Thursday 7 June 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Tanzania suspends park chiefs after rhino killings...
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Tanzania suspends park chiefs after rhino killings...: DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Four senior wildlife officials and dozens of game wardens have been suspended in Tanzania after poachers ...
Tanzania suspends park chiefs after rhino killings
DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Four senior wildlife officials and dozens of game wardens have been suspended in Tanzania after poachers killed two critically endangered rhinos in the Serengeti park, a minister said.
The acting director of the country's national parks authority and the Serengeti's chief warden were among those suspended pending investigation, said Hamisi Kagasheki, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism.
A female rhino, among a group of five rare East African black rhinos moved to the Serengeti from South Africa in 2010, and her calf were killed a month ago for their horns.
The animals had been fitted with electronic chips and were being protected by an elite ranger unit.
Kagasheki said 28 game wardens had also been suspended, while five suspected poachers had been arrested.
"Justice will be done for those found to have no
involvement in this issue. But for those found to be involved in one way
or another, the law will take its course," he said on Tuesday.
"I am aware that
there is a network of poachers ... I know that it exists. But we can't
operate in fear, we have to start from somewhere."
He did not give any further details on why the wildlife officials and wardens had been suspended.
Rhino poaching has surged since 2007, fuelled in part
by a growing demand in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand for rhino
horn, used in traditional medicine.
Rampant poaching in
the 1960s and 1970s in the Serengeti saw the population of East African
black rhinos in Tanzania drop from more than 1,000 to just 70.
The rhinos killed last month were bred from a group
moved from the Serengeti to South Africa in the 1960s to prevent the
extinction of their sub-species.
Tanzanian President
Jakaya Kikwete personally received the first five of 32 rhinos from
South Africa, leading local conservationists to name the animals "JK's
rhinos".
The remaining 27 rhinos are expected to be returned to their native country in stages.
I just can’t understand how people can be so cruel, all the
poachers knows that it is utter BULL SHIT but still they kill our rhinos for
money !!
WHY????
Well I geuss they have no heart!
Sad Regards
Jana :(
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Volunteer safaris in the Kruger Park
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Volunteer safaris in the Kruger Park: Volunteer work in South Africa. Scheduled volunteer safaris We have two scheduled 10 day volunteer safaris every month. These depart o...
Volunteer safaris in the Kruger Park
Volunteer work in South Africa. Scheduled volunteer safaris
We have two scheduled 10 day volunteer safaris every month. These depart on the 3rd day and the 17th day of every month. So the safaris will take place from the 3rd to the 12th inclusive and the 17th to the 26th inclusive.
Non-scheduled Safaris for volunteer work and volunteer safaris in South Africa
Non-scheduled volunteer safaris can be designed to suit individual groups. These may take place as follows:
Tariffs on request.
TEN DAY SCHEDULED VOLUNTEER SAFARI PROGRAM
DAY ONE : Collection from Johannesburg Airport or hotel/hostel and transfer to Tremisana Game Lodge in time for our Sunset Drive on open Landcruisers. Use spotlights to identify nocturnal species. Transfer to the Cheetah Inn for dinner and overnight.
DAY TWO : Orientation at Cheetah Inn. After breakfast, we are transferred to nearby Acornhoek, where we are introduced to the staff and community at the project at which we shall be assisting. We shall commence our volunteer work – be it building, painting, planting, teaching or other outreach activity. A packed lunch is provided. Dinner and overnight at Cheetah Inn.
DAY THREE : Drive to the project and continue with block-making/ painting/ planting, teaching or other outreach activity. Dinner and overnight at Cheetah Inn
DAY FOUR :Full day in Kruger Park on Viva Safaris open vehicles. You will have a fantastic opportunity to view the Big Five in this exceptional wildlife paradise. Our specialist guide will share his knowledge of the numerous animals and birds that frequent Kruger.
DAY FIVE : Early morning Bush Walk with our armed ranger. Relax around the pool, play minigolf or volleyball. Afternoon visit to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre. You will meet up with orphaned and injured animals and learn a great deal about conservation.
DAY SIX : Transfer to your project, where we continue building walls or continue painting or other activity.
DAY SEVEN : Transfer to the project where we continue to build / paint/ plant or do other volunteer work.
DAY EIGHT : Adventure fun day to remember. We are driven to a centre that offers us white-water rafting, high ropes courses and quadbiking.
DAY NINE : We complete our outreach work. After lunch we have an official handover of completed new room to the school or parish.
DAY TEN : Return to Johannesburg. On the way we visit the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondawels viewpoint. Airport/ hostel/hotel dropoff by 17h00.
Notes :
The above program is negotiable, but we suggest that it be adhered to as closely as possible. Our tariff includes all breakfasts and dinners; all transfers and all activities. Packed lunches are supplied for you from days two to nine inclusive.You will spent all your nights at Cheetah Inn if you do not sleep atCheetah Inn we will inform you.
You will need money for lunches on days one and ten. In addition, you may want to buy drinks, curios and other personal items.
Accommodation is on a sharing ( generally two per room ) basis.
TARIFF PER PERSON is calculated at US $80 per day, so the 10 day safari will cost US $800.
These are :
1. SHILEKHISI PRIMARY SCHOOL
2. MARIA ASSUMPTA PARISH
3. GREEN VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL
4. FUNJWA PRIMARY SCHOOL
The projects have been selected so as to offer volunteers with different skills the opportunity to help these deserving people. Not every volunteer may be physically strong enough to take part in building operations, so we have provided alternative activities. Please read about these activities under each of the project links.
The projects have been chosen with two criteria in mind :
Urgency of needs and safety of our volunteers:
We had personal contacts with each project through various previous involvements with each of the principals of the establishments. We have personally been to the schools and parish and have first-hand knowledge of the situation in all four projects. While there are many more potential projects in Acornhoek, indeed all over South Africa, we have selected these projects because we know that the needs are urgent. Once these needs have been satisfied, we may well include additional worthy projects in the future.
Safety considerations for our volunteers are paramount:
We have checked out any potential trouble-spots and will be monitoring the situation constantly. All four projects are located in areas where there have been no previous security problems. Our staff will drive all volunteers to the project localities and will remain with the volunteers all day. The communities are well aware of the benefits that they are enjoying through the work of our volunteers. They will also do everything in their power to ensure that all volunteers are made to feel very welcome and that no harm befalls them.
For more info on this volunteer safari visit us on www.mufasabackpackers.com or email us on jana@mufasabackpackers.com or on juan@mufasabackpackers.com
Hope to hear from you soon
Regards
JANA :)
We have two scheduled 10 day volunteer safaris every month. These depart on the 3rd day and the 17th day of every month. So the safaris will take place from the 3rd to the 12th inclusive and the 17th to the 26th inclusive.
Non-scheduled Safaris for volunteer work and volunteer safaris in South Africa
Non-scheduled volunteer safaris can be designed to suit individual groups. These may take place as follows:
- Minimum number of volunteers is six for volunteer work
- Minimum number of days is eight, of which four are spent doing volunteer work on the volunteer safaris
Tariffs on request.
