Guests of The Blue Train, which usually travels between Cape Town and Pretoria,  can expect 19 hours of pampering on board, as the train departs Pretoria at 15h00, arriving in Hoedspruit at 10h00 the next morning, or vice versa.

This is also an ideal option for those with a tighter itinerary wanting to experience The Blue Train, compared with the longer Cape Town journey.

The upcoming Blue Train Safari departures from Pretoria to Hoedpsruit:

• October 19, 2018.
• December 14, 2018.
• July 19, 2019.
• September 27, 2019.

The Blue Train Safari departures from Hoedspruit to Pretoria:

• October 20, 2018.
• December 15, 2018.
• July 10, 2019.
• September 28, 2019.

Contact us for more information at info@southernafrica360.com adding this experience to our holiday package.

The post Special Blue Train Departures To Kruger appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

The objective of the Speed Marketing workshop was not only to bring together Gauteng Province tourism products and SATSA accredited tour operators with the aim of promoting business, but to truly show off the diverse culture, heritage and future prospects that locals, tourists as well as businessmen and women can look forward to.

Maboneng

The Maboneng Precinct, also known as the Place of Light is nestled in the heart of Johannesburg CBD, an amazingly rejuvenated part of the city filled with a broad mix of people from all walks of life. Maboneng is fast becoming Jo ‘burg’s most unique and innovative area, offering fine restaurants such as Ravioli & Che Argentine Grill, entertainment venues, retail stores and art galleries, to The Bioscope, South Africa’s only independent cinema. Completed developments includes Arts on Main, Main Street Life, Revolution House, and Maboneng flagship accommodation and hotel development, Hallmark House.

There is a warm-friendly buzz with the smell of great cooking from the array of restaurants. The vibe is proudly South African with dancers and music in the streets.

– Alethea

The Cradle of Humankind

Maropeng, The Cradle of Humankind is the perfect destination for a quick getaway just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an exciting, world-class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. Not only is the Cradle of Humankind the only one of its kind in the world, it is also the only World Heritage Site that showcases human origins and development through interactive and entertaining exhibitions.

Southern Africa 360 offers day tours into both of these places and they can be booked as both a single tour or an add-on to a package. If you are interested in booking one of these tours you can contact us at info@southernafrica360.com

The post Site Visit: Maboneng & The Cradle of Human Kind appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) concluded an agreement earlier this year, which will see the KwaZulu-Natal Cruise Terminal Pty Ltd (KCT) finance, construct, operate, maintain and transfer a new cruise terminal facility in the Port of Durban by October 2020.

TNPA Chief Executive, Shulami Qalinge, said:

We are delighted to have concluded terms that will bring benefits to all parties, but most importantly to the City of Durban, and South Africa as a growing cruise destination. In doing so, we will truly be positioning Durban as a ‘Smart Port City’, and a world-class cruise capital.

Managing Director of Southern Africa 360, Collin Thaver, believes the new terminal, will boost tourism to the city and beyond, as visitors may disembark and add another South African experience to their trip, such as a safari.

This will also open doors for local operators to offer more than just the norm. We see this happening regularly with the liners that come into Cape Town.

Agreeing with Thaver, Adele Oelofse, Revenue and Marketing Manager at Ghost Mountain Inn in Mkuze, commented:

With the new terminal starting operations in late 2020, this will have a huge effect on tourism for 2020/2021 onwards.

Annual cruise vessel calls to Durban and passenger numbers are projected to increase substantially as a result of the new terminal’s construction, enabling the city to further develop as an international tourist destination.

The new ‘green’ and energy-efficient terminal will boast a number of new features and facilities, allowing for simultaneous embarkation and disembarkation of passengers on multiple vessels. Parking will be provided, catering for an estimated 200 vehicles, with kerbside drop-off facilities for 12 buses, dedicated baggage drop-off areas, separate screening and temporary holding areas, as well as separate passenger entry and exit points.

