I have a real treat for you today! One of our clients who recently returned from South Africa, Rebecca Reynolds of Rebecca Reynolds Consulting, has allowed us to share with you her inspirational story that made her say yes to a trip to Africa.

It is never too late for a fresh start, for personal growth, and for self discovery. Whether it’s the new year that has you craving some change or you have felt deep down in your heart that it’s time for a journey, 2012 provides us with a new chapter in our lives. One that is yet to be written. So I encourage you to read today’s feature article from Rebecca and find your inspiration to say yes to South Africa in 2012.

Feature article written by Hills of Africa Travel client, Rebecca Reynolds of Rebecca Reynolds Consulting:

This time last year, I began my ruminations about turning 50 and what I’d do to mark it.

If I’d been thinking of celebration, I might’ve wished for a surprise party, or a fancy dinner somewhere, or a compendium of memories collected and bound in stamped leather. But my thoughts bent more toward commemoration . . . this birthday would be between me and Me.

For me, 50 marked a moment, not for trumpets and streamers, but for deep quietude, looking into the face of who I am and who I have yet to become. I have little idea how 50 feels—what it looks like or means. I only know that this time calls to me from far away and from deep inside. And the call is as primal as fire, as mysterious as the hermit, as inexorable as time.

When the question first entered my mind—how do I want to mark this milestone?—the answer came quietly: A trip. From this thought seed, from this slip of an idea, the whole thing was begun.

What kind of trip? A big trip. A journey.

What does that mean? To a place I’ve never been before.

Why? To challenge myself. To open myself to a completely new experience.

Where?

A place to breathe fresh and deep the aroma of unknown earth, cradling roots of strange plants, ground into dusty spice and stirred into pots of surprising flavors to my virgin tongue.

A place to open my eyes for the first time to color hues seen only in dreams, to dance to rhythms unfamiliar to my feet but recognized deep down in the ear of my heart.

A place to discover and remember, out of which to begin the next phase of this life.

Of the places I imagined in that first musing, Africa didn’t cross my mind. In truth, I thought more about where I wouldn’t go than where I would. I thought of the places I’ve been before and off the list they went. I thought of places similar to them and they scuttled along too. That left a blank page—a vast whiteness out of which I hoped the place would soon enough draw itself.

I went about my business.

Then one day, a month or so later, on a phone call, the outline first appeared. I was invited to go to South Africa. The tip of a continent, the corner early European explorers persevered in rounding, a place of ancient beauty and painful history.

As I considered South Africa, I struggled to recognize it as my choice. You see, I hadn’t thought much about it. I’d read a novel here and there. In college, I learned of apartheid and the knowledge lodged deep in my gut. Movies and nature shows on life in the savanna stirred the vague hope of safari one day. And most of all, Mandela’s 30-year incarceration ending in his presidency taught me that nothing in this world is permanent, and clinging to “the way things are”—in either complacency or dread—is simply folly. But other than these few markers, South Africa wasn’t much more to me than an outline on a map.

After the call and for the next few months, I went through the motions of considering the decision, which meant coming up with a lot of questions. Why would I go? What would I do? With whom would I go? When would I leave? I talked with people; I gathered data; I read books and looked at maps. But it really boiled down to if I would go or if I wouldn’t. And at one point, I just said yes.

If I’m really frank though, saying yes was simply the moment when “me” caught up to what “Me” had known all along. Of course I was going to South Africa. When, to do what, with whom, and for how long were just details.

Back at home now, I reflect on what a superb lesson this is. It’s the one about saying YES. Choosing yes, without all the conditions, parameters, and details nailed to the wall. The kind of yes that is an act of faith in the goodness, the bounty, the sheer joyousness of life. The yes that sets magic in motion.

When I got to South Africa, a man explained to me that the word “safari” is Swahili for “journey.” It’s used in particular reference to the annual migration of millions of animals from one side of the Serengeti to the other. They make this arduous journey across the vast savanna in search of food, of sustenance, of life. It’s clear to me that my travels from the American continent to the African one was in the same way a safari, a journey from one side of the world to the other, in search of sustenance.

The taste of the new, from its pot mingling with things essential and some familiar, still lingers on my lips.

