If personalized service is a must for your family's South African tour, consider these three companies. Each offers flexibility and a different array of options for a more thoroughly unconventional approach to guided travel.
Visitors to South Africa seeking a vacation off the beaten path can look to small independent tour guide companies that specialize in showing their guests, including individual families, a side of the country not always seen by larger touring groups. Whether you’re bringing the kids, grandkids, parents or an entire family reunion, there is much to choose from in terms of a more personalized approach to tour arrangement.
Wild Coast Holiday Reservations: The Hidden Eastern Cape
William Ross of Wild Coast Holiday Reservations (27/43-743-6181) offers fascinating excursions around the Eastern Cape in southeast South Africa. The Eastern Cape is the birthplace of some of the country’s most prominent politicians, including former president Nelson Mandela and current president Thabo Mbeki.
A Wild Coast Holiday Reservations tour offers many options along their flagship trail, the Wild Coast Meander. Your journey might begin with a stay at the ultra-modern Sun International Hemingways Hotel and Casino or the company’s own Meander Inn in East London, the second biggest port city in this region. The next day should include a drive, mostly on a dirt road, toward the cliffs of Morgan Bay. Ross will guide you on a leisurely hike to Kei River Mouth to see a lighthouse, followed by a relaxing boat cruise on the river.
There are a number of fine cultural villages set up for tourists throughout South Africa, but in the Eastern Cape, Ross takes his clients to an actual Xhosa village. After traveling by ferry to the Transkei, you will visit a Xhosa family still living much like their ancestors hundreds of years ago. The Xhosa people were some of the first inhabitants of the region, and Nelson Mandela is a Xhosa. Your visit will include an invitation into a thatched-roof home called a kraal, owned by the tribe’s healer. This lively woman will demonstrate her holistic rituals and primitive chores while her friends and family sing in perfect harmony and keep a rhythmic beat. Not too many tourists make it to these parts. Television host Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network donated a tremendous amount of funds for the children of this improvised area.
In addition to the Wild Coast Meander, Wild Coast Holiday Reservations offers excursions on five other trails, each with unique rural attractions, family-friendly lodging, guides, and porters.
Bophelo Tours & Safaris: Variety, Luxury, History
Marius Barnard of Bophelo Tours and Safaris (27/83-957-5010) offers guided and self-guided tours throughout South Africa, catering to a variety of groups, including the disabled. His tours are great for multi-generational families traveling together. You can include the ultra-luxurious Rovos Rail for a safari by train. From Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province, Barnard can take you 15 kilometers away to Soweto, which is comprised of 22 townships. In 1976, the first riots against apartheid began in Soweto. The Hector Petersen Memorial, named for a thirteen-year-old boy killed by a policeman’s bullet, stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives. Other places of interest include the former home of Nelson Mandela, now a museum, and the current compound of Winnie Mandela, his very controversial former wife.
Africa Classic Encounters: The Family Safari
For families seeking the more safari-oriented South African experience, African Classic Encounters (212/972-0031) offers a variety of smaller guided tours in South Africa. With offices in both Africa and the United States, this company doesn’t even accept online bookings–they prefer to offer consultations on the phone or in-house to best personalize the travel experience. Custom South African safaris, designed for a variety of price ranges, are each led by personal rangers and a Shangaan tracker. Special family-oriented programs include a walk with baboons and whale watching.
Award-winning South African Airways (27/11-978-5313) flies from New York’s JFK Airport to Johannesburg. An SAA domestic connection brings you to Durban or East London.
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This site is really helpful. Will bookmark this and share with friends.
this is a beautiful piece of work!
this is a beautiful piece of work!
We went to Crown Paradise Cancun on 22nd Aug 09, a family of two kids age 9 and 3. It was the best experience. I have been to Maui, Hawaii in the summer of 2006, it beat that up. Couple of steps from the club to one of the best beach so you don't have to go exploring the place for beach fun. Take fresh cooked warm meals to the beach along with drinks, it is so convenient. You can never be hungry as room svcs is 24 hrs. 5 fancy restaurants you can dress up and go in the evening. Child care facilities all included. The perks are endless and the people are friendly.
