tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90484498136503710682024-03-19T11:51:06.427+02:00Blogspot African Travel GatewayTake a quick look at our Blog for the latest snippets of safari news from Africa, including specials, new safari lodges, amazing game viewing experiences and more ...African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-13251482913969724902012-08-27T12:15:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:32:39.191+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 23 - 29<b>Botswana Cycle Tour - The final 7 days...</b><br />
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<b>Day 23</b></div>
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Part of our agreement with Ngepi's management on check-in was, that they organize us a lift back to the tar road through the 4km of thick sand, which they obliged to ...</div>
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Although after about 2km of tar road we hit some miserable dirt for the next 20 clicks to the border, through the Mahaungu Core area of the Bwabwata National Park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWU1nccubBbyP5iXWHSn6fO5GeRkg_J_ZaHedokor1zekjAwDqwyigVXLJEzuaWVL_tosfzjextk0ixfkRPVpyWT3d4gMP_o0yNQkiQ6IFCH0oiUSsfmLwe1RykpQIGmMAVhkwBxJ_aQ-/s1600/31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWU1nccubBbyP5iXWHSn6fO5GeRkg_J_ZaHedokor1zekjAwDqwyigVXLJEzuaWVL_tosfzjextk0ixfkRPVpyWT3d4gMP_o0yNQkiQ6IFCH0oiUSsfmLwe1RykpQIGmMAVhkwBxJ_aQ-/s200/31.JPG" width="200" /></a>We re-entered <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours-safaris/botswana/" target="_blank">Botswana</a> and enjoyed our last 3 or so km of tar road before reaching the Muhembo Ferry that crosses the Okavango River at the top of the pan handle. Fortuitously at the very moment of our arrival, the ferry docked for a quick 1½ hour service to the two engines, so we were forced to settle down under a Jackalberry tree for a lunch of deep fried bream and coke.</div>
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The fun and games really started as we pedalled off the ferry for the start of about 90km of corrugations, thick sand and potholes ... And since that was not enough to lift our spirits, a dash of head wind was added to the mix. We pedalled with 3 young guys on old bicycles (of varying shapes and sized), quickly learning through heat, sweat and near crashes just how to 'read' this really crappy dirt road. After 20km of this brain rattling fun we took an elephant path off the road to scratch out a campsite under some trees. Once again just after dark the gentle, but noisy giants put in their appearance.</div>
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<b>Day 24</b></div>
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For our last day of cycling we had saved 71km of even more deteriorating dirt road ... What gave us a little boost of energy, apart from the cup of sugar we bought from Gertrude's Spaza shop, was twice being chased by packs of wild eyed, salivating 'village bitches' (ie: dogs) ... Forget steroids, there's nothing like the fear of being bitten by a rabid looking pack of canids, to get your performance up!</div>
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Following our encounter with the domestics we chatted with the local missionary from Seronga , a guy by the name of Willie, who offered us the use of his garden for camping. Turns out he also had hot showers and flush toilets - quite nice after 71km of dirt & sand where you actually enjoy the corrugated sections!!<br />
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Spent the late afternoon running important errands in the village of Seronga, like Johan getting his hair cut and picking up a strap of beef fillet for R12.92?! Ok, the butchery itself has room for improvement in terms of cleanliness and produce display etc ... But the meat was good.<br />
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Ended our last cycling day having a sundowner with Phillip (a Zimbabwean) on the cool shady steps of Mark's Bar - a shebeen across the road from Willie the missionary.<br />
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<b>Day 25</b><br />
For the last time we loaded and strapped our bikes for the 3km pedal to the jetty ... The thick Botswana sand had the last say - the final 500m was an exceptionally thick sandy push ...<br />
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<b>Day 26 - 29</b><br />
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The last 5 days has been a treacherous haul through croc infested swamp, swarming with all manner of biting insects, murderous hippos around every bend, and nights filled with the horrific sounds of blood thirsty lion and hyena ...</div>
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Ok ... so there was also a boat loaded with cold beers, braai meat and fishing tackle! ... And the tiger fish and nemwe have been biting like they have never seen a lure before ... And the islands are filled with impossibly large trees and lush palms, but really, this <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/hotels-lodges/botswana/okavango-delta-and-moremi/" target="_blank">Okavango Delta</a> is no place for the faint hearted ... please stay well away!!</div>
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In all seriousness, Ian Clark has been a great guide on the Okavango Delta and knows this place like the back of his hand ... Tomorrow we arrive in Maun for our respective flights and drive back home ... And so ends an epic month.</div>
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Thanks Peter for taking the time and driving us to the start, and to Esna for uploading this blog over the last few weeks. Thanks to Anna-Lee, Petru, Lize and Cindy for keeping your eyes on the ball at work! ... And most importantly, Derynne and Jenny (our much better halves), I think we owe you one!!!</div>
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African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-50375118706833221582012-08-20T11:43:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:22:56.501+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 18 - 22<b>Botswana Cycle Tour - Day 18 to 22</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Day 18</b><br />
Once again, after running out of excuses to linger any longer at Mabalaza Island Lodge we loaded our bikes onto the boat for the ride back to another 3km sandy push up to the main road. On crossing the Kwando River (heading west) you enter the Bwabwata National Park, home for the next 3 nights. Our target for the day a mindless 30 odd km. Two German bikers (named Osca und Zilvia) heading in the opposite direction, stopped to fire the usual questions at us: 'Vhere are you going, und vhy?', followed by, 'vould you like zome vwater?'<br />
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By mid afternoon and by pure luck we discovered a big pan with good water and many elephants in attendance - a little over half a km off the road. Being very heavily utilized by ele, roan, bushpig, buffalo and other game, there were big paths approaching the pan from all points of the compass. It took some scratching to find a secure area, wooded enough and a safe distance from the pan and the many ele paths.<br />
