100% Africa !

Colesburg Overnight is close to the van der Kloof dam and the Doornkloof Nature Reserve, with animals like kudu, brown hyena, mountain Reedbuck, steenbuck, grey duiker, bat-eared fox, aardvark and the aardwolf, is where a place called Colesberg is found. An ideal stop over, between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the deviation off the N1, you’ll find is shorter than the N1 and you have no trucks to contend with either. Enjoy a night or few at the Starry Nights Karoo Cottages. A lovely little village for those wanting to escape from the city for a few days, for those wanting to enjoy the silence, the closeness to nature, stargazing, bird watching, no traffic… the list continues. This is definitely a quintessential town, if ever there was one. Having a rich history, with not only it being the oldest settlement in the Free State, it was established as a mission in 1823, it is also the centre of the old Griqua captaincies and was caught up in the events of the Boer War. Philippolis is in the centre of South Africa. There are many attractions one can take part in, the Laurence van der Post Memorial Centre, this memorial centre is the first tourist attraction as tourists enter the town of Philippolis. However the best probably is the experience one will get when visiting the tiger experience at John Varty’s Tiger Canyons Game Drives and Concert. Going out in a 4×4 vehicle, designed with a cage, means you’re the caged animal and the tigers are free, and yes, this does mean that they will more than likely jump up on the vehicle. For more accommodation options in the Northern Cape, click here

Travelling on the new Gautrain is indeed an experience, especially for locals. Every passenger requires a Gold card which gives you access to the barriers as well as exit from the Parkade. The carriage is attractive and the seats are comfortable, the journey itself is smooth, offering some attractive views of the city. Once the journey comes to an end, at an average of 15 minutes, the train stops at the OR tambo airport immediately giving you access off the platform escalators which lead you to the parkade. Well worth the experience.

The Seychelles truly has the perfect settings for a honeymoon. After the excitement of the build up to your wedding, all you want to do is relax and enjoy each other’s company, lazing on the beach, enjoying moonlit walks, savouring delicious meals and making plans for your future together. Lasting memories are made on your honeymoon, so it’s important that you make the right choice of where to stay, and choose a resort which suits your lifestyle.
It’s the extra attention that makes your honeymoon different from any other holiday. See your choice of hotel and the gifts you’ll receive whilst you’re on honeymoon. And if you don’t want to go on honeymoon directly after you’ve wedded, you don’t need to worry because you can go on honeymoon up till six months after you’ve tied the knot.
The best part of this is that you get to choose a resort to suit your lifestyle. Each with its own style and personality, ensuring your honeymoon is everything you expect it to be, so you can choose the type of hotel best suiting your personality with your own particular preference. Enjoy plenty of fun and action, or prefer peace and serenity: your ideal hotel is waiting to welcome you.
Starting your list of choice with the Royal Palm Hotel & Spa, luxurious, sophisticated and exclusive, Royal Palms ranks among the top hotels in the Indian Ocean. It is also included in the proud list of Leading Hotels of the World and counts royals, heads of state as well as movie and sports stars among its regular clientele. The calm waters lapping onto the beach are protected by the coral reef, making conditions perfect for swimming, watersports and sailing. Enter the cool, scented atmosphere of the Spa by Clarins. Indulge in soothing treatments in exotic surroundings. Relax in the most tranquil atmosphere and chic environment, and enjoy the peace and quiet of perfect luxury. The service compares favourably with the best in the world.
Next up on the list is Dinarobin Hotel & Spa. It has become prime property in the Indian Ocean region, with two 5 star hotels, an 18-hole golf course, and eight restaurants, as well as an unbeatable location in the most scenic setting on the island. Every aspect of Dinarobin reflects its five-star excellence. It has unusual architecture, and comprises accommodation exclusively in suites. The central public area overlooks the swimming pool and the sea beyond and houses the reception, two restaurants, an elegant bar, shops and tour desks. A third restaurant is located under the palms fringing the beach. Luxury suites are grouped into six U-shaped crescents with the senior suites and some junior suites on the beachfront.
And don’t forget Paradis Hotel & Golf Resort!! Come on, there is next to no better! Seven kilometres of beach ring the peninsula, and beautiful views stretch across the sea in all directions. The hotel offers superb accommodation in superior and deluxe rooms, junior, deluxe and senior suites and 13 luxury villas. The calm, clear, reef-protected waters are ideal for every kind of water sport and close off-shore is one of the most prolific marlin breeding grounds in the world. The hotel has its own Spa by Clarins, and a modern fitness centre.
Let me guess, you’re purely looking for something relaxing? Then the Shandrani Hotel is for you. Set in lush tropical grounds bordered by three separate beaches creating an air of peaceful seclusion. Accommodation is superb spanning a range of suites, family apartments and rooms, all facing the sea. Shandrani offers something for everyone. Two large pool areas and four different restaurants provide a change of scenery and experience. It has the getaway feeling appealing to couples and honeymooners. Families will enjoy the lively side of the resort, a sport and nature programme, sailing lessons, kitesurfing lessons, health and beauty facilities and accommodation specially tailored to the family market.
Make the choice and spend some time in the Seychelles on honeymoon, whichever way, you’re not going to regret it by any means.

