Image to the left taken from New7Wonders.com

If you missed our previous post on Expedition Kilimanjaro: Summiting One of the World’s Highest Peaks, you’ll definitely want to check it out as we provide you with a look into an exciting expedition up Kilimanjaro.

If you’ve already booked your trip to climb Kilimanjaro, or you plan to hike Kilimanjaro in the future, here are some of the essential items you’ll need to pack to prepare for your ascent up Africa’s tallest mountain:

1. An insulated hat and a wide brim hat: The insulated hat will keep in heat and keep your ears warm against the chilly winds that are inevitable toward the top of Kilimanjaro. A balaclavas is another great option since it covers your entire face (keeping an area for your eyes open) and neck. The wide brim hat acts as an additional defense against the powerful African sun.

2. Sunglasses with an eyewear retainer: Bring a pair of sunglasses with quality lenses to help protect your eyes again glare and direct sunlight. Also, be sure to have a strap or other eyewear retainer to hold your glasses around your neck, should you need to remove them from your face. Croakies are a great product and can be found at: http://croakies.com/

Image above taken from Croakies.com.

3. Two fleeces: It’s always a good idea to bring two fleeces—one lightweight and the other a heavier material.

4. Waterproof jacket and thermal jacket: Protect your body against the wind and rain with appropriate jackets. The waterproof jacket will protect you from rain and snow storms and the thermal jacket will hold in your body heat in the windy climate.

5. Two moisture-wicking shirts: Shirts that have a moisture-wicking technology are able to transport moisture from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric. From the outer layer, the moisture then evaporates, keeping you warm and dry.

6. Two pairs of moisture-wicking thermal pants: These pants should be used to go beneath your trekking pants to remove sweat from your skin and keep you warm.

Image above taken from REI.com.

7. Waterproof / thermal gloves: Bring one pair of gloves that is both waterproof and thermal to help protect your hands against the wind and water.

8. Necessary medications: Always remember to pack medications that you take on a regular basis, as well as pain relieving medicine, such as Advil and Tylenol.

9. Water bottle: It is extremely important to stay hydrated during your Kilimanjaro hike.

10. Sleeping bag: If you are not going on an expedition with a provider that offers sleeping mats, you’ll need to bring an insulated, waterproof sleeping bag that can withstand severe weather conditions.

11. Hiking boots and an additional pair of laces: These boots should be durable with solid ankle support and appropriate for rigorous hiking. It’s recommended to purchase a pair of hiking boots with waterproof technology. If you just purchased your boots, be sure to break them in more than a month before your trip so that you have a comfortable hike.

Image above taken from REI.com.

12. Sunscreen: Protect your face and exposed skin from the sun with SPF 30 or higher.

13. Daypack: We suggest purchasing a seam-sealed daypack that has a waterproof shell.

14. Two pairs of water and windproof trekking pants: You want a shell around your lower body to keep out outdoor elements. The moisture-wicking pants beneath these expedition pants will keep the sweat off your body. The outer layer trekking pants will keep the outside water from reaching your skin.

15. Two pairs of wool socks, two pairs of sock liners, two pairs of moisture-wicking socks: Toes are some of the first body extremities that can become affected by cold weather conditions. Protect your toes against frostbite and other cold weather related injuries by bringing appropriate sock wear.

16. One pair of fleece pants: Stay warm at night with a pair of fleece pants.

17. Waterproof gaiters: Gaiters are used to cover the top portion of your shoes, as well as your ankle and shin to shield water from entering the bottom portion of your pants. It’s simply another protective shell / layer that will keep water from coming in contact with your skin.

Image above taken from Amazon.com.

18. Headlamp with extra battery: Many expeditions will begin their final ascent in the middle of the night to ensure that they reach the summit right at dawn. The view is breathtaking at this time and well-worth getting up early to see! A headlamp will help you see your path during the nighttime trek.

19. Dry Bag: Keep water from reaching your valuables such as your wallet, sunglasses, dry clothes, and headlamp with a large dry bag.

20. Small Towel: This towel will be used to wipe wet surfaces, clean up after a day of trekking, etc. The towel should be made of a material that dries quickly–do not bring a cotton bath towel.

21. One pair of shorts and one short-sleeve shirt: For warm days at the base of the mountain, you might wish to wear a pair of shorts and short-sleeve shirt. Once you ascend higher up the mountain, it will get colder and windier, making it absolutely necessary to use your thermal, waterproof, and windproof clothing.

