HUNTING & FISHING TOURS

Hi there everyone!  I see, for some crazy reason, Google has split my blogs into sections and published them on their 1st page.  Don't know what's up with that.  Please, also forgive the confusion of wacko adverts!  They are only supposed be in regards to toursim!  Don't know what a flat belly (that add seems to be ALL OVER THE PLACE!) and computor chips have to do with tours.  Anycase, let's see what's on todays menu.

     Hunting is not for everyone.  I, for one, do not believe in canned hunting.  If you want to hunt, hunt the good old fashioned way and don't be GREEDY! My first hunt was a red antelope in Phalaborwe.  I was shaking like a leaf, the force of the rifle nearly broke my collar bone and I felt so sorry for the poor animal once the deed was done.  I don't do trophy hunting, only for food. As the old saying goes : HUNT ONLY WHAT YOU NEED TO EAT!  In this case, most are trophy hunters.

1.  http://www.africanskyhunting.co.za/
*This is a great site to visit, as it covers just about everything you need to know.  These hunting areas include Limpopo, Kalahari, Eastern Cape, Eastern Free State & The Lowveld.
*Rifle and bow hunting.  You can hunt the Big 5 or plain game (mostly buck).  Book in advance for Big 5 hunting as permits must be obtained.  Trophy hunters are charged a daily rate + cost per trophy.
*Pick-up and drop-off at O.R. Tambo airport.  Various hunting packages available.  Prices from $3000-$8000.  Don't have a heart-attack!  These prices include : accomodation, food, land transport, service of professional hunters, laundry, field preperations of trophies and moderate liquor.
*Accomodations vary from tents to luxury chalets.
*Here comes a shocker  :  trophy fees =  $200 - $19 500!  A long list of all animals plus prices is provided on the website provided.  As well as full details of rifles, calibers, taxidermy, and what to bring on safari.
*Contact nr.  +27 012 809 1632

2.  http://www.infohub.com/
This is our fishing spots.  This website also includes a huge variety of all sorts of tours, but for now, we are focusing on fishing.
*First stop is at the KRUGER NATIONAL PARK where you get a combo of tiger fishing for 2 days at the Komati River and 3 days game viewing, night drives, birding, good food and 4 star accomodations.
*Season is Jan.- Dec.  Groups of 2-10 people at US$900 - US$1200 per person.
*Next, we go to LESOTHO.  A little african state of its own in Kwa-zulu Natal.  Season also Jan.- Dec.
*3-4 Days with groups of 2-10 people @ US$1220 - US$1720 per person.  Meals, lunch packs, dinners and drinks included.  Accomodation is in Bosotho huts, the home tribe.
*Last but not least, we go to MOZAMBIQUE for a 10 day spear fishing tour during Jan.- Nov. for 1-6 people.
*Costs a hefty R9750 per person, but it covers most neccissaties.
*Fully catered, exclusive beach house at Guinjata Bay.  Included, is a privately chatered boat (2)  with a Skipper.  Spearfishing takes place on the coral reef.  Also included is the use of a 2-twin engine, rubber duck throughout your stay!
*50% deposit with your booking and the full payment before your arrival.

Well, that should keep you busy for a while.  Remember to plan your tours to avoid dissapointments!

Chow!

DRINKS & TRAVEL

Welcome to everyone, especially my new followers!  Today we'll be combining our tours for a bit of variety.  Following this blog, I'm gonna talk a bit about safety tips when touring.  Firstly, for the thirsty, I'm gonna introduce you to one of South Africa's favourite brandies.  This stuff can bring the animal out in you, so behave yourself and don't drink & drive!

1.  http://www.almondburyguestfarm.co.za/
*Our brandies have a history of over 330 years.  Brandy routes are situated along the Western Cape on route 62.  By law, our brandies must mature for a minimum of 3 years, which we do in french oak casks.  We also have some of the finest brandies, which have won many international awards.  We'll be visiting Klipdrift today, situated in Robertson.
*Enjoy a very informative tour and tastings.  At the Klipdrift stillers, there's also a restaurant serving healthy, homemade meals, truly South African!
*The guest farm above, is the ideal setting for your visit, or if you like, go straight to http://klipdrift.co.za/
Just bare in minde, these sites request that you must be 18 and older.