About Rebecca:

Rebecca Reynolds is President and Founder of RRC. She is a highly sought-after consultant, trainer and coach, who specializes in planning, group process, and stakeholder participation. Rebecca brings more than 20 years of experience to her work, as well as a passion for learning, for engaging all kinds of people, and for creating amazing results.

Rebecca’s Website: http://www.rebeccareynoldsconsulting.com

Rebecca’s Blogs: www.rebeccaspeak.wordpress.com and www.rebeccareynoldsconsulting.com/blog

Will you say yes to South Africa in 2012?

In one of last week’s blog posts, How to Get Closer to Your Favorite African Animals than Ever Before, I discussed some activities and accommodations that enable travelers to get closer to their favorite animals in Africa than ever before. Specifically, I spotlighted Giraffe Manor—a boutique property that’s perfect for giraffe lovers—and ConservAfrica and African Impact—two organizations working to conserve the cats of Africa.

Today, I spotlight some of the best activities to get up close and personal to elephants and primates:

If you love elephants . . .

Then you’ll love a visit to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage and The Elephant Sanctuary!

In a tireless effort to help orphaned elephants find the strength to continue their journey in the wild, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage works to rescue and rehabilitate baby elephants and rhinos. Each day the elephants enjoy bathing, feeding, and playing, as visitors watch in awe.

The feeding takes place at different times of the day with orphanage team members feeding the elephants a unique milk formula that David’s wife, Daphne, created to provide rhinos and elephants with nutrients they need to grow and remain healthy.

Located in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, the elephant orphanage allows elephants to enjoy the beauty and openness of nature, while still assuring their safety before being completely released into the wild.

The Elephant Sanctuary, on the other hand, has three locations in South Africa, which include Hartbeespoort Dam, Plettenberg Bay, and Hazyview. All of these locations work to rescue and lend assistance to orphaned and injured elephants. Each of the three sanctuaries offers guests different activities to choose from that enable them to interact with the beautiful residential elephants.

The sanctuary at Plettenberg Bay, for example, offers elephant brush downs—which allow guests to lend a hand in grooming the elephants—and one-hour trunk-in-hand programs—which educate guests about elephant behavior and lifestyle, and allow guests to touch the elephants.

If you love primates . . .

Then you’ll love a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and a visit to Monkeyland in South Africa!

Covered in lush green vegetation and thick rainforests abundant with exotic wildlife, Uganda is a nature-seeker’s sanctuary. With a variety of primates to witness, including gorilla, chimpanzee, black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, and baboon, Uganda is one of the most celebrated destinations by primate lovers.

A Golden Monkey

On a gorilla trekking safari, you’ll travel to these lush rainforests in search of the elusive gorilla. Once your party has arrived at a gorilla group, you’ll have one hour to watch and admire their movements, behavior, and unique social and eating skills.

For even more primates, visit Monkeyland in South Africa. Internationally known for their free-roaming atmosphere, Monkeyland does not cage its various primate residents; therefore they are free to move wherever they wish throughout the sanctuary. Some of the primate species that live in Monkeyland include lemurs, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, gibbons, and more! Visitors to Monkeyland can enjoy an interactive guided walk through the sanctuary.

Guest post written by Mark Homann, Hills of Africa Travel safari guide, safari consultant, and private safari guide

I recently guided two families through Botswana and South Africa on a three-week safari.

Our adventures started in the Makgadikgadi saltpans in Botswana. This collection of Salt Pans covers over 6, 000 square miles of the Kalahari Desert. They are the remains of a superlake that covered much of present day Botswana and are filled by the waters of the modern day Zambezi River. These waters eventually found a new path to the Indian Ocean, cutting the gorges through the cracks in the Basalts of the Victoria Falls region and ultimately engineering The Victoria Falls waterfall. With most of the superlake’s waters diverted, it dried up to form the Makgadikgadi saltpans of today.

This area is very dry and, for most of the year, does not support much in the way of big game. A large zebra migration moves through the area in the wet months and we saw the very tail end of this, but we were not there for the game; rather, we were there to experience the desert and the saltpans themselves.