22. Hydrator bag: In addition to your water bottle it’s a good idea to have a hydrator bag that you can sip on the move. It’s essential that you stay hydrated throughout your hike.

23. Backpack cover: Should it rain, a backpack cover is the best way to prevent water from seeping into your bag and getting your items wet. It also prevents the items in your bag from getting cold.

24. Trekking poles: Reduce the impact of the climb on your knees with trekking poles. Be sure your poles are durable, lightweight, and have a soft grip to reduce blisters.

Some technology to look for in the clothing that you pack include:

• GORE-TEX®
• HyVent®
• Polartec®
• Windstopper®
• Goose Down
• WindWall®

Interested in planning a trip to Africa? Download our free PDF on Your Unique Guide to Southern and Eastern Africa.

Image taken from http://www.privateguidedsafaris.com/gonarezhu-bush-camp.html

As you may have heard us mention several times before on our blog, we’re huge advocates of private guided safari experiences. Whether you’re visiting for an Africa safari honeymoon, 30^th wedding anniversary, or a family vacation, exploring the African bush with a private safari guide gives you the flexibility of having all of your experiences focus primarily on your interests. In other words, everything is catered around your needs and personal preferences.

One of our favorite, private guide providers is Private Guided Safaris, which is a boutique provider, offering privately guided safaris in twelve African countries. Each trip is guided by Anthony, a third-generation Zimbabwean, and occasionally Rawana who was born and raised in Kenya.

Image taken from http://www.privateguidedsafaris.com/index.html

The duo recently launched their own mobile tented camp, nestled in the sprawling plains of the Gonarezhou National Park in Southeastern Zimbabwe. The camp, which remains in one location for the duration of your stay, moves throughout the year within the park, depending on where the richest concentration of wildlife lies. One of the most exciting camp sites is off the banks of the Runde River where the red Chilojo Cliffs jut high above the horizon. Just near the cliffs is a flood plain and seasonal pans that beckon wildlife to congregate.

After Ant and Rawana held their first guided trip in the camp in May, Ant ventured to Kenya to guide a 10-day safari for a new adventure travel company, Epic Quest, while Rawana worked on preparing the camp’s new menu and finding a chef.

As the safari season trailed off into winter, the nighttime and mornings were very cold, while the day unraveled into searing heat. Although the temperature fluctuations were dramatic, it was still an exciting time to be on safari and cozy up by the fire at night.

Rawana sums up her experiences in Gonarezhou National Park quite perfectly:

“It is difficult to put into words how beautiful Gonarezhou National Park is. The sandstone cliffs stand like sentinels over the Runde River, glowing sometimes pink, sometimes orange. The sun sets were spectacular, either over the giant baobabs or over the quietly flowing water in the sand river bed, always punctuated by the cries of the Egyptian Geese flying low over the sand and the Fish Eagles’ calls as they settled down for the night. It is remarkable that we are the only safari operator using such a huge expanse of wilderness that is so little known even to most bush loving Zimbabweans. Long may it last!”

In the past several months, the duo had some exceptional sightings and wildlife interactions within the park that included large tusked elephants—which are rare to see—robust hippos, curious mongoose, lion prides, and leopards.

Image of the Gonarezhou Bushcamp, taken from http://www.privateguidedsafaris.com/gonarezhu-bush-camp.html

On a recent trip Ant and Rawana guided in Gonarezhou National Park, they witnessed lions kill a warthog in the Runde riverbed during a morning game walk. During an evening drive at Malilangwe, one of their vehicles broke down nearly 50 metres from a pride of lions. Everyone quietly exited the car and began pushing it to push start the vehicle. But every time they took a step, the ground would rustle beneath their feet and catch the attention of a large lioness who was curious to see what the team was up to. By the time they got the vehicle started again, the lioness had made her way 20 metres from the group!

During this same trip, Ant, Rawana, and their camp guests ventured to Mana Pools National Park where they saw two bull elephants duke it out with their dense husks. Another elephant they witnessed sat straight up on his back legs to grab some branches from an Albida tree.

Also spotted on this trip were the honey-badger, bush pig, leopard, monkeys, squirrels, and wild dogs.

Aside from the exceptional game drives and walking safaris, Gonarezhou National Park also boasts remarkable fishing opportunities. Specifically, the tiger fish is among one of the most exhilarating fishes to catch with its gapping mouth and massive girth.

