Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa. Boasting many historical and archaeological sites, this country is also blessed with an abundant, natural beauty making it an excellent travel destination for adventurous and outgoing tourists. As well as this Tanzania is a melting pot of various cultures and ethnic groups that will surely amaze and touch the heart of every traveler. Here you will find the Msai tribe’s red-clad herders on the Serengeti plains and the conservatively veiled women of Zanzibar’s Islamic Stone Tow. With their happy and warm smiles, meeting these people is an experience like no other.

The largest city of Tanzania is Dar-es-Salaam. Teaming with a busy lifestyle, the scenic tropical seaport has a surprisingly breathtaking view. As it is the main the entry and starting point of many trips into the country, from here you can choose to go to a range of tourist destinations depending on the kind of adventure you are looking for. If you want to bask under the heat of the sun while lying on the white sand, take a trip to the refreshing islands of Zanzibar with its palm-fringed beaches and awesome coral reefs. The island is also home to exotic spices which are mainly found in Stone Town, an  historical place that traces its origins to the dark times when it was the major trade center of spices and slaves.

Tanzania is also known for its many animal and bird species. The Serengeti National Park displays one of the most spectacular opportunities to experience the wild life of the vast plains. Once you are there you’ll have the chance to witness the migration of zebra and wildebeest. The country also offers action-packed adventure in its unique geological formations like the Ngorongoro Crater and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the Great Rift Valley.

Experience the tropical forests and powerful rivers of the Savannah grassland’s or go for game hunting, safari walking or boat trips in the Rufiji in the largest faunal reserve in the world, Selous. Covering more than 54,000 km, this game reserve is larger than the entire country of Switzerland!

There are only a few places in the world that offer as abundant a range of adventure as Tanzania and it is one place that can fulfill every traveler’s dream of an exciting holiday escape.

Madagascar’s remote north east offers some extraordinary experiences for the more intrepid traveler. Here is an itinerary into the magical world of colourful locals, untouched rainforest, unbelievable creatures, and pristine beaches.

Fly to Maronsetra

Fly with Air Madagascar to remote Maroansetra on the north east coast to discover a charming village caught in the middle of nowhere. With barely passable roads south, and no roads at all going north, the town feels like oasis of civilisation – albeit a basic one.

Wander the tracks between the simple palm huts soaking in the colour of village life. Watch locals repair their pirogues (dug-out canoes) on the huge beach. Ask someone to help you track down the bright red tomato frogs that might be living in a family’s backyard.

Stay at: Le Coco Beach for its comfortable bungalows and good restaurant.

Organise a tour of Masoala National Park through the locals

The main attraction here is the richly diverse, thoroughly spectacular Masoala National Park. You’ll need at least four nights to get a taste of the park. This involves organising a boat, accommodation, food and a full time guide (any visit to a national park in Madagascar requires the services of a guide from ANGAP (The National Association for the Management of Protected Areas in Madagascar)).

Before you decide that sounds all too hard, here’s why it is well worth the effort.

The pristine island of Nosy Mangabe

Nosy Mangabe is a small, entirely protected island not far off the coast of Maroansetra. Wandering around Nosy Mangabe’s untouched rainforests and beach, to the primal sound of lemur troops barking high up in the trees, will make you feel like you have stepped into a pre-historic age before humans tread here.

Your eagle-eyed guide will get you close to cryptic coloured geckos, comical lemurs, cool chameleons and plenty of other colourful creatures. Amongst all of Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity there is almost nothing deadly meaning you can just wander around on foot.

Stay at: The camping ground.

True paradise on the Masoala Peninsula

When you arrive here by boat you’ll land on a stretch of endless, perfect beach that is backed by primary and secondary rainforests.

Walking along the beaches with your guide you will be introduced to the local’s remote way of life. Your guide will be available anytime of the day to explore the forests that meet the sea to find rare lemurs, like the red-ruffed, and spotting the huge variety of unique bird life.

When not walking you can snorkel the reef off the beach and relaxed in what felt like pure paradise.

Stay at: Tampolo Lodge in a breezy bungalow close to the beach, soaking in the simplicity of life without electricity and the pleasure of having delicious meals cooked for you.

Travel tip: Use a local tour organiser to put together all the pieces of your trip. Try reception at Le Coco Beach in Maroansetra for a one-stop-shop for your transport, accommodation, food and guide.

