Packing for Africa Just Got Easier: Bamboosa Product Giveaway

On September 1, 2010, In African Safari Tours, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

BamboosaWe’re so excited to be hosting our very first blog giveaway yet! And we’re even more excited that the product we’re giving away is from Bamboosa—a clothing and accessory company specializing in products created from organically grown bamboo. From BambooBaby products to accessories, bamboo socks to accessories, Bamboo powder soap bars to adult printed tees, and a wide selection of men’s clothing to women’s clothing, environmentally conscious consumers can find all of their travel and everyday needs at Bamboosa.

Bamboosa’s business practices are both socially and environmentally sustainable and they offer some of the best products in their industry. Each of their clothing pieces is breathable and cool, thermal regulating and wicking, absorbent, and fast drying. Not to mention, all clothing items are light for packing, which is a must when traveling to Africa.

We mentioned this giveaway to participants on the “What to Pack for an African Vacation” teleseminar this morning, but this contest is for anyone and everyone who’s interested.

Here are the giveaway details:

Bamboosa

Priya Skirts

Giveaway: One of Bamboosa’s  gorgeous Priya skirts or a $40.00 gift certificate to Bamboosa’s huge selection of online items.

How to enter: Simply by leaving a comment on this post (or on the contest post on the Charleston Style Concierge blog), you have the chance to win the giveaway. At the end of the contest, we will combine all the comments from this blog and from the Charleston Style Concierge blog and use Random.org to choose the winner.

Additional ways to enter: Participants can also gain extra entries by . . .

1. Subscribing to this blog’s RSS feed

2. Subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

3. “Liking” Hills of Africa on Facebook.

****NOTE: After each additional entry, participants must comment again on this post mentioning the additional entries they made.

Dates: Contest begins today, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 and ends next Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at midnight (Eastern Time).

Terms & Conditions: No compensation for commenting or promoting this giveaway will be given in either cash or products unless you are a chosen winner.

Names will only be entered four times maximum per person (if the person chooses to take additional actions specified above to enter the giveaway) and will be chosen randomly–no exceptions. Winners will be contacted via email.

By commenting, you are stating that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of this contest. If you agree to the above terms and conditions, you may begin commenting today!

Winner will be emailed on Thursday, September 9, 2010. No purchase necessary.

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What You Need to Know To Plan the Perfect Trip to Africa

On August 30, 2010, In Accommodations, African Destinations, African Safari Tours, By Sandy Salle
trip to africaAsking a traveler where they want to go and what they want to see in Africa is a loaded question that’s often difficult to realistically answer right off the bat. Some travelers might dream about enjoying 3-days of luxurious wine tasting via horseback followed by a mobile safari through the Serengeti—but if these travelers are bringing their young children, these activities might be difficult or even prohibited to take part in.       

Therefore, it’s important to ask yourself a variety of questions prior to planning your trip, and be sure that you consult with a trusted travel agent who specializes in trips to Africa. These questions include: “What’s my budget?,” “Who am I going with?,” “What do my travel partners and I want to see and do?,” and “What type of accommodations do we want to stay in?”

Each and every answer to these questions has an influence on the answer to the next question. In order to plan the perfect vacation around your specific preferences, here is what you’ll need to know:
What’s your budget? african safari vacation
      

This is a big one and is the very first thing you must consider before planning your trip to Africa. Taking a vacation to Africa is quite an investment—one that is well-worth the money and the time it takes to travel. Nonetheless, you must be realistic about your budget and understand that creating a completely customized itinerary pulls in a variety of financial factors such as flights, transportation within Africa, accommodations, activities, reserve and park fees, tours, and more.

If you want to experience a highly personalized and luxurious vacation, you must have at the very least $5,000 per person in your budget.

After you’ve decided on your budget, it’s time to figure out the fun stuff.
Who are you going with?       

Are you going to Africa with your spouse? Or are you going with your family? Perhaps you’re visiting with a group of friends. Whomever you’re going with, deciding on activities that are appropriate for everyone in your party is a must.

african safari toursFor example, if you are bringing children to Africa, they might be too young to participate in safari tours such as game drives, wine tasting tours, or canoe safaris—and sometimes, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to stay at certain accommodations. Therefore, it’s important to either make prior arrangements for the children while you are on safari, or create an itinerary for the entire family that consists primarily of child-friendly activities.

