The Western Cape of South Africa Cape Town Beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are beaches that are great for couples, individuals, and some that are best for families. The Western Cape of South Africa beaches are popular destinations for residents and tourists alike. The False Bay beaches along the coast of the Western Cape of South Africa are family friendly and warmer than the beaches along the Atlantic Coast. The Atlantic Coast beaches have a multitude of shops and restaurants while the False Bay beaches are more sparsely populated.

Atlantic Ocean Beaches on the Western Cape of South Africa

Along the Western Cape of South Africa are the beaches that have made the area known as the Cape Town Riviera. Te area is positioned along the Atlantic Cost on the western side of the Cape Peninsula. The beaches are more protected from the strong winds and have more time in the summer sun. However, the water does tend to be cooler on these beaches than on the beaches of False Bay.

North of the Atlantic Seaboard are the Table Bay Beaches of the Western Cape of South Africa. These beaches are near Robbin Island and Table Mountain and are perfect for surfing, paddle skiing, wind surfing, and swimming. Some of these breath taking beaches are Milnerton, Big and Little Bay, Blouberg’s, Table View, and Dolphin.

The Western Cape of South Africa beaches people visit if they want to be seen and to people watch are located on the Atlantic Seaboard. While people watching is one of the main activities you can also enjoy a game of volleyball, swim, and bathe in the sun. Some of the favorites in this area are the beaches of Sandy Bay, Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Three Anchor Bay, Seapoint, and Clifton.

False Bay Beaches on the Western Cape of South Africa

The beaches of False Bay are located off the coast of the Indian Ocean on the Western Cape of South Africa. Visitors are drawn to these beaches every year in because of the low key and relaxed atmosphere. These beaches are more family friendly than those on the Atlantic side, yet they can get almost as busy.

The beaches of False Bay on the Western Cape of South Africa are found between Cape Point on the western end of the bay and the Helderberg beaches along the eastern end of the bay. A few of the Helderberg Beaches are Kogel Bay, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, and Bikini Beach. All of these beaches are only about a forty-five minute drive from the city of Cape Town. These beaches are perfect for families who want to enjoy fishing, sun bathing, walks along the beach, surfing, and swimming.

The Western Cape of South Africa Cape Point Beaches are made up of Smitswinkelbaai, Boulders, Diaz Beach, St. James, Glencairn, Muizenberg, and Fish Hoek. These beaches are great for families to swim, surf, body board, and play in the sun.

All of the beaches along the coastline of the Western Cape of South Africa have something unique to offer visitors. The variety of activities ensures that all beach goers will have a fantastic time. If the beach you visit doesn’t have exactly what you are looking for or is too crowded for you, dozens of other beaches are only minutes away. The beaches along the coast of the Western Cape of South Africa are great for all ages.

Let us help you with your next vacation to the Western Cape of South Africa by visiting http://www.westerncapeaccommodation.co.za

There may be not be a more romantic city than Venice for a short break holiday but take care - this major world tourist destination is slowly sinking into the sea.

Venice floats in the Adriatic Sea, anchored in a huge lagoon off Italy’s northeast coast. It is one of the world’s most romantic tourist break destinations. In Venice all the main streets are canals and all the buses and taxis are boats.

More than 20 million tourists from all over the world descend on Venice each year to sail its waterways, wander across its imposing squares, visit the elegant palaces, wonder at its amazing art masterpieces, dine out in its world-class restaurants, and stay in its historic hotels. Venice is one of the world’s greatest treasures.

But Venice has a big problem. The city is slowly sinking into the sea that surrounds it. And unless more is done to save it there won’t be Venice left for future generations to visit. Venice is a city is built on 118 small islands that are linked by more than 400 bridges. Many of its historic buildings are mounted on ancient wooden piles, driven deep into the silty sea bed.

Bur passing boats churn up the mud and damage the wooden foundations, salt water seeps into the ancient brick work, air pollution from mainland factories damage older buildings, and even pigeons are a major nuisance as thousands of birds leave tons of acidic droppings to eat away at the ancient stonework.

But the greatest threat to Venice is flooding. Not only is the city slowly sinking into the mud, the sea levels are also rising, thanks to global warming. Since the 1930s city authorities have pumped out water from the lagoon to supply factories, causing the city to sink about one-fifth an inch each year.

St. Mark’s Square is the city’s lowest point and today high tides flood it about 90 times a year. Temporary walkways are slung over the paving slabs and cafe owners must move their tables to higher floors.