TEN DAY SCHEDULED VOLUNTEER SAFARI PROGRAM
DAY ONE : Collection from Johannesburg Airport or hotel/hostel and transfer to Tremisana Game Lodge in time for our Sunset Drive on open Landcruisers. Use spotlights to identify nocturnal species. Transfer to the Cheetah Inn for dinner and overnight.
DAY TWO : Orientation at Cheetah Inn. After breakfast, we are transferred to nearby Acornhoek, where we are introduced to the staff and community at the project at which we shall be assisting. We shall commence our volunteer work – be it building, painting, planting, teaching or other outreach activity. A packed lunch is provided. Dinner and overnight at Cheetah Inn.
DAY THREE : Drive to the project and continue with block-making/ painting/ planting, teaching or other outreach activity. Dinner and overnight at Cheetah Inn
DAY FOUR :Full day in Kruger Park on Viva Safaris open vehicles. You will have a fantastic opportunity to view the Big Five in this exceptional wildlife paradise. Our specialist guide will share his knowledge of the numerous animals and birds that frequent Kruger.
DAY FIVE : Early morning Bush Walk with our armed ranger. Relax around the pool, play minigolf or volleyball. Afternoon visit to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre. You will meet up with orphaned and injured animals and learn a great deal about conservation.
DAY SIX : Transfer to your project, where we continue building walls or continue painting or other activity.
DAY SEVEN : Transfer to the project where we continue to build / paint/ plant or do other volunteer work.
DAY EIGHT : Adventure fun day to remember. We are driven to a centre that offers us white-water rafting, high ropes courses and quadbiking.
DAY NINE : We complete our outreach work. After lunch we have an official handover of completed new room to the school or parish.
DAY TEN : Return to Johannesburg. On the way we visit the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondawels viewpoint. Airport/ hostel/hotel dropoff by 17h00.
Notes :
The above program is negotiable, but we suggest that it be adhered to as closely as possible. Our tariff includes all breakfasts and dinners; all transfers and all activities. Packed lunches are supplied for you from days two to nine inclusive.You will spent all your nights at Cheetah Inn if you do not sleep atCheetah Inn we will inform you.
You will need money for lunches on days one and ten. In addition, you may want to buy drinks, curios and other personal items.
Accommodation is on a sharing ( generally two per room ) basis.
TARIFF PER PERSON is calculated at US $80 per day, so the 10 day safari will cost US $800.
Volunteer Projects
At this point, we have identified four projects that will benefit from volunteer work.These are :
1. SHILEKHISI PRIMARY SCHOOL
2. MARIA ASSUMPTA PARISH
3. GREEN VALLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL
4. FUNJWA PRIMARY SCHOOL
The projects have been selected so as to offer volunteers with different skills the opportunity to help these deserving people. Not every volunteer may be physically strong enough to take part in building operations, so we have provided alternative activities. Please read about these activities under each of the project links.
The projects have been chosen with two criteria in mind :
Urgency of needs and safety of our volunteers:
We had personal contacts with each project through various previous involvements with each of the principals of the establishments. We have personally been to the schools and parish and have first-hand knowledge of the situation in all four projects. While there are many more potential projects in Acornhoek, indeed all over South Africa, we have selected these projects because we know that the needs are urgent. Once these needs have been satisfied, we may well include additional worthy projects in the future.
Safety considerations for our volunteers are paramount:
We have checked out any potential trouble-spots and will be monitoring the situation constantly. All four projects are located in areas where there have been no previous security problems. Our staff will drive all volunteers to the project localities and will remain with the volunteers all day. The communities are well aware of the benefits that they are enjoying through the work of our volunteers. They will also do everything in their power to ensure that all volunteers are made to feel very welcome and that no harm befalls them.
For more info on this volunteer safari visit us on www.mufasabackpackers.com or email us on jana@mufasabackpackers.com or on juan@mufasabackpackers.com
Hope to hear from you soon
Regards
JANA :)
Thursday 22 March 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Lashes by Dawn
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Lashes by Dawn: Lashes by Dawn @R200 Witbank a set!R250 Middelburg. R50 a call out. R85 a fill. Working hours 8 to 5. Saturdays until 1h00! After hrs R5...
Lashes by Dawn
Lashes by Dawn @R200 Witbank a set!R250
Middelburg. R50 a call out. R85 a fill. Working hours 8 to 5. Saturdays
until 1h00! After hrs R50 extra. Call me and I'll come to you in the
comfort of ur own home. Lasts 4 to 6 weeks, cold water proof. Call me
for appointments. 0766728318 or Inbox me. Dawn :)
For more go to Dawn's facebook page http://www.facebook.com/dawn.lambie (link will open in new tab)
Go on girls pamper yourselfs!!
Jana:)
For more go to Dawn's facebook page http://www.facebook.com/dawn.lambie (link will open in new tab)
Go on girls pamper yourselfs!!
Jana:)
Friday 16 March 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: The awesome Zanzibar
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: The awesome Zanzibar: Zanzibar is the ultimate Indian Ocean experience, with its fascinating historical Stone Town and magnificent beaches. I t may not have ...
The awesome Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the ultimate Indian Ocean experience, with its fascinating historical Stone Town and magnificent beaches.
It may not have a particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.
Most of the houses that can be seen today were built in the 19th century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean region. The coraline rock of Zanzibar was a good building material, but it is also easily eroded. This is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair. Several buildings have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to co-ordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence. Pictured opposite is a 'before and after' look at the restoration work done on the Old Dispensary. As a result of sensible policy, nearly all of the major hotels built in Stone Town are housed in renovated buildings.
As you walk through the town, please remember that Stone Town is very much a real community, where real people live and work. It is not a museum piece or theme park created for tourists, and sensitivity should be shown to the local people.
For more on Stone town and Zanzibar Click HERE
You can book all your tours and safaris/overlanding tours with us on www.mufasabackpackers.com or email us on jana@mufasabackpackers.com or juan@mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
It may not have a particularly romantic name, but Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors - there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways.
Most of the houses that can be seen today were built in the 19th century when Zanzibar was one of the most important trading centres in the Indian Ocean region. The coraline rock of Zanzibar was a good building material, but it is also easily eroded. This is evident by the large number of houses that are in a bad state of repair. Several buildings have already been renovated and the Stone Town Conservation Authority has been established to co-ordinate the restoration of the town to its original magnificence. Pictured opposite is a 'before and after' look at the restoration work done on the Old Dispensary. As a result of sensible policy, nearly all of the major hotels built in Stone Town are housed in renovated buildings.
As you walk through the town, please remember that Stone Town is very much a real community, where real people live and work. It is not a museum piece or theme park created for tourists, and sensitivity should be shown to the local people.
For more on Stone town and Zanzibar Click HERE
You can book all your tours and safaris/overlanding tours with us on www.mufasabackpackers.com or email us on jana@mufasabackpackers.com or juan@mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
Friday 9 March 2012
Dar Es Salaam
Dar es Salaam (Haven of Peace in Arabic) was founded in 1862 by Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar
on the site of the village of Mzizima. Mzizima's history dates back to
the time when the Barawa people started to settle and cultivate the area
around Mbwa Maji, Magogoni, Mjimwema, Gezaulole and Kibonde Maji
Mbagara.
Present day Dar es Salaam's origins have been influenced by myriad of Sultans, the Germans and the British. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century, is now Tanzania's largest city, and has become one of East Africa’s most important ports and trading centers.