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Eventually we settled amongst 2 or 3 large trees, that formed a decent island in the traffic. Just after sunset we struck up a conversation, and became good mates with two of these trees. To the point of rekindling our passion for tree climbing - a sport that has been dead for about 30 years now ... This had nothing to do with the breeding herd of eles that approached us to within 10 or 12 meters, and stood watching us with those wise old eyes, before skirting us at a little over spitting distance ... That night around the fire, our torch lights swung around, a bit like two lighthouses as more and more eles passed this side and that!<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Day 19 </b>Being such an awesome spot we dragged the morning through a few cups of coffee and a short game walk, while even more elephant came down to drink. Eventually spilling out onto the tar road at about 12pm for a 48km day. We set up camp in some big Miombo woodland about 4km north of the road, in an area frequented by some rather large solitary bull elephants, but little else. There is no water this time of the year, on this 200km stretch between Kwando and Okavango Rivers. The ele traffic that does exist, seems to move on a north - south axis along corridors, between Angola to the north and <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/hotels-lodges/botswana/okavango-delta-and-moremi/" target="_blank">Okavango</a> to the south.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Day 20 </b>Today we decided to take pedaling a little more seriously, and pushed a further 85km of dead straight <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/hotels-lodges/namibia/the-caprivi-area/" target="_blank">Caprivi</a> tarmac. We stopped at Omega III, one of the two 'settlements' on the strip, for an interesting chat to Vasco Pieter Muyambango the proprietor of the shop 'Control 4now 4eva' ... naturally, he sells cooking oil, warm cokes, matches and other important items.<br />
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We pedalled until an hour before sunset, then turned south on a new dirt track into the bush, to discover 3 field rangers (game scouts) saundering up the track, armed with their limb lobbing axes. Two Boesman and one Owambo ... the one Boesman was too old to remember his age and down to about 1 tooth, while the other two were let's say, more current. After a protracted negotiation on where we could sleep, we made a date for coffee and rusks in the morning at our fire.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Day 21 </b>Just after sunrise the two, axe armed Boesman rangers, arrived at our fire for coffee ... the Owambo ranger opted for a lie in!? Interesting guys, the old ballie has many stories under his belt ... his wrinkles crease with a quick sense of humour. We hit the last 60km to the Okavango River with a semi decent tail wind, stopping only to repair the blow out I had in my rear tyre ... (Continental Town & Country semi slicks, look way better than they perform ... one of Johan's gave up the ghost after just 400 odd km). Johan, being very eager to get rid of the 'extra heavy duty' spare tyre he had dragged around for the last 10 days, was forced to carry it another 20 clicks when we discovered that the over weight piece of Chinese rubber was too big for any of our wheels - despite it's size indicating otherwise! Duct tape and a piece of old tube, gave the blown out tyre another 20kms of good service, until out of the bush on the left appeared a container bike shop?! ... here we did some buying and selling, and rode off with a 'new-used' nobbly purring on the tar.<br />
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Finally reached the Okavango River at Divundu for a healthy plate of deep fried chicken & chips, chased by the obligatory cold coke. The last 4km of the day was a push through thick sand to Ngepi Camp on the Okavango River - a funky little place with a great signage all over, and some good toilet humour. If the Popa Falls area is ever on your route, it would be wrong not to stay here!<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Day 22 </b>is a feet up day, with a few cold beers and some vacant staring ... Tomorrow we re enter Botswana for the last 2 cycle days to Seronga.<br />
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<br />African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-88610192653628172382012-08-14T13:34:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:22:22.216+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 13 - 17<b>Johan and Howard's Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 13 to 17</b><br />
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<b>Day 13</b><br />
Over the last 5 days we have had a little exposure to the diverse Caprivi culinary habits, which has varied from hacking a slab rump from a cow carcass hung under an umbrella thorn, to dining on good old fashioned Namibian 'gekookte kos'!<br />
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On day 13 we left the Zambezi River for the town of Katima Mulilo and settled in for breakfast at the Boabab Bistro - clearly a watering hole for the local Katima 'tannies' that flow in and out for 'intelligence' swopping purposes over endless cups of coffee ...<br />
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We decided to take a 185km loop road (over 3 nights) that dips south and west through the 'teaspoon' of the Caprivi and passes Mamili and Mudumu National Parks. 116km of this is dirt - a mix of solid old Namibian dirt roads (now breaking up), and then sections under 'repair' by the Chinese, that seem to have taken to the African way of sitting on the road side (under those big paddy field hats), watching a grader pushing mounds of soil around. Distance for the day was 60km.<br />
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<b>Day 14</b><br />
Day 14 we woke to frozen water bottles (so, yes that cold front did reach us). It was Johan's birthday so hence our effort to up our game when it came to the dinner menu ... While our water bottles were solidifying at 4am, 5km down the road a 9 year old cow met a bitter end. By the time we arrived at the spot, limbs and rib cages were hanging neatly off an Acacia tortilis. It made perfect sense to splash out and buy a fat piece of rump for Johan's birthday dinner. So N$10 and a dirty choppies packet later, we pedalled off a little heavier laden. We left the road and after missioning 4km through thick sand, under the direction of a medulla from Selonga Village, and powered partly by two x 1 pikanin powered engines, we reached the edge of the Linyanti Swamps.<br />
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Sadly the rump steak that was suppose to be the highlight of our day, bounced between teeth much like a cheque from the Zimbabwean Reserve Bank ... After some determined chewing, it finally bounced off the braai grid and into the bush for the hyeans!<br />
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<b>Day 15</b><br />
Day 15 started with a 4km grind & push through the thick sand (w/o our pikanin powered engines) back to the main road. Keeping our conservation values high we naturally carted the last 2 days rubbish with us, with the intention of disposing it at the next village. We pedalled alongside a 12 year old boy by the name of Colin, who was lifting his younger brother on the cross bar. After rattling along the dirt road for about 10km we reached the turn off to Sangwali Village, where Colin assured us of many luxuries. 5km and 1 elephant later we arrived at the village and made for the cool shady steps of a Spaza shop. After a cold coke and a 'vet koek' we asked the lady if she could dispose of our well travelled rubbish. She very kindly said that she would ... 2 min later, while sitting on the said shady steps, our Choppies rubbish packet came whirring through the air to land in a puff of dust 10m away! Funny, but sad ...<br />