2.  http://www.oldwillow.co.za/
*Looking for privacy?  Honeymooning?  Romantic getaway?  Then this is just for you.
*Hire a houseboat, which you captain yourself, (no license needed) and sail down the 55km Vaal River.
*You can dock at restaurants, health spa's or casino.  Go fishing on you boat or enjoy a braai (bar-b-q) ON
your boat!
*Also great for the family.  Hire fishing rods and portable dvd player.
*Minimum of 3 nights.  Prices out of season are good, but in season, they are rather pricey!

3.  http://www.corians.co.za/
*This is a beautiful camp site in Kwazulu Natal.  Currently, Natal is experiencing bad, floody weather.  So, if you choose to visit this province, please confirm with your destinations office, if it's safe and clean.
*I served half my Navy career in Natal, and trust me, it can get very hot and very humid!  In season, the beaches and beach front are OVER CROWDED!  Anyhow, Corians' is lovely to visit, with 72 stands.  Electricity, ablutions and security.
*You can go fishing, enjoy indoor sports and games, kids playground & swimming pool.
*Nearby attractions :  Croc Farm, game viewing, hiking trails, snorkeling and scuba diving..
*Pensioners & student discounts.  Prices are cheap, from R50 - R450.
*Day visitors welcome.  Small dogs, on leashes welcome with prior arrangements.  No credits cards, but cash and bank guaranteed cheques welcome.

Right now, I wish I was there, because I'm getting so hot now!  I'm gonna strip down and go float on the water in my pool like a beached whale!

Chow for now!

OUTRAGEOUS ADVENTURES

Wow! These extreme weather changes have really got me thinking about 2012!  So, get in there and have a blast before it goes up in smoke, or whatever's predicted!  We'll be visiting 2 great tours today.  Hold on to your jockstraps and let's fly!

1.  http://www.balloon.co.za/
*Okay, don't expect this to be cheap!  About R2000+.  Special rates for frequent flyers &

large groups.  But, in the end, it's a combination of a thrill, adventure and the WOW-factor!  All balloons, weather permitting, go up early in the mornings, weekends included.  Safaris last for 1 hour, of which the Magalies River Scenic Safari is one.
*Departure is at Harrops Skeerpoort Country Base, near the Hartebeespoort Dam, Gauteng.  Minibuses can be arranged for various hotel pickups at extra cost.
*Enjoy the scenery, coffee, tea and biscuits.  Champagne once you've landed and the balloon is folded up!
*Safaris for a minimum of 2 people up to 18 people (pending on the weight!)
*Balloon safaris also available for the disabled.

*The other safari to enjoy is the Game Viewing Safaris at the Mabula Private Game Reserve and the Entabeni Safari Conservancy.  Of course there are other places to go to!  Bare in mind, these Game Safaris are rather pricey!
*First class lodgings and country housing available.  Check out the gallery and decided for yourself!

2.  http://www.bushwacked.co.za/
*This is river rafting at its' best on the Orange River.  By the South African/Namibian border.  When I was in the Navy, I used to frequent this place.  Our base was at Alexander Bay.  Boy, can I tell you stories.....Lots of great memories, great fun, adventure and love!  Of course, we also had to work, but, there was always time for getting up to no good.
*These trips vary from 1/2 day to 6 day trips.  Weekenders can sleep in a camp or in the bush.
*Please take your passports for those doing the 4-6 day trips.  You must be medically fit, for obvious reasons.  If you do use prescribed medication, please inform the guides and make sure that you keep your meds on you at all times!  Ages are 6-60years.
*Rates vary for adults, u/18, u/12 and pensioners.
*Camping is +-R70 and river trips from  +-R200.  I would highly recommend this, it's hard work, but man, what fun!

Chow for now!
Bobi

AFRICAN SAFARI'S

Well, what a windy day it is here in the West Coast!  The places that we'll be visiting today will require some planning ahead with regards to visa's, passports and medications.  But, I promise you, it will all be worth it.  So, let's go on safari!

1.  http://www.botswanasafariadventures.com/
*Different tours to different destinations in Botswana are available, such as the Okavango Delta & The Chobe National Park.  This is a beautiful place to visit, but also VERY expensive.
*If you don't want the hassle of driving yourself, there are arranged tours with a fully kitted safari vehicle, full camping equipment and guides that do everything for you.
These tours include all your meals, so fear not, you won't go hungry!
*Tours to look forward to is the 14 day tour which starts and ends at the Victoria Falls.  Enjoy sunset cruises, bush walks  & game drives.
*Botswana is renowned for it's wildlife, grasslands and the Kalahari Deset.  Take fantastic photos!
*Insurance is compulsory (for all your private stuff) and can be arranged at travel@toursa.com

2.  http://www.mozambiqueholiday.co.za/
*We're specifically going to visit Xai-Xai which is well known for it's fishing, diving and snorkeling.
*The accomodations have amazing views looking over the sea.  Offers vary from luxury to budget.
*Enjoy game fishing (Marlin, Sail fish, Tuna & King fish).  Fly fishing is also available on the Limpopo River.
Let's focus on catch and release here!
*Beautiful beaches with warm water.  Lovely scenery.  Go jet-skiing or quad biking.
*Best time to visit is from April - September.

