We certainly believe a self-drive holiday is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Southern Africa...

Wedged between the South Atlantic and the Kalahari Desert, Namibia boasts an array of natural sites, activities, adventures and once-in-a-lifetime excursions. From rich history and cultural heritage to wildlife sightings in the reserves and natural wonders like the dunes and salt pans, Namibia has something for everyone. Travelling through Namibia by car is one of the best ways to explore this extremely vast and beautiful country, boasting unspoiled natural environment from your choice of guided trips, hot air ballooning, nature drives, sundowner trips, bush dinners, guided sunset walks and scenic flights.

A top pick is a self-drive in your own vehicle - as South Africans, Namibia is on our border to the north, and a self-drive offers the freedom to stop and go as you please in the comfort of your own car and at your own pace, making self-driving in Namibia extremely rewarding. Self-drive holidays also offer the opportunity to visit places off the beaten track. Self-drives are popular for Honeymoon couples, friends, small groups and families wishing to travel together.

Be sure to be well prepared for the long open roads and brilliant landscapes. Here are some important tips to make the most of your road trip in Namibia:

Things you should take along in your car:

• A camera: This is invaluable on your trip, from wild animals to stirring landscapes and interesting people, there are photo opportunities galore and documenting your road trip is a great way to make the memories of your adventure last even longer.
• Water: Take lots of bottled water in the car with you. Namibia can be very hot and you may drive for a long distance before seeing a spot to replenish, so always make sure you are hydrated. Snacks such as biltong and droewors are also a good idea to pack to have a bit of food to nibble on.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: It is very important to protect yourself from the sun while driving. Wearing a good pair of sunglasses will not only protect your eyes but also reduce the sun’s glare, which will help you be able to spot animals and other things in the distance.

Fill up with petrol when you have a chance:

• There are many petrol stations dotted along the national roads, but you must always make sure that you have enough petrol or diesel in your car to get from one station to the next. Namibia is a sparsely populated country so be sure to fill up when you can. Always make sure to have enough cash on hand as well as a bank card to pay for your fuel. It is also a good idea to carry a Jerry can of petrol for emergencies.

Know the major national roads:

• The national roads of Namibia are all labelled with the letter ‘B’ and you can use them to get to most major destinations in the country. Take a look at these major highways in order to plan your route:

- B1 from Noordoewer (South African border) to Oshikango (Angolan border), 1694 km

- B2 from Walvis Bay to Okahandja, 285 km

- B3 from Nakop (South African border) to Grünau, 324 km

 - B4 from Lüderitz to Keetmanshoop, 351 km

- B6 from Windhoek to Buitepos (Botswana border), 335 km

 - B8 from Otavi to Katima Mulilo (Zambian border), 837 km

Only take the secondary roads if your car can handle it:

• These roads are identified by either their ‘D’ or ‘C’ prefixes and are mostly un-tarred, graded dirt roads, home to lots of hidden gems along the way such as rest camps, conservation centres, traditional communities and even the largest meteorite in the world! These roads are more often than not easy to drive on, but you will need a car that can handle a bit of sand and dust.

Look out for animals!

• No matter what road you’re driving on, highways or side roads, you need to be on the lookout for animals. Not only because they are amazing to spot and observe, but because they can run into the road unexpectedly so always stick to the speed limits and keep a look out for these animals. It is important to note animals are most active during the dusk and the dawn, so if the sun’s going down, or if the sun’s coming up, then sharpen your wits and keep a close eye on the verge of the road.

Plan your trip before you set out:

• It is important to decide on a route before you launch out into the wild on your road trip adventure. Following your itinerary, do some googling before you depart, plot out the sights you want to see and then plan a route that’ll best get to there keeping the kind of car and roads in mind. Also, don’t over-estimate the amount of kilometres you can do in a day. With any road trip, it’s always better to give yourself more time to get to a destination. You never know what could delay you, whether it’s a rough road that calls for you to slow down or stumbling upon a quaint town you want to spend time exploring.

The weather in Namibia:

• Weather in any country can be unpredictable and Namibia is a notoriously hot country being mostly covered in desert. Some places, especially coastal spots such as Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, offer a much cooler climate which is a welcome relief for in-between destinations. The winter months can also be fiercely cold at night and in the early mornings, so if you are traveling between April and September take warm clothing as well as light clothing for the days, which are generally sunny and bright.

Make sure your car is ready for adventure:

• You will need to pick the appropriate type of car for your journey. If you are planning to stay on the national roads then any reliable four door sedan should be fine. Do bear in mind though that a car with a very low ground clearance may run into trouble, so it’s probably best to leave the sports-sedan at home.
• Check your tire pressure, in a standard vehicle travelling on dirt roads with normal air pressure will result in punctures, before setting off pull into a petrol station and get the air pressure set.
• Make sure that you have all the required documentation you need for a long-distance trip. Is your car is roadworthy? Do you have all the equipment you will need in the event of a flat tyre or other minor mechanical faults?
• GPS is highly recommended however it is very important to take a physical map with you. Electrical equipment can fail so you need to have a backup plan. A map is solid and dependable.