For years tourists often neglected Africa, or at least most parts of it, but now we are seeing a huge influx in travelers heading in.

One of the best places to visit within the continent is the Republic of Ghana.

Ghana is situated in the west of Africa, sharing a border with the Ivory Coast, Togo and Burkino Faso.

The population of the nation is just under 24 million, with the capital city being Accra.

Ghana boasts many great things, from wildlife to great exotic natural beauty. But one of the greatest features are the beach’s in the nation.

The coast along Akwidaa Beach and the neighboring towns are simply breathtaking and up there with some of the worlds best watering spots.

Places like Bolgatanga, Cape Coast and Kumasi are well worth a look, as too is Elmini.

Accra, being the capital city, will command many tourists and have a large tourism sector, but it does not mean it is the most gorgeous place in Ghana.

In fact it can be way too busy at times and some of the lesser-known places are better to get a real feel for the nation.

One interesting fact about Ghana is that it is the second largest producer of cocoa in the world and is also home to Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world.

If you are heading there soon, now is a good time to go, with South Africa hosting the football World Cup and Ghana being in it, Africa will be party central!

East of the centre of Africa lies a volcanic mountain region, home to one of the toughest peak climbs in the world.

Mount Kilimanjaro has been known in the past for its rigid terrain, freezing climate as well as its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery.

Situated in the northern part of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is made up of three inactive volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and fourth highest of the Seven Summits standing at a height of 5,895 metres.

Climbing the peak of the region has been a journey many have taken in the past, but is by no means one for the faint hearted. It is highly recommended not to climb it without any research, and is illegal to do so alone.

There are several routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame.

Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain, which can be done in around about a week.

The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easy, but accommodation is in huts and can be a tough ordeal.

While the climb is technically very easy, the conditions and climate of the mountain are the toughest obstacles for trekkers to overcome.

But there is much more to the Western African nation than just fame from a Hollywood movie.

The country boasts a rich history that saw it go through decades of slavery, torture and war, and come out a country full of beauty and freedom.

It is no surprise the nations capital is Freetown.

One thing that you will notice about the country is its weather and climate. The small country is nestled right around the equator, meaning it boasts some extreme temperatures all year round.

The average high usually loiters around the 30-degree mark all throughout the year, and while it is tropical with plenty of rain, the heat will eventually get to any traveler heading to the area.

Without a doubt, one of the most interesting parts of the nations culture is its status of being one of the biggest diamond producers in the world.

As a result we have seen plenty of wars take place in Sierra Leone for the matter of trying to control the Diamond trade.

Luckily theses arguments seem to have subsided in recent times with unity freedom and justice (the nations motto) finally recognized by Sierra Leone.

With a population of almost seven million, and small areas of habitual land, the country is also very populated, but that only adds to the experience of Africa.

Spanning from the northern countries of Tunisia and Egypt, all the way south to South America and Zimbabwe, Africa boasts some amazing natural beauty.

Kenya, however, lies somewhere in between both these regions, right in the middle of the African continent.

Situated to the east coast, Kenya is in one of Africa’s hottest parts, lying right on the equator.

The country was named after the famous Mount Kenya, which is the second largest peak in the continent.

The capital city of the nation is Nairobi and is one of the most populated areas in the region with almost three million residents, four times more than the second largest city.

With a very tropical climate, Kenya boasts some breathtaking wildlife as well as amazing environments.

Many native animals including giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and buffalos roam around the country like residents and believe it or not are actually quite timid.

Despite the tropical weather, Kenya is currently facing one of the worst droughts in decades, with crops and livestock destroyed.

There is still, however, one of the best rivers in the world, which boasts some amazing whitewater rafting and a great location for extreme sports.

Not ot be outdone, Kenya also offers much diversity in its country, with many different cultures represented.

Notable cultures include the Swahili on the coast, pastoralist communities in the north, and several different communities in the central and western regions.

The Fanatics are a world wide organizations who travel the world supporting Australian sporting sides.

In case you weren’t aware, South Africa will be holding a soccer tournament next year called the World Cup – the biggest sporting event in the world!

For those locals keen on finding a group to travel with and watch some of the games, look no further!

If you were after deals including accommodation, flights and entry into the Australian matches, the Fanatics can organize it all for you.

