Posts

Mysterious and Enigmatic Namibia

Mysterious and enigmatic, Namibia possesses a unique beauty. From the harshly inhospitable Skeleton Coast with its shipwrecks to the vast salt pans of Etosha National Park, Namibia is one of the most amazing countries in Africa. There are massive, shifting sand dunes, said to be the highest in the world. And nothing beats the Namibia Desert sun at Sossusvlei. This area is a must for photographers. Not only are the dramatic shapes of the sands wonderfully photogenic but here you can get a picture of the magnificent desert oryx.

Photo Credit: Alain Martineau

Botanists and zoologists are often keen to observe the adaptation of both animal and plant species to the apparently hostile environment. Namibia offers a rare chance to see fascinating animals such as the oryx, known as ”master of the desert”, and the endangered desert elephant, both of which are very specialised. The Huab Valley also has rare specimens of Welwitschia mirabilis, a strange tree that has been overcome by the desert climate and is a supreme example of evolutionary adaptation.

In Etosha National Park you will see more wildlife. All of the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) may be found here. Springbok, wildebeest, eland and zebra range the park and congregate at the water holes in far larger numbers during the dry months of June to December. There are good numbers of lion and leopard and black rhino. Ongava Game Reserve, next to the Park, even has white rhino.

Photo Credit: dconvertini

Swakopmund is a quiet seaside town with considerable charm. An extremely comfortable base from which to explore the desert and the coast, this is a wonderful place to have a ride on a quad bike, to a board at speeds of up to eighty kilometres per hour or Cross seal colony. There is one of the four desert golf courses in the world here as well.

The desert is a wonderful place for those seeking solitude and the time in which to reflect, yet Namibia also offers so much more. Fascinating animals, a strange and interesting plant world, the heart-pounding thrill of adrenaline and some of the most strangely haunting landscapes in the world. Namibia has a unique beauty. From the inhospitable Skeleton Coast with shipwrecks to the vast salt marshes of Etosha National Park, Namibia is one of the most amazing countries in Africa.

The massive moving sand dunes, said to be the highest in the world, form an ever-changing play of light and shade under the hot sun of the Namib Desert at Sossusvlei. This area is a must for photographers. Not only are the spectacular forms of red sands marvellously photogenic, but you will also be able to obtain magnificent images of the desert oryx.

Photo Credit: Renaud CHODKOWSKI 

The desert is a wonderful place for those seeking solitude and time to think. But, Namibia is not just desert. It offers so much more. Fascinating animals, a strange and interesting plant world, thrilling sports, thrills, adrenaline and beating heart as well as some of the most curious and captivating landscapes in the world.

By Sébastien Charrieras

/by

Strange, Beautiful Namibia

It might be a mirage or a ghost ship. Laid down on the sand, where the desert meets the ocean, is a cargo boat that ended up on Namibia’s shore a few years ago. It has started its long disintegration by oxidation, like hundreds of others along the Atlantic coast. Half immersed, or eaten by sand, run-aground shipwrecks lie strewn along the Namibian coastline.

This region is charmingly called ‘Skeleton Coast’ (it is, in fact, a National Park since 1971), although it wasn’t originally named for its shipwrecks, but for the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore as a result of the whaling industry. The Bushmen called it ‘The land God made in anger’ while Portuguese sailors one referred to it as ‘The Gates of Hell’. Unless you are cut out for adventure and decide to join an expedition, the northern part of Skeleton Coast is very difficult to access and can only be visited by plane.

Further South, in the Damaraland, you can go through the desert with a four-wheel-drive vehicle to discover the fascinating wildlife. In this country of extremes, strangeness is also in animal life. At first there are safaris. They take on a new dimension in this region because all the animals we are used to seeing in the bush live here in the desert: elephants, black rhino, lions, cheetah, giraffe, brown hyena, etc. Besides these mammals, there are also all these curious beings that need to be approached gently. Small, camouflaged, furtive; yet they are incredibly captivating!