In 1966 a freak high tide sent water levels six feet above normal, flooding much of Venice. Power blackouts followed and thousands of drowned rats were seen floating in the canals. The flood caused major damage to the city’s valuable paintings, statues and other treasures.

Now the Italian government and the European parliament has taken on the battle to save Venice. They are funding a multi billion euro plan to save the city. It is dubbed MOSE, after Moses, the biblical figure that parted the Red Sea.

The MOSE scheme has 79 giant hollow steel panels, each weighing 300 tons, strung across the lagoon. They will swing up on giant hinges to form a protective barrier during high tides. Engineers say entire city can be protected in just 30 minutes. The massive construction project, due to be completed in 2012, is expected to cost 7 billion euros.

Critics claim the rise of sea levels from global warming could make MOSE obsolete in less than 50 years. Other warn of an environmental catastrophe. Venetians flush human and animal waste into the canals and let the high tides flush the filthy water out to sea. MOSE could turn Venice into a giant septic tank.

There is only one thing they can all agree on. If something isn’t done, and soon, Venice’s days are numbered. Everyone is certain that the city must be saved, not just for Venice and not just for Italy, but for the world. After all, Venice is a world treasure.

Andrea Delucia is a city travel guide writer for TravelSavvy Venice one of the TravelSavvy city break sites for Europe including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Monaco, Nice, Riga, Seville, Venice

Of course the white sandy beaches, guaranteed good weather and ease of access to the Costa del Sol all make Malaga a perfect destination for arrival in Spain; but there’s far more to Malaga and the Costa del Sol than meets the eye.

Malaga airport lies 8 kilometers to the South west of Malaga city in the direction of Guadalmar.

It’s the regional capital of an area of Spain called the Costa del Sol. Synonymous with summer beach vacations the Costa del Sol is a holiday destination for millions of Brits every year.

Malaga’s location on the south Mediterranean coast of Spain means it experiences nearly year round sunshine. The landscape surrounding Malaga looks more North African than European, desert like rolling hills and dunes and white beaches are all features of this Spanish area because they share a very similar weather pattern to that of Northern Africa.

Malaga holds a useful location on the Southern coast of Spain for travel to Northern Africa The town came into existence as a useful trading point for the Phoenicians, even today it’s still a very important strategically placed port. And should you need to travel on from here daily ferries can take you directly to Melilla in Morocco.

Malaga began life as a Phoenician colony it was later ruled by the ancient Greeks. Malaga’s history then played into the hands of the Visigoths, after that the Arabs controlled the city, like much of Spain the Moorish influences can still be seen in artworks and architecture, they ruled successfully until they were over thrown by Christians towards the end of the 15th Century. This colorful history lends Malaga a very interesting archaeological past. Many important finds can be found in museums which document these interesting cultures. The greatest remnants of Moorish control still visible today are the wonderful remains of Muslim palaces in the Alcazaba fortress. Steep winding paths and tiered courtyards display these beautiful Moorish styles fantastically.

Malaga airport is very well served by fast modern well kept roads. This makes Malaga a superb destination to arrive at when you are visiting this region of Spain. the A7 coastal road links to the AP7 Autopisa del Sol Motorway; which means you should have no problem in getting to destinations like Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella, Granada or even out to Gibralta in your hire car. The coastal A-7 is the old N-340 road it takes a fantastic route clinging to the coast, it is well worth a drive to enjoy the stunning views and explore new beaches.

Malaga has a fantastic cultural and historic background; in 2004 the city council in Malaga realized they had a unique offering that they could use to promote the city. They requested to be placed in the bid for the 2016 European culture capital, and have been busily working ever since to improve their chances of winning this award. Museums, galleries, restoration projects and theatres have been popping up all over the place in expectation of the grant.

The Coast of the Costa del Sol boasts many world class golf courses; in fact this is the highest concentration of courses in one location in the world. It’s often referred to as the ‘Costa del Golf.’ For families visiting this area there’s more going on than you will ever need to keep you entertained during a holiday. There are beautiful endless white beaches, theme parks, water parks, safari parks and activities like go-karting, at the same time for a slightly more cultured moment the Costa del Sol also has plenty to keep any art or history aficionado happy.

Malaga Airport is by far the best airport to use if you are intending to visit the Costa del Sol, a hire car here makes exploring this beautiful area a possibility. To escape the crowds and busy tourist areas it really is worth taking a little road trip adventure.

