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Africa
An `Open' Invitation
South Africa
South Africa, known as the Rainbow Nation, is a wonderfully vibrant country situated at the `toe' of the African continent, boasting mile upon mile of magnificent unspoiled scenery, diverse cultural heritage and home to an abundance of wildlife and peerless game-parks. There are nineteen National Parks, where you will find the largest and most majestic mammals on earth - the Big Five - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino all roaming freely. The truth is, the moment we hear mention of South Africa, we immediately envisage wildlife but this is `a world in one country'. The gateway to South Africa is the bustling cosmopolitan business capital of Johannesburg, known as the "City of Gold". Moving east, Mpumalanga and the Kruger Park beckon. The grace and symmetry of the impala are a breathtaking spectacle, whilst the magnificent rhino pound the earth, and the elusive leopard stealthily stalks its prey. The Kruger is home to some of the very best game-viewing experiences and travellers are rarely disappointed. If one is looking to combine a cosmopolitan city with a major holiday resort with pristine beaches then look no further than the sub-tropical city of Durban. The city of Port Elizabeth, referred to by locals as the `friendly city', has a rich and colourful past. The indigenous population of the Xhosa people perpetuate the tradition and culture through performance of song, dance and the making of woven baskets, pottery, crafts and curios. This destination flaunts an atmosphere of relaxed year round fun as it is situated on the shores overlooking Algoa Bay. Among the most celebrated region to be explored is the famous `Garden Route' situated along the southern coast of the country. It is well-known for its giant yellow wood forests in the Tsitsikamma National Park, combining a profusion of colourful wildflowers, majestic mountains and rocky outcrops. Much more greets the unsuspecting visitor as the great Southern Ocean pounds upon the rocks or merely glistens and shimmers in the heat of the summer. Cape Town, founded in 1652, is surely one of the most charming cities with its famous dramatic backdrop of the flat-topped Table Mountain from where panoramic views of the surrounding city and peninsula can be enjoyed. Cape Town is a city that offers something for all. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has a selection
Table Mountain
The intoxicating countries of South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Zambia conjure up an image of colonial grandeur, unparalleled adventure, elegant style and for most, the anticipation of an exhilarating experience. All with their own distinct characteristics, they share in common the vast expanse of African skies, far reaching horizons and outstanding wildlife. The hustle and bustle of city life gives way to the bushveldsavannah where the Lion is King and to the sophistication of the winelands and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean that make Africa an all-encompassing revelation. This is a continent full of adventure, offering the discerning traveller the chance to discover a world beyond their wildest dreams.
of excellent hotels, fine restaurants, colourful shops and craft markets, whilst a drive to Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope provides some of the most spectacular scenery. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a botanist's paradise, whilst for those with a taste for fine wines, nothing can be more `special' than knocking at one of the cellar doors in the Cape Winelands. Whilst in South Africa why not combine your holiday with the essence of Zambia, home to the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience then Victoria Falls is the place to be. Whilst in Zambia do not miss the chance to visit Songwe Village situated on the edge of a sensational plateau overlooking the Zambezi Gorge, where you can have an unprecedented authentic experience.
Kenya
Kenya is truly the home of the Safari and a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, not just for the spectacular wildlife but also for the sweeping vistas of the Great Rift Valley, shimmering lakes and pristine beaches. It is a land of contrasts, from the world famous Treetops in the Aberdare Mountains, charming and friendly locals with their rich and fascinating culture, to the grandeur of the vast plains of the Masai Mara, where elephants wander long distances in search of food, the restless and excitable zebra watch for predators whilst the soaring eagle scans the ground for a tasty bite. The word `Safari' originated from Kenya where in Kiswahili it means `journey' and the wilds of Kenya is definitely a journey into nature at its purest. This is the land of endless potential for the wildlife enthusiast as Kenya alone has 59 national parks and game reserves including the greatest wildlife spectacle, the annual wildebeest migration to the Masai Mara. The great range of natural habitats means that there is plenty to explore, and an abundance of species to encounter. Whilst in Kenya why not visit the east coast and one of Africa's major tourist destinations, Mombasa, with its 300 mile Indian Ocean coastline, where you will find some of the finest beaches in the world, fringed by coconut palms, lapped by the azure blue water and a protective coral reef. A town colonised by various cultures since the 15th century, the old town of Mombasa shows the many influences left behind by the Portuguese, Arabs and British.
Africa
Tanzania
Tanzania, formally known as Tanganyika until its independence in the 1960's and its subsequent alliance with Zanzibar has been called the `cradle of mankind' due to the discovery of fossils from millions of years ago and is thought to be the forerunner of modern mankind. This country has many fascinating geological features the main branch of the Rift Valley bisects the country, the Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed caldera of a volcano and magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. With 12 National Parks in the country and over eighty mammal species in Tanzania visitors are likely to boast of their many sightings and none more so than in the Serengeti, notable for its large migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra. The exotic `spice' island of Zanzibar is steeped in a fascinating history and blessed with a perfect climate and a multitude of idyllic beaches.
Sunset in Mauritius
Namibia
The unique highlights of this amazing destination are probably the most evocative on the African continent Skeleton Coast, Etosha, the red dunes of Sossusvlei and Petrified Forest. Boasting of over 800,000 square kms, yet sparsely populated, bordered by the southwest Atlantic coast and framed by the fascinating
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