World Cup Africa Travel

Have you always dreamed of going to the World Cup games? Well, next year is the chance of a lifetime to combine two trips of a lifetime - attending the World Cup and venturing out on a remarkable Big 5 game safari in what are arguably some of the best game viewing regions in Africa.

With recent news of counterfeit ticket and travel package sales reported by the The Times in London, it's increasingly important to purchase your World Cup Africa travel packages from reputable tour companies.

We've designed several special World Cup Africa travel packages to suit many different travel styles from self-drive to fully guided safaris, as well as complete World Cup travel packages that include World Cup tickets and a safari package. Availability at safari lodges and city hotels is limited during the World Cup dates for June and July of 2010, so plan your safari and travel package right away.

For those travelers interested in spending more time exploring South Africa in depth, our 15-day South Africa World Cup & Safari is ideal. Using Cape Town as a base, spend 10 nights in Cape Town, travel within South Africa to see two US group World Cup matches (cities not yet determined) and then enjoy 4 nights on safari at the luxury Thornybush Game Lodge near Kruger National Park. Thornybush is home to the Big 5 and offering twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers, as well as bush walks and the luxurious Amani Spa.

For more information on World Cup travel packages call us at 866-778-1089.

Leopard photo by Lyndsay Harshman, Cape Town Waterfront courtesy of SA-venues.com.

Inside Cape Town - Guest Blogger!

Today's blog was written by our guest bloggers, Craig and Antoinette, our associates in South Africa. They know South Africa inside and out and wanted to clue us in on some of their favorite things to do in Cape Town, "The Mother City." Extend your safari to include a Cape Town stay or visit Cape Town on our popular Cape & Kruger Safari or the romantic South Africa Honeymoon Safari.

"Greetings from South Africa to all Africa Adventure Travelers! We wanted to pass on some insight on special things to do in Cape Town--one of our favorite spots in South Africa. If spending some time in Cape Town, deciding where to eat is a real challenge as there are so many great chefs doing great things here. Two of our favorites are Ginja for fantastic fusion food and Salt in Bantry Bay for their breathtaking panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean. For an informal lunch with friends it’s a trip out to Food Barn in Noordhoek. With it’s thatched barn and lovely old-school stoep, they serve top-notch global fare without the bank–breaking bill. The three-course winter lunch menus are renowned and quaffed with a good bottle of South African Pinotage – life couldn’t be better!

With winter eventually behind us here in the Southern Hemisphere, the days are getting longer and the people more beautiful! In summer, nothing beats Caprice for sundowners. Located along the famous Camp’s Bay strip - this is the place to be seen and people watch, right on the main Camp’s Bay beach. Don’t forget the Gucci shades!

For the history of the city of Cape Town, a visit to the Groote Schuur Estate is a real eye opener. This is the official residence of the state president of South Africa and dates back to 1667. The history of this grand mansion-cum-office is fascinating - set in the most beautifully kept gardens with breathtaking views up the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Booking is essential.

If you are as serious about your wine as we are, then Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is well worth the drive. Not only do their cellars have the most spectacular views stretching over to the mountains and all the way back towards False Bay, but their award winning wines are legendary. Don’t leave without a bottle (or two) of Vergelegen Red or their Chardonnay. Closer to town and set in the green leafy suburb of Constantia just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find Buitenverwachting Wine Estate. Their tastings under the ancient oak trees while gazing across the hilly vineyards and cows grazing in the pastures are one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets. Sample the Blanc de Noir – their award winning flagship wine!

When needing to recharge my batteries and stretch my legs, Tokai Forest with its huge pine forest is the perfect spot. Their walking trails are well marked, and the shady green forest paths are really popular with the locals and perfect for hiking, biking and even horseback riding. There is also a really interesting arboretum here which houses over 247 tree species from across the globe."

Thanks for the great advice, Craig and Antoinette!

Virunga Lodge in Rwanda

News from Rwanda! In this, the UN Year of the Gorilla, the Virunga Lodge in Rwanda celebrates with an extensive refurbishment. Virunga Lodge has long been described as one of the finest lodges in Africa, with a stunning setting on top of a hill surrounded by the Virunga volcanoes and the volcanic Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. Read more about our Rwanda 4-Day Group Gorilla Tracking Safari featuring Virunga Lodge.

