• Home
  • Destinations
    • Botswana
    • Mozambique
    • South Africa
    • Zimbabwe
  • Special Interests
    • Birding
    • Family Holiday
    • Horse Riding
    • Romantic Getaway
    • Photography
    • Walking
  • Possible Itineraries
  • Client Feedback
  • Enquire Now
  • Giving Back
  EIGHT POINTS AFRICA
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Botswana
    • Mozambique
    • South Africa
    • Zimbabwe
  • Special Interests
    • Birding
    • Family Holiday
    • Horse Riding
    • Romantic Getaway
    • Photography
    • Walking
  • Possible Itineraries
  • Client Feedback
  • Enquire Now
  • Giving Back

10 things we think should be on your Bucket List in 2021

6/29/2020

1 Comment

 

(This list is in no particular order and there are so many, we found it hard to restrict to just 10)

Kaapsehoop South Africa
  1. Victoria Falls - Also known as ‘Mosi - oa - Tunya’ – ‘the smoke that thunders’. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is considered to be one of the world's largest waterfall due to its width of 1,708 metres (5,604 ft). The river plunges 100m into a vertical chasm. This creates the greatest curtain of falling water in the world and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 
    Victoria Falls can be visited when staying in either Zambia or Zimbabwe. When visiting the Falls there is a variety of activities to excite adventure junkies – bungee jumping, white river rafting, swimming in a natural pool on the edge of the falls, helicopter flights as well as the more sedate sunset river cruises. There is also a number of Parks to explore.


  2. Okavango Delta – It is not a UNESCO World Heritage site for no reason. Glide through the Okavango on a traditional mokoro, explore the islands on foot taking in magnificent scenery, view game, birds, insects, medicinal plants, tracks, signs, droppings, and other fascinating natural phenomena.

  3. Cape Town - Hike up Table Mountain (Or take the cable care if you wish), taste some of the best South African wines whilst taking in the views of the vineyards, visit the penguins in Simon’s Town and so much more. This city and the surrounds have so much to offer.

  4. Kaapsehoop - In the Greater Kruger, nestled in the Drakensberg mountain range, 1486 m above sea level, you will find the quaint historic mining town of Kaapsehoop, which is today famous for being home to the wild horses.
    Kaapsehoop has a lovely laid back, artistic, hippie vibe which allows visitors to immediately feel relaxed upon arrival
    Take a horse ride with not a single worry in the world amongst the wild horses, through the plantations and up onto the escarpment where there were the most breath-taking views.
    For those that are not keen on horses, take a walk along the escarpment and to visit the waterfalls, try your hand at pottery making, painting, and enjoy South Africa’s version of ‘Stonehenge’ with the unusual rock formations. 

  5. Coastline of Mozambique – The coasts of Mozambique have lots to offer in the way of activities from deep sea fishing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, paddle boarding and much more. Mozambique is also a wonderful destination to enjoy whale watching during the months of July to November every year as the Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales make their annual migration along the Mozambican coastline on their way to and from their winter breeding grounds. Certain parts of the coastline also play host to both Loggerhead and Leatherback turtle nesting sites. The emergence of the hatchlings normally occurs from December through to late March

  6. Kruger National Park – Larger than Israel, Kruger National Park is the largest and most famous game reserve in South Africa. Operated by the South African National Parks Board it is arguably the emblem of South African tourism and is a must visit when in South Africa. Kruger National Park and the neighbouring private reserves, which make up the Greater Kruger, offer some of the best game viewing in Africa.

  7. Track Desert Elephants in Namibia – Desert adapted elephants are only found in 2 places in the World, of which Namibia is one of them. The number of desert adapted elephants is something highly disputed. However, the one thing is certain is they are rare, and to see them in the desert is pretty spectacular.
    These adapted elephants travel in smaller groups than your typical African elephants so that there is less pressure on the group to find the amount of food a large herd would need. They are also able to go several days without drinking any water, which together with their ability to walk long distances, helps them get from one oasis to the next.

