Category: Blog Post

Let’s get down to the most fun part of going away for a holiday – the endless planning! The bookings, the itinerary, the accommodation, the flights (and the “cutting-it-bloody-close” connection flights), the restaurants, the activities, the transport from A to B, the travel insurance, the passports and visas, medical clearance, emergency service numbers…

…wasn’t this trip supposed to be relaxing? Or at the very least fun? A day at the office contains less potential headache than this! Luckily for you, there is a way that you can go on holiday and enjoy it.

The answer; A Travel and Tours company.

But those are damn expensive, right? And surely I can save more if I do all the planning myself?

I’ll tell you what; let’s read a little further and check out how putting yourself in our hands will save you many a temple-pounding migraine.

Time Saver

Photo by Stas Knop from Pexels

In the moments it took you to read up to here, a proper travel company could already have completed 68% of the required work, while you would still be loading up bookings.com.

We do this every day and are well-versed in navigating the treacherous paths of planning and booking the multitudes of necessary little tasks. We work tirelessly to ensure that from leaving the house to drinking a pineapple rum on the deltas of Namibia, you won’t have to stress about a single thing.

“You’re tired, and somebody’s baby is crying, and you want to cry, but there’s no place with air conditioning for you to cry in.”

Remember those painstaking hours spent revisiting and rehashing every holiday detail to make sure that you’re having the optimal amount of fun while simultaneously not killing your loved ones? Well, now they can be spent practising your swing dancing or enjoying an ice-cold beverage as you daydream about your impending adventure.

What will you do with all this extra time on your hands? We’ll leave you to figure that out; we’re here to do the tricky part.

Prevention of organisational headaches

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

“I can’t remember the flight number. Yes, this must be the hotel. I’m not sure where the taxis are. I swear I did this online, but I can’t find the booking number!”

I’ve been there—multiple times. And so has every other travel agent. And we have channelled that pain into creating innovative ideas to overcome these debilitating barriers and organisational aches. You won’t have to scratch around in your overflowing baggage to find the necessary receipt or scroll endlessly through past emails to find the exact code before you can relax after a stressful flight that you were so damn close to missing at the airport.

“Where’s the best place to visit? And which neighbourhoods are you definitely not supposed to be in?”

Travel & Tour companies compile all the necessary documents together and chat ahead of the time with the required parties to make sure your walk is as easy and fun as the red carpet where you’re the star of the show (and not a worn-out extra). Unlike ordinary humans, we don’t forget anything. For example, few things in life bring you to the boiling point faster than realising you remembered the flight booking, the airport transfer, the snacks… but somehow booked the accommodation for only the following day. And now the hotel is full, and you’re tired, and somebody’s baby is crying, and you want to cry, but there’s no place with air conditioning for you to cry-

You don’t need that noise. 

This is your time, and you should only be crying over the glorious flavours of this crab ravioli you discovered in your new favourite restaurant that we booked for you before your plane took off.

Insider Knowledge

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

How exciting is it to travel to a new country? Or continent even! So much to explore and discover, and figure out. Like the local customs, traditional transport, how to greet someone, or where’s the best place to visit? And which neighbourhoods you’re definitely not supposed to be in…

Sometimes it does help to have a friend nearby who knows this area like their childhood home. Someone who can help you to fully traverse the wonders of a shining city in a mysterious world. A friend who knows the most delightful activities, all the eye-opening monuments, and the best bang-for-your-buck in terms of hotels and transport.

A friend like that would be quite invaluable, wouldn’t you agree?

Safety net – when things inevitably go wrong

Photo by lalesh aldarwish from Pexels

It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life.-JEAN-LUC PICARD

Things go wrong on holiday. It just happens, and most likely it wasn’t because of some error on your side, but rather from a host of external factors you had no control over. The hotel has a pest problem, your favourite hiking shoes broke halfway up the mountain, or this road is under construction so you couldn’t make the tour in time.

Small things that are barely more than a nuisance; items of bother that you are more than capable of fixing yourself.