A few more tips to note:

• It’s a good idea to leave your headlights on through the day and the night. Headlights, even in daylight make your car easier to see for oncoming vehicles.
• Drive carefully and cautiously, as always. Be especially careful when leaving or entering villages and towns. There are often people and animals crossing the road.

• Make sure you have a roadside emergency kit in your car as well as a basic first-aid kit.
• Do not speed! The penalties for exceeding the local speed limits are extremely severe, and law enforcement is wide-spread.
• Cell phone reception is not consistent all over the country so have a look at your service provider’s coverage map or contact them directly to see if where you’re going will have service.

We offer a range self-drive packages with Namibia being one of our most requested and popular destinations. To find out more or for sample itineraries for self-drive tours using your own or a hired vehicle you are welcome to contact us.

The post The Ultimate Guide To Your Next Namibian Self-Drive Holiday appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

A trip to the Garden Route offers the opportunity to make connections – meet the makers, the ceramicists, the artisans, the conservationists. Slow things down, catch your breath, take in the invigorating salt air and every sunset and let the Garden Route work its magic. Try one of these exciting activities on your next trip to this majestic destination:

– A Kayak & Lilo Tour: An amazing opportunity to enjoy a two to three-hour activity on the magnificent Storms River in Tsitsikama. During this time you will explore the deep, hidden world of the serene Storms River gorge by gently meandering along the extensive, bottomless pools, caves, ancient forests, and pass underneath the suspension bridge surrounded by the quiet sounds of nature and skyscraping rocky cliffs. At the low-water point, the kayaks are exchanged for relaxed floating lilos specially designed to access the narrow parts of the gorge.

– Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour: Try something different and take a canopy tour in the beautiful Tsitsikamma rainforest. You will have an amazing time zip lining through the trees, from platform to platform, 30m above the forest floor. You will be as close as possible to all of the lush greenery and bird life, while the professional guides will give you interesting information about the forest’s ecosystem. This is an unforgettable experience that gives guests a truly unique perspective.

– Bloukrans Bungy Jump or Bridge Walk: At 216 metres high, the World’s highest commercial bungy jump takes place from the top of the arch of Africa’s biggest bridge. To get out to the jump point you will be sent out on a zipline from the bank of the arch. From there it’s time for your bungy jump. To get back to land, two more unique experiences happen, first of all you will get a winch ride back up to the top of the arch after your jump. Then you get to walk the suspended skywalk back off the bridge. The walkway is bolted to the underside of the road deck above the Bloukrans River with spectacular views and a final exposure to the full height of the bridge. Visitors can also experience the skywalk without doing the bungy jump.

– Cango Caves: The regions iconic attraction and some of the most spectacular dripstone caverns in the country. These caves are the only show caves in Africa that offer a choice of two different tour types, both lead by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited Caves Guides who will conduct visitors along the magic paths of the world’s finest stalactite cave. All tours are offered in English but Afrikaans, German, French and other language options may be available (these options can be checked when we make a reservation). The two tour types to choose from are either the easy going Heritage Tour stopping at several points of interest or the Adventure Tour ideal for adventure seekers, you will be lead deeper into the cave where you will experience narrow crawl spaces adding to a thrilling adventure.

– Safari Ostrich Farm: Cross the Oteniqua Mountains and head to Oudtshoorn for an unforgettable Klein Karoo experience. Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest bird will not be disappointed, as ostriches are a common sight in the area. Take an ostrich tour and get up close to these magnificent creatures. The Ostrich Farm Tour is an unforgettable experience on Safari Ostrich Farm. During the tour you will learn more about these remarkable birds and their fascinating nature.

– Addo Elephant National Park: A diverse wildlife conservation park situated close to Port Elizabeth, Addo is one of the country’s 20 national parks. It currently ranks third in size after the Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Addo is home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth, roughly 550 of them. Addo is also the only park in the world to lay claim to Africa’s ‘Big 7’ – elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark.

– Featherbed Eco Experience: Experience the stunning Featherbed Nature Reserve as you take the ferry across the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head. From here you will be taken up a beautiful 4×4 trail into the Reserve, stopping to take in the scenery and for your guide to give you all the information on the various plants and animals. There is also an optional short guided tour through the coastal forest into nearby sea caves. The Knysna Heads and Estuary are also home to a variety of options such as boats trips, dinner cruises, sunset sails, marine eco tours and boat-based whale watching.

