Mark, Author at Venues4Africa

Mozambique Travel: Snap-worthy Spots

Mozambique is one good looking country. With such a diverse history, landscape and culture, Mozambique travel is a gold-mine of photo-taking opportunities. If you consider yourself a whiz behind the lens or merely dabble in the odd Instagram, here are a few spots that are really worth visiting.

Maputo:

Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte:

Nampula:

S. Sebastião fortress:

Xai-Xai:

Nivali:

Gêba:

We told you so. Mozambique travel is definitely something to write home about. Don’t waste any more time and visit Venues4Africa today to book the best Mozambique accommodation around.

Image Credit:
Rosino
Stig Nygaard
F Mira
kaysha
José Carlos Babo

Botswana Travel : Where to Stay

From the wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the bustling city of Gaborone, Botswana is a diverse and fascinating destination. With so many places boasting spectacular wildlife and views that’ll take your breath away, the task of choosing your Botswana accommodation can be daunting. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourites to get the ball rolling.

Dinaka Safari Lodge
Dinaka Safari Lodge finds itself in the heart of Botswana- at the northern boundary of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. An intimate lodge with only six tents, Dinaka Safari Lodge showcases some of the most colourful birds, and impressive wildlife that the region has to offer. Be wowed by the harsh beauty of this desert landscape, and see what Botswana travel is really about.

Meno A Kwena
Meno A Kwena is a safari camp with a difference. Since it’s run by its owner, who pays very careful attention to detail, you can expect your every desire to be met. Choose from eight canvas tents with semi ensuite showers, and wake up with the African sun. Within easy proximity to the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Saltpans system and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Meno A Kwena promises to keep your eyes wide with wonder.

Thamalakane River Lodge
Comfortably on the bank of the Thamalakane River, this African gem is a mere 20 minutes’ from the Maun Airport. Tranquil and serene under the shade of riverine trees, the Thamalakane River Lodge features ten free standing luxury stone and thatch ensuite chalets. Recline on your own private balcony and watch the busy river with a drink in hand as the sun sets.

King’s Pool Camp
Take a trip into the untouched beauty that is the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve in northern Botswana, and treat yourself to a stay at King’s Pool Camp. Enjoy luxury at it’s best and wildlife like no other on the banks of the Linyanti River. Watch elephants walk beneath you as you travel along raised walkways, and immerse yourself in the feeling of Africa.

Selinda Camp
Overlooking the Selinda Spillway, a waterway linking the Okavango Delta with the Linyanti Swamps, Selinda Camp allows you to feel the rhythm of Africa right from your doorstep. With nine spacious tents, each with a panoramic view of the floodplains, you can soak in the surrounding bushveld with ease.

Zarafa Camp
Feel the elegance of a bygone era as you look over the stunning Zibadianja Lagoon from one of the four marquis style tents at Zarafa Camp. A personalised and intimate Botswana Travel experience, Zarafa Camp is the ideal location to put your feet up and take in all the magic of the African bush.

There’s no doubt that Botswana travel is wild and rewarding. Visit Venues4Africa to browse a wide selection of Botswana accommodation and start planning your trip today!

Five Reasons to Self-Drive Namibia

The vast Namib Desert has innumerable trails for you to explore. There’s no better feeling than jumping into the driver’s seat, and setting out into the illustrious desert. If you’re planning to self-drive Namibia, or you’re yet to be convinced, we’ve got a few reasons why it’s the adventure you’ve been looking for.

Discover the desert at your own pace
The beauty of self-drive Namibia is that you’re your own boss. The choice is yours to decide which side road to take, when to pause, and how much is enough for one day. With a flexible, self-determined itinerary, you can stop for every photo opportunity and take as many detours as your heart desires. Enjoy the freedom of encountering the desert on your own terms.

Sleep under the stars
As the sun sets the sky lights up. Gaze up at the dazzling Milky way and other galaxies that you don’t normally get to see. There is something humbling about witnessing the expansive desert as it meets the vast and beautiful African night sky.

Spot wildlife on your doorstep
Cruise past herds of impala and park beside riverbeds for a chance to see incredible wildlife as they go about their daily activities. Marvel at Etosha National Park, home to one of the largest concentrations of black rhino, which features a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. The Park boasts an abundance of wildlife and some of the best watering hole viewing spots you’ve ever laid eyes on. Not that you need to go into a park to get your nature fix. Namibia is one of the only countries where animals still roam freely, without being restricted by fences. Visit Damaraland where you’ll most likely have to stop for migrating elephants wanting to cross the road.