Transnet SOC Limited Group Chief Executive, Siyabonga Gama, concluded:

In a few years, we will witness the rise of a much-needed brand-new cruise terminal for Durban. In its wake, jobs will be created, new technologies implemented and tourism numbers boosted for Durban and for our country.

The post A New Cruise Terminal To Open In Durban appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

One of the initiatives that we visited was a Tourism Homestay – TAHS-SA (Traditional African Homestays South Africa) at the rural village of Makushu-Mosholombi. The aim of the project is to expand the tourism offering and experience in the Limpopo province, promoting rural tourism in a more remote area of South Africa. The community would like visitors to stay, live, eat and share with them, becoming a part of the village rather than feeling like outsiders.

Tourists learn about the culture, heritage and history of the village; participating in the activities, traditions and lifestyles of the local people. The community is encouraged to pull together and harness their existing skills to create something tangible for visitors to touch, feel and experience. In turn by supporting such a project visitors contribute to the upliftment of the community, as skills and living standards are enhanced through training and fund generation.

We arrived in Makushu close to sunset and were warmly welcomed by our guides at the “Royal Household” – family home of the late village chief and where his daughter, the Princess, lives. Here each guest was paired with a trained guide (or rather Nkhonani, which means friend in Venda, the local language). The role of the Nkhonani is to act as interpreter and to introduce their guest to the ways of the community and to facilitate day-to-day activities and interactions.

Our guides took each of us and our luggage to our separate homes for the night, mine was just up the road from the Royal House, but others had a bit of a trek as their homes were in the neighboring village of Mosholombi! Freddy, my Nkhonani, showed me to my room, showed me how everything worked and even assisted me to make up my bed from the lovely clean linen that was in the room.

Each guest receives a homestay kit (clean blanket/clean sheet/clean pillow case and pillow/towel/face cloth/wet wipes/coffee/tea/cremora/sugar/mug/snack bar/bucket(can also be used as a bath). There was a key for my door, Freddy said we did not need to lock as the village is totally safe – I felt a bit nervous of this as living in the city we constantly lock everything!  

We then made our way back to the others at the Royal House where there was a big feast being cooked up for us in pots outside over open fires. Most of the House Mothers were busy with the cooking so we only briefly got to meet each of ours. One noticeable aspect of the village and area and the number of baobab trees, they grow all over and every second house has a beautiful baobab tree in the yard!

The evening was really fun and entertaining, firstly some of the young girls demonstrated a few of their traditional dances to us. Dance is used to get a message across, for example if a woman is unhappy about something her husband is doing, but cannot bring it up with him in conversation, she makes her point through dance. In a similar way any community issues that need to be brought to attention can also be done so through dance.

We then moved to sit around the fire where we listened to stories and folklore and took part in riddles, or as they called it “quizzes”! We also ate around the fire, delicious food with some local delicacies such as mopani worms and chicken feet on offer! After a long day of travelling and an early morning all of us TOs were pretty tired and ready for bed, so our guides escorted us with our House Moms back to our rooms.

My home did not have a toilet so I had to visit the neighbor – toilets in the village are known as long-drops, or pit latrines, holes dug deep into the ground, enclosed in a small room made from metal sheeting or bricks for privacy. There are no baths or showers, but the house mothers do provide a large bucket with nice warm water (heated in most cases over the fire) for washing in the evening and morning.

Despite the unfamiliar sounds of the village – barking dogs and distant music, I slept comfortably and soundly. The place starts to come alive again as early as 4am when all the roosters of the village call out to each other – the alarm clocks of Makushu!

Everyone met up again as a group and we had a sunrise walk through both villages to the Khoro – the official community meeting place with the chief, under a massive and very beautiful baobab tree. However, when there are visitors this is also where the “Gogos” (grannies) sell their crafts – mostly beadwork. This sadly brought our visit to an end and we had to get back onto the road and on our way to our next site inspection and visit. However this experience was certainly the highlight of the week and the one that we all could not, and still cannot, stop talking about! TAHS-SA has a saying on their Facebook page which is very apt –

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.

