The Tsitsikamma Forest

Submerge yourself in the Tsitsikamma forest and experience an Africa that you may never have known existed. With a profusion of plant life and abundant water as well as scenic and adventure outings, this forest is a living splendour that has to be visited and experienced to be believed.

The Garden Route Wonderland is our exquisite coastal green belt, one which invites little forays inland to visit quaint towns like Oudtshoorn, dubbed the 'feather capital of the world'. Visit a prestigious ostrich farm there to watch these large birds strut their soft, glamorous stuff.
The Garden route wonderland is available to book online onbookmyroom-sa.com

The Tsitsikamma forest is home to plenty of adventurous activities... from the world's highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, to the Storms River Adventure centre, the Tsitsikamma canopy tour, The Tsitsikamma Waterfall Zipline adventure, scuba diving sites and the Woodcutters Journey, as well as plenty of hiking trails, of which the Otter Trail and Dolphin Trails are the most famous.

Nature-based activities abound and there is plenty of bird life. The coastline is home to a very delicately balanced marine eco-system and some of the finest whale and dolphin viewing sites.

BookMyRoom-SA now offers the new package Garden Route Splendour from the moment we depart the Friendly City of Port Elizabeth, you'll see and feel the changing landscape…and why we call it The Garden Route. Our leisurely journey takes us through the cool, calming Tsitsikamma National Park, the charming coastal town of Knysna with its well established fine arts and crafts centre.

The Tsitsikamma region of the eastern Cape stretches from the Bloukrans river in the west, to Eerste Rivier to the east and on the north from the Tsitsikamma mountains to the Indian ocean in the south.

The Tsitsikamma National Park forms part of the greater Garden Route National Park. The area is covered by large areas of indigenous forest as well as commercial plantations and fynbos. There are also many rivers in the area, which have carved deep gorges as they wind their way from the plateau to the sea. The climate is mild all year round making this a great destination with many adventure activities on offer.

This the largest marine reserve in South Africa and an indigenous rain forest that harbours 116 types of giant tree including the giant Outenique Yellowwood Trees. There is a special walk to the biggest of the these, The Big Tree which is a Yellowwood giant estimated to be ±800 years old, it stands 36.6 metres high and has a circumference of almost 9 metres.

With activities, shops, accommodation and tour operators all easily to hand, it's easy to try out at a variety of adventure activities, while experiencing the incredible beauty of the Tsitsikamma forest first-hand.

About the Author

Mark Johnson is a press release officer of BookMyRoom-SA

Tale of African Snakes

Many people are scared of snakes and to many, a snake is a snake, all are dangerous and deserve death. However, most snake species are completely harmless! In fact, about 80% of all snakes' species in the world are non-venomous and perform important ecological functions as controllers of rodent- pest populations. Thus knowing how to identify snakes is a vital part of our lives and conservation education.

The wilds of Africa are often associated with snakes and rightly so, but, unfortunately, usually for the wrong reasons. Africa is well known amongst herpetologists and snake lovers for the interesting variety of species of which some are unfortunately highly priced in the pet trade.Although many of the African snakes' species are completely harmless to humans, this region also hold some of the worlds most deadly snakes.

The Black and Green Mamba, Puff Adder, Cobra, Boomsland, and Saw-scaled Vipers are some of the worlds most deadly snakes and deserve a great deal of respect.In east Africa, there are close to 200 species of snakes. Of these 200, 47 are considered dangerous to humans, 45 are venomous and two are large constrictors (two species of pythons very similar in appearance). Of the 47 dangerous species mentioned, 18 species are known to have killed people.

Kenya is home to several of the most dangerous species for example, the Puff Adder (Bitis arietans), Black-necked Spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) and Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis). However, Kenya is also home to many harmless species that feed on rats and mice that consume maize, millet and rice, the stable diet of the people of Kenya.The simplest way of describing snakes is whether a snake is Harmless, Mildly Venomous or Dangerous.

Some snakes have no venom and are completely harmless like the Brown House Snake. Others like large pythons may be non-venomous but are still considered dangerous.Sand snakes (genus Psammphis) are considered mildly venomous. This means that the venom is strong enough to subdue or kill its prey, like a small lizard, but not strong enough to kill an adult human. However, one should still be careful around these fast moving serpents.