Chase the setting sun
Watch as the setting sun makes a silhouette out of the towering baobab. Or chase the horizon as the sky reflects the desert earth. Sunsets in the the Kalahari Desert are something to write home about. And with self-drive, you’ll always have front row seats.

Stumble upon treasure you would have otherwise missed
Stopping for lunch underneath an inviting tree could bring you face to face with a family of monkeys, or a rare bird you’ve never seen before. Off the beaten track travel has the potential to show you something no one else has seen before. Take your Namibia travel experience into your own hand, and discover this expansive country from your own perspective.

Venues4Africa has you covered with the ideal Namibia accommodation for your adventure. With excellent routes and a multitude of new and exciting destinations, don’t hesitate, visit our website and start planning your self-drive Namibia today!

Image Credit:
Eric Bauer
jbodane
marusz kluzniak
Martin Heigan
Massmo Relsig

The Best of Travel Apps South Africa

With so much to see and do, the hardest part of deciding to travel South Africa is figuring out where to start. Luckily, with the exciting travel apps South Africa has to offer, staying connected, up-to-date and orientated has never been easier. We’ve highlighted a few of the best apps to help get you well on your way.

Africa: Live
With Africa: Live you can experience the beauty of the African bushveld at your own pace. This game sighting app allows you to track and share location-specific wildlife sightings to get the best out of your self drive safari. The comprehensive map, which was built by park experts, also works when you’re offline, so even miles away from WiFi you can stay in the loop. The map is complete with small icons indicating species and locations, so you can access photos and get real time sighting information within seconds. Listen to 90 minutes’ worth of audio detailing important bushveld and wildlife information, and get the feeling of having an experienced guide ride along with you in the comfort of your own car.

Tourism Radio City Guide
Using the best GPS and location tracking technology, Tourism Radio City Guide offers city maps, and cultural, historical and geographical information, which is great for both local and international travellers. This expansive app works offline and has over 1 500 audio points of interest, which play automatically as you reach specific locations. You can plug into the world of Tourism Radio City Guide and discover so much more than meets the eye. Ideal for navigating any new city, and learning more about it, Tourism Radio City Guide is a travel essential.

Aweza
With 11 official languages, to experience the diverse country of South Africa completely takes a lot more than a mere surface level understanding. South Africa’s first multi-lingual phrase translation app, Aweza, aims to bridge the language divide and promote intercultural engagement. Make better connections with the people you meet along the way and learn from crowd-sourced audio pronunciations, which are successful and authentic learning aids. This is one of the first travel apps South Africa has seen of its kind, so don’t miss out and join the conversation with Aweza.

Awesome South Africa
The all-in-one-place app, Awesome South Africa uses your location to offer you specials, promotions, news and events that’ll help you make the most of your stay- no matter where you are. Browse restaurants, bars, flights or museums near you, and have the best of your surroundings at your finger tips. This unique app allows you to call and make bookings with one easy click, so you don’t have to waste time behind your phone screen navigating unfamiliar territory. It is endorsed by South African tourism, so you can be assured you’re getting the best deals around with Awesome South Africa.

Next time you plan to travel South Africa, whether you’re learning Xhosa in the Eastern Cape or spotting wildlife in the Kruger National Park, Venues4Africa showcases the best accommodation South Africa has to offer. Visit the website today to start planning your next trip now!

Image Credit:
Wendy
Clive Reid
Diriye Amey
Aweza Facebook Page

Route Planner South Africa: Pit-stops on the N2

Planning one last road trip before winter creeps in? Why not attempt the longest and most beautiful road trip South Africa has to offer? Stretching from Cape Town to Ermelo in Mpumalanga, the N2 paves the way to the best East Coast destinations. The road is long, and we know how important it is for you to stretch your legs, so we’ve picked a few of our favourite pit-stops so that you can give the Wimpy coffee a break.

Peregrine Farmstall

A short drive along from the hair-raising and breath-takingly beautiful Sir Lowry’s Pass, is the popular Peregrine Farmstall. Located in farm country, this essential pit-stop boasts heaps of local produce and unique homemade delicacies. With mouth-watering pastries and dried fruit and nuts on offer, it’s the ideal place to stock up on the car-trip snack stash. Start your trip up the coast with the tasty and affordable all-day breakfasts and coffees served at the on-site cafe. Sit on the deck under cooling misters and enjoy people-watching as travellers stop to stretch their legs.