We stayed at Jack’s Camp, which is a great camp on the edge of a small pan. The camp is quite famous for their unique activities, sunsets, and big night skies. They have a few groups of meerkats that are quite used to Jack’s guests and we walked with them as they went about their morning business of foraging for food, much of which involved digging up Scorpions! If you sit very still in front of these characters they will climb up on your head and use you as a high point to watch for predators!

We spent another morning walking with the Kalahari Bushmen or San people. This, for me, is one of my most enjoyable experiences. They are very attractive people with few material possessions. They have an understanding of the Kalahari that I can only describe as instinct. They live in one of the driest deserts in the world without any need for modern conveniences or assistance.

From driving across the Saltpans on ATVs to 360-degree horizons, Jack’s Camp and the Makgadikgadi will always remain a great place to travel for people looking for a little more than the traditional game-viewing safari.

Want to learn more about private safari tours? Click here.

**All images throughout this post are owned by The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

If you missed Part I of this interview, where Michael Lutzeyer, owner of Grootbos, discusses the setting and dining experience at Grootbos, click here.

In Part II of our interview with Michael, he discusses the types of activities and accommodations on The Grootbos Reserve, as well as Grootbos’ phenomenal conservation initiatives.

See below for Part II of this interview:

1. What types of activities are offered at the Grootbos lodges? Which ones are the most popular to take part in?

Grootbos offers a wide variety of activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Our specialist guides lead 4×4 drives and walks through the fynbos and forests of the reserve, trips to the nearby coast to view the Southern Right Whales from land, walks along deserted beaches, and visits to archaeological and cultural sites. They also guide boat-based whale watching trips, as well as boat tours to a nearby seal island to view penguins, seals, dolphins and great white sharks.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers its guests some of the best whale watching tours in the world. Guests can view the Southern Right Whales by land, off the rocks in De Kelders, by boat, or by plane, flying over the spectacular Walker Bay! Only at Grootbos is it possible to enjoy three ways of whale watching in the same day.

Experienced horse riding instructors lead our horse tours and cater for all levels of riding experience, including complete novices. Guests can choose to ride in the reserve or go for a gentle ride through the dune fynbos to the beach. Here, they can enjoy gallops or gentle cantering next to the waves.

The Fynbos Safaris are a unique feature at Grootbos and something that I am really proud of. This is due to the magnificent Cape Floral Kingdom with more than 750 species of fynbos, 107 species of birds, 21 species of mammals, and 21 species of reptiles—all waiting to be discovered! Guests are able to choose between a guided 4×4 drive or various guided walks and hikes. The relationship between plants and animals will be explained during the trip through the mosaic of different habitats, contemplating the interesting combination of factors responsible for their fragile existence.

At the end of a day at Grootbos, guests can enjoy a glass of champagne in the milkwood forest or otherwise enjoy a picnic and the sunset on the beach.

2. How do the accommodations at the Grootbos lodges bring the South African culture and nature to life and add to the guest experience?

Whether guests choose to stay in the Garden Lodge, Forest Lodge, or the Villa, they will experience an architectural masterpiece of sophisticated contemporary design with a quintessential African essence.

At Grootbos we pride ourselves on providing a unique customer experience. Guests will see this in the demonstration of the great service they receive from the front line staff. However, the dedication and effort from the less visible members of staff provides the crucial platform to make this possible.

We endeavor to employ local South Africans, who demonstrate an understanding and affinity to hospitality and who wish to maximize their own and their country’s potential.

3. The Grootbos Foundation is an exciting conservation initiative. Tell us about the mission and the long term vision / goal for the Foundation.

From the beginning of the Grootbos dream I have been committed to the conservation of the region’s biodiversity, as well as the upliftment of local communities. The non-profit Grootbos Foundation was established during 2004 to run the Grootbos environmental and social development program and has as its mission:

The conservation biodiversity of Grootbos and its surrounds and development of sustainable nature based livelihoods through eco-tourism, research, management and education.

Funds generated by the Grootbos eco-tourism business, together with donations received from guests and other donors are invested through the Foundation into implementing key conservation and development projects.

Green Futures Horticulture and Life Skills College provides an annual training program on Grootbos to 12 unemployed youths from the Gansbaai area in horticulture, indigenous gardening, and life skills development. The life skills component of the course has proven vital in assisting graduates to successfully find employment. On completion of their course, the students are awarded a nationally accredited certificate in horticulture and are assisted in work placement.