With its great atmosphere, mix of African, Muslim, and South Asian influences, picturesque harbour, beaches, chaotic markets, and historical buildings, it is well worth extending your stay beyond the time between flights.
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's financial and political hub despite having lost its status as official capital to Dodoma in 1973.
Dar es Salaam is certainly not at the top of the list of places to see for most visitors to Tanzania. It's often a necessary stop on their way to Zanzibar, the northern safari circuit or home. That being said, Dar has its charm. Walks around the city center are a great way to get a feel for the culture and Kariakoo market can be an interesting place for the more adventurous. It can also be a good base for visiting some of the nearby sites such as Bagamoyo, Bongoyo and Mbudja Islands, as well as learn to scuba dive or go deep sea fishing. For those looking for something more humanitarian, most international organizations are based in Dar and may be a good starting point if you wish to volunteer.
Present day Dar es Salaam's origins have been influenced by myriad of Sultans, the Germans and the British. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century, is now Tanzania's largest city, and has become one of East Africa’s most important ports and trading centers.
With its great atmosphere, mix of African, Muslim, and South Asian influences, picturesque harbour, beaches, chaotic markets, and historical buildings, it is well worth extending your stay beyond the time between flights.
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's financial and political hub despite having lost its status as official capital to Dodoma in 1973.
Dar es Salaam is certainly not at the top of the list of places to see for most visitors to Tanzania. It's often a necessary stop on their way to Zanzibar, the northern safari circuit or home. That being said, Dar has its charm. Walks around the city center are a great way to get a feel for the culture and Kariakoo market can be an interesting place for the more adventurous. It can also be a good base for visiting some of the nearby sites such as Bagamoyo, Bongoyo and Mbudja Islands, as well as learn to scuba dive or go deep sea fishing. For those looking for something more humanitarian, most international organizations are based in Dar and may be a good starting point if you wish to volunteer.
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Panorama Route
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Panorama Route: Breathtaking views across and down the escarpment give this region its evocative title, the Panorama Route. Next to the Highlands Meander...
Panorama Route
Breathtaking views across and down the escarpment give this region its evocative title, the Panorama Route.
Next to the Highlands Meander, the Panorama route abounds with natural wonders along the eastern slopes of the escarpment.
There is God's Window and the world's third largest canyon and biggest green canyon, the Blyde River Canyon. There are also the astonishing Bourke's Luck Potholes and Three Rondawels.
The towns of Lydenburg and White River are gateways to the route, which takes visitors through the quaint towns of Pilgrim's Rest, a living museum dating back to the heydays of the gold rush, as well as Sabie, Graskop, Ohrigstad and Hazyview.
Route panorama is a continuous 2D image that includes all the scenes visible from a route, as it first appeared in Zheng and Tsuji′s work of panoramic views in 1990.Different from a local panorama at a static viewpoint, a digital route panorama is constructed from partial views at consecutive viewpoints along a path. A general approach to obtain such a complete route panorama is to use a line camera or slit camera mounted on a vehicle moving along the path smoothly. The camera scans temporal scenes in the side direction of the path and connect them to the spatial image. This is realized by a program that processes temporal image data or video data in a computer. The route panorama can extend to a long distance for indexing scenes and navigation on the Internet. The long image can further be transmitted to and be scrolled on computer screens or handheld devices as moving panorama for access of geospatial locations, navigation, georeferencing, etc.
Mathematically, the route panorama employs a parallel-and-perspective projection that is a continuous and extreme case of multi-perspective view to pixel lines. It may have the aspect ratio of an object different from what a normal perspective projection generates. In addition, a video camcorder is used to produce the route panorama by taking only one pixel line in the video frame at a time with the auto-exposure function of the camcorder and shaking removal function using the inter-frame matching.
If the depth of scenes from the path has a dominant layer, a route panorama can also be created on that layer by stitching discrete photos consecutively taken along the path using Photomontage. Under the same circumstance, a dynamic slit selected in the video frame can generate a route panorama with less shape distortion.
I love the Panorama Route when we do a Private Kruger National Park tour the Panorama is one of my highlights its awesome!!
For more on the Panorama Route go to www.mufasabackpackers.com
Kind Regards
Jana :)
Next to the Highlands Meander, the Panorama route abounds with natural wonders along the eastern slopes of the escarpment.
There is God's Window and the world's third largest canyon and biggest green canyon, the Blyde River Canyon. There are also the astonishing Bourke's Luck Potholes and Three Rondawels.
The towns of Lydenburg and White River are gateways to the route, which takes visitors through the quaint towns of Pilgrim's Rest, a living museum dating back to the heydays of the gold rush, as well as Sabie, Graskop, Ohrigstad and Hazyview.
Route panorama is a continuous 2D image that includes all the scenes visible from a route, as it first appeared in Zheng and Tsuji′s work of panoramic views in 1990.Different from a local panorama at a static viewpoint, a digital route panorama is constructed from partial views at consecutive viewpoints along a path. A general approach to obtain such a complete route panorama is to use a line camera or slit camera mounted on a vehicle moving along the path smoothly. The camera scans temporal scenes in the side direction of the path and connect them to the spatial image. This is realized by a program that processes temporal image data or video data in a computer. The route panorama can extend to a long distance for indexing scenes and navigation on the Internet. The long image can further be transmitted to and be scrolled on computer screens or handheld devices as moving panorama for access of geospatial locations, navigation, georeferencing, etc.
Mathematically, the route panorama employs a parallel-and-perspective projection that is a continuous and extreme case of multi-perspective view to pixel lines. It may have the aspect ratio of an object different from what a normal perspective projection generates. In addition, a video camcorder is used to produce the route panorama by taking only one pixel line in the video frame at a time with the auto-exposure function of the camcorder and shaking removal function using the inter-frame matching.
If the depth of scenes from the path has a dominant layer, a route panorama can also be created on that layer by stitching discrete photos consecutively taken along the path using Photomontage. Under the same circumstance, a dynamic slit selected in the video frame can generate a route panorama with less shape distortion.
I love the Panorama Route when we do a Private Kruger National Park tour the Panorama is one of my highlights its awesome!!
For more on the Panorama Route go to www.mufasabackpackers.com
Kind Regards
Jana :)
Wednesday 7 March 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Namib Desert
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Namib Desert: The Namib Desert is often refered to as the world's oldest desert. Namibia, gets it's name from the Namib so it should come as no suprise...
Namib Desert
The Namib Desert is often refered to as the world's oldest desert. Namibia,
gets it's name from the Namib so it should come as no suprise to
discover that the entire western section of the country is comprised of
the Namib. Of course the Namib spreads beyond the borders of Namibia and
flows into southern Angola and the northern Cape Province of South
Africa.
A section of the central Namib Desert incorporates The Namib Naukluft Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa, as well as the Naukluft Mountains. The park is a combination of the Namib Desert Park and the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park as well as sections of the Diamond Area. The combined area is just under 50,000km² and main attractions are Sossusvlei, Sandwich Harbour and the Naukluft hiking and four wheel drive trails.