For example, take a look at the Palmato Gecko, the endemic gecko of the Namib Desert: with its cute face, pastel colours and habit to lick its eyes with its long tongue in order to keep them moist (they have no eyelids), they are adorable. Or the Namaqua Chameleon, who certainly hasn’t got the nicest physique, but possesses very interesting characteristics: they are lightning fast with extraordinary mobile eyes, skin that changes its colour according to mood or temperature, and a tongue that reaches a length of up 30 centimetres! Anyway, this is just an overview of the peculiar fauna living in this land. But to find and approach them, you’ll need a guide.

Photo Source: Manfred W

Definitely the land of strangeness, Damaraland also houses a very rare plant: the Welwitschia Mirabilis, with remarkable longevity and constitution. It lives for up to 600 years on average, but 2,000-year-old specimens have been found. Concerning its appearance and its impressive size (the biggest Welwitschia is 1.40 metres in height and 4 metres diameter), it hides a disconcerting simplicity: it only possesses two leaves which grow constantly, making it look like a giant squid.

Finally, when we talk about Damaraland, we can’t forget to mention the Spitzkoppe, the huge rock standing in the middle of the desert which offers an astonishing landscape. The 700 million-year-old group of bald granite peaks with a highest outcrop of 1,784 metres, extends as far as the eye can see.

Photo Source: Maurits Vermeulen

The list of uncommon and weird things you can find in Namibia doesn’t stop there. This is just an introduction for curious people. From there, it is time for you to discover this country and its hidden treasures by yourselves. We’ll be delighted to create a peculiar adventure for you.

Photo Source: ka.hi

By Muriel Romero

/by

Beaches not to miss in Southern Africa

The Southern African countries of Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique present beauty and diversity in their varying landscapes of mountains, islands, rivers, deserts and of course beaches. Come rain or shine, each coastline will present families, romance-seekers and adventurers with many opportunities to enjoy the water. While there are too many to mention, we’ve narrowed it to down a few beaches for every kind of traveller and ones you can’t miss when visiting these African countries:

1. Coffee Bay, South Africa’s Wild Coast

Wild, rural and beautiful without abandon this is a beach and stretch of coastline best enjoyed by walking along it. Coastal trails will take you past rural huts, river mouths and grazing cattle. Trail with a guide to the natural wonder of Hole in the wall which juts out to sea, try a surf lesson at Coffee Bay Beach or perch atop one of the green cliffs and take in the endless views of this blissful rural life that still exists in very few parts of South Africa.

2. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Don’t arrive expecting to relax, tan or frolic in this wild, chilly Atlantic Ocean, but come with anticipation of a rugged stretch of beach found between the Kunene and Swakop rivers. A haven for seals, marine birdlife and ship wreakages ( due to the tumultuous ocean), where the barren warm desert meets the cold ocean and forms a haunting mist. Come with your camera and desire to witness one of the most unique stretches of African coastline.

3. Bazaruto, Mozambique

It’s not called one of the world’s most picturesque islands for nothing. A tropical paradise bringing day trip visitors from the mainland, divers seeking great visibility and dugong sightings as well as snorkelers wanting to enjoy the turquoise ocean, turtles and rich marine life. Climb the dunes for island views and a feeling of being caught somewhere in the desert and savanah, enjoy a fish braai with local guides on the beach or hop on a dhow cruise to bid farewell to the sun.

4. Cape Columbine Reserve Beaches, South Africa’s West Coast

Most visitors get stuck in Paternoster and never look past the instagram-worthy fishing boats of Paternoster, but once in Paternoster, keep left until you enter the reserve where giant boulders enclose tiny bays with clear, cool water. Jump from boulder to boulder or join a kayaking tour in the bay or just savour the serenity of the reserve.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

5. Swakopmund, Namibia

Find little Germany in this town along with a beach bustling with ways for visitors to enjoy it such as  quad biking, sand boarding, kayaking and surfing and of course just lazing in the sand.

6. Tofo and Tofino Beaches, Mozambique

Four hours drive from the popular town of Vilankulo, lies 8km worth of sandy beach for swimming, wading, sunning and family fun. For those wishing to go deeper, diving, deep sea fishing excursions are on the cards. Surfers and those wanting to try their hand at fly fishing will do well to visit nearby Tofino beach.