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We pedalled onto the Mudumu National Park and took a very well beaten elephant path south off the road to look for a campsite. This ele path was so heavily utilized, we were able to cycle on the layer of trodden dung despite the soft sand. We set up camp about 1km off the road and respectable distance off all obvious game paths. What followed was one of the more elephant induced nights of insomnia, both us us have experienced! They started coming past our tent around 8pm but because of our voices and the cooking fire, kept a breathable distance ... But after we turned in, herd after herd practically blundered through our site trumpeting and vocalizing as they crashed through the Mopane sometimes meters away ...<br />
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Needless to say, neither of us were even slightly scared.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Day 16</b><br />
Day 16 we pushed the last 55km of dirt to join the Caprivi highway for a cold Russian sausage, some deep fried chicken & chips. We then rolled down the Kwando River, took 10 min boat ride complete with our bikes and some overseas tourists, downstream to Mabalaza Island Lodge for 2 nights of hot water, cold beer, good Namibian food and of course a spot of fishing.<br />
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<b>Day 17</b><br />
Day 17 as it stands now has been populated with 2 pike, 1 bream, half a dozen beers, some bike & equipment maintenance and a cramp in both my thumbs, because I have just typed these last 5 days on a Blackberry! Cheers!<br />
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<br />African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-51168350134263587602012-08-12T15:59:00.001+02:002012-09-20T10:22:01.507+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 11 & 12<b>Johan and Howard's Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 11 & 12</b><br />
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<b>Day 11</b><br />
Met one or two of the old Kasane stalwarts last night at the Old House Restaurant & Guest House. A happening little place where the locals tend to gravitate. Day 11 started with probably the steepest climb yet ... A 1.5km granny gear climb up the plateau that overlooks the Chobe River - even had to take my jersey off.<br />
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Today was also possibly the easiest 94km we covered, this being because we were forced to hitch a ride on the back of a truck throught the Chobe National Park for 57km to Ngoma Border. The game guard at the west end of the transit road was somewhat disillusioned when together we did the maths and discovered he'd been working here for 17 years and not the 12 years he had thought! He did see the humor, but was truly surprised. From here we entered Namibia's Caprivi, pulled over at a local eatery for pap & steak (staple diet) and a quick thrashing in pool by 2 of the local bar flies - these okes were sharp!<br />
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Pulled in at a roadside bike mechanic to see if they could perform some magic on Johan's ailing bike ... We arrived with 2 of his top gears not working and left with a new rim and 2 of his middle gears not working ... But nice people nonetheless. Spent the night at Salambala community campsite about 6km ride down a dirt track that winds through a mopane forest. Really cool campsite, each site with its own private hot shower , toilet, braai, in the bush, still in elephant counry - worth a visit.<br />
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<b>Day 12</b><br />
Day 12 started with another 6km of winding sand track back to the tar road, for 64 uneventful kms, except for 1 chop who tried to ride us off the road ... That was followed by 2 German self-drive tourists who pulled over in front of us, full of smiles and amazement, that after our road side chat insisted on issuing us with a bottle of red wine and a litre of fruit juice - cool people!<br />
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Reached the Zambezi River just short of Katima Mulilo for a night at a manicured campsite overlooking the river.<br />
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<br />African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-33643966913254161472012-08-07T11:26:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:24:42.436+02:00Boswana Cycle Trip - Day 8, 9 & 10<b>Johan and Howard's Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 8</b><br />
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A Saturday filled with road works and that steady NE headwind again, it just doesn't let go ... we kept ourselves entertained by watching the different teams work their different layers onto the new road ... Our afternoon tea break, normally a kettle on a small fire under a tree, was replaced by 4 bitterly cold cokes in a Pandamatega Shebeen and an interesting chat with the owner, Matthews.<br />
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This followed by another conversation next door with Elvis & Simon. Elvis a worried looking individual (also on a bike), who just couldn't get his head around our cycle ... "Ah, you are troubling yourselves, he said."<br />
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Simon a man of many years and hardly any teeth, is an ex BDF soldier, game scout and I strongly suspect a freelance poacher. However, he was also the first person to admit that the wild animals have got no problems - just people got the problem!<br />
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After completing 96km we dissappeared into the bush north of Pandamatenga to an awesome camp site under 2 huge trees, very clearly a regular elephant siesta spot!<br />
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<b>Day 9</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Day 9 started like any other, kettle on the fire and rusks in hand, followed by the obligatory boskak. Mine was cut short by 2 bull elephants that put in an unexptected appearance at possibly THE most inconvenient moment ...<br />
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Needless to say, on that session, I evacuated both my bowel and the area. Turns out a single bull ele had whispered through our campsite while we were lights out!<br />
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Another 96km later and lots of eles we trundled into Kazangula for another 4 cold cokes and the short pedal to Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane, for our second shower and first night in a bed!<br />
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<b>Day 10</b><br />
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Today we chill ... Our first rest day and it was filled with shopping and sorting kit. Have had to vacate our room for a campsite also at Chobe Safari Lodge. Tomorrow we hit the transit road through Chobe National Park and into Namibia's Caprivi Strip, which from where I am typing this looks like one vast floodplain!<br />
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<br />African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-63329274166625285012012-08-05T14:28:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:21:16.680+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 6 & 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Johan and Howard's Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 6 & 7</b><br />