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What inspires travelers to choose a trip to Africa above any other exotic destination in the entire world? Although it is different for everyone, many individuals would say that one of their lifelong dreams has been to experience an African safari. These adventurers-at-heart might say that from the time they were 10 years-old they’ve imagined blazing through the bush and sprawling plains of Africa with the wind in their hair and the wildlife by their side. But what many travelers don’t realize, prior to their first visit to Africa, is that there is something much greater at work within this glorious continent.

There is something mysterious about Africa that ignites something within. Many would consider the catalyst behind this powerful feeling of bliss to be the pure energy emitted by all living things in Africa.

Everything from the smell of the first rains to the melting sunsets, the bright colors of the sky to the empowering sounds, and the magnetic wildlife to the intricate eco-systems, all have an indescribable energy that lives and thrives. Africa is a place where you leave with a new outlook on life and on yourself. But, what many travelers to Africa consider to be the beating heart within this palpable energy are the people of this fascinating continent.

The People

The people you come in contact with while in Africa will most likely be the most genuine and hospitable individuals you will ever meet. Their smiles, gentleness, sense of welcoming, laughter, kindness, and joy in providing you with happiness on your trip are so powerful that you cannot help but feel transformed by their energy.

Many first time travelers to Africa are blown away by the gentleness and attentiveness expressed by the natives, including staff members and safari guides. In fact, most individuals say that their needs and desires have never been addressed as promptly, thoroughly, and joyously, as they were in Africa.

The Relationships that Form

Every individual you meet in Africa, whether a local, safari guide, staff member, or other traveler, offers another opportunity to build a lasting relationship that lives with you throughout the rest of your life.

As you converse with your private safari guides, who are often with you for days on end, you build a unique relationship with those individuals.

Coming into contact with other travelers is also a highly enriching experience as each individual or group is often from a different part of the world than you. This enhances your cultural experience as you are not only interacting with and learning about African cultures, but you are also speaking with people from Europe, China, Australia, the United States, Canada, and more. Africa’s ability to attract a variety of different people and cultures is what makes it one of the most enriching melting pots of the world.

The Memories

Interacting with the people you meet in Africa will quite possibly be some of the most inspirational memories that remain with you for the rest of your life. Every experience you have in the bush with your guide, family members, and new-found friends is something each and every one of you can connect with 20 years down the road and share with new generations, family members, and friends.

The vast landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and fascinating history of Kenya and northern Tanzania are just a few elements that give these two regions their remarkable energy and exceptional character. But, above all, the most riveting and extraordinary inhabitants of Kenya and Tanzania are the Maasai people.

Adorned with gorgeous red robes and dangling jewelry, the Maasai people of eastern Africa are characterized by their immense intelligence and respect for their ancestors as well as nature. Every aspect in their life complements their beliefs, values, and respect for nature. Everything from the homes they live in to their occupations, and the God they worship to the semi-nomadic and pastoral lifestyle they live, are all harmonious with their core beliefs.

Although the Maasai continue to uphold many of their ancestral traditions and beliefs, they cannot help but adapt to some of the modern changes that occur in society around them. Some of the greatest impacts on the Maasai lifestyle have come in the form of environmental threats. Due to these current threats, many wildlife conservation efforts have been put into place. Over the years, these efforts have shaped past Maasai traditions into more modern customs.

Below is a comparison between the Maasai’s traditional lifestyle and the lifestyle they have adapted due to modern influences.

Traditionally vs. Today:

Traditionally, the Maasai are semi-nomadic and pastoral and do not believe in farming. They believe that farming goes against nature and is a destructive element to their pristine surroundings.

Their subsistence and core beliefs are based around their pastoral lifestyle as cattle herders. Warriors, or male Maasai, spend hours and even days, herding their cattle in search of food and water.

The Maasai’s livestock is a huge source of income for the Maasai people as cattle and other livestock are exchanged for money, social bonding, or other livestock. When a goat or cow is given to one individual from another or one family to another, it symbolizes a form of social bonding.

Today, due to many threats to the land in which the Maasai occupy, many of the Maasai have been forced into areas that are not large enough to raise and keep livestock. Threats to these areas include overgrazing, diversion of natural water supply, land sales to non-Maasai, poaching, deforestation, and human / wildlife conflict.