A Car Hire Malaga is the perfect way to explore the region. With so many interesting places to discover a Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option. See www.lamangaspain.com

Gran Canaria is an Island of discovery through its history of being the crossroads of many cultures and its consistently mild climate. Its location at the southern extremes of the European continent makes it a popular location for holiday visitors who use the myriad of available flights from the colder countries of Europe to enjoy warmer temperatures, particularly during the winter months.

The legacy of the Island warmly welcoming travellers throughout the ages has left it with a wealth of archaeological sites, a mix of architecture and many artistic and cultural traits for the modern traveller to enjoy and which give the Island a variety that is a pleasure to discover in a relatively small area. This history is reflected in the many activities that can be found on the Island today which includes International film and music festivals, exhibitions and museums. The Canary Islands Music Festival held at the beginning of each year is world renowned and particularly special in that it due to the Islands’ climate it is able to be held in the European winter.

The Islands’ museums range from the painted caves at the Cueva Pintada archaeological site to the Elder technology and science museum and the Abraham Cardenas sculpture exhibition. You can also find houses that were homes of the Islands more famous residents that have been restored and can be visited. Gran Canaria has been officially declared a World Biosphere reserve due its’ natural richness and great diversity of environments.

The Islands climate reflects the diversity in the culture. From the hot south of the Island and its majestic beaches whose 60kms of sand make up over 25% of the Islands’ coastline and where the skies are clear for most of the year. A short trip into the middle of the Island will find sub tropical valleys and forest and you can even find snow on the tops of the mountains at certain times of the year. However wherever you are on the Island you will have sunny skies and warm temperatures the year round. For those seeking more than just a quiet break the resort of Puerto Rico is easily the most lively with a wide selection of clubs, bars and restaurants to satisfy most tastes.

For sports lovers Gran Canaria is an ideal location. The absence of any extreme temperature variations makes this a favourite destination for top sportsmen and women to train for major events. The sports that typically benefit from the Island’s facilities include athletics, cycling and triathlon. Not only Europeans but athletes from the USA also prefer the stable climate during the winter. Gran Canaria welcomes these visitors and provides the infrastructure to make this the ideal destination for the clubman through to the Olympic hopefuls. There is a strong tradition of golf on the Island with a number of courses plus the weather and facilities to play 365 days per year. Gran Canaria also has a number of its own sports that you won’t see at any Olympic games; they include stone lifting, stick fighting, plough pulling and Shepherds leaping!

With sea temperatures ranging from a mild 18deg through to 22deg then it is no surprise that watersports feature highly in Gran Canaria. The Island boasts many champions from various disciplines developing their skills in the local waters including the 13 times world windsurfing champion. As well as windsurfing, sailing, both yacht and dinghy sailing and kitesurfing are also popular.

Evidence that Gran Canaria is still welcoming the traveller today is that there are over 25 tourist offices located around the Island to help you enjoy your break. Companies such as Thomas Cook, Thomson and Their multilingual staff has extensive information on accommodation, sights, activities travel etc and are always there to help you.

Discovering Gran Canaria and any of the other Canary Islands is made easier and cheaper by reading Dan Williams’ reviews of cheap flights to Gran Canaria and flights to Las Palmas to help you save money and visit this beautiful island.

Retirement is something that comes around once in a lifetime and you should definitely enjoy it. The best way to say adios to your career is to put on the celebration of a lifetime and what better way to do this than hold your retirement party on a chartered cruise?

Chartered cruises are usually far more affordable than most people think and they provide the ability to enjoy amazing scenery and luxury settings while celebrating. It’s a good idea to check with various chartered cruise companies in your area to find the best one, with a price you can afford and a boat of the appropriate size for your guests.

Bring on the Food

The retirement dinner is a definite must-have. Some cruises include a meal, but for true luxury, you’ll want to bring your own chef or caterer aboard and hand-pick the menu. Seafood is always a good option for a chartered cruise and is appropriately elegant for your retirement send off.

Find chefs by looking at the different caterers available in your area. Most of them will be more than willing to cook aboard, they will just need time to load their ingredients and equipment on the boat before your guests arrive. Make sure you schedule everything so that the catering crew and anyone else, including servers, can board early enough that they won’t be loading stuff on the boat as your guests are arriving.

You will want to make sure that there is adequate space for dining on your chartered cruise. Depending on the cruise ship, there could be anything from a cozy dining room to a proper banquet hall. Choose the chartered cruise option that fits the number of people you will be inviting. There’s no point in trying to cram 100 guests onto a cruise meant for 50. Most cruise lines will also limit the number of guests according to the size of the vessel.

