jan edition - south africa

The sensory seductions of South East Africa

Southern and Eastern Africa is a potpourri of culture and adventure sprawled across some of the most exotic and raw land on earth. Be it the vibrant Capetown, breathtaking Victoria Falls, the excitement of 'big five' game spotting and Masai tribes culture or relaxing golf and wine tours, from soaring mountains and lowland deltas, to lush coastal drives and white sandy beaches, South East Africa is sensory seduction at every turn.

Insatiable South Africa

Few places can live up to the sheer natural wonder, cultural diversity, and historical relevance as South Africa on the southern-most tip of the birthplace of humanity itself.

Unique South African experiences that cannot be missed:

Monkeying Around at the Cape of Good Hope - Besides the breathtaking ocean views from the cape points, you'll encounter baboons everywhere you look: in the trees, running through the streets, even jumping into your car!

The Garden Route - Between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, view charming little towns, go Great White Shark diving, or visit the wildlife of the Tsitsikamma National Park. If diving for sharks sounds too intense, enjoy a relaxing day diving for oysters and drinking beers in Knysna.

Bungee Jump off the Bloukrans River Bridge - Peak your adrenaline at the world's highest bungee jump!

Kruger National Park- The largest and oldest of the planet's National Parks. 

Wine Tasting at the Wineries of Stellenbosch - Visit some of the world's most famous wineries (as well as the world's largest wine barrels) in Eikestad. Enjoy the positively Mediterranean climate, the breath-taking scenery, and maybe even a little strawberry picking for the romantic at heart. 

Stay in a traditional kraal in Zululand - Don't miss visiting the proud Zulu nation, home to mind-boggling coastal beauty, game parks and cultural curiosities. For wildlife watching, try one of the many parks such as Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, St Lucia, Ndumo or Rocktail Bay.

Dine on Bunny Chows - We swear, that's the name! Bunny Chows consist of nothing less than an entire half-loaf of bread stuffed with decadent lamb curry. Try this while traveling through KwaZulu Natal. If you are feeling adventurous, order a "Waterblommetjiebredie." If you can pronounce it, you will be served a delicious lamb and water lily stew. 

Zimbabwe: The Breadbasket of Africa

Zimbabwe is a land of great rivers, massive water falls, the ruins of the Shona people, as well as Kariba, the home of a diverse and astonishing array of African wildlife.    Great Zimbabwe Ruins - Buy some local pottery, get your fortune told, or enjoy some traditional musicians at this massive Shona-people ruin site. Take some time to climb to the very top of the hill fort where you will witness the entire Great Enclosure, the Shona village, as well as massive Lake Mutirikwe. 

Take a horseback ride to along the Zambezi River - Cross a cloud-forest footbridge to Knifepoint, where you can see the "Boiling Pot," a whirling site where the river switches directions, powerfully diving into the abyss of Batoka Gorge. 

Watch a baby elephant drink from the banks of a river - You will feel like you just stepped into a National Geographic special at the Zambezi National Park in Victoria.  Take a canoe trip with hordes of hippopotamus and crocodiles, as you witness the majesty of the natural world in its most unadulterated state. 

Take in the views of the Eastern Highlands - bordering Mozambique, you will enjoy the luscious, cloud-hung range of mountains, as well as the city of Chimanimani, a typical Zimbabwean village which attracts many hikers year after year. 

Botswana: The home of the Kalahari

Known as an up-scale, ultimate safari destination, Botswana is host to many famous wildlife parks such as Chobe National Park, Moremi National Park and the well-known Kalahari Game Reserve. If you are looking for lions, cheetahs, zebras and leopards, Botswana's game reserves are your best bet for consistent, up-close wildlife sightings, as well as idyllic, isolated luxury tents and high-class authentic dining.

Natural wonders not to miss:

The Okavango Delta Island - Surrounded by vast, open flood planes, this wildlife reserve is literally teeming with exotic beasts. Spend a night here in one of the super luxurious tents built on raised decks, where the wildlife drinks from ponds right beside your front door.  

Life like it was thousands of years ago - The San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert were the first human dwellers of this untouched, empty land. Here you can see how they continue to live as their ancestors did in years gone by. 

Makagadikgadi Salt Pans - Visit after the rainy season to witness wild and majestic flamingos in their natural habitat. 

The Kalahari Desert - Stretching over seven African countries, this place is less like a desert than you may think. With an average rainfall far greater than a regular desert, the Kalahari is covered by scrub, woodland, occasional rivers and awe-inspiring animal life.

Eclectic Kenya

Kenya, bordered by Sudan and Ethiopia, is a stunning menage of coastal fertility, rising planes, and thorn-bush covered savanna land. While the north of Kenya is an arid semi-desert, the coastal region is covered with dramatically colorful coral reefs and isolated islands. 

Sights and scenes for the Kenyan adventurer:

Learn about the God Ngai of the Maasai Tribe - Visit the open planes of Southern Kenya for a view of the traditional and colorful life of the Massai herdsmen and women. Here you will see the well-known bright red natural die used to create a variety of dresses and jewelry. 

White water raft on the Tana, the Athi or the Ewaso rivers - A rustic adventure in exhilarating Class V white water.

Deep-sea fish in some of the world's best sports fishing grounds- Catch massive marlin, swordfish, sailfish, barracuda, or even a shark!

Sight one of 1,033 known species of bird in the country - From Ostrich to hoopoes, starlings to eagles, waterfowl and flamingos, Kenya is home to many of the birds of our planet. A true paradise for your inner-ornithologist. 

Amoseli National Park - Stay in a traditional cottage with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The Amboseli National Park is famous for its large herds of elephants. 

Zambia: Experiencing the "Real" Africa

Central African Zambia, or pre-independence Northern Rhodesia, is known by travelers as one of the most authentic African experiences. With some of the planet's most stellar safari experiences, one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders, Victoria Falls, and the Zambian national tendency towards lingering smiles and hand-shaking, this country will steal your heart. 

Experiences that a Zambian traveller will want to write home about:

Munda Wanga Environmental Park - Home to many of Africa's endangered species, this park also acts as a sanctuary for Zambian native animals. Basque in the Botanical Gardens, or enjoy a glass of wine at the Terrace Bar, after a day of exploring wild rhinos, giraffes and zebras. 

The sprawl of the Soweto Market - From medicinal remedies to car parts to your daily vegetables, the Soweto Market is a one-stop shop for understanding the daily-life culture of the people of Zambia.

Lusaka's Henry Tayali Gallery - Buy an authentically Zambian artistic piece, or just peruse the paintings, artifacts and handicrafts. 

Enjoy a ranch-stay at The Lilayi Lodge - This luxurious lodge can arrange an exotic wildlife- sighting game drive in the bush. In the evening, you can relax by the turquoise-blue pools, or seek shelter from the sun in a traditionally luxurious Zambian hut. 

Take in the glory of the world's largest waterfall - At twice the height of Niagra Falls, Victoria Falls offers a jaw-dropping majestic natural sight.

Dip into the Devil's Pool at Livingstone Island - Did we mention that this is a virtually current- free pool located only a few steps from the top of Victoria Falls? Your family won't believe the photos when you show them the permanent rainbow created by the mist.

South Africa Packages

Package one: 3 nights Cape Town 2 nights Sun City
$3085 per person excludes flights
(Call your nearest Travelcorp office for the hottest airfares to South Africa)
Full Details Here...

Package two: 3 nights Cape Town 2 nights Bush
$5015 per person excludes flights
(Call your nearest Travelcorp office for the hottest airfares to South Africa)
Full Details Here...