Sossusvlei is the one attraction that should not be missed while you are in Namibia; the dunes are amazing and even though this is a popular tourist destination it is still easy to gain a sense of solitude while climbing one of the dunes or walking to dead or hidden vlei. The Namib Desert section of the Namib-Naukluft Park also includes the Swakop and Kuiseb River Canyons.
The Namib Desert has a fascinating array of bizarre plant (and animal) adaptations, surviving in sand dunes of all shapes and sizes and vast gravel plains stretching for as far as the eye can see. With ephemeral rivers flowing unexpectedly, dunes, plains and rivers have all become vital components of the oldest desert on the planet, in existence for at least 43 million years.
Vegetation and wildlife are seemingly scarce in any desert and this is one of the most harshest environments in Namibia. Plant life in the Namib Desert can be defined as growing in the following areas:
For any desert exploring tours visit www.mufasabackpackers.com
Jana :)
A section of the central Namib Desert incorporates The Namib Naukluft Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa, as well as the Naukluft Mountains. The park is a combination of the Namib Desert Park and the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park as well as sections of the Diamond Area. The combined area is just under 50,000km² and main attractions are Sossusvlei, Sandwich Harbour and the Naukluft hiking and four wheel drive trails.
Sossusvlei is the one attraction that should not be missed while you are in Namibia; the dunes are amazing and even though this is a popular tourist destination it is still easy to gain a sense of solitude while climbing one of the dunes or walking to dead or hidden vlei. The Namib Desert section of the Namib-Naukluft Park also includes the Swakop and Kuiseb River Canyons.
The Namib Desert has a fascinating array of bizarre plant (and animal) adaptations, surviving in sand dunes of all shapes and sizes and vast gravel plains stretching for as far as the eye can see. With ephemeral rivers flowing unexpectedly, dunes, plains and rivers have all become vital components of the oldest desert on the planet, in existence for at least 43 million years.
Vegetation and wildlife are seemingly scarce in any desert and this is one of the most harshest environments in Namibia. Plant life in the Namib Desert can be defined as growing in the following areas:
For any desert exploring tours visit www.mufasabackpackers.com
Jana :)
Friday 2 March 2012
History of Swaziland
Modern Swazi History (1900 To Present)
In 1902, a victorious Britain declared Swaziland as "protectorate" (colony) under a Resident Commissioner, reporting to a High Commissioner in Pretoria.
The British applied their usual policy of indirect rule, leaving the monarchy and chieftaincy basically intact.
The British listed the chiefs and their "indunas" (lieutenants) in order to tax all adult males. Migrant labour had had a late start in Swaziland, in the 1890s, now it increased as men needed to pay tax.
In 1907, the British partitioned the land giving two thirds to white sellers and one third to the Swazis under their chiefs.
Sobhuza's grandmother, the Queen Regent Labotsibefli, was a formidable opponent of the British rulers. She sent Sobhuza to Lovedale School in the Cape.
Sobhuza was installed in 1921. To the British he was "Paramount Chief while to the Swazis he was king. In effect he was the head of the Swazi Nation for 47 years prior to independence.
In 1923 Sobhuza went to England to challenge the land partition but lost the case.
In 1941, the British requested help for the war effort, and Sobhuza approved the joining up of about 4,000 Swazi men who served in North Africa and Italy. After World War II, the economy was boosted, mostly by the first pine and sugar plantations.
In the early I 960s, as other African colonies regained their independence, Britain encouraged the formation of political parties. Sobhuza formed the "imbokodvo" ("grindstone") National Movement. The movement won all the seats in the first elections in 1967.
Swaziland regained its independence on 6 September 1968. It was the only state in black Africa ruled by the natural successors of the leadership of pre-colonial times.
In the second elections in 1973, the rival "Congress" party won three of the 18 seats. Sobhuza-in- Council then dissolved Parliament, repealed the Constitution and ruled by decree until 1978, when elections were held under the "Tinkhundla" (constituency) system.
King Sobhuza II then ruled as black Africa's only executive monarch until his death in 1982.
A supreme council of state ("Liqoqo") ruled the country for four years, while the Crown Prince, Makhosetive, finished high school in England. (Sherborne School, Dorset)
Makhosetive became King Mswati III in 1986.
In 1993, and 1998, secret ballot elections were held in a "no-party" state.
Swaziland is possibly unique in Africa as being 99% free of political violence. (One political death since independence.)
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: The Garden Route
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: The Garden Route: No visit to the Western Cape is complete without at least a few days spent in the beautiful Garden Route region. Incorporating the pictu...
The Garden Route
No visit to the Western Cape is complete without at least a few days
spent in the beautiful Garden Route region. Incorporating the
picturesque stretch of coastline between Mossel Bay and Nature's Valley,
the Garden Route is aptly named for its lush greenery and the vast
Tsitsikamma Forest. The coastal route includes the towns of Mossel Bay,
George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay and Nature's
Valley- each with their own charm and attractions.
The Garden Route is ideal for a self-drive holiday and can be easily reached from Cape Town via the N2 through the farming regions of the Overberg, or alternatively via Route 62 which travels through the Breede River Valley towns of Robertson and Ashton and then on to Oudtshoorn before joining up with the N2 at George.
Relaxing, active, romantic or family fun - the Garden Route offers it all. Hiking, walking and swimming are plentiful, or simply relax and take in the scenery. The Outeniqua Choo Choo chugs between George and Knysna offering spectacular views. Dine on fresh seafood and oysters and take a boat trip on the lagoon in Knysna or, soak up the sun on long stretches of white sandy beaches in Plettenberg Bay.
For budget overlanding tours in the Garden Route mail us on juan@mufasabackpackers.com or on jana@mufasabackpackers.com
Or visit our website on www.mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
The Garden Route is ideal for a self-drive holiday and can be easily reached from Cape Town via the N2 through the farming regions of the Overberg, or alternatively via Route 62 which travels through the Breede River Valley towns of Robertson and Ashton and then on to Oudtshoorn before joining up with the N2 at George.
Relaxing, active, romantic or family fun - the Garden Route offers it all. Hiking, walking and swimming are plentiful, or simply relax and take in the scenery. The Outeniqua Choo Choo chugs between George and Knysna offering spectacular views. Dine on fresh seafood and oysters and take a boat trip on the lagoon in Knysna or, soak up the sun on long stretches of white sandy beaches in Plettenberg Bay.
For budget overlanding tours in the Garden Route mail us on juan@mufasabackpackers.com or on jana@mufasabackpackers.com
Or visit our website on www.mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
Thursday 1 March 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Media Release: Latest on Rhino poaching in South A...
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Media Release: Latest on Rhino poaching in South A...: Pretoria: South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced in a statement today that during the afternoon of Tuesday the 28th Febr...
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Media Release: Latest on Rhino poaching in South A...
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Media Release: Latest on Rhino poaching in South A...: Pretoria: South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced in a statement today that during the afternoon of Tuesday the 28th Febr...
Media Release: Latest on Rhino poaching in South Africa 29 February 2012
Pretoria: South African National Parks (SANParks) has
announced in a statement today that during the afternoon of Tuesday the
28th February, 2012 four SANParks officials were arrested in connection
with rhino poaching activities.