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After parasitizing the remnants of the security guard's fire to make coffee, we were offered left over eggs & bacon by our neighbours (an overland group).<br />
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This was chased by Nata Lodge's burgers & chips for lunch (best food this side of the Chobe by the way). Running out of excuses to linger any longer, we split.<br />
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Pulled in at Nata itself for some shopping (very nearly made complete fools of ourselves by both biting the tar in front of a busy shop front). Then hit the long road north towards Kasane for 56km day. This road very quickly let's you know you in wild country ... A leopard was watching us last night from an ele path next to our campsite before skirting us.<br />
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<b>Day 7</b><br />
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Day 7 started with a 3km push along sandy elephant paths in an effort to find the road again. Things got even better when an enthusiastic 15km/h headwind picked up and blew incessantly ... except of course during our lunch break, when the headwind was relieved by a 20km/h tailwind.<br />
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The monotany of the straight road and good kite flying weather was broken by a few great elephant sightings as they crossed in front of us.<br />
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The day ended on 84km in another very cool bush campsite.<br />
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<br />African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-91977434176185511532012-08-02T10:39:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:21:03.076+02:00Botswana Cycle - Day 4 & 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 4 & 5 – Playing a little catch up with the blog... power’s been running low on the cell phone, legs, inspiration and the urge to sit around the fire and type ... the only thing we can hear right now are our asses!! But in a nut shell the last 2 days have been dotted with Wimpy food, road side braais, colds beers and warnings! Nearly every conversation we have with a road side local, has ended with the astonished individual saying something like, “eish! You are going to Kasane ?! ... aah ... is too far ... there are lions and elephants! ... even cheetah !!” . Be that as it may we pedal on as any two idiotic tourists would. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derynne’s ‘biker’ uncle and his friend Pieter, caught up with us on day 5 in the village of Mosetse. After a quick hello, in true biker fashion they roared on ahead and set up a road side braai under a Mopani tree, complete with rump steak & cold beers ... after 65 km for the morning we didn’t hesitate to pull over sharply. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think the open road & blue sky infected Rex & Pieter like a virus, because they decided to push on another 60 km north to Nata Lodge to join us for dinner, turning their spur of the moment bike run from a brief visit maybe as far as Francistown, to a 900 km haul to Nata! </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Capitilizing on the moment, Johan tried to sell them a more wholistic Botswana holiday, by suggesting we swop bikes for the last 60 clicks to Nata ... unfortunately beer bellied bikers are a hard sell.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day 4 & 5 ... the distance stats are: day 4 – 75 km and day 5 – 130 km (the promise of more beer & our first hot shower, provided the petrol needed for day 5’s leg). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today (day 6) we start heading north of Nata to Kasane (315 km), which will take 3 – 4 days into lion & elephant country ... even cheetah!</span><br />
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African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-43555330196337702432012-07-31T14:48:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:20:47.400+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 3Johan and Howard's Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 3<br />
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A late addition to day 2's blog...<br />
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Vodacom SA can take a page out of Maria's book when it comes to customer service! Maria (daughter of Mabalisa) is the lady, who from her plastic table on the pavement outside a general dealer store in Selebi Phikwe, sold us a recharge voucher.<br />
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While typing last nights blog at 20h00, the phone rang, it was Maria and the conversation went something like this:<br />
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Howard: Hello<br />
Maria: Hullo<br />
M: Are you that guys on the bicycle?<br />
H: Yes, is that Maria?<br />
M: Is Maria ... Why (where) are you now?<br />
H: Maria, we are lost ... all we see is mopane trees around us!<br />
M: You are lost?! Hu ah ah ah ... Shame.<br />
M: Is you phone wekking now?<br />
H: Yes it is - thanks!<br />
M: ah is good! You must be careful for that animals ...<br />
H: We will, thanks Maria!<br />
M: Ok ...<br />
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Ok, so no search & rescue party was sent out, but she did go the extra mile when it comes to after sale customer service - more than I can say for Vodacom!<br />
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Now the actual Day 3 was different to 1 and 2 ... Today was just one big headwind! To add to the fun we were having, Johan's front bearings packed in about 15km from the nearest village. Of course we didn't have any spare bearings, so we sat and ate biltong while watching traffic ... To solve the problem Arusa's hardware at Gonato had about a thousand of them in many sizes. He also pulled out a brand new axle to replace Johan's crooked one!<br />
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After a lunch of beef stew, samp and marogo, a quick visit to a shebeen-butcher for meat and OBS, we hit the road again finishing on 86km for the day!<br />
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<br />African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-14374846061770651192012-07-31T11:13:00.003+02:002012-09-20T10:20:27.587+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 2Johan and Howard's Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 2<br />
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Three achievements for today!<br />
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First full day under the belt (103km) + first night with really sore arses, and then we successfully navigated the maze of Botswana's world of sim cards, airtime & data bundles ... No easy task! (The cell phone that is - the 103km was a lazy sunday in comparison!).<br />
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Got to say the Motswana are the most optimistic people in Africa - we were flagged down by a certain meesta Williams who, standing next to his broken down Toyota Cressida, asked us through a mouthful of chicken whether we have a certain bolt for his prop shaft that had fallen off ... As thorougly as we searched through our panniers we sadly couldn't find one!?<br />
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<br />African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-42958625032898696722012-07-31T09:52:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:20:10.948+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 1Johan and Howard's Botswana Cycle Trip - Day 1<br />