3.  http://www.africanreservations.co.za/
*Here we go to Swaziland.  The last traditional kingdom in Africa.  The countryside varies from mountains to lush valleys, grasslands and waterfalls.  Left hand driving applies here and the currency is available in Rands.
*You can visit and stay at various game parks such as Hlane, Mkhaya or Mlilwane.  Or, if you choose, go stay at the well known Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino surrounded by pine forests.  Plenty of birding, hiking, fuana & flora.  Take beautiful photos.
*Mlilwane has huts, cottages and camping with electricity available.  Just bare in mind  :  this camp is unfenced!  So, beware of hippo's that walk around at night.  They are aggressive buggers!

Well, keep safe and have fun!  Remember to plan ahead to avoid disaster!
Chow!

CAMPING, SAFARIS & ADVENTURES

Hi there fellow tourist!  My back is killing me today!  Must've overdone something.  I definetly wasn't riding an elephant, so I must've had a rough and tumble in my sleep.
Anyhow, let's see what's in store for us today.

1.  http://www.donkieskraal.co.za/
*This is an amazing place on the west coast in Lamberts Bay.  It's hidden in the mountains on a potatoe farm and game reserve.  The chalets are built into the mountain, so you get the feeling of sleeping, peeing, bathing and whatever other carnal instincts u might have, in a cave.  It is fantastic!
*Enjoy sunset drives, breakfast on the mountain, game drives, birding or just relaxing at the rock pool.
*Check out the bushmen paintings or enjoy some freshwater fishing.
*Beautiful place for weddings, parties and team building.  Safari tents & camping available.
*Visit their photo gallery and see what I mean.  A real gem!

2.  http://www.sport-helicopters.co.za/
*Okay, this aint cheap!  But it is a Wow experience!
*Scenic tours around the Cape Peninsula and winelands.  Tours from 20-60 min and a Robbin Island flight.
*Special tours - visit various wine estates.
*Enjoy a glass of bubbly on your way.  Contact (021) 419 5907 or 082 491 7905.

3.  http://www.kamanjabrestcamp.com/
*Situated in the Kunene region, north-west Namibia.  Home to the Himba people.
*Thatched bungalows with ablutions available as well as a tented campsite with electricity and water.
*Enjoy game viewing, birding, hiking, visiting the Etosha Reserve and the Himba villages, or just chill by the swimming pool.
*Beautiful landscapes, mountains and grasslands.  Take great photos.  Price includes breakfast.

Well, I'm gonna massage my back, take a pill and chill.  See you around.
Bobi

SAFARI'S & ADVENTURES

Hi there, I guess most of us are ready to go back to work, school & the blah-blah of life!  Doesn't mean your life has to be boring.  Stay tuned and plan your next holiday.

1.  http://www.nomadtours.co.za/
*Very proffesional & experienced guides do all the organising.  So, sit back and relax.
*These adventure tours are for people with a zest for life & an interest for people, places & animals.
*Various departures and tours such as East Africa, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Joburg, Durban...
*Prices vary, depending on the tour you choose.  You travel in groups of up to 18 in a converted truck.
*Every day starts with a new adventure.  Where you lay your hat, that's where you'll sleep - usually camping.

2.  http://www.lionrescue.org.za/
*Situated in Klapmuts, 30 min. drive from Cape Town.  Privately funded and provides lions in distress with sanctuary.  The park provides lifetime care and is not involved in commercial breeding or trade. All these lions are hand reared and can't be rehabilitated.
*Enjoy an overnight in an appointed, tented camp surrounded by the lions.  Strict rules apply!
*Traditional South African meals are served.
*This is a once in a lifetime experience to sleep with the lions!

3.  http://www.elephantsanctuary.co.za/
*Situated in The Crags, between Port Elizabeth & Plettenberg Bay.  Phone to book a tour @ 044 5348145
*Experience these majestic animals like never before.  Early morning brushing, back riding, walking with the elephants, feeding or enjoy a sunrise/sunset  elephant ride.
*Great outing for the whole family.

C U Soon!