Or, if you are going to Africa with a group of friends varying in age and physical endurance, you might want to consider the physical requirements for certain activities you want to take part in such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback safaris, or walking safaris.
What do you want to see and do?       

Do you want to discover ancient architecture, swim with penguins, relax at a luxury spa, or enjoy spectacular game viewing?

Deciding what you want to see and do has a huge influence on the countries and regions you will visit while in Africa.

For example, there is only one place in Africa where you can swim with the penguins and that’s Boulder’s Beach in South Africa. And, wine tasting can’t be enjoyed just anywhere in Africa—you must go to Cape Winelands to take part in the best of wine tasting.

Also, game drives cannot be experienced everywhere in Africa. This is why it’s important that you weigh your activity preferences to determine which ones you are top priority while in Africa.
What type of accommodation do you want to stay in?       

Africa is full of various types of accommodations ranging everywhere from mobile camps to non-mobile camps, rustic lodges to lavish hotels, and extravagant bandas to romantic bush tents. Because each of these accommodations varies dramatically in terms of adventure and comfort, you must gage your personal preferences and consider your comfort zone and desire for extreme exploration.

If you want to sleep in plush beds surrounded by regal interior décor, visit the spa, enjoy fine dining in elegant restaurants, and have luxurious amenities at your disposal, a mobile camp, rustic lodge, or bush camp probably isn’t for you. Rather, you might want to consider extravagant bandas on the water’s edge or a luxurious hotel in Cape Town or the Garden Route, South Africa.

But if you are interested in experiencing the wilderness or are an adventurist at heart, you’ll love the mobile safaris and rustic lodges.
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The Little Five vs. The Big Five

On August 23, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, By Sandy Salle

Of course everyone on an African safari vacation wants to see the famous Big Five. Who doesn’t? But what many travelers don’t realize is that there is much more to see in various eco-systems of Africa besides lions, elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, and Cape buffaloes.

Often underrated for their size, the Little Five are some of the most interesting and curious creatures to observe in the African wilderness. These five animals consist of the rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, and the ant lion.

See below for a description of each of the Little Five:

Elephant shrew: Growing up to 30 cm in length, the elephant shrew is an adorable little mammal that hops along the ground in search of yummy insects and grub. Their hops are so tremendous that some can reach anywhere between 2 – 3 ft. in one leap! They also have a long tail and nose that enables them to sniff for insects before projecting the insects into their mouths using their tongue.

Living in solitary pairs of two, the elephant shrew isn’t the most social creature in the Africa’s southern region. In fact, the elephant shrew is so against socializing with others that it will mark its territory with a musky odor that is produced by a gland beneath its tail.

But although these creatures may be named after a shrew, they are in fact more closely related to aardvarks and moles.

Rhinoceros beetle: A frightening looking insect, the rhino beetle has a thick coating of pointy armor that makes it an intimidating sight to see in the wild! Growing up to 2.5 inches in length, the rhino beetle is one of the world’s largest species of beetle and actually ranks as one of the world’s strongest creatures—proportionately.  Rhino beetles are so strong that they can lift nearly 850 times their weight.

Equipped with two large horns—hence the name rhinoceros beetle—the rhino beetle will use these horns to dig for food in trees as well as under rotting bark and beneath soil. They’ll also use these horns to defend themselves and fight other male beetles for mates.

Although these insects have a threatening appearance, they are harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting.

Image taken from (http://bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au/learning/resources/Entomology/internalAnatomy/imagePages/rhinocerousBeetle.html)

Buffalo weaver: Comprised of vibrant orange, black, and white feathers, this tricolored bird is one of Africa’s most beautiful bird species. Although this bird may appear graceful in pictures and at first glance, it’s actually a loud bird t

hat causes quite a ruckus. With large communal nests comprised of thorns and twigs, the buffalo weaver is a social bird species that interacts with others using loud vocal callings and aggressive movements.

Found primarily in the dry savanna and acacia woodland in Eastern Africa, these birds feed on grass seeds, acacia, insects, and fruits.