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D day arrived finally ... Enough talking, speculating, planning, guessing, hoping ... Now it's just DO!. </div>
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Left the great metropolis of Hoedspruit at 0600 after saying our good byes to Derynne and the kids ... Stopped only in Louis Trichardt for a quick breakfast at the Spur, then blazed through to the Botswana border. </div>
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Kitted out the bikes, did the obligatory photo shoot, said our good byes to Peter Radcliffe (who dropped us off) and pedalled across the Limpopo.</div>
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The only border post either of us have been through where the full staff compliment (all 3 of them) came out from behind those worn immigration desks to watch these 2 overloaded Mlungus wobble away on their bikes! Then it was pedal pedal pedal for 51km until we saw a cluster of koppies and Baobabs about 1km off to the right, which became camp ... Awesome spot! Climbed the one koppie for the views back across the bush. </div>
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That's day 1 in a nutshell ... The only body parts that have something to say are the 2 arses ... funny that?!<br />
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African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-40277999224431149822012-07-24T09:44:00.002+02:002012-09-20T10:24:16.710+02:00Botswana Cycle Trip - IntroTying up loose ends for a month away is not really as easy as it sounds! Either way Saturday 28 July 2012 is looming for the start of sore backsides, stiff muscles & strong coffee ... the planned route is Zanzibar Border Post (on the Limpopo River) to Seronga (On the Okavango Pan Handle) (see image below). <br />
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About 1300 km odd - but flat and easy (we keep telling ourselves) ... We aim to get there by 21 Aug (give or take month) and then do a 6 day Trans Okavango boat trip through to Maun for a spot of fishing (and maybe a beer or two)...</div>
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Bikes locked & loaded (dig the Postman Pat baskets!), packing starting to happen ... Johan trying to shake a dose of the flu ... myself overdosing on oranges & all things vitamin C ... I think we set!</div>
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African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-2999351796315169602012-06-04T15:14:00.002+02:002012-06-04T15:14:51.910+02:00African Safari Tours in MozambiqueWhile <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/" target="_blank">South Africa tours</a> remain to be incredibly popular holiday activities for tourists visiting South Africa, Mozambique safaris are also gaining attention by travellers and locals with itchy feet. As many tourists vising South Africa want to explore its vast and beautiful landscapes and are often looking to explore its neighbouring countries, we’d recommend doing a “three in one” trip, visiting South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland in one tour. <br /><br />This trip will not only mean that your passport will be stamped by three different border posts, but will enable you to get a feel for what each country has to offer. With a professional touring company which specialises in African travel, you’ll be able to explore the best of each nation, save time with their valuable information which has been gained through their experience and will have the opportunity to be care-free and simply go with the flow while your tour operator does the hard work and planning. <br /><br />Here is an example of the three-in-one tour which is hosted by African Travel Gateway, an African travel and tours company. Their tour is called the “Three Country Wildlife Wave Safari Tour” and will take you from South Africa, through to Mozambique and then to Swaziland before finishing back in the Rainbow Nation. Taking you to some of these regions most beautiful and popular tourist destinations, we’d highly recommend embarking on a tour like this to see the best of an area. <br /><br />Here is a brief summary of the “Three Country Wildlife Wave Safari Tour”: <br /><br />Starting in Malalane in South Africa, the first leg of the tour focuses on the Kruger National Park. Spend a day and two nights here observing its magnificent big five and wildlife. On your third day, you’ll enter Mozambique and drive to Maputo where you’ll be able taken on a tour of the history and culture of the bustling city. After the tour you’ll be driven about 100km south of the city to an idyllic lodge, Ponta Momoli Lodge. Spend two days on the beach, snorkelling and walking along the endless pristine beach before leaving for Hluhluwe and St Lucia. <br /><br />On the way to your next destination, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local orphanage, explore the northern Zululand and embark on an open-top 4X4 wildlife safari. Spend your last day at St Lucia on the beach, exploring the wetland park or visiting a local game reserve. Your next stop will be Swaziland where you’ll have a day to discover its unique culture, understand its royal family and visit the Mololotja Game Reserve. Your last day of the tour will be spent making your way back to Mpumalanga in South Africa where you’ll be taken to local rock paintings and rock formations. <br /><br />With a tour schedule like this, you’ll quickly find yourself relaxing and will be sure to see the top attractions of each region. If you can see yourself lounging on a pristine beach, observing the big five or sipping cocktails out of a coconut, we highly recommend that you embark on a three country safari tour - discover a new culture, be entranced by a new location every second day and be refreshed by a sense of adventure. <br />African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-3596214219115407302012-01-16T09:07:00.000+02:002012-01-16T09:07:43.172+02:00Embark on the African Safaris of a Lifetime with African Travel GatewayAfrican Travel Gateway is a much loved and well established online travel company, specialising in southern and eastern Africa tours. Offering thousands of tourists their dream vacations in Africa, African Travel Gateway has become the “go to” travel company for those dreaming of exciting and adventurous <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/" target="_blank">African safaris</a>. With their years of experience and range of tours, African Travel Gateway is opening countless doors in Southern and Eastern Africa. <br /><br />African Travel Gateway was established in 1996 and has been a thriving online company ever since. As members of the Southern African Tourism Services Association and Southern Africa Travel Organizers Association, African Travel Gateway is without a doubt the most personalised and professional touring company in Africa, ensuring that every customer has the African experience of their dreams. <br /><br />Offering tailor made packages as well as assistance in finding accommodation, flights, car hire, and local insights into every community and region, ATG is a touring company that goes out of their way to deliver the best. Amongst the most popular tours include golfing holidays, African safaris, hot air ballooning and luxury trains. Whether you choose to mix and match different activities or simply spend a holiday doing a favourite hobby, African Travel Gateway will plan a seamlessly flowing holiday schedule that will pack in luxury and excitement.