– Route 62: The longest wine route in the world, meandering from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn, through a series of fascinating small towns and breath-taking scenery. Lush greenery and fertile valleys form a stark contrast against the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo while towering mountains and their rivers and streams provide an awe-inspiring backdrop throughout. Some of the renowned attractions visitors will spot as they follow the route are the Winelands of the Breede River Valley, the majestic Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves and ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley.

– Ocean Odyssey SUP in Knysna: Explore the waterways of Thesen Island with the world’s fastest growing water sport, Stand-Up Paddling. Stand-Up Paddling, or SUP for short, is easy, fun and guaranteed to keep you fit whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery of our waterways & lagoon. The calm waters of Thesen Island are ideal for beginners and the many inlets and coves are perfect for the more adventurous or experienced paddlers. Eight top quality rigid boards and paddles are available for rent by the hour. This activity is perfect for children, couples and families.

– Swartberg Pass: Ascent of nearly 950 metres up the Swartberg via the world-renowned Swartberg Pass. This gravel pass, a national monument, was constructed over a four year period and opened in January 1888. Get close to nature and explore the spectacular sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feast your eyes on the splendour of diverse fynbos species, including proteas. The tranquillity and serenity of this unique experience reflects the essence of a bygone era where wagons and riders on horseback was a familiar sight. At the summit of the Swartberg Pass, enjoy a panoramic view over the Great and Little Karoo. From here you can enjoy a leisure scenic hike on a Swartberg hiking trail enjoying the diverse fynbos and bird species endemic to this protected vegetation biome.

– Amakhala Game Reserve: Located between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown the Amakhala Game Reserve is an ideal choice for Big Five Safaris. Featuring spectacular topography created by the Bushman’s River, the reserve is home to a huge array of animal species – including the Big 5, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, plenty of antelope species, and many other smaller interesting animals. Amakhala also boasts fantastic bird watching opportunities. Other highlights include a variety of fantastic game drives, guided walks, and horse trails. Just outside the park, there are plenty of attractions to discover, including the Amakhala Craft Centre, and the Bushman Sands Golf Course and Health Spa.

Other adventure activities include paragliding, hang gliding, Scootours, canyoning, cliff jumping, kloofing, rappelling, abseiling, sandboarding, sailing, kayaking, shark cage diving, horse riding, quad biking, kiteboarding, sky-diving, tubing… there are very few adventure activities not available also the Garden Route! There is a vast variety of activities on offer for all ages waiting to be explored on the Garden Route. Looking to try one of these activities or any others? Contact us to let us discuss the best option suited to your needs or for sample packages showing how the magnificent Garden Route can be incorporated into an itinerary.

The post Must-Try Garden Route Activities appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

“I have lived in the Cape Peninsula for twenty years and can honestly say that I never tire at the site of False Bay. Whether it’s sunny, cloudy, windy, hazy or rainy – every day in the Cape Peninsula offers something different to look at it and it is always something beautiful. When I first moved to Cape Town , as a student, I landed in the charming fishing village of Kalk Bay. My flat was right across the road from Dalebrook Tidal Pool. A skip under the subway and onto the beach, it didn’t take me long to get into the swing of refreshing early morning swims, walks along the beach and meeting the locals who had been doing the same for many years. When the tide goes out, the sun heats tends to heat the water of the tidal pools, making them wonderful and protected areas in which to swim, for children and adults alike. Tidal Pools are also safe from sharks and strong tides. Other than St James Tidal Pool, most of the pools lie hidden between the main road and train tracks, so it is good to talk to the locals and seek them out. The Tidal Pools are cleaned regularly (with high pressure hoses) to keep the areas free of algae. All of the sea life in the pools in protected and it is great to take some goggles to have a peak under the water.”

Here is a list of some of my favourite Tidal Pools to visit along the peninsula:

– St James and its brightly coloured beach houses are always a delight and a popular photographed tidal pool in the Cape. It is a good idea to get here early in the summer to avoid the crowds, the locals love their tidal pools too.

– Dalebrook Tidal Pool is my favourite, the swimmers like to train here in the early morning and the local school children often visit the rock pools to learn about the ocean and marine life. It’s safe for children to play and splash and offers a wonderful beach for families. In the summer, there are sometimes informal cinema evenings on the beach where you can bring a picnic and sit by the sea watching a projection screen on the wall. Dalebrook Tidal Pool is situated in Kalk Bay, an area sheltered from the South East wind. I have enjoyed sharing the pool with little fish, a few sting rays and even a local cormorant. Collecting sea glass and gazing into the many rock pools finding curious creatures of all colours. You can lie on the wall and watch the whales and dolphins go by, or watch when the boats are coming back with their catch of the day to the harbour.

– Brass Bell Tidal Pools, situated at the Brass Bell Restaurant in Kalk Bay, these are also popular pools for the locals to visit.