Image taken by the Honolulu Zoo (http://www.honoluluzoo.org/whiteheaded_buffalo_weaver.htm)

Leopard tortoise: With shells comprised of unique carvings, patterns, and colors, the leopard tortoise is one of the world’s most beautiful reptiles and one of the most interesting. It can live to be 100 years old and can reach up to 18 inches in length and weigh nearly 40 lbs.

While most turtle species produce eggs that incubate for 90 – 120 days, the leopard tortoises’ egg incubation period can last for over a year before the eggs hatch. This lengthy incubation process happens beneath the ground in dry, grassy areas of southern Africa.

Image taken from http://www.leopardtortoise.com/

Antlion: A frightening and bizarre looking insect, the antlion’s name more accurately depicts its larval stage than its adult stage. Named for its large head, jagged jaws, and bristle-covered body, the antlion is a beast compared to most other ants.

When antlions are in their larvae form, they will dig little holes in the sand where they will wait for another insect to fall into their trap before eating them.

In adulthood, the antlion can reach roughly 1.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 3.2 inches in length. During their adult stages, the antlion looks completely different from its larval stage and resembles a dragonfly more than an ant.

Image Taken by Wayne Schmidt (http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/mybetterpictures.htm)

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Is There More to Africa Than Wildlife?

On August 20, 2010, In African Safari Tours, Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, By Sandy Salle

safari toursWhen you think of Africa what are some of the first visions that come to mind? For many, safari tours and the Big Five are some of the first thoughts that arise. Of course, Africa is the ultimate destination for safaris and game viewing, but there is so much more to do in Africa besides exceptional safari experiences.

One of the most fascinating elements about Africa is its extensive diversity. Comprised of 53 countries that range in climate, culture, history, landscape, cuisine, activities, accommodations, and wildlife, Africa is one of the world’s most astonishing and eclectic continents. Attracting everyone from beach addicts to ocean enthusiasts, romantics to spa lovers, and cultural buffs to wine connoisseurs, Africa is a destination for almost everyone.

Although Africa does attract a variety of different people with different interests, needs, desires, and preferences, visitors to Africa do have something in common: the desire to discover and grow.

So, what else is there to do besides game viewing? Tons! See below for an insight into the real Africa:

Cape Town City Tours: Grow, learn, discover, and uncover on a tour through the glowing city of Cape Town, South trip to AfricaAfrica. With a bustling atmosphere filled with architectural fascinations, shopping hubs, gardens, beaches, quaint bistros and cafes, mouth-watering seafood, hiking trails, and the infamous Table Mountain, Cape Town invites all sorts of individuals and various interests.

Cultural Visits: An absolute highlight among visitors to Africa, cultural visits are not only enlightening and rewarding, but they’re also often the gateway to an entirely new perspective on Africa and life in general. Almost all of the most popular destinations in Africa offer exceptional cultural visits that allow travelers to immerse themselves into local cultures and customs. Some of the best cultural tours take visitors to local schools, orphanages, and private homes, while others consist of exciting interactive bush walks or bicycling tours through local villages.

World Heritage Sites: Southern Africa is home to some of the most intriguing World Heritage Sites on earth. From cultural sites such as the Fossil Hominid Sites, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Robben Island, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape to natural sites including Vredefort Dome and the Great St. Lucia Wetland Park, Africa holds captivating secrets of the past in what remains in the present.

Golfing: As one of the top golf destinations in the world, South Africa is speckled with stunning courses that provide the avid golfer with exciting challenges around every corner. Whether looking for a five-day golf safari tour or half a day of golf, South Africa’s renowned courses can accommodate.

tour AfricaEach and every day (and hole for that matter) provides seasoned golfers with new challenges and experiences. For example, Leopard Creek County Club’s sixteenth hole requires balls to pass over hippo-populated waters onto a fresh green while Links at Fancourt is South Africa’s most challenging course, providing visitors with surprising twists, dips, and obstacles.

Ocean Visits: The coastline and archipelagos of Africa are bustling with beauty and infinite opportunities for exploration.

Africa’s coastlines and islands are so diverse and spectacular that they’re known for being some of the world’s top beach, scuba diving, and snorkeling destinations in the world. Africa’s waters are also home to whales, the African penguin, sharks, dolphins, and other aquatic creatures, making shark cage diving, whale watching, and swims with the penguins some of Africa’s most exciting ocean activities.

