Walking around as a group or hot air balloon safaris have been around for a while, but the best way to explore the beauty and the natural wonders of Africa is by a self-drive 4X4 safari. You can select from a wide range of cars from Toyota to LandRover 4X4s. These are comfortable and well-built with additional gas tanks, an unfolding tent on the roof and gear racks.

Because of the aggressive animals and ragged terrains; visitors are advised to follow the convoy that is led by a qualified tour guide.

4X4 Adventures

Being in a 4X4 is comfortable and safe. You can stop to take pictures at any time. It’s one of the easiest and best ways for game watching. It does happen sometimes that the 4X4 get stuck somewhere. That’s another reason why being around other 4X4s is recommended because they can help with the pulling out of the vehicle. And strangely enough, being stuck is also part of the fascinating 4X4 adventure.

Namibia, formerly known as German South West Africa, is one of the wonderful countries for 4X4 adventures, especially in Windhoek. Here you will come across Bushmen tribes, big game and remarkable natural wonders.

Image courtesy of http://www.driveout.co.za/4×4/trails/doornrivier-4×4-trails

2. Clothes To Pack
You have to look descent, but you don’t have to dress to impress. Pack what you know you will use. Get prepared to do laundry on the road, should it happen that you will be staying more than three weeks. Comfortable shoes should go in first and then pack items that can be worn during the day and as sleep gear.

3. Essentials
Essentials vary from different travellers. But two of the most important things not to forget are medication and relevant documents. There will be quite a number of stop-overs where you will be required to produce legal documentation. And medication is just as important.

4. Battery Items
It is advisable to turn the batteries around when carrying a torch or a camera. By doing so, the batteries won’t be wasted, should you turn the item on by mistake. And don’t forget your battery charger.

5. Accessories
First things first, a hat is an essential. However, try and get something comfortable and unique. Baseball hats are out-dated. Don’t bring expensive accessories such as earrings and watches. You don’t want to be attracting unwanted attention.

6. Diaper Bag
A diaper bag is an ideal place to hide your valuables if you are travelling with baby/babies. Who would want to steal a diaper bag? You can also use it as a waste bag.

Ruaha National Park

• Duba, Botswana
If you want to see the biggest lions in Africa, then go no further than Duba. Duba also has the two magnificent prides: the Skimmer pride and the Tsaro pride. Most predators hunt at night, but the lions in Duba do their hunting during the day, and this gives the visitors a clear view of the lions going head to head with the buffalos.

• Mundulea Reserve, Namibia
If you’ve been here a decade ago, you will remember that Mundulea was four massive cattle farms. But things have changed now, it has become a reserve. The whole aim behind this was to revive the location’s ecology. Mundulea is very bushy, probably the bushiest reserve in the world. This reserve is home for the Impalas.

Mundulea Reserve- Namibia

• Northern Kenya
People describe Africa as wild and vast, and the best place to experience that is in Northern Kenya. It is strange how the Kenyans easily leave among the inhabitants such as the lions and the elephants. Goats and cows are also herded by young boys who play beautiful music through interesting instruments made out of whatever you can think of. Northern Kenya is very beautiful and leaving Africa without visiting it would be regret.

Images courtesy of http://travel.ezinemark.com

Okavango Delta-Botswana

2. Gorilla Tracking, Rwanda
There’s about 700 mountain gorillas left in the world. And Rwanda, Uganda or DRC is the home of 300. Rwanda has a group of 13 gorillas, which is the largest gorilla family in the world. Visitors are requested to keep a safe distance from the gorillas. The younger gorillas are just the same as you see them on National Geographic; very playful.

3. Victoria Falls, Zambia
Vic Falls can be accessed from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. If you have booked for a hotel in Livingstone, you have a chance of getting free transport to Victoria Falls. There are so many water activities and different adventures to participate in.

Victoria Falls- Zambia

4. Masai Mara Safari, Kenya
Most people have confused the Masai Mara for Serengeti. Masai Mara is in fact the continuation of Serengeti, Tanzania. Here you will come across thousands of wildebeests and game. You will see all the animals you can imagine, from the lions and elephants to the rhinos and zebras.

5. Likoma Island, Malawi
Known as the warm heart of Africa, Malawi certainly lives up to its name. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, but the people are so friendly you won’t believe it. Malawi also has islands, beautiful beaches and great sceneries, offering a relaxed atmosphere.

Likoma Island- Malawi

Images courtesy of http://goafrika.blogspot.com

You can volunteer in countries like Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya. This will give you another perspective of the continent and teach you about people and animals in general. You can also use the experience as self-discovery.

Volunteering in Africa

You will stand a chance of working in a vast array of fields such as local communities, hospitals, homes, schools, animals, police work and orphanages, just to mention a few.

However, don’t come to volunteer in Africa because someone forced you to. First of all, you will never enjoy the experience. Secondly, you might put yourself in danger since you will not be doing it from the heart. These African countries seek people who are zealous, excited, zestful, devoted and hungry, to transform lives.

