Kenya and Tanzania Tourist Information

Migration

Certainly one of nature's greatest spectacles, the great wildebeest migration around the Serengeti can be an awesome sight.

But visitors should beware ... the migration is not a constant phenomenon and timing a visit to co-incide with the surges of activity that climax with the crossing of the Grumeti River is not so easy (usually early June and mid-November).

A more reliable and equally impressive time to visit is during the calving season in February. It's certainly a favourite time of year for the lion of South Serengeti.

Africa's Serengeti Migration is known as the greatest animal show on earth. Wild animals on the move blanket the African landscape as far as the eye can see.

Why The Serengeti Migration Occurs

Animals migrate because of rain or the lack of it. When a seasonal drought dries up grass and water supplies in one area, the grazing animals move on to the next area along the Serengeti migration route where seasonal rains are falling. As the Serengeti Migration map illustrates, the migration is annual and peaks in different areas at different times.

The Major Migrating Animals

Over a million wildebeests participate in the Serengeti Migration. Hundreds of thousands of zebra and Thomson's gazelles join them. Although lions and other carnivores do not migrate with the grazing animals, they feast on them when their paths cross.

Here's a simplified explanation of how the rains drive the migration...see the graphics below

The southern plains of the Serengeti are very fertile but they need rains to ripen the grass for a massive population of grazers.
The "short" and light rains fall in November and December (sometimes as early as October) and draw the migration rapidly south from Kenya's Maasai Mara down the eastern side of Tanzania's Serengeti into these sweet short-grass plains. Predators are in constant attendance.
The wildebeest and other ungulates settle in the southern plains between about January and April - usually the best time to see the migration in Tanzania.
In April and May the "long" or heavy rains set in and the depleted southern plains are less attractive than the long grass plains up in the western corridor and the migration has started moving north (westerly) again.
Large river crossings on the Grumeti and Mara Rivers occur as the migration heads back into Kenya's Maasai Mara - the season dries out and fresh grazing and water can be found in the far north. The Mara is usually at its best in August, September and October.
Now if only the rains fell on cue!

Source: Tourist Information

Mozambique Tourist Information

Mozambique is located on the south-eastern coast of Africa and is bordered by Tanzania to the North, South Africa and Swaziland to the South, Zimbabwe to the West and Zambia and Malawi to the northwest.

Mozambique is made up mainly of coastal lowlands, rising toward the west to a plateau ranging from 500 to 2,000 ft above sea level and on the western border to a higher plateau (6,000 to 8,000 ft), with mountains in the north reaching a height of over 8,000 ft. The highest mountains are Namuli (7,936 ft), Binga (7,992 ft) on the Zimbabwean border, and Serra Zuira (7,306 ft) in Sofala Province.

The most important rivers are the Zambezi flowing southeast across the centre of Mozambique into the Indian Ocean, the Limpopo in the south, the Save in the middle and the Lugfenda in the north. The most important lake is the navigable Lake Niassa. In the river valleys and deltas, the soil is rich and fertile, but southern and central Mozambique have poor and sandy soil, and parts of the interior are dry.

VISITOR INFORMATION

CLIMATE

Two main seasons, one wet and the other dry, divide the climatic year. The wet season, from November to March, has a monthly average temperature of between 26.6°C and 29.4°C (80°F and 85°F), with cooler temperatures in the interior uplands. The dry season lasts from April to October and has June and July temperatures averaging 18.4° to 20°C (65° - 68°F). The average annual rainfall is greatest (about 56 inches) over the western hills and the central areas, and lowest in the Zambezi lowlands averaging 16 to 32 inches.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all nationals and passports must be valid for at least 6 months and is valid for a stay of 1 month , which can be extended in the Maputo.

Mozambican visa regulations (December 08, 2004) The Mozambican government has advised that ALL persons travelling to the country are to obtain visas prior to their departure as entry visas will no longer be issued upon arrival at any border post or airport, effective immediately.

MONEY

Official Currency: Metical (MT)=100 centqavos

There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency but the import and export of local currency is not allowed. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and readily exchanged but to avoid commission they are best taken in IS Dollars. The South African Rand is widely accepted as a form of currency and accommodation prices are often quoted in Rand. Many up-market hotels insists on payment in foreign currency so have a reasonable amount of cash.

Major hotels and some bank accept credit card transactions but you will be charged a commission

LOCAL TIME

Mozambique is two hours ahead of GMT

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug
"Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts
"South African" Plug (found especially near the border with South Africa, Maputo)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Mozambique, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

Source: Information on Mozambique

Ulusaba Game Reserve South Africa

Taste the spoils of a safari in South Africa - in the peace and tranquillity of the unspoilt African bushveld.