Wine Tours: There is no shortage of wine tours in Cape Winelands, South Africa. With dozens of types of tours to choose from, visitors find their time in Cape Winelands isn’t long enough. Some of the most acclaimed wine tours include wine making, personal wine tasting, VIP wine tasting, one-day village tours, horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking tours.

Fishing: Whether you’re interested in big game saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing, Africa’s rivers, lakes, and deep sea fishingsurrounding ocean are always teeming with adventure and thrilling catches.

Travelers interested in freshwater fishing have the opportunity to observe large land game and other lake dwelling creatures such as a wide variety of birds, hippos, and crocodiles as they enjoy an exciting day of fishing. One of the most popular and aggressive freshwater fish is the tigerfish, which can weigh in anywhere from 10 – 25 lbs.

Deep sea fishing, on the other hand, typically consists of larger and stronger fish depending on the time of year. Sailfish are caught the most as they are found in the area year round, while species of marlin, wahoo, kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish are typically caught between the months of October and March.

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Find Bliss on the Edge of Tanzania’s Ruaha River

On August 16, 2010, In Accommodations, African Safari Tours, Tanzania, By Sandy Salle

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

There is no rush to do anything at Tanzania’s Amara Simbazi boutique camp—there is only the feeling of pure harmony. Whether you’re watching the sunset behind the thick African bush from the tranquil infinity pool or finding peace on the Ruaha River’s edge, Amara Simbazi somehow defies the constraints of time.

As you enter this blissful retreat, located in the Selous Game Reserve, you’ll immediately recognize a feeling of balance that’s ignited by the soothing interior colors and textures that emulate Tanzania’s energetic, natural surroundings. Each of the camp’s 12 luxurious tented camps is designed to provide you with maximum comfort, while enabling the outdoors to permeate through to the inside.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

Perfect for romantic safari honeymoons, family reunions or getaways, and group trips, Amara Simbazi is the ideal accommodations for any traveler looking to explore Tanzania’s exotic wilderness. It is, however, important to note that if you are taking a family vacation, children must be a minimum of 6-years in age.

While visiting this boutique camp enjoy fine dining, opulent spa treatments, and exciting bush-based activities.

Here are just a few things you can expect to partake in while visiting Amara Simbazi:

Explore the Wilderness on Safari: Whether you want to experience a game drive, walking safari, or birding safari, Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa’s premier safari tour destinations. As a World Heritage Site and Tanzania’s largest and most plentiful game reserve, Selous is comprised of an eclectic variety of bustling eco-systems that each offer a new perspective on wildlife.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

With hundreds of species of birds including the African fish eagle, goliath herons, Egyptian geese, waders, vultures, and warblers, Selous Game Reserve’s waterways are teeming with some of Africa’s most celebrated bird species. With the help of your knowledgeable safari guide and a pair of great binoculars, you can get even closer to these species than you ever imagined.

Game drives are also a great way to view birds but are more famous for viewing large game such as lions, leopards and elephants. And before you head out for your refreshing morning game drive, enjoy a delightful bush breakfast amongst the residential wildlife.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

Walking safaris are another excellent way to view Tanzania’s large game, but they’re also perfect for discovering hidden wildlife such as the little five. You’ll also get to utilize some detective skills as you scan the ground for animal tracks and go in search of animals on the move.

Boating Adventures: Venture across the Ruaha River in search of giant hippos, fierce crocodiles, and aquatic birds. On these safari tours, you’ll find excitement around every bend of the river while enjoying chilled refreshments and refreshing snacks.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/activities.html)

Sensual Spa Treatments: Whether you want to experience a rejuvenating spa treatment in the privacy of your

tented camp or outdoors amongst the sounds and aromas of the wildlife, Amara Simbazi’s signature spa treatments allow you to restore balance, eliminate physical stresses, and revitalize the senses. Perfect for experiencing after exciting safari tours, Simbazi’s spa treatments are designed to leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

Did you find this post informative? Let us know in our comments section.

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Measuring and Reducing Tanzania’s Carbon Footprint

On August 13, 2010, In Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania, By Sandy Salle

Carbon TanzaniaWhat if there were an organization that rose to the occasion to help companies and communities dramatically reduce their carbon footprints? A company with the hope and conviction that with a joint effort and a passion for the earth and its fragile eco-systems, we could create a healthier, more sustainable living environment for all. This company is Carbon Tanzania.

