Warm greetings from sunny South Africa! As many parts of the world are gearing to kick start their return to some form of the new/next normal in tourism or travel, so are we at Southern Africa 360. South Africa is Travel Ready and soon we will be opening up to welcome your international clients again, until then find below our latest offers, safety protocols and updates. 

As our valued trade partners we would like to share with you our redesigned sample South African packages, for Q4 2020 and 2021. We have designed these based on the most popular routings which our experience has shown for the Indian market. We have chosen hotels keeping in mind locations, family-friendliness and value for money pricing as well as health and safety protocols – we hope that these will be favourable to you and we welcome any questions and/or feedback. 

As a company we are carefully monitoring the Covid-19 protocols set by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa and assure all our partners that we will be abiding by these in all areas that we are affected and will be ensuring that all suppliers we work with (accommodation, transport, activity providers, etc.) are doing the same. We will continue to follow the guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the South African authorities to ensure that we are up-to-date and abide by the rules and regulations set.
 
Our post Covid reassurance: 
• Meet and Greet at Airports within SA which includes extensive information and briefings on the COVID-19 protocols for the country
• Complimentary 2-layer cloth mask (traditional South African ShweShwe print) and minimum 70% alcohol 50ml hand sanitizer for each guest
• Screening at hotels and tourist attractions to assist clients
• Daily Temperature checks might be done by hotels and at certain attractions
• Daily sanitising of all vehicles
• Seating capacity in all private vehicles reduced by 30-50% (maximum of 2 pax in a sedan, 4 pax in an 8-seater and 8 pax in a 14-seater vehicle for example)
• Digital vouchers and itineraries sent to guests’ mobile via WhatsApp or email on arrival. 

The post Virtual Update from Southern Africa 360 appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Just a short drive from Cape Town city centre lies a series of picturesque valleys known as the Cape Winelands. The Cape Winelands are home to a collection of historic towns, quaint hamlets and Cape Dutch farmsteads that provide South African wines to the world. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl form a large portion of the Cape Winelands, with grape cultivation dating back to the 1600s. The Cape is teeming with exceptional wines, popular estates and wine routes and most people are familiar with Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, but what about those lesser-known farms and regions. Why not explore some of the less familiar hidden gems that South Africa has to offer?

Tulbagh is one of these gems. Located in the Tulbagh Valley and only an hour and a half drive from Cape Town, this historical town is flanked on three sides by mountains, and drained by the Klein Berg River. Tulbagh enjoys some diverse and attractive conditions for viticulture, and the differences in terrain makes for a wide diversity in distinctive wines. The wineries range from smaller homely cellars that produce humble and honest wines to boutiques estates known for award-wining labels. Wine has been produced for many years in the basin on a commercial scale but only recently have serious advances been made.

Some of the other lesser explored but equally interesting wine regions in the Cape also offering excellent wines include the Durbanville, Wellington, Hemel en Aarde, Botriver, Standford, Swartland, Darling, Elgin and Breedekloof Winelands.

A day in the Winelands offers the perfect family-friendly day out, travel is 40 minutes to 1.5 hours from Cape Town (depending on which area you visit). A popular option is enjoying a full or half day tour or even overnights stays (at least two nights is recommended). Travellers enjoying a full day tour can experience up to 3 wine estates and 3 to 5 wines per tasting.
Wine lovers visiting Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl must experience some of the variety of wine pairings on offer - tasty local wines are paired with cheese, chocolate, pizza, ice-cream, nougat, marshmallow, candy floss, biscotti, cheesecake, doughnut, cupcake, macaroon, toffee, quiche, pie, biltong, charcuterie, artisanal salt… There is also a range of non-alcoholic tastings including fruit juice or non-alcoholic wines and tea, chocolate, cheese, ice-cream, olive oil and vinegar tastings. Whether you chose the alcoholic or non-alcoholic options, these favour combinations offer something to excite every pallet!

If you are looking to explore more of these areas you can try other tastings including gin, whiskey, brandy and craft beers. The Franschhoek Wine Tram also offers a fun day out especially for couples. Other options to explore more of this area include the Stellenbosch Vine Hopper and the City Sightseeing Bus which is perfect for all ages.

