AFRICAN VIDEOS
Cape Town
After arriving in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town we are taken to the Mount Nelson Hotel for our first stay of the trip. That afternoon we enjoyed a city tour before embarking on a cable car journey to the top of Table Mountain. The cable-way takes 10 minutes to reach the summit during which time the floor rotates 360° ensuring everyone gets a view of the city and surrounds. That evening, we join our fellow travellers for a meet and greet dinner.
The next day we travel to Cape Peninsula; Hout Bay; Cape Point Nature Reserve; Cape of Good Hope and finally Boulder Beach which is home to a protected colony of African Penguins. This trip has some extra excitement added to it – as a truck going down a one way street collided with our bus. Narelle was sitting where the truck hit the bus – no injury!
The next day we travel to The Winelands. This area is renowned for its gracious blend of 18th Century Cape Dutch; Georgian and Victorian architecture. We finish the day at the university town of Stellenbosch.
Rovos Rail
After leaving Stellenbosch we head to the Cheetah Outreach where this fine animal’s population is managed. Next to the centre is a local restaurant where we enjoyed the local cuisine and entertainment.
After breakfast we were transferred to Cape Town Railway Station to board the luxurious Rovos Rail. We were welcomed by the man himself Rohan Vos who proceeded to give us Australians hell over the Rugby! After this light entertainment we boarded the train and were taken to our respective suites which have been painstakingly restored to their former glory dating back to the early 1900’s, yet with all the modern conveniences.
The 1,600 kilometre journey was outstanding, travelling across the Great Karoo stopping at small villages like Matjesfontein, a preserved Victorian village. Also, the town of Kimberley and the Mine Museum with the ‘Big Hole’ man-made excavation. After arriving in Johannesburg we are on a bus going to Soweto to have morning tea at a local home and visit a local school. The children are amazing!
Kruger
Our journey continues travelling to the province of Mpumulanga and Tinga Private Game Lodge situated in a 5,000 hectare Private Concession within Kruger National Park.
Our accommodation suites offer magnificent views of the Sabie River which can be enjoyed from a private deck and heated plunge pool. Later an evening game drive before dining under the African sky.
Next day we experience the thrill of a morning and afternoon game drive through this amazing National Park. The open Land Rovers are permitted to traverse the entire Kruger network, allowing unlimited viewing and access to the historical significance and aesthetic beauty that the southern Kruger has to offer.
Victoria Falls
We arrive at the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel located just steps from the Zambezi River and the mighty Victoria Falls. After checking in we embark on a river cruise on the Zambezi that goes into the late afternoon.
The next day we visit a traditional Zambian village and are invited to mix with the children of the local school – what a great experience!
After this we travel to the town of Livingstone and the museum. Later we experience watching one of our group bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge dividing Zambia and Zimbabwe. Walking along the edge of the mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls) was exhilarating!
Next morning a helicopter ride over the falls.
Ark Lodge
After breakfast, we drive north to Mount Kenya through farmland and numerous hilly mosaics of small farms. We arrive for lunch and are greeted by the Kikuyu Dancers with a traditional performance of dance. After lunch and a rest up we are on the road again and it’s not long before we are entering Aberdare National Park nestled in the heart of tropical rainforest country. This unique game lodge overlooks a waterhole and a salt lick which attracts a host of wildlife including elephants and leopards.
CLICK HERELake Nakuru
Today we travel through the Great Rift Valley en route to Lake Nakuru. A National Park since 1968, this area is a bird watcher’s paradise with over 450 species living in and around the lake. Most populous are the pink flamingos that flock to the alkaline lake and from a distance appear to turn the water pink with their sheer numbers.
CLICK HEREMasai Mara - 1
After leaving Lake Nakuru we arrive at Naivasha airport to board our aircraft for the flight to the Masai Mara the setting for one of the most spectacular seasonal events in the world – the annual wildebeest migration. Arriving in the Mara late afternoon we board our vehicles for an exciting game drive in search of the “Big 5” en-route to our accommodation, the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, which is the epitome of tented luxury. Next morning we are off on an magnificent balloon ride over the Mara starting at 5am. A bit of extra excitement is added here during landing – the basket tips on it’s side as we come in contact with the ground – no injuries!
After this we are treated to breakfast on the Mara under the blue morning sky! Unbelievable!!
Masai Mara - 2
Our second day on the Masai Mara consists of a morning and afternoon game drive through this spectacular game reserve. With the largest population of lions in Kenya, the Mara is a perfect place to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment. The Mara is also home to vast herds of zebra and elephants with leopard, cheetah and a recovering population of black rhino. We also take the opportunity to visit a Maasai Village to gain an understanding of a traditional way of life that has been enjoyed in this part of the world for centuries.
We leave after a traditional bush breakfast to board our flights back to Nairobi. Arriving in Nairobi, we lunch in a local restaurant before boarding our flight to Cairo.