Category Archives: South Africa

Good Food & Wine Show to Enthral Epicureans Visiting Johannesburg, South Africa

If you are already in Johannesburg or soon planning a vacation to the city with family, friends or loved ones then set your taste-buds right and get ready to experience one of the finest culinary shows in the entire world. Johannesburg is all set to host its annual Good Food & Wine Show from 31st July to 3rd August 2014. It is going to be held at Gauteng. Good Food & Wine Show is one of the most celebrated annual events in South Africa. The event has everything to offer, from epicurean’s classics to culinary arts and authentic produce to specialty seafood, and is sure to leave the visitors gloating over their decision to grab air tickets to Johannesburg.

Further, be sure not to miss the edible concoctions of South African and international culinary masters. You can even rate the many invited celebrity chefs as they bring in for you their best palate-tingling culinary delights that demonstrate their exceptional art. The top most attraction of this amazing gala event remains ‘Lion’s Den’, a live innovative theatre specially designed to offer a unique platform for local innovation. The selected participants have 20 minutes to present their best product in front of the audience who later judge it.

Good-Food-&-Wine-ShowThe show will also be having renowned culinary specialists, including Cake Boss, Reza Mahammed, Buddy Valastro and Siba from Siba’s table, who will be the special guests of the grand celebration. Then there are abundant theatre programmes which will provide special cookery skills to the visitors, thus making them experts in culinary arts. The different programmes include SPAR Food Theatre Programme, Celebrity Book Signing Theatre Programme, Selati Sweet Treats Theatre and Celebrity Chefs Theatre. The festival is also an electrifying wine testing zone that is sure to tempt scores of wine lovers from across the world to catch flights to Johannesburg and immerse into its exotic flavours. Tickets for the event can be booked online through the official website i.e. www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za which even allows the visitors to check all important event related details.

Best Whale Watching Destinations in the World

Best-Whale-Watching-Destinations-in-the-World

Whale watching is turning into a fascinating and thought-provoking adventure activity such that a good portion of holidaymakers’ net flights tickets to different destination in the world. This unique activity allows you to have a close encounter with one of the most majestic and graceful giants in the world in their natural habitat. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the most celebrated whale watching destinations in the world that triggers the sale of air tickets on worldwide flights.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is a small seaside town that remains bustling with international travellers throughout the year. The destination is internationally acclaimed whale watching destination and ranked as one of the world’s most prominent places to sight sperm whales. Holidaymakers making their way to the region can choose a typical whale watching tour which allows them to see New Zealand’s wildest aquatic creatures including Dusky dolphins, Fur Seals and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Flights have also been introduced which offer an aerial view to a larger region, making it easier for the visitors to encounter sperm whale.

Hermanus, South Africa

Hermanus is one such destination in the world where the visitors do not need to stretch their legs much and bend into the sea to have a perfect view of the giant whales. Situated in Walker Bay, at the southern coast of Western Cape, the region offers one of the best shore-based whale-watching opportunities in the world. This is also a vital reason for pushing up the sale of air tickets on flights arriving in South Africa. Active in the month of July, the southern right whales that love the warm, shallow waters surround all the sides of this seaside destination, making it a hub of giant mammals. The best attraction in Hermanus is a 6-mile-long Cliffside path along the coastline that remains a perfect perch for feasting eyes on hundreds of whales frolicking in the open waters.

Attractions that Top the Itineraries of Family Holidaymakers to South Africa

South-Africa

Situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. There is a myriad of things to do and see in this country. Whether you are a globetrotter who travels alone or a family person who likes to tour the world with family, there is no shortage of fun here. When it comes to family holidays, South Africa offers a great deal of options to choose from. Here is a quick rundown to the attractions here.

Beautiful Beaches

Beach lovers who are planning to spend some fun time with the family are guaranteed be delighted with the experience they will have by the great sandy beaches of South Africa. Take a tour to the Clifton beach of Western Cape or Umhlanga Rocks of KwaZulu-Natal, the beaches are some of the most stunning ones in the world.

Game Viewing and Safaris

Renowned for its Big Five, South Africa truly redefines the game viewing experience. Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo are the ‘Big Five’ and attract the true blue wildlife lovers to South African reserves and national parks. The kind of diversity in wildlife that this country sees is unparalleled. A safari with family is a great experience and the country makes sure that it remains unforgettable.

The Extravagant Theme parks

Looking for an adrenaline pumping experience with family?  South Africa is packed with theme parks that are not just the best in the world; they are committed to offer you an indelible family holiday experience. Especially, the attractions and activities for the kids in Durban are remarkable. Visit parks like Gold Reef City, Sun City theme park, uShaka Marine World, there is absolutely no shortage of theme parks here.