The refurbished Virunga Lodge will remain in the organic bush-chic style of Volcanoes Safaris' lodges, but the bandas are being upgraded to provide greater elegance and comfort for guests. Phase 1 of the refurbishment is complete - decorative external stonework has been added to reflect the local style and new larger terraces added so that guests can enjoy the spectacular views from their room.

In phase 2, taking place in the second half of 2009, the bedrooms are being redecorated and luxury eco-friendly bathrooms with full facilities (flush toilets, they were formerly composting ash drop-toilets) being added. The lodge's commitment to being ecologically sensitive remains strong and they will continue to use water collected through their own rainwater collection facilities for guest and staff use and they are adding more storage tanks for this purpose. Grey water - water from showers and basins - will be recycled for use in the garden. Power will continue to be provided by solar panels, but the capacity of these will be increased significantly to enhance lighting in the rooms. The lodge remains open during the refurbishment as one banda is being worked on at a time and disruption to guests is being kept to a minimum.

The beautiful gardens are also redesigned to bring out the magic of the unique vegetation of this area - especially the beautiful wild flowers that grow in the area. Guests will be welcomed at a new reception area and terrace overlooking Lake Bulera. At the main lodge building, a new terrace overlooking the volcanoes is being built from which to enjoy the stunning scenery with a sundowner.

In phase 3 in 2010 two honeymoon bandas will be added to the lodges' existing 8 bandas. These will be more spacious and include two terrace areas and a fireplace.

Through the Volcanoes Safaris Trust , Virunga Lodge and the guests will continue to support the local Mwiko School. A large water tank has recently been built there so that they can store enough water for all the pupils.


Photos courtesy Volcanoes Safaris.

Last Call - Airfare Special to South Africa!

South African Airways has made South Africa one of the best deals this fall. For just $960* you can fly round-trip in Economy class on one of our award-winning flights from New York or Washington to Johannesburg. For just a few dollars more, hop on one of the many flights throughout South Africa to cities such as Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. Tickets must be purchased by September 24 for travel September 11-December 9, 2009. *Fare includes fuel surcharges, taxes and other restrictions apply. Call for more details: 1-866-778-1089. See our safari specials available September through December 19, 2009. Great airfare specials combined with discounted safari rates means that you can travel to South Africa for under $3500 per person, including international airfare! Some of the best deals available in the next few months:

South Africa Highlights: Enjoy two of South Africa’s finest private game reserves, plus highlights of Johannesburg on this discounted luxury safari. Game drives, night drives and cultural tours fill your days, while accommodations and food are top-notch.

South Africa: Cape & Kruger Safari: This 10-day tour includes Cape Town, the winelands and excellent wildlife viewing in a private game reserve near Kruger National Park. With guided tours and ample free time, this safari is perfect for the first-time visitor or return travelers who want to explore South Africa at a comfortable pace, with exceptional guides and intimate accommodations.

South Africa Value Safari: This adventure is ideal for those who want to discover South Africa’s beauty and history from the big city to the coast. You will learn about the Soweto uprising, and gold mining in Pilgrim’s rest. Enjoy panoramic views of the coast and surrounding region and game drives in South Africa’s best game reserve. And end this amazing adventure with a dip in the Indian Ocean.

Cape Town Highlights: Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest. The unique cultural blend—part African, part European and part Asian, makes for a cosmopolitan of touring and dining experiences. Here, you’ll see Table Mountain, visit the beautiful Cape Winelands, and enjoy the Cape Peninsula on one of the finest coastal drives in Africa.

Family-Friendly South Africa

Family and multi-generational safaris have become quite popular in the last few years, and South Africa is certainly one of the most ideal destinations for a family safari. South Africa is comfortable, relatively easy to access, offers an excellent infrastructure (flights, roads and trains), lodges and camps offer family-friendly activities and accommodations and finally, it's affordable for a family group!