A day spent in the Cape Winelands can also be spent enjoying the excellent dining options, having a tasty picnic at one of the local wine estates – many of which offer children’s activities of even non-alcoholic and fun pairings for children, visit coffee shops or delis, explore one of the many markets on offer, enjoy visits to art gelleries, museums, book shops or you could also quite simply take a scenic drive while taking in the fantastic scenery!
Other activities in the winelands area which wine lovers and non-drinkers alike are sure to enjoy, include shopping at one of the many boutique shops, walks, hikes, cycling, horse riding or Segway tours in the vineyards, hot air balloon adventure tours, music festivals and animal adventures such as the duck parade (a family favourite), eagle encounters, cheetah outreach, butterfly world, giraffe house and crocodile farm.

If you would like sample packages showing more information on these and many more fantastic offers awaiting you in the Cape Winelands, please contact us.

The post The Magic of the Cape Winelands appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

How to do the usual tours and attractions a little differently in Cape Town:

South Africa's second most populated city, Cape Town, is known for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world and possesses a rich and colourful history. Welcoming over 5 million tourists a year, it is no surprise that Cape Town is the continent’s most popular destination!

Make 2021 the year you feel the embrace of our incredible Mother City! Established in 1652 as a refueling station for ships bounds for the East (the Spice Route). This city is often referred to as the Mother City, have you ever wondered why we call it the Mother City? This is an affectionate term used by locals and international visitors alike to describe the sense of home they feel in Cape Town.

 

Travellers will be pleasantly surprised to find a multitude of highly rated and popular tours, from the well-known and loved attractions such as a visit to Cape Point to or more unusual attractions on offer.

Here is a list of how to do the usual tours and attractions a little differently in Cape Town:

• Abseil from Table Mountain: A total thrill for adventure seekers, the panoramic views from the top of Table Mountain are breath taking, but the views from the abseil are even better. Descending down the side of a sheer cliff and experience views of Camps Bay, the Atlantic Seaboard and the deep blue ocean. The Table Mountain Abseil is guaranteed to get your pulse racing.
• Hike up Table Mountain and take the Cableway down: A favourite activity for all fitness levels, there are two well-trodden paths up this iconic north face. Hikers can enjoy a hike up and the Cableway down. There are restaurants, souvenir shops and excellent viewing points at the top.
• Wine tastings throughout the Winelands and Constantia: Have you been longing to try a wine pairing with a difference? Cape Town is home to many unique and delicious wine tasting options. Try chocolate, biltong (a SA360 favourite), pizza, ice cream, canapes and so many more combinations.
• Peninsula Tour by sidecar: Pack your camera to capture the thrill of this experience as you head out of the City along the Atlantic Seaboard and onto Chapman's Peak Drive lookout point. This tour is always raved about by our travellers.
• Cape Town City Cycle: Learn about the cities rich heritage while riding from the vibrant Waterfront to the bustling inner city. From the historic city centre, you will cycle into the colourful Bo-Kaap and then make our way towards Green Point before heading back to the Waterfront along the Atlantic Seaboard.
• Constantia Valley Zip & Sip: A unique experience in the Constantia Valley, taking in the incredible views in one of best ways possible, by zipline! Soar above the beautiful fynbos experiencing an exciting zipline course. Afterwards you celebrate your successful day of adventure by enjoying two wine tasting sessions at local wine farms. This is a great day trip for travelling couples, families or corporate groups!
• Kayak with the penguins in Simonstown: Paddle the warm waters of False Bay visiting the famous and fun penguins at Boulders Beach. No experience is required and any able bodied person can enjoy this excursion. Paddles take place every day of the year, weather permitting.  

What the Kruger National Park ffers besides safaris:

The Kruger National Park is home to the Big 5 as well as an extensive variety of animal, bird and insect species keeping visitors enthralled and totally engaged. Many of our travellers choose to self-drive the Kruger but you can also join part of a guided safari excursion. Other then safaris, here are some different activities to experience in and around the Kruger:

• Sunset safrai with an African Boma dinner: After an excting sunset game drive you will be taken to the boma inside Kruger Park, overlooking a river line. On the menu you have traditional meals such as venison kebab, boerewors, pap and sheba.
• Elephant experience at Jabulani Safari: Immerse yourself in the natural environment of African elephants on this early morning tour of the Elephant Experience at Camp Jabulani. You'll have plenty of time to ask questions, and you'll learn a ton about animal behavior and biology.
• Quad Biking: Experince the rugged territory around Kruger National Park on this adventure tour. All levels are welcome as you conquer the terrain and get completely dirty and soaked. Take in views of local waterfalls, indigenous forests, and blue gum plantations as you drive.
•  Ziplining: Did you know you can go ziplining just outside Hazyview? This 450m long zip slide will take you up to a speed of about 100 km/h. The height difference is 77 m.  You will be harnessed in so you don’t have to hold on by yourself.

