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Though a ten hour flight from Europe, Southern Africa still shares the same time zone and offers an average of 250 days of sunshine per year, undoubtedly a most attractive escape from the northern hemisphere's harsh winters. The variety of cultures from traditional to modern, black, white and brown are all interwoven to form the "Rainbow Nation" of South Africa -but not only South Africa! Africa is a vast continent with a myriad of different cultures, people, eco-systems, landscapes and wildlife — awaiting your discovery. It is a magical confluence of the spiritual — with the ritual of the wild. We believe that the more you know about the destination to which you are traveling, the more rewarding your experience will be. In this section, you will find descriptive information on countries, cities, national parks, and other attractions as well as practical travel information to help you … Fishing in Kenya
Africa is well known for its wildlife, but only in recent years has the world’s angling fraternity begun realising that the continent also offers tremendous sportfishing, both in its many rivers and lakes and in the two very different oceans that wash its east and west coasts. From the icy seas off the Cape of Good Hope to the warm, tropical oceans of Kenya on the east coast and Gabon on the west, Africa is a fishing frontier that still has much to reveal. Many countries in Africa are still out of bounds to the travelling angler, either because ongoing civil unrest makes them risky or simply because they can offer no fishing lodges, boats or guides. But other African countries are stable and have well-established sportfisheries. One such is Kenya in East Africa, with a 500 km coastline offering the full range of tropical gamefish, from blue, black and striped marlin to sailfish, broadbill swordfish, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, giant trevally, barracuda, king mackerel, bonito and cobia.
Lying on the Equator but outside the cyclone belt that affects the Southern Indian Ocean, Kenyan waters are generally calm but can become rough during the winter months of May through August. As a result, September through April is the main fishing season in Kenya, with January-March as the top months for marlin. About 130 km north of Mombasa, is a superb 170 bed beach resort with its own fleet of top quality deepsea craft. The Pemba Channel Fishing Club, 80 km south of Mombasa, is a far smaller “old colonial” operation where Kenyan sportfishing began some 40 years ago. One cannot leave Kenya without mentioning the Nile perch of vast Lake Victoria, at 76 000 sq km Africa’s largest body of fresh water, which Kenya shares with Uganda and Tanzania. Nile perch are Africa’s biggest freshwater fish, specimens over 200 kg having been netted though the rod-and-line record is a little over half that. Botswana - The jewel of Africa Botswana is the Jewel of Africa for unspoilt wilderness experiences. A safari tourist's dream and the ideal change to get an adventure of a lifetime. Botswana is roughly the size of France or Kenya at 581 730 square km. The extreme distance from north to south is about 1100 km and from east to west at its widest the distance is just under 1000 km. This country is situated in the Southern African region and the Northern two thirds lie within the Tropics. It borders South Africa in the south, Namibia in the West, Angola and Zambia in the north and Zimbabwe in the east. The population is about 1,2 million people and is one of the lowest population densities in Africa.
The Government of Botswana is based on the Westminister system, which has an executive president as head of state and a government. Botswana is unique in that it is one of the few African countries with a multi party democracy. The Constitution has remained almost 100% intact since it was written in 1966 when Botswana emerged as an independent and sovereign state. The political and economical stability of Botswana makes it one of the safest and most attractive tourist destinations in Africa.
