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Greetings from Sunny Cape Town,
What a wonderful winter we have had so
far and it has been lovely being home again after doing tours all over
South
Africa once again. We hope you
are all well and are keeping warm with your family.
We have our Hero Lions for you as our
main photograph this month seeing that I will be writing about some of the
Game Reserves we have in the Eastern
and Western Cape for those who are not aware that we also have the Big 5
in these Provinces.
About
the Eastern Cape Region
The Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces and
incorporates five ecological zones –
ranging from lush evergreen forest to rugged
mountain and dry savannah. On the south-east border, the beautiful
Sunshine Coast offers miles of pristine
beaches and warm sparkling ocean dotted with rivers, lagoon and coastal
villages. It is also the fastest growing
nature and conservation area in South Africa and offers the best in
malaria-
free, Big 5 wildlife safaris.
Coming down from the Eastern Cape just above East London we have a
wonderful Game Reserve called
INKWENKWEZI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Nestled
along South Africa’s breath taking Wild Coast, this private game
reserve is one of its own class, Big Five
Private Game Reserves with an emphasis on luxury and thoughtful detail.
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is situated
in a prime, malaria free zone in the Eastern Cape Province of South
Africa. The reserve offers many unique
opportunities as it encompasses five different regional eco-systems
(biomes)
and a tidal estuary. Inkwenkwezi‘s
rich diversity of landscapes offers you an unparalleled wildlife viewing
experience.
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is a short
distance away from magnificent beaches and a short convenient drive
to and from the East London Airport. You are
very near to the Indian Ocean, where the beach has miles/kilometres
of pristine white beach for long
walks.
Contract: +27 (0)43 734 3234 www.inkwenkwezi.com
 
Tented Accommodation
Inkwenkwezi Lapa deck
Our next visit is to SIBUYA GAME RESERVE off
the coastal road towards Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape.
Perfectly situated on the banks of the
Kariega River Estuary but tucked unobtrusively into the indigenous bush,
Forest Camp offers a blend of
essential comforts and warm, charming style.
Welcome to The Ultimate South African
Safari at Award Winning Sibuya Game Reserve where you’ll relax in
rustically
luxurious Tented Camps or an exclusive
Bush Lodge – come let them treat you to an experience to treasure for a
lifetime.
Sibuya is one of South Africa’s most
unique Safari destinations. From its Reception near the Ocean, it is unique
in that
it has more navigable river than any other
game reserve in South Africa. Consequently, as a birding destination it is
hard to beat: there are nearly 400
different species. This breathtakingly beautiful game reserve is sanctuary
to an
abundance of diverse wildlife from
elephants to otters, and almost everything in between, including the Big
Five
They pride ourselves on our delicious
fresh, healthy buffet-style meals served el fresco or in one of the
beautiful Lapas.
Richly coloured local textiles, in shades of rust and burnt orange, are
used throughout in support of the regions
weaving community. They do have 2 other
camps called River Camp and Bush Lodge. Instead of arriving by 4x4 vehicle
you will be cruising up the river in a
boat to your Luxury Tented Eco accommodation.
They do not have Wi-Fi, Internet or
Television as you should enjoy nature. The lush, sub-tropical vegetation
ensures a
high density of wildlife and guarantees one
of the best game-viewing experiences in the country.
Here you will be able to cruise up or
down the river to enable you to appreciate this amazing birding destination
where you would like to spend at least 2 or
more nights.
Contact:+27(0)46 636
7904 www.sibuyagame.com
 
Canoeing on the Bushmans
River Bushmans
River flowing through Reserve
KARIEGA GAME RESERVE
is situated in Frontier Country, the historical heartland of the Eastern
Cape. This inland area
embodies the spirit of many cultures
which currently form part of South Africa’s Rainbow Nation, including the
British
1820 Settlers, the Khoi, the
Xhosa and the Boers. The Eastern Cape province is also the birth place of
many prominent
South Africans including Nelson
Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Port
Elizabeth is the largest city in the province. Its domestic airport is the
fourth
busiest in South Africa and
provides a gateway to the regions many game reserves and tourist
attractions.
Port
Elizabeth is also a major seaport in the Eastern Cape.
‘Main Lodge’
offers families, friends and couples a relaxed and friendly environment to
enjoy the African bush. All the
log chalets are air conditioned,
with en-suite bedrooms, and large private viewing decks. Each has a
spacious lounge
and
living area which is great for socializing before retreating to the privacy
and comfort of your bedroom.
The
lodge has been expertly integrated with the surrounding bush to create a
natural environment where guests can
enjoy
traditional meals in the
restaurant or boma, a drink at the bar or a swim in the pool.
‘River Lodge’
is one-of-a-kind. 10 spacious, air conditioned and tastefully appointed
suites meander along the banks of
the Bushmans River, offering the
most discerning of guests luxurious peace and tranquillity. Inside
the lodge guests
can find a
quiet spot in one of the lounges, page through a book in the library, relax
at the pool or take in the view
from the
magnificent deck which overhangs the river. Unique features include
excellent river fishing and canoeing.
Located in a remote and untouched part
of the Kariega wilderness,’ Settlers Drift’ offers a unique tented
safari combined
with 5-star luxury. The lodge
consists of 9 spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded
viewing decks.
Gazing
down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, it feels as if time
has stood still since the last feet to have
touched this remote valley were those
of the 1820 Settlers as they guided their wagons across the river.
The
luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the
ultimate guest experience. The Homestead
is a private lodge which offers
its’ guests all the comfort, convenience and privacy of their own home.
With
dedicated hosts, game ranger and cook, guests have the flexibility to
plan their day according to their own specific
needs. The Homestead is set in a
remote and private part of the reserve. With seven spacious bedrooms, all
en suite,
a bar,
swimming pool, satellite TV, playroom for children and spectacular views,
it is the perfect lodge for the sole use of
a group or
family of up to 14 persons
.
Contact: Mark
+27(0)46 636 7904 www.kariega.co.za
 