If you would like sample packages showing more information on these and many more fantastic advebtures awaiting you in Cape Town and the Kruger National Park or how they can be incorporated into an itinerary, please contact us.

The post How to do the usual tours and attractions a little differently in Cape Town & What Kruger Offers Besides Safaris appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Zimbabwe is a vibrant land characterised by its dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, impressive wilderness and warm and welcoming people. It offers a pleasant year round climate with blue skies and lovely temperatures.

Once the centre of a huge empire based on trade with Africa's east coast, this land-locked country was originally home to the Khoisan people who left their rock art scattered across the country. Zimbabwe boasts good infrastructure and abundant resources. Its wealth has been built on agriculture, mineral exports and tourism. It is interesting to note that this country has some of the biggest platinum and diamond mines in the world. 

Zimbabwe is without a doubt the best known gateway to witness the majestic Victoria Falls, however there is so much more to this exciting country and many options of activities other than the Victoria Falls!

We have put together a list of our top picks and must-see destinations to add to your bucket list:

• Hwange National Park: Home to 14 651 square kilometres of wilderness waiting to be explored. Hwange offers exceptional game viewing year round and is home to approximately 46 000 elephants, compared with Masai Mara at 3 700, Kruger at 13 750 and Serengeti at 2 100. In the dry season in Hwange you are likely to see elephants in the hundreds congregating at water points throughout the park. Amazingly there are more elephants than guests visiting Hwange National Park in any given year!

• Matopos National Park: A prime wildlife sanctuary home to significant populations of black eagles and black and white rhinos and Matopos Hills – a range of scenic balancing rock formations created by erosion of the granite plateau offering beautiful views. Travellers will also find the grave of Cecil Rhodes, founder of former British colony Rhodesia, carved into the summit of Malindidzimu.

• Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Great Zimbabwe, the towering ruins from which this country took its name were built between the 11th and 15th centuries, this historical gem is also a World Heritage Site and a silent reminder of Zimbabwe's remarkable history.

• Mana Pools National Park: A rugged UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the southern banks of the Zambezi River, this national park is bound to leave traveller’s breathless with its beauty. A paradise for walking and canoeing safaris, Mana Pools is a wildlife-rich, biodiverse wonderland that will delight visitors at every turn. Animals found in this area include hippos, the Nile crocodile, elephants and a vast array of aquatic birds, making this an excellent spot for bird lovers to visit.

• Eastern Highlands (also known as the Manica Highlands): The Eastern Highlands are a mountainous area of spectacular natural beauty – home to rolling hills, green forests, rugged peaks, misty valleys, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling bodies of water. The Eastern Highlands run alongside the Mozambican border for some 300 kilometres and offer an array of outdoor activities. Visitors can choose from hiking, horse riding, fishing and golf, as well as the superb birdlife and the stunning scenery.

• Gonarezhou National Park: Home to about 11 000 elephants and covering just more than 5 000 km² of some of the most spectacular scenery in the region incorporating the iconic Chilojo Cliffs, wide meandering rivers and extensive woodlands. This genuine wilderness area s with teeming wildlife, picturesque landscapes and offers a fantastic self-drive option for 4x4s.

• Lake Kariba: Lies 1 300 kilometres upstream from the Indian Ocean along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is the world's largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume, the scenic lake offers fantastic opportunities for houseboat holidays, fishing and game drives in the Matusadona National Park - situated on the southern shore of Lake Kariba.

If you would like sample packages showing how Zimbabwe can be incorporated into an itinerary, more information on the highlights or exciting adventures in this country or if you would like to book a holiday to Zimbabwe, please contact us.

