient Jackalberry trees and have superb views of the river and dam. Pure luxury, combined with the sounds and smells of the African bush ensure journey into a bygone era, in true “Out of Africa” style.

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Saddling Up In South Africa’s Drakensberg Foothills

Acacia Africa Director and novice rider, Vivian McCarthy, visits South Africa and takes to horse-riding in the Drakensberg foothills.

The city of Durban, normally hot and sunny, was wet and windy when I arrived, but not with the wintry drizzle of England. No, it was African rain – warm, heavy drops that fell vertically and flooded the street within minutes yet cleared the air so magically. A reminder that I was on the edge of the giant continent where Nature is more immediate and relevant to life than at home.

Travelling a few hours inland we were in the Drakensberg foothills and some 1000 metres above sea level – the Drakensberg Mountains running a thousand miles across South Africa forming a barrier with the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho. 

The mountain air was clear and the temperature varied markedly during the day: at 8am it was barely above zero, by 10 O’clock it was mid 20s and rising. Later that afternoon it was hot and yet as soon as the sun sank behind the mountains it very quickly became cold enough to need a sweater.  

I was balanced (more or less) on the back of Tetu, the path ahead zig-zagging its way up the slope toward the sun. As a novice I was happy to have been given a gentle mare, one content to follow rather than lead, and happy too that the first part of the ride was along a quiet stretch of country road before we turned into trackless fields of yellow-green grass. 

The ground undulated a little before rising to an incline of several hundred feet and our small group of riders formed a line as we tracked slowly up the uneven terrain. With more experienced colleagues ahead and behind, the horses seemed to find their way almost intuitively and I began to relax and look around as we gained height.

As the slope steepened I felt rather than guided Tetu across a narrow stream and muddy ditch. I swayed in the saddle but kept my balance and as we continued upwards I felt Tetu begin to labour and felt sweat running down my back. It was beginning to get hot and I started to wonder if I’d used enough sun-block.

Unfazed by the presence of our little group, life goes on as it always has in this remote corner of South Africa. We rode slowly past a group of local women cutting the long yellow grass and laying it out in neat piles to dry. I was told it was made into broomheads which the ladies sold at market – the land not simply a scenic marvel for visitors but a source of subsistence for the people who live here.

We were now several hundred feet up, the countryside opening out around us. From the top the views were breathtaking. In one direction lay the Drakensbergs – rising to 8,000 feet, its massive, snow-capped, peaks sharp against the sky – and in the other direction the plains of Kwazulu Natal rolling away toward the horizon. 

The scale of it was enormous. At home everything is near: buildings, streets, people, all close enough to touch. Here it was different: distances were immense and the air so clear you could see for miles. It was like another world, and for me, the feeling was magnified by being on horseback. There’s something powerful about sitting six or eight feet off the ground on a horse. Nevermind that Tetu was the gentlest of animals or that if she had taken it into her head to break into a trot my sense of calm control would have been considerably upset. That didn’t matter: right at that moment, I felt an awesome sense of achievement. In more ways than one, I was at the top of the world. 

We let the horses graze before continuing along the ridge and across a high meadow overlooking valleys and a river until eventually, we looked down to the road where we’d begun.  Starting down the slope and along the empty road we turned back into the stables. I realised I was no longer a novice and that horse-riding, something I thought had passed me by long ago, was an extremely enjoyable pastime. I even managed to dismount without falling over.

Pony trekking is an optional activity on our tours. Vivian McCarthy travelled as a guest of South African Tourism.

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12 Awesome Experiences In South Africa

Are you planning a trip to South Africa? Then read on… Most people when they think about South Africa, they think about doing safaris and the spotting the ‘Big 5’ the words of Valerie and Mik, genuine creatives of the Suitcasestories that travelled on our 41-day Southern African Adventure tour. But South Africa has so much more to offer. Here are 12 awesome experiences personally tried & approved which will make your trip even more unforgettable. From hiking waterfalls to seeing crocodiles, visiting traditional villages and bungee jumping from the world’s highest commercial bridge. All listed on a map, making it easy for you to schedule them in your itinerary.