Because the Maasai have limited land, they must use their land plots for farming—an occupation that goes against their beliefs and often yields very little positive outcome.

In an effort to help the Maasai adapt to the changes around them, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust has devised educational programs to teach the Maasai about sustainable agricultural practices. These educational programs also provide individuals with primary, secondary, and tertiary education, and work to educate over 300 students per year. These educational programs were established with the hope and conviction that students will use this knowledge and understanding to the advantage of the local community, and therefore shape its future.

Traditionally vs. Today

Traditionally, the boys in the tribe are required to pass through a rite of passage into manhood. Once they cross the threshold, they will be considered a warrior and granted the honor of protecting the Maasai people and land, and be in charge of herding the cattle. In order to cross into manhood, a Maasai boy must kill a lion with only a spear—a risky feat.

Today, wildlife conservation laws prohibit the Maasai from killing lions as the lion population is drastically decreasing due to overgrazing, diversion of natural water supply, poaching, deforestation, and human / wildlife conflict.

Aside from the rite of passage into manhood, the Maasai have killed lions that enter their farms in search of food and water. These killings have added to the decrease in lion population and have increased human / wildlife conflict.

Because of the decrease in lion and other predator populations, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust has established the predator compensation fund. This fund works to provide compensation to farmers who have lost their livestock due to residential predators. This compensation greatly helps to discourage farmers from killing these predators and from further endangering their population.

No one can predict the future of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic climate, but that doesn’t mean its future should unravel without guidance.

Today, Zimbabwe is home to an abundance of cultural and wildlife diversity, as well as a wealth of natural resources. And inside this glorious wildlife haven lays two noble World Heritage Sites: the Mana Pools, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls.

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s natural wealth is slowly being destroyed as a result of its crippled financial structure and colonial governed past. Because of the poor economic climate, the local people of Zimbabwe are driven to utilize the natural resources of the land in unsustainable practices. This results in deforestation, endangered wildlife, and lack of water supply. As this vicious cycle continues, natural resources become much less abundant, and scarce.

In an effort to stop this brutal cyclical pattern from depleting the natural riches of Zimbabwe, The Tashinga Initiative was established.

The Tashinga Initiative—Tashinga translated to mean “we have been on a journey of endeavor, and despite the difficulties, we have won through”—is a highly proactive organization. It was established to help conserve the fragile eco-systems of the Zambezi River Valley and the wildlife that occupy them, as well as the area’s World Heritage Sites, and legendary communities.

With a 5-year intervention plan, the Tashinga Initiative is working hard to restore roads, build bridges, develop infrastructure, increase the use of solar power, train and equip rangers, encourage the development of eco-tourism companies, and produce documentaries. The final, big picture of the Initiative is to develop a solid, sustainable foundation for the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and help them to influence the locals with socio-economic responsible practices.

Lending support to the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe, The Tashinga Initiative’s vision for the future is to establish effective wildlife protection units, spread awareness and environmental training skills, and monitor the parks that run through the Zambezi River Valley.

The efforts put forth by The Tashinga Initiative and the Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe focus on three primary areas: conservation, management, and protection.

What makes The Tashinga Initiative different from other donations and philanthropic organizations?

The Tashinga Initiative has done extensive research on past donation practices (both by governments and by individuals) and has carefully analyzed the inefficient results of these efforts to understand the reasoning behind why past donations haven’t had the powerful impact needed in Zimbabwe. Past donations have been a way for the Tashinga Initiative to recognize what hasn’t worked, and establish a model based on remedies to past failures. They’ve taken their efforts one step further than providing donations and have built a model that Zimbabwe can follow in order to see a great return on energy and financial investment.

Below is a list of scenarios that illustrate what Zimbabwe will eventually become with The Tashinga Initiative, and what it could become without The Tashinga Initiative:

Zimbabwe WITHOUT wildlife protection units: Poachers will continue to kill rhinos and elephants for commercial sales, which will eventually lead to the extinction of these regale creatures. Poaching has increased more than 900% since 2001. Can you imagine how much more it will increase in the next five years if it’s not stopped?

Zimbabwe with wildlife protection units: Rhino and elephant population will steady increase with black rhino numbers rising from a mere 450 individuals to thousands. Former poachers will find more sustainable means of making a living, helping the local economy to grow and sustain itself.