Young children or adults that have allergic reactions could suffer severe symptoms from the bite of a sand snake!In general, African is home to an abundance of different snake species. From its deserts to savannahs, the African landscape is home to an enormous variety of extremely beautiful and potentially dangerous snakes. Below are some of the most popular snake classification;
Colubridae / Colubrids - A Colubrid is a snake that is a member of the Colubridae family.

It is a broad classification of snakes that includes well over half of all snake species on earth. While most colubrids are non-venomous (or have venom that isn't known to be harmful to humans) and are normally harmless, a few groups, such as genus Boiga, Coluber and Rhabdophis, can produce medically significant bites. In addition, the Boomslang and African Twig Snake have both caused human fatalities.The venom-injecting fangs associated with venomous colubrids are almost always in the back of the mouth, compared to vipers and elapids.

In North America, all snake species in the colubridae family are generally harmless to humans. Please note: This list does not currently include sub-species.

Elapidae/ Elapids (Venomous) - The cobra family is thought to have evolved from Colubrid snakes and many appear very similar in appearance with long, slender bodies and large scales (plates) on the head. They differ in having more advanced venom delivery systems than the venomous Colubrids. Elapids have fangs that are "effectively tubular" in that the fangs contain grooves that are enclosed by an infolding of the edges.

The fangs are in the front of the mouth rather than the rear as is seen in venomous Colubrids. The Elapidae contains some of the world's most dangerous snakes including cobras (Naja), mambas (Dendroaspis) and sea snakes (Hydophinae and Laticaudinae). Elapids are found worldwide and in Ausralia is the predominant family. In North America, three species of elapids are found, two species of coral snakes and one sea snake. The coral snakes are relatively small snakes that spend most of their time underground. Their primary food is other snakes. Despite their small size and small fangs, their venom is extremely toxic.

Viperidae / Vipers (Venomous) - The vipers are generally considered to be the most advanced family of snakes since they possess a very sophisticated venom delivery system. Large tubular fangs are placed in the front of the mouth and they are hinged, allowing them to be folded back when not in use. Their heads are covered with numerous small scales and their eyes have vertically eliptical pupils.

What to do when you meet a snake?

First of all, except for the slow-snakes like puff adders, you will generally see a snake swiftly pass by you, not even enough time to take a photo. That being a general rule, always leave snakes alone, don't touch them unless you are a professional snake handler. Like all wildlife, they deserve their respect and distance from our interference. Except for cases where human-pet life is in danger, leave them alone, unless it is absolutely necessary to have them moved. Have a wonderful day and enjoy these earths' beautiful creatures.

About the Author

Natural Track Safaris is a Kenya based nature Safari Company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit http://www.natural-track.com/safaris and http://www.natural-track.com

Five Steps to Planning Your Trip to Africa

Should you have any programs for visiting any part of Africa from A (ANGOLA) to Z (Zimbabwe), you need to plan it in detail, and save yourself the embarrassments and irritations often connected with travelling to that part of the world. At times, travelling there could be quite risky and unsteady, depending on the country you choose to visit and health risks are an everyday affair.

1. Get a visa, update your passport

Your most important travel document, the passport, should be valid for a minimum of six month from the date of commencing your trip. In case you find that the same is nearing its expiry date, have it renewed and then apply for a visa. Visa rules undergo frequent changes, depending on the whims and fancies of the politicians. It is highly desirable to contact the embassy of the country to be visited at least two month before the date of departure, and know the latest visa rules applicable to your nationality, mind you, not the country where you might be living. Quite a few African countries offer visas on landing therein. You are charged the required fee and your passport is stamped. But, there are others asking you to get a visa before hand. You are required to fill out the prescribed form and send your passport along with the specified fee to the embassy. Simultaneously, collect the contact details of the embassy or consulate of your country in the country you plan to visit. It will be helpful to know from you country's embassy about health risks, terrorist alerts and entry rules and regulations etc.