Owned by Sir Richard Branson Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve that borders the sprawling Kruger National Park in South Africa's Mpumalanga province. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve awaits as your ultimate destination for a Big Five safari in South Africa.

Because Ulusaba is privately owned, you'll be able to enjoy over 10 000 acres of unspoilt, game-rich bush in near solitude. Experienced trackers and game rangers will accompany you on game drives in open land rovers, tracking the Big Five and sharing with you their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife.

As Ulusaba is a private game reserve, our emphasis is on exceptional personal service. Both of our luxury safari lodges cater for small groups, so your safari in South Africa is guaranteed to be exclusive and private. What's more, our attentive staff and superb facilities will ensure that being in the middle of the African bush does not need to mean foregoing creature comforts. You'll have the unique sights, sounds and smells of Africa on your doorstep - while still enjoying the kind of style and luxury you'd expect from a five star boutique hotel.

Luxury Safari Accommodation at Ulusaba - Rock Lodge

We have two lodges here at Ulusaba. One is perched high on the summit of a koppie (rocky hill) and we call it Rock Lodge. It is here where you will find spectacular panoramic views over miles of bush, the wildlife roaming within, and the beauty of the lowveld (bushy grassland plain) below, all set against a backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountain range far in the distance.

One is perched high on the summit of a koppie (rocky hill) and we call it Rock Lodge

Rock Lodge is the epitome of luxury safari accommodation in South Africa. As Ulusaba is a Private Game Reserve the service, facilities and suites are all excellent.

Choosing Rock Lodge as your base during your safari in South Africa will not only mean you'll be receiving first class treatment but you will also be entitled to access to the many facilities and activities offered by the safari lodge. When you're not being kept busy by a walking safari or a game drive you could indulge in an aroma therapy beauty treatment or thrash it out in the fully equipped gymnasium.

Luxury Safari Accommodation at Ulusaba - Safari Lodge

The other of Ulusaba's luxury safari accommodation offerings is the Safari Lodge which is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed.

The rooms are built 'tree house' style and you really get the feeling of being at the heart of life in the bush. Your room will provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.

Choosing Safari lodge as your base during your safari in South Africa allows you access to the host of facilities and activities on offer at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. Whether you prefer a walking safari in the wilderness, attending discussions on birds and animals you will see during your safari in South Africa or playing board games whilst sipping fine South African wines - at Safari Lodge you can have it all.

Safari in South Africa - An eclectic mix of African Activities

Game Drive

A safari in South Africa is a wonderful way to spend a holiday, at Ulusaba we offer game drives in open 4x4 game viewing safari vehicles twice a day as well as nature walks. These activities are included in your luxury safari accommodation rates.

There are very few things as soul affecting than seeing the magnificent creatures of Africa in their natural habitats. A safari in South Africa is a once in a lifetime experience; at Ulusaba we understand this and aim to make your African adventure as special, fulfilling and memorable as possible. The excellent game viewing experience is complimented by other activities such as stargazing, bird watching and moonlit bush dinners or sundowners (weather permitting)

Daily Bush Walk

The daily walk usually commences after breakfast. This is a fascinating activity as it allows you to observe the smaller animals that you would usually not see while out on drive. Our knowledgeable ranger and tracker will enthrall you with stories about the medicinal properties of plants, local beliefs regarding the wildlife and fascinating facts regarding the animals. No additional charge.

Community Tour

The community tour takes place outside the reserve in the local village. This tour offers a fascinating insight into modern Shangaan lifestyle. You will be welcomed into a pre-primary school where the children will delight you with their songs. You can also expect to see some traditional singing and dancing as well as being welcomed into a traditional home where you will see corn being ground and be given a chance to taste traditional foods. Prices available upon request.

Source: Ulusaba Game Reserve

Safaris in South Africa

One cannot visit Africa without experiencing the incredible experience of a Safari.

South Africa has dedicated over three million hectares of its total landmass to the conservation of its natural heritage. This 'world in one country' has a stupendous variety of habitats and wildlife.

The main areas for a Safari are situated in the Kruger National Park , Eastern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal.

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the oldest and largest reserves in Africa. The park boasts a tremendous variety of game and birdlife in its numerous habitats. The Kruger National Park hosts the Big Five, and offers a wide variety of accommodation - Self Catering through South Africa National Parks or Private Game Lodges in the Greater Kruger Area. Private Game Lodges offer luxury accommodation, with Game Drives in open Safari vehicles with experienced rangers. The Kruger National Park is easily accessible from both Johannesburg and Cape Town, with flights to either Hoedspruit or Kruger Mpumulanga Airports near the Kruger. When travelling from Johannesburg, one could also enjoy the option of entering the Kruger by road, via the famous panoramic route.