– Wooley’s Tidal Pool, situated on Clovelly corner, has a smaller swimming area and a baby pool that is often quiet.

– Glencairn Tidal Pool, situated further along the coast, another lovely pool locals enjoy visiting.

All of the Tidal Pools listed above are situated along the train line, keep an eye out for trains to wave at and on a Sunday there is often a Vintage Steam Train that passes by.

– Millers Point Tidal Pool, situated beyond Simon’s Town has braai (BBQ) facilities and a slide for children. This tidal pool is large and deep and has exceptional corals, anemones and rock pool life.

– Buffels Bay Tidal Pool, situated in the Cape Point Nature Reserve (entrance fee to the reserve applies) also has places to braai (BBQ) and picnic along the coast of the reserve. This Tidal Pool offers a great place to refresh when you are spending the day exploring the reserve.

– Soetwater Tidal Pool near Kommetjie looks over the Atlantic ocean and is situated close to the Slangkop lighthouse.

It is quite possible that you could tour the Southern Peninsula by visiting the various Tidal Pools dotted along the coastline over the course of a day or two if you don’t want to rush the experience, personally I like taking my time at the pools and enjoying the surrounding areas or beaches. Each tidal pool offers its own scenery, locals and character. A visit to any of these Tidal Pools offer a beautiful way to enjoy a warm summers day.

If you would like sample packages showing how the various Tidal Pools of the Southern Peninsula can be incorporated into an itinerary or if you would like more information on on these refreshing pools, please contact us.

The post The Southern Peninsula’s Tidal Pools – By Team Member Stacey Solomon appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

– Bloukrans Bungy Jump or Bridge Walk:

For the most amazing experience of your life! The Bloukrans bungy jump takes place from the top of the arch of Africa’s biggest bridge, it is the World’s highest commercial bungy bridge and the highest commercial natural bungy jump in the World. To get to the jump point you will be sent out on a zipline from the bank to the arch. The Bloukrans Bungy have won a number of world records associated with Bloukrans. In 2003, Bloukrans bungy was recognised as the World’s highest commercial bungy jump.

Walk onto the arch of Africa’s highest bridge when you experience the Bloukrans Bungee Walk, where you can experience views of the Bloukrans Gorge. The Tsitsikamma area is famous for its walks and hiking trails. You will walk along a suspended mesh walkway that is attached to the underside of the road deck of the Bloukrans Bridge. This incredible experience can be compared to walking on air out of the middle of the pristine Bloukrans Bridge where you will have a unique viewpoint of the bridge and spectacular views of the Bloukrans River Gorge. This experience is nothing short of breath-taking!

– Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour:

Located in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours offer visitors a responsible eco-adventure forest tour. Your entire family can enjoy a fun, interactive and adventurous tour. The tours protect and sustain time sensitive afro mountain indigenous forest. This tour is 3 hours of fun across 10 ziplines, the longest one measuring 91 meters.

You will cable slide from one platform to another along a steel cable, 30 meters above the forest floor while discovering the secrets of the spectacular and unique wilderness of Tsitsikamma Indigenous forest. Enjoy birdlife and spectacular views of the enchanting forest, a qualified guide will ensure your safety and explain the ecology of this lush primeval forest. Many of the platforms are built around giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old. Standing in the crown of these giants trees and looking down at the lush forest below is truly an experience of a lifetime! Keep a look out for a pair of Knysna Loeries or the red plumage of the elusive Narina Trogon, a lucky sighting indeed!

– Kayak & Lilo Adventure on the magnificent Storms River:

This popular two to three-hour activity takes place in the enchanting Garden Route in the Eastern Cape. You will be able to explore the deep, hidden world of the serene Storms River gorge in Tsitsikama by meandering along the extensive bottomless pools, caves, and ancient forests forests with nothing but the quiet noises of nature around you.

Paddle from the harbour across the ocean, wave at the somewhat jealous tourists photographing you from the suspension bridge as you paddle up the glorious Storms River, this is the ultimate treasure of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Venture into a bat cave and gaze in awe at the spectacular cliffs around you from the comfort of a kayak. At the low-water point, you will say goodbye to the kayaks and hello to a new kind of vessel, a lilo. Float deeper up the river on the lilos as you feel insignificantly small when you look up at the imposing cliffs surrounding you. On the trip back, you will be given the exhilarating opportunity to leap off the overhanging cliff walls of the gorge into deep pools. This offers not only a good test of your bravery but also some good occasion for laughter, friendly encouragement and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. The cliff jumping is not compulsory, you can simply enjoy the spectacle as you leisurely float on the long pools below!

If you would like more information or sample packages showing how these amazing adventure activities can be incorporated into a package or if you would like to experience any of the above packages and many others, please contact us for more information and assistance.

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