Ostrich farms

They run, they see and you conquer. Learn, ride and explore all about this big birdie in the famous ostrich farms. It may seem like a ‘not so fun’ place to visit but once you take a tour, it usually turns out to be the best part of the trip. Most Ostrich farms are way more fun than they seem. People who are looking for a great time with their families must pay one of the farms a visit.

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon to Begin in Cape Town, South Africa

Old-Mutual-Two-Oceans-Marathon-to-Begin-in-Cape-Town,-South-Africa

Holidaymakers, especially sport enthusiasts who have booked flights to South Africa’s Cape Town and are in the city on 18th and 19th this month have got another reason to get charged up! The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, arguably world’s one of the best sporting events and that excites locals as well as international athletes, is starting on 18th April. The two day event will wind up on 19th April.

The journey of this popular sports event started in 1970. Eventually Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has become one of the world’s most popular marathons, with more than eleven thousand runners participating in the Ultra Marathon and more than sixteen thousand competitors taking part in the Half Marathon of this year.

In initial days, runners used to run fifty six kilometres, participants of Half Marathon used to cover twenty one kilometres and other fun runs used to take place. And during these forty four years of time span, South Africa has witnessed many locals to get the winning title.

Apart from the professional participants, Two Oceans Marathon welcomes amateur sport lovers as well. One can take part either in the ten kilometres trail or twenty two kilometres trail which will take one through the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak and the forests above the University of Cape own.

Though these runs are more popular among the beginners, experienced athletes are also found to accept the challenges to win against the rocky steeps. Besides, a series of International Friendship Run also take place at the rugby fields of the University of Cape Town.

Apart from the grand sport events, the Two Oceans Marathon Initiative offers a fantastic way to give something back to the community by fund raising for education and sporting needs of children as well as environmental issues involving parks, flora and fauna, as well as animals and marine creatures.

Sport lovers and tourists who arrived on flights at this beautiful metropolis of South Africa and planning to stay in Cape Town during the weekend can visit the Annual Expo, arranged by Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and get a deeper insight on the sport’s trends, latest news on outdoor adventures; buy sport apparels and nutritious supplements etc.

Top 3 African Adventure Destinations to Plan Holidays

Do you often dream climbing a lofty mountain? Do the sudden calls of wild animals fascinate you? Or does the captivating world under water entice you? If it’s a ‘yes’ for any of the above mentioned queries, Africa is perhaps the ideal place to head to!

Top-3-African-Adventure-Destinations-to-Plan-Holidays

Featuring vast deserts, dense rain forests, soaring mountains and tumbling waterfall; Africa promises a wonderful holiday experience to adrenal junkies boarding flights to the destination. Besides, the opportunity to witness the exotic wild species from East and South Africa at a close proximity set thousands of adventure enthusiasts on a mad scramble for flights to many destinations in this continent. Let’s check out top three amazing countries in Africa which are sure to give flights to your fancies!

Kenya

Kenya and wildlife safari are synonymous! Home to Africa’s Big Five, the country remains one of the best places for Safari in Africa. A safari in Kenya offers a chance to encounter the Big Five as well as other species of the animal kingdom while travelling through the dense forests and the open savannas. NairobiNational Park and Masai Mara are the top two reasons that play a vital role in the sale of air tickets to this East African country.

South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa remains a priority for many wildlife enthusiasts looking for deals on flights for holidays in Africa. Founded in 1931, this third largest nature reserve of South Africa houses more than five hundred elephants. Apart from these huge mammals, this park boasts cape buffalos, dung beetles, hyenas, and African penguins; and a glimpse of this rich wilderness is being worth to the cost of flights to South Africa.

Tanzania

Walk High and Sleep Low! If this is what you follow while travelling, a trek to Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro would be a great experience! Located in East Africa, this 19,336 feet high snow covered peak is considered as world’s tallest walkable mountain. This six day trek will take the hikers from different climate zone and one does not need to be an expert to climb the summit.

Unlimited Fun and Adventure – Best White Water Rafting in Africa

Holidaymakers looking for a thrilling and adventurous holiday with an amazing adventure sport may head for white water rafting in Africa. This popular water sport is considered to be one of the most challenging and exhilarating activities that trigger the sale of air tickets to the destination. The breathless paddling on rafts through the chaotic water and awe-inspiring rapids is sure to deliver the holidaymakers once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is in fact the most wonderful way to be a part of nature in its truest form. Here’s a quick check at some of the very popular white water rafting destination in Africa.