South Africa-61Read Valerie and Mik’s full blog here: 12 AWESOME EXPERIENCES IN SOUTH AFRICA

DCIM100GOPROG0090185.JPGImages and blogs by Valerie and Mik, Suitcasestories 

 

 

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May Safari Bites

South Africa’s Latest Rhino Horn-trafficking Case Could Be Its Biggest Yet!

In a triumph against rhino poaching, two men have been arrested for possession of 167 rhino horns, in what could be the biggest rhino horn-trafficking case ever recorded in South Africa. The arrest was made on April 13. Information from Save The Rhino.

Come and see South Africa

White Rhino grazing

Gorilla Selfie Goes Viral

Captioned, ”Another day at the office,” a recent image, taken at the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park, went viral.  Uploaded by the Elite Anti-Poaching Units and Combat Trackers, the picture showed ranger Mathieu Shamavu posing for a selfie with two cheeky primates, Ndakazi and Ndeze.

In the selfie, the two gorillas were standing tall and mimicking the ranger’s behaviour.

“In terms of behaviour, they like to mimic everything that is happening (around them), everything we do,” Shamavu told the Associated Press.

One of Africa’s most sought after wildlife experiences, go gorilla trekking on our Camping Overland or Accommodated Overland 2tours, or book one of our Short Safaris & Treks.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Last Remaining Northern White Rhino Caught On Camera

In 2018, Sudan, the last remaining male northern white rhino passed away from natural causes in Kenya, his death signalling the end of the existence of their subspecies.

Not far from Sudan’s grave live Fatu and Najin, mother and daughter rhinos that are now the last known living northern white rhinos on the planet – the two recently photographed by award-winning photographer, Justin Mott – their presence captured on film for all time.

Unfortunately, a loss of habitat and poaching of their valuable horns to be sold on the black market for traditional eastern medicinal purposes has led to the demise of their species.

Support rhino conservation and go walking with rhinos in Zimbabwe.

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Celebrate Endangered Species Day With A Safari

From the Big Five to the ugly five, Africa’s wildlife steals the show on any safari, and Endangered Species Day (17 May 2019) is chance to raise awareness about the sad plight of some of the intriguing animals we so are eager to spot on the game drive.

Of course, it’s also a time to celebrate the weird and wonderful from the Wild Dog (unsightly, but sociable creatures) to the Mountain Gorilla (the latest “gelfie” of the gorillas and their park rangers going viral) and what better way to do that than by booking a tour with us. Your visit to Africa’s parks and reserves will have a direct impact on conservation projects, but more importantly, you will hear about the work that’s being done on the ground and learn to appreciate the issues faced by the continent’s animal kingdom. 

We hook up with some exciting projects on our way across Africa including, Botswana’s Khama Rhino Sanctuary (a community-based project which benefits the locals) and Zimbabwe’s Wild Dog Project (one of the most endangered species in the whole of Africa), and we even have our own two tonne rhino celebrity (star of our #SaveInongwe campaign) based in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, but before you decide on your dream safari, here’s where to meet Africa’s most endangered and critically endangered wildlife.

The Black Rhino

Rhino

The figures for Black Rhino are startling, the population dropping by a massive 98% between 1960 and 1995. Conservation initiatives are going some way to combat poaching and since then numbers have increased, however the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, their precious horns seen as having medicinal powers. South East Asia is driving the illegal poaching of rhinos in Africa and putting the species in jeopardy of extinction.

Where to spot them?

Go walking with black rhino in Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, the opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent beasts a thrilling safari experience. You can also overland your way across Etosha National Park with us, our camp providing you with a 24/7 game viewing experience.

Mountain Gorillas

There’s good news for Africa’s Mountain Gorillas as they are no longer considered critically endangered. After last year’s census, the total number of mountain gorillas (living in the Virunga Mountains and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is now believed to be above 1,000 individuals. Of course, this all comes down to the great work being done by rangers on the ground, every traveller contributing to the current success story.

Where to spot them?

Uganda came top of our list when we looked at the trendsetting safari hot spots for 2019, and interest undoubtedly gathered pace when the recent snap of two gorillas photographed posing for a relaxed selfie with the rangers who rescued them as babies, went viral. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the place to be. In 2018 there was an exciting baby boom at Bwindi, and later that same year, Uganda Tourism announced the successful habituation of three new gorilla families and the addition of more permits: 19 gorilla families now available for trekking and the total number of trekking permits standing at 152 per day.