7. North Beach, Durban South Africa

A hive of activity for those to keen to jump in the water and those wishing to enjoy it from a distance. With a skate park, bike rental, nearby coffee shops and restaurants, families can take their pick of how they’d like to spend an afternoon here. Popular amongst locals for surfing, catch a glimpse of these guys ( and girls) jumping off the pier to catch waves.

8. Smitswinkel Bay, Cape Town South Africa

A short walk down a pathway at the base of a cliff beside Cape Point Nature Reserve, you’ll find a beach much-loved by local residents and one providing a wonderful place to picnic and laze in the sand more than swim. Pack a picnic and all the food you need as there are no shops nearby and be mindful to take all refuse and goodies you brought with you.

9. Terence Bay, Namibia

Another beach known for its wildlife appeal and beach angling opportunities rather than swimming and ideal beach temperatures. The icy Benguela current will ensure that you may not want to dip into its waters, but join  a desert excursion and look out for desert-adapted wildlife roaming the coastline.

10. Cape Vidal Beach, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Found beside Lake St. Lucia in the fairly secluded region of Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, this beach can get windy but provides a long stretch of beach perfect for walks, family picnics, snorkeling right off the beach hugging the reef and solitude on most days.

11. Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town

The more laid-back cousin to Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard sexy beaches, Muizenberg is a beach packed with energy, life, restaurants, cafes and places to rent and get lessons in surfing, SUPPing ( stand-up paddle boarding). Dog walkers, toddlers, couples and families love this beach for its play park, coastal walk, relatively warm water ( warmer than the Atlantic seaboard) and local vibe.

12. Point and Main Beach, Jeffreys Bay- South Africa

Top International surfers hurry here from around the globe to catch one of the world’s best right-hand breaks at the beaches of Supertubes and Point. For non-surfers, these aloe-lined beaches with their wooden walkways are also enjoyable for the rock pools, long stretches of sand to walk on or a place to bring your coffee and take in the surf artistry below. Main Beach is wonderful for families who want to laze on the beach, bodyboard or even learn to surf. Coffee shops and restaurants offering incredible seafood can be found nearby as well as  water park the kids will love.

13. Chintsa Beach, South Africa’s Wild Coast

Another wild beach with hardly anyone on it, go on a coastal horse riding trail and ride on the sand, past dunes and over green hills. Find serenity and a place to relax away from the city crowds. Just in from the beach is a river where you can rent a kayak and float down the river watching the abundant bird life.

14. Kraalbaai, South Africa’s West Coast National Park

Once you set eyes on Kraalbaai’s aquamarine ocean, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere in the Maldives. With houseboats moored in the bay, learner kitesurfer and SUPPers ( stand-up paddle boarders) loving this calm, sheltered bay, this is a beach perfect for a hot day where the refreshing water is welcomed and all you need do is lay back beneath your umbrella.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

15. Llandudno Beach, Cape Town

There isn’t a better place for romantic sunset picnics, visits with the family and a chance to bring the dog for a walk. Nestled between plump boulders and something resembling an Italian coastline, this is a beach favorite amongst locals and foreigners alike. Don’t miss out on the viewpoints from above as well as the coastal drive all the way from Llanduno to Camps bay and Clifton.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

/by

Top 10 Romantic Seaside Escapes for Couples

South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique are coastal countries abounding in opportunities to enjoy the beach. From the wild, raw Atlantic ocean of South Africa and Namibia’s West coast to the warmer, Indian ocean on the Mozambiquan side and South Africa’s East Coast; there are small towns, bays, seaside villages and beachside breaks to enjoy as a couple. It’s no wonder couples visit Southern Africa from all across the globe to get hitched, go on honeymoon or just for a romantic seaside escape and soul revival.

Here are a few top romantic seaside escapes for couples.

1. Paternoster, South Africa

Once a quiet seaside village, Paternoster has transformed into one of the most coveted places to visit along this coastline.  Upon arrival you’ll be greeted with white-washed houses, many modelled from original fishermen’s homes, with red, blue and white fishing boats scattered across the beach or decorating the gardens of locals.