Water Rafting in Africa

Orange River Rafting

The float plane in the much popular Orange River winds through the Richtersveld National Park, allowing the rafts-men to have much closer look at the most stunningly scenic waterways of Africa. The fast flowing rapids and currents surrounded by sky-kissing mountain peaks and sharp cliffs are sure to amuse the thrill seekers spending bundles on air tickets for flights to South Africa. With mostly class II rapids, the expedition can be made more exciting as visitors can take a 2 person raft which is followed by a well trained guide. Rafting trips on the Orange River last between 3 to 5 days depending upon the number of people in the group.

Blyde River Rafting

Rafting excursion on the famous Blyde River takes holidaymakers through the third-deepest canyon in the world which is situated between Graskop and Hoedspruit in South Africa. Travellers looking for an adrenaline rush must try out the rapids on the Blyde River that come splashing with a tantalizing level of intensity. The expedition takes visitors through some of the most thrilling rapids that are sure to scare even the most seasoned rafters. As the canyon gets narrower with the distance covered, the frequency and series of rapids drop steeply. Visitors may choose among a variety of packages available for rafting and other popular outdoor activities.

Zambezi River Rafting

Passing through a stretch below the Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorge, this rafting trip greets the rafters with over 23 thrilling rapids in the total 15-mile (24-kilometer) stretch. Although the waves in the entire route are quite high, the amount of higher navigation needed is relatively small as the tours are guided by well trained rafters. Considered as one of the most dramatic river backdrops in the world, the scenic beauty on either banks of the river leaves everyone awestruck and offers ample opportunities for photography and sightseeing. Most rafting operators here use small 2-person rafts on their trips, allowing the guests a chance to take charge of their individual crafts.

World’s Top Medical Tourism Destinations

World's-Top-Medical-Tourism

Medical tourism is a growing concept, especially among westerners who find the cost of medical facilities and cosmetic procedures a bit too steep back home. Take a look at top global destinations that are renowned for medical tourism.

India

India, with its all too well publicized poverty and social issues may not be the most likely place for sophisticated advanced treatments, but the country undoubtedly is the front runner when it comes to medical tourism. Top doctors and low costs are the biggest factors that drive people to the shores of this ancient country. The prevalent of English language in the country further drives Europeans and Americans to book their flights to India when there is a little ‘tweaking’ needed to the nose or chin!! Apart from cosmetic surgeries, eye treatments are very popular in the country.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a beautiful country and among the leading medical tourism destinations in the world. Penang, Malaysia’s beach resort town is famous for medical centers offering cosmetic surgeries. Breast augmentation is easily the most popular cosmetic surgery being sought in the area. So much so that even some travel and tour operators offer these surgeries in the flights and holiday package!! For more ‘serious’ medical procedures, Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur is the likely address. The natural surroundings and the refreshing milieu make the country a perfect option for post-surgery rehabilitation.

Iran

Iran is the blossoming destination for medical tourism. Plastic surgery is big in this country. Procedural costs are very low as compared to those in the west and this is the reason many of the westerners are often found seeking deals on flights to Iran.

Israel

Israel is another top contender when people look for places where they can have the best medical treatment. The country is known for its expertise in diverse fields, which range form cancer therapy to dermatological treatments.

Noteworthy Attractions In and Around Carlton Centre, Johannesburg

Noteworthy-Attractions-In-and-Around-Carlton-Centre,-Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the heartbeat South Africa when it comes to breathtaking nature, worth-exploring history and rich wildlife. Besides, Carlton Centre is another highlight of Jo’burg that possesses enough to tickle your travel senses! This tallest skyscraper in entire Africa houses a shopping mall, office complexes and various recreational activities. Besides these notable spotlights of Carlton Centre, one attraction that lures travellers to this gigantic structure is Top of Africa. Holidaymakers booking flights to the city cannot call their trip to Jo’burg ‘Complete,’ if this observation deck is missing from their travel itineraries.

Top of Africa offers captivating 360° views of Johannesburg from this skyscraper. If you can compromise on your sleep, plan a visit to this edifice early in the morning to admire sunrise when Johannesburg comes to a new light amidst an undefined quaint aura. In case, you are not a morning person, climb up the 50th floor to give flights to your fancies with awe-inspiring views of the city during evenings. This deck also features a small restaurant that serves a variety of snacks.
Carlton Centre is also famous for its proximity to numerous sites that always top the list of attractions of travellers boarding flights landing at Johannesburg. Let’s know about few of them.