One of our most popular family-friendly options is a customized Cape Town & Kruger combination trip. This gives families the time to acclimate to Africa in the comfort of a traditional "hotel" with the ease of room service and all the amenities of a city-hotel. Kids will love the Cape Town Aquarium, the bustling waterfront and seeing the penguins at Boulder's Beach. Parents can wine taste in the heart of the winelands at Spier Wine Estate, while kids visit the cheetah sanctuary on site. Parents and kids alike will enjoy Cape Town's beaches, lively markets and a ride up the famous Table Mountain cableway.

From Cape Town families connect on scheduled daily flights to the Kruger National Park area and private game reserves in the Sabi Sand and Thornybush. Many Kruger area lodges offer family-friendly facilities such as the intimate and welcoming Savanna Private Game Reserve. The two bedroom Savanna Suite is perfect for families with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms and a shared living area. The suite even offers it's own plunge pool. Guides are kid-friendly and Savanna goes out of their way to prepare meals that kids will enjoy.

Thornybush Game Lodge is another ideal stop for families as the lodge accepts kids of all ages and offers special childrens' programs including: educational kid-friendly walks with rangers, picnics by the pool, treasure hunts and their own kid's packet on arrival.

For larger family groups or extended families, the Uplands Homestead (exclusive use of a family up to six people) or Melton Manor (exclusive use villa with four en suite bedrooms) in the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the heart of South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape are ideal for families. All services are private for your family, including guides and vehicles and the malaria-free area is perfect for families with kids. Kwandwe boasts thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant and cheetah.

In the Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, larger family groups are welcomed at the Homestead and Zuka Lodge. Phinda has been described as "Seven Worlds of Wonder" with seven distinct habitats that offer prime Big Five game viewing. Zuka Lodge and The Homestead both cater to groups of 2-8 and offer private services and exclusive use of a safari vehicle and guide--talk about personalized service.

Be sure to plan well in advance for family adventures in South Africa as many of the family-friendly lodges and exclusive use villas book well in advance. Read more on specials to South Africa for the remainder of 2009.

Kent Redding on Zambia

Africa Adventure Consultants owner and president, Kent Redding, is one of the foremost Africa experts in the travel industry and has lived and worked in Africa. Kent recently spent time traveling in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Zambia and brings his years experiences and insight to the table when planning clients' safaris.

Kent was interviewed by Jim Morrison for a story on off-the-beaten-path Zambia, the Wild Kingdom featured in Private Clubs Magazine. A relatively undiscovered African destination, Zambia is home to prime game viewing, a variety of safari activities--including game drives, walking safaris and canoeing safaris--and an excellent selection of camps and lodges.

A few of Kent's favorite adventures in Zambia include:

Our Cairo to Cape Town Fantasy, which visits seven countries in 15 days and includes a visit to Zambia's impressive Victoria Falls.

The 10-day Zambia and Malawi Adventure was named one of National Geographic Adventure's 25 Best New Trips in 2009 and includes walking in the South Luangwa and kayaking on pristine Lake Malawi.

Our Zambia Kafue Rivers and Plains is an affordable, small group departure that explores the Kafue National Park based from comfortable permanent lodges and camps. Leopard spotting is a highlight on this safari in Zambia.

Photo courtesy Kent Redding, Kent in Zambia.

Our Top Pick Fall Specials!

We've been saying all year and we'll keep saying it: 2009 is the year to travel! We've still got time to get overseas this year and the upcoming months are some of the best for visiting Africa - especially East Africa with the impressive wildebeest and zebra Migration and South Africa as Spring is in full swing, wildflowers bloom and the wildlife is active. In addition, though, there are great deal to be had across the continent. Here are some of our top picks:

Selous Safari Camp & Jongomero Camp, Southern Tanzania: Explore remote Southern Tanzania where game drives, walking safaris and boat trips offer pristine wildlife viewing in untouched surroundings (meal with a view, photo left). Stay 4 nights and your flights are free! Travel from November 2009 to March 2010 at low season rates. Must be booked by December 30, 2009.

Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania: Game drives, hot air balloon rides, horseback safaris and the most luxurious camps in East Africa (Faru Faru Lodge, photo right). Stay 5 nights at any combination of Singita Grumeti Reserves' lodges and enjoy a 6th night free! That's a value of $995-1650 per person. Call for details. Faru Faru is featured in our Luxury Tanzania Safari with award-winning lodges and Michelin Star chefs, this is Africa like you've never experienced it before!

Kaya Mawa, Malawi: Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi and meet the friendly locals (see photo below - bridge to the honeymoon suite!). Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid for all new bookings in 2009 - travel before November 1, 2009.

Tanda Tula Tented Safari Camp, near Kruger, South Africa: Experience wildlife and the culture of South Africa. Stay 3 nights, pay for 2. Valid for travel October 1, 2009-April 30, 2010.

Bushman's Kloof, South Africa: Home to the amazing rock art paintings, unique wildlife and the award-winning lodge. Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Travel now through December 19, 2009.

Call for more details on any of the specials noted above: 1-866-778-1089, or email us at info@adventuresinafrica.com.

Photos courtesy of Selous Safari Camp, Singita Grumeti Reserves and Kaya Mawa.

Wine Festival in Cape Town - Insider Info!

Of course, wine is one of the first things that comes to mind when South Africa is mentioned. South Africa has been making wine since the 1600s when the founder of Cape Town produced the first South African wine in 1659. For much of the 20th century South African wines were relatively unknown to the world--Apartheid-era boycotts added to the market isolation. Finally after Apartheid ended, the world began to discover South Africa's wines.

We're excited to let our travelers and other adventurers know that this upcoming weekend, September 9-11, 2010, is the RMB WineX Wine Festival. The event features over 1200 wines, with opportunities to meet local and international winemakers, taste their current releases and learn about trends in wine making.

For full details on the Cape Town show and the upcoming Johannesburg show, visit the WineX website. Nothing like a stay at the Conde Nast Gold List winning Cape Grace Hotel and sampling local wines!

Images courtesy www.sa-venues.com.

Our Gold List Favorites

The Conde Nast Gold List is regarded as one of the standard-setting rating systems in the travel world. At Africa Adventure Consultants we're careful to create itineraries that incorporate unique, high-quality properties - especially focusing on small, boutique lodges and inns that really give our travelers the feel of Africa.

Some of our personal favorites on the Gold List include the stunning Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. A stay in Cape Town is an ideal extension to any Southern Africa safari with excellent region cuisine, fine wines (and wine tasting!) and beautiful scenery. Our 5-day Cape Town Highlights includes wine tasting, cultural and historical tours and a full-day exploration of the picturesque Cape Peninsula. End your days at the exclusive Cape Grace Hotel overlooking Table Bay or Table Mountain. Fine dining, an impressive wine and whiskey bar and exclusive spa make a stay at the Cape Grace Hotel an experience to remember. Just steps from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Grace is set in the midst of Cape Town's flurry of activity.

Another favorite is the resplendent Londolozi in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa. The Sabi Sand is a private game reserve near Kruger National Park. The reserve spans 160,000 acres and is renowned for some of the best game viewing in Africa. Home to the Big Five, it is probably the best place in the world to view leopard. Elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and antelope complete the experience! Londolozi features four different lodges, each with its own unique style and feel - all offering the exceptional game experience of Sabi Sand. For a truly amazing Southern Africa tour that features two Conde Nast Gold List properties, check out our Grand Southern Africa Safari with the Cape Grace Hotel and Londolozi's Tree Camp. Read about Sabi Sand in our latest e-Newsletter.

Finally, Botswana's Duma Tau Camp is a 10-tented camp in the private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Duma Tau (meaning 'roar of the lion') is a ten-roomed luxury tented camp, in the private 125,000 hectare Linyanti Wildlife Reserve which borders the western boundary of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana. The camp is built on raised boardwalks under a shady grove of mangosteen trees, overlooking a large hippo-filled lagoon on the Linyanti waterways. The rooms are spacious, raised off the ground and under thatch with canvas walls - allowing guests to enjoy the night sounds of Africa from the comfort of their rooms. The bathroom facilities are en-suite. There is a dining room, pub, lounge and a plunge pool. Our Botswana Deluxe Safari features the award-winning Duma Tau Camp.