But what happens when it becomes something more sinister? A stranger with bad intentions? A freak weather problem? A building collapse? Stolen luggage containing your essential items and documents? 

Now you’re lost and scared in a country where it’s confusing at the best of times.

Having a special friend, similar to the one mentioned before, would be a real lifesaver, huh? 

Travel & Tour companies are there for the fun parts and the faulty. We want you to have a fantastic trip, and we want to be the supporting shoulder if things go wrong. Having a friendly voice on the line to help you get to a safe space and recover what you’ve lost can be a defining moment. One that allows you to remember this moment as either a humorous anecdote to tell your loved ones back home or the reason your entire trip shattered into bloody pieces.

We save you MONEY

Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels

“But I can save money if I do all the planning myself-”

Are you sure about that? Truly and honestly sure?

Travel & Tour agencies have the inside deals on which accommodation is best for you. We know the ins-and-outs of this city, where the adventure lies in wait and which tourist-trap pitfalls to avoid. We know how to get the best transport for your budget and to make sure unnecessary costs do not feature in your daily plans.

When booking initially through travel agents, the number that pops up might seem significant. But believe me, it hurts less than death by a thousand little cuts. Numbers don’t lie and neither will your friends over at Travel Republic Africa. 

We’re just as excited as you are to go on this adventure – together.

Book a trip with us today, and let us take care of the rest.

Botswana, officially known as the Republic of Botswana, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Formerly named Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its moniker after becoming independent on the 30th September 1966. Since then, it has been a democratic government, with a consistent record of consecutive constitutional elections and the lowest perceived corruption ranking in Africa since at least 1998. It is currently Africa’s oldest continuous democracy.

Botswana is topographically even, with up to 70 per cent of its region being the Kalahari Desert. Its neighbours are South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. The border between Botswana and Zambia, to its north near Kazungula, is poorly defined and only a few hundred metres long.

A mid-sized country of just over 2.3 million people, Botswana is known for being one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Only 10 per cent of the population lives in the capital and largest city, Gaborone. Formerly one of the poorest countries in the world — with a GDP per capita of about US$70 per year in the late 1960s — Botswana has since modified itself into an upper-middle-income state, with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Its defining source of revenue is tourism, and for a good reason; it’s stunning!

View the best places and reasons below to tour Botswana for your African trip this season!

Related: Tips and Tricks for your African Holiday Adventure.

Okavango Delta

Known as the ‘river with no sea’, the Okavango Delta is a gem feature of the Kalahari. A vast range of water in Botswana, which travelled originally from the Angolan highlands, only to spread down and out to form the largest inland river delta on Earth. Studded with fascinating islets and reed stalk shoals, the Delta is famous for its incredible assortment of aviary wildlife and majestic creatures such as elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, buffalos, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos and crocodiles.

The best way to see the Delta is by mokoro; a traditional canoe crafted from a single large tree. This method allows you to decompress and observe the beautiful scenery and wildlife from a safe yet exhilarating distance. You can arrange to have a driving tour guide to help you traverse the swamps and ground regions.

Moremi Game Reserve

The Moremi Game Reserve covers an expanse of 4,871 km squared (70% of which is part of the Okavango Delta mentioned above). It is considered one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Africa, if not the world.

It is composed of acacia forests, mopane woodland, flood plains, lagoons, and lily covered wetlands. The Moremi Game Reserve consists of a labyrinth of waterways encompassing two large islands – Chiefs Island in the west and Mopane Tongue in the east. In this enchanting wildland area, birdlife is abundant and diverse, with over 500 species ranging from lake birds to woodland residents.

There are many species of heron, along with a variety of ducks and geese. As this game reserve is fenced, there are ample opportunities to view the spectacular wildlife all year round without needing to worry about migration patterns. The elephant numbers are copious, particularly during the dry season, as well as boasting a range of buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, jackal and a full variety of antelope.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is the second-largest park in Botswana and covers an area of 10,566 km squared. With stretches of marshland, flood fields, savannah, meadows, forest and the Chobe and Savuti Rivers, this park is renowned for its diversity. Chobe has one of the most numerous assemblies of game observed on the African continent and prizes its elephant community, with around 120,000 calling Chobe their home.