Wild Dog

While we might not instantly fall head over heels with the Wild Dog (or Painted Dog) – the species listed as one of Africa’s Ugly Five – they are very sociable and they will often charm their way onto your checklist – just ask anyone who watched David Attenborough’s Dynasties series. Sadly, human overpopulation, poaching, diseases like rabies and threats from other predators such as lions and hyenas are all contributing to their demise.

Where to spot them?

Denning (usually the dry season months) is the best time to see these animals, as they tend to cover large distances searching for prey.  The Hwange National Parkis unmissable as it’s also home to the Wild Dog Project – the park housing to one of the largest populations in Africa.

Pangolin

The single most poached and trafficked species on the planet, the pangolin’s scales are still being used in traditional medicine in Asia. Sadly, their armour-plating is a poor defence against humans and sightings of these gentle creatures are becoming rarer and rarer. Small and reclusive they are not easy to spot so it’s bound to be a memorable safari moment if you find one, these cute critters walking on their back feet and using their tails as a balancing pole.

Where to spot them?

South Africa’s Kruger and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.  Preferably on a night-drive as these animals are nocturnal.  Don’t get your hopes up as sightings are extremely rare.

African Penguin

The African penguin is one of the most endangered species in Africa. Numbers have plummeted in recent years due to depleted fish stocks from over fishing and fish stocks moving further west due to climate change. The African penguin is also at risk from oil spills. The only penguin species breeding in Africa, they are easily recognisable by their dapper black and white plumage and jack-ass braying call.

Where to spot them?

See them at Boulders Beach, near Cape Town on the Cape Peninsula, where there is a visitor centre and boardwalk past their nests.

Grevys Zebra

Over the course of the past 30 years, the population of the Grevy’s zebra (the largest and most threatened of the three species of Zebra) has plummeted by a whopping 54% to a population of just 2,680. Similar to the plains zebra, these wild equines can be distinguished by their narrow stripes, taller body, white belly, rounded ears, brown muzzle and black dorsal stripe. Poaching, loss of habitat and competition for water sources are all unfortunate factors in their situation.

Where to spot them?

Head for Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park or Botswana’s Okavango Deltato catch sight of the striped set.

Rothschild giraffe

Rothschild’s giraffes (also known as the Baringo or Uganda giraffe) are distinguished by their spots. Masai giraffes’ legs are decorated with brown spots all the way down to their feet, but Rothschild’s giraffes appear to be wearing white socks. Sadly, major threats to this sub-species are habitat loss, poaching and population segregation.

Where to spot them?

Your chances of spotting a Rothschild Giraffe will go up markedly if you visit Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park.

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are one of the most endangered animals in Africa – the biggest threat to their survival is habitat loss and an increasing demand for bushmeat – deforestation, disease also contributing to their demise.  Any sighting is magical, these guys sharing 98% of our genes, – their behaviour in some ways strikingly similar.  

Where to spot them?

In the Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will find Kyambura Gorge’s atmospheric “underground” rainforest – home to our distant cousins.

Hooded Vulture

Sure they get a bad rap as the villains in various animated movies, but it’s important to remember that these scavengers are staunch eco-warriors – vultures controlling disease outbreaks by keeping the veld clean of rotting carcasses. Under threat, the hooded vulture is now listed as critically endangered. Indiscriminate carcass poisoning, increase in trade for traditional medicine, hunting, persecution as well as habitat loss and degradation are the reasons behind their plight.

Where to spot them?

Often the first to descend on a kill, these feathered folks inhabit South Africa’s Kruger National Park and also Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.

Cheetah

The Cheetah might be viewed as vulnerable, but on their own race to extinction, there are calls to put the world’s fastest land mammal on the endangered list. As per the IUCN, only 6,674 mature individuals of the species remain and the population is steadily decreasing. In fact, the cheetah ceases to exist today in 91% of its historic range.  Poaching, encroachment on their habitat and a reduction in the prey populations of the cheetah threaten their survival.

Where to spot them?

The Serengeti is a hotspot for cheetah sightings – these famed Big Cats loving nothing more than an energetic sprint across the plains.

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