Decoration of the Chartered Cruise

What would a retirement party be without a few decorations? There’s no need to be cheesy, with paper signs and such. You can request silver and gold streamers, decorated tables, etc. to suit the theme and still be elegant. It’s often nice to include a little favor for each guest at their place on the table.

Find out ahead of time if decorating is included and if you will need to bring your own table linens etc. Most cruise lines will have their own table settings, but if you aren’t happy with them, you should be able to rent something more appropriate, or speak to the caterer about the possibility of having the tables done to your specifications.

Choosing the Chartered Cruise

Not all cruises are the same. There are a variety of sizes available, from intimate dinners for a dozen all the way up to ships that can accommodate hundreds of guests. It’s completely up to you as to how many people you want.

Some cruise lines require that you use their particular caterer. While this is often fine, it could mean extra cost to you, so make sure you double check prices and find out if there is an option to bring in your own caterer and serving staff, which could save you money in the long run.

A retirement dinner aboard a chartered cruise is the perfect way to say goodbye to a lifetime of loyal work. It can be a lot of fun to kick off your retirement with a party on a boat and is a good sign of the fun times yet to come.

A chartered yacht makes an excellent venue for any special occassion or event, including themed cruises. When looking for a Toronto cruise, consider Klancy’s Charters.

Day 1 - Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

On arrival into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Kenya, from your International flight you will be met and transferred to Giraffe Manor where you stay for one night (bed and breakfast).

Kenya provides a beautiful location for a once in a lifetime safari with some fantastic safari memories. Kenya has some of the most luxurious lodges for the perfect African safari honeymoon.

Giraffe Manor is a beautiful elegant manor house built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, situated in one hundred and twenty acres of beautiful forested land just eight miles from Nairobi city centre.

In 1974 Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville relocated five baby Rothschild giraffe to the grounds and guests can now feed them and their descendants from the second floor bedroom windows.

The home is spacious and elegantly furnished, with five bedrooms. Furniture and books from Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton are to be found around the house.

In the grounds is a primeval forest with small game and many species of birds.

Days 2 to 5 - Cottars 1920’s Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya

In the morning you will be met and transferred to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to board a scheduled flight departing at 1000 to the Mara. On arrival at 1045 you will be met and transferred to Cottars 1920’s Camp where you stay for four nights (fully inclusive of meals and activities).

Cottars 1920’s Camp is a superb stylish and luxurious camp on a vast 22,000 acre private area of land in the heart of the Masai Mara, Kenya. The camp is set on a hilltop with views for a dozen miles across rolling hills and expansive open plains dotted with acacia trees which are the setting for the world’s biggest animal migration between July and September as one and a half million wildebeest and zebra pass through the Mara.

Cottars is owned and run by Calvin and Louise Cottar who have been operating safaris in the Masai Mara for many years and who know their private conservancy and the entire Masai Mara Reserve intimately. The camp is very traditional with huge white canvas tents, open at the sides during the day, with proper beds, comfortable furniture and en suite w.c and shower, and from the chairs at the front of your tent you can enjoy the fine views across the plains. The camp is run with a good sense of style and the standard of food and service is excellent. Because it is set on a large private reserve you can enjoy walking with an armed guide, tracking animals through the bush and safari game viewing by vehicle during the day and at night, knowing that you will encounter no other tourists or vehicles. You can also venture further afield into other parts of the Mara following the huge migrating herds and seeing countless lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, elephant and buffalo in the company of Calvin and his other highly expert guides.

More so than any other camp in East Africa, Cottars manages to combine simplicity with a real sense of relaxed style and inspired guiding, cuisine and attention to detail, all of which goes to create an unforgettable African safari.

Days 6 and 7 - Little Shompole, Masai Mara, Kenya

After your morning activity you will be transferred by private charter flight to Little Shompole where you stay for two nights (fully inclusive of meals and activities).

The Shompole area has an amazing variety of typically African scenery with acacia woodland and open grassy plains irrigated by rivers. There is also a small area of rainforest and swamp while at the foot of the Nguruman escarpment is the vast watery expanse of Lake Natron, one of the best breeding grounds for flamingos. This considerably varied landscape supports large numbers of animals including elephant, hyena, antelope and a wide range of plains game including zebra and giraffe. Shompole is also a good place for seeing predators, both the more spectacular ones such as lion and cheetah, as well as smaller cats such as serval.