Due to a genetic quirk, the local elephants tend to grow to immense sizes, but their tusks are fragile, resulting in a shorter length than usual. Along with our pachydermic pals, you can also find a wealth of giraffe, zebra, impala, sable, wildebeest, kudu, waterbuck, warthogs, eland, lion, hyena, cheetah and leopard in Chobe.

Within the south-west area of Chobe park lies the Savuti area, just above the Okavango Delta. Affectionately termed ‘The Lion Kingdom’ due to its high population of the majestic creatures, Savuti is famous for its choice game observation options, due to the bounty of wildlife, of both predators and prey.

Tuli Block

The Tuli Block positions itself in the far eastern edge of Botswana, where the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers converge. The block blends the Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Nature Reserve and other smaller game reserves into a region of spectacles.

It’s a realm of various spell-binding appeals, with craggy lands, serpentine rivers, large baobab trees, and extensive savannahs acting as a sanctuary for the single largest population of elephants on private property. The area also hosts giraffe, wildebeest, kudu and zebra, and predators such as cheetah, leopard and hyena. One of the main attractions are the rare black-maned lions, seldom found anywhere else on Earth.

The story of the region dates back just over 80 million years, where you’ll be gifted with its tales on various fascinating Stone Age sites, including African Rock Art on the Tswapong and Lepokole hills and curious geographical rock formations such as Solomon’s Wall.

Tsodilo Hills

A veritable prehistoric Art Museum constructed thousands of years ago; the Tsodilo Hills are covered in over 4,500 cave paintings. These hills are listed as a UNESCO site, due to their enthralling history. And out of respect for the Sans people’s heritage who have lived here for over 30,000 years with their drawings beginning as far back as 500 AD.

Botswana is a relatively flat country, which serves to emphasise the dramatic rise of the Tsodolio Hills out from the western Kalahari Desert. This stunning sight grows more splendorous when the rock face melds into a bright copper colour with oncoming sunrises. The Tsodolio Hills are a site of immense spiritual significance to the people who live here, as it contains the record and story of its people, available for your eyes on every blessed African day.

Linyanti Wetlands

In the northeast region of the Chobe National Park, the Linyanti River creates a swamp area similar to that of the Okavango Delta but on a more modest scale. If you should wish to embark on the journey to this elusive corner of Botswana, your best bet is with a safari journey. which is devoid of the usual crowds of tourists.  Daily off-road adventures are available to showcase the exotic wildlife within the endless vista.

The wetlands are the basecamp of three private franchises within the swamps, open plains and moist woodlands. These are homes to an assorted range of flora and fauna. The area is perfect for canoeing down the meandering rivers or traversing the wild habitats via safaris. Immense herds of elephants and wildebeest congregate along the rivers where they are joined bt the dense concentrations of lion, hippo and antelope. Stalking their prey among the shadows are trickster wild dogs and sovereign leopards.

Botswana is the land of forgotten riches, waiting to be traversed by brave adventurers and thrill-seeking heroes. Make sure to book your trip today through a company you can trust.

The call of Africa is waiting, are you ready to answer?

Namibia, a realm of distinguishing landmarks, diverse wildlife and unique people. Ranging from the Salt Pans of Etosha National Park to the enigmatic beauty of the Namib desert, Namibia has been blessed as a country bountiful in the department of natural wonders.

Below are just a few examples of the building blocks that make up the mystique and beauty of this land which man has yet to fully tame.

Epupa Falls

Along the border between Namibia and Angola, a series of misty waterfalls have set up shop, sharing land with the mysterious tribes of the Ovahimba Ovatjimba, Ovazemba and Ovatwe people. This ethereal beauty is spread over 1.5 KM and drops from a height of 60 metres.