I have also realised that any experience that takes a person slightly out of their usual comfort zone really makes the most memorable and treasured experience, something that I will certainly keep in mind when planning future trips for clients.

While we did only a very short overnight visit to the homestay, when offering the experience to tourists it is only available as 2 and 3 night packages. In the words of the Director of the project Cameron Murray,

Our aim is promote social cohesion between all cultures and offering a 2 or 3 night package, gives our guests the opportunity to immerse themselves completely in the Venda culture. It allows them to get to know the layout of the village (and what happens in the village on a day-day basis), connect with their guides and homestay mothers/families and really and truly leave gaining an authentic South African experience.

For those spending longer here, these are some of the other activities they will take part in:

• Explore the village route – crèche, Drop-inn Centre, Old Age Centre, Primary School and Cemetery
• Traditional beer tasting
• Mountain hike
• Traditional floor making
• Beading session
• Dancing lessons
• Donkey cart rides (traditional means of transport)
• Stargazing
• Sundowners at the look-out point
• Nzhelele nature Reserve Hike
• Day tours to Lake Funduzi, potholes, hot springs and Dzata Museum

The people of Makushu originated from the rich heritage and bloodline of the descendants of famous Mapungubwe. Mapungubwe is an ancient village, now a World Heritage site, known for the first trade in Africa and also a sacred area that the well-known Mapungubwe Golden Rhino was discovered dating back to 650AD. Today the villagers in Makushu are made up of mostly Venda tradition, although you do also find other cultures living in the village harmoniously.

Makushu is situated on the D3671 road next to the Nzhelele Dam and is in close proximity to many of the iconic tourist attractions and places of interest in Northern Limpopo. Some of the well-known attractions include Lake Fundudzi and Mapungubwe World Heritage site. Makushu is a mere 40 minute drive from Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and the Beitbridge Border post (Zimbabwe) and Pont Drift border Post (Botswana). It is also a short drive to the Pafuri and Punda Maria Gate (103km), the World Renowned Kruger National Park.

Please contact us if you would like some more information, as well as some sample packages showing how this experience can be incorporated into a package.

The post Spotlight: Limpopo Homestay appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Founded in 1994, Inverdoorn has offered guests the quintessential Big Five safari experience on their 1000 hectare reserve in the Karoo. The landscape is in contrast with Aquilla, which is known for its mountainous terrain and incredible vistas. This was one of the highlights of the deal, giving Aqullia not only a new large population of game but also a diverse set of locations and environments for guests to enjoy.

Both reserves have a great variety of Big Five and wildlife, which, within the next month will be further reinforced with new genetics, numbers and species.

– Searl Dorman, owner of The Aquila Collection

One new development from this purchase is a new policy for Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, which is the Cheetah Interaction Policy. Guests will not be permitted to interact with the cheetah or any other wildlife on the Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve.

Cheetah conservation efforts are being streamlined in the interest of the cheetah, and the conservation teams are in the process of working on a conservation policy and ethics that assists in identifying a proactive way forward that benefits cheetah conservation.

The previous owner of Inverdoorn, Damian Vergnaud is confident of the move and Aquila’s reputation and says staff, land and wildlife are in safe and responsible hands.

The post Aquila Adds To Its Collection appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Developed after consulting with nearly 200 organisations and 40 publications, the guidelines touch on 5 essential aspects of wildlife captivity:

1. legal compliance
2. wildlife conservation
3. animal welfare
4. visitor safety
5. transparency

These 5 areas are the new criteria by which facilities will be judged. FTT says global research conducted by Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit indicates that up to four million tourists who visit captive wildlife attractions per year are contributing to animal welfare abuse and declines in species’ conservation, yet 80% of them are unaware of their negative impacts.