The best part of it all is that you will not be alone. The Fanatics are a group made up of Australians, therefore even if you travel by yourself over to Africa, you will be sure to be right in your comfort zone with the company around you.

Next year the Fanatics will base themselves in Durban, which is great for the Aussies as it is right in the heart of the group matches the Aussies play.

Apart from the soccer, there is plenty of action for those involved.

For the event, the Fanatics have secured Powderfinger, Fatboy Slim and Electric Mary to perform for the crowd.

In addition, they will gain a footballing insight from Fanatics tour hosts Mark Bosnich, Frank Arok, Charlie Yankos and Mel McLaughlin.

Traveling with the Fanatics really is the ultimate sporting experience and a great way to celebrate our nations success at the greatest sporting event in the world.

For more info hit the website: www.thefanatics.com

Winter is now behind us and for those in the Southern Hemisphere, it is time to take the covers off your drivers and head on a holiday to some of the world’s best golf courses.

America, Japan and the UAB usually steal the majority of golfing enthusiasts, but there are plenty of other countries which hold some great, unknown courses.

One of these destinations is South Africa, which boasts an underrated stable of breathtaking and eye capturing courses.

Here is a look at the main golf attractions in the country:

Garden Route: An ideal location for extended golf holidays as well as short golf breaks because of its tourist attraction and strong concentration of top golf courses.

Cape Town: Boasts some of the highest rated courses and most popular greens in the country. There is a plethora of locations to choose form that cater for all golfers.

Sun City: The superb and always challenging layout of the courses in the region make this a desirable destination. Home to the highly lucrative Nedbank Golf Challenge, which nestles down in a natural amphitheatre on the edge of an extinct volcano.

Kwazulu: One of the hidden little gems in South Africa. Often overlooked by golf enthusiast, but those who visit the courses in the area will be sure to return.

Kruger Park: Plenty of natural beauty surround this are of South Africa, and effectively creates some of the most scenic backdrops for any golf course.

Africa is by far one of the best locations to head to for any holiday of the kind, with an abundance of locations to choose from.

While many of the traditional hotspots such as Kenya and South Africa are too crowded, the tiny nation of Uganda regularly flies under the radar.

Most safari trips in the country offer a wide selection of trips in many of their national parks.

Options range from a three-day safari with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, to a fully organized 10-day trip including flights from your home country.

Although much of the wildlife had been affected by the controversial Amin and Obote regimes, restoration has occurred in most of the national parks with the greenery and its wildlife looking back to normal.

Infrastructure is also relatively good, with a range of accommodation in most parks to suit all travelers and tourists.

Game drives can be taken at any time of the day, though many swear by early morning drives, setting off before sunrise. Night drives are also popular.

If you’re on an organized trip with a tour operator, your package will normally include game drives, either with your driver or with a park ranger.

All parks have modest entrance fees ranging from $20 to $30 per person per day, depending on the park.

Children aged under 15 years are half-price and kids under five years-old are free.

Located on a secluded garden estate resort in the heart of the city centre, the historic Mount Nelson Hotel is the ideal gateway to the World Cup, conveniently situated close enough to the action (a mere ten minutes drive from the Green Point Stadium), yet far enough away from the crowds to provide post-match and post-party relaxation. The hotel boasts two heated swimming pools, rolling lawns and family-friendly gardens, a destination spa, a world famous Afternoon Tea, and Planet Bar – Cape Town’s most glamorous bar. A complimentary guest shuttle service is available to popular places of interest (the city’s best beaches, restaurants and shopping destinations), and complimentary use of the business centre makes it easy to “close the deal” without missing the game.

Mount Nelson is part of the luxurious Orient Express group – an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world’s most exciting and indulgent train journeys.  Today those same two evocative words also embrace hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 25 countries, across five continents.  The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it first purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly afterwards, recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities.  Today, the company owns or part-owns and manages 50 businesses, 40 of which are highly acclaimed hotels, each unique in style, from the Mount Nelson in Cape Town and Rio’s Copacabana Palace, to the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg and Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.  There are two restaurants, including ‘21’ in New York, two river cruise operations and six luxury trains. 

Contact Hotel Reservations at 1.800.237.1236 or email reservations@mountnelson.co.za for rate information and bookings. For more information about Mount Nelson Hotel, please visit www.mountnelson.com.