Zimbabwe WITHOUT sustainability awareness and environmentally responsible skills: The locals will continue to turn to unsustainable living practices as there is no other alternative. Deforestation will rise, natural resources will be depleted, and human / animal conflict will increase, all resulting in economic turmoil and the extinction of wildlife.

Zimbabwe with sustainability awareness and environmentally responsible skills: The Tashinga Initiative spreads awareness and training to locals who live in rural environments, teaching them how to utilize the land in sustainable practices and how to conserve their use.  These programs educate locals on natural resource management and practices that are not only beneficial to the community but also to the environment in which they live.

The Tashinga Initiative warmly welcomes donations worldwide.

Image from Avondale Wine website

Autumn at the Avondale Wine Estate in the sprawling countryside of Cape Town, South Africa, signifies a time for wine tasting, rejuvenation, and owl, falcon, and heron observation. It’s a time when the vines prepare for winter hibernation, deep red wines are flowing, and the countryside is blanketed with deep red and amber flora. But one of the most spectacular elements of autumn at Avondale is dusk time.

Image and caption from Avondale Wines website: "Blue Crane chick that had 'bent leg syndrome'. He spent a week in a sling before he could stand alone but he is doing very well although he is still a bit wobbly."

As dusk sets in at the Avondale Wine Estate, some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent creatures rise to the occasion. Hooting with poise and grace, the owls are the perfect symphony to soak in as you enjoy a glass of Avondale’s rich Owl House Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. Thanks to the estate’s organic compost program and earth-responsible vineyard practices, owls and other birds of prey visit Avondale for its mineral rich land.

Image from Avondale Wines website

Often seen as the moon slowly climbs up the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, the elusive night owl and other captivating species of owls perform their musical nighttime hoots. But, many times, the trip to Avondale can be a dangerous journey. Many birds reach the outskirts of the area wounded and in need of rehabilitation.

In an effort to help conserve the owl species of southern Africa, Avondale has teamed up with the Witzenberg Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Centre. They have also made agreements with Financial Mail and Diners Club Choice subscribers, to donate a portion of the wine sale proceedings to help save the owls and other birds of prey species.

Image from Avondale Wines website

Today, there is a man-made sanctuary designed to provide owls and other bird species, such as barn owls, spotted eagle owls, falcons, and cranes, with a safe haven to rehabilitate–before venturing back out into the wild.

So, whether you’re thinking about taking your honeymoon to South Africa or taking a group trip to South Africa, Avondale Wine Estate is the place to go for a delicious wine and delightful experience. Not to mention each time that you enjoy a glass of Owl House Cabernet, you’re contributing to the rescue and rehabilitation of the adorable feathered creatures of southern Africa.

At the southern tip of Mozambique’s Great Rift Valley lies one of the world’s most buried treasures. Known years ago as the earth’s most wildlife-dense and unspoiled region, Gorongosa National Park was once bubbling over with grunting hippos, regal lions, gentle elephants, striking birds, playful wild dog, and leaping antelope. But after a destructive, 16-year civil dispute that began in the 1970s, Gorongosa began to shift into a pit of darkness.  Just how much destruction did this civil unrest do to Gorongosa?

• The Cape buffalo population went from 13,000 to 15.
• The wildebeest population went from 6,400 to 1.
• The hippo went from 3,500 to 44.
• The zebra went from 3,300 to 12.
• The black and white rhino population fell to 0.

A place that once was known for its endless amount of animals was down to less than 100 individual creatures. By the late 1970s and early 80s, Gorongosa laid to rest its reputation as one of Africa’s most beloved and stunning wildlife regions—only to begin resuscitating its claim to fame, again, in 2005.

With nearly 2,500 square miles of lush grasslands and widespread floodplains, elephants, birds, lions, and antelope are now reclaiming Gorongosa has their protected home. Today, the river is abundant with active birds and Nile crocodiles, and the grasslands are swarming with joyful herds of zebra and Cape buffalo.

But how did Gorongosa reestablish its wildlife population and fragile eco-systems after nearly 20 years of barren savanna? It took the powerful vision of one man who had the hope and conviction that Gorongosa could restore its past reputation as Africa’s prime wildlife region. This businessman-turned-philanthropist, is none other than Greg Carr.