2. Tips to book your flight

Getting economical flight to African countries is rather difficult unless you are travelling from Europe that gives the benefit of low-priced air ticket for Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and a few resort destinations of the kind of Gambia. On the whole, there is hardly any competition for most destinations in Africa. Usually, the flights are full and the tickets are expensive as a consequence. So, soon after your bookings for safari or lodging are done, you should not delay buying your tickets. You may consider seeking help of your tour operator or spend sometime and conduct your own research on the Internet. Two of the popular search engines for the purpose are Cheaptickets.com and Bootsnall. You may compare the prices and opt for one that best suits your requirements. Here's good opportunity to use your miles points. If they aren't good enough for flying to your chosen destination in Africa, use them for flying to London or Paris and book separate tickets from there for onwards journey. It should be added here that you should always have a return plane ticket with you whenever entering any African country. Some of the countries don't allow you visit them in the absence of a return ticket, and Nigeria happens to be one of those.

3. Get travel insurance

Having incurred a substantial amount of money for your plane tickets and journey, you need to get some insurance. Generally, it may cost you five to seven percent of the cost of the trip. It's quite a practice with many of the operators to have provided you with some kind of coverage and include the expense in the cost of the trip. It would be worth checking for the same with your operator before you incur any additional expenses. Further, it is highly desirable to go for trip cancellation insurance, as the trips are pretty expensive and you would be booking very well in advance, and one never knows what life has in store for anyone.

4. Get all of your vaccinations at least a month before you plan on arriving in Africa

It's of utmost importance for you to visit a travel clinic to know all the recommended vaccinations for your trip. It will be a good option to enquire and get sufficient quantity of the right malaria pills. Further, you may be required to carry with you a certificate of your yellow fever vaccination as many of the African countries insist for the same before allowing you to enter.

5. Arrange for proper financing

Well before the scheduled date of departure, take into consideration the different options of carrying cash while travelling to Africa and choose the best one. You should know that many countries do not offer the facility of ATM's at so convenient points as you might already be used to in your country. Up till quite recently, Western visitors were often required to carry large sums of cash while travelling to Africa. However, of late introduction of modern banking services have facilitated cash withdrawals. Yet, you could still come across hurdles in rural areas or the not so developed countries.

All currencies are not exchanged with good grace. As a general rule the US Dollar is the most welcome and well-recognized and acknowledged form of foreign currency. If you are the one who feels comfortable travelling with Travellers' Cheques, have them in either Euros or US Dollars. In case you intend using your credit card or debit card, ensure that it has a Visa or MasterCard logo on it. American Express proves worthless in most parts of Africa.

Author: Ali Wood http://www.e-travelafrica.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/etravelafrica Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ali_Wood

Mount Meru in Tanzania Africa

This is one of the highest and most beautiful volcanoes in Africa. On its floor, you will find over 450 bird species and animals that have made this there home. The most common animals are the rhino, elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, black and white Columbus monkey and duiker. You will pass through the parkland montane forest on your way to the summit. This is a giant moorland and heather zone. a narrow, barren ridge which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater and Kilimanjaro in the background is the way to the summit.

You will also find flamingos and other wildlife in the Ngundoto crater and Momella lakes. This is a very beautiful scenery. A park guide and a porter will accompany you on to the summit. On the mountain, dormitory like hut are used for accommodation. Sleeping bags and mats are a requirement for these huts. You can also choose to spend the night at Momella Lodge which is in Arusha Park. The program starts with you arriving at a hotel near Moshi town where you will have an overnight stay and breakfast in the morning.

The following day in the morning, drive to the park gate to Miriakamba Hut through game filled surroundings. This Hut is 2470m up. You will see the Kilimanjaro from this Hut. You will continue to the Saddle Hut which is 350m up and 3 hrs away. On the following day, an early start will take you first to a superb viewpoint on the crater rim. You will then go up an airy ridge that will lead you up the summit. You will later return to Miriakamba then out the park gate to a hotel in Moshi. You will spend the night there and leave in the morning.