Safaris are lead by experienced guides and colourfully clad Masai guides and trackers from the local community, and you can enjoy walking safaris, river trips, fascinating visits to Lake Natron and drives by open vehicle both during the day and at night. Guests can also enjoy a nights fly camping where a special temporary camp is set up for the night by a small support team in a particularly remote part of the reserve.

Overlooking the stunning expanse of the Great Rift Valley, the lodge is positioned ideally to make the most of both an incredible view and the cool breeze. Constructed using naturally occurring white quartz stone, pale thatch and fig wood. Two spacious suites, open to expansive views accommodates a lounge and sundeck, his and hers moulded wash basins, en-suite toilet and cascade shower and private cool pool. Each bed rests under a romantic high-canopied netting and canvas tent which can be closed at night against insects.

Little Shompole is ideal for Honeymooners seeking a remote and relaxing safari in a location where you are extremely unlikely to encounter any other tourists, and one where you can enjoy a wider variety of safari game viewing options than is possible in most parts of East Africa. It is the high level of comfort and peacefulness which is particularly conducive to for a relaxing stay, and the lodge is run as a genuine partnership with the local Masai community who participate in the guiding and whose local communities benefit from income which the lodge receives.

Days 8 to 13 - Fundu Lagoon, Pemba Island, Tanzania

After your morning activity you will be transferred to the airstrip to board a private charter flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. On arrival you will be met and assisted to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport to connect with the Kenya Airways flight KQ492 departing at 1300 to Zanzibar. On arrival you will be met and transferred by a light aircraft flight to Pemba Island to stay for six nights at Fundu Lagoon at the beachside suite (fully inclusive of meals and non-motorised watersports).

Fundu Lagoon is located on the crescent-shaped island of Pemba, which lies to the north of Zanzibar. It is one of the most secluded and romantic small resorts around East African coast and provides superb snorkelling and diving opportunities. Fundu Lagoon is a fantastic beach destination for a Honeymoon with its crystal clear waters and star lit skies you can loose yourselves in the mystery of Africa.

Guests are accommodated in fourteen very spacious and luxurious canvas under thatch rooms constructed of local materials, each set on raised wooden decking creating a veranda which gives you marvellous views across the Indian Ocean, especially when having sundowners after a long and dusty safari game drive. Inside there is a large bedroom/living area and en-suite bathroom and each room is tastefully and comfortably furnished with coconut-wood furniture and large four-poster bed.

Recent additions to the lovely accommodation at Fundu Lagoon are two beautiful beach front superior suites which enjoy stunning views. This flagship accommodation is extremely spacious and incorporates a gorgeous stone wall bathroom with a double vanity unit and shower. A romantic queen size double bed and expansive open plan lounge leads out onto the private deck where you have your own large plunge pool. This accommodation is perfect for a romantic stay for Honeymooners as you feel more private and set back from the other guests.

From your cottage you can wander through the trees down to the pristine white sand beach, which stretches for over three miles beside the multi-hued blues of the Indian Ocean. Fundu has a fine restaurant where delicious meals are served featuring locally caught seafood as a speciality. There are two bars, including one a couple of hundred metres down the beach where a Swahili barbecue is sometimes created.

Fundu has a wide range of watersports including water-skiing, knee-boarding, snorkelling, dhow rides and kayaking through mangrove swamps. There is also a fully-equipped PADI diving centre and experienced divers will be able to enjoy the superb array of coral reefs which encircle the island and which include some fine opportunities for wall-diving. Dive boats are capable of fifty knots and can take divers to any part of the island and surrounding reefs, while novices can enjoy shorter shallow dives with well-qualified instructors.

Kenya combines an overland African safari with a beach break perfectly, as romance and tranquilty are the main factors of this remote luxury honeymoon safari.

Day 14

You will be transferred by light aircraft to Zanzibar to board a scheduled flight KQ493 departing at KQ493 departing at 1515 to Nairobi. On arrival at 1700 continue with your international flight.

Janie Harmsen is a dedicated specialist in luxury african safari travel (Honeymoon safari).

Day 1 - Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania

On arrival from your international flight into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya, connect with a one hour scheduled flight to Arusha, Tanzania. On arrival you will be met and transferred by road to Arusha Coffee Lodge where you stay for one night (bed and breakfast).

A safari vacation in Tanzania will provide both you and your family with some fantastic safari memories. Tanzania has some of the most luxurious lodges and wonderful guides for the perfect African safari and with only a short flight to Zanzibar you can relax on one of the beautiful African beaches.

Opened in December 2001, Arusha Coffee Lodge is stylish, comfortable and efficient and is an ideal to acclimatise before your safari.