Imagine it… crystal clear, sparkling blue water, inviting you to the shores edge and tempting enough for one not to be able to resist taking that long awaited dip in the cool. At your disposal, loungers, waiting for you to unwrap the sarong that keeps your untanned skin hidden, as it yearns for the heat of the sun to be on it. And when you do lie down on that lounger, all worries and concerns suddenly seem a thing of the past. With not a worry in the world, you sip loving on that sweet and tangy cocktail delivered to your side. Sunglasses on, you look into the distance of that sparkling water and lying back, you relax.
Sound like paradise? Well, that’s because Mauritius looks like paradise – it is a perfectly formed Indian Ocean gem. You have just experienced walking across its pristine white beaches. You are gazing into the stunningly picturesque turquoise waters. If you’re not careful, you’ll float away in them. Take every opportunity to laze under the lush coconut palms, relish the shade they have to offer and take in the beauty of each one. Looking around you, you’ll see the bougainvillea in beautiful bright bloom, just try take your eyes from these beautiful flowers! The coral reefs make for perfect snorkelling, or take a walk through the cool green forests. But perhaps the best to be would lying on the lounger and watching the shimmering horizons whilst sipping a sundowner – there is no better picture for a holiday.
But not only does Mauritius look like paradise – it feels like paradise! If you think that lazing about is all you have to do on this island, think again because you are seriously mistaken. Sure you can laze about on the beach all day if you so choose, but there are plenty other activities. Explore the underwater wonderlands, and wonderlands they are! Keen to get a view above land? Take in a parasailing trip. Fancy a bit of an adrenalin rush? Go for a water-skiing experience of a lifetime! If you’re in a group of friends, take part in some land sports – or you can enjoy these on your own. And if you’re not into the action part of things, but you really don’t want to just spend your time lazing on the beach, treat yourself to world-class health and beauty facilities. Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit, so you really can just lie back and relax.
By now, you surely have a great appetite worked up? Want to taste paradise? Try some of the cosmopolitan dishes, sprinkled with Creole, Chinese, French, British and Indian flavours. Get that appetite worked up by indulging in exotic Eastern spices. Don’t fool yourself with the gastronomic European masterpieces – by no manner or means an illusion. Alternatively, taste mouth-watering local cuisine.
If this all sounds like paradise, then you really need to take in the sounds of paradise. The rich melting-pot of voices and traditions is an experience all of it’s own you don’t want to miss! The Jardin Botanique de Pamplemousses, the Coloured Earths of Chamarel, the Bird Garden of Casela and Ile aux Cerfs, and some of the many attractions visitors should simply not pass up the opportunity of visiting. If you would like to visit markets to get presents for loved ones back home, then try shop in Grand Baie, or go market-style or fashionista-style… all available for you to choose from!
If by now you’re thinking this all sounds far too close to paradise for me to give up this opportunity, then you’re right. If Mauritius looks, feels, tastes, and sounds like paradise, it’s more than likely because this island is pure paradise. There are also a huge selection of hotels and resorts you can choose from, but book early as this paradise island is everything and more you have ever dreamed of!!!

There are times when everyone wants to get away and experience something a little different. Sometimes it may be as simple as wanting to get away to see relatives who live in another part of the country. For South Africans who do not own a car or who do not want to drive their own car, there is AVIS Rent a Car - South Africas leading Car Rental Company. Renting a car to travel in South Africa is a smart choice. The rates are good, the cars are reliable and the locations are convenient.

It can be an expensive proposition to live and work in South Africa. Some people manage to save some money by not owning a car. This can suit some people who live in the major cities for awhile, but even those people will sometimes want to get away or run errands where they simply need an automobile. AVIS Rent a Car – South Africas leading Car Rental Company has locations in many places throughout the country.