The journey to this mystic sanctuary starts in the charming city of Opuwo, where you will be gifted with the beautiful sights and sounds of a country-side yet untouched by man. Bountiful baobabs and towering makalani palm trees line your path in a chaotic fashion; a sharp contrast to the organised city roads lined by street lamps you might be more used to. And if that method of conveyance is still too tame for your thirst for adventure, white-water rafting is a viable means of transport around the region.

This land is home to a number of beautiful avians and predatory wildlife. The main attractions people come to visit (apart from the falls themselves) are the sightings of the wild birds of bright colour and the serpentine crocodiles in their natural environment. You might even be lucky enough to witness a view of the mysterious Himba tribe during your holiday under the mist.

Sossusvlei

You would be forgiven for believing you had stepped into a post-apocalyptic wonderland as you walk in quiet awe among towers of sand the colour of fresh blood while traversing the bone-white salt pans in the Sossusvlei desert region.

It is home to a number of the tallest dunes on the planet, with the most grandiose of them all being affectionately called Big Daddy at a colossal height of 325 metres. But, if what you’re looking for is better photoshoot options, then you might be interested more in Dune 45 which holds itself together with five million-year-old grains of sand and the sweat of tourists for easier pictures.

Ideally, you should hire a tourist guide when you choose to explore the dunes and marshes of one of the most scenic spots in Namibia. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the sites of the Deadvlei made from dead camelthorn trees, or the Petrified Dunes who have transfigured into solid rock.

Truly a land perfect for ghost stories and vacations alike.

Fish River Canyon

This enigmatic ravine boasts the title of the largest Canyon in Africa and the second most visited tourist spot in Namibia. 160km long and 27km wide, it plunges down to a depth of 550 metres deep, hosting a hiking trail where visitors can come to visit the longest interior river in Namibia, the Fish River, and the wide variety of wildlife that call this expanse home.

Hiking the trail of the Fish River cuts you through the dry stony plateau alongside a flowing river in the late summer region, and intermittent pools the rest of the year. You can take a refreshing dip here, or make your way further on to the lower end of the Fish River Canyon to the austere hot springs resort of the Ai-Ais, as a reward for a hike well done.

The hiking trail itself is a wonder all on its own, boasting several sights of Egyptian geese, mountain zebras, dragonflies and the famed Kalahari-Orange and Queens-Purple-Tipped butterflies. Beware though; the canyon is not without its dangers – hyenas and venomous snakes have also built a home in this realm of rocky waters.

Skeleton Coast

The term ‘Skeleton Coast’ may conjure up images of joyful playground actors wearing fake eye patches and chasing children who run with their imaginations running just as wild.

The reality could not be further from the truth.

This region takes up the predominant area of the upper portion of Namibia’s coastline and requires a permit to enter the Southern region, and another more closely guarded permit to visit the Northern region, which is only given to about a thousand people per year, and only via designated tour groups.

This is to preserve the delicate ecosystem which has evolved from a series of events that have resulted in Skeleton Coast becoming a landmass of shipwrecks and sun-bleached bones – a far cry from the Disneyland-Esque imagery you might have pictured before.

A combination of unruly waters, thick fog and a landmass that allows for no settlements mean this region is littered with the carcasses of unlucky ships and stranded whales whose bones are thicker in number than the local flora. In the past, any sailor who made it off a capsized ship in time and managed to swim ashore stood no chance at survival in this wasteland and died of thirst, becoming one with nature.

Despite these living conditions, life finds a way. Skeleton Coast is home to a number of wild animals such as Rhinos, Elephants, Giraffes, Oryx and Kudu, and even a tribe of the Ovahimba people, who use the numerous Whalebones to construct sturdy huts for their own residence. Even plant life has adapted to the inhospitable conditions and relies heavily on the daily and deadly fog from the Atlantic Ocean to survive.

Etosha National Park

With salt pans so large they can be seen from space, and flocks of birds living in harmony with herds of animals, the Etosha National Park in Namibia is top on the list for getting up close with the creatures of Africa for your natural wonders holiday.