View video below for an insider’s look into the Grootbos Foundation:

Growing the Future is a training program, inspired by Green Futures, that aims to uplift women from the Stanford Community, training eight women each year in vegetable growing, fruit, beekeeping, and the principle of successful animal husbandry. Half of the course is based on life skills training, including literacy, numeracy, health and safety issues, an HIV \ AIDS awareness program, basic computer skills, bookkeeping, money management, and business planning.

The Future Trees Project aims to rehabilitate this area, as well as other forest areas that have been impacted by human activities in the past. Visitors to Grootbos can support the rehabilitation of this ancient milkwood forest, as well as contribute to the work of the Foundation by getting their hands dirty and planting a tree.

Following an intensive networking and fundraising campaign by our team, the Gansbaai sports facility was launched in April 2008 with the assistance of the Overstrand Municipality, Absa Bank and the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport; complete with 3G, full size artificial soccer pitch sponsored by the English Premier League. The Spaces for Sport Project provides young people from local communities with quality sporting facilities, equipment and coaches. The program is comprised of training five days a week, with games, tournaments, and coaching clinics taking place on weekends. Through sports, these boys and girls are learning life skills, discipline and respect; they are exercising, building their self-esteem and self-confidence, and interacting with other communities.

If you love Grootbos as much as we do, then Like them on Facebook. Or for more videos from Grootbos, visit their YouTube channel.

About Grootbos:

Grootbos Nature Reserve, with its two 5-star lodges and luxury Villa, is spectacularly situated on the fynbos and forest clad hills overlooking the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay on the southern coast of the Western Cape. This is a region of indescribable beauty and Grootbos is committed to protecting this ecosystem and showcasing the many wonders to its guests.

Home to the Marine Big Five – whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and Great White Sharks – and with unparalleled biodiversity, Grootbos has carved a unique niche in the upmarket eco-lodge sector. This multi-award winning 1750 ha reserve is home to more than 750 different species of plants, offers warm hospitality, excellent cuisine, fine South African wines and is a paradise for nature lovers.

In celebration of Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, I’m spotlighting just one of our favorite shark dive providers in South Africa. In fact, we have a honeymoon safari client going on a shark dive in mid August, which they’re very excited about!

Before I go into detail about shark diving excursions, I’d first like to point out a few interesting and spine-tingling facts about the sharks of South Africa:

• Out of the 400 species of sharks in the world, South Africa’s waters contain nearly 100 different shark species. Some of the most popular species in Africa’s coastal waters include the whale shark, tiger shark, black tip shark, hammerhead shark, bull shark, and, of course, the infamous great white shark.
• When the HMS Birkenhead sunk in 1852 off the coast of Gansbaai, many men met their fate in the presence of the water’s great white sharks. These sharks were referred to by the British soldiers as Blue Pointers and Tommy Sharks.
• It is believed that during great white breeding, the male bites down on the female to achieve a grip. Many females are missing chunks of flesh because of this violent act.
• Bull sharks are often found in many of the waters that surround Africa and have even been known to travel into freshwater. They can survive in both saltwater and freshwater.

Below I’ve spotlighted one of our favorite, trusted shark diving providers, Apex Shark Expeditions:

Image to the left taken from the Apex Shark Expeditions’ website.

Apex Shark Expeditions: You’ve probably seen the Apex dive team and researchers featured on the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, both this year and last year (See image to the left. Recognize them?). They are a team of highly knowledgeable divers and researchers with a deep passion for sharks. Through these specialized shark diving tours, the Apex team strives to educate travelers on shark behavior and their importance within the circle of life.

To ensure that each traveler experiences the best dive possible, Apex only takes small groups out at a time. This helps travelers feel more comfortable, and it allows them to fully absorb the personalized experience and educational elements of the trip.

One of the reasons why we love to use Apex is because they are willing to cater to each small group’s particular interests and needs. Whether you would like a completely private tour or wish to perform research or film or photograph these creatures, the Apex team is extremely flexible with accommodating traveler needs.