The post Zimbabwe – A World of Wonders appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Early indications predict that Post Covid-19 many will want to visit destinations that are set in peaceful settings, that speaks to nature and are crowd free, Botswana leads itself to this in more ways than one can imagine!

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, Botswana has a landscape like no other. It is home to the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta. That coupled with its majestic wildlife, natural wonders and warm locals makes it a special place to visit.

Here are 5 interesting facts about Botswana:

• The Makgadikgadi Pan, a salt pan situated in the middle of the dry savanna of north-eastern Botswana, is one of the largest salt flats in the world. The pan is all that remains of the formerly enormous Lake Makgadikgadi, which once covered an area larger than Switzerland, but dried up tens of thousands of years ago.
• Botswana has the largest elephant population on the continent. Travellers say the best place to see them is at Chobe National Park, known for their large herds of elephants. This beautiful country is home to 130,000 elephants, making up a third of all the elephants in Africa.
• The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is best described as a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana and known for its sprawling grassy plains. June to August is the best time to visit when the water levels are highest.
• Botswana is approximately the size of France, but has only 2 million people living in the country, compared to France’s 66.9 million.
• The rare confluence of a total four nations coming together on one spot only exists in Africa where the corners of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia meet – known as the quadripoint at Kazangula.

Botswana’s vast expanses of wilderness combined with the sensation of limitless space will allow you to forget the restraints of daily life and completely re-connect with nature. Take in the beauty of the Okavango delta, experience the isolation and vastness of the Makgadikgadi pans or enjoy seeing the prolific wildlife of the Chobe National Park or on the Kalahari Plains.

Here are some of Botswana’s unmissable highlights:

- Okavango Delta: Known as “the Jewel of the Kalahari” the Delta is one of Africa’s top safari destinations. A unique attraction where the great Okavango River never finds the sea, but flows into the Kalahari Desert and fans out into a delta formation. The Okavango Delta supports an impressive concentration of animals and birds including the Big 5 and over 400 bird species. A must try is a guided Mokoro excursion through this wetland paradise in a traditional dugout canoe.

- Hot air ballooning over the Okavango Delta: A hot air balloon ride offers an experience of a lifetime, travellers can see the world from a new perspective with the opportunity to see, smell and hear their surroundings. Ballooning offers adventure, mixed with a unique feeling of freedom and, in wildlife areas, often enhances safari experiences.

- Moremi Game Reserve: A pristine and diverse wilderness area, forms part of the Okavango Delta, it ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa. Covering over 4871 square kilometres, this diverse ecosystem supports a wide spectrum of wildlife. The birdlife is prolific and includes most of the 550 bird species recorded on Botswana’s national bird list. A range of luxury lodges in the reserve offers visitors the perfect base to experience this corner of paradise.

- Chobe National Park and Chobe River: No matter how you arrive, by land or by air, the first glimpse of the Chobe River is breath-taking! Arguably one of Africa’s most beautiful rivers, the Chobe supports a diverse concentration of wildlife unlike anywhere else in the world. Home to more than 50 000 elephants, Chobe National Park is bordered to the north by the mighty Chobe River. It is the second largest national park in Botswana featuring four distinct ecosystems: the Savuti Channel, the Linyanti Swamps, the arid hinterland and Serondela. This diversity of habitats provides a sanctuary to an astonishing array of African wildlife.

- Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: Set in the heart of the dry savanna, the Makgadikgadi Pan is the world’s largest network of salt pans stretching over 3900 square kilometres and formed on the bed of the ancient Makgadikgadi Lake that began evaporating aeons ago. Travellers visiting will enjoy a unique salt desert experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of this incredible landscape, experience safaris to spot a host of wildlife and choose from a number of activities. Be sure to keep an eye out for the countless flamingo flocks creating a magnificent pink spectacle dotting the landscape.

- Linyanti Concessions: The Kwando-Linyanti river system is home to a series of private game reserves, known for their exotic animal species and luxury safari options. An abundance of wildlife roams freely between the woodland habitats, ancient floodplains and forests that make up these lush, unfenced reserves. A top tip is to experience a nigh drive which will allow for the discovery of nocturnal creatures such as genets, honey badgers and spring hares. This vast, untamed wilderness is the perfect location for those seeking a unique African adventure in an exclusive and remote big game habitat.

- Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Perfect for adventure seekers looking for a truly remote African safari. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest, offer the sheer wonder of exploring this vast reserve with its wild, untouched beauty. The landscape is dominated by sand veld, acacias, and Kalahari apple-leaf, interspersed with grasslands and dotted with occasional sand dunes, pans and fossil river valleys.

If you would like sample packages showing how Botswana can be incorporated into an itinerary or if you would like more information on this exciting adventures in this country or if you would like to book a holiday to Botswana, please contact us.

The post Beautiful Botswana – Home To Landscapes Like No Other appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Are you looking to explore the vastness of Namibia? This incredible destination boasts dramatic landscapes combined with towering red sand dunes, abundant wildlife and a rich cultural heritage. Namibia is a varied African destination that will speak to the imagination of even the most intrepid traveller.

Namibia is not a highly populated country, being home to just over 2,5 million people. This vast country covers an area of 825 419 km², making the population density in Namibia only 3 people per Km2. The concept of self-drive road trips is likely to become an even more popular means of transport post-Covoid-19 era. A self-drive holiday through Namibia offers a trip through a remote area with total freedom and flexibility to see and explore Namibia’s hidden gems at your own pace and in your own space. Namibia is home to spectacular scenery, breath-taking landscapes and activities galore to suit any adventure seeker. It is hard to find another destination that ticks as many boxes as Namibia does!

From Namibia’s coastal areas, deserts, and safari destinations to its towns of all sizes (and even ghost towns), a self-drive adventure in this beautiful country is an experience not too be missed! We have put together a short guide of tips & tricks and things to consider if you are looking to book or have booked a self-drive holiday in Namibia:

– Choice of car hire: In Namibia you will drive on the left-hand side of the road. Although a 4×4 vehicle would be an ideal option as they allow universal access it is not essential to have a 4×4 as most of Namibia and the tourist sites can be reached by a regular car. Ensure you have off-road tires on your 4×4 rental vehicle before leaving the rental car facility, if this is the option you choose. Ensure you have at least one spare tire and that you know how to change the tire no matter what car you are hiring. Also be sure to mention to your rental car company if you are planning on driving to a boarding country or outside of Namibia. If you are going on a camping self-drive holiday be sure to rent a fully equipped vehicle.

– Gravel roads: You need to be comfortable with the prospect of driving on gravel roads if you opt for a self-drive option in Namibia. Most of the main roads tarred and the tarred roads are normally in good condition. Some roads are gravel roads, which can vary from gravel to sand, be sure to slow down when approaching these types of roads. The off road conditions tend to range from deep sand to rocky roads. It is a good idea to drive with your headlights on even during daytime hours, this will make you more visible especially if there is a change in weather conditions.

– Keep an eye out for animals: Namibia is full of animals, even in the most unusual places! Keep an eye out when driving at all times and don’t exceed the speed limits. There is road side signage to indicate when to be most cautious for animal sightings while driving.

– Carry water: Due to the hot desert temperatures it is essential to carry plenty of water with you at all times.

– Petrol stations: It is a good idea to mark and take note of where there will be petrol stations along your route, often in remote areas there can be a fair distance between towns so it would be a good idea to check your petrol and/or car tire pressure etc. each time you pass a petrol station.

– Avoid driving at night: People and animals walk on the roads or shoulder of the roads after dark and as a lot of the roads do not have fluorescent markings or cats-eyes it can be tricky to see the road at night!

– GPS or road map: A good GPS is essential, it is also advisable to carry a road map which you have studied the routes you will be taking and where you can make markings of important information such as petrol stations. Also plan your trip and route before you leave your accommodation and it is a good idea to let your accommodation know your itinerary and when to expect you especially if you are travelling in more remote areas.

– An early start: If you are going for a long drive, getting an early start at sunrise before it gets too hot might make for a better road trip for the day. Leaving early will also allow you extra time to reach your destination before nightfall.

– Driving during the rainy season: The rainy season is from November to March. It’s important to note when driving during the rainy seasons flooding will occur making it difficult to drive off road due to the mud. It would be better to use tarred routes during this time.

These are just some of the tips and tricks to take into account when you book a self-drive holiday. It is advisable to do research about the areas you will be visiting to and gauge what activities you would like to do once in Namibia, which road types you will be using and to prepare yourself for your trip ahead. If you would like any additional information on self-drive trips in Southern Africa or the exciting self-drive trips we have on offer please contact us for more information.

