Arusha and its national park

Tanzania is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, let alone on the mighty African continent. It encompasses all that a country should, rugged beauty, friendly people and an abundance of exotic animals. It’s close to a number of other popular African attractions, such as the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro but is also home to a number of largely unsung destinations, like Arusha in the Arusha region, northern Tanzania

The majestic Arusha National Park ,Tanzania

One of the reasons for the region’s popularity is its position on the Northern Tanzanian Safari Circuit. This includes the Arusha National Park, which surrounds Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in the country. The park is not big, not by the standards of some of the other parks in Africa, but its landscape is varied, as is its animal life.

Arusha National Park is only 25km from Arusha city and is home to giraffe, buffalo, warthog, blue monkey, colobus monkey, elephant, leopard and zebra. Landscapes include woodlands, rain forests, lakes, mountain peaks and even a volcanic crater. The Ngurdoto Crater is 3km wide and 400m deep but visitors are only permitted to marvel at the view from the lip of the crater, there is a strict no entry policy.

The Momella (or Momela) Lakes are also worth a visit, as the different mineral content of each lake gives it its own unique colour. Canoe safaris around the lakes are available.

Hikers and climbers can enjoy the day walks and three- to four-day climbs in the park. Day visitors can enjoy the sites and well situated picnic spots. If you want to stay in the park you can choose between lodges, rest houses, campsites, and huts. There are plenty more accommodation options in Arusha itself. According to the official Tanzania National Parks website, the best time to visit the park (and climb Mount Meru) is between June and February. Bear in mind that November is the rainy season.

Cederberg’s Citrusdal captures and enraptures all walks of life

Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape

Citrusdal near the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape is the perfect weekend getaway for those looking to rejuvenate tired bodies and weary souls. The little town is only two hours from Cape Town and boasts assorted accommodation options arranged around hot and cold spring baths.
The natural hot water springs are a delicious 43°C, which is just what your body needs to soak away the stress of work and raising a family. There are also a number of cold pools should you feel the need to chill out and cool off.
Adventurers will appreciate the hiking trails in the area, which explore the Cedeberg Mountains and include San rock paintings. There are also quad and mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, golfing and, if you’re feeling especially daring, zip slide tours.
Accommodation varies from luxury lodges to self-catering chalets and camp sites.
As the name implies, Citrusdal is prime orange growing country, so you can time your visit to enjoy the sweet smell of orange blossoms in spring, or you could go in peak picking season and get a few pockets of the freshest oranges you’ll ever eat.
As well as oranges, Citrusdal also produces world class wines. Pop into the Golden Valley Wine Cellar for some wine tasting and buy some locally grown fresh produce on your way out.
All-in-all, Citrusdal has something for everyone, from foodies and wine connoisseurs to adventure junkies, families and business professionals.

Clanwilliam is conservation central

The Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape offer a rugged retreat and opportunity to get back to nature for city slickers in need of respite. One of the most picturesque towns in the Cederberg is Clanwilliam, which also happens to be one of the ten oldest towns in South Africa. It is famous for two things:
1. Clanwilliam Cedar trees, which are on the verge of extinction.
2. Rooibos tea.

The area around Clanwilliam is full of conservation and wilderness projects. For instance, the Cederberg Wilderness Area is currently trying to protect the valuable cedars. It’s also a World Heritage Site owing to its contribution to the Cape Floristic Region and varied natural wild life.
The Clanwilliam Living Landscape is dedicated to the protection of local San rock art. It provides employment to locals by training them up to be tour guides and, in this way, also serves a conservation purpose.
The Pakhuis Conservancy is another locally driven conservation project. A group of farmers banded together to transform overworked farm land into its thriving natural state. You’ll find no end of fynbos, as well as rock climbing and any number of hiking trails.
You can get your fill of water sports at the Clanwilliam Dam.
If you’re of an active/adventurous mien, you might be interested in the Freshpak Fitness Festival. In keeping with the vitality of rooibos, and in celebration of the only rooibos growing region in South Africa, the Freshpak Fitness Festival is a full day of running, cycling and swimming events. There are kiddies’ events for youngsters, as well as individual events, biathlons and triathlons. The festival will be held on 1 October 2011.

If you like your activities more sedate, get to Clanwilliam on 25 August for the annual Wild Flower Show. In addition to the blooms you can see live music performances, enter art competitions, and go hiking. Kiddies’ activities will also be available.

Shark Cage diving in Gans bay

South Africa is famous for its Shark-Cage Diving. Get up close and personal with one of nature’s most feared predators, the Great White Shark. We recommend that Winter is an ideal time for Shark Cage Diving in South Africa however this adventure can be enjoyed year round.

Daytime activities are centred on the beach and ocean. There are plenty of water sports, including yachting, windsurfing and snorkeling, if that is what you fancy.

Large Tiger and bull shark diving is definitely not for the faint hearted, and of course certain safety measurements must be carefully adhered to. Although no accidents have been report in the history of Shark cage diving in South Africa. For further information we recommend White Shark Diving in Gans Bay.

If you are worried about possible shark attacks please look up the Global Shark Attack file for accurate and up to date information. Remember to be aware and leave the water immediately if you are uneasy.