Dedicated to protecting the wildlife and rehabilitating the habitat of Tanzania and the earth as a whole, Carbon Tanzania has established a program and several branch projects that enable local Tanzanian communities to thrive and businesses to seek and implement effective strategies to dramatically reduce these harmful emissions.

Below is a breakdown of how Carbon Tanzania helps local Tanzanian communities and how it helps companies:

Local Communities: Employing large quantities of local villagers to maintain and plant tree seedlings, Carbon Tanzania helps communities establish effective economic and environmentally sustainable practices. When these locals are employed, Carbon Tanzania provides them with training sessions and project baseline scenarios that enable the locals to establish highly valuable skills that can be used for additional personal success in the future.

By establishing these reforestation projects and employing the native Tanzanians, Carbon Tanzania hopes to ensure a long term solution to environmental and community finance issues.

Companies: Consider all of the combined carbon emissions produced by businesses around the world. Off the top of your head, it might not seem to be that much, but when you factor in staff vehicle fuel consumption, outside deliveries, employee (and sometimes client) air travel, electricity costs, paper usage, and office cleaning materials, the estimations often expand dramatically.

Carbon Tanzania offers all types of businesses, camps, lodges, and safari providers, the opportunity to have a Greenhouse Gas Audit performed on their company. The results of this audit enable companies to establish a visual on their emissions, implement effective emission reduction strategies, and reduce their carbon footprint.

A Greenhouse Gas Audit can detect a company’s global and local impact and it can also detect an individual’s personal impact on the environment.

In addition to helping local communities and eco-systems thrive, as well as helping companies to reduce their carbon emissions, Carbon Tanzania also partners with local organizations that are interested in managing natural resources, helping communities become sustainable, and developing reforestation projects.

To learn more about the positive impact Carbon Tanzania is producing, visit their website at http://www.carbontanzania.com.

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Professional Safari Guide Reveals All About Private African Safaris

On August 9, 2010, In African Safari Tours, By Sandy Salle

African safari tour

It is our mission and passion to share the beauty and energy of Africa with the entire world, and one of the best ways to illustrate what you might experience on safari is through speaking with a professional safari guide. For this reason, we’ve created a new Live the Magic of Africa blog series, Q&A with Professional Safari Guide, Mark Homann.

Professional Safari Guide

Mark Homann

Raised in Zimbabwe’s farming community, Mark earned his Professional Guides license at the young age of twenty-two. His formative years as a safari guide were spent managing camps and leading specialized safaris for companies with a heavy focus toward sustainable, community-based natural resource management.

Mark and his family now live outside of Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he works as a safari consultant to organize safaris in Eastern and Southern Africa. Mark is also available as a personal safari guide by special request.

We are delighted that Mark has decided to join the Hills of Africa as one of our Africa travel specialists.

Below is a Q & A with Mark:

1. How does having your own personal safari guide differ from experiencing safari in a group of individuals?

A private safari gives you the flexibility of having all of your experiences focus primarily on your interests. I can recall many times, while on a group safari, people’s interests differed and a compromise was always the result.

For example, if you witness a lion make a kill for the first time, you may want to spend the whole morning tracking the pack—as it could be your only chance to see them. But, if you’re on a group safari, the other guests may have already seen lots of lions and want to move on quickly to other experiences.

African safari tours

2. What types of individuals would benefit from having a personal safari guide? Who would not benefit from having a personal safari guide?

In my opinion, everyone on safari would benefit from having a private guide. Private guides typically have a lot more experience and are at the top of the industry, which makes your safari experience highly adventurous and exciting. They work hand in hand with resident or lodge guides so you experience not one, but two personal safari guides. A pure luxury while on safari.

3. What traits make for a great safari guide?

There has always been a debate about what makes a good guide. Some people love wildlife and know so much about all the various wildlife of Africa, but don’t have the socializing skills to effectively communicate their knowledge and excitement, while others are great with people but not as informed about the wildlife. With that said, the best guides are those who love talking about wildlife and interacting with people, and have a lot of enthusiasm.

African safari tours

4. What characteristics would describe your ideal safari-goer / client / participant?

The best clients on a safari are people that are interested, excited, and enthusiastic, and ask a lot of questions.