Some of Apex’s tours include great white shark dive trips, dive trips catered to spotting other types of sharks such as the blue shark and mako shark, seven gill cow shark dive, whale trips, and Cape fur seal dives. They also offer specialized 5 – 10 day tours throughout the year.

Here’s just a little taste of what you might experience on a Great White Shark Morning Dive:

• Leave for Seal Island (a major gathering spot for great whites) and arrive right before sunrise to watch the great whites during their morning predation routine. You’ll also be able to get an up-close look at the adorable Cape fur seals that call Seal Island their home. And keep an eye out for great whites—you might see these magnificent creatures breach during their hunt for Cape fur seals.
• The team will then release a fake seal decoy that is towed behind the boat. This is used to trigger sharks’ predatory behavior so that guests can observe natural great white behavior.
• The crew will then anchor the boat and drop the cage in (the cage is attached to the side of the boat). Before each diver enters the water, he or she is informed of safety precautions and operational protocols. If you do not wish to dive, you can still see the great whites from the comfort of the boat.

Some of our other preferred shark dive providers include Marine Dynamics and White Shark Projects, both vendors are Fair Trade in Tourism certified.

Did you enjoy this post? Share it with your followers on Twitter in the spirit of Shark Week!

Below is our list of the top five things to see and do while visiting South Africa:

A weekend in Cape Town: Arguably South Africa’s most spectacular attraction, Cape Town, South Africa ranks as number one in the world’s top 10 destinations to visit, according to TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travellers’ Choice Destination Awards.

As a coastal city, Cape Town offers visitors exceptional waterfront activities and breathtaking views that are unmatched by any other place on earth. Some of the activities you can partake in while visiting Cape Town include tours of Simon’s Town and Kalk Bay, a visit to the penguin colony of Boulders Beach, a trip to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and a boat trip to see the Cape Fur Seal colony in Hout Bay. You might also find yourself intrigued by a Cape Malay cooking tour, a visit to the famous Robben Island, or a whale watching excursion. Clearly this is a destination that needs to be explored for several days as there is so much to see and do!

Where to stay: Cape Grace Hotel

Cape Malay Cooking Tour

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Wine taste via horseback through Cape Winelands: Explore one of the world’s most historically rich and stunning wine regions via horseback in Cape Winelands, South Africa. As you embark on a beautiful stallion through the rolling hills of the Winelands countryside, you’ll have the opportunity to stop into century-old estates and relish in exquisite white and red wines. You might also stumble upon some delicious olive oil and cheese tastings. And for a minibreak from wine tasting, enjoy a quiet picnic beneath a nearby oak tree as your horses relax beneath the shade.

Where to stay: Babylonstoren

Venture up Table Mountain via cable car: As a historical and cultural icon, Table Mountain is a must-visit attraction for first time visitors to Cape Town. On a guided tour, you’ll travel up Table Mountain’s rocky slopes in a rotating cable car, giving you a complete 360 degree view of Cape Town from high above. On your cable car trip you’ll see stunning gardens, death-defying cliffs, and playful dassies—furry brown creatures that live on the mountain whose closest relatives are elephants! You’ll also learn about the history of the cable car and the mountain itself, and awaiting you at the summit is one of the most stunning views in the entire world.

Where to stay: Cape Grace Hotel

Table Mountain

A tour through the Garden Route: Just along the southern Western Cape coastline lies one of the most breathtaking places on earth, the Garden Route. This charming coastline is primarily celebrated for its natural scenery, which is comprised of wild flower fields, sprawling white beaches, rocky cliffs, thick forests, and quaint bays. Some activities you’ll definitely want to add to your list while visiting include a tour of the Cango Caves—which date back hundreds of millions of years ago; bird watching in Tsitsikamma National Park—a place celebrated for its endemic bird species such as the Cape sugarbird and Cape rockjumper; golfing at the Links at Fancourt—arguably South Africa’s most renowned and challenging golf course; and relaxing days at the beaches—which include Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay.