“Issues around captive wildlife are firmly in the global spotlight and have the potential to negatively affect Brand South Africa”, says FTT MD Jane Edge. “Many animal welfare groups are lobbying to have the captive wildlife industry shut down and this pressure is likely to grow. FTT recognises that the industry is here to stay but that good practice standards and guidelines are urgently needed to weed out dangerous or exploitative practices. We encourage the tourism sector to use our guidelines to make discerning choices, thereby helping to improve standards and the overall image of South Africa,”

– Ms Edge, Fair Trade Tourism

To find out more about the guidelines visit the Fair Trade Tourism website and the guidelines are available to FTT-certified businesses and approved tour operators at no cost. Other businesses can purchase the guidelines for R250 (€15.88). To obtain a copy, contact shona@fairtrade.travel.

Remember Southern Africa 360 has a range of fair trade holiday packages, so you can be sure that your trip is both enjoyable and ethical.

The post New Fair Trade Tourism Guidelines: Captive Wildlife appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

1) Tsitsikamma

From the lush forests to the stunning beaches, Tsitsikamma is a magical part of South Africa that will have you itching to get out of your car and explore. There’s no shortage of activities to do here; from hiking to ziplining and even kayaking! This is a must for any adventure-seeking traveller. Southern Africa 360 Offers amazing holiday packages that visit this area and allows guests the opportunity to experience the magic of Tsitsikamma!

2) The Northern Cape

Often overlooked by tourists (unfairly so) the Northern Cape boasts many incredible locations for visitors such as Namaqua National Park and the beautiful Kalahari Desert. This region is also home to the Khoi San people, who were the first people to inhabit South Africa. We offer a great 6 Day Northern Cape – Kalahari Explorer that will take you on a journey through this unique and vast part of South Africa.

3) Drakensberg Mountains

When people think of mountains and South Africa, usually they think of Table Mountain, but on the other side of the country lies the enormous Drakensberg Mountains Range. With many beautiful hiking trails and stunning views, it is a nature lover’s dream destination! If you want to explore this incredible mountain range, why not join one of our  Drakensberg Day Trips? You will be able to go on a hike through history and view Bushman cave paintings that have been there since before the birth of South Africa.

4) Magaliesberg (Hot Air Ballooning)

Experience something completely different when you join a hot air balloon tour through the Magaliesberg area. You will be treated to stunning views of the area’s natural landscapes and, depending on the time of your trip, a beautiful sunrise.

5) Cango Caves

This sprawling cave system near Oudtshoorn is a natural marvel! Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. This is a must for travellers looking for a different experience on their South African holiday. On a guided day tour to Oudtshoorn you will get to explore the vast network of cavers all while learning about how they were formed and their place in local legends!

6)  Addo Elephant Park

South Africa has no shortage of wildlife reserves for safari enthusiasts and Addo Elephant Park is one of the country’s very best. With over 600 elephants, the park has one of the largest populations around. Not only that, but guests will have the opportunity to see the highly endangered black rhino!

There are so many unique and interesting places to visit in South Africa if you know where to look. If you would like to see a much longer list, check out Jen Reviews’ 100 Best Things to do in South Africa and perhaps discover locations you’ve never even heard of.

To find out more about Southern Africa 360’s amazing South African holiday packages, contact us at info@southernafrica360.com

The post 6 Hidden Gems In South Africa appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

The Makuleke People lived in scattered villages between the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers along South Africa’s northeastern frontier with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. They were removed from this area by the Apartheid regime and it was incorporated into the Kruger National Park. It is now known as the Pafuri region.

After thirty years of struggle, The Makuleke People regained ownership of their homeland, which had since become a prime piece of wilderness with a diverse and abundant wildlife population. Instead of resettling on the land and removing the thriving wildlife, they decided to leave the land as a contract park within Kruger National Park and manage by relying on a responsible form of nature tourism to remedy the negative effects that the forced removal had on their livelihoods. Return Africa is helping the Makuleke People in this endeavor to ensure that the community has the expertise and resources it needs to effectively manage the park.