Open Daily:
Winter – 07h30 to 18h00
Summer – 07h30 to 18h30

Nanaga Farmstall

Somewhere between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown you’ll find the Nanaga Farmstall– a welcome oasis after a long stretch of highway. Browse a wide variety of homemade jams, relishes and chutneys, or take home some straight-out-of-the-oven breads, rusks and the perfect coffee-dipping biscuits. Nanaga is well-known for the flaky, golden deliciousness of their meaty pies and crispy roosterkoek, so make sure to try as many flavours as you can. The charming gift shop is filled with arts, crafts and interesting trinkets, for something to take home that won’t get devoured in the car.

Open Daily: 08h00 – 17h30

Ou Meul Bakkery, Riviersonderend

For years, roadtrippers have been in unspoken agreement. No South African road trip is complete without a stop at the Ou Meul Bakkery in Riviersonderend for a mouth-watering pie. With filling like chicken, bobotie, venison and steak, its flaky pastry is something you can really sink your teeth into. You can enjoy this buttery delight in the Ou Meul courtyard with a coffee, or you can take it to go. Make sure you check out the selection of sweet treats, and nibble on a milk tart or apple crumble, before you start back on the road.

Open Daily:
Weekdays: 06h00- 18h00
Saturday: 06h00- 15h00
Sunday: 07h00– 18h00

Blue Crane Farm Stall

Nestled in the rolling hills, 3km west of Heidelberg, you’ll find the bright blue roof of the Blue Crane Farm Stall. Specialising in fresh handmade goodies and farm bread still steaming from the oven, the Blue Crane is an N2 must. Feeling peckish? The restaurant uses only garden-fresh fruit and vegetable, and local ingredients so you can expect home-cooked meals dripping in farm-style charm. If you’re just stopping by, the bakery churns out fresh muffins and scones for a quick snack to tide you over till the next stop. The Blue Crane also boasts an aromatic Fragrance Boutique where you can buy scents imported from France; meaning you’ll leave The Blue Crane with not only a full belly and a backseat full of homemade pies, but you’ll smell amazing too.

Open Daily: 08h00- 17h00

If you’re going to be venturing out for the best East Coast road trip around, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got accommodation to match. Venues4Africa is the best route planner South Africa has on offer, so let us help you find the best spots to rest your head after a long day’s drive. Choose anything from comfortable Garden Route accommodation, to seaside getaways in Durban. Don’t let summer slip away, start planning now!

Image Credit:
peregrinefarmstall.co.za
bluecranefarmshop.co.za
Masroor Hamid
nanaga.co.za

The Best of Namibia Hiking Trails

There is no better way to experience the illustrious Namibian desert than to feel the sand shift beneath your feet. Whether you’re looking to climb into rocky canyons, or conquer sand dunes and horizon-touching plateaus, Namibia has a number of hiking trails that’ll take you directly into the heart of this epic country.

Naukluft Hiking Trail
This circular route takes you trekking through the rolling dunes, and dramatic desert expanse of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Witness the magic of one of the oldest deserts in the world first hand, with this treacherous and rewarding hiking trail. The full route takes a total of eight days, though there is an option to tackle just the first four, which are known to be the easier portion. So don’t fret if you’re pressed for time, or worried about fitness.

Open: 1st March to 31st October due to extremely high summer temperatures
Distance: 120km
Duration: 4 day or 8 days

Fish River Canyon Hike
The largest canyon in Africa, the Fish River Canyon is a hiker’s mecca. The pinnacle of Namibia hiking trails, this 85km trail starts from the main Canyon view point near Hobas, and ends at Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa. Trek for five days through sand and stone, alongside the intermittent river, with the Namibian sun on your back. Ease into the rhythm of the elements, as you rise with the sun and rest with the starry night sky above you. The startling beauty of the Canyon is something you won’t easily forget.

Open: 1 May – 15 September
Distance: 85km
Duration: 5 days

Sweet Thorn Trail
You’ll find the Daan Viljoen Game Park near Windhoek, and when you do you’re in for a treat. Traverse the beautiful Khomas Hochland mountains and spend a cozy night in the halfway point hut. With commanding views and captivating wildlife, the Sweet Thorn trail is the perfect pause after a busy week in the bustle city of Windhoek.

Open: All year round
Distance: 32kms
Duration: 2 days

Waterberg Hike
Mountainous and lush with vegetation, the Waterberg Plateau Park is teeming with all kinds of exciting fauna and flora. With distinctive red-stone cliffs and over 200 species of bird, you’ll have trouble watching where you’re walking. Basic shelter is provided so, unlike the other hikes in the area, you won’t need to carry a tent. Some of the Namibia wildlife heavy-weights to keep an eye out for are rhino and shy mountain leopard.