Where to stay: Lairds Lodge

Explore Kruger National Park: With 517 species of bird, 137 species of animal, 114 reptile species, and nearly 227 butterfly species, is it any surprise that Kruger National Park is a magnet for curious adventurists and explorers? While uncovering the beauty of this expansive, protected region via safari game drive, you’ll witness magnificent herds of elephant, giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, and even occasional sightings of the endangered white rhino. You can even take in the beauty of the land via foot on a bush walk, or explore the underwater world on a fishing excursion.

Where to stay: Londolozi Tree Camp

Click here to take a virtual tour through South Africa.

Pam

Pam McOnie, one of our brilliant tour guides based in Cape Town, South Africa, shares yet another one of her favorite regions in the beautiful Cape Winelands. This is part V of her guest blog series, A Taste of Cape Winelands: A Vineyard Guide.

To see the other posts in this series, click the links below:

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

See below for Part V of this series, which focuses on a portion of the Greater Simonsberg Ward:

GREATER SIMONSBERG WARD

Rustenberg: This wine estate is owned by the Barlow family (one of our most wealthy families) and dates back to 1683. The drive to the tasting room is so breathtakingly beautiful that an inclusion of Rustenberg is a great addition to a day out in the wine region. They are one of our most highly acclaimed estates and well-worth a visit by any wine connoisseur. In addition, the gardens are magnificent and I suggest doing a stroll past the historical Cape Dutch homesteads to explore the gardens after you have finished your wine tastings. Rustenberg recently sold off their Brampton range of wines and are finally allowing visitors to taste their top-end wines again! www.rustenberg.co.za

Image above taken from the Rustenberg website.

Glenelly: This portion is taken from Glenelly’s press release:

“Glenelley estate—located at the foothills of Simonsberg in Stellenbosch. GLENELLY used to be a fruit farm, but May-Elaine de Lencquesaing, the Grand Dame of Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, acquired the property in 2003 and transformed it into a wine farm. A 600 ton contemporary cellar was built, in which gravity plays a huge role throughout the processing stages to assist with traditional winemaking techniques and to obtain the best quality. Their portfolio will ultimately be crowned by their flagship red blend, the Lady May, named in honour of our Grande Dame. The Lady May will be Cabernet Sauvignon based, with a touch of Petit Verdot (To be released in 2010). The core of our range is the Glenelly, which is a Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blend, reflecting the partnership between a classical lady with a modern vision and a new world country with a historical terroir. In the near future, the Glenelly white will be released. This will be a lightly wooded, mineral Chardonnay drawing on inspiration from Burgundy. Zebra by Glenelly rounds off the range and is a fun loving red blend made in an easy drinking style to be celebrated with friends and family. www.glenellyestate.com”

I would recommend visiting Glenelly for the wonderful architecture and the fun in finding it! We will have to reassess on the wine once they have more to taste! The selection is very limited at the moment.

Image above taken from the Glenelly website.

Tokara: This prestigious estate is owned by GT Ferreira (a wealthy local who went into the wine business as his retirement venture; therefore, there was no shortage of funds setting it up!) and the wine maker is Miles Mossop (a hugely talented young wine maker who is also rather good looking!). Tokara is well-worth visiting just to see the architecture and the views. It is an exceptionally modern design which offers sweeping views of the Stellenbosch valley. I am a big fan of their sauvignon blanc, which they produce from grapes from different regions—it is great fun to do a vertical tasting of them to see the differences that terroir and style make on the taste.

Image above taken from the Tokara website.

Do not exit Tokara without tasting the Tokara flagship white and red blends. Mr. Ferreira’s wife has concentrated on developing an olive oil business on the property. Her oils are excellent and I stock up by the 6-pack when I am there. What is interesting is that they press the different olive varietals separately and sell them separately, as well as a blend. It is possible to taste the different varietals while you are there, if you ask. However for a superior tasting experience you can book a tutored tasting of the oils with a talk at Tokara Deli.

Note that there are two restaurants at Tokara—the main restaurant, which is next to the tasting room, offers contemporary Cape Winelands cuisine and will be offering tasting menus paired with the Tokara wines. The second restaurant is Tokara DeliCATessen. This is a better option if you have kids, as it has a play area and is a relaxed outdoor restaurant—they offer light meals, kids meals, and a light, healthy buffet. Note that the buffet is small so if you turn up after 1:30 p.m. you are unlikely to find much left to eat.  www.tokara.co.za

This Article was written by Pamela McOnie who contributes to the foodie side of this website and also offers private guiding services and gourmet & wine tours of the Cape region.