Would love to go back in a heart beat
Really nice post. Thanks for sharing us.
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses.
here is new information about the Alashan Desert in Inner Mongolia that listed in the UNECO, I think.
I love the grassland, horses, sheeps, clean and blue sky, red sun and silver moon, …
My husband and I are looking to host a family reunion in June, 2010 for about 25 family members – we would need lodging for all (8-10 bedrooms) and meals. All coming from Maryland – need travel information; driving distance and nearest airport. Thanks you
Pick this one Claudie!
According to a report by Channel 6 in Wilmington, Bald Head Island was named for a geographical feature, not an anatomical one. In sailors' terms, the "head" of an island is its highest peak, the landmark most visible at distance from the sea.
When first seen, this island next to the Cape Fear River (and a very important navigation point) could be spotted by its highest point, a sand dune at the river's mouth. A high point or 'head' covered in sand was known as a 'bald head' therefore the island's name.
let us know how your visit goes!
I already know Puerto Plata, I visited it last year when some friends and I went to pick my big brother up at charlisangels Caribbean vacations, he was spending an single vacations there. I have to admit this city has beautiful places.
hi
This is a beautiful island. I was there with my 5 year old just before Hurricane Wilma damaged the reefs, and I hear that it's all come back nicely. It's a great beach for kids cause it's very clean sand, with shallow warm water. No surf either…
I represent (and use) a helicopter rides company based in Charlottesville, VA. Helicopter rides attract both attention and bump attendance to any event where they operate. The company is called Cardinal Helicopter Company, Inc.
Please contact me for further info and prices for any festival you sponsor in the Norfolk region that could enjoy a boost in attention & attendance.
Thank you very much-
Jan Wilkins
President, Jan Wilkins Enterprises – Roanoke, VA
thank you about your comment. we organise trips and excurcion to the desert of erg chebbi .if you need info contact us at .www.salemdesertcameltrips.com
What is the origin of the name, "Baldhead Island"?
Need a form traveling with my daughters and my dog to Canada
For a safe and affordable vacation in a country where same sex mariage is legal, your stay with us will be unforgettably restful, welcoming and adventurous. The Centre Goéland, a non-profit and charitable centre in Prince Edward Island Canada can offer your family a vacation experience with a cultural and linguistic flair on the southern Acadian coast of Prince Edward Island. Our retreat and camp centre caters to groups and offers packages as per your groups' request. Contact information: http://www.centregoeland.org,info@centregoeland.org, Fax:902-854-3454, Phone:902-854-2546. Ici on parle français.
We had a terrible time with the dot2dot service. When we arrived at St. Pancras we were not able to find the van. We called for assistance but were put on hold for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, there is only a fifteen minute window to catch the van. Even so when we finally got through the agent directed us out the wrong door and the call was disconnected. When we called back we were on hold for another 9 minutes when we saw a dot2dot van drive by us and ignore our attempts to wave it down. We ended up catching a very expensive cab to Heathrow. When we contact dot2dot about this thinking we could get at least a partial refund we were told to kiss off. They claim there service is good, but 15 minute holds and wrong directions under these circumstances is not good service.
Other than that this is a good article.
What kind of form need kid to have to travel with no parents. Parents will met him(her) at distanation aeroport.
Thanks.
Skiboards are not just for kids.
A very nice overview of the city with lots of great information (And thanks for mentioning the CVB, Positively Cleveland, as a resource for travelers.) I'd just add two points–for those who haven't been to Cleveland in years, there are some new downtown dining/nightlife districts in addition to the west bank of The Flats that include Gateway, East Fourth Street and the Warehouse District. And, in addition to nearby Geauga Lake, there is what has been repeatedly voted the greatest amusement park in the world–Cedar Point. Also, travelers looking for discounts might want to try the Cleveland Plus Pass, a multi-attraction discount ticket that gives admission to 10 major attractions at a savings of 30% or more.
What's more fun for kids than camping?
Tent 4 Rent offers complete, set up, tent accommodation for small and bigger families. You don't have to take any camping and or kitchen gear. Just pack up your personal stuff and enjoy a relaxing camping trip that even fits in te smaller budgets.
My name is sanjib adhikari. I am a register trekking guide in the Nepalese Himalaya. After working several years as a porter, and becoming fluent in English and Chinese languages, I became a guide in 2001. I have spent the past 7 years as a professional trekking guide, .I have been working 6 years in severl companey but now I am currently working as an independent guide.
During the last 7 years, I have become very familiar with many Trekking Destination, including The Everest, Annapurna and Langtang Regions, As well as Mustang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Helambu. I am very knowledgeable about local flora and fauna, cultural history and environmental issues in the areas where I trek. For Trekkers hoping to climb high passes and peaks, I can accommodate this challenging and rewarding adventure. My experience includes mera peak, island peak, kalapathar, gokyo peak, tseryo ri and I have led expeditions across many high passes in Nepal, Larkye pass, Ampulapcha Pass, Chola pass, Renjula pass, Tashilapcha pass, Ganjala pass, thorong pass, Tilicho pass, (Mesokantola pass)
There are many types of treks in Nepal, ranging from relaxed easy trekking where you can experience Nepalese Culture and Village life to tea-house trekking in popular regions, to unique treks into areas of Nepal that are off the beaten track and seldom visited by foreigners. All treks offer spectacular scenery and a viewpoint into Nepali culture. I can tailor our treks to meet your wishes.
My clients have been very pleased with my professional guiding services, and you may read some of their comments. i can offer you a unique and challenging experience of a lifetime! Please contact me at the email address listed below if you have questions or would like discuss a possible trek! I will look forward to hearing from you!
Thank Your,
Independent Trekking Guide in Nepal
Email: sanjibac@gmail.com.com
sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com
wow…very nice views and good adventures,and everything there were look like morning pearl bright lighting,and it's seems to me that was very happy family enjoying them happily and freely as their desires appeared on each them own faces,mates.I ask you might add any other interesting views like those above available .
THANK YOU
Sue Morse: Please see the form at the end of the article. Fill it out with the proper informatin and the forms will be sent to you. Thanks!
please email me a travel permission letter and also a medical permission letter.
Thank you
My name is Mercedes Abreu I was a Teachers' Assistant at John Young Elementary School.I love children! During the summers I would babysit kids whos parents had to work during the day.I have also worked whith many diffent age groups,ranging from new born to school aged children.
i like 2 job there what i can do
Online shopping is a wonderful way to save time as well as money. Greatskin often have great sales and many even have free shipping. These tips will help you find the coolest gifts for the best prices, all without leaving your house. Discount coupons or free shipping voucher policies are normally entered during the checkout process or in the shopping cart. As each online store is different, it is important to read fine print regarding the e-voucher and prior to discount coupon codes or promotional offers use.
parisattitude was indeed hepful during our stay in Paris on june 2009.
nice hotel to stay
i'm feeling watch envirment
It is an interesting experience to find prejudice you thought never existed. Great story!
This is awesome. You set the scene really well.
I love how you only focused on the greeting. Very memorable.
Wow, what a privilege! Twelve private accesses per year!
You guys really need to add a place to click on for the prices because i 39 and was hoping to take my ten kids up there camping but i do not know the prices… and i actually thought about being a regular camper there. your gonna loose alot of money since no one even knows how much we are supposed to pay!!!!
TRAVEL BUDDIES and TOURS
Dear buddies
We here at Travel Buddies and Tours are happy to offer fresh and unique tours to our travelers. Each tour has its own specialties and advantages that none other has. Also our company is able to plan and design tailor made tours to suit your budget and every desire. Our main purposes are planning excellent tours with reasonable prices, serving fresh and healthy foods to suit every diet, providing experienced drivers, skilful guides and great chefs and ensuring the upmost safety in transportation. The staff at Travel Buddies and Tours have great passion to develop and contribute to responsible tourism activities in Mongolia. We look forward to your participation on our tours.