The lodge consists of 23 luxury chalets which are creatively decorated. Each luxurious chalet is spaced throughout the lush coffee grove to ensure privacy and solitude. The beds are very comfortable and furnishings are of top quality with lots of interesting coffee themed artefacts. There is even a little sitting room with couch and chairs off from the bedroom. The elegant bathrooms are grand with nice fixtures including bath and shower. One of the nicest features is the private wooden deck attached to each chalet which overlooks the coffee plantation. As the majority of arrivals are at night, the deck offers a great morning spot to experience your first sights and sounds of Africa. You might spot the first wildlife of your safari as vervet monkeys can be seen as they clamber around

There is a swimming pool and spa area behind the reception and restaurant, and the lodge also has a wonderful bar and lounge area which offers a great atmosphere.

Days 2 to 8

Over the next seven days you will be taken on a private game safari in a fully equipped four wheel drive vehicle with radio and a highly experienced driver/guide. You will have the flexibility to go where you wish, when you wish, and can vary your activities to include walking where possible as well as unlimited game drives, while visiting some of Tanzania’s most famous national parks and conservation areas (fully inclusive of meals and activities).

Days 2 and 3 - The Tree Camp, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania

In the morning you will be met and taken by road in a westerly direction for approximately four hours to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Northern Tanzania, where you stay for two nights at the Tree Camp.

Perched on top of the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and surrounded by some of the most spectacular flora and fauna, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers guests accommodation in a truly unique setting. Tree Camp has just six large suites each with Victorian bath, shower, a huge four-poster bed, armchairs and massage room. There are several verandas, each with wonderful views of the 80miles_ crater below you.

Inspired by ancient African architecture, the lodge offers modern, comfortable accommodation in keeping with the natural splendour of its surroundings and takes the form of three small villages. Each village commands awe-inspiring views of the crater floor 500 metres below.

There are three attractive bars and a charming tree house. Hearty breakfasts, buffet lunches and four course dinners quell appetites sharpened by fresh air and safari excitement.

In the early morning of Day 3 your driver will take you down into the Crater for a morning’s safari game viewing. When the Crater becomes busy, you will leave and head off to explore the surrounding area and one of the small craters, before returning to the lodge.

Ngorongoro Crater was originally a volcano larger than Mount Kilimanjaro but approximately three million years ago a huge series of eruptions caused the centre to subside forming a vast volcanic caldera ten miles wide. The floor of the caldera is 1500ft below the rim and on this 80-mile_ area live 20,000 animals of all kinds. There are thousands of wildebeest, zebra, antelope, giraffe and other plains game, lion, leopard, hyena and bat-eared fox and seventeen rhinoceros which have been preserved from the poachers and are now beginning to flourish again. The animals in the crater are used to the presence of mankind, which makes this a good area for wildlife photography, particularly as the crater floor is so diverse with areas of swamp, woodland and dry savannah grassland, all set against the backdrop of the forested crater walls.

In the southern quarter of the crater lies Lake Magadi which is a haven for waterbirds and you can frequently see flocks of thousands of flamingos gathered in one corner making their raucous calls and presenting a mass of pink wings, necks and legs.

To the north east of Ngorongoro lie other craters, such as Empakai and Ol Moti, which provide excellent walking opportunities and if you visit Empakai you can descend into the steep-sided forest crater and admire the beautiful lake that sits in its base. From time to time you meet groups of scarlet-cloaked Maasai herding their cattle and goats, and for those clients staying a little longer in Ngorongoro it would be possible to visit a Maasai boma to see something of their way of life.

Days 4 and 5 - Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Today you will be taken two hours in a south westerly direction towards the Rift Valley to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge where you stay for two nights.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only lodge inside Lake Manyara National Park. It is one of the most luxurious and elegant small lodges in Tanzania with ten imaginatively designed tree house suites made of local timber, set on stilts among huge mahogany trees. Each suite is elegantly furnished with a comfortable bed, sitting area and an en-suite bathroom with a proper bath, as well as an outdoor shower. You can admire the rich forest through your window and your game viewing deck outside. Between safaris you can relax in the lounge areas and you can take a dip in the pool. Safari game drives are enjoyed in open vehicles with your guide and on foot with special Masai Warriors.