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Home to some of the world’s most famous masters of culinary creations, Africa is every food lover’s dream. Whether you’re a budding chef, renowned chef, or simply love indulging your palette, various countries throughout Africa offer diversified culinary scenes that are just as exciting to explore as the plains of the Serengeti.

Below are some of South Africa’s finest culinary safari tours:

Sweni Lodge

Located along the secluded eastern region of Kruger National Park, guests partaking in a gourmet safari at Singita’s Sweni Lodge have the highly rewarding opportunity to indulge in culinary masterpieces created by award-winning chef Bruce Robertson.

Perfect for the discerning traveler and food connoisseur, Sweni Lodge’s luxury gourmet safari combines high-end safari tours with phenomenal culinary demonstrations, meals, wine pairings, tastings, and more. And, with its own, private wine cellar, Sweni Lodge provides guests with an exceptional wine pairing experience, using only the finest selection of world-renowned wines.

Dedicated to providing each client with superior personalized service, Sweni Lodge offers groups of up to 12 individuals the opportunity to experience an intimate and private 5-night gourmet safari. During this world-class safari, guests experience delightful conversation as they enjoy sparkling wine tastings, walking safaris, bush breakfasts, game drives, exhilarating cooking demonstrations, sensational bush dinners, boma drumming demonstrations, and much more.

Cape Fusion Culinary Tours

Hosting a wide spectrum of exceptional culinary tours throughout South Africa’s Cape region, Cape Fusion offers travelers the opportunity to expand their culinary horizons and indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of South African cuisine.

Offering single day tours, Cape Fusion provides food lovers with a mini, yet highly satisfying, break from safari adventures as they relish in Franschhoek’s superb cuisine. During this tour, guests choose from a selection of premier restaurants where they’ll take part in exceptional food and wine pairings. Whether guests want to enjoy a combination of a wine tour and a vineyard picnic, or simply want to experience the Cape’s finest restaurants, the choice is completely up to them.

Rusthof Gourmet Safaris

Comprised of the perfect balance of safari adventure and culinary exploration, Rusthof’s 7-day Gourmet Safaris offer participants the chance to observe the Big Five and other fascinating game on early morning game drives, as well as enjoy a flavorful spectrum of charming picnics and five-star dinners amongst Africa’s exotic natural surroundings. On this safari, guests explore remarkable flavors and exciting safari tours in a private setting with South Africa’s Chef of the Year, Reuben Riffel and renowned South African wildlife expert and professional safari guide, Frank McCourt.

Each night, guests can retreat to the intimate setting of their spacious, tented camp before awaking to a gourmet breakfast and extraordinary game drive. After each of the early morning drives, guests enjoy a delightful picnic where they try some of South Africa’s most exceptional local fare and world-renowned wines.

In order to ensure that each client receives personal attention and the best safari possible, Rusthof only offers gourmet safaris to private groups that range anywhere from 2 – 6 individuals.

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What if you could restore the balance in your life and find the path to fulfillment simply by taking a trip to one of the most inspirational destinations on earth? Well here’s your opportunity. We invite you to join us on a free teleclass, “Restore the Balance: 3 Ways to End Inspiration Deficit,” happening Thursday, September 7, 2010, at 9 p.m. Eastern / 6 p.m. Pacific.

On this exciting call, Melissa McKinley of Want to Go Travel will be interviewing Dr. Jonathan Ellerby, Spiritual Program Director for the internationally acclaimed Canyon Ranch Health Resort and author of Return to the Sacred and Your Spiritual Personality. Drawing on wisdom found in his newly-released book, Inspiration Deficit Disorder: The No Pill Prescription to End High Stress, Low Energy and Bad Habits, Jonathan will be sharing insights into how we can all lead a more meaningful, stress-free, inspired life.

On this groundbreaking call, you’ll learn . . .

• How to end the cycle of stress and significantly reduce worry.
• How to revitalize relationships and reconnect on a deeper level with those you love.
• How to find and feed your passion.
• How to restore balance and vitality in your life.
• How to feel like yourself again and live the life you truly desire.