The post Tips & Tricks for Self-Driving In Namibia appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Do you want to wake up by a waterfall, without having to forego your morning coffee?

As life becomes more chaotic, escaping into nature – without having to rough it and forego creature comforts has become so appealing. Say hello to glamping!

Glamping (glam camping) offers a fantastic way for families to experience indoor luxury and the great outdoors, exploring remote locations, choosing from active adventure options (spectacular views, rockpools, etc) and enjoying the best of nature together. Glamping offers a fantastic camping alternative without the hassle of having to pack and carry all your camping equipment, transporting a caravan or worrying about bugs and shared ablutions – transforming camping into a luxury experience.

Once travel starts again, it seems reasonable to consider a glamping holiday. The concept of road trips will become more common post-Covoid-19 era, discovering the country with total autonomy and flexibility may be a growing option after the restrictions are lifted. Travel privacy will also be much more important from now on. The fear of proximity between people and the need to avoid crowded spaces will play an important role. Nature tourism and more specifically glamping allow for social distancing, discovery and contact with nature, which in recent weeks many travellers have been unable to benefit from.

Glamping refers to permanent or semi-permanent structures located in distinctly beautiful and desirable locations – think forests, deserts, the seaside and more. Glamping locations offer anything from safari-style tents, platform tents, riverside chalets, cabins in the woods and more – perfect for any season. The level of luxury varies with glamping however comfort tends to be considered highly, along with private locations - seemingly made for social distancing.

South Africa is home to some outstanding and very popular glamping spots throughout the region! One of the better-known glamping projects is AfriCamps – allowing guests to reconnect with nature and each other.  AfriCamps offer fully equipped self-catering glamping tents across South Africa – from the Cape Winelands to Greater Kruger. This glamping holiday offers unique outdoor activities and experiences on the most beautiful working farms, estates and reserves.

The hallmark of AfriCamps is their custom-designed boutique glamping tents which are spacious and fully furnished with excellent kitchens, comfortable bedrooms and large showers. They offer guests the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive holiday, the closeness to nature of a camping trip and luxury of a beautiful self-catering unit. The effort of carrying food is even taken away if guests choose as “cook your own” meal baskets can be arranged.

AfriCamps heats up – If you’re visiting AfriCamps at Ingwe in Plettenberg Bay, AfriCamps at Doolhof in Wellington or AfriCamps at Oakhurst in Wilderness, you are in for a steamy hot, wood-fired treat. Travellers can enjoy a private outdoor wood-fried hot tub next to their glamping tent!

We highly recommend trying one of these three AfriCamps itineraries, each offering a memorable glamping experience that can be enjoyed by all ages:

11 Day Glamping Adventure: Route 62, Garden Route & Cape Winelands.

14 Day Cape Town, Garden Route & Whale Coast

9 Day Glamping Adventure: Kruger & Pongola

We have a range of glamping destinations and different style glamping packages on offer in South Africa. To find your idea glamping experience or for sample itineraries for glamping holidays you are welcome to contact us. We will assist you with finding your ideal glamping experience!

The post The Perfect Opportunity For Travellers to Reconnect with Nature and Each Other appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

This is a classic if you're on the coast, served with fresh crusty bread and an ice-cold beer of glass of wine. Adding the butter gives the dish richness and extra zing (you can use less chilli if you don't like it too hot). Of course, the prawns can also be grilled over hot coals. The below recipe serves 6. Top tip: Strictly speaking, peri-peri is made with African bird's-eye chillies (Capsicum frutescens), not Thai/Asian bird's-eye (Capsicum annuum).

Follow this exciting recipe below to create a tasty dish you are sure to try again:

What you need for the prawns:

• 3 bird's-eye chillies
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• Salt and pepper
• 2t smoked paprika
• 4T olive oil, plus extra for grilling
• 1t honey
• 36 king prawns, deveined
• 2 lemons, cut into wedges

For the chilli butter:

• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 2 red chillies, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2T chopped parsley

Method:

1. To make the peri-peri, crush chillies, garlic, citrus zest and juice, salt and pepper into a paste using a mortar and pestle.
2. Whisk the paste with paprika, olive oil and honey.
3. Place prawns in a large bowl, pour over the peri-peri sauce and carefully toss until they're all coated.
4. Leave to marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes.
5. Mix the ingredients for the chilli butter and season. Gently simmer in a saucepan until golden-brown and caramelised.
6. Heat a griddle pan until smoking hot. Drizzle olive oil over the prawns and place them in rows on the pan.
7. Grill for 4 minutes a side, basting with leftover peri-peri sauce, until they're slightly charred.