Entertaining visitors from out of town is often a great experience. Everyone wants to show off where they live and share the highlights of their land. It is a problem if you drive a car that is on its last legs. You want to provide the best experience for your guests and so going to AVIS Rent a Car – South Africas leading Car Rental Company before your guests arrive to pick up a car will make everyone have a better time. You will feel more relaxed driving a clean and dependable car, your guests will feel better seeing the sights in comfort.

Whether renting for pleasure or business, choosing a car rental company is easy when you go with a name that has built up a reputation of trust all over the world. It makes sense to use AVIS Rent a Car – South Africas leading Car Rental Company because they have a long history of providing dependable cars at an affordable rate. South Africa is changing fast, but many companies are still offering quality service. The last thing anyone wants is to have their trip spoiled by car trouble, this will not happen when you rent with a dependable company

Botswana is, without a doubt, the very best part of Africa. A country known for peace and tranquility, which alone is an attractive point, where you’ll find diamonds and beef, and it also holds lots of other surprises for you. Come and explore the diverse cultures of the people of this country, and where nature can be found at its very best. If there is a place, where one wished time could stand still, it is in this beautiful country.
This land-locked country is geographically dominated by Kalahari Desert. Botswana is bordered by Zambia and Zimbabwe to the north-east, by Namibia to the north and west, and by South Africa to the south and south-east. The Zambezi River calls for a single pointed meeting between four countries, namely Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. It is here that you will also find the Chobe River, running along the northern boundary, the Nossob River running along its south-western boundary, the Molopho River, running along the southern-boundaries, and the Marico, Limpopo and the Shashe Rivers, running along the eastern boundaries.
Amazingly enough, the Kalahari Desert stretches west covering 84 % of the country. “Desert”, is a misnomer, as its earliest travelers defined it as a “thirst-land”. Most of the Kalahari, is covered with vegetation – including stunted thorn and scrub bush, trees and grasslands.
The Chobe River runs along the northern border of the Chobe National Park. Rising in the northern Angolan highlands, it’s called the Kwando and travels enormous distances through the Kalahari sands, before reaching its destination in Botswana. It’s here where it becomes the Linyanti, and then when it reaches Ngoma, it becomes the Chobe. These three mighty rivers carry more water than all other rivers in Southern Africa.
The Chobe River first off flows directly south, but is caught by a rift at Divei, and drops out onto a swamp. It then turns north through Lake Liambezi, and then finally turning east, passing Kasane and then joins the Zambezi at Kazungula, flowing briefly together before spilling over the Victoria Falls. The Chobe twists and turns through swamps of wide reed and papyrus beds, forming hidden lagoons, which sometimes fill with beautiful water lilies. Its south bank, alternating from open flood plains, dotted with pans to thick woodlands, and across the river from Botswana, lies the Caprivi Strip – the scene of grazing cattle contrasts sharply with the scenes of wild animals in the Chobe National Park.
The second largest national park in Botswana, the Chobe National Park covers 10, 566 square kilometers and has one of the greatest concentrations of game to be found on the African continent. It’s because of its’ uniqueness in its abundance of wildlife, and true African nature, that any safari taken here, is going to be an experience of a lifetime!
Divided into four distinctly different eco-systems, your choice of where to safari is not limited by any means. Serondela – its lush plains, dense forests in the Chobe River area; Savuti Marsh – in the west and about 50metres north of Mababe gate; Linyanti Swamps – the hot dry hinterland in between. From Kasane, follow the new tar road, past the airport to Sedudu Gate. This is where all persons are required to check in. But don’t forget that your four wheel drive vehicle is essential here, especially if your intention is to travel into the park!

