Top Ten places in #Africa

ACACIA Africa has updated its top ten list of the most popular #destinations to visit in Southern and East #Africa (20 January 2019), the results compiled from expert sources and Instagram hashtags. In the 12 months since the original data was made available there have been some significant changes - Uganda taking the top slot from South Africa and Mozambique moving from tenth to third place.

The cost of trekking the endangered mountain gorilla in Uganda is half that of neighbouring Rwanda, and while the price differential might well have drawn more people to visit the country over 2018, Acacia claim our growing concern with over-tourism and eagerness to see places which are less well visited or where tourist numbers are more strictly monitored to protect the environment, in this case the gorillas habitat, is the reason behind Uganda’s rise to fame.

1.   Uganda
2.   Tanzania
3.   Mozambique
4.   Kenya
5.   Namibia
6.   Zimbabwe
7.   Botswana
8.   Zambia
9.   South Africa
10. Malawi

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Unwind and relax in the bush

WHILE the Big Five game drives and encounters with wildlife are always a huge drawcard, it’s only half the safari experience at Garonga Safari Camp, #SouthAfrica. Equally important is slowing down the pace of life, nurturing yourself, and ‘resetting your system’. #Garonga has just upped the relaxation ante to a whole new level by revamping the existing bush bath by adding a new freestanding bath – but even more excitingly, now offer a dreamy new Star Bath and Yoga Deck.

The Star Bath not only offers views over the bush and the dazzling African night sky - but has its very own galaxy of twinkling stars, all in complete privacy. Soak away your troubles, let go and look back on the sightings and experiences of the day with a glass of wine in hand. 

Those already familiar with the practice of mindfulness and meditation, or those that just love a good stretch or daytime nap, will be excited to see Garonga’s new Yoga Deck. An enclosed tented structure designed to allow air to flow freely, perfectly frames an exquisite view of the valley. You can step onto the mat and practice in privacy surrounded by only the peaceful sounds of the surrounding bush. If you’re lucky you might even get some of the local wildlife passing by!

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Baobab studded camp set to open in 2020

MASHATU Game Reserve’s portfolio of camps is expanding with the introduction of Mashatu Euphorbia. Mashatu Euphorbia is the new 5-star camp, situated in this privately owned, baobab-studded reserve in #Botswana. 

This “green” camp combines luxury with conservation and sustainability, where solar energy and state of the art water processing systems ensure a harmonious blend with the African bush. Set high up on a cliff face amongst a forest of euphorbia succulents which open up to reveal exquisite vistas of the Majale River and endless plains below.

Mashatu Euphorbia will begin welcoming guests from June 2020, but reservations are now open mashatu.com 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Africa's Best New Hotel

LITTLE Machaba Camp has been voted Africa’s Best New Hotel , the winners of the Boutique Hotel Awards 2018 were announced on 8 November 2018 at a prestigious ceremony at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London, which brought together an array of boutique hotel owners, travel and lifestyle press and travel industry influencers from all four corners of the globe.

Little Machaba is an intimate camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta with just 4 spacious safari tents overlooking the Khwai River and plains beyond which are frequented by elephants. Little Machaba is ideal for romantic travellers, honeymoon couples, or those who prefer a more private safari experience.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK
Picture Credit: By Lip Kee from Singapore, Republic of Singapore - I will follow you... wherever. commons.wikimedia.org

No hassles, no lay overs, direct to Kenya from the U.S.

KENYA'S National Airliner Kenya Airways launched its direct flights from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on 28th October, 2018 to New York John F. Kennedy Airport. This new route is intended to open up the 2 vibrant economies.

Travel from the USA to #Kenya will only be 15 hours or there about with no connection hassles, no lay overs and stop overs. Trade and investment, Horticulture, Technology and Tourism are the most key sectors that are likely to benefit from the introduction of this route.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Tantalising Tanzania

ARGUABLY northern Tanzania’s most interesting park, yet one of its least visited, Tarangire National Park is renowned for its diverse habitat and vast herds of elephant and zebra. 

