Budget Africa Travel

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the worlds tallest free standing mountains at over 19,000 feet (nearly 6km), yet treks up to Uhuru Peak are non-technical and can be undertaken by any reasonably physically fit person.

There are several routes ranging from the popular Marangu, otherwise known as the Coca Cola route which offers accommodations in mountain huts and the more challenging Machame route which is a camping route

Aim 4 Africa, based in the UK but with strong links in Tanzania, also organise treks using less busy routes such as Londorossi and Rongai. Treks are tailored and include a full, local mountain crew, ensuring extremely high success rates and enjoyable experience. Treks average between 6-7 days depending on the route taken.

Kili can be climbed at any time of the year, but the rainy seasons (April-June; November-December) make the forest more slippery and the summit might be blocked by snow. Be prepared for climatic extremes, from rain in the forest, intense sun in the alpine desert and freezing temperatures at the summit. It’s essential to have warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.

December 3rd, 2009 | Category: Outdoor Activities | Leave a comment

Shark diving has caused quite a bit of controversy in the tourist world. Some people say that it’s even making the Sharks view humans more as feed than before. We have an indepth look at shark diving in SA.

Shark diving is becoming a very strong component of the tourist industry in South Africa and perhaps, this may finally shed some light on the danger these wonderful creatures are in.

Diving with the sharks is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic experiences. The myths, the scary stories and even scarier films have turned sharks into the most fearful creatures that rule the sea. The reality is exactly the opposite. The sharks should be scared of us, humans. Many die in the shark nets, many are caught for their fins and jaws.

Because of the irresistible aura of danger and threat that surrounds the Great Whites divers are drawn to South African waters, where the sharks are plentiful. The diving here may become very tricky. Water may be very cold, visibility poor; currents are often wild and unpredictable. On the other hand, a good day will reveal a dark blue paradise with abundance of wildlife and overwhelming diversity of colors. Jesser Point is one of the best sites to start at. There are many nearby reefs which feature beautiful corals, hoards of colorful fish, and quite a few kinds of sharks on a good day.

Protea Banks is one of the sites which should be taken very seriously. Only advanced divers are encouraged to come here. Protea Banks is a rocky reef some 5 miles off the coast at Shelley Beach. The underwater scenery is truly overpowering, especially when sharks are frequent visitors here. Many come to watch The Sardine Run here – a major attraction during June and July. Even surface-viewings are available for non-divers.

If you are going to South Africa for any type of holiday then you should take out good travel insurance for seniors as any mishaps can be very expensive.

Cage diving with Great Whites is clearly the top of the list for all adrenaline junkies. In Gansbaai, near Cape Town, there are several diving companies which will take the keen divers on their greatest adventure. While the industry has been developing somewhat wildly, there are tendencies now among locals to become more responsible and aim to protect the endangered Great Whites. The system is still being developed, though hopefully, a combination of effective presentations and careful, controlled diving will have a positive effect and will generate necessary funds to protect these amazing creatures.

November 11th, 2009 | Tags: shark diving, south africa | Category: diving | Leave a comment

Overland travel, or ‘overlanding’, is not only a fantastic way to experience Africa, but can also work out to be a good way to travel in this continent on a budget. Traveling Africa by truck is an hands-on experience; thrown into hectic markets to shop for dinner, cooking in groups, bush camping and fire building, digging the truck out of sand/mud… overlanding feels like you are on a proper adventure, and you are able to get involved with your trip, although the real problems are left to your driver and leader. This way of travel allows you to cross a great deal of land, with magnificent views of the ever-changing African horizon, whilst leaving the the logistics of border crossings and park permits to others.

Africa has always been a classic destination to do overland- the terrain lends itself to travel by truck, and such transportation allows you to cover ground much more efficiently than local transport. Cape to Cairo remains a popular route that takes in a huge variety of cultures, climates and countries, but there are options to see smaller areas, or even tackle a 30+ week trip around the whole continent. Whilst the majority of travelers stick to East Africa, Dragoman offers extensive routes in West Africa, from short trips to a 15 week exploration.

Overland travel can work out to be surprisingly cheap, and becomes more cost-effective when you commit for a longer time – a 23 day trip with Oasis Overland from Victoria Falls to Cape Town costs around £650, and an 8 week trip (Nairobi to Cape Town) will set you back around £1300. Whilst spending money, visas and optional extras are going to add up, trip prices include all transport, accommodation (a mixture of camping and hostels/hotels) and, generally, two meals a day. In comparison to other tours in Africa, overlanding is astoundingly good value, and by traveling on a truck, you will be able to reach areas of Africa with ease, that can be difficult/expensive/dangerous to get to on your own.

The growing number of overland operators operating in Africa allows you to shop around. The 10 leading UK operators are: Dragoman, Oasis, African Trails, Acacia, Tucan, Kumuka, Intrepid, Absolute Africa, On the Go and GAP Adventures, most of which offer purpose-built trucks with (relatively) comfortable seating, bag storage, books, music and games on board. These companies charge differing rates, which tends to be more dependent on who their target traveler is rather than what they offer, and by researching into different operators (most are more than happy to chat to you on the phone) you will not only find the trip that suits you, but that offers you great value for money. Most trips have a range of nationalities and age groups on board, brought together by their common interest in adventure.

Additionally there are normally special offers for those who book ahead of time, or repeat customers, as well as a number of late deals across these companies – by waiting close to departure times you can save yourself anything from 10 to 50% on trip prices.For example, Absolute Africa is currently offering 20% off selected safari trips departing October to December 09, when booked by the end of August, and Acacia is running an ‘End of Year Clearance Sale’ with up to 50% off certain trips departing before Christmas.

Lucy Fulford

August 18th, 2009 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

‘AfricanMecca Safaris’ have won the Tanzania Tourist Board Safari Award, of the 2009 Tanzania Safari Tourism Award Gala. Held at the African Travel Association (ATA) Congress in Cairo, Egypt, the prize giving awarded one of the regions leading tour operators with the prize for  Southern and Western Tanzanian Safaris.

AfricanMecca is a natively owned travel company with tour planning and reservation partner offices in the United States, United Kingdom and ground operations team within Africa.

This award follows AfricanMecca gaining increasing recognition in the global travel market. This year saw them topping the National Geographic Adventure Magazine’s selection of Best Adventure Travel Companies On Earth with an exceptional customer satisfaction rate of 96.67%.

The company offer traditional safari trips and beach breaks, as well as diving and fishing  holidays, treks up Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, along with flights and hotels across South East Africa.
For more information see http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/

July 31st, 2009 | Category: Outdoor Activities, safari | Leave a comment

In a small fishing village of Gansbaai, South Africa is a place called “Shark Aley” which is home to the magnificant Great White Shark.  Excursions from this point of the village can take you out into waters and see some of the most feared creatures on earth.

Whether you watch from the boat or climb into the cages and meet them face to face, Shark Aley offers some of the best Shark watching in the country.  It’s certainly one of  the most breath-taking experience you will ever live to remember.

Tours can be from from just one day to a full 10 day tour on boat, the average day tour costs around ZAR 1500.00 p/p.

Jump in the cage if you dare!

July 27th, 2009 | Category: Outdoor Activities | Leave a comment

The area of Jeffreys Bay is the most renown area for surfing.  The surf breaks are for all capabilities offering continual consistent waves.  J-Bay offers many competitive surf trips but one budget self catering option is Island Vibe Surf Camp hostel.

Situated on a dune with great views of the Indian Ocean, Island Vibe offers the most picturesque setting for any beach bum.  Surf spots everywhere right on your doorstep, you can literally just hear the waves crashing from your bed.  There are typical wooden balconies over looking the magnificant white beaches.

Surf lessions can be sort at the head office of “Jeffrey’s Bay Surf School”, beginner classes are readily available.  The atmosphere of Island Vibe is a unique blend of young backpackers, dedicated surfers and older travelers. Each one adds an ingredient that relaxers people into an easy, homely, exciting and enticing place to be.

July 27th, 2009 | Category: Outdoor Activities | Leave a comment