Traveling down the Cape in South Africa the scenery and wildlife just overwhelmed! Above is one of many photos taken of the rocky shore, surf with lots of seals. This particular image is right at the Cape Of Good Hope, the very southern tip of Africa.
The point of land at the Cape Of Good Hope
The brown fur seal, also known as the Cape fur seal and South African fur seal, is one distinct species of fur seal. It is estimated that approximately two million Cape fur seals inhabit the coasts of southern Africa, mostly living in 25 to 40 colonies on rocky shore lines.
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In The United States today is a holiday set aside to remember those who served and died in the defense of our country. For those who paid so much shouldn’t we take a few moments of our time in remembering them?
In lots of popular tourist destinations, you’ll find locals who dress up in costumes or perform traditional dances to attract tourists and earn money getting their pictures taken. We’ve found them everywhere like the girls in Inca costume with their llamas in Peru to aborigines in Sydney to street performers in New York. In Hout Bay, South Africa there’s a particularly aggressive bunch of men who’s act is actually breaking the law.
The harbor at Hout Bay
On the south side of Cape Town is a popular area called Republic of Hout Bay famous for its seafood restaurant and harbor where fishing boats tie up. The area has a large population of seals and a number of locals make money off the tourists by feeding the seals and getting their picture taken. It is against South African law to feed wildlife and it seems the authorities just turn their backs.
The Republic of Hout Bay is actually a publicity stunt. Around 1980 the residents declared their independence and actually started issuing a passport. Nobody actually takes it serious but the do a lot of promotion about the Republic.
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Discover Kruger National Park: The Ultimate Safari Experience
Have The Experience Of A Lifetime
Rated as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences and reported to be the number one African safari destination, Kruger National Park is not to be overlooked when considering your travel plans.
Larger than many countries and containing mostly undeveloped land, Kruger is one of the most popular destinations in Africa. Kruger National Park is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. It is reported to contain over 1,470 species of plants, 336 species of birds, 147 species of mammals, and 114 species of reptiles.
Established in 1898 by President Paul Kruger of the South African Republic, its initial purpose was to protect the area’s wildlife from excessive hunting and poaching. Originally known as the Sabie Game Reserve, it was renamed the Kruger National Park in 1926. The park’s boundaries have been expanded over time, and it now covers an area of nearly 7,500 square miles.
The main goal for visitors with their guides is to search for the “Big Five” animals consisting of elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and Cape buffalo. In addition you’ll be told about the “Ugly Five” which normally includes warthog, hyena, wildebeest, vulture, and marabou stork but often people offer variations to that list. In addition you should easily see plenty of zebra, antelope, giraffes, hippos, monkeys and baboons. If you’re looking to see wildlife there’s no better opportunity than Kruger National Park.
Getting There
The nearest large international airport is Johannesburg (JNB) with a number of domestic flights to Kruger at less than US$450 round trip – Johannesburg (JNB) -O.R. Tambo Intl.) to Nelspruit (MQP)-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.
The least expensive way to get from Johannesburg to Kruger without a car is to bus and taxi which takes 5h 30m and costs $30 – $55. There is a daily bus (Eagle Liner) from Johannesburg, South Africa to Newcastle takings 4.5 hours and cost less than US$10. From Newcastle to Kruger a taxi averages US$40 (1 hour and 38.5 miles).
Another option is to arrange a booking with a Kruger tour company. Several tour operators offer excursions from Johannesburg, providing a convenient way to experience the park’s wonders. These tours typically include transportation, accommodation, game drives, and most meals.
A few reputable tour operators offering Kruger tours from Johannesburg include:
African Budget Safaris: Specializes in affordable group tours and private safaris.
Wild Wings Safaris: Offers a variety of tour options, including budget-friendly and luxury packages.
Thompsons Africa: Provides tailor-made safaris for individuals and groups.
Intrepid Travel: Caters to adventurous travelers with small-group tours.
It’s highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season (June to October).
Accommodations
The two major things to consider when visiting Kruger, beyond price, are distance from the park and the level of the accommodation you expect Accommodations range from basic camp sites to high-end luxury and everything in between.
Expect in-season rates to average US$125 to US$200 per night like Grand Kruger Lodge and Spa about 25 miles from park entrance.Camping resorts average about US$100 per night like Nkambeni Safari Camp located inside the park with basic camping facilities averaging under US$50 like Sleepover Kruger Gate less than 2 miles from the park. Luxury resorts range as high as US$800 to US$1200 and higher a night like Kruger Shalati – Train on the Bridge located inside the park.
The Train On The Bridge Resort
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An impala with a herd of wildebeest in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Everybody talks about the “Big Five” (elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and Cape buffalo) but there are plenty of antelope, kudu, impala, wart hogs, zebras, wildebeests and giraffes that also make the safari experience incredibly worthwhile.
I still can’t believe that I’m awake at this time of the morning
A sole kudu encountered only minutes after the impala sighting…
Don’t miss an opportunity to safari in Kruger given the chance. The landscapes are amazing and the animal life was incredible!
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A lone bull elephant in Kruger National Park. Kruger is the largest game reserve in Africa, covering an area of over 7,500 square miles. Park guides push the search for the “big five” (elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and Cape buffalo) and, as hard as it seems to believe, elephants are everywhere. From large herds to solitary bulls, it isn’t unusual to have a dozen sightings in a single day.
I still can’t believe that I’m awake at this time of the morning
The most common herd of African elephants live in close-knit family groups led by a matriarch, the oldest and most experienced female along with a couple of generations of her daughters and grandchildren. These herds typically consist of 8-12 related females, their young, and often a adult male or two. While 12 elephants are common herds can go to two dozen elephants.
Solitary elephants are usually unattached males or bulls.
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