You’ll find gourmet cuisine at the new established restaurants for romantic, candlelit dinners, guesthouses and B&B’s in abundance and self-catering cottages only a stone’s throw from the ocean. Despite being a favourite weekend destination for South Africans, you can still find moments when you’re walking all alone on the beach and watching sunset with not a soul in sight. Book a kayaking trip for two, enjoy fish and chips in true West Coast style and of course, indulge in lots of ‘you two’ time by the sea.

2. Vilankulos, Mozambique

This is a town in Mozambique that has just enough to keep you active, offers enough on the cards for adventurous couples but has ample space to just unwind. Indulge in delicious seafood dinners as many nights as you wish; prawns and fish are served everywhere you go so take advantage and try curried, braaied ( BBQ’ed) and grilled options.

Take a kite-surfing lesson at Kite Zone, take a day trip to islands such as Benguerra, Margaruque or Bazaruto, join a diving or snorkeling excursion or try your hand at deep sea fishing. Bigger hotels have spas where you can enjoy couple’s treatments. Tuk tuks run throughout the town so jump on one to get between your resort and the small town centre where you’ll find a grocery store, a few souvenir shops, bars and coffee shops.  Be sure to go on a sunset dhow cruise to the red dunes or just along the coastline.

3. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Think undulating dunes, wild desert animals, tented camps and a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth.  Join a hike, or a desert tour along this coastline to catch a glimpse of the variety of desert-adapted animals such as elephants, cheetahs and lions, crocodiles and turtles of the Kunene River.

There’s nothing more romantic that catching the last glimpse of light amidst sand dunes and waking up to see how the winds have once again altered the landscape. A harsh seaside and landscape, you’ll find a barren beauty here that can’t be matched.

4. Wild Coast, South Africa

One of the few truly wild and rural places left in South Africa, couples will lose themselves in the allure of warm ocean, hills and rural huts of this area. Stay in anything from a traditional hut to a hotel or bed & breakfast. Kayak along one of its many rivers, walk along the coastal trails and visit the natural wonder of Hole in the Wall, go horse-riding along a deserted beach or wake up to drum with children from nearby local villages.

Wander along hills where people still farm and live off the land, where young boys herd sheep and goats and where you may hop over a stream or two to get your house.

5. Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Surrounded by turquoise ocean, dotted with freshwater lakes, savannah, forest and dunes; you and your partner will be happy to stay deserted on this island for ages. With ample luxury accommodation, you can wine, dine and be treated to romantic dinners on the beach by night.  Some areas won’t have wifi which really only adds to the ‘lost’ appeal of many of Mozambique’s islands.

Aside from the dunes and relaxing on the beach, tips your toes or more in that warm ocean and find your own pleasure beneath or above the ocean. Go SUPPing ( stand-up paddle boarding) as a couple or just hop aboard a dhow boat to experience the magic from the sea.

6. Wilderness, South Africa

Tucked in between the favorite Garden Route towns of George and Knysna, Wilderness is but a tiny stretch with a long beach to enjoy. The town will provide all you’ll need in terms of restaurants and when you’re not waking up to ocean views, you can explore the Knysna forest on foot or even try some of the adventure activities abounding in this region. Take a day trip to the Tsitsikamma Region for canoeing, trails or tree-top canopy tours. The adrenalin junkies can bungee jump off the Bloukrans bridge.

7. Rocktail Bay, South Africa

Known for it’s rich marine life and coastal dune forests, this is an Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal area is where you can go without seeing many humans for awhile. You may get stuck in a cattle traffic jam or greet children from a local village on their way to school; but more than likely is that you’ll go on game drives to some of South Africa’s oldest lakes to see hippos, crocodiles and other freshwater-adapted species.

Snorkel in marine-protected beaches with hardly anyone in sight and tuck yourselves away in white pear forests clinging to the dunes.

Which seaside escape would you choose?

/by

Portfolio Items

Exploring Namibia and Victoria Falls by Charter Flight