The arrest of the four KNP based officials who are all stationed in
the Pretoriuskop section of the park was as a result of an investigation
conducted by members of a joint SANParks and SAPS team of officials,
which also included the SAPS K9 Unit for Endangered Species, after an
earlier discovery of two freshly killed rhino which were found in the
Pretoriuskop section of the KNP.It has been revealed that one of the suspected employees, a field ranger, is one of the employees who have embarked on a strike against SANParks in the KNP.
Another one of the suspects is a member of the Protection Services unit, a traffic cop, and is a second traffic cop in the park to be arrested in connection with rhino poaching activities.
The animals had been shot and their horns removed.
Further investigations into the killing of the two rhino and possibly other rhino poaching incidents in the area are currently being conducted.
In this area alone a total of 11 rhino have been killed since January 2012 and so far this year a total of 43 rhino have been lost to poaching in the KNP broadly.
In the whole of South Africa 80 rhinos have been have been lost to poaching since the beginning of 2012, while 50 arrests effected throughout the country.
"It is a very sad day for South Africa to find out that the unscrupulous and revolting hands of the poaching syndicates have stretched as far as to taint the hands of those trusted with the great responsibility of being guardians of our natural heritage" said Dr. David Mabunda, the Chief Executive Officer of SANParks. "I am personally saddened to discover that some of our own would so callously abuse the confidence and faith that we have entrusted upon them, he said.
SANParks and the South African conservation fraternity continues to request the support and cooperation of all members of society in identifying and reporting suspicious behaviour that could lead to the apprehension and conviction of these criminals.
SANParks has established a crimeline in order to improve the level of cooperation with the public as well as to make access for would be informers much easier. For tip-offs please call 082 908 3053 or send an e-mail to antipoaching@sanparks.org.
Regards
Jana
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Game Parks in Southern Africa
|
Diving in Southern Africa
If it's variety you're after, you've come to the right place. South
Africa has an enormously long coastline ranging from about 35°S to 27°S,
which isn't quite within the usual range for tropical diving.
But the Mozambique Current flows down our east coast, bringing warm tropical water with it, and at Sodwana Bay we have the most southerly coral reefs in the world
Here you'll find the full complement of pretty colourful fish and some great nudibranchs, including the outrageous Spanish dancer. Whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and ragged tooth sharks are often seen in specific areas.
As you head down the coast the underwater environment changes gradually until, once you reach Cape Town, you're diving in chilly but beautiful kelp forests. There are three major types of kelp, and a short portion of the Western Cape coast is the only place in the world that they all grow together.
We have more than 100 tourism attractions in Johannesbug visit www.mufasabackpackers.com
For overlanding dive tours click HERE
For shark cage diving email us on juan@mufasabackpackers.com
For private diving tours email us on jana@mufasabackpackers.com
For day tours or Kruger park tours click HERE
All tours booked via Mufasa Backpackers will get 2 nights free accommodation in Johannesburg at Mufasa.
Regards
Jana :)
But the Mozambique Current flows down our east coast, bringing warm tropical water with it, and at Sodwana Bay we have the most southerly coral reefs in the world
Here you'll find the full complement of pretty colourful fish and some great nudibranchs, including the outrageous Spanish dancer. Whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and ragged tooth sharks are often seen in specific areas.
As you head down the coast the underwater environment changes gradually until, once you reach Cape Town, you're diving in chilly but beautiful kelp forests. There are three major types of kelp, and a short portion of the Western Cape coast is the only place in the world that they all grow together.
We have more than 100 tourism attractions in Johannesbug visit www.mufasabackpackers.com
For overlanding dive tours click HERE
For shark cage diving email us on juan@mufasabackpackers.com
For private diving tours email us on jana@mufasabackpackers.com
For day tours or Kruger park tours click HERE
All tours booked via Mufasa Backpackers will get 2 nights free accommodation in Johannesburg at Mufasa.
Regards
Jana :)
Tuesday 28 February 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Khama Rhino Sanctuary: The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based wildlife project established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhino. Other obj...
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a
community-based wildlife project established in 1992 to assist in saving
the vanishing rhino. Other objectives of the sanctuary include
restoring an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural
state, and provide economic benefits to the local Batswana community
through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources.
As well as numerous White Rhino, the
Sanctuary is also home to other wildlife which have settled naturally or
been translocated in. These include zebra, blue wildebeest, giraffe,
eland, springbok, impala, gemsbok, kudu, steenbok, duiker, red
hartebeest, leopard, ostrich, African wild cat, caracal, small spotted
genet, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, and brown hyena.The Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Botswana stretches over four thousand and three hundred hectares of land and is centered around the Serwe Pan, which is actually a large depression encapsulated by grass and many water holes. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary at Botswana offers the optimum conditions for the survival of white rhinoceroses, with the dense regions of the sanctuary being favored by animals like the giraffe. There are a total of fourteen white rhinos that have been translocated to the sanctuary thus gearing the total numbers of rhinos to eighteen. The most crucial conservation project undertaken by Khama Rhino Sanctuary is of course the rhino breeding programme, an animal once on the brink of extinction. The contribution made by Khama Rhino to protect and recover the rhino population in Botswana and Southern Africa is very significant. To date the Sanctuary has relocated 16 rhinos to different places within the country from a founder population of four animals. The long term goal of the Sanctuary is to let the rhinos safely breed within its borders and re-introduce them into their natural wild habitats. The security of these creatures within the Sanctuary is well guaranteed by the anti-poaching patrols carried out by our rangers and the Botswana Defense Force.
Sunday 26 February 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Gorillas in East Africa
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Gorillas in East Africa: Gorillas Gorillas are threatened primate species in the world with the remaining living in Africa and in countries Uganda, Rwanda and ...
Gorillas in East Africa
Gorillas
Gorillas are threatened primate species in the world with the remaining living in Africa and in countries Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Known to be the largest living primates on Earth, Gorillas are of three kinds; 1) Eastern Lowland Gorillas, which reside in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; 2) Western Lowland Gorillas which live only in West Africa and: 3) Mountain Gorillas, which are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Listed as one of the top 10 threatened / endangered species, there are only 655 species remaining. There are approximately 355 gorillas in the Volcano and Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and Congo and another separate group of 300 in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. There are no Mountain Gorillas living outside of their native mountain forest home. Gorillas are protected by international law. Capturing or killing gorillas and other endangered species is illegal.
Unlike chimps Gorilla live in groups / families without territorial boundaries but with family's range from 2 to 15 square miles. The females decide who they are going to allow into their family. If a gorilla wants to join another group and the females do not want her in, they will scratch her in the face and keep her out. If a female wants to leave a group to find a male she likes better, but the other females like her very much, they will grab her by the legs and not allow her to leave.
Female gorillas weigh approximately 350 pounds and adult male gorillas can weigh approximately 700 pounds. Adult gorillas can be seven feet tall with an arm span of 8 feet.
Gorillas feed on 58 different types of plant species, including stems, roots, leaves, flowers, thistles, ferns, tree wood and bamboo shoots. Gallium vines, fruits and celery are their favorite foods. Gorillas have much larger teeth in the back of their mouth than humans do so that they can grind foliage, bark and bamboo.
Gorillas like human are curious, they can be bored, bold, annoyed, have pleasure, excited, afraid, can worry, show affection, be thoughtful and they can be hostile. Gorillas like to study people to see if they are friendly.