Gorongosa National Park’s uplifting transformation:
Breaking free from the norm, in every possible way, Greg Carr is raising the bar for individual conservation contributions, not only in Africa, but also nationwide. With a $40 million, 30-year-pledge to bring life back to Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, Carr’s epic contribution to Gorongosa’s conservation is one of the largest individual efforts ever seen in Africa—in both financial and time contribution.

Greg Carr, also known as Gorongosa’s father of conservation, fell in love with the area years ago and established the Carr Foundation in 2005.

For five years (and counting) Greg Carr is managing to do a complete 360-degree-turnaround with Gorongosa. He is not simply throwing in money and waiting to see what everyone will do with it. He’s taking advice, working with the locals for a better Gorongosa, and lending a hand.

Below are merely a few specific efforts Carr is implementing to help conserve Gorongosa and bring it back to its once thriving state:

• Employing over 100 game scouts: Carr’s decision to hire game scouts has not only helped to prevent poachers from entering the Park, but it has also benefited the hired game scouts, who are locals, bring money into their community. The direct and highly-effective efforts put forth by the game scouts have enabled animals to breed and increase in population, and they are now not as timid toward humans as they were before Carr’s first arrival to the Park.

• Introducing new animals to the Park: With a little help from South Africa, the Carr Foundation was able to relocate buffalo, wildebeest, elephant, and hippos from Kruger National Park to Gorongosa. Now, Gorongosa has a strong wildlife base for breeding.

• Working to increase eco-tourism companies: Bringing in eco-tourism companies can be difficult when there are too few animals for safari tours to operate. This is why Carr is working hard to bring in animals from South Africa. Through an effort to increase eco-tourism companies in the area, Carr hopes to attract thousands of tourists a year, without taking away from Gorongosa’s authenticity and exclusivity. The outcome of more eco-tourism companies is a more sustainable local environment, economy, and community. Today, Gorongosa’s yearly tourist count is roughly 8,000, but those involved in increasing eco-tourism efforts in the Park predict that in 10 years, tourist population will reach 100,000 annually.

• Providing community members with a financial stake in Gorongosa conservation: In order to drastically reduce human / wildlife conflict, and encourage support for the Carr Foundation and their epic efforts, Carr is providing an incentive to the locals. Allowing nearby communities to have a financial stake in the Park’s conservation efforts, Carr hopes to drastically reduce tension between humans and wildlife and increase community participation in helping Gorongosa thrive. Merely a year after first establishing the Carr Foundation, locals were warming up to Carr’s efforts as he hired many of them to be guide visitors around the land, build tree nurseries, and replant vital flora. He also hired more than 100 locals to be game scouts around the Park.

But Gorongosa isn’t completely in the clear. In order to seal its revitalized state into a permanent way of life, conservation models need to be put in places and strictly enforced to eliminate human / wildlife conflict, bring economic stability to the local population, help sustain fragile eco-systems, and restore and protect wildlife.

HERE YOU GO… YOUR BLOG HOP TRAVEL CONTEST PLAY CARDS!

Click here to download the play card for this week.

PLAYING THE BLOG HOP?
You’ll find the answer to the question for my blog by clicking on the correct post below.

Witness a Natural Wonder of the World: The Great Migration
The Forest Elephant vs. The African Elephant
Safari Photography: Capture the Soul of Africa
Tanzania Honeymoon Safari: A Seamless Marriage of Relaxation and Adventure
5 Unique Ways to Make Your African Safari Adventure Last a Lifetime
3 Tips for Surviving in the African Savannah — Alone

THANKS TO THE BLOG HOP SPONSORS
Complete your Blog Hop play card for a chance to win one of these great prizes!

• $2,000 cash prize thanks to Contiki
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• 3 hotel nights in a European city thanks to EasytoBook.com
• 16GB ipod nano w/ video thanks to TravellersPoint
• $100 Budget Accommodation from TravellersPoint
• Great travel gear from Pacsafe.

*A FEW DETAILS.

• The winners will be selected using Random.org and announced on May 11, 2010.
• Global Bloggers Network members and their family do not qualify for the contest.
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• Read the full Blog Hop Contest Rules at the Global Bloggers Network Blog Hop page.

Have fun!!!

Images taken from www.cheesefestival.co.za/

Can you smell it? The South African Cheese Festival is almost here! Beginning on Saturday, April 24 and ending on Tuesday, April 27, you’ll be able to experience the festival of a lifetime.

Whether you’re on a South African honeymoon or a South African family vacation, the Cheese Festival has something exciting for everyone—no matter their age.