Volunteering In Africa

You can choose any company that offers volunteering services in Africa. All nationalities are encouraged to apply to become volunteers in Africa and stand a chance of getting an experience of a lifetime. However, you must be 18 years or above. You don’t have to be qualified. All you need is passion, a sense of adventure and commitment.

Images courtesy of http://travelanthropist.com/2010/10/volunteering-in-rwanda-beats-an-african-safari.html

It is a whiskey tasting like no other.  Accompanied with a mouth-watering three-course dinner set to tingle taste buds and with a glass of fine whiskey you will not be disappointed. The whiskey tasting will take place at Havana Grill, which is an amazing restaurant. The restaurant offers a different type of atmosphere and the view of the sea will steal any heart.

You can also look forward to live entertainment. The SUNCOAST Whisky Club is the perfect event for those who not only share a love for the finer thing in life but it’s also for those who appreciate fine whiskey. The whiskey taking will take place on the 10^th of May 2012, the time is 19:00 and the dress code is smart casual.

Tickets are R250 and are available at Computicket. The ticket covers whisky taking, live entertainment and three-course dinner. This event is a must for friends or couple looking to spend some quality time.  Whether you are a beginner or a real connoisseur its worth checking out, you might just discover another fine bottle of whiskey.

Expanding your travels to the African Continent, here’s a couple worth visiting:

Mauritius

Has one of the world most stunning beaches and with the Indian Ocean in full view it’s a holiday must. A number of resorts and hotels have golf courses all of which are perfect for those who want to perfect their swing. There are also plenty of water sports such as windsurfing, underwater snorkeling and water-skiing. Spa treatments are a must for those looking to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The island caters for those adventurous types with quad biking, hiking the mountains and horse riding.

Seychelles

Has 115 individual Islands spread across the Seychelles Island. For the ultimate holiday experience choose a private island which is secluded offering total privacy with private beaches at your disposal. Seychelles is a diver’s paradise, taking scuba diving to another level with interesting creatures such as whale sharks, sting rays and turtles; the experience is amazing. Travelling around the island is different but fun one can choose ox carts or the traditional bicycle. If you want to immerse yourself more into the culture and people then taking a trip to the capital city of Victoria is a must. Also the seafood dishes are tantalising

Kruger National Park:

It’s one of the world’s largest game reserves has the big 5 and offers 5 star service making every stay memorable. It’s also South Africa’s biggest game reserves, the game drives are always different as wildlife is scattered around the Park, and one can choose the self-drive made for those who want to explore the wildlife. One can choose between private game lodges, family safari, and honeymoon and adventure packages.

Botswana: Chobe & Okavango

Its Africa’s biggest freshwater wetland one worth seeing. It also offers the largest wildlife making it the ideal safari destination. You can choose to say in a camp or one of their many luxurious resorts. It’s also has the biggest population of elephants and has over 450 species of birds making bird watching interesting.

Kenya: Masai Mara

It’s one of Kenya’s best safari destinations. One can look out for diverse wildlife such as Thomson Gazelles, zebras, ostrich and hyenas. One thing that pulls in tourists in numbers is the famous wildebeest migration a sight definitely worth capturing. There’s also the balloon safari taking you on a ride like no other.

Diamond Star of the East

Is situated in Zanzibar and offers total exclusivity. It has the most amazing spas, private beaches and offers countless water sports making it the perfect gateway. Diamond Star has an on-site boutique, private villa and a plunge pool. One can also look forward to swimming with dolphins and turtles plus the ocean view is breathtaking.

Zanzibar Serena Inn

It’s perfectly located by the seafront and offers true serenity. It also has the ultimate seafood dishes. This island has a stunning view, has well decorated suites which are also spacious making every room unique. One can look forward to boating, body hair removal, make-up applications and photography excursions.

Kirawira Camp

Is quite unique in that it offers hand-crafted furniture all of which make it worth visiting. It’s situated perfectly as it overlooks Serengeti. For the those adventurous types there’s game drives, you can also visit the Serengeti Park, the famous Lake Victoria where you can look out for crocodiles something so rare which make Kirawira Camp amazing.

The very exclusive Fregate Island, Seychelles has a strict access policy. Fregate Island is one of those holiday destinations that the rich and famous can rent out. The appealing thing about this island is the privacy it offers. Stay in luxurious villas and isolate yourself from the rest of the world at this beautiful Island.

Tanzania’s Mnemba Island is a hush-hush location that offers the best in indulgence. If you are looking for a place that offers peace and tranquillity, then the mute Mnemba Island is the place for you. The island is located right next to Zanzibar. All of the services offered here are of the highest quality. Mnemba island’s white sands and clear blue waters will you leave speechless.

Located in the Red Sea, El Gemal Island is one of Egypt’s hidden treasures. The island is beyond beautiful! You find a unique selection of sea creatures in the magical blue waters. A stay at El Gemal Island will definitely reveal a world of wealth and wonder to you. Uncovering all that El Gemal has to offer will be a blast.

Share the secret; take your loved ones out to one of these beautiful beaches.