Gorillas communicate by stomach rumbling which means they are contented, a pig grunt of harsh staccato grunts used when disciplining or complaining. A roar or scream is given when a gorilla is threatened. A loud hoot or roar is given when silverbacks are interacting. This is done by chest beating and thrashing of trees. When gorillas are afraid they send out a powerful odor from their glands.
Having endured decades of civil war in Central and East Africa, gorillas are confronted by the devastating consequences of increased habitat loss, poaching for the bush meat trade and the spread of dangerous diseases like Ebola. "These animals are Threatened" therefore make a tour to these countries to have a look at the few remaining primate giants before they are lost. Spend some time with them, they are awe-inspiring.
Tracking Gorillas
Following breakfast you transfer to the park headquarters for the briefing before you set off at 9:00 am through the tracks to search for the humble giants. You will have to carry packed lunch because it's hard to determine how long it will take you to meet these great apes. However the time ranges between 2-9 hours depending on the movement of the giant primates. There movement is determined by availability of food. The activity is tiresome, it involves walking along steep hilly tracks however encountering these great relatives of man erases all the poor memories/ hardships you went through in trying to find them. They are awesome!
On encountering the Gorillas you will spend a bout an hour with them watching them play, feed and take care of their young ones, just like humans. Oh my they are astounding! Later after one hour you will trek back to your lodge. End of tracking.
For Gorilla trekking visit www.mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
Bushmanskloof Wilderness, Western Cape
Bushmanskloof Wilderness, lying in the northern Cederberg wilderness
roughly 270 kilometres from Cape Town, is a South African Natural
Heritage Site and it is not difficult to understand why it deserved this
label. Not only does it form part of the Cape Floral Region, itself a world heritage site, but it is also pretty magnificent in its own right.
Bushmanskloof Wilderness, at Pakhuis Pass some 45 kilometres from Clanwilliam, is 7 500 hectares of wild life and nature reserve. It is also the site of Bushmans Kloof, a luxury retreat set in a series of thatched lodges. Bushmans Kloof is not only a sanctuary for humans to escape the doldrums of city living and to explore a thriving wilderness, but it is also a place of protection of a variety of wildlife, plant species and bird life that has made it of environmental significance. Game that includes the rare Cape mountain zebra, the bontebok, aardworlf and Cape mountain leopard have been reintroduced into the reserve. There are over 140 species of bird and an incredible diversity of plant life.
The reserve lies between the Cederberg Mountains and the plains of the Karoo, an array of ravines, waterfalls, vast landscapes and over 125 rock art sites dating back 10 000 years, in what is considered one of the world’s biggest open air galleries. There are organised game drives, and botanical and guided rock art tours. There are also river walks, hikes in the mountains, mountain biking, nature trails, and canoeing and swimming in natural rock pools.
If the need arises, there are other places to visit in the area such as the Clanwilliam Museum, the Moravian mission station of Wupperthal, the Goue Vallei and Cederberg private wine cellars, and Lambert’s Bay.
For tours to cape town visit www.mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
Bushmanskloof Wilderness, at Pakhuis Pass some 45 kilometres from Clanwilliam, is 7 500 hectares of wild life and nature reserve. It is also the site of Bushmans Kloof, a luxury retreat set in a series of thatched lodges. Bushmans Kloof is not only a sanctuary for humans to escape the doldrums of city living and to explore a thriving wilderness, but it is also a place of protection of a variety of wildlife, plant species and bird life that has made it of environmental significance. Game that includes the rare Cape mountain zebra, the bontebok, aardworlf and Cape mountain leopard have been reintroduced into the reserve. There are over 140 species of bird and an incredible diversity of plant life.
The reserve lies between the Cederberg Mountains and the plains of the Karoo, an array of ravines, waterfalls, vast landscapes and over 125 rock art sites dating back 10 000 years, in what is considered one of the world’s biggest open air galleries. There are organised game drives, and botanical and guided rock art tours. There are also river walks, hikes in the mountains, mountain biking, nature trails, and canoeing and swimming in natural rock pools.
If the need arises, there are other places to visit in the area such as the Clanwilliam Museum, the Moravian mission station of Wupperthal, the Goue Vallei and Cederberg private wine cellars, and Lambert’s Bay.
For tours to cape town visit www.mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
Saturday 25 February 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Need to know info about Mozambique
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Need to know info about Mozambique: Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa and is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to...
Need to know info about Mozambique
Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa and is bordered by the
Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to
the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to
the southwest.
GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK
Mozambique
is becoming the place to go to as more people discover its stunning
beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands.
There are many types of activities you can do in this beautiful African
country, including snorkelling around the Bazaruto Archipelago, sailing
on a dhow through mangrove channels or lazing under the palms in the
Quirimbas Archipelago. A popular sightseeing trip for tourists is to
take an off-beat safari in the wilds of Gorongosa National Park and, of course, being Africa, you can do an infinite variety of wildlife safaris.
The
Ilha de Moçambique, (Mozambique Island) is not to be missed. It's the
former capital of Portuguese East Africa and is truly unique in
atmosphere and environment. You can wander along cobbled streets past
stately colonial-era buildings, drink a café espresso at one of Maputo’s
lively sidewalk cafés or have a drink at a jazz bar. There is a 3.5 km
causeway connecting the Island with the mainland and transport between
the two is reasonably frequent. Chapas and buses take you to the
southern tip of the island, from where it’s a short walk north through
the makuti (reed) town to the old colonial stone town.
VILANCULOS
Our projects are located in Vilanculos (also spelt Vilankulo) which is based in the Inhambane province of Mozambique. Vilanculos is a coastal paradise, rich in culture, but with a rural, rustic feel.The main attractions are their endless white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. It is a haven of tranquillity and an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving. Divers have witnessed humpback and bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, marine turtles and many large fish such as barracudas and marlins.
Vilanculous is also home to the coastal wildlife sanctuary; the reserve covers 25000 ha of land and sea and is ranked one of the top biodiversity hotspots in Africa. The reserve consists of a variety of coral reefs, swamps, savannah and wetlands.
There are plenty of activities going on in the local area such as sailing, horse riding, snorkelling, diving and deep-sea fishing. For those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture, a spot of shopping for local hand-made crafts at the markets will go down a treat!
Our projects are located in Vilanculos (also spelt Vilankulo) which is based in the Inhambane province of Mozambique. Vilanculos is a coastal paradise, rich in culture, but with a rural, rustic feel.The main attractions are their endless white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. It is a haven of tranquillity and an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving. Divers have witnessed humpback and bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, marine turtles and many large fish such as barracudas and marlins.
Vilanculous is also home to the coastal wildlife sanctuary; the reserve covers 25000 ha of land and sea and is ranked one of the top biodiversity hotspots in Africa. The reserve consists of a variety of coral reefs, swamps, savannah and wetlands.
There are plenty of activities going on in the local area such as sailing, horse riding, snorkelling, diving and deep-sea fishing. For those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture, a spot of shopping for local hand-made crafts at the markets will go down a treat!
MAPUTO
Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and is renowned as one of the mot beautiful capital cities in Africa. It's a coastal city with Mediterranean-style architecture influenced by its history with Portugal. It's a lovely city to meander in down flame-tree-lined avenues and a great way to pass the time of day is to sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by. Men dressed in Jellabas congregate in doorways to chat and women dressed in very colourful clothes sell spices at the massive Municipal Market. The aromas of the spices and the bananas stacked on carts in the shade assault the senses and you really know you are in Africa!
Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and is renowned as one of the mot beautiful capital cities in Africa. It's a coastal city with Mediterranean-style architecture influenced by its history with Portugal. It's a lovely city to meander in down flame-tree-lined avenues and a great way to pass the time of day is to sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by. Men dressed in Jellabas congregate in doorways to chat and women dressed in very colourful clothes sell spices at the massive Municipal Market. The aromas of the spices and the bananas stacked on carts in the shade assault the senses and you really know you are in Africa!
Maputo
has a lot to offer in the way of museums, shops and markets, and you
should definitely make sure you spend some time here - you'll love it.
GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK
Gorongosa National Parkoffers
something for everyone interested in African wildlife and spectacular
scenery. There are lions, elephants, buffalos, and many kinds of
antelope, with frequent sightings of sable, impala, oribi, bushbuck,
reedbuck, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, and (less frequently) zebra,
hartebeest and eland. Lake Urema and its waterways support healthy
populations of crocodiles and hippos.The park’s birdlife is
fantastic! About 400 species have been sighted in recent years. Many are
endemics or near-endemics prized by birders. The Green-headed Oriole,
for example, is found in southern Africa only on Mount Gorongosa, and
the Moustached Warbler has been sighted at Chitengo and on the mountain.
SOME FACTS ABOUT MOZAMBIQUE
- Full name: The Republic of Mozambique
- Population: 22.9 million (via UN, 2009)
- Capital: Maputo
- Area: 812,379 sq km (313,661 sq miles)
- Major languages: Portuguese (official), Makua-Lomwe, Swahili, other indigenous languages
- Major religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs, Islam
- Life expectancy: 47 years (men), 49 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 metical (plural meticais) = 100 centavos
- Main exports: Seafood, cotton
- GNI per capita: US $370 (World Bank, 2008)
- Internet domain: .mz
- International dialling code: +258
Friday 24 February 2012
Nairobi,Kenya Travel Tips!!
Travel Tips
The word Nairobi strikes an instant chord with a tourist. It is the safari capital of Kenya where beasts and humans rule the jungle (albeit different ones). One gets to experience intimate encounters with the animal world, especially the ones that are only heard of but seen on TV channels. One of the most affluent cities in Africa, Nairobi also serves as the gateway to other safari countries bordering Kenya. Unarguably Nairobi is not the safest city on Earth. However, that doesn’t stop tourists from exploring the city with so mean beautiful nuances to it. If certain precautions are taken, a foreign tourist will easily be able to enjoy the unassuming wilderness and the thumping nightlife in the city.Travel Tips
Situated in Middle Africa, Nairobi is one of those few cities experiencing a mild climate all year round due to its high-altitude location. On the contrary, Nairobi is safe from the blistering heat for which remaining of Kenya and Africa is so well known. Therefore, any time is fun time in Nairobi as the city is busy with preparation for events all year round.Smart way to travel
Do a overlanding tour,you will see all you want and have a awesome time. The best way to get to know the city as well as all the wild life.Overlanding tours can be booked on www.mufasabackpackers.com these are the best tours done by componies like Nomad and ATC its safe and cheap!!Regards Jana :)
Green City in the sun the wonderful Nairobi
Nairobi
is a charming, cosmopolitan city, blessed with the most wildlife in the
world, making it a great safari destination. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun', Nairobi is the largest city as well as the capital of Kenya.
The
city got its name from a Maasai phrase Enkare Nyorobi meaning “the
place of cool waters”. The province of Nairobi is located on the Nairobi
River in the south of the country. Furthermore, it is the most
populated city in East Africa, and the fourth largest city in Africa.
In 1899, it was popular as a simple rail depot on the railway connecting
Mombasa and Uganda. In 1963, the city became the capital of Kenya.
Today, Nairobi is a well-known hub for business and culture. It is also a
homeland for many organizations and companies.
For tours and Safaris in and around Nairobi contact us now on juan@mufasabackpackers.com or vivit us on www.mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Basic need to know info about Victoria Falls
Formation
The Zambezi River flows across a plateau of basalt,
which contains cracks made of weaker sandstone. As the water exploits
and erodes the cracks, it creates a chasm, then a cliff over which the
water flows, then finally a gorge. As the Zambezi slowly recedes, the
process repeats itself again and again; Victoria Falls' current point
actually represents the tenth time the process has been repeated: the
zig-zaging gorges downriver are evidence of previous erosion of the
sandstone cracks.
Human History
Archaeological evidence around the Falls indicates
that Stone Age hunter-gatherers were some of the first inhabitants of
the area. Europeans first came upon the Falls in 1855, when David
Livingstone discovered them during his exploration of the Zambezi River.
Railway service in the area began in 1905 with the completion of the
Victoria Falls Bridge. War between Zimbabwe and Rhodesia disrupted
activity around the Falls starting in 1964, and the government did not
allow civilians to enter the area again until 1980. Since then, tourism
to the Falls has steadily risen.
Features
Victoria Falls drops from a plateau, measuring 262
feet high on the Falls’ western edge and stretching to 360 feet on the
eastern edge. Two islands – Livingstone Island and Boaruka Island –
cleave the falls at the base and separate it into individual streams.
The rainy season takes place between November and April; at its peak,
some 19 million cubic feet of water passes over the Falls each minute.
This amount drops considerably during the dry season. A plume of spray
from the Falls rises up to 1,300 feet in the air during peak flow times.
National Parks
Two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and
Victoria Falls National Park, protect the area. Both extend into the
rain forest surrounding the falls, providing refuge for elephants,
zebra, antelope, giraffe, rhinoceros, water buffalo and gazelle.
Crocodiles and hippopotami inhabit the river above the falls, and the
dry season facilitates river crossings for the elephants as well. Both
parks contain lodges, fishing sites and camping sites, as well as
walking tours along several jungle paths.
Visiting
Visitors can access the Falls through the town of
Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side and the town of Livingstone on the
Zambian side. Victoria Falls Bridge provides a view of the Falls and the
river below, while Knife Edge Bridge provides panoramas further along
the river. Both National Parks contain walking paths which afford views
of the Falls, and helicopter charters are available from United Air
Charters.
For tours to Zimbabwe click HERE
Regards
Jana :)
The Majestic Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is the only famous waterfall in Zimbabwe, and it is an
awesome sight to behold. More than twice the height and width of North
America's Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is considered the largest
waterfall in the world by volume. As more travelers have made Victoria
Falls a stop on their itinerary, it has become easier to access and to
enjoy this natural spectacle.
Victoria Falls is partly in Zimbabwe and partly in Zambia. The Falls are known locally as "the smoke that thunders" because during the rainy season, its mist reaches 1,000 ft in the air. In the past, the falls were most commonly accessed from the Zimbabwe side, but political developments temporarily caused a drop in visitors. As of April 2011, the U.S. Department of State had not issued any travel advisories for Zimbabwe. The falls can also be accessed from the Zambian side. July through September is generally considered the best time to visit because of favorable weather and the views available to visitors.