From renowned cheese makers to food connoisseurs, and prestigious wine makers to fabulous live bands, the South African Cheese Festival is an event that savors everything wonderful and delightfully tasty in life.

The festival grounds will feature eight different areas of interest including . . .

• The Cheese Emporium: From soft to hard and strong to mild, the Cheese Emporium is choc-full of irresistible cheese textures, flavors, and smells. Your palette will delight in the mere sight of the wide spectrum of rich cheeses to savor. And what’s better to compliment your cheese tasting frenzy than a glass of dessert wine, a slice of cured meat, or a delectable piece of chocolate?
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  Images taken from www.cheesefestival.co.za/

  The Cheese Market: Housing cheeses made from traditional aging methods, as well as an assortment of savory cured meats, The Cheese Market celebrates an irresistible fusion of salty and savory flavors. Purchase from a variety of earthy cheeses and meats and enjoy them in the market square.

• The Mall: Abundant with a variety of nuts, olives, homemade preserves, bread, toppings, and wine, you’re sure to find your basket filling up in no time with delightful goodies. Purchase an olive tree or taste these delectable fruits in all their glory–from olive pastes to olive oils, and tapenades to olive jams.
• The Cooking Pot: Learn from the world-famous culinary and wine masters themselves, and meet international entertainment and travel icons at The Cooking Pot. From names such as Soli Philander, Beyers Truter, and the food editors from Sarie & Sarie Kos Magazine, you’ll discover something new and exciting around every corner.
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  Images taken from www.cheesefestival.co.za/

  The Kids: Rest assured knowing your little ones are under safe watch and having the time of their lives in the Cheese Festival’s kids area while you enjoy stress-free shopping and tasting experiences. Equipped with  jumping castles, face painting, color competitions, and more, the Kids area is the simplest way to put a smile on your child’s face.

• Renault & Kia Milk Factory: Before you drop your little ones off at The Kids station, awe-inspire them with a visit to the Renault & Kia Milk Factory. Here, the whole family can learn how milk is created in a step by step process from cows, sheep, or goats, as well as learn how to make butter and cottage cheese the old-fashioned way.
• Gourmet Lane & Ladismith Cheese Music Gazebo: When you’re all cheesed out, relish in the delightful flavors of fresh oysters, marinated herrings, and savory sauces, all while enjoying the eclectic sounds of the band BRAWOU!
• Dairy Square & Music Spot: At the Diary Square & Music Spot, you can enjoy your recent purchases at a quaint picnic table with the soft sounds of the festival in the air and a delectable beer in your glass.

Images taken from www.cheesefestival.co.za/

If you’re a cheese-tasting fanatic, you’ll be happy to know that (nearly) every cheese you can imagine will be featured at the festival. With 70% of the festival grounds reserved for cheese exhibitors, 15% for wine, beverage, and spirits exhibitors, and the other 15% for cheese-complementing product exhibitors, cheese takes center stage.

And after an exciting day (or weekend for the cheese die-hards) at the glorious cheese festival, extend your trip with a visit to the culturally rich Cape Town, the rolling vineyards of Paarl, or the quaint villages of Franschoek.

Have you experienced a cheese festival? Tell us about it in our comments section.

I’m a member of the Global Bloggers Network and next week, we’re kicking off an amazing 3-week travel contest that you’ll want to play.

Win Great Prizes

• $2,000 cash prize thanks to Contiki
• $1,000 worth of camera equipment thanks to SA-Venues, South Africa Explored
• 3 hotel nights in a European city thanks to Splendia
• 3 hotel nights in a European city thanks to EasytoBook.com
• 16GB ipod nano w/ video thanks to TravellersPoint
• $100 Budget Accommodation from TravellersPoint
• Great travel gear from Pacsafe.

It’s Easy to Play

1. Download your Blog Hop play card. You can download your card at this blog on Monday, May, 3 2010.
2. Click on the links in your play card and go to all 6 blogs to answer the 6 questions on the card.
3. Hit submit and you’ll qualify to win.

That’s all there is to it.

• The winners will be selected at random using Random.org and announced on May 11, 2010.
• Global Bloggers Network members and their families do not qualify for the contest.
• You must answer all 5 questions to win.
• The contest will run for 3 weeks; each week will feature a new set of questions. You can play once in each week of the contest for 3 chances to win.