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The Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve: The Okavango Delta, which incorporates the Moremi Game Reserve is a unique ecosystem in that it is situated in the middle of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world – the Kalahari Basin. This wetland lies like an oasis in an otherwise inhospitable landscape. The vegetation is lush, but very fragile and the wildlife is of the very best to be seen in Africa. The Okavango Delta is situated in northern Botswana, has no natural outlet to the sea and is a vast and unique eco-system covering 15000 sq km of African wilderness. Numerous well equipped safari camps within the swamps serve the visitor, providing for every need, making the region one of the prime safari destinations in Africa. No visit to Botswana can be considered complete without time spent in the pristine environment of the Okavango marshlands. An experience of a lifetime! The Chobe National Park: This National Park located in the northern region of Botswana, is an outstanding wildlife wilderness area, which is 11 000 sq km in size and offers enormous wildlife diversity. The Chobe is watered principally by the Chobe and Savuti rivers, attracting huge concentrations of game, particularly elephant and lion in some of the highest densities in Africa. The Chobe is made up of four distinct regions - Savute, Serondela, Linyante, and the Chobe River frontage. Savute: Savute is located 180 km north of Maun in the Western section of Chobe. The 5000 sq km Savute region is Africa's most densely populated predator area and also hosts the greatest concentration of plains antelope, zebra and wildebeest, in Southern Africa. Nowhere else will the visitor find find such a wealth of wildlife, including 350 recorded bird species, and some of the most diverse landscapes in the country. Savute is renowned for its magnificent lions and the spectacular annual summer migrations of plains game. The Kalahari Desert Reserves: The vast Kalahari, situated across the western reaches of Botswana and occupying over half of the land area of the country, is one of the greatest ecological treasures and wilderness areas of the world. Protected by its sheer size and the scarcity of surface water the Kalahari has remained unspoilt by the encroaching pressures of civilization. A journey into the Kalahari wasteland is a mystical experience. The vastness of the semi desert landscape, the wildlife, the reptiles and the insects, each living out a life of interdependence in this arid land, will fascinate and enthral the observer. The thrill of the Kalahari lies in its remoteness, the wildlife, the harsh, but beautiful landscape, the great sky and the silence of this pristine African eco-system. The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Parks: The famous salt pans of north central Botswana, the largest such pans in the world, were formed millions of years ago when the entire region was covered by a huge lake. The area is remote, even by Botswana standards and herein lies the attraction. The pans which are filled to a greater or lesser extent by seasonal rains, become the feeding and breeding grounds for huge flocks of greater flamingos, pelicans and other water bird species. On the perimeter of the pans live a wide variety of the plains game and predators. Malawi - The warm heart of Africa Malawi is one of Africa's smaller countries, a little over 45,000 square miles, of which about 20 per cent is occupied by Lake Malawi - Africa's third biggest lake. Much of the country lies within the great Rift Valley of eastern Africa, with Tanzania to the north, Zambia to the west and Mozambique to the east and south.
Malawi is blessed with no less than nine national parks and wildlife reserves. In the north are the unique Nyika Plateau and the Vwasa Reserve. These complement each other, one a highland, the other a lowland marsh area. The central region has two vast game areas: Kasungu National Park in the west and Nkhotakota Reserve in the east, near the Lake. To the south, the best known national park is Liwonde, along the River Shire, but there are also three game areas further south in the Shire Lowlands: Lengwe National Park and the wildlife reserves of Majete and Mwabvi. Near the southern end of Lake Malawi is the worlds first freshwater national park at Cape Maclear. The variety of fish, some 500 species, to be seen in the Lake Malawi National Park is unequalled anywhere else in the world, and offers an exceptional fresh water dive experience. The big five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) can be seen in Malawi as well as a splendid range of antelope and other smaller cats such as caracal and serval. Hippos are to be found in large numbers, so much so that they are almost symbolic of Malawi's prolific wildlife. Malawi's birdlife is renowned. Best known is the fish eagle to be seen at the Lake and along the River Shire but, as with the Lake's fish, the range of species is breathtaking.
A safari in Malawi is sure to be a memorable experience; plenty of game but none of those convoys of 4x4 vehicles characteristic of some other African game parks. Perhaps the best way to see the game and experience the total environment is to take a walking or horse riding safari, both well catered for in Malawi. In addition to the game parks and reserves, Malawi has a number of forest reserves and uplands where one can commune with nature. Some may require fairly strenuous climbs, as on Mount Mulanje, but many more provide simple walks in surroundings of incredible natural beauty. It is this beauty which visitors to Malawi retain as their outstanding memories of the country. Whether it be the vast Lake Malawi or the quiet cedar forest of Zomba, there is always something to delight the eye. Many of the uplands have viewing points from which to see across countless miles of varied and magnificent landscapes. Some statements made by the International press: “Malawi's scenery is stunning and wonderfully varied, and (although we hate to generalise) Malawians really do seem to be among the friendliest people you could meet anywhere.” “Malawi is perhaps Africa's most beautiful country.” “Lake Malawi is the dominant feature of the country. The lake is one of the world's living treasures.” Benguerra Island - Bazaruto Archipelago Mozambique lies along the south-eastern coastline of Africa and boasts 2000 kilometres of pristine coastline. Formerly a Portuguese colony, it has once again become the playground of South African and overseas tourists who visit the turquoise waters of the Archipelago annually. Benguerra Island is situated within this renowned Bazaruto Archipelago. The Bazaruto Archipelago Opposite the coastal town of Vilanculos, lies a chain of five islands. Once part of the mainland, this “spit” broke away from terra firma 25 000 years ago to form the Archipelago, comprising the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque and Santa Carolina. Benguerra Island is approximately 55 square kilometres in extent, ensuring guests ample privacy within this idyllic paradise. The island, declared a National Park in 1971 sustains a diverse population of fauna and flora including forest, savannah and wetland eco-systems.