Etosha means “The Great White Area” in Ovambo, due to the salt pans which are home to thousands of Flamingos who migrate here and nest in the ephemeral waters every year  (“The Great White Pink Area”?)

Through safaris and tours, you can witness elephants, giraffes, zebras and springbok gather en masse as they graze peacefully in massive herds together, unknowingly being stalked by sinuous leopards and regal lions.

This landscape has many unique features and species of wildlife, and several camps have created specially made photography hides near the waterholes, designed for nature and animals lovers alike. Many of the lodges have private decks and viewing platforms so you can see the wonders of Africa from the peace and comfort of your own abode.

If you’re seeking a holiday that promises to deliver a combination of awe, beauty, adventure and eternal memories, then Namibia will happily provide.

Looking for package deals or accommodation? Check out our travel options here.

Clubs, pubs, and taverns galore decorate the streets of South Africa’s most touristy city during its pulsating weekend nightlife – but what’s there to do and see when the weekend is a distant dream and we need a fix for those Monday to Thursday blues?

Cape Town is home to several cultural activities, and when the daytime fades and the streetlights come on, it’s time to play. But for those not in the local know-how, what can one do during the weekday that doesn’t leave you digging deeply through your wallet?

1.) Go to House of The Machine on Tuesdays for Open Mike night

You’ll be forgiven for believing that “open-mike” is synonymous with karaoke-level quality singing, implying a variety of performers ranging in levels from poor to semi-professional.

The House of Machines, based in the heart of central Cape Town, throws all of that out the window by showcasing top-shelf singers, exotic instrument players, rappers, and slam poetry artists –  sometimes a dizzying combination of all the above. The MC of the evening – Andy Lund – is no exception; effortlessly juggling between hyping up the crowd and playing a few songs of his own (both originals and covers). He has been the main attraction of The House of Machines since its inception.

It’s open seating with no bookings, so first come first served!

Venue: The House of Machines – 84 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town.

Day of the week: Tuesday

Times: Registration to perform opens at 8 PM, performances begin at 9 PM

Cost: No cover charge.

Link to the official website

2) See a show at Alexander Bar

Alexander Bar is a hidden hole-in-the-wall bar in the centre of town and the centre of the heart of every theatre nut in Cape Town.

Home to a diverse crowd made up of avant-garde soaked youth and classically-aged thespians, this sought-after venue requires booking in advance, with shows typically selling out a week before opening. The Theatre Upstairs has hosted a hotbed of dramatically charged one-man-performances, comedic stylings of South African satire, live music, poetic art readings and jaw-dropping magic shows.

It’s the ideal venue to enjoy a light meal and a sensual glass of wine with lovers and friends before soaking in the raw talent of the deep waters of Cape Town’s underground entertainment scene.

Venue: 76 Strand Street, Cape Town.

Day(s) of the week: Monday to Saturday.

Times: 5 PM to midnight

Cost: Tickets range from R50 to R220 depending on the show.

Link to the official website

3) Play Bitchy Bingo at Beefcakes

The stakes of a Bingo game have never been higher than when a large man in drag yells out obscenities between winning ball numbers.

Enjoy the finest buns and meat in town, paired with fresh cocktails and fresher-faced waiters. There are great prizes to be won and greater laughs to be had every Thursday at Beefcakes in the Greenpoint area of Cape Town.

Beefcakes was inspired by the Heydays of the ’50s and the trend-setting styles of Miami’s South Beach, as shown by its fabulous displays of frolicking flamingos and its buffed up beefy waiters. A family-friendly luncheon by day, a decadent stage by night.

You have been warned.

Venue: 36 Somerset Rd, Greenpoint, Cape Town,

Day(s) of the week: Thursday (Regular drag shows on Friday and Saturday)

Times: performance starts at 9 PM

Cost: R150 – Includes a Dinner

Link to the official website

4) Mojo Market

Do you feel like Italian-style pasta tonight? Mexican tortillas? Turkish kebab? South African Dessert? American Smash Burgers? Wood-fire Pizza?