Be the first to let us know what you think of our new blog series, Q&A with Professional Safari Guide, Mark Homann in our comments section.

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A Honeymoon without Boundaries Awaits You in Cape Winelands

On July 26, 2010, In Cape Winelands, Honeymoon Safaris, By Sandy Salle

Tahiti, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Fiji. All popular places to enjoy a luxurious, romantic honeymoon. But what these destinations lack in their famous reputations is the pure energy that is unique to only one continent in the world: Africa. Although famous for their reputation as honeymoon destinations, these tropical paradises lack some of the greatest elements that only Africa has to offer.

Because Africa is comprised of various countries, all with differing characteristics and cultures, experiencing variety

on your honeymoon is a constant. Whether you want to enjoy a combination of safari tour adventures, spa treatments,

scuba diving, beach lounging, wine tasting, historical insight, or cultural tours, Africa boasts the best of it all.

For newly-weds looking to experience everything Africa has to offer, a three to five night stay in Cape Winelands, South Africa is an itinerary staple. Catering to budding chefs, art admirers, history buffs, food lovers, cheese enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs, Cape Winelands’ various regions have something unique and exclusive to offer each of its visitors.

So, whether you prefer to taste the white wines of Paarl or the delectable olive oils of Franschhoek, or observe old-world architecture in Stellenbosch, your specific tastes and desires dictate where you go while on your honeymoon. There are no set boundaries.

Below are a few highlights of Cape Winelands to set the scene for your future honeymoon:

Romantic Accommodations

Nothing is more rejuvenating after a long day wine tasting or walking through local villages than spending romantic evenings in one of Cape Winelands’ most exclusive and lavish accommodations, overlooking rolling vineyards, profound mountains, and lush countryside.

Enjoy peaceful nighttime strolls through the winding paths that surround your hotel, or reminisce about the day’s events over a cocktail in the bar area or in the privacy of your own terrace.

And when it’s time for a good night’s rest, retire to your plush bedding in the comfort of a lavish suite.

Delectable Local Fare

Indulge in culinary riches at some of Cape Winelands’ most renowned cafes and charming bistros. Ranging everywhere from contemporary cool to rustic Italian, Cuban to Indian, seafood to tapas, and South African to French, Cape Winelands is a haven for international culinary delights.

On wine tasting afternoons, enjoy a pleasant picnic among the vineyards or oak-filled forests, as you delight in a fresh salad or sandwich, accompanied by a crisp bottle of Pinot Grigio.

Horseback Wine Tasting Tour

Begin your marriage with a romantic adventure through the rolling foothills and sprawling vineyards of Cape Winelands. As you ride side by side, the sensual aroma of the earth, the surrounding lush scenery, and the Dutch-inspired estates combine to emit an indescribable energy that is unlike any other feeling in the world.

As you ride upon charming dirt paths, stop by strategically chosen local estates for a VIP wine tasting or private wine cellar tour. Each of the wine estates you visit will be chosen based on your specific tastes and preferences. Therefore, if you prefer to only taste velvety Merlots for the day, you will only be taken to estates known for their Merlots.

Perfect for: Couples who are adventurous, active, and who love wine tastings, and horses.

Wine Tasting Tours

Aside from horseback wine tasting tours, Cape Winelands is also home to intricate walking and hiking trails, and bike paths. You may choose to explore these paths on your own or take part in a personal wine tasting tour via bike or by foot.

When you partake in a wine tasting tour, no matter your source of transportation, you will experience various wine tastings, wine cellar tours, and VIP tours at some of Cape Winelands’ oldest and most prestigious estates. In addition to wine tastings, many estates also offer brandy, olive oil, and cheese tastings.

Perfect for: Couples who enjoy the outdoors, who love wine tastings, and who want to take in the beauty of Cape Winelands. It’s important to note that wine tasting tours, whether by foot or bicycle, do not require any vigorous physical prerequisites, as you decide how much walking you partake in.

Village Tours

As you walk past century-old Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco architecture, through quaint, winding streets, and past local bakeries and bistros, indulge your senses with the many sights, sounds, and aromas of Cape Winelands.

You may explore the many culturally and historically rich villages of Cape Winelands on your own or on a customized walking tour, where you will travel off the beaten path to learn about the intricate history of the buildings, streets, and people of Cape Winelands.