And for the savvy traveller it’s the perfect destination to enjoy an authentic safari experience located in a remote and secluded corner of Tarangire National Park in the heart of Masai country. Boutique luxury safari operator’s recently refurbished Sanctuary Swala Camp offers just that. Sanctuary Swala has been voted by Tripadvisor guests as the number one camp in the park for several years running.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Top tips for a family safari

LOOKING for something completely different to do with the kids for your next holiday? Well, for families seeking extraordinary adventures off the beaten track, or for those who enjoy the great outdoors and connecting with nature, international luxury travel specialist, Sanctuary Retreats has just the answer. When it comes to keeping inquiring young minds stimulated, an African safari through unspoiled landscapes teeming with extraordinary wildlife is guaranteed to broaden your family’s horizons, and ensure that everyone shares a truly memorable experience. Here are top tips for parents planning the ultimate African ‘school excursion’ with the family. 

Choosing the Right Camp - Will the kids enjoy a tented camp or find it a little too rustic? And if your kids are younger, it might also be worth considering whether the camp is fenced – although older children may enjoy hearing larger animals close by during the night, chances are smaller kids might find it a little scary. 

How long? - We generally recommend that families take in 2 – 3 camps and lodges, with a stay of 3 days or longer per camp. That gives everyone plenty of time to get acclimatized and experience the full program of activities on offer at each property, plus a little rest and relaxation in between.

Meeting the locals - Squeezing in some culture or a philanthropic component is also good idea so that your kids have a chance to immerse themselves in local traditions and experiences. 

Preparing for Game Drives - With no standard minimum age for children to go on safari, and camps can differ significantly on how they accommodate younger guests. Some have a strict minimum age for safari, while others leave it up to parental discretion. 

What to Bring? - Regardless of your children’s ages, going on safari is guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime. So to keep kids engaged, definitely binoculars and a digital camera to capture every moment.

The Sanctuary portfolio includes safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, as well as river cruise ships on the Nile, the Yangtze and in Myanmar.   

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Zims new safari hot spot

ZIMBABWE is experiencing an exciting tourism revival since its change in leadership in 2017 and, in support of this increased interest, Machaba Safaris, well known for its three camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, opened its first #Zimbabwe based safari camp in May 2018. 

Verney’s Camp has a fantastic location, tucked away in a remote 10,000 hectare private concession in the south eastern section of Zimbabwe’s iconic Hwange National Park – and if the guest feedback so far is anything to go by, it is set to become one of Zimbabwe’s favourite new hot spots for discerning safari lovers “in the know”.

Verney’s offers excellent value for money and a true wilderness experience including excellent guided game drives and walks. But staying with Machaba is not just about the guest experience. It is also about supporting a country and its people as they strive to regain their once booming tourism industry - as well as supporting ethical operations. Machaba is a family-owned company that prides itself in its community development and initiatives ensuring the wildlife, local communities and guests all benefit. Machaba co-sponsors a local school in Hwange National Park which guests can visit as a half day tour. The tour also stops at a small rural village and the Wild Dog Research Centre.
Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

World’s Best Safari Outfitter

ALLURING Africa’s continued dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences has struck a chord with readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine, as they have named the Florida-based luxury tour operator as the World’s Best Safari Outfitter for 2018.

Travel + Leisure cited Alluring Africa’s “exacting attention to detail and earnest love for the places where it works” as a reason for the company’s enduring popularity amongst their “travel-hungry” readers, with this survey response typical of the many citations that Alluring Africa received: “They treat their clients like family, and create ultra-personalized itineraries... they are a world-class business that truly wants to help people connect with Africa!”

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

On track for an unforgettable holiday

THERE are many ways to experience South Africa – but if you really want to push the boat out and do it in style, you will be hard-pressed to beat combining a safari in the greater Kruger area with The Blue Train. 

The Blue Train is an icon of #South Africa - renowned for its sumptuous ensuite accommodation, award winning wines, freshly prepared cuisine and superlative service - all the while showcasing some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes along its winding journey. Usually travelling between Cape Town and Pretoria, The Blue Train also makes occasional special departures to the Greater Kruger area allowing a select few guests the opportunity to combine their one-way rail journey with a safari, either in the Kruger National Park itself – or at one of the luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger/Sabi Sands.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Explore East Africa

AFRICA is becoming an increasing popular tourist #destination and those who love nature and wildlife love to explore this amazing continent. However, East #Africa is still unexplored by many African safari lovers and Augustine Tours is bringing these beautiful destinations within reach.