Conservation To maintain the ecology and social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park, a long-term "Multiple Resource Use" project for the Archipelago is underway. Fun activities Diving - To encourage visitors to enjoy pristine reefs where no coral bleaching has taken place, a fully equipped dive school with dive Master has been set up. There are numerous dive venues available, including the well known Two-Mile Reef where superb opportunities exist to see many species of game and reef fish – and, of course, to view untouched corals. Snorkelling - Superb, safe snorkelling can be indulged in on the inside of the reef. There, the wide variety of bejewelled fish and extraordinarily shaped corals is breathtaking. Big Game Fishing - King- queen- and spanish mackerel, kawakawa, kingfish, queenfish and sailfish can be caught. Marlin season is from November to March. A policy of "Catch and Release" is encouraged and all boats have the necessary equipment on board for tagging. Saltwater Fly Fishing - The waters around Benguerra boast some of the finest saltwater fly fishing on the continent. Fly fishers can pursue all the above game species, including the much sought after bonefish, which is occasionally caught deep fishing.
Dhow cruises - Sail silently in a traditional Arab dhow along the coastline in search of the island's flamingos or glide peacefully, late afternoon with sundowners, to witness one of Africa's marvels - the magnificent sunsets. Mainland excursions - A trip to the historic town of Vilanculos can be arranged where you can stroll the old harbour and famous Donna Anna Hotel; browse the local market in search of treasures and tease your palate with a local peri-peri dish. Picnics - Arrange your own castaway picnic at a secret rendezvous under the island's casuarinas. Bird watching - As a result of the diverse habitats – coastal dunes, open grasslands, freshwater lakes, savannah and acacia woodlands - over 125 species of birds, including all the sea birds visit Benguerra island. See if you too can spy the elusive crab plover. Just plain relaxation - It is not, of course, necessary to do anything except lie under a beach umbrella, sipping away at an exotic beverage. Without doubt, peace, solitude and serenity are still regarded by us as an integral part of our own island getaway. 4x4 Trails The Northern Province a world of majestic mountains, verdant valleys, splendid rivers and endless vistas of African bush. It also marks the passage of time, people and countless wildlife species along the great routes linking South Africa to the African interior. Here the living veld chronicles the legends of the ivory, gold and slave trade routes established more than one thousand years ago by ferocious and flamboyant Arab and African merchant traders. Wild and untamed the Northern Province hosts more than 3,6 million hectares of national parks, nature reserves and game farms. At the same time it still has the largest areas inhabited by rural communities who are still living as they used to for centuries. Therefore the Northern Province is the 4X4 Adventurer's paradise. Fishing Hunting normally conjures up images of rhino, elephant, buffalo and big antelope. However, a different form of hunting, fishing, is another popular attraction amongst locals and tourists alike. Fishing is, in fact, a Northern Province institution - from the Limpopo River, meandering lazily along the province's northern border, to the many brisk, clear streams found throughout its expanse, a proud fishing tradition and growing tourism fishing industry have been established. For those wishing to spend a sweltering afternoon in the relief of a stream while enjoying the relaxation associated with fishing, there is a multitude of clear, well-stocked streams to choose from. The Limpopo is one of the most popular destinations amongst anglers and an impressive catch is the order of the day in this river that is also known for its flourishing crocodile population. However do not neglect the fishing opportunities of the Olifants River in the Lowveld, the Levubu and Mutale Rivers in the Venda area and the Letaba River to the east of the Kruger National Park. Bream, tilapia, barbell, yellowfish and triggerfish are among the species that can be lured to the hooks of keen anglers.
At the same time do not neglect fishing opportunities offered in the dams and lakes in the province. In the Bushveld region the Doorndraai Dam near Naboomspruit and the Mokolo Dam near Ellisras offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities, sometimes even amongst the hippos and crocodiles! The Nzhelele Dam and the Nwanedi/Luphephe Dam north of the Soutpansberg as well as the Albasini and Middle Letaba Dams south of the Soutpansberg offer limitless opportunities to fish. Sekhukhune, south of Pietersburg, have some of the best fishing waters in the province at the Arabie Dam and then there is still the Rooipoort Dam to contend with. However one of the best spots is the Tzaneen Dam. Here you find not only all the usual species of fish in the dam but you may also hunt for sizeable black bass in this dam. It is certainly enough to say that one of the premier bass tournaments in the country takes place on this dam. Talking about tournaments. One must never forget the trout waters of the Magoebaskloof. Here you have the opportunity of fishing for brown and rainbow trout in both ponds and free flowing rivers. It is certainly a rare treat to fish in such magnificent surroundings for such a magnificent fish. One of the highlights every year on the angling calendar of the Northern Province is the Glennfiddich Fly Fishing Bonanza. Nature and Wildlife With its vast expanses of bushveld wilderness roamed by an abundance of wildlife species, the Northern Province is the perfect destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The province is predominantly rural, with its economic centres self-contained and strategically located. The result is that large areas still remain untouched by human development and well-preserved, unmistakably African ecosystems are found here. Bordering the Northern Province on the eastern side, the Kruger National Park needs no introduction. Over one million hectares in size, the area of the Park north of the Olifants River is situated in the Northern Province and boasts the "Big Five" and other Lowveld species such as hippos, crocodiles and many kinds of antelope. Besides the unforgettable wildlife experiences Kruger Park has in store, this area also offers a wide range of other wildlife experiences. Towards the west near the town of Thabazimbi lies Marakele National Park a chunk of wilderness where the many plant and animal species have adapted to a life lived in the semi-aridity of the southern Kalahari.
Travelling up to the northern border tourists will pass through the small, friendly mining town of Messina. However, one should not leave this town without having visited the Baobab Tree Reserve in the Messina Nature Reserve. Regarded by many as a symbol of untamed Africa, these ancient and truly unique trees provide an awe-inspiring sight for foreigners and are a source of great pride for locals. Immortalised by the words of Hermann Charles Bosman and Wilma Stockenström and by the paintings of Pierneef, the baobab is the exquisite, enduring symbol of this part of South Africa and of the entire continent. Moving east, visitors will find the lush Cycad Forest of the Rain Queen near the busy town of Tzaneen, while elephant lovers will find a visit to the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve near Phalaborwa most rewarding. Proud of their natural heritage, the residents of the province are actively involved in the conservation of wildlife. Besides the numerous parks and reserves which provide a sanctuary to many endangered or potentially endangered plant and animal species, a number of private enterprises have been established to nurture and improve the development of certain species. The majestic, unique white lions of the Timbavati, now reduced in number by inbreeding, are the subject of ambitious breeding programmes. Visitors today can still view the original breeding pair and delight in the success story of one of the world's most fascinating creatures. And their cousins are well looked after, too, at the many beautiful lodges near towns such as Hoedspruit.
Some of the most popular provincial parks include Hans Merensky, Wolkberg, Messina, Vhembi, Blouberg, Schuinsdraai, Witvinger, Wonderkop, D'Nyala & Mokolo Dam, Thabazimbi, Atherstone, Doorndraaidam, Nylsvley & Percy Fyfe, Letaba Ranch, Masebe & Mpulaneng.
Given its greatly varying vegetation types and climatological zones, its largely untouched natural splendour, excellent tourist facilities and the efforts of the South African National Parks and independent bodies within its cities and towns, the Northern Province will satisfy even the most discerning of tourists.
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Tourist
Attractions 
The
graceful cheetah, the world's fastest land animal, is among the many species
enjoying a safe environment at research and breeding centres for endangered
species and in wildlife rehabilitation centres in the province. Although not
endangered, the reptile species of the Northern Province still offer fascinating
clues as to the world of prehistoric species, and parks such as Swadini Reptile
Park near Hoedspruit provide some answers. 