Ugh, why do we have to choose?

Well, now you can get all these and more under one roof. Adorned with live music, the latest in modern indoor décor, and a warm and welcoming ambience, Mojo Market is located within the bustling heart of Cape Town’s Seapoint region and is an ongoing hotspot for those craving entertainment and a culinary experience you can write home about.

Venue: 30 Regent Road, Seapoint, Cape Town

Day(s) of the week: Monday – Sunday

Times: 8 AM to 11 PM

Cost: No cover charge

Link to the official website:

5) Labia Theatre movie night

Don’t worry, this isn’t your regular movie theatre, it’s one of the hottest spots for locals to meet up on a night out.

The Labia Theatre is a renowned Cape Town relic and the oldest independent cinema in South Africa. Originally the Italian Embassy’s Ballroom, it was opened by the royal Princess Labia in the year 1949, before being converted to a public cinema by theatre-lover Ludi Kraus in 1989.

It aims to feature mostly screen cult classics and art movies with the occasional box office hit. Many original features remain within the theatre to this day, including the ticket booth, snacks counter and the cinema seats.

Tickets are cheaper here than at other larger company cinemas, often accompanied by drink and dinner specials that promise to deliver a night of movie-stardom adventures and old school classics in one of Cape Town’s most esoteric entertainment venues.

Venue: 68 Orange Street, Cape Town.

Day(s) of the week: Mondays to Sundays

Times: They differ depending on the season, but typically from 12 PM to 9 PM

Cost: All shows are R50

Link to the official website

4 Wild Animal Encounters to Enjoy in Africa That Aren’t a Big 5 Safari

When touring the continent scrap that cliched safari and enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime, authentic African wildlife adventures.

The African continent is largely known for providing visitors to its shores with unparalleled opportunities for encountering wild fauna in its varying natural habitats. The famous Big 5 animals (lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and buffalo) are commonly used by tourist and holidaymakers as criteria for the ideal travel destination when planning their African wildlife adventures.

Sure, a game drive through a Big 5 park, like Chobe or Kruger can be an exhilarating and memorable experience; one that has delighted and will continue to delight countless tourists.

However, because the safari experience is so synonymous with any travel exploits in and around Africa, it runs the risk of feeling cliched and somewhat expected.

That’s why to keep your adventures fresh and exciting, the experts at Travel Republic Africa recommend the following 4 unique African animal encounters.

LEMURS

Off the African continent’s eastern coast, the world’s fourth-largest island, Madagascar defines adventure. Because of its relatively long geographical isolation over several millennia, the African island nation boasts some of the world’s most impressive biodiversity with a large portion of its native animal and plant species found nowhere else on the planet. Most notable of this is the lovable lemur, a primate species made of 100s of variants found all over the island.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a protected wildlife and forest preserve in the country’s central eastern region. Offering unbelieve opportunities to encounter many lemur species (including the largest of all lemurs, the Indri), the park is prime lemur-spotting country. There are a variety of lodging options available as well as opportunities to encounter many of the island’s other strange and wonderful creatures, like the giraffe weevil.

GORILLAS

Unmatched in intensity, a trek through central African jungles to see gorillas in their natural habitat is arguably the most exhilarating animal encounter possible on the African continent. The commonest and most accessible countries to visit in order to go on a gorilla trek are Rwanda and Uganda.

Though this unforgettable experience is hardly inexpensive and requires far more than a little effort and planning, it is undoubtedly a rewarding and enriching one. Few travel adventures can compare really. The arduous trek through dense jungle followed by the humbling encounter with the giant apes are where travel legends are born. Several reliable options are available for tour guides through the region and it’s definitely recommended to do extensive research before embarking on the expedition… or better yet, chat to an expert like Travel Republic Africa to give you all the relevant information. We can even book your entire trip for you!