Another Great South Africa Safari

Keeping with our theme of heading South this fall, another great South Africa safari is our South Africa Highlights trip. This trip is packed full of safari activities, game drives, walking and the bonus of excellent cultural experiences including the Mandela Family Museum and the informative Apartheid Museum. From wildlife to cultural, and fine cuisine to top-notch guiding, this safari provides an in-depth and well-rounded South Africa experience.

After exploring the cultural sights of Johannesburg from the comfort of a private vehicle with an expert local guide, return to The Peech Hotel - one of South Africa's top-rated boutique hotels - for dinner at the hotel's chic bistro. The Peech is located in the comfortable suburb of Melrose away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Gear up for your safari and time in the bush! Head to Madikwe Game Reserve and the resplendent Madikwe Safari Lodge. Madikwe, in the semi-arid region of the North West Province, is famous for its wild dog population and malaria-free climate. The reserve is home to the Super Seven - adding cheetah and wild dog to the already impressive Big Five. In addition to the mammals, there are over 350 bird species at Madikwe, several of which are endemic to the Kalahari area. Each of the suites at Madikwe offers a private plunge pool, fireplace and indoor and outdoor showers. An open-air boma is the ideal spot to enjoy dinner under the stars.

From Madikwe, begin your journey to the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park. The massive reserve shares an unfenced border with Kruger, so the wildlife is free to roam between the two areas. Sabi Sand boasts some of the best leopard viewing in the world and arguably the best Big Five game viewing, too. Many private lodges and camps dot the Sabi Sand, and our choice for this safari is the historic Kirkman's Kamp. An original 1920's Transvaal homestead, Kirkman's Kamp now features 18 guest cottages and spacious public areas. The camp has access to over 15,000 acres of land for game viewing and offers specialist safaris including birding, tracking and walking. And, you can feel good about staying at Kirkman's Kamp, knowing that the camp has supplied water facilities to nearby communities and built classrooms at several schools.

Keep your fingers crossed and hope to end your safari on a high-note with the frequent and up-close leopard sightings the Sabi Sand is so famous for! In the Sabi Sand, your chances are great! This luxury safari is a great deal for the remainder of 2009 (through Dec. 19) at just $3496 per person. Check out our other 2009 South Africa safari specials.

Images by Lyndsay Harshman
Lodge photos courtesy andBeyond

South Africa: Cape & Kruger Safari

If you're like we are, it's likely you are planning a fall or winter escape from the cooling temperatures and winter weather that's just around the corner. Head South with us to the vibrant and diverse country of South Africa.

South Africa conjures images of wildlife safari, beautiful beaches and coastline, winelands, rich history and diverse cultures. Our fall and winter months are South Africa's spring and summer, so it's the perfect time to escape for some sun, wine tasting, wildlife watching and fine cuisine. Adding to the incentive to travel to South Africa--the lowest airfares in years, favorable exchange rates and exceptional deals on safaris.

One of our favorite South Africa safaris is the Cape & Kruger Safari. This 10-day tour includes Cape Town, the winelands and excellent wildlife viewing in a private game reserve near Kruger National Park. With guided tours and ample free time, this safari is perfect for the first-time visitor or return travelers who want to explore more of South Africa at a comfortable pace, with exceptional guides and intimate accommodations.

Throughout the trip stay in comfortable boutique guesthouses, inns and safari lodges with just a handful of rooms or suites and the highest level of services. In Cape Town experience the famous Cape Winelands complete with private winery tour and time to venture out on your own in the quaint town of Stellenbosch. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and the famous Cape Peninsula. On safari, our guides are highly trained naturalist guides who accompany you on twice daily game drives and walking safaris. Arathusa Safari Lodge, located in the renown Sabi Sand offers exceptional Big 5 game viewing. Enjoy sundowners in the bush, and fine cuisine and wines.

The best part of this safari might actually be the price! At just $3292 per person until December 19, 2009, a vacation to South Africa is certainly affordable.