<br /><br />ATG will take you to the magnificently beautiful South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Swaziland in Southern Africa, as well as Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar in Eastern Africa. Wherever you go, you’ll have a unique cultural experience and the opportunity to enjoy the best of every nation. You’ll learn about each country’s past and present situations and get to know some of the locals; you’ll even have the opportunity to observe their traditional celebrations. As you tour through each nation, you’ll find yourself enchanted by their diverse landscapes and overwhelmed with the friendly natures of their citizens. <br /><br />African Travel Gateway creates tours that take their guests past the ordinary, ensuring that each of their tours has something special for everyone – something that they can really write home about. Recognising how loved African safaris are, ATG ensures that they provide the best; guests can now embark on <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/elephant-back-safaris/" target="_blank">elephant back safaris</a>, <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/horse-back-safaris" target="_blank">horse-back bush walks</a> and can even float on the Kariba for a boat safari. For the brave and adventurous, they also offer over landing adventures. <br /><br />If you’re looking for an authentic African holiday of a lifetime, ATG will ensure that you have the vacation of your dreams. Packed with action, stunning scenery and relaxation, you’ll have the chance to experience the traditional African cultures, activities and attractions in between exciting new adventures and unique travel opportunities. Whether you simply need to get away, have been dreaming of the African sun or are looking for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime on African soil, ATG will tailor make you the perfect experience. African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-17227204137705075732011-11-14T09:24:00.002+02:002011-11-14T12:01:54.177+02:00Unique African Safaris on Elephant or Horse Back<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX1iFdev0lx_KIqVyOK05OM6r4tAyzwuk-VWtOZf-eCcs-NCyqvOLgLzl8yG8d0BvC7MvB-cZtYVtsZ3KDHbkOUMVAuha7V_yGtCc2ZeRFCX6cSDiyYZQvQiJAB6KLpcKtdjPwEtNqhCW/s1600/Tours-%2526-Safaris.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMRVqKwjfQY93RIU1e8Vw88EF3mbpNAkr-n_nIoL-CJagvzYc2Y62OfRWm3txIHVppM57ruOCKMfqhYk97EsANT8fTlkWIQpp4U1T1aHO6HEI1zpCxLnm_CZ-9GppbC0erXyYfUxc1cK6/s1600/horse+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMRVqKwjfQY93RIU1e8Vw88EF3mbpNAkr-n_nIoL-CJagvzYc2Y62OfRWm3txIHVppM57ruOCKMfqhYk97EsANT8fTlkWIQpp4U1T1aHO6HEI1zpCxLnm_CZ-9GppbC0erXyYfUxc1cK6/s1600/horse+back.jpg" /></a></div>African safaris are amongst the most popular holidays in the world; not only do they offer the luxury and <span id="goog_2012896622"></span><span id="goog_2012896623"></span>relaxation that so many tourists seek when booking vacations but they also offer something slightly different and novel. Traditionally, vehicle safaris and bush walks are the most popular and accessible ways of exploring a game reserve and observing the African wildlife, however in the last few years several game lodges have come up with other ways to treat their guests and have started offering elephant and horse-back safaris as part of their packages. <br />
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<a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/elephant-back-safaris/" target="_blank">Elephant back safaris</a> are unlike any other African safaris as they give guests the opportunity to come up close and personal with these friendly giants. Elephants are gentle and sturdy creatures which enjoy being part of a herd and feeling affection. For this reason,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1267718977"> </a>elephant safaris are conducted in a peaceful manner and guests are informed as to how they need to treat and react to the animals. Every guest will be allocated an elephant and can climb onto its back with the help of a specially designed ramp. Elephant back safaris will take guests away from the sounds of vehicles and technology, and will enable them to become one with nature while bonding with some of the wild’s most respected and tender big 5 members. Listen to the surrounding sounds of nature and gentle huffs of the elephants while observing the other beautiful wildlife of Africa and the landscape which has stolen many hearts and imaginations. <br />
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The elephants in these <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/" target="_blank">African safaris</a> are treated with dignity and respect. And although the game reserves are run for the tourists who choose to visit them, they are also run as sanctuaries to animals which aren’t capable of living in the wild by themselves. Many of the elephants which guests will find ride have been nursed back to health by the game reserve’s guides and are now living as part of a herd with the other elephants in the park. <br />
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Similar to elephant safaris yet slightly more adrenaline filled are horse-back safaris. Guests are paired with a horse suited to their physique and personalities and are guided along tracks in the wild. Most game reserves ensure that all horses have had dressage training so that they remain calm and well-behaved when coming across a member of the big 5 instead of being spooked. The horses are all kept in the game reserve’s stables and are regularly groomed. These safaris are most popular amongst horse-lovers however in recent years have attracted the attention of holiday makers in search of a slightly different experience whilst venturing on African safaris. Trained horse-riders will be used to the twitchy natures of the horses and the swishing of their tails, however for tourists who aren’t accustomed to their personalities their safari experience will be all the more exciting and novel. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX1iFdev0lx_KIqVyOK05OM6r4tAyzwuk-VWtOZf-eCcs-NCyqvOLgLzl8yG8d0BvC7MvB-cZtYVtsZ3KDHbkOUMVAuha7V_yGtCc2ZeRFCX6cSDiyYZQvQiJAB6KLpcKtdjPwEtNqhCW/s1600/Tours-%2526-Safaris.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX1iFdev0lx_KIqVyOK05OM6r4tAyzwuk-VWtOZf-eCcs-NCyqvOLgLzl8yG8d0BvC7MvB-cZtYVtsZ3KDHbkOUMVAuha7V_yGtCc2ZeRFCX6cSDiyYZQvQiJAB6KLpcKtdjPwEtNqhCW/s1600/Tours-%2526-Safaris.jpg" /></a>Visiting game reserves for the all exciting dream of African Safaris is something thousands of tourists enjoy every year. Elephant back and <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/horse-back-safaris/" target="_blank">horse-back safaris</a> enable us to have Safari experiences that are slightly different to the norm; not only do we have the enchanting encounter with the African landscape and have the opportunity to observe Africa’s unique wildlife, but we’ll feel one with nature whilst bonding with elephants and horses, and will be able to discover the wild whilst being a part of it.African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-85670143078083861242011-09-23T12:31:00.000+02:002011-09-23T12:31:48.834+02:00Five Things You Will Love about African SafarisAfrican safaris offer holidays unlike any other where guests can explore a new and unique landscape and be inspired by what it has to offer. In the 21st century, <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/">African safaris</a> are more luxurious and tempting than ever; promising to offer guests the vacation of a lifetime. Here are the five things that we know you’ll love most about African safaris.<br />