Open: April – November
Distance: 42km
Duration: 4 Days

Olive Trail
A beautiful, shorter hike in the Naukluft Mountains, the Olive Trail gets its name from the Wild Olive trees along the route. Descend a spectacular gorge and follow an easy walk along the dry river bed. The highlight, and arguably trickiest section of the trail, involves a chain bridge and a rocky ledge. Keep an eye out for kudus and baboons along the way!

Open: All year round
Distance: 10km
Duration: 1 day

After exploring the vast number of Namibia hiking trails, you’ll need a peaceful place to rest your head. Visit Venues4Africa to find diverse and comfortable Namibia accommodation so you can start planning your desert adventure today.

Image Credits: jbdodane, Bobulix, tomorrowmayrain.wordpress, thefoxtakespictures.wordpress.com, Joachim Huber, Massmo Relsig

Top 10 Reasons to visit the Kruger National Park

If anything is on your bucket list, it should be a trip to the Kruger National Park. Just in case you’re unsure of what the fuss is about, we’ve rounded up ten reasons why it’ll be the best decision you make this year.

1. The Climate

You can visit the park all year round, and each season brings its own special perks. With its subtropical climate, you can enjoy sunshine for most of the year. As far as wildlife is concerned, the dry winter months are known to be the best time for game viewing, but at the same time, the wet summer months have new-borns, full waterholes and migrant birds to offer.

2. The Size

The sheer size of it is enough to blow your mind. With almost two million hectares of unspoiled African bushveld, and a multitude of safari camps, guest lodges and resorts scattering the area, you won’t be left wanting.

3. The Bird Watching

With a list of over 500 species of bird, some of which are not found anywhere else in South Africa, and hideaways in the most remote places – the Kruger National Park is the birding fanatic’s dream. Look out for the Big 6 of the bird world: the Saddle-billed Stork, Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Pel’s Fishing-Owl and Ground Hornbill.

4. The Wildlife

A bucket-list essential is the safari search for the legendary Big Five and the phenomenal creatures that you’ll spy in the process. There are over 145 species of mammals found in the park, so make sure to download a checklist here so you can keep track of your findings.

5. The Walking Safaris

Ever crossed paths with a dung beetle rolling its treasures home? Didn’t think so. With the incredible array of guided walking safaris you can experience nature in real time. Come face to face with the African bushveld and witness the minute details that make the experience all the more magical.

6. The Biodiversity

The Kruger National Park is home to five vegetation zones, each with their own special flair and diverse range of species. From arid semi-desert to thickly wooded areas with flowering trees, it’s a mixed bag of remarkable nature at its best. Be on the lookout for the iconic Baobab trees that pepper the region, and the interesting creatures that make them their home.

7. The Sunsets

Enough said.

8. The Conservation Efforts

Dedicated to ensuring the extraordinary biodiversity of the park remains untouched, the Kruger National Park is world-renowned for its conversation efforts. Experienced guides and rangers make sure that the beauty of the African bushveld is preserved for many generations to come.

9. The Sense of Adventure

There’s nothing like anticipating the scene of a lion kill around the next bend, or watching the animals flock to a watering hole at sunrise. Add some spice into your daily life with an African safari adventure.

10. The Status

Over 1.4 million visitors a year consider Kruger to be the best National Park in Africa, and arguably the world, and it’s no secret why it’s so popular. But don’t take our word for it, book one of the many fantastic Kruger National Park accommodation options on Venues4Africa and see for yourself.

Image Credits: Wild in Africa, Dren Pozhegu, kruger-2-kalahari.com

Things to Do in Cape Town: Outdoor Markets

With weather like this there’s no reason to be indoors. Cape Town is home to a medley of outdoor markets, each with its own personal spice. Whether you’re looking for tasty food, local produce or second-hand treasures, it’s all right here on your doorstep.

Tokai Forest Market (Tokai)

When looking for things to do in Cape Town, marketing in Tokai is definitely on the top of the list. The Tokai Forest Market is shaded by leafy trees and show-cases an impressive array of local goods and fresh produce- all just 20 minutes from the city centre. Enjoy a morning snacking on speciality baked goods and sipping on homemade lemonades and ginger beers, or browsing arts and crafts, or interesting jewellery.

