South Africa
From rugged sun-soaked coastlines with whale watching to dramatic mountain scenery to the vast wilderness hosting the magnificent Big 5 to wine tasting, culture and vibrant cities - South Africa is indeed the RAINBOW NATION!
Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town
A luxurious window into the soul of the Rainbow Nation! The route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a circa 31-hour journey (give or take a couple of hours - this is Africa!) of 1 600 kilometres, through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP)
Legend says, 'Once the red Kalahari sand bites your toes, you will be drawn back again and again and again'.... Well, we lost our hearts on our first visit - extremely tough as this has caused major contention with our Kruger addiction! This vast and wild wilderness straddles South Africa and Botswana and touches Namibia too. It is the semi desert red dunes and star studded sky and the big cats that draws your soul....CAUTION: HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National was established in 1898 by the then South African President, Paul Kruger to protect the wildlife and to reduce hunting. It is one of the biggest conservation areas in the world and covers 20,000 Kms (bigger than Isreal or Wales)! If you take the adjacent private game reserves into consideration it is the size of Belgium. It has more large mammal species than any other reserve in the world including the 'Big 5': Elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo not to mention all the plains game and diverse birdlife and flora. There are 5 distinct ecosystems which varies from semi arid to acacia thicket, baobab sandveld and riverine forest. I have had the privilege of visiting since early childhood and we have provided our children with the same opportunity so this piece of paradise remains our 'happy place'. WARNING: It is highly addictive!