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its tree climbing lions and its abundance of spectacular forest. You find sausage trees, their huge pods being much sought after by the local elephants, cactus like candelabra trees, mahogany, fig and acacia trees - all leading down to the beautiful waters of Lake Manyara. The wildlife includes the lions, elephant, buffalo, antelope, giraffe and a host of smaller creatures, as well as over three hundred and fifty species of birds which you will have the opportunity to see whilst out on your private safari game drive with your guide.

Days 6 and 7 - Tarangire Nomad Shared Camp - Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Today you will be taken on a game drive two hours east to Tarangire where you stay for two nights at a shared ‘traditional’ camp.

Tarangire is one of the most attractive National Parks in East Africa. The focus of any safari here is the Tarangire River, a beautiful quite shallow meandering river which provides a reliable source of water for the big herds of elephant, antelope, buffalo and big cats, which inhabit Tarangire. The most exciting time to visit is between June and the end of October when this water becomes even more important and over 3,000 elephant migrate into Tarangire from Manyara. One of the most attractive aspects of this National Park is the variety of vegetation which includes areas of open grassland, riverine bush, hill country and wetland and swamps; all of which supports a particularly wide variety of species. The trees of Tarangire are exceptionally attractive and include thousands of huge old baobabs, acacia, cactus-like candelabra, mahogany and sausage trees, with their huge pods which are much favoured by the elephants.

Nomad Safaris have set up a semi-permanent camp which operates throughout the dry season and is located on a private area of land where you can enjoy all that Tarangire has to offer by vehicle both during the day and at night time, and on walks which are fascinating in this beautiful riverine country enabling you to reach out and touch things, examine tracks and learn the fundamentals of bush craft. This semi permanent bush camp is based upon a model which has been used for many years in the Serengeti with large walk in tents proper beds, simple safari furniture and en suite long drop w.c. and bush shower. A cheerful and competent support team runs the camp and an experienced chef prepares amazingly delicious meals which are all the more enjoyable for being taken in this remote and beautiful corner of Africa.

Days 8 to 12 - Breezes Beach Club, Zanzibar, Tanzania

In the morning you will be transferred two hours to Arusha to board a scheduled flight departing at 1215 to Zanzibar. On arrival at 1345 you will be met and taken to Breezes Beach Club where you stay for five nights in an ocean front room (half board).

Breezes Beach Club is situated along a pristine white sandy beach, edged with palm trees.

The rooms are comfortable, spacious and fully air-conditioned, with luxurious en suite bathrooms, and are all tastefully furnished in authentic Zanzibari style. There are three bars, one by the pool, and three restaurants, which serve exceptional cuisine, featuring local spices, tropical fruits and delicacies from the Indian Ocean. The Breakers Lunch Restaurant serves barbecues on the beachfront under the shade of palm trees.

You can enjoy a great variety of recreational facilities; the marine activities include windsurfing and pedal boats, and there is also a swimming pool, a floodlit tennis court, and a fitness and aerobics centre. The Bazaar shop sells a variety of beautiful African arts and crafts.

In this beautiful setting, reflecting a sophisticated Swahili style enhanced with candlelight and spice scented aromas, you can enjoy a variety of treatments and therapies, all aimed at relieving the negative impacts of a modern lifestyle such as stress and exhaustion.

The international team of professional therapists at the Frangipani Spa offers a wide variety of facial, body and hand and foot treatments, as well as specialised massage techniques. The Frangipani Spa also offers ‘The Kili Foot Treatment’ and ‘Apres Safari Treatment’ which are specially designed packages to soothe and rejuvenate after the dust and bumpy roads of the African Bush. An excellent option for those who are looking to recover after an adventure filled safari.

A safari in Tanzania with a remote luxury beach Vacation in Zanzibar is a perfect combination where you can spend time with the guides and game, aswell as relaxing on the beach, in both these fantastically beautiful African locations

Day 13

You will be transferred to Zanzibar to board a scheduled flight departing at 1630 to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Arrive at 1800 and continue with your homeward bound flight.

Janie Harmsen is a dedicated specialist in luxury african safari travel (Safari vacation).

Mountain gorilla tracking is a must do for every visitor to East Africa and combines perfectly with Northern Tanzania or Kenya.

Winston Churchill described Uganda as ‘the pearl of Africa’. Not only was he referring to its abundance of natural resources but also the friendly, hospitable nature and culture of the people, the wildlife and vegetation that awaits visitors to this lesser travelled African destination.

Uganda lies on the Northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest fresh water lake and the source of the River Nile. It is home to half of the worlds remaining gorilla populations and therefore one of the only countries where you can reliably see mountain gorillas. Tourism is still being established in the country and you won’t find the crowds of tourists that you come across in other parts of Africa, making it the ideal destination for those looking for an authentic special interest African safari.