When: Saturday, 9am – 3pm, Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Where: Chrysalis Academy, Porter Estate, between Tokai Forest and Table Mountain National Park
Be sure not to miss: The wide range of beautifully handmade leather goods.

Oranjezicht City Farm Market (Granger Bay)

Head over to Granger Bay and get all your shopping done for the week with an exciting selection of fresh, organic produce, locally made condiments and delicious dairy products. A community run, non-profit organisation, Oranjezicht City Farm Market promotes small-scale food production and is one of the first permanent food bazaars in Cape Town.

Not only is it a great place to get fresh ingredients, it is also home to food stalls that will have your mouth watering. Pop past for lunch, and treat your taste buds to a host of different food styles.

When: Saturday, 9am-2pm
Where: Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront
Be sure not to miss: Sipping on a freshly squeezed juice with a view of the sparkling harbour

Milnerton Flea Market (Milnerton)

From car parts to t-shirts, telephones to exercise machines, jewellery to pancakes and more, Milnerton Market has every second-hand treasure you could imagine. Search through piles of once-loved merchandise or take advantage of the impressive selection of dried fruit and nuts that come at a fair price. Feast your eyes on the weird and the wonderful, and get lost in the search for prized nuggets.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 07:00 – 16:00
Where: Otto du Plessis Drive, Paarden Island
Be sure not to miss: Freshly laid, organic eggs. Make sure to get them early before they sell out!

Blaauwklippen Family Market

A mere 30km’s from the City Bowl is one of the oldest wine estates in the region, the Blaauwklippen Vineyards family estate. Set against the backdrop of incredible Stellenbosch winelands, the Blaauwklippen Family Market is the ideal place to fight off those Sunday blues.

Choose from freshly baked breads and olives, while the kids enjoy carriage rides and other fun activities. Browse the crafts, jewellery and fashion on offer, or simply enjoy a craft beer on the lawn, and tap your feet to the beat of the live band.

When: Sunday 10am-3pm
Where: On the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, opposite the Techno Park, Stellenbosch
Be sure not to miss: Every third Sunday of the month, the Helderberg Animal Welfare Society holds a Vineyard Doggy Walk fundraiser. Walk a pup for a good cause!

With fresh air and fantastic things to see, Outdoor Markets in Cape Town are a perfect way to start, or end, a sunny weekend in the Mother City.

Image Credits:
ozcf.co.za
tokaiforestmarket.co.za
Anna Degenaar
milnertonfleamarket.co.za
Blaauklippen Market Facebook

An Essential Guide to the Okavango Delta

Your flights to Botswana are booked, and the great Okavango Delta awaits you. You’ve heard it’s exceptional in its beauty. You’ve heard it’s wild and luscious. You’ve heard it’s enormous.

Spanning a whopping 15 000 square kilometres, we don’t blame you for not knowing where to start. We picked out a few essential DO’s and DON’T’s to make sure you get the most out of your oasis experience!

DO bring a good camera (and extra battery pack)
The Okavango Delta is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to boast about it after the fact now would you?

DON’T be scared away by winter
The winter months are actually the best time to visit the Delta. The waters build in the mountains of Angola and flood into the wetlands around May. The water levels are at their highest between July and September, and with the water comes the wildlife. Though the summer months are incredible for the influx of migrating birds, and sprouting new life. So, don’t worry, you can’t really go wrong.

DO pack your binoculars
If bird-watching is what you’re looking for, you’re heading in the right direction. With over 400 different species of bird, you’ll be able to spend hours completing your checklist. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl, which makes the freshwater wetland its home.

DON’T forget the bug spray
While most game drives and campsites will make sure that you’re comfortable, bring your own bug protection to be sure you don’t get bothered by the odd buzz. Peaceful Sleep works wonders, with a smell that isn’t too overpowering.

DO make sure you’re temperature-ready
The heart of the Kalahari is known for being swelteringly hot during the summer months, and bitterly cold when winter hits. Make sure you’re prepared with warm jackets and thick socks for night-time game drives in winter, and light, sun-proof clothing in summer.

DON’T be too relaxed!
Camps like Jao Camp and Thamalakane River Lodge to name just two, are so beautiful it’s hard not to indulge in the luxury of your temporary home. But make sure you take full advantage of the activities on offer! Canoe-like boats called mokoro’s are a Delta treat, so be sure to take a trip on one! Walking safaris are also an absolute must.

For more information on where to find more about these and more Botswana accommodation, visit www.venues4africa.com.

Image Credit: www.venues4africa.com