  8. Canoe the lower Zambezi – What better way to experience one of Africa most famous rivers than at water level in a canoe. The Lower Zambezi weaves through some of the most incredible wildlife regions. This unique canoeing experience is combined with wildlife viewing at its best. Canoeing offers a superb, quiet way of approaching wildlife

  9. Take in some of South Africa history as you tour the battlefields in KwaZulu Natal  – With over 82 battlefields and museums on this route this is the highest concentration of South African battlefield sites, where Zulu, British and Boer battled it out over a turbulent period lasting almost 70 years.
    We recommend booking a guided tour throughout this region to ensure that you see all the points of interest and are able to get as much information and history as possible. These points include Shaka’s Memorial in KawDukuza, Eshowe Fort in Eshowe, Eshowe Museum, Isandlwana Battlefields, Fugitives Drift and Rourke’s Drift.
    ​
  10. South Africa’s Panorama route and Blyde River Canyon - The Panorama Route is a scenic drive in South Africa’s Mpumlanga province which connects several cultural and natural points of interest. This route includes waterfalls, look out points, including Gods Window, and looking out over the three rondawels, the Blyde River Canyon and Blyde Dam. Blyde River Canyon,is the World’s third largest canyon and Africa’s second largest canyon and is also thought to be the largest ‘Green Canyon’ in the World. 
Canoe Lower Zambezi
Turtle Anvil Bay
Victoria Falls
1 Comment

Where to spend Christmas 2020 and celebrate New Year 2020-2021?

5/29/2020

0 Comments

 
Southern Africa celebrates the festive season in the middle of our summer, which to many is a very strange concept. To have Christmas in the sun and heat, is a fabulous time to travel with so many different options. Whether you would like to spend your days relaxing and taking in the sea air, on a safari or exploring the many vibrant towns and cities, there is something for everyone. 

Botswana have their low season during the summer months, therefore you can really take advantage of their lower prices and special offers. This time of year is known as the Green Season, as not only is it summer, but it is also the rainy season which means the bush explodes in lush green tones of grass, trees and also pops of colour from the wild flowers.Migratory birds have returned from Northern Africa and Europe filling the sky with bird song and vibrant colours. Animals generally give birth to their young in the summer months, and who doesn’t want the opportunity to oooohhhh and aaaaahhhh over cute baby animals.
All regions seem to come alive at this time of year and every region has something different to offer.
It should be noted that the Okavango Delta water levels are at their lowest at this time of year, therefore you should not expect the iconic image of water everywhere. The low water levels are however, good news for the game viewing, as lower water levels restricts animal movements as they stay around permanent water sources.

Mozambique with over 2500km of un-spoilt beaches is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a beach holiday. Whether you like to relax in the sun on the beach or by a pool, or fill your days with water activities such as deep sea diving, fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and much more, Mozambique’s coastlines have so much to offer.
The reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago are home to over 1200 species of marine creatures including the rare Dugong. The deep channels that flow off the coast of Mozambique offer some of the best Big Game Fishing for Marlin and Sail Fish in the world.
Certain parts of the coastline also play host to both Loggerhead and Leatherback turtle nesting sites. The emergence of the hatchlings normally occurs from December through to late March.
 
Namibia is a popular destination for those that like to self-drive and explore everything on offer. Namibia is full of stark differences from the costal regions on Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and the Skeleton coast to the sand dunes of the Namibian desert.
If you are in the south of Namibia a visit to the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, is a must. However, you should keep in mind that it is the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia so it may well be busy in December.
If you are looking to avoid crowds and see the more natural side on Namibia, a Namibian safari is like no other in Africa and there is no shortage of options. We recommend taking the opportunity to track the famous desert elephants, if you get the chance.
Namibia is also home to the Caprivi Strip which separates Namibia and it’s neighbouring countries along this 450km section. It is a spectacular region to visit, however please keep in mind that the water levels in the Caprivi are likely to be low during December unless they have experienced very good early localized rainfall.
 