Together we have created a suite of tourism experiences such as the Pafuri Walking Trail, Pafuri Camp and Baobab Hill Bush House that celebrate both the rugged beauty of one of the world’s few remaining wild places and the steadfast spirit of its people. It is a partnership based on many years of friendship and solidarity. Part of any visit to Pafuriis learning more about the rich traditions and culture of the Makuleke people, and guests will have the opportunity to visit the local village and learn more about their fascinating history.

– Return Africa

Southern Africa 360 has launched 3 amazing safari packages where guests will visit this amazing region, The 4 Day Pafuri Fly-In Safari, 8 Day Cape Town & Pafuri Safari and 9 Day Pafuri & Tuli Safari Tour. 

For more information on our safari tours into the Pafuri region, contact us at info@southernafrica360.com

The post The Makuleke People and Responsible Tourism appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Following the recent big announcement on the re-opening of the ziplines in Cape Town, Southern Africa 360 Exclusive Tours, SA Forest Adventuresand Constantia Valley Tourism have partnered to create a new day tour that aims to bring wine and adventure lovers, as well as, new visitors into the Constantia Valley.

This unique tour is not only a brilliant way for visitors to spend their day but it is the product of several local businesses, coming together to uplift the area. The Constantia Valley is the oldest wine producing region in the Southern Hemisphere and is celebrating 333 years of production. Constantia Valley Tourism has welcomed Southern Africa 360 into its community to work alongside the great wine farms in the area and expose the region for what it has to share.

The Constantia Valley Zip and Sip takes guests on a fun-filled adventure through the heart of the Constantia Valley, where they will taste wines and take in the incredible views in one of the best ways possible…by zipline! Visitors will soar above the beautiful fynbos as they complete a thrilling zipline course located at the Silvermist Estate in Constantia. They will then be taken to celebrate their successful day of adventure by enjoying two wine tasting sessions at local wine farms. This is a great way to spend a day out for travelling couples, families or corporate groups!

Joining this tour couldn’t be easier as there are several pick up points to choose from and bookings can be made via the Constantia Valley Tourism Offices or directly with Southern Africa 360 Exculsive Tours. Those staying closer to the centre of Cape Town can be collected from the CBD, V&A Waterfront and Atlantic Seaboard area. Guests staying in the Southern Suburbs can be picked up from the Constantia, Bishopscourt and Tokai areas. Pick-up times will be at 8:30 and 13:30 for those staying near the city and at 9:00 and 14:00 for guests staying closer to Constantia.

The tour takes 4 hours, all rates are net and give other operators the option to adapted and on-sell this. For more information on this tour contact info@southernfrica360.com

The post Southern Africa 360 – Exclusive Tours Launches Zipline and Wine Tasting Tour appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

With over 70% of its employees being local women of colour from the surrounding area, Southern Africa 360 has strived to become a leader in empowering local communities and in particular women in tourism. This is taken a step further as the company works hard to partner with similarly minded organisations and only receive services from small, locally owned business. In this Managing Director Collin Thaver hopes to set an example for others in the industry and show that just because the majority of our clients come from abroad, we are still able to be a positive force here at home.

Southern Africa 360 is a proud member of SATSA and is Fair Trade Tourism approved. It is also classified as being a 100% black-owned business and Thaver’s declaration on his I Do Tourism pledge states:

I do tourism because it empowers me to create jobs and allows our visitors to live their dreams.

This is at the heart of the ethos of Southern Africa 360 and has guided the company since its inception in 2009. Recently the company has partnered with Constantia Valley Tourism, in a bid to continue the trend of uplifting and empowering local businesses. Together they are creating a number of new tours that will bring in more business into the valley and boost the local economy.

If you would like to discuss possible partnerships contact us at info@southernafrica360.com

The post Committed To Transformation appeared first on Southern Africa 360.