The most popular tour offered by Augustine Tours Limited is an exciting seven-day trip to Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. The trip will take these tourists to the hills, parks, lakes and other historical, natural and cultural destinations of these amazing African destinations. 

The company also arranges trips to Tanzania and Kenya, which are already some of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. 


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Exotic journeys in India and Nepal

THE thick forests of #India and #Nepal host some of the most exotic and rare #wildlife species in the world. The sub-continent has thousands of verity of animals including over 350 mammals, 1500 bird species and 50,000 plant species, many of these are unique to the sub-continent.

Exotic Journeys’ offers safaris to the most popular Tiger Reserves and National Parks including Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh, Kaziranga, Gir National Park, Periyar, Kabini, Chitwan, Periyar, Sariska, Jim Corbett, Kanha and many others.

The wildlife authorities restrict the number of visitors as well as the size of lodges in the parks in order to follow the laws of conservation and maintain the pristine environ without disturbing the natural habitat.

Wildlife enthusiasts may select one Tiger Reserve or national park for a 4-day safari or opt for multiple sanctuaries for greater possibilities of tiger sightings. 

Exotic Journeys is offering 15% savings on 4-day safari and 20% savings on longer safaris. Book a safari by October 5, 2018 and travel any time by December 31, 2019.




Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Dubai desert safari tours

DHOW Cruise in Dubai, desert safari aims to help guests relive the ancient Bedouin lifestyle of the Middle East. Each desert safari tour offers the perfect mix of ancient, modern and traditional elements, put together to create an exclusive experience for the guests.

Each desert safari tour is designed to bring the best of the desert home to the guests. The morning safari comprises 6 hours of desert sports such as dune bashing, sand boarding and quad biking, sure to please the adventure souls out there. The Dinner in Desert package offers the chance to enjoy an exclusive dinner – an offer to dine like royalty on world-class veg and non-veg BBQ spread, followed by a night under the stars.

www.dhowcruiseindubai.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Pilgrimage to the Eastern Cape

OVER the next twelve months, South Africa’s Eastern Cape will be a #safari hotspot, with travellers expected to make the pilgrimage to Mandela’s home province, to mark what would have been his 100th birthday. Events linked to ‘Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018: Be the Legacy’ will be held in #SouthAfrica and London, UK (a Nelson Mandela Exhibition running for a fortnight around his birthday in July), and a statue honouring the former president will be unveiled in Glasgow.

It’s bragging rights assured, after landing a much coveted spot on Lonely Planet’s top 10 Best Countries To Visit In 2018, there’s even more reason to visit South Africa, as the Otter Trail (the country’s oldest hiking trail) will also celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

Cape Town is the jumping off point for Robben Island (where Mandela served 18 years of his 27 year sentence) and the perfect place to feel the Madiba buzz post your Big 5 safari. With stops in the Mountain Zebra National Park, the Addo Elephant Park and Tsitsikamma you can experience a taster of the country’s oldest hiking spot in a single afternoon - the complete Otter Trail is a more serious five day trek. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Down by the watering hole

THE Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo National Park has been recognized as one of Kenya’s top 10 Hotels by the US Travel Website TripAdvisor. 

Kilaguni emerged 7th out of 10 overall and this is a testament to Serena Hotel’s commitment in providing exceptional guest experiences, quality products and services across all our properties in the region.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

12 hours in Nairobi

MOST travelers search for the best way to spend time in any city of the worlds whether they are visiting or just transiting through. Nairobi City in the #Kenya Republic is no exception. With many places to visit in Kenya most travelers just want to get in touch with the #Wildlife for what is best known for in Kenya.

Any traveler now has a chance to visit most key attractions in Nairobi in approximately less than 12 hours with Cruzeiro Safaris. Starting at 6am to end at 5pm on a daily basis. 

The first experience is to visit the wildlife in their Natural habitat at the Nairobi national park, then proceed to the Elephant Orphanage , then have lunch at one of the most popular 100 Top restaurants of the world The Carnivore. Then on to the Giraffe Center and Karen Blixen Museum to end the day and then drive back to the hotel or to the Airport. 