Tours offered include:
Horseback adventures
Nomads tours
Real adventures that take you off-the-beaten-track
Walking tours
Cycling tours
Fishing and hunting tours
Jeep tours
Volunteer vacations
A combination of all orany of the above.
Services:
Finding travel buddies – you can find your travel buddies here.
Tourist information – we can provide the information that you need.
Renting cars – we organize vehicle rentals for traveling around Mongolia.
Hiring guides – if you need a guide or interpreter, you can hire from us.
http://www.travelbuddiesandtours.blogspot.com
zozo_1031@yahoo.com, etn_urtnasan@yahoo.com
Address East side of State Department Store, Travel Buddies and Tours
Contact: +976-88536061, 95215728
im happy to indoors your resort.. i hope that sometimes i could be useful movers and doers in your society…. mwaaaahhhhhhh mwahhhhhhhh hugsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss kissssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeees
dear you
we want to travel to your country but we can't.we need visa for it and visa need to invitation and invitation letter need to your kind attend.
please inform me.
sincerely yours
well come to himalayan federal democracy country of nepal I am sujanNepal (independent trekking and tour guide of Nepal since 9 years. I am a register trekking guide. I have been working in Nepal tourism industry since 11years as a professional trekking guide. I have a wide variety of skills in this sector and can guarantee that foreigners who visit with me in Nepal are truly positive and happy with me and confidently recommend my service to new visitors to Nepal. I offer any kinds of trip in Nepal like; trekking, tour, rafting, jungle safari, ticketing, hotel reservation and many more…. TREKKING IN NEPAL Trekking is the most popular adventure activity in Nepal. The experience of walking through Nepalese villages, learning their cultures and Enjoying real natural views along the way are considered once in a life time experience. The Nepalese landscape with varying altitudes up to 5600 meter for trekking at various routes are best experience for true Nepalese lifestyle of indigenous people, their culture, religions and habitat. http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com offer full ranges of Best Quality trekking trips that available in all Trekking Regions of Nepal. However, Annapurna, Everest and Lang tang. NEPAL TOURS Tour is the easiest way to explore Natural beauty, cultures, religions and people of Nepal without Physical efforts. Most of our tours include scenic overland drive or breathtaking flights from one interesting place to another place we organize all available tours in Nepal (Cultural & Religious Tours, Honeymoon Tours & wildlife tours) at best price with Quality services and Accommodations as your choices and requirements. Some of Our Best of Nepal tours are as follows: ADVENTURE TRIPS IN NEPAL Nepal is country of full Adventure Activities. Wild life Safari, Bungy Jump, Canyoning, White water Rafting, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Paragliding, Ultra Light flight, Everest View Flight, Cable Car Ride are the most exciting Extra Adventure Activities of Nepal. I organize all these Activities anytime before and after you''re Treks, Tours or climbing as per guest''s requirements. If you wish to experience all Activities in Nepal, you are most welcome for trip of once in a lifetime Adventures. ADVANTAGES TO TRAVEL WITH ME( SUJAN) Quality services at Low Price with Great value Safe & Comfortable Holiday Complete Hassle free Services Flexibility in all programs Comfort Accommodations & Hygienic meals Professional, Experienced, Experts & Dedicated Staffs Government Authorized Independent Guide sujan
sujan.nepal100@gmail.com
for detail information other activities visit our home page
http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com
http://www.mountaintrekkingguide.com
00977-9841035868
Hello,
This is a nice and valuable article. Thank you very much.
I like to work beside the beach such as having shop, ship, and selling sea shells
I like to work beside the beach like have shop ,ship or sea shels
Great title, great story.
Amen. Terrifying. It’s amazing that you got to travel there, though.
Wow, what a great opportunity!