GREAT WHITE SHARKS

Whether you wish to overcome a crippling fear of the mighty marine creatures or simply eager to encounter them in person, a great white shark cage dive off the South African coast is an unforgettable adventure, and one that will leave you pumped with adrenaline and filled with lifelong memories.

The picturesque Gansbaai region of the Western Cape is home to a notably large population of great whites and has for decades been the South African capital of shark cage diving and one of the best places in the world to get up close to the planet’s greatest predatory fish. Several tour operators function within the area, making it one of the most accessible animal encounters on the continent.

As with most, if not all, travel itineraries on the continent, it’s a good idea to investigate all options and do your relevant research before leaving. Or consult with the experts at Travel Republic who, based on their decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry can guide and assist in creating the ideal travel plans for your specific needs, wants and budget.

SEALS AND PENGUINS

Surrounded by well over 30,000 kilometres of coastline, Africa’s coastal waters are home to countless species of magnificent marine life. Two of the most iconic and fascinating of Africa’s seaside settlers are surely the Cape fur seal and African penguin (formerly known as the Jackass penguin). Found along the coastal of waters of Southern Africa, any trip to this region, primarily South Africa and Namibia, will yield plentiful opportunities to get up close and personal with these loveable and photogenic creatures.

Boulders Beach, a stunning cove situated along the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, is only about an hour’s drive from Cape Town and ostensibly ground zero for everything African penguin. Here you can enjoy prime viewing spots of the breeding colony as well as unmatched opportunities for that #penguinselfie. If crowds aren’t your thing, however, take a drive a bit further afield towards Betty’s Bay along the R44 coastal highway. Another, equally impressive, colony of penguins can be found at Stony Point Nature Reserve, which at approximately 90 kilometres from downtown Cape Town is also reasonably accessible.

Any visitor to Cape Town would surely have enjoyed a memorable encounter with the often-comical Cape fur seal. This playful pinniped can be found along the entire Cape peninsula all the way up to Namibia. When touring the Cape be sure to look out for seals at the V&A Waterfront, Hout Bay and Kalk Bay. In Hout Bay you can take a short boat ride to the nearby Duiker Island, a small rocky island just off the coast that’s home to a vibrant and lively colony of the seal species.

Further north and far off the well-worn touristy South African tracks, Cape Cross is a beach and seal colony along Namibia’s epic Skeleton Coast. Home to some 100,000 individuals the Cape Cross colony is in fact the largest, making it well worth the visit.

Get Your Adventure Travel On In Madagascar

Ask most people what they know of Madagascar and they’ll probably tell you something about the highly successful eponymous animated film series. While the popular movies certainly brought the Indian Ocean island nation to the attention of the global populace, there’s so much more to this unique African travel destination than a colourful movie with a cast of hilarious animal characters.

From idyllic white sand beaches to thrilling rainforest excursions and from fascinating cultural encounters to intriguing wildlife species, this large African island provides its visitors with some of the most unforgettable African travel experiences possible.

We’ve highlighted 3 of our top Madagascar travel experiences below to give you an authentic taste of what this unbelievable island destination has to offer:

Enjoy Exotic Wildlife Encounters

Perhaps the most iconic of all Madagascan animals is the iconic lemur family, which consists of a wide and diverse variety of different lemur species. To catch a glimpse of these intriguing creatures in their natural habitat, we’d recommend a lemur-trekking safari with a trained guide through one of Madagascar’s national parks, such as the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which being only a 3-hours’ drive from the capital city, Antananarivo, is convenient and very accessible for most travelers.

An added bonus of visiting the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is the opportunity to see Indris – the largest of all the lemur species – in the wild. Well known for their loud, distinctive and eerily beautiful calls, the Indris will provide a hauntingly memorable soundtrack for your Madagascan rainforest adventures.

And by staying at the beautiful Vakona Forest Lodge, situated within the park’s borders, you’ll be provided with maximum opportunities to witness for yourself the incredible Madagascan wildlife that reside in the protected forest.

Experience Otherworldly Landscapes

Besides the island’s incredible animal species, Madagascar is also home to some of the most surreal and beautiful landscapes you could ever have the pleasure of visiting.

