South Africa Archives - Seek Your Trip

February 25, 2013 by Arlene

Surfer’s Guide to South Africa

South Africa is an extremely popular hot spot for surfers around the world. There are hundreds of great surf spots within South Africa and many tourists come here year after year to enjoy all breath taking possibilities. Surfing aside, South Africa is still a great destination for any tourist. However if you are a diehard and talented surfer and visiting South Africa for the first time then there are 5 great places you can get started with for a unique surfing experience. These are Elands Bay, Jeffrey’s Bay, Dungeons, North Beach and New Pier.

Elands Bay

Located about 220 kilometres from the capital city Cape Town, Elands Bay is a small town located in the Western Cape Province on the Atlantic Ocean. This place is perfect for experienced surfers as the waves are left directional and one can reach a normal length from 50 to 150 metres high. But the waves are hollow, fast, and powerful that makes it ideal for the ultimate surfing experience. This is truly a surfing paradise. It also promises many beautiful sunsets. Other activities to enjoy here are bird watching, kayaking, fishing and finding some of the rare wild flowers. Cray fish are found in abundance here. There are many places for accommodation around Elands bay like the Elands Bay Beach Cottage which is close to the ocean and is also affordable.

Jeffrey’s Bay

Also famously known as the J-Bay, Jeffrey’s Bay lies on southern South African coastline. The waves here go up to 12 feet high and are very fast, making the surfing experience very thrilling. Many experienced surfers come here and showcase their surfing talents every year but it is usually crowded n winter. Apart from surfing, there is also the opportunity to scuba dive, hike where you can explore local marine ecosystems, & visit a shell museum with over 600 shells of different species from beaches all over the world. JayBay house is a great bed and breakfast and considered one of the best accommodations in Jeffrey’s Bay. The house has rooms that have panoramic views of the sea making it a very beautiful place to stay and enjoy.

Dungeons Surf

Located in the Cape Peninsula, Dungeons is a sheltered reef break with winter being the best time of the year to visit. The offshore winds here blow from north-west and are a right hand reef. The sea here has seals and sharks so you need to be careful and strictly aware of your surroundings. The waves here are big enough to scare the onlookers but provide pure thrills for surfers. There is also a Red Bull big wave surf contest that happens every year in July. There are many accommodations ranging from cheap to luxury hotels to choose from. Enjoying sunsets, hiking and fishing are other activities you can enjoy here.

North Beach

North Beach in Durban, South Africa is an exposed beach with a consistent surf and wind direction from the west. You need be careful about sharks, rocks, and jelly fish at this beach and follow guided safety measures at all times. Southern Sun North Beach Hotel is the closest accommodation to the beach. You can enjoy amenities such as a dolphin show, casino, and other modern entertainment. This is a posh hotel but there are lot of affordable hotels and cottages nearby.

New Pier

New Pier again is an exposed beach making it a ideal surfing paradise with consistent surfs and waves that break both left and right giving a unique experience for surfers here. Hence it is a very popular wave for surfing in South Africa. There are again many hotels nearby beach and great cottages that offer sea views. Fishing is another major activity here for any time you’d like to spend relaxing.

…

Photo by 30431232@N03 on Flickr

January 11, 2013 by Arlene

The Bucket List of Africa

Holiday destinations that are as vast and diverse as Africa are few and far between. With a continent like this it can be a challenge to know where to start. Mahlatini, the Luxury Safari experts have compiled the definitive Bucket List of Africa, so that your dream trip can be planned around these amazing sights and exhilarating activities. Whether it’s for a Honeymoon in Africa, or a Family Safari holiday, Africa is a continent to accommodate all ages and preferences for the trip of a lifetime!

The African Bucket List was created by Mahlatini.com

…

Top photo: Balloon Safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya – Photo courtesy of Governors Safaris.

October 8, 2012 by Arlene

Meet Your Greens: 6 Top Travel Destinations For The Golf Enthusiast

Looking for the ideal golf holiday destination? You should not choose a destination simply because it has the best golf courses. You have to look at other factors such as availability of accommodation, the climate, local attractions as well as the surrounding landscape.

The following are some of the top travel destinations for golfers…

1. The Algarve, Portugal

This is considered as one the leading travel destinations for golfers in Europe. With amazing golf resorts, golf courses of world class status, an attractive climate and bustling local towns, the Algarve has increasingly become appealing to golfers from all parts of the world.

Vilamoura is the most attractive spot in the area. It is a harbor town that has undergone transition into a huge golf complex. Most of golf courses that are sought after in Portugal are in Vilamoura. This town neighbors other famous spots such as San Lorenzo, Quinta Do Lago and Vale Do Lobo.

Other golfing spots in the Algarve include Penina and Monte Bei.