Featured Fly in Safari - Kruger National Park

The Eastern Cape - The Eastern Cape national parks and game reserves are home to a wealth of wildlife including the rare mountain zebra. There are various hiking trails that traverse the valleys and cliffs of the mountainous regions of the Eastern Cape with breathtaking views.

The Eastern Cape also has some of the finest displays of prehistoric art in the form of rock paintings. The magnificent shimmering Eastern Cape coastline, the wild coast offers splendid opportunities for fishing, swimming and sunbathing. Canoeing, rubber ducking and windsurfing are a few of the many water sport attractions while surfers, in search of the perfect wave, frequent the internationally known surfing spots.

The cities, known for their friendliness, are ideal for family holidays - beaches, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums and summer entertainment programmes are sure winners to make the holiday-maker's stay an enjoyable one. Alternating between sweeping sand, river mouths, rocks and covers, the coastline is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Among them, surfers ride the perfect waves, anglers reel in king-size catches, and board sailors revel in the challenge of the wind. Sunshine all year round, fine leisure resorts and splendid facilities ensure that the great outdoors is always in style. The Eastern Cape offers unequalled game viewing in conditions suited to the traveller. A mere one hours flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, or the perfect end to a Garden Route tour - these game reserves offer a memory of a lifetime.

A wide choice of Private Game Reserves and lodges are also available in the area, offering superior quality accommodation and Game drives in open landrovers with rangers.

The Eastern Cape provice of South Africa is strikingly varied in its scenic beauty. The landscape of the Eastern Cape ranges from pristine forest to arid desert, from looming sandstone cliffs to unspoilt emerald green coastline. This paradise The Eastern Cape is a tourist destination.

Kwa Zulu Natal - whilst exploring this area rich in historical battlefields, and balmy beaches - enjoy of the many Private Game Reserves hosting the Big Five. Easy access from either Durban or Richards Bay - enjoy the National Parks accommodation or your more luxurious options of the Private Game Reserves such a Phinda.

Source: South Africa Safaris

Zimbabwe Tourist Information

Zimbabwe has two main "hubs", namley Harare & Victoria Falls. There are daily flights into both destinations from Johannesburg. Most of the country's tourist areas are easily reachable from these hubs, however there are a few that will require domestic air travel. Domestic air travel takes on two forms. The first is Air Zimbabwe scheduled flights, however these are not always ideal in terms of connecting flights but do work most of the time. The second option is charter flights. Charters allow for more flexibility and can also prevent overnighting in unwanted stops due to bad scheduled connecting flight times. Charter allows us to sell a product that works, but please remember that charter is always more expensive than scheduled flights and is also subject to a minimum of two passengers.

Zimbabwe has a well maintained road system that connects all the major areas of the country. Most of our transfers are done by road, however certain lodges cannot be accessed by road, due to location, and in those cases we make use of air transfers directly to the lodges.

Location:

Southern Africa. Zimbabwe is landlocked and bordered by South Africa in the south, Mozambique in the east, Zambia in the north, Botswana and Namibia in the west.

Area: 390 759 sq kms (150 873 sq miles) Capital: Harare (central north east)

Language: English, Shona and Ndebele

Time: GMT +2

Tourist attractions:

The Victoria Falls (world heritage site)
Lake Kariba (Matusadona National Park)
Hwange National Park
Mana Pools National Park (world heritage site)
Matobo Hills National Park
Eastern Highland

Business centres: Harare & Bulawayo

Health:

Most of the tourist areas in Zimbabwe are endemic malaria areas. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Visas:

All Commonwealth passport holders - except Australia and New Zealand do not require Visas. Most other passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival on payment of US$ 30. There are a few nationalities that require a visa prior to entry so please ensure that you check with the Zimbabwe consulate in your country

The different areas of Zimbabwe have different "best times" to visit. This is also dependent on what your preferences are.

Vic Falls:

The Falls are best viewed between February and June, when the Zambezi is in full flow. This is however the worst time for white water rafting, which is a major attraction in Vic Falls. The best season for rafting is when the water levels are low. This is usually August to December. The Falls are still spectacular during this period, but not in full flow.

Hwange, Mana Pools & all game lodges:

Travel to Hwange is centred on game viewing. This is best in the dry season as the inland water supply is low so it is easier to track the animals to main water sources. The bush is also thinner than it would be in the wet season, which makes it easier to spot animals. The winter (dryer) months are cold in the early morning and late afternoon, so please ensure that warm clothing is taken for game activities.

Eastern Highlands:

This area is mountainous and very lush and therefore the focus is on the outdoors. Keep this in mind when visiting this area as the summer months tend to bring rain. Winter in the mountains can be a bit cold so please ensure that the correct clothing is taken along.

Kariba / Matusadona:

This region is renowned for getting extremely hot and humid around the months of October and November. If visiting this area in that period, please try to stay out of the midday sun and be sure to take a wide brimmed hat.