Perhaps the most famous of the African country’s landscapes is the Avenue of the Baobabs, a road that’s majestically lined by towering Baobab trees.

Another iconic Madagascan landscape can be found at Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which contains the spiky rock formations that consistently feature in guides and lists of Madagascar’s best highlights and natural attractions.

The scenes described above (in addition to a host of others to be found on the exotic island nation) provide ideal photographic opportunities; so make sure your camera has loads of space for all the photos, videos and selfies you’ll want to snap.

Relax in Tropical Island Paradise

Off the northwest coast of Madagascar lies an island called Nosy Be (large island in the local Malagasy language). Nosy Be is the country’s largest and most visited tourist resort. Idyllic beaches lined by sloping palm trees characterize the small island, which hosts a number of excellent hotel and accommodation options to give your Madagascan adventure a real luxurious touch.

A number of smaller islands surround Nosy Be, which combined, provide outstanding opportunities for watersports, snorkeling, fascinating cultural exchanges in the local villages and enjoying some delicious leisure time along the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of this Indian Ocean paradise.

Would you like to experience some of Madagascar’s unique treasures for yourself? Email us on info@travelrepublicafrica.com to find out more about the custom Madagascar travel packages and tours we can arrange for you.

Consistently voted as one of the world’s top travel destinations (by both tourists and the travel industry alike), Cape Town is a real gem on the southwestern tip of the African crown. Sandwiched between a breathtaking Atlantic coastline and towering mountain peaks, you’d be rather hard-pressed to find a cosmopolitan city with more natural beauty and exciting attractions than the Mother City, as Cape Town is affectionately known by locals.

With such a diverse range of sights and attractions, it’s no wonder the travel world has fallen in love with Cape Town. From shark cage diving and spectacular mountain adventures to world-class restaurants and award-winning winelands, there’s something for every kind of traveler in and around this African city.

And to celebrate their new direct route to Cape Town, Singapore Airlines recently featured 5 of our best Cape Town tours and excursions to showcase the best this incredible city has to offer.

Wine & Dine

The Cape winelands region is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest wines in some of the most beautiful scenery you could imagine. Stellenbosch is the historic centre of the wine-producing area, but the region is made up of a number of equally picturesque towns and districts, including amongst many others Franschoek, Paarl, Tulbagh and Wellington.

City Bowl Discovery

With an unmistakable flat-topped mountain backdrop, the Cape Town city centre is rich in both history and natural beauty. Explore the city’s historic streets and discover its diverse and vibrant urban life. Highlights of any city bowl tour would include a trip to the shopping mecca at the V & A Waterfront, a stroll down the bustling Bree and Long streets as well as a leisurely walk through the stunning Company Gardens, an impeccably manicured and maintained park that flanks the country’s parliament buildings right in the middle of the city.

Table Mountain Abseil Adventure

The iconic table-like peak that towers above Cape Town is known for providing residents and visitors with unparalleled views of the city below and the adjacent bays and mountain ranges. While a trip to the top of Table Mountain is an absolute must for any visitor, perhaps the most thrilling way to enjoy these vistas is by taking a Table Mountain abseiling tour. The descent down the mountain with the Atlantic Ocean below you and the Twelve Apostle range at your side will leave you breathless in wonder – and with a major adrenaline rush!

Dive with the Greats

One of the most exhilarating experiences you could have while visiting Cape Town is diving with the mighty great white shark. The waters around the Cape are known to be prime spots for catching a glimpse of these awesome creatures in their natural habitat.

Get Up Close & Personal with the Big 5

Located only 2-hours’ drive from Cape Town, Aquila Game Reserve offers guests the quintessential African travel experience: a Big Five game safari. Guided by expert rangers you will have the opportunity to witness the continent’s most incredible species in the wild and enjoy an African wildlife adventure that will leave all your Facebook friends green with envy!

For more info on the above Cape Town tours and travel packages contact us via email