In the vast bushveld expanse of eastern Swaziland, where the hot still sun of Africa beats on the dry, but life-giving soils as it has for thousands of years, is what you as a visitor will find when exploring the Hlane Royal National Park. Named by King Sobhuza II, its adjacent dispersal areas cover 30 000 hectares of Swazi bushveld, dominated by ancient hardwood vegetation. In the cool dusky evenings, you’ll hear the rumbling roars of the lions, and you’ll be able to find elephant and white rhino, along with an abundant and diverse birdlife, along with the nesting of white backed vultures in Africa. Take a game drive along the network of self-drive game roads that criss-cross the park’s flat terrain. It weaves between the 1000 year old hardwood vegetation, and shallows pans attracting great herds of animals, during the dry winter months. Head for the bush and experience the sights and sounds of Hlane against the roar of Hlane’s magnificent lions – definitely the symbol of royalty, as well as the pride of Swaziland.
If you are going to Swaziland, you need to book yourself into this stunning Bush Lodge. Hlathikhulu has everything and more! Situated in the heart of the park, it is elevated on a terrace overlooking the Black Mfolozi River. With excellent opportunities for walks into parts of Imfolozi, an area the most people never see. Situated in a well grown stand of umThombothi trees in a park like setting, with the grass grazed short, by the resident group of white rhino. As you sip your morning early morning coffee, your view from the deck stretches down across the Black Mfolozi River where crocodiles and hippos come to drink. And in the evening, a visitor can see a variety of animals make their way out of the surrounding bush, to drink ever so cautiously from the edge of the river.
Choose from four 2-bed units, with en-suite shower and toilet linked by wooden walkways to a central living area. As a visitor, your needs will be attended to by the staff who cook and clean and a field ranger who on request, takes visitors on walks through the African bush. The cooks can produce a variety of tasty meals to suit the bush lodge lifestyle. The exciting part about this, is that the bush camps and lodges only cater for one party at a time, so for the period of your stay, this becomes your home in the African bush!
Named after William Peak, Piggs Peak is found in the northern parts of the country, namely, the Hhohho region. Famously known for its spectacular gold mining, which was mined during the years 1889 and 1957 respectively, this town is not only known for its gold, but also the accommodation with luxurious hotels and casinos, lodges and guest houses it provides for visitors.
If you’re passing through on your way to the Kruger National Park, Orion Piggs Peak hotel which located on the main route, between Kruger National Park and Mbabane, making it the perfect stopover. It is also the biggest hotel found in this area. As a visitor, you won’t find it necessary to gallivant while you’re at Piggs, there is a redecorated and a wonderful resort for tourists at the Bulembu Lodge. This town is overflowing with accommodation, with plenty of things to do, places to see and with the time line being “Africa Time”, nothing is done in a hurry, and so perhaps for this reason, people here are very friendly. This is a holiday destination you don’t want to miss the opportunity of taking!

What was previously known as Lourenzo Marques, located in the extreme south of Mozambique, at the mouth of the Santo River, 90 km’s from the border of South Africa. Maputo’s a sprawling capital city with a bustling harbor and a population of about two million people! The city was called Lourenco Marques until the country’s independence in 1975. It has been the capital of Mozambique since 1898 is now called Maputo.
It was once one of Africa’s most beautiful and fashionable cities, with impressive skylines of tall buildings, and a cosmopolitan Portuguese/African atmosphere. The Polana Hotel buzzed with chatter of socialites and nightclubs thumped til the early hours of the morning.
Unfortunately, in the Mozambique war in the 1970’s and 1980’s, threw this prosperous African city into chaos and poverty, and when peace finally came, the proud city was in disrepair. Litter lay everywhere, major services including water and electricity were out of commission, and immigrants crowded the buildings.
Slowly recapturing some of its former glory, Maputo has still not managed to reach the romantic heyday of the 60’s and early 70’s. Multi-million dollar mansions overlook the sea whilst massive slums ring the city, and with dilapidated concrete high rises standing next to beautiful Portuguese villas, the gap between rich and poor is vast.
But don’t be fooled. There are amazing things to be seen in Maputo. The most important landmark being “Our Lady Of Conception” or the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceiao – the nucleus of the original settlement. Another building to definitely be visited is the Central Railway Station, which looks more along the lines of a palace for kings, rather than a siding for commuters! Whilst the bustling market is also worth a visit, with stalls selling a wide range of fresh food – you’ll find heaps of cashew nuts and chillis. Not to mention some of the excellent restaurants serving peri-peri prawns, wash it down with a cold Laurentia beer. Or visit the infamous Fere de Populare, with dozens of bars and discos, Mozambicans dance into the night to seductive Latino beats.
For most visitors however, Mozambique’s incredible coastline is the main attraction. Unfortunately, with the cyclone hitting Maputo’s beach in 2007, most of it was washed away so it’s not really advisable to swim in the ocean. But for a true tropical island holiday, rather look at the picture-postcard islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
And with a regular ferry service, it will take you from Maputo’s fishing harbor to Inhaca Island, a favourite for divers and snorkelers. Otherwise head south to Maputo Elephant Reserve – a sanctuary for elephant, hippos, crocs, side-striped jackal and antelope. But remember that you’ll need a 4×4 to get through on the sanctuary’s bumpy roads, and with no restaurants or lodges in the reserve, you’ll need to ensure you’re accommodation is ready after your amazing trip through the sanctuary.
A brief stop-over in Maputo on the way to the Bazaruto Archipelago or Quirimbas Archipelago is highly recommended. With a couple of upmarket hotels in the city, the best being the Polana Hotel, with a grand view over the harbor, the tea gardens, the large, inviting pool and the Victorian lift.

