| Demand for beach and safari holidays…..As the 2022/23 season kicks off we are seeing a big increase in the demand for beach and safari holidays on the FIT side.The issue many face is that a safari experience can swallow up a good percentage of ones travel budget and so we find we have to be quite smart about finding combinations that limit extra costs while still delivering a great programme. Below are some examples of how we combine beach and safari elements. Cape Town and Safari  Many travellers have to decide where to invest their travel budgets to get the most value out of their trip. In these instances we recommend staying in and around Cape Town as it affords such a wide range of choice for a beach holiday. By saving on an extra flight some may be able to book a luxury property with good beach access.  Keeping a programme in South Africa saves on visa costs and means that everything is priced in South African Rands, which generally offers more value for money. South Africa also offers a wide choice of safari options from 3 star family friendly to 5 star luxury. The safari opportunities start within a 3 hour range of Cape Town and facilitates day visitors.  Lake Malawi and Zambia  Malawi is reputedly home to some of the best freshwater diving in the world. The large Lake Malawi is perfect for all levels of diver and especially suited to those beginning their scuba adventure or learning new skills. It has very little current and no swells and is home to interesting rock formations. The lake is unexpectedly colorful, with hundreds of species of cichlids buzzing around its clear waters. The lake bottoms out at 700m, but most diving is done above 20 m. There are a few advanced dives which include tunnel swim throughs as well as one penetrable wreck. You won’t find any coral reefs here, but you will probably be surprised by the number of colorful fish in this freshwater environment. You can access the dive sites from shore as well as by boat.  We think Lake Malawi offers an exotic alternative for anyone keen on scuba diving or just a good relax in a beautiful environment. Malawi combines well with a safari in Zambia which offers a good safari experience at a relatively affordable rate.  Tanzania offers a premium beach and safari experience  Tanzania is one of the ‘bucket list’ safari destinations, unfortunately it is also rather pricey, especially if a beach break is also desired. One way of avoiding extra travel costs is to book a property that is just off the mainland of Dar Es Salaam.  Mozambique and safari  Mozambique is surprizingly versatile as a destination and we have found that it’s possible to put together a well priced package by combining this destination with a safari in the Kruger National Park area. From there it is possible to take a cross border road transfer into Maputo or even a direct flight to Vilanculos to access Bazaruto Archipelago, which offers pristine beaches and coral reefs. The newly opened direct Airlink flights between Cape Town and Maputo has added enormously to the accessabiltiy of this great destination.  Family friendly beach and safari  Catering for families can present challenges, one has to consider malaria areas as well as find a property that will take young children in suitable room types. We find the Eastern Cape ticks all the boxes, everyones needs are met. It’s Big Five, malaria free and close to the Indian Ocean with excellent domestic flight connections from Quberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth.  This game area also happens to be within easy driving distance of the Indian Ocean  Cape West Coast and Mountain Wilderness  Longer stay visitors to Cape Town may choose to explore further afield and enjoy some of the gems treasured by locals. Paternoster is very popular among Capetonians for weekend getaways. It is loved for it’s unspoilt coastline and strikingly blue seas. It also is home of Wolfgat, a foraging restaurant that has been voted Best Restaurant in the World.  Another popular destination for locals is the Cederberg Mountain Wilderness. While it’s not a big five game experience it offers unique rock formations and world famous rock art. These two destinations combine well.  The Seychelles  The Seychelles brings you the choice of some 115 (mostly uninhabited) islands and is a sort after beach destination with turquoise-blue waters, powder-white sand and incredible rock formationsIt is a year round beach destination with temperatures averaging at 27°C.April, May, October and November are the best months to visit since these are the “transition times” between the hot and humid northwest trade wins and the cooler southeast trade winds.  From dazzling coral reefs, to jungles, mountains, granite boulders and a fantastic selection of native wildlife and flora, The Seychelles offers some truly unique natural offerings (and even boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Vallee de Mai and Aldabra Atoll). Most of the coral reefs are completely intact and bursting with an impressive array of marine life, including whale sharks, rays, puffer fish, hawksbill turtles and much more. With six marine national parks, there are endless opportunities to experience some colourful underwater magic. Flying foxes, black parrots, blue pigeons, giant geckoes, and giant tortoises are just some of the creatures you’ll find.  The Seychelles combines well with a safari holiday in East or Central Africa, but we believe that the destination offers enough and works well offered as a stand alone. |
| In Closing Senior Consultant Marele Labuschagne  I’m so excited about the Seychelle and can’t wait to give our clients the opportunity to experience it. The nature is simply extraordinary. I loved the fact that it offers something for everyone. Mountain forests for the explorer in us all; gorgeous beaches for those that like to soak up the sun and relax; plus loads of islands and coral reefs for the more adventurous. |