In addition to all the priceless information on this call, we’ll also be announcing itinerary and trip details about our upcoming group trip, Awakening Inspiration Safari. We’ll show you how you can join Jonathan for a journey to South Africa that will change your life.

Sign up today for this complimentary teleclass, and you’ll walk away with newfound knowledge you can implement immediately.

If you are ready to lead a more meaningful, stress-free, inspired life and learn from one of the leading experts on personal growth and balanced living, then you’ll want to make it a point to be on this call with Dr. Jonathan Ellerby.

Register for the call here.

A favorite among wine lovers, nature enthusiasts, and passionate beach goers, Hermanus in the Garden Route, South Africa is praised for its exceptional ability to accommodate for a variety of interests. Some of the region’s most famed characteristics include its wildlife-abundant hiking trails, exceptional whale watching, and stunning beachscape. Whether you love to sunbathe, relax by the ocean, walk, or hike, Hermanus has some of the best mountain trails and beaches in South Africa to satisfy any passion.

For the ultimate experience in Hermanus, the Birkenhead House and Villa is the premier accommodation for superior ocean and mountain views, exceptional activities, delectable international cuisine, and the finest interior décor and linens. Known for its remarkable ability to exceed the highest of expectations, the Birkenhead House and Villa is the absolute embodiment of luxury. Its location overlooking the ocean is the perfect place for you to observe southern right whales during your stay, relax by the infinity pool, or enjoy a blissful massage outdoors with the soothing sound of waves crashing in the background.

To the other side of the exquisite Birkenhead House and Villa lies spectacular mountains, interlaced with hiking and walking trails, that are perfect for observing Hermanus’ exceptional wildlife.

The walker and hiker: With indescribable birds-eye-views of Walker Bay and its surrounding mountainous coastline, hikers to Hermanus’ Fernkloof Nature Reserve are rewarded with the experience of a lifetime. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, than you will undoubtedly fall in love with not only the view at the top of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, but also the hike to the top. During your hike, you will see a wealth of indigenous birds, small game, exotic plant species, and fascinating wildlife. If you prefer a less physically challenging experience, one of the many walking trails along the mountains in Hermanus is the perfect way to view nature and the gorgeous Fynbos without the rapid heart rate and huffing and puffing.

The beach lover: Hermanus is just one of the many places in Garden Route that offers exquisite beaches. As a matter of fact, Hermanus’ Grotto beach is so beautiful that it was awarded the Blue Flag Status. Other beaches within walking distance of Birkenhead House include Voëlklip, and Kamma Bay. Whether you’re looking to soak in the sun, whale watch from the shore, enjoy a picnic, or play some paddle ball, Birkenhead House is dedicated to fulfilling your every need and desire—down to the very last detail.

The ocean enthusiast: If you simply cannot get enough of the ocean, than you’re in for a real treat at Birkenhead House. The terrace that juts out from the plateau that Birkenhead House sits atop has an infinity pool and luxurious white wicker chairs that melt into the ocean for a seamless view. As you relax on the terrace, you can easily view whales across the long coastline, which are prominent during the months of May to December—August being the birthing month. If you want to get up-close to these magnificent creatures, than an intimate voyage around Dyer Island is the perfect activity for you. Deep-sea fishing, whale tours, and shark cage diving are also activities offered by Birkenhead House and are absolutely splendid to take part in.

The complete relaxer: If you love to escape from the hustle and bustle of life, relax, soak in the beautiful scenery, and enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment, than the Birkenhead House Spa is your ultimate escape. Featuring two rooms, the Lavender Room and the Cinnamon Room, you’re sure to find complete peace and serenity at the spa. The Lavender Room is designed to restore the balance of the senses with its soothing music, subtle scents of lavender, and trickling water in the background. The Cinnamon Room was also created to inspire complete relaxation and is filled with the sweet aroma of warming cinnamon. Spa treatments include aromatherapy, Swedish massages, hot-stone massages, reflexology, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and facial treatments—to name a very few.

Whether you’re a hiker, walker, beach lover, ocean enthusiast, a complete relaxer, or anything in between, Hermanus’ Birkenhead House and Villa is a must-visit destination.