South Africa has something for everyone, however it will not be possible to do it all in one trip. Whether you would like a beach holiday, a city break or safari, South Africa has it all.
Visit the buzzing vibrant city of Cape Town, taking in the culture and history of the city. Visit Table Mountain, relax on one of the many beaches, visit the penguins in neighbouring Simon’s Town or get yourself out to the many vineyards in the winelands and experience some of the best wine in the World. You will definitely not be short of things to do in Cape Town.
If you would prefer the more peaceful and nature filled holiday, there are so many amazing National Parks and private Game Reserves to be seen. Spend your days getting up with the sun and getting out in search of what animals you can find that day.
If you are in the Kruger Region you should include a trip to the stunning Blyde River Canyon, second largest canyon in Africa and thought to be the largest ‘Green Canyon’ in the World.
South Africa also has some incredible beaches to be enjoyed. The coastlines are a popular attraction over this period and brings a real festive vibe. However, there are more private and secluded options as well, if you would prefer to avoid the crowds.
 
Zambia is a destination that seems too often to be overlooked, when in fact it should be up there with the best African holiday destinations. Although for many of the famous ‘Zambia must do’s’ December is not the ideal time due to being water based (Victoria Falls, Devils Pool, sunset cruise on the Zambezi) this does not mean that Zambia should not be visited at this time of year. 
If you are interested in History, Livingstone is an amazing town full of history with museums and places of interest to visit.
For all the nature lovers, Zambia has some of the best nature reserves in Africa offering some amazing game viewing. One of the great things about Zambia is that it is one of Africa’s best kept secrets, meaning your safari experience is a lot more exclusive due to less visitors than you may find elsewhere in Africa.
Did you know that the largest mammal migration is actually in Zambia between October and December? About 10 million straw coloured fruit bats descend into a tiny patch of evergreen swamp forest inside Kasanka National Park, Northern Zambia

Zimbabwe has so much to offer. December is not the best time to visit Victoria Falls as the water levels in the Zambezi are low, however Zimbabwe is not just about Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls town does have so many other things other than the falls themselves. Why not go for high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel or a trip on the steam train during your stay at Victoria Falls. It will transform you to a bygone era of luxury steam train travel.
As with Botswana, December in Zimbabwe falls into low season, therefore huge savings are to be had, as well as being able to take advantage of the summer rains. With the bush exploding into new life, why not visit Hwange National Park or Zambezi National Park for the incredible safaris. If you are a seasoned safari goer and like to get off the beaten track and away from everything and everyone, the Gonarezhou National Park should be on your list.
Alternatively spend your time overlooking ‘’Zimbabwe’s ocean’, Lake Kariba, either from one of the lodges on the banks or spend your time sipping cocktails on one of the houseboats.

Chobe Boat Cruise
asDunas Mozambique Beach
Tropic of Capricorn Namibia
Deadvlei Nambia
Baby Impala
Blyde River Canyon
Lioness in South Luangwa
Carmine Bee Eaters South Luangwa
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris Houseboat
0 Comments

    Categories

    All
    Botswana
    Family Safaris
    Mozambique
    Namibia
    South Africa
    Travel Tips
    Zambia
    Zimbabwe

    RSS Feed

Enquire Now
Phone: +27 (0) 83 483 3795
​
Email: info@eightpointsafrica.com
Eight Points Africa Logo
​Logo Design Casjané du Plooy Art
© 2018 Eight Points Africa
Picture
Terms and Conditions
Picture
Picture
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Botswana
    • Mozambique
    • South Africa
    • Zimbabwe
  • Special Interests
    • Birding
    • Family Holiday
    • Horse Riding
    • Romantic Getaway
    • Photography
    • Walking
  • Possible Itineraries
  • Client Feedback
  • Enquire Now
  • Giving Back