A
Kariega Game
Drive
Ukhozi Lodge Lounge
THE
TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK is a
protected area on the Garden Route, Western Cape and Eastern Cape,
South Africa. It is a
coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline,
and the Otter Trail.
On 6 March 2009 it was
amalgamated with the Wilderness National Park and various other areas
of land to
form the Garden Route
National Park. The park covers an 80 kilometres (50 miles) long stretch of
coastline.
Nature's Valley is at the
western end of the park, and the main accommodation is at Storms River
Mouth.
Near the park is the Bloukrans
Bridge, the world's highest bridge bungee jump at 216 metres (709 ft).
The word
"Tsitsikamma" hails from the Khoekhoe language tse-tsesa, meaning
"clear", and gami, meaning
"water”, probably
referring to the clear water of the Tsitsikamma River. Other meanings
are 'place of much
water’ and 'waters begin'.
When wishing to stay over at the
National Park it is advisable to always book in advance as many clients do
the
Otter Trail and need to spend a
night or two, so they are very busy all year round. There are other
wonderful
shorter walks available and
do not forget to go over the suspension bridge if you are not afraid of
heights.
.
Contact: Reservations
042 281 1607 www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/
 
Tsitsikamma National Park
beach
The famous suspension bridge
INDALU
GAME RESERVE is situated between the roaming hills and valleys just
30km outside of Mossel Bay in the
southern district of the Western
Cape on route to Cape Town, just off the N2 and is not only an elephant
encounter
but you will have an amazing
experience to walk with these majestic animals. They offer a variety of
game, mountain
biking, events and wonderful
Game Drives. It is also owner managed who will take care of you on
your game drives
telling you about the
reserve. It is Malaria free as most of the lodges in the Eastern and
Western Cape.
Indalu (meaning' Nature'
in Xhosa) has been created as a sanctuary for a number of gentle giants
where they roam
free in their natural
environment.
The luxury accommodation can be
used as Self Catering, or if needed a Chef will be provided to make
whatever you
require while staying in their
thatched Chalet along a river bank and enjoying yourself in this private
garden setting
with you own Boma. It is not
only the elephants that have remarkable memories, but the visitor leaves
with a
treasure trove of unforgettable
memories to last them a life time.
Contact: Gerard
082 990 3831 www.indalugame.com
 
Accommodation for two
children
Walking with the majestic elephants
GARDEN ROUTE
GAME LODGE Off the N2 after
just passing Albertinia on the Mossel Bay side
Set against the backdrop
of the majestic Langeberg mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge
guards
the entrance to South
Africa’s world famous Garden Route Coast. Only a 3½ scenic hour drive from
Cape Town,
this malaria free, family
owned and operated private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal
and
birdlife including the Big
5. Not forgetting their wonderful health Spa.
Visitors to the Garden
Route Game Lodge can enjoy game viewing in open Landrovers, luxury
accommodation
and a memorable
dining experience in one of their African style restaurants. Their friendly
staff and
management are there to
anticipate your every need to complete your unforgettable stay.
Contact:
+27(0)28 735 1200 www.grgamelodge.com
 