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<div>1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You’ve received the postcards and watched the documentaries, but observing wildlife whilst on location is an experience everyone should experience for themselves at least once. Book a <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/country-info/overview/tours-safaris/">safari holiday</a> for yourself for a truly remarkable getaway. Watching large herds of elephants at a waterhole and observing giraffes prune the tops of trees is something you’ll never be able to forget. Track lions until their roars are behind the next tree and enjoy the exhilarating experience of watching a leopard stalk its prey. </div><div><br />
</div><div>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Explore a landscape unlike any other and be inspired by beautiful waterfalls, plains, forests and sea views. Africa has a unique countryside that inspires and enchants; it is the perfect place for a romantic getaway and the ideal place for an adventure holiday with your friends and family. Go hiking in the majestic mountains, participate in the excitement of a walking safari, and enjoy the adrenaline rush of white water rafting. Here, you’ll be able to lose yourself in a world away from everything you’ve previously known and will be able to soak up the strong African sun and enjoy the idyllic landscape you’ve stumbled upon. In every direction you’ll be faced with a new aspect of the continent; at the end of your holiday you’ll join the hundreds of thousands who have fallen in love with this continent before you. </div><div><br />
</div><div>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Many tourists who embark on <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tailor-made/">African safari tours</a> find themselves being treated to beautiful and luxurious accommodation. Made to feel like royalty, every indulgence is at their beck and call, and each one of their needs is catered for. Private lodges and private game reserves show guests how to enjoy simple needs extravagantly, and show them how to enjoy the beauty of Africa in style. Be pampered at the lodge spa, enjoy the delicious cuisine prepared for you by your private chef, and embark on private game drives with staggering views. </div><div><br />
</div><div>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The personal nature of African safaris adds to their charm. Not only do they offer guests the chance to explore the African landscape, observe the wildlife and enjoy luxury accommodation, but guests are also made to feel at home. Lodge staff and game drivers are friendly to all guests, and enjoy breakfasts and dinners on the lookout decks with them. Birthdays, weddings, and the festive season are all the more jovial as lodge staff join in with the celebrations. </div><div><br />
</div><div>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Perhaps the most lovable aspect of African safaris is the peace and quiet which they offer guests. Far away from the constant buzz, sounds of traffic and bright lights of the city, game reserves offer guests a tranquil and serene environment where they can kick back and relax. Observing the animals, enjoying spa treatments, and lounging on a deck chair allow guests to reconnect with their inner peace and let go of all stresses. </div><div><br />
</div><div>It’s not hard to see why African safaris are amongst the most sought after vacations in the world. They take guests to another world – far away from the stresses of busy cities – and show them the interesting wildlife, exquisite landscape, <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/country-info/overview/hotels-lodges/">luxurious accommodation</a> and beautiful people of the African continent. A visit to Africa will leave you feeling refreshed and relax, and will enchant you, making you fall in love with a beautiful continent. </div><div><br />
</div>African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-28097717885424201752011-09-01T13:00:00.000+02:002011-09-01T13:00:08.062+02:00African Safaris to Revitalize your Body and Soul<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtv8PDMG92M1pl8rOAqwzIslO2k2S8DPoB5bQH7l-mCHt-Qn8gj0gOi8qVyfjCOIQOFemoJzK8cM6azCv4MPEdaSJAb_Mz11qygD7wMsCCVDRGxksB88PIhRfQF7F0S7dnONPZvyywdTa/s1600/Homepage+-+Hotels+%2526+Lodges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtv8PDMG92M1pl8rOAqwzIslO2k2S8DPoB5bQH7l-mCHt-Qn8gj0gOi8qVyfjCOIQOFemoJzK8cM6azCv4MPEdaSJAb_Mz11qygD7wMsCCVDRGxksB88PIhRfQF7F0S7dnONPZvyywdTa/s200/Homepage+-+Hotels+%2526+Lodges.jpg" width="176" /></a>African safaris are unlike any other holiday as they have the power to sweep you off your feet whilst relaxing your body and calming your soul. Not only do they cover some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world but they treat guests to pampering and show them how to enjoy the bare necessities of life luxuriously. Whether you embark on a safari for an adventure, to observe the unique wildlife, to enjoy the luxurious accommodation or to see the beautiful African landscapes, you’ll leave feeling revitalized and with a newly inspired inner peace.<br />
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</a></div><a href="http://www.africantravel.com/">African safaris</a> are amongst the most desired holidays in the world. As many tourists haven’t seen anything quite like African terrain before, these holidays take them to another world where everything is new and different. Unique and beautiful wildlife graze amongst a gorgeous backdrop, and beautiful clear skies offer endless space and freedom. Many African safaris are teamed up with luxurious accommodation, offering guests pampering and pure indulgences after a day spent tracking wildlife and bird-watching.<br />
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Many tourists embark on African safaris to find peace and relaxation. Surrounded by the tranquil African bush and soft sound of birds, insects, and the ruffling of grass, guests will find the peace they are seeking. Regardless of the type of African Safaris they choose to embark on, be it fly-in, self-drive or a scheduled tour, guests will feel themselves unwinding and touching ground merely by being surrounded by the incredible African landscape and lifestyle. Guests can simply sit back and relax on their safari tour in Africa; looking for animals and enjoying the fresh air blowing in their hair.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/country-info/overview/hotels-lodges/" style="color: #444444;">luxurious accommodation</a> of many African Safaris entices guests from all over the world to spend their holidays relaxing next to pools, enjoying gourmet cuisine or sleeping late in soft king size beds. On game drives, breakfast and sun-downer breaks are taken where guests can enjoy snacks of biltong and crisps whilst being served drinks by their tour guides. The lifestyle is slow paced and lazy; guests can enjoy the simplicity of life luxuriously and with an air of extravagance. It’s no difficult feat to relax on African safaris, as all stresses are taken away and you are forced to be looked after by the professional lodge staff. Most safari accommodation has further facilities to help you relax; such as private spas, gyms, swimming pools, lounges, bars and restaurants.<br />
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If you dream of observing the big 5 and tracking wildlife, African safaris will offer you the holiday of a lifetime. Whilst on safari you’ll be able to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, impala, crocodiles, and rhino; amongst many other wild animals. African safaris also offer their guests the chance to observe some of the world’s most rare and beautiful birds and insects.<br />