Apartheid Museum

Spend some time at this museum to take a closer look at the exhibits that offer a sneak-peak into turbulent past of South Africa depicted by a plethora of displays featuring photographs, texts, documents, videos and artefacts. Entry tickets are required and on Mondays, this museum remains closed.

Market Theatre

For culture vultures reserving seats on Johannesburg flights, Market Theatre is a must-visit attraction. This world-renowned performing arts venue is reputed for hosting anti-apartheid plays. Besides plays and live performances, this theatre also features Market Photo Workshop, an auditorium, a gallery and a lecture room.

Constitution Hill

This is among the most noteworthy historical landmarks in Johannesburg. It served as a prison where notable personalities such as nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were kept as prisoners. Apart from being a witness to racial segregation, Constitution Hill is also famous as one of the oldest buildings in the metropolis.

Ideal Time to Visit Durban – Gateway to KwaZulu Natal

Durban

Durban is one of the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa and visited by hordes of tourists every year from all over the world. Featuring exotic beaches, dense rainforest, historical lures, cultural museums, rich wilderness and fantastic scenic marvels – Durban entices many holidaymakers who reserve flights bound for South Africa, to take a visit here. Apart from the tourist attractions, the pleasant weather and the never-ending festive season of Durban add to the popularity of Australia flights arriving here.

Being a southern hemisphere city, Durban enjoys Christmas in summers and Easter in autumn. Foreign tourists boarding flights to enjoy a memorable holiday in Durban during summers i.e. from end of November to March are advised to make an early reservation on flights as well as hotels to avoid the last minute rush. Due to Christmas and school holidays Durban witnesses the maximum tourist influx during summer. Moreover, many holidaymakers, especially epicureans are found to search for lucrative deals on flights arriving in Durban, during February when Prickly Pear Festival takes place.

Food lovers are often found to struggle for good deals on flights disembarking at Durban in the winter months as well. The Good Food and Wine Show is one of the key reasons behind the high demand of flight tickets during May. Besides, most movie buffs purchase tickets aboard Durban bound flights in the month of July to participate in Durban International Film Festival. Additionally, the relatively cooler weather of the city allows sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

During the autumn and the spring months, i.e. from April to May and from September to November, Durban features a moderate climate. However, many culturally inclined tourists, especially people having an interest in poetry can reserve flights to the city in October for participating in the Poetry Africa Festival. If you enjoy music, drama, dance performances and other forms of arts, November is the ideal time to visit Durban. But, travellers contemplating holidays here during these months should keep in mind that the destination receives maximum rain shower in spring and autumn.

Book Cheap Flight tickets to Durban at https://www.traveltrolley.co.uk/flights/south-africa/durban/

Top Water-Sports to Enjoy in Cape Town Area

Flights to Capetown

The area in and around Cape Town remains the hunting ground of adventurers as the city promotes and offers dozens of water-sport activities. Dense currents, mesmerising cliffs, fascinating bays and pristine beaches grace the Cape Peninsula and along the west coast north of Cape Town. Everyone, from kids to adults and amateurs to veterans, will find activities as per their whims and fancies. This is the reason why Cape Town flights are highly revered by adventure aficionados from all over the globe.

Diving

Divers taking Cape Town flights will find ample of underwater drama around the Cape Peninsula. The pellucid water ensures clear visibility up to 25m and two oceans brim with some captivating marine creatures. A good number of diving options keep beginners to experienced divers entertained. One can choose to swim against enormous boulders with anemones; discover the sea cave filled to brim with sea urchins or swim with Cape fur seals. Two Oceans Aquarium is also the major haunt that attracts swarms of divers who takes Cape Town bound flights. Besides, there are a plethora of operators that offer wide-ranging tours to popular diving spots.

Sailing

Sailing remains the sure-fire way to spend a lovely day. Most tourists who hop on Cape Town flights make a point of enjoying this remarkable activity. One of the easiest ways to book operators that run varied trips ranging from sightseeing boat trips to yacht charters. Vacationers can also plan sailing tours from harbour, seal watching trips, sunset trips and even week-long sailing sojourn.

Deep Sea Fishing

Game fishing is a perennial occupation in deep ocean waters. Keen travellers who book flights for travel from October to May can look forward to indulge in the best of deep sea fishing in Cape Town. They may find a vast collection of attractive creatures including, dorado, yellowtail, reef fish, long-fin and yellow-fin tuna. While, winter season between June and September brings along copious supply of yellowtail and reef fish.