Wooden Chalet
Accommodation
View of Restaurant at night
Back in the Western Cape we are en-route to visit one
of the next nature reserves namely:
BONTEBOK NATIONAL PARK is one of the smallest of 20 South Africa's National
Parks situated just 5km
outside
Swellendam. It is a place of simplistic beauty and peaceful charm.
The majestic Langeberg mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for this
park of colourful riches.
The park provides accommodation in 10 Chalet units each accommodating
4 people. Named after the
KhoeKhoe
Chieftan who lived there with her clan in the 18th century, called Lang
Elsie's Kraal rest camp.
The Chalets are situated on the banks of the Breede River, and is the first
camp in South Africa's
Parks
to be built according to 'Touching the Earth lightly' design. Each of
the Units provide pristine scenery
of
the park, the Breede River and Langeberg mountains. Two of Chalets
are special-needs adapted
and
wheelchair friendly.
There are a variety of animals that visitors can see such as Bontebok, Red
Hartebeest, Steenbok, Bat-eared
Fox, Aardwolf, Mongoose and the Cape Mountain Zebra. The Breede River
provides the perfect setting
for the Cape Clawless Otter, to name just a few mammals.
The Cape Floral Kingdom is also exemplified here, plus coastal
Renosterveld which is part of this
Vegetation biome.
Contact: +27(0)28 514 2735 www.sanparks.org/bontebok
Rubber
duck on the Breede
River Picnic time on the riverbank
We now travel to the Overberg
area where our Nature Reserve is on the coast and approximately 3 hours
from
Cape Town quite near Bredasdorp.
DE
HOOP NATURE RESERVE is one of the
natural areas managed by Cape Nature. This beautiful reserve is 34,000
hectares, and conserves a
vast and fascinating variety of marine life.
It is also one of South Africa's best land based Whale watching areas and
is one of Cape Natures Flagship nature
reserves.
Relax in the un-spoilt sand dunes and watch in awe as these beautiful
creatures calve, blow, breach
and
belly flop. The reserve is one of
many South Africa’s World Heritage Sites.
DE
HOOP COLLECTION offers a wide range
of accommodation from affordable self-catering Chalets to Luxury self-
catering
cottages and upmarket fully catered Lodges. There are many different Trails
for the hikers or cycling if you
prefer. Booking is advised
all year round .
.
The DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE
CONSERVATION is home to the world's smallest and most threatened plant
kingdom - The Cape Floral
Kingdom. The reserve has the largest conserved area of lowland fynbos in
the
Western
Cape. Of the 9,000 plant species found in the Cape Floral region the
reserve has approximately
1,500 species. De Hoop has over 86 mammal species, such as bontebok,
grey rhebok, baboon, yellow
mongoose, caracal, too many to mention, and the occasional leopard.
It also has over 260 bird species, including
many water birds.
Contact: +27 (0) 422
4522 www.dehoopcollection.com
 
The
Fig Suite - De
Hoop
De Hoop - The Fig Cottage
The next part of our journey took us as
far as south as you can go on the African continent, following the wild
flowers leading us like breadcrumbs to
the gates of the Agulhas National Park. When you visit Agulhas
National Park
you will be at the southern tip of
Africa - The Cape of Storms. This beautiful part of the Western
Cape where you find
AGULHAS NATURE RESERVE in South
Africa is at the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Here you will
also find the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
dating back to 1848 which was the 2nd lighthouse built in
South Africa. This now
serves as a restaurant and
museum.
There are no facilities in the Agulhas
National Park, but there are plenty of pubs and restaurants, shops, banks
and
other amenities to be found in the
surrounding towns of L’Agulhas, Struisbaai or Bredasdorp area.
Accommodation
is to be found at Agulhas or any of these
towns. At Agulhas you can find the Agulhas Rest Camp – which
are A-framed
wooden chalets and are located about 10
kilometres from the lighthouse. There are different sizes to suit
clients from
2 – 8 people sleeping over for a night or two.
Agulhas Rest Camp – Lagoon Guest
House This historic Cape Dutch House, consists of 4 double rooms
each with
en-suite bathrooms, plus kitchen
and living area. Flanked by a blue lagoon on the one side and a pristine
beach on
the other side.
Remember here we would also
advise that you book well in advance specially when it is over the school
holidays
or over our summer season during
December-January.
Contact: +27 (0) 28 435
6078 email: agulhasinfo@sanparks.org
 
Aughas
lighthouse at the tip of
Africa
Where the two oceans meet
I
hope you all have some idea now of what a little of the Eastern and Western
Cape and offer you when you make
your holiday places in the near
future. South Africa has so much to offer the locals and the visitors
So those of you who cannot
travel to these wonderful places, relax and enjoy reading about it.
We have
not forgotten all the lovely and interesting places we now have listed on
our website during this year so far.
NEW CTC MEMBERS who have
joined us:
Kulungile
Travels – Cape Town – Western Cape
Inkwenkwezi Lodge – East
London – Eastern Cape
Misty
Hills Country Hotel - Muldersdrift - Gauteng
Isandlwana Lodge – Isandlwana – Kwa Zulu Natal
Rorke’s Drift Hotel – Rorke’s Drift - Kwa Zulu Natal
Kedar Heritage Lodge – Rustenburg – North West
Revive Travel - Cape Town - Western Cape
Wittedrift Manor House – Tulbagh - Western Cape
Steytlerville
Theatrical Hotel –
Steylerville Eastern Cape
Aux
d’Hex Guest House -
Wellington - Western Cape
Tourism Friendly Ambassador – Hartbeespoort – North West
Dikgatlong Tourism Association – Barkley
West – Northern Cape
We welcome all the above members and
will be using them in the future Tours for self-drive or your planned
Guided tours throughout South
Africa.
.
We wish all our clients a wonderful
rest before the season starts when they will be running around again, and
do
not forget to join us on our
website, if you think you have something interesting or an experience or an
activity
that you would like to share with
our locals or visitors. As you will notice all our listed members
have something
which is beautiful,
unusual, an amazing experience, or when it comes to activities you
have never thought of doing.
Looking forward to hear from some
of you in the near future.
Till next time ….
Warm
Regards from us and God Bless,
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