Other popular safaris Holidays that are offered by Cruzeiro Safaris include 4 days safari to Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, 3 Days Safari to Masai Mara, 6 days Safari to Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, 9 days to Mount Kenya and Masai Mara.



Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Eggsplore Africa

IF you’re planning a #family #safari without the crowds, Easter in #Botswana ticks all the right boxes, says adventure travel specialist, Acacia Africa. Think emerald-green landscapes, blue skies, and with fewer visitors, a greater number of unexpected wildlife sightings.

The seven day Okavango Wilderness Trails small group tour includes a Fish Eagle River Cruise in the Chobe National Park, mokoro safaris on the delta, and a great introduction to conservation, a game drive in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Acacia Africa’s small group safaris take between four and 12 travellers - those with kids in tow, joined by couples, singles and seniors. Often covering more than one country and going overland rather than by plane adds to the excitement, children connecting the dots between destinations. Prices for children and adults are the same - Acacia’s safaris aimed at travellers who want to see the real Africa on a budget.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Grenouille O_O 65125141@N00/14723888040 Delivery by mokoro via photopin

Migrate to Africa

IT'S never too early to book a holiday to see the great wildebeest migration. This 12-day migration safari follows the wildebeest migration route focusing on the 2 parks of Serengeti and Masai Mara. 

The package also offers the guests the rare opportunity of taking a night game drive on one of the 2 nights spent at Amboseli National park. There is also a chance to see the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara National park and a full day Ngorongoro Crater Tour, before venturing to the Serengeti and Masai Mara reserves.

Hallmark Travel Planners has released early bird offers and departure dates for anybody planning to visit #Africa and enjoy the great wildebeest migration. The safari trips, made up of 11 nights, will take place between July and October 2018.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Digital Aesthetica 137982947@N02/24077461726 via photopin.com

MalaMala Makeover

2017 marks ninety years since MalaMala, probably South Africa’s most iconic Private “Big 5” Game Reserve, came into existence. With this important milestone comes what the owners are calling the “re-imagination” of MalaMala Main Camp and Sable Camp.

They were the first private game reserve to completely ban hunting and focus solely on luxury photographic safaris, providing a blueprint for others to follow – and are still, today, the largest tract of private “Big 5” private reserve at 33,000 acres. The land is now owned by the local N’Wandlahmari Community with an the operating company, MalaMala Game Reserve Pty Ltd.

Wedged between the famous Kruger National Park (12 miles of MalaMala’s eastern boundary are unfenced to allow for the natural movement of game) and the Sabi Sands Wildtuin to the west. The life-giving Sand River runs the length of the reserve drawing vast numbers of wildlife to it guaranteeing unrivalled game viewing – with all 3 camps right on the riverfront! 

They also have no access roads to the east of the river and allow no other vehicles traversing rights so you will never see a “queue to view” in MalaMala.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Going Wild

NEW responsible wildlife packages have bolstered Adventure World’s newly released 2018/19 India and Asia portfolio. As a longstanding partner with World Animal Protection [WAP], Adventure World strictly adheres to a policy of no elephant rides in any of its programs and in partnership with The TreadRight Foundation and Wildlife SOS, Adventure World is supporting the development of an Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, Uttar, India. 

New for 2018 is a dedicated Wildlife of Sri Lanka program where clients explore the lesser known Wilpattu National Park, home to a vast number of Sri Lankan leopards. Along with big cats there is the chance to see elephants, sloth bears and an array of other wildlife and flora on a thrilling Jeep safari. The program also includes an infrared night safari in Yala National Park and a day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Horton Plains. 

Birding enthusiasts will be drawn to the new Jungles, Wildlife & Temples itinerary in Cambodia which features a lodge stay in the isolated village of Tmatboey, famous for the conservation of the giant ibis, Cambodia’s national bird. Clients can enjoy a series of wildlife and birding treks with local naturalists. 

In Indonesia, the new Kaliman tan Orangutans by Houseboat allows travellers to explore the wonders of Tanjung, putting by houseboat, cruising languid waters, surrounded by jungle and encounter wild orangutans. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK