Tanzania Wildlife Viewing

Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2011

There is no greater wildlife experience in the world than Tanzania — a nation that devotes 33% of its land to conservation and boasts the highest concentration of animals anywhere on the planet. From the vast Serengeti to the lust rain forests of the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania is home to wildebeest, chimpanzee, zebra, hippopotamus, giraffe, hyena and cheetah — just to name of few! Imagine seeing a hundred Thomson gazelle springing across a dirt road or majestic elephants leading their babies to a watering hole. Tanzania is the only place on earth where the “big five” — buffalo, elephant, leopard, the black-maned lion and the endangered, rare black rhinoceros — all live in one place.

Winelands/Garden Route

Posted on Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Just outside Cape Town lie the Winelands, the heart of South Africa’s wine-making industry – the seventh largest in the world. Beloved by those who enjoy fine wine, gourmet cuisine and beautiful countryside, this region features 15 routes that pass through rolling landscape and more than 600 wineries. As you travel the Winelands, you’ll discover 300-year-old vineyards, estates and small towns which have as much charm as they do history. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas and an ideal climate, and sample some of the most highly acclaimed food and wines in the world. The 200-mile Garden Route extends from Cape Town through a scenic stretch of the southern coast, nestled between mountains and the Indian Ocean. Going off-road in this area is equally stunning thanks to 10 nature reserves where hiking trails lead through pristine forests to the sight of coral reefs, dolphins, seals, and whales. Many travelers rent a car in Cape Town and make a day of stopping the spectacular vineyards and charming seaside towns along the way; however, these regions are so rich in scenery and experiences that they can easily be a vacation in themselves.

South Africa Tours 2011

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2010

It has been a BIG YEAR for South Africa.

Already an up-and-coming destination, this diverse nation garnered worldwide recognition after successfully hosting the 2010 World Cup. It even got me interested in soccer… I mean football.

With luxurious resorts, moving township visits, open-air safari game drives, vibrant cities like Cape Town; few places can offer such a myriad of enriching experiences. And now it seems that visitors from around the globe are spreading the news of this beautiful nation. (And that’s the best kind of “Social Media”)

South Africa today presents itself as being all about discovery, revitalizing your spirit and reinventing your thinking.

Here are few of the highlights from Collette’s Spectacular South Africa tour:

• See the breathtaking Drakensburg Mountains, the highest mountains in Southern Africa, as you travel along the Panoramic Route.
• Search for the Big 5 during your included open-air safari game drives!
• Cruise over the Knysna lagoon and out to the world-famous “Knysna Heads,” where the lagoon meets the sea.
• Visit the oldest working ostrich farm in South Africa and learn about these fascinating animals.
• Take a revolving gondola ride to the top of famous Table Mountain for stunning 360° views of the city below.

Contributed by Collette Vacations

Lake Nakuru Kenya

Posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Lake Nakuru National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise with more than 400 recorded species. It is an important stop for migratory birds as they head to and from Europe.  Game drivers are the perfect opporunity to look for white-necked cormorants, marabou storks, yellow-billed storks and Egyptian geese.  The lake-shores are home to both black and white rhinoes and Rothschild's giraffes, introduced to this unique sanctuary.

Bushmans Kloof

Posted on Friday, January 29, 2010

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is a scenic drive just north of Cape Town and offers bird watching, nature hikes, botanical tours, canoeing and a range of other activities. The area is best known for Bushman paintings fround in the ancient caves and on rock formations.  Learn about the cultural history of the Bushman as you witness the beauty and mystery of their paintings.