Uganda is situated astride the equator and has a tropical climate having sunshine for most of the year. The main factor that will affect you when choosing to travel is the rainfall patterns. In the southern part of the country, April is the rainiest month with rains falling in May as well followed by another wet season in October and November.

Rwanda borders Uganda to the North and Tanzania to the East and is easily accessible from Kenya and Uganda. Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills and is rich in fauna and flora with breathtaking green savannah. Visitors can expect a warm and friendly welcome from the Rwandan people who have undergone a remarkable transformation by putting their troubled past behind them – a testimony to the power of forgiveness.

One population of mountain gorillas inhabits the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. A census in 2003 recorded 340 gorillas here. The second population of mountain gorillas is found in a mountainous region referred to as the Virungas, which includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Parc des National Volcanos (Rwanda – the setting for Diane Fossey’s Research) and Virunga. Approximately 380 gorillas are found in the Virungas.

A gorilla visit can entail anything from a 1 to 4 hour trek through the forest, led by experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest. The trek is well worth it as you will get to spend an hour studying the Virunga gorillas. These highly sociable creatures live in groups containing between 5 and 30 individuals. The silverback male acts as their leader with several adult females and up to 10 juveniles and infants. The groups are generally cohesive with females generally showing no signs of dominance. There is, however, much competition for females amongst the mature males and once a male becomes a silverback (at about the age of 11 years) he may be forced to leave the group and live a solitary life until he forms his own group by luring females away from other groups.

After having spent time observing the mountain gorillas you will realise what motivated Dian Fossey to spend 18 years of her life living in the forest studying and protecting these magnificent creatures who are so close to humans sharing 98 % of our DNA, and although these gentle, shy giants may be genetically similar to us, they possess very little of the destructive side of our nature.

If you are planning a gorilla safari, you will need to plan well in advance as the permits are limted.

Janie Harmsen is a dedicated specialist in luxury african safari travel (Gorilla Safari).

Day 1

Depart at 1920 from London’s Heathrow Airport on the British Airways flight BA255 travelling in Business Class to Lusaka.

Days 2 and 3

Arrive at 0630 and connect with a scheduled flight departing at 0800 to Livingstone. On arrival at 0900 you will be met and transferred to the Royal Livingstone Hotel where you stay for two nights (bed and breakfast).

The Royal Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls brings a new level of luxury and sophistication to this world-famous region. This comfortable modern, well equipped hotel is an excellent base from which to see the waterfall and enjoy the many activities on the river and around the Falls.

The bedrooms are two-storey clusters inspired by the grand estate houses of a bygone era. Each cluster comprises ten en-suite air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the Zambezi river and beyond.

Each room offers a quiet retreat from the ruggedness of Africa, with large shaded verandas and open spaces cooled by swirling fans and tall shutters. The travellers bar and lounge is a place where guests can relax under thatched shade, decorated in greens, creams and ebony. There is a large pool and the restaurants are very good, serving international cuisine.

While you are at Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including flights across the waterfall by helicopter and light aircraft, white water rafting, canoeing, sundowner cruises and safaris. Guests can also walk to the mile wide waterfall, which can be viewed from several vantage points along the network of pathways.

Days 4 to 6

In the late morning you will be returned to Livingstone Airport where you board a scheduled flight departing at 1300 to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. Arrive at 1440 and connect with a further scheduled flight departing at 1600 to Cape Town’s International Airport. On arrival at 1810 you will be met and transferred to the Cape Grace Hotel where you stay for three nights in a luxury double room (bed and breakfast).

The Cape Grace is quite simply one of the finest hotels in Africa, set in a superb private position on Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with views towards the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the immense flat-topped expanse of Table Mountain to the other. The atmosphere at the hotel combines genuine warmth and friendliness with a very high standard of service and efficiency and while you are here the hotel will be pleased to arrange any excursions in and around Cape Town, either on a private or shared basis. Surrounding the hotel is the Cape Waterfront complex with entertainment, shops and attractive restaurants in an area which is safe to wander around during the day and in the evening.

The Cape Grace is privately owned and not part of a large chain and this is reflected in the comfortable elegance of the furnishings and d

Voted the happiest place to live and home to the best beach in the UK, Bournemouth oozes that ‘something’ of the perfect British town. It’s quaint when it needs to be yet flamboyant on occasion. There are beautiful, lush gardens and long sandy beaches. Bustling shopping areas and tranquil caf