Icerock, a Kenyan tour company, is managed by Joseph Muthui Gathu, a pioneer mountaineer and graduate of the American National Outdoor Leadership School. He is a former member of Kenya's Mountain Rescue Team and spent 13 years working in the mountains before setting up Ice Rock in 1998. For more info on Icerock Tour Company, reach Joseph at http://www.icerockclimbing.com/index.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Muthui

Top 5 Destinations For Wildlife Safaris in East Africa

East Africa, a treasure trove of African wildlife, offers some of the most wildlife-viewing spots in Africa. The plains of East Africa are alive with thousands of different species of wildlife including wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah and even extremely rare cross-river gorilla that is said to number only 200 in population worldwide.

Here I list some of the leading wildlife parks in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. A safari itinerary to any or some of these parks will certainly yield optimum, value-for-money safaris for those that travel to see wild animals as their main interest.

The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is synonymous with the wildlife safari. This world famous reserve hosts the greatest migration of large mammals on our planet. Over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle transverse the grasslands in search of fresh grazing. Predators, such as lion, hyena, leopard and cheetah, follow in their wake while crocodile wait in ambush at popular crossing points on the Mara River. To the east of the Serengeti, the fabled Ngorongoro Crater promises a "wall-to-wall" wildlife-viewing spectacle. To get to Serengeti from Arusha, you will need to drive for about 6 hours or take a schedule flight that takes about 1 hour.

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
This is the largest protected area in Africa, covering over 50,000 square kilometers. Elephants, sable antelopes and buffalo wander its woodlands and palm-studded grasslands, while boat trips along the Rufiji River take you past dozing pods of hippos and through forested gorges where blue monkeys peek from the canopy. The Selous reserve is abundant with predators that include Africa's largest population of wild dog. To get to Selous Game Reserve from Dar es Salaam, you will drive for between 7 and 9 hours, but only in the dry season, or one and half hour flight from Dar es Salaam.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the embodiment of Uganda's natural riches. It is an ecological gem. Sandwiched between lakes Edward and George, where eastern savannah meets western rain forest, this beautiful reserve abounds with plains game, while its forests are alive with monkeys. In Chambura Gorge you can even track chimpanzee on foot. You can take a trip down the Kazinga to view hippo, crocodile and elephant. Queen Elizabeth park is between 5 and 6 hours drive from Kampala on a surfaced road via Mbarara. The park can also be reached on a dirt road from Bwindi.

Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya
Situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, with an area of 1,812 square. Kilometers, limited to the East by the Talek river and Loita plains, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya's leading Game Reserve, lies on the border between Kenya and Tanzania and is the northern extension to the renowned Serengeti plain.

The Masai Mara is a panorama of rolling hills, plains and woodlands. The area is well watered by the Mara river that almost ensures a permanent population of wildlife including the lion, cheetah, elephant, leopard, Thomson and Grant gazelle, topis, buffalo and many others.

Besides this abundance, the main Mara main attraction is the annual migration, which takes place between July and September. Over a million wildebeest, more than two hundred thousand zebra with their attendant predators cross the Mara River and spread across the plains in a seemingly endless procession. To get to Masai Mara from Nairobi, you will drive 4-5 hours or take a 45 minute flight.

Volcanoes National Park / Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
An up-close, face-to-face encounter with a family of mountain gorilla is said to be the most impressive experiences by those who meet with the endangered wildlife. Few people can get the memory of the gaze from them. The Parc National des Volcans protects steep forested slopes in the Virungas, one of the last strongholds for this endangered species - the mountain gorillas. Trekkers pass through lush cultivated foothills, with fine views of the magnificent peaks beyond, before entering the national park. The dense rain forest, alive with the calls of forest birds and golden monkeys, quickly closes around you. The trail continues, probing the forest, until the soft grunting of a silverback announces that gorillas are nearby. Slowly, the guide leads you into a clearing where you come fact to fact with these gently giants.

Gorilla tracking tours begin at the base town of Musanze which is a 90 minute drive from Kigali. You can get vehicles for hire to Musanze. By road, Musanze is also about 45 minutes away from Gisenyi town from where you can view Lake Kivu.

I would also like to invite you to look at our website and get Africa Safari Planning Information and Ideas. You can also see our range of Africa travel and Vacation Services.

From Aaron Ladebe - Editor and African Safari Expert at African Travelhub/Hallmark Travel Planners - a safari company that specializes on African Travel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Ladebe