Traveling in a foreign country is an exciting proposition. There is always a great deal to see and to do. Oftentimes the difficulty is being able to squeeze in the greatest amount of sights in the shortest amount of time. For people who enjoy seeing things in a far off part of town, renting a car makes the most sense. While visiting South Africa many people turn to AVIS Rent a Car - South Africa’s leading Car Rental Company to meet their needs. It is important to choose a trusted name in the automobile rental business. There are enough uncertainties while traveling, why not eliminate one and go with a company that you know to be reliable.

Another factor people need to consider when renting a car is convenience. You want the car rental company to be where you are. You do not want to have to spend a lot of time and effort trying to track down one of their locations. AVIS Rent a Car – South Africa’s leading Car Rental Company has numerous locations throughout the country. As you would expect, they have locations at the airports and train stations in the major cities, but they also have rental locations sprinkled throughout the country. It is easy for visitors and residents to find a location to rent or return their car.

South Africa is an ever changing country that has much to offer the world. It is up to the world to make a small effort to travel to South Africa to see and experience all that is happening there. South Africa is a diverse country that is taking steps to move beyond its past. It is important to get out to the smaller cities and regions to see all the changes. The best way to travel is often with an AVIS Rent a Car – South Africas leading Car Rental Company. Guided tours are fun and useful, but there is nothing like getting out there on your own.

Business travelers need to follow their own agendas. They need to be somewhere to make their deals at specific times. These times may not coincide with a bus or train. Renting a car is the best way for them to get around. Choosing AVIS Rent a Car – South Africas leading Car Rental Company makes perfect sense for cost and convenience.

Welcome to the amazingly picturesque Kingdom of Swaziland! As you travel through this beautiful country, you’ll discover, as many others already have, that Swaziland has a quaint offering of diverse vegetation at every turn, something one would expect from a larger country. Borne out of an ancient dynasty of royal leadership, in this present-day, it is reflected in the status according to the King and Queen Mother, a unique dual monarchy. It may be among the smallest countries on the continent and one of Africa’s remaining monarchies – but there’s far more novelty value on offer here.
Crossing the border, you are almost able to feel the undercurrent of tension from South Africa fade away as you enter this friendly, easy-going little country. This makes it a relaxing stopover on the trip between Mozambique and South Africa. It’s also surprising as to how much there is to do in Swaziland. Think of the royal ceremonies, the excellent wildlife reserves, the superb scenery, this should all be more than enough reason.
Hlane Royal National Park, an eyeful of white rhinos, lions and antelopes – and you have plenty of camping options available. Situated in the northeast near the former royal hunting grounds, this park offers wonderfully low-key wildlife watching. With white rhinos and antelope, you won’t regret it. Elephants and lions have also been welcomed again. Enjoy yourself with either a guided walk, a two-hours wildlife day drive, a cultural village tour which includes dance performances, or with mountain-bike trails.
Choose between Ndlovu Camp, a pleasant and rustic fenced off camp, a communal area and a restaurant, but beware, there’s no electricity at this camp, so it’s back to basics; or choose from Bhubesi Camp which are self-contained huts with electricity.
Pass through Mbanane on your way to Ezulwini and Malkerns Valleys, re-known for its picturesque scenery and for its handicrafts. Starting near Mbanane and going all the way down past Lobamba Village, 18km’s away, you’ll find the homeland of the Swazi Royalty. Lobamba Valley is lush with greenery, however it’s becoming less picturesque with all the hotels and other developments.
With the majority of the population being ethnic Swazi, mixed with a small number of Zulus and non-Africans, you’re in for an experience of a lifetime. Traditionally, the history of the Swazis has been of farmers and herders, but now, some work in the growing urban formal economy and in government, with some Swazis working in the mines in South Africa. When it comes to religion, Christianity in Swaziland is sometimes mixed with traditional beliefs. You’ll find that the official languages spoken in Swaziland are SiSwati, which is a language related to Zulu, and English. Everyday business and governmental business, is mainly completed in English.
A major festival that is celebrated is the Reed Dance performed every August at Ludzidzini – which is the home of the Royal Swaziland household. The purpose of the Reed Dance festival is to give King Mswati III the opportunity to add to his ever-growing number of wives. The maidens dance before the queen, and the king chooses his next wife, an honour a girl cannot refuse although it’s by free choice the maidens attend the dance.