Perfect for: Couples who enjoy leisurely strolls, photography, art, history, and architecture, and for those who have a natural curiosity.

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What to Expect When Visiting Africa for the First Time

On July 19, 2010, In Accommodations, African Destinations, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle
Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Knowing what to expect on your first trip to Africa can sometimes be a challenge. No matter how well pictures and stories can paint a picture of Africa, it’s hard to understand its potent energy and sheer beauty until you touch soil for the first time.

Therefore, to help illustrate what to expect for your first time in Africa, we asked one of our clients, Gary Harwyn, who recently returned from his very first trip to Africa, what to expect when traveling to Africa for the first time.

It is our pleasure to share our interview with Gary:

1. What false perceptions did you have about Africa prior to visiting?

Before visiting Africa I thought that the people would be uncivilized and anti-west. But what I discovered was that it was quite the opposite.

The only area of concern for us was the Zimbabwe government, which we heard about, but didn’t really witness anything—except some police road checks.

I was also concerned about diseases and bugs, which were not bad at all, except in Mana Pools in the evening.

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

2. When did you realize that these perceptions were in fact false?

One of the largest indicators that these were false perceptions was probably the giant airport in Johannesburg—which was equipped with a shopping mall!

In terms of the people in Africa, the Victoria Falls Hotel and Little Makalolo Camp had extremely friendly staff who made me feel like family. They are truly the nicest people / staff on the entire planet and catered to any and all of our individual needs.

Also, having access to filtered water and amazing fresh food at the camps helped put to bed some if misconceptions I had about food / water ingestions. I trusted Wilderness Safaris’ camps 100% with everything, and never felt unsafe. We did, however, watch our food and water intake in Harare. But, I stuffed my face everywhere else!

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

3. Now that you’re back in the U.S., do you perceive Africa the same way you did prior to ever visiting?

No. Africa is a BEAUTIFUL continent with FRIENDLY people (who speak English) and, as a whole, Africa should not be perceived as a 3rd world continent overall. They need some help and support and assistance without “re-colonizing” everyone to American culture, as their culture can be progressive yet traditional.

I’m empowered to spread the word about Zimbabwe and want to help Zimbabweans to achieve the political freedom they deserve. The local people are very different than the government policy.

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

4. What’s the one thing you want people who have never traveled to Africa to know about Africa?

That it offers some of the most beautiful land, scenery, food, and people the world has to offer and that it’s safe and friendly.

5. List the top three best parts of your trip to Africa. What made these experiences so special and unique to you?

  1. Pamushana was just larger than life with its stunning layout and exceptional staff—it is a real jewel.
  2. The staff at ALL the camps catered to our every need—we felt like royalty for our entire trip.
  3. I was extremely impressed with the knowledgeable guides and their eagerness to educate us on all the wildlife.

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

6.  Is there another trip to Africa in the future for you? If so, would you travel to the same countries or different ones?

Yes. We are ready to visit any (and hopefully all) Wilderness Safari and Singita Camps. We simply cannot wait to return!

7. After returning, what’s the one thing you wish you knew before traveling to Africa?

Actually, there are a few things I wish I knew before traveling to Africa:

  • That we were not simply going on an “elephant ride” or visiting a random independent safari lodge.
  • That the facilities we visited in Africa support local communities  / kids, educate people, and are involved in a much larger and interconnected network. There is a much bigger picture that should be told about the impact and importance of these facilities. Choosing between an elephant ride or a bungee jump was simply that: on the surface. Digging deeper, you recognize the elephant ride is actually supporting an elephant orphanage, anti-poaching units, and education sponsors. There are more to the facilities than is advertised on the surface.
  • I also wish we had purchased a small picture book / checklist about all the variety of animals so we knew some basic things about the animals, prior to the game drives.

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

8. How would this information have changed your preparation for your journey to Africa?

I knew our trip to Africa involved a lot of eco-friendly tours and accommodations, but I didn’t have all the details and didn’t know what all that meant. Also, knowing some more details about the animals prior to leaving for Africa could have allowed me to have more respect for the fragility and status with certain species / populations.

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How Environmental Threats Have Affected the Maasai Culture

On June 30, 2010, In Uncategorized, By Sandy Salle

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.

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