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The African landscape is truly unlike any other and will take foreign tourists to a world they’ve only been able to dream of before. The ground is hard, baked by the sun, and the grass is tall. Everything is yellow, beige, green, brown or orange, and changes shade as the sun grows brighter and fades into the horizon. The beautiful landscape, compared with the relaxed atmosphere is something thousands of people repeatedly travel for; once you’ve experienced Africa it will become the place you dream of returning to and will be the substance of memories long treasured.<br />
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Amongst the favourite countries for African safaris are Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa as they team first world luxuries with the peace and tranquillity of Africa. Each country has unique landscapes and wildlife, however a similar African atmosphere can be felt wherever you go and the baked earth is a constant reminder of the soil you are walking on. <br />
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Whether you go on African safaris to observe the wildlife, unwind, to indulge in luxurious accommodation or to enjoy the unique landscape which surrounds you, you’ll find your experience on African soil to be soothing and calming. Centre yourself whilst in beautiful surroundings and regain all inner peace and composure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ucbqcmee79cSxbGkqlbKBF0RUbsTKKV7wVWnHhMRuoYjNCNAyRo_9EJVMcdjghAGqaRsfMoXhtSbvLdWZxrY-XYf1CXkbk9QYidAoMwSdiG9mY90daVU4i8S9Z4aXk5AsX0apGx1lXK9/s1600/Table+Mountain+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ucbqcmee79cSxbGkqlbKBF0RUbsTKKV7wVWnHhMRuoYjNCNAyRo_9EJVMcdjghAGqaRsfMoXhtSbvLdWZxrY-XYf1CXkbk9QYidAoMwSdiG9mY90daVU4i8S9Z4aXk5AsX0apGx1lXK9/s320/Table+Mountain+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-27453746182579891032011-08-04T10:17:00.000+02:002011-08-04T10:17:30.787+02:00The Selinda Canoe Trail - Northern Botswana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6cZ_JKZN-sS84V61ZpCC1tIoIwSnypoBQa_nw1SUC7XB_OIjdKvQ54nXsLlfWH86NwPYW-qynNuASyYrvwg7F9GPx1Aus7cHl2zxDwXs9XxzIuTdCeL7VcjhY8vvHOfxqi3b0JlrHxhR/s1600/Selinda+-+Giraffe_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6cZ_JKZN-sS84V61ZpCC1tIoIwSnypoBQa_nw1SUC7XB_OIjdKvQ54nXsLlfWH86NwPYW-qynNuASyYrvwg7F9GPx1Aus7cHl2zxDwXs9XxzIuTdCeL7VcjhY8vvHOfxqi3b0JlrHxhR/s320/Selinda+-+Giraffe_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We have introduced an exciting new safari to our Botswana portfolio of Tours & Safaris ... the <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours-safaris/botswana/selinda-canoe-trail/"><b>Selinda Canoe Trail</b></a> is a low impact safari that offers and exceptionally rich African wilderness experience ... the canoe trail follows the Selinda Spillway (the channel conecting the Okavango with the Linyanti Swamps), over a period of 4 days & 3 nights. Guests camp on the banks of the river to the sounds of lions roraring or elephants feeding in the surrounding bush ! ... truely a remarkable African wilderness adventure !African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-50133803125806822662011-06-21T19:34:00.002+02:002011-06-22T10:07:10.262+02:00Walking Safari in South LuangwaThe New Zebra Plains Camp in the South Luangwa Valley of Zambia is offering a fantastic <b>3 Night Walking Safari for U$ 1235 pp sharing valid between 01 June - 31 Oct 2011</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM82lOSUDxNHneGy77JhdSpNouINB1Q6tf-WyfAsBRqDJoBsFj7Kzy2HRhqeyoC18VD3TAVtTuo39tx1UAjeqtwqHNif7Iv-4oVhIisKt1biRpk5STA_wgEvxm30Sj9oLszUdaawCPlABs/s1600/Zebra+Plains+walking+safari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM82lOSUDxNHneGy77JhdSpNouINB1Q6tf-WyfAsBRqDJoBsFj7Kzy2HRhqeyoC18VD3TAVtTuo39tx1UAjeqtwqHNif7Iv-4oVhIisKt1biRpk5STA_wgEvxm30Sj9oLszUdaawCPlABs/s320/Zebra+Plains+walking+safari.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/hotels-lodges/zambia/the-south-luangwa-national-park/sanctuary-zebra-plains-walking-safari-camp/">Sanctuary Zebra Plains Camp</a> is nestled on the banks of the Luangwa River - an unspoilt and magical wilderness area that has many exciting African mammals resident to it, including elephant, zebta, cape buffalo, crocodiles and puku. The Luangwa River and its diverse landscape makes for an excellent <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/details/african-walking-safaris/south-africa/">walking safaris</a> both from a gameviewing, birdwatching and spectacular scenery point of view ... the camp only accommodates 6 guests thus remaining intimate and an ideal walking safari destination ...African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-26518298756526495002011-05-26T19:56:00.000+02:002011-05-26T19:56:02.615+02:00New 6 Night Vic Falls, Chobe & Houseboat Safari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXKvLZSuwN2Ha7Vhs4FBFQq8Qi0fMv_j1tAD1p0Q9pDcd9GS5XQQeToxKJj-gwWcbT6nJ3GoW9urljcWX6cg0jD_KuIrqcN1TN3_muq9ovLcCYV1MUZhdCGhlI6lvpZAxFPF49Tnhjb8k/s1600/Ichobezi+view_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXKvLZSuwN2Ha7Vhs4FBFQq8Qi0fMv_j1tAD1p0Q9pDcd9GS5XQQeToxKJj-gwWcbT6nJ3GoW9urljcWX6cg0jD_KuIrqcN1TN3_muq9ovLcCYV1MUZhdCGhlI6lvpZAxFPF49Tnhjb8k/s320/Ichobezi+view_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div>We have just put a new recommended itinerary that encompasses <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours-safaris/botswana/6-night-victoria-falls-chobe-safariboat-adventure/">Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and the Ichobezi Safariboat</a> that cruises the Chobe Rivers channels and floodplains. This exciting new itinerary offers value for money and variety in a relatively short period of time.African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-45276180913431543072011-05-24T11:05:00.000+02:002011-05-24T11:05:17.432+02:00Houseboats on Chobe RiverHouseboats have mostly been associated with lake Kariba on the border between <br />
Zimbabwe and Zambia ... however there a couple of exciting houseboat options on the Chobe & Upper Zambezi Rivers, take for example the <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/details/zambezi-queen-luxury-houseboat-chobe-river-botswana/botswana">Zambezi Queen</a> and the <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/details/ichobezi-luxury-safariboats/Namibia">Ichobezi Safariboats</a>, these products give a complete new angle on exploring the Chobe River and surrounding floodplainsAfrican Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-4434824251785594682011-04-01T14:36:00.001+02:002011-04-01T14:38:55.017+02:00African Walking Safaris Explained ...When searching for <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/details/african-walking-safaris/south-africa/">African Walking Safaris</a> on the internet, its sometimes difficult to actually grasp the concept. This new page on our website lifts out and defines the different ways a walking safari can be classified.African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048449813650371068.post-45606397022044330432011-03-30T15:09:00.000+02:002011-03-30T15:09:47.347+02:00New Hot Air Ballooning PortfolioTake a quick look at our new page for <a href="http://www.africantravel.com/tours/hot-air-ballooning">hot air ballooning in South Africa</a>African Travel Gatewayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451881243463022499noreply@blogger.com0