2. Costa del Sol , Spain

Costa del Sol is today among the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. It has a rolling landscape, towering mountains and attractive coastlines that create an incredible landscape for golfing where some of the best golf courses in Spain have been created.

The neighboring Malaga province is also an attractive golfing spot.

If you are looking to go on a golf vacation in Costa del Sol, there is a wide range of golf courses to choose from including Calanova, Marbella Golf & Country Club and Clara. There are world class resorts such as Atalaya Park and La cala where you can stay during your holiday.

3. Northern France

Northern France is a popular destination for golfers because of its world class golf courses such as Saint Omar, Hardelot and Le Touquet that are considered to be among the finest golf courses in France .The coastline in the north is renowned for its attractive beaches as well as bustling nightlife which makes it appealing to golfers going for holiday as a group .

The Eurotunnel also makes Northern France ideal for golf holidays since it cuts the cost of travels and allow golfers to park all the items they would require during the holiday .This is not possible when you are flying to the travel destination you have chosen.

4. South Africa

South Africa has for many years been a famous tourist destination because of its world class accommodation, amazing landscape as well as the ‘Big Five’. Over the recent past, it has become one of the best golf destinations in the world thanks to the creation of world class golf courses in its landscape that stretches across the country.

Golfing destinations in South Africa include the Sun City and Fan court.

5. St. Andrews & Fife, Scotland

This is the top golf destination across the world .Regarded as the spiritual home of the golf; St. Andrews has many famous golf courses such as St Andrews old courses and the R& A. Both St. Andrews and the surrounding kingdom of Fife are today home to world class hotels and resorts such as Fairmount St. Andrews and Old Course Hotel.

6. Arizona, USA

Arizona is today a unique golf destination because of the attractive desert and towering mountains that appeal to golf courses designers. If you are looking to go on a golf holiday in Arizona, you have a wide variety of golfing spots to choose from including Scottsdale, the Boulders resort and the Dove Mountain.

September 6, 2012 by Arlene

5 Epic Train Journeys For The Avid Traveler

Most folks who travel frequently find using rail rather a boring and tiresome experience. In fact, most would rather catch the train only to and from work. The mere thought of doing roughly six hours or more on the rail is dreadful!

But, for that enthusiast who prefers the train, the thought of going for an epic train travel adventure releases a flood of endorphins, as such a journey means traveling through numerous cultures, landscapes and territories.

In this article we shall delve into some of the top epic train journeys to transverse the globe…

1. The Trans-Asian Express

The main aim of this journey is to relax and sooth you so forget that dinner suite at home. The train makes its way across Istanbul all the way to Tehran while you admire the gorgeous Turkish and Iranian scenery.

The train leaves the city of Istanbul on Wednesdays at 11 p.m. and arrives at the final destination in Iran taking an average seventy hours of adventure and excitement. For those boarding from Iran to Turkey, it leaves at 6.30 p.m. on Thursdays.

Along the way you are set to venture through the mystic Lake Van where you get the opportunity to take break aboard a ferry. To enjoy all these you need to pay EUR 40 inclusive of meals and taxes.

2. The Trans-Siberian Express

This one of the longest journey you may take by train as this colossal route will take you all the way from Russia to China. Currently it’s the longest railway on earth. On average, the entire journey takes roughly ten hours covering a distance of over 8,000 Kilometers of steel track.

The journey crosses over some of the most breath taking scenery in the Siberian territory engulfed with such majestic and inspiring landscapes. For those film enthusiasts you may be able to identify some of the sights which featured in some top-rated films.

3. The Southern Spirit

The best way to make your way through Australia is via the Ghan which is designed to deliver that magical experience of the mythical “heart of Oz”. The adventure goes from Adelaide to Darwin (or vice versa).

Boasting of both Gold and Platinum cabins, you are sure to be spoiled while on the rails, being guaranteed of class, luxury and comfort regardless of the class you settle on. Unlike most rail journeys which seem like a point to point affair, the Southern spirit is guaranteed to leave you with great memories to last you several lifetimes.

4. Pride of Africa

Contrary to the stereotyping known by most people, Africa has so many good things to offer. Being one of the last frontiers not crowded by sky scrapers and tarmac it is home to the Big 5 and the Maasai Mara.

The Pride of Africa snakes through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. Enjoy the untamed wilderness while admiring the Victoria Falls.

5. The Canadian

For those who simply enjoy a blend of civilization and nature, this six hour trip will definitely leave you yearning for more. With the Canadian you need not worry that work will pile up in case you take a short break as with on-board Wi-Fi, you can have a virtual office on the go.

Enjoy the rocky landscape coupled with superlative and unmatched luxury. This is one epic journey you are guaranteed to always remember.