Serve prawns on a platter, drizzled with chilli butter, and lemon wedges on the side.

The post Try These Delicious Peri-Peri Prawns With Chilli Butter appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

To gain an understanding on the formation of the Okavango Delta and its annual flood patterns it may be helpful to look at the origin and flow of the Okavango River.

The source of the Okavango Delta flood actually lies in the extremely wet highlands of Angola north of Botswana. From here the Okavango River flows south through Namibia away from the sea. It forms part of the border between Angola and Namibia, and then flows into Botswana, where the river becomes known as the Okavango River. Channelled by ancient fault lines, the precious live giving waters begin the meandering journey.

Before the water enters Botswana, the river drops 4 meters in a series of rapids known as Popa Falls, visible when the river is low, as during the dry season. The Okavango River continues on and splits into several channels, forming a vast, fan-shaped, astonishingly vibrant wilderness of flood plains, forests, smaller streams and an array of lagoons, islands and channels, which is commonly known the Okavango Delta. This area is some 15 000 km2!

People tend to get confused by the fact that all of Botswana, including the Okavango Delta, has a summer rainfall, yet the flood occurs in the dry winter months. Summer rain falls first seep into the parched ground before the rivers start flowing. The rainfalls in the highlands gather momentum up North and slow down as they reach Namibia. Attributed to the shallow gradient of the land and the swamp vegetation slowing the water down, the flood travels very slowly at only one kilometre a day and it takes months for the flow of water to reach the actual Okavango Delta. During late April the flood usually arrives into the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta making its way steadily down reaching many camps only sometime in June, or possibly early July, depending on their precise location, reaching its peak sometime in August. August is Botswana’s dry winter season and this is what attracts the animals to the water. Some animals even become trapped on the larger islands- making game viewing spectacularly simple.

The weather in Botswana is very warm and the flood-water will gradually evaporate and trans evaporate over the next few months, depositing its rich river salts and minerals into the ground as channels and lagoons dry up. It is the only inland Delta in the world. The rivers were cut off from the sea thousands of years by earthquakes that shifted tectonic plates and created fault lines that ‘’trap’’ the flow of the water.

These ideal circumstances provide the perfect breeding ground for an incredible diversity of wildlife, which is drawn from all over Botswana to the abundant water in the dry winter months. Therefore it is no surprise that the Okavango Delta was named as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The excellent rains that have fallen in Angola these past months has resulted in the water levels in the Okavango River rapidly rising with a lot more still to come. It looks like the Okavango Delta's veins will flow well this year. Visitors are sure to hear the sounds of whistling ducks, reed frogs, squacco herons and the soft splash of lechwe trotting through the shallow flood plains.

To date the 2020 flood levels are at their highest at this time of year for at least the past 5 years. The below measurements have been provided by Hydrology Namibia and were taken at their measuring station at Rundu, just before the Okavango River flows into Botswana. On the 2nd of March 2020 the rainfall was sitting at 7.61m at Rundu – last year we were at 5.08m and the average per year is 5.80m.

We are very excited for an amazing flood this year. Those of you that experienced the delta in one of its driest phases last year, visit the Okavango Delta this year, it's going to be epic! For more information or for sample itineraries showing how the Okavango Delta can be incorporated into a package, please contact us.

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The Verge Aparthotel is centrally located within the heart of Sea Point on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town, The Verge offers a unique accommodation option that has all the convenience of a hotel, with the comfort of home.

The complex houses 21 impeccably furnished, fully equipped suites that are available for stays of one night and up, with weekly and monthly rates available on request for visitors requiring a longer stay. With a host of on-site facilities that range from front desk concierge to round the clock security, free WiFi, secure free parking and keycard access, The Verge offers a well-priced accommodation solution that caters to business and leisure travellers alike.

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