Victoria Falls lies along the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The local Koloko tribe referred to the Falls as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” or “The Smoke That Thunders." The water tumbles over a cliff, then flows through a series of gorges which zigzag across the countryside. Lush rain forest surrounds the Falls, hosting numerous species of wildlife sustained by the Zambezi River.
To book any tours to Vicroria falls contact us on juan@mufasabackpackers.com or visit www.mufasabackpackers.com Mufasa Tours and Safari
Regards
Jana
Victoria Falls is partly in Zimbabwe and partly in Zambia. The Falls are known locally as "the smoke that thunders" because during the rainy season, its mist reaches 1,000 ft in the air. In the past, the falls were most commonly accessed from the Zimbabwe side, but political developments temporarily caused a drop in visitors. As of April 2011, the U.S. Department of State had not issued any travel advisories for Zimbabwe. The falls can also be accessed from the Zambian side. July through September is generally considered the best time to visit because of favorable weather and the views available to visitors.
Victoria Falls lies along the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The local Koloko tribe referred to the Falls as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” or “The Smoke That Thunders." The water tumbles over a cliff, then flows through a series of gorges which zigzag across the countryside. Lush rain forest surrounds the Falls, hosting numerous species of wildlife sustained by the Zambezi River.
To book any tours to Vicroria falls contact us on juan@mufasabackpackers.com or visit www.mufasabackpackers.com Mufasa Tours and Safari
Regards
Jana
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Just smile and wave :)
Loving Africa by Jana Fourie: Just smile and wave :): Hey all :) This is proof that we have to love Africa, we were here at the Backpackers today and had no electricity at all! There was n...
Just smile and wave :)
This is proof that we have to
love Africa, we were here at the Backpackers today and had no electricity at
all! There was no electricity in Cloveredene Benoni a part of the Johannesburg
area, and we had 2 Germans 2 Danish 1 girl from Switzerland and 1 from Austria and
just a bunch of overlanding tour guides. However everybody had allot of fun chatting
and joking on the deck and some just sleeping the Jet Lag away!! I think the
one that took no electricity the worst was ME!! Seeing that I work on the
website the whole day every day it was very irritating not being able to work at
all today! Well atleast I had good company and lots of laughs throughout the
day.
So let me tell you why you have
to love Africa. We phoned this morning at about 9:30 and reported the problem, the
lady at the other end said that they are aware of the fact that there is no
electricity in the area and that it should be sorted in approximately 3 hours. So
we wait patiently for four hours not just three walking around the premises and
deciding on the new driveway and en suite rooms soon to come(we bought the plot
next to Mufasa backpackers).We called again at 2:30 and were told that it will
be done in the next 30 minutes. Like you know it did not happen! Luckily we are
from Africa so we started a fire and just cooked in the traditional African
way! Chicken, potatoes veggies and salad all on the open fire and as always it
was delicious! Just as the guest started eating the power went on again..Smiles
all the way!
There is no time like African time.
Thankfully I was born and raised here so its all cool just annoying at times but
at least we always have a solution.
So that was my very productive
day.....singing the smurfs song to the tourist and doing nothing.. Pfffttt
please let it stay on now!!
Regards
Jana
Monday 20 February 2012
Kruger Photos taken by Jana Fourie
This was taken in the Kruger National Park on 19/01/2012 The
elephant was one of the only two we saw. The day before everybody got evacuated
out of the park with Helicopters. It looks like the elli wants to charge us put
he was just flapping his ears :)
Lake Malawi
The jewel in the crown of the country’s
tourist attractions is Lake Malawi, “discovered” by the
missionary-explorer Dr David Livingstone just over 150 years ago.
Although totally landlocked, Malawi is not denied its “inland sea”. This
vast body of freshwater fringed by beaches of golden sand is not only a
scenic wonderland but it provides water sport opportunities for those
looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming. Its approximate
dimensions are 365 miles north to south and 52 miles broad, hence the
sobriquet: "the calendar lake". The Lake, in the north, is quite
extraordinarily deep: 2300 ft/700 m, plunging well below sea level. This
reflects the enormity of the natural faulting of the Great Rift Valley,
which is the origin of the Lake. The width of the lake’s shorelands
vary from nothing to over 25 kilometres (16 miles), the edge of the Rift
Valley rising steeply in places and more gently in others.
Because of its rich fish harvest, the
Lake plays an important part in the economy. Fishing villages are
scattered along the shore and the traditional industry and practices are
an attraction to visitors. Access to the Lake is possible along much of
its length but it should be noted that it is usually necessary to take a
short detour off the main roads in order to reach the beach. Despite
the attraction the Lake has to settlement, there are long stretches of
totally uninhabited golden sand lakeshore, lapped by crystal clear
waters. Kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and water skiing
are just some of the lake activities available to visitors. Journeys by
lake range from the famous motor vessel the Ilala to sailing in an
ocean-going yacht. Cruises into the upper reaches of the great Shire
river are also possible.
for more on Lake Malawi go to www.mufasabackpackers.com
Regrads
Jana :)
Fun time in Kruger
Okay so the last time I went to the Kruger National park it
was...well there is no other way to say it. IT WAS WET!!! Jip it was but still
amazing just to be there. I’m a sucker for the bush even if everybody gets
evacuated with Helicopters from inside the park. But all is well again because its
so hot and humid there in the summer it took only one day to dry up enough for
all the gates to open again :)
Here is a couple of pictures I took while on a game drive.
If you would like to be the one taking those photos go to www.mufasabackpackers.com and
book a tour now!! You wont be disappointed.
Hope you all like these
Regards
Jana :)
Welcom to Malawi the heart of East Africa
Welcome to Malawi!
The Warm Heart of Africa is beating
faster now and the legendary welcome is there for all who wish to
experience the unrivalled combination of Lake, Landscape, Wildlife
& Culture in one of Africa's most beautiful and compact
countries.
This site is brought to you by members
of Malawi's travel and tourism industry - accommodation providers ,
tours & safari companies, car hire & air charter firms.
Everything you might need for your holiday in Malawi. Malawi is blessed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and has no
less than nine National Parks or Wildlife Reserves. Whilst it may not
have quite the sheer numbers of large mammals (particularly predators)
as some of its better known neighbours, it makes up for this in other
ways. Malawi provides intensive and exclusive wildlife viewing in
unspoilt areas of genuine wilderness.
National Parks & Wildlife Reserves
In recent years the Parks and Reserves
have undergone something of a transformation, with private
concessionaires helping to improve conservation and the quality of
viewing.
In Central Malawi, The once great Kasungu National Park is sadly now rather forgotten and neglected, but the nearby rugged wilderness of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is just opening up and promises much, having remained largely untouched for years. Two new lodges will open there in 2010.
In the North, the Nyika National Park is one of Malawi’s jewels and offers unique wildlife viewing on it’s rolling grassland plateau. High quality accommodation is re-opening there in 2010. Nyika is complemented by neighbouring Vwasa Marsh Wildlife Reserve, a lowland area offering bush-game. A new private concession was granted in 2009 in Vwaza, though development has yet to begin.
For all tours, Safaris and overlanding tours in east africa go to www.mufasabackpackers.com
Or contact us on juan@mufasabackpackers.com or jana@mufasabackpackers.com
Regards
Jana :)
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