Venues4Africa - Page 3 of 5 - Accommodation and Routes in Southern Africa

Cape Town

Getting to know some Cape Town neighbourhoods.

Cape Town is one of, if not the most beautiful cities in the world, (our biased opinion) .But what makes Cape Town different from every other beautiful city in the world. We have Table Mountain, yes and stretches of white coastline but there is a whole other side to the mother city that often gets overlooked in your travel magazines. We’re talking about the neighbourhoods.

Take a stroll through Woodstock, on a Saturday afternoon and take in the energetic vibe and all the streets have to offer, stop over and have a look at the arts and crafts ‘hut’ don’t be put off by its appearance, inside you will probably find the best-hidden gems. Woodstock reminds me of that great grandmother you see now and then at family functions, she might be old but she has a certain charm and has a way of putting a smile on your face, just like the charming coloured houses along the streets, and the street music that fills the air as you stroll down the road.

Of course, the Old Biscuit Mill is a must see when you visit Woodstock, it is almost a requirement that when one visits Woodstock, one must step in the Biscuit Mill and sip on a rose water ice tea or some form of craft beer, or else technically your visit did not count.

Bo-Kaap is often featured as a highlight in Cape Town, and with good reason. With houses painted in rainbow pastels. Bo-Kaap is a fan favourite neighbourhood in Cape Town. With its cobblestone streets and historic mosque, it is a great pace to spend an afternoon, not to mention it is a great place to get in touch with your inner travel hipster and get those Instagram photos. #nofilterneeded

Written by Kelly Heroldt

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

The Heavy Weights of Mozambique Marine Life

What better way to spend your time than with the sun on your back, surrounded by weird and wonderful Mozambican marine life? With crystal clear waters filled with over 6000 species of fish, the sugar-white sand beaches of Mozambique are considered some of the finest diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. Read on to learn a little bit more about the protected mega-fauna you should be on the lookout for on your next trip to Mozambique.

Whale Shark
This magnificent sea creature is the largest living fish in the worlds, spanning an impressive 14 meters in length. These endangered beauties have characteristic wide, flat heads and have a peaceful nature; eating only small schooling fish, plants and algae. You can tell these gentle giants apart by their thin vertical stripes, columns of white spots, and extremely large, horizontal mouths.

Manta Ray
Another deep sea heavy weight with a soft heart, the mysterious Manta Ray is not far behind the Whale Shark in size- reaching more than 7.6 meters in width, and weighing about 2300 kg. Directly related to the Sting Ray, they have an intimidating presence but don’t panic- Manta Rays don’t have a stinging barb like their fiercer cousins. The anatomy of this exquisite specimen make them fast and naturally acrobatic- keep an eye out to see them launch right out of the water.

Turtles
Mozambique beaches are largely unspoiled and unexplored, which makes them an ideal environment for nesting turtles. These docile creatures lay their eggs in the soft sand, and the hatching babies are a rare and moving sight. There are five species of threatened marine turtles that nest along the Mozambican coast, and protection efforts have been in place for over 40 years to preserve these docile creatures.

Dugong
A sighting of this strange and elusive mermaid-like sea creature is rare. This is partly due to the fact that the dugong is characteristically shy, but also because they are endangered. When spotted, they are seldom seen travelling alone, preferring to move in pairs or in large groups. The dugong is one of two marine animals that are known to be vegetarian, and they can be found munching on sea-grass. They can hold their breath for more than 5 minutes and stay safe from predators by keeping to shallower waters.

Southern Right and Humpback Whales
While exploring the spectacular coral reefs, look out for the Southern Right and Humpback whales. Between June and December, these giants of the deep and their calves can be spotted from the shores, while diving and boating in the waters of Mozambique. Despite their size, Humpback Whales are especially acrobatic, often seen leaping high out of the water, breaching the surface, tail slapping and spy hopping. A chance to see these majestic creatures up close is definitely something for your bucket-list, and definitely Mozambique marine life at its best.

Start planning your beach side getaway now so you can experience these gentle giants first hand, and since finding accommodation in Mozambique is a breeze with Venues4Africa, you’ve got no excuse.

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

Revving Up Rosé Festival

Its summer time and love is in the air. There aren’t many things that spell out romance like a picnic, a glass of Rosé and a spectacular view.

If you haven’t booked accommodation in the Cape Winelands yet for this Valentine’s Day weekend, you should be getting on it. The Revving Up Rosé Festival, on Saturday, 13th February 2016 at Rickety Bridge Winery, is just around the corner and is the perfect Valentine’s Day date for family, friends, lovers – young and old, and for those seeking a little romance.

Ever wondered where the Valentine’s Day tradition originated? It is believed to have stemmed from the pagan fertility festival, Lupercalia, which celebrated the Roman god of agriculture. With the death of St. Valentine and the advent of the Middle Ages, in an attempt to consecrate this celebration, it became a day associated with love and romance. In addition, the French and British commonly believed that the beginning of birds’ mating season was February 14th, and thus, the date was set.

Of course this all makes a little more sense after a chilled glass of Rosé at the Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek, a wine farm that is currently showcasing just how diverse and versatile the world of Rosé is. Believed to be the oldest style of wine in the world, Rosé’s global stellar reputation has developed into a summer craze of sorts. Crisp, dry, sweet and modest, it is enchantingly pink in colour.

The Revving Up Rosé festival is also great for those seeking a fun and adventurous weekend, with a 5km, 10km or 20km Rosé Run to be held, and a 20km, 40km or 60km MTB Ride. Whether you are an experienced trail runner or cyclist, new to the scene or just seeking something different to do with loved ones, this Franschhoek festival is for everyone. To clean up afterwards, there will be showers provided for those partaking in these events.

This is an idyllic setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend, where wine tastings, Rosé-friendly food stalls, pre-booked picnics, Paulina’s Restaurant, live music and a picturesque sunset will keep your pallets busy, souls dancing and eyes mesmerised.

There is a competition running where a pair of tickets, lunch and a bottle of Foundation Stone Rosé are up for grabs. Entry to the competition is free when you take part in the MTB race or trail run.

Alternatively, you can buy them from Webtickets, or pick them up upon arrival for R120 per person, including a wine glass and R150 per person for a pre-booked picnic. The festival takes place from 10am – 6pm on Saturday 13th February 2016. Those partaking in the events receive a complimentary ticket to the festival upon their Rosé Run or Rosé MTB Ride ticket purchase.

Don’t forget to book your Cape Winelands Accommodation at Venues4Africa!

For more information on the festival, please visit this link and for further information on the events taking place at the festival, please visit this link.