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This is a very sad story depicting the hard life of the Pioneer Farmers trying to make a living in South Africa: In the winter of 1843 the De Beer family arrived on the farm, Welkom, owned by Mr Adrian de Beer, where he kindly allowed them to stop over. They were a very poor family, stragglers of the Great Trek who had left the Eastern Cape on their way to Natal looking for a new life. They hoped to rest their oxen and carry out repairs and maintenance to their wagon before moving on to the Eastern Transvaal. They camped out and slept in a shed near the Yellowwood Forest at Bamboes Berg (now known as Nelson’s Kop). Rachel’s father, George Stephanus de Beer, had just completed some urgent maintenance to his ox-wagons. His oxen were now well rested and in a day or two they would be ready for the arduous trip down the notorious De Beer’s Pass, which would bring them to Northern Natal at the foot of the mighty Drakensberg. On a particular gloomy afternoon, when their few cattle and sheep were being corralled, they noticed that a young calf was missing. The calf, known as Frikkie, was the children’s pet for it was not uncommon for Trekker children to have stock animals as pets. They could not afford to lose this calf – livestock was a very valuable asset. A search party, comprising mainly of servants, was arranged and set off to look for the animal. Rachel, the De Beer’s twelve-year-old daughter and her six year old brother Boetie, were allowed to join in the search. Because of the hilly terrain, the two children soon became detached from the main group and wandered off to search on their own. It was becoming a bitterly cold afternoon and was getting dark quickly; the wind having picked up considerably. Instinctively Rachel knew that they had to keep moving or freeze to death. Boetie, by now, had become afraid and started crying. Rachel turned to him to hug and comfort him, then told him that they were hopelessly lost and that she had no idea where they were. It had also started to snow and the visibility had deteriorated. The young boy began to cry uncontrollably as they entered an area where the dry winter grass was so long he could not see over it. The situation was becoming desperate; they could no longer see the mountain to use as a reference. Wandering around aimlessly, they stumbled across an ant heap. There are two theories as to what happened next. The first and generally accepted one is that young Rachel found a stone, chipped at it and managed to hollow out the ant heap giving the young boy access to it. The second one is that they came across an ant heap that had recently been excavated by an aardwolf (ant bear). This is more logical for a number of reasons. If any of you have ever come across an ant heap, you will know that it is bone hard and very difficult to destroy. Even if she had found a stone and with her frozen little hands had managed to hold it as tool, it would have taken several hours to hollow out. It would probably also have been full of termites and their bites would have made it impossible for her young brother to endure a whole night without huge discomfort. Worrying that her brother may freeze to death, Rachel removed her large cloth hat and wrapped it around his head. Next she took off her clothes, a three quarter length corduroy jacket with long sleeves and a long dress with buttons all down the front that reached and covered her shoes. Rachel helped her young brother into the clothes then told him to climb into the hollowed out ant heap. However, the space was very small and she struggled to get him into it. Eventually she got him into a fetal position on his haunches and to fold his arms tightly in front of him. She lay across the opening facing him, effectively shielding him with her body from the wind and bitter cold. She tried to comfort him by telling him Bible stories. Gradually he started to calm down and eventually stopped crying. One can only imagine what the pair of them went through that night, enduring the absolute terror of being alone in the pitch darkness with no help in sight. Later that evening the raging snow storm subsided and a half moon and start emerged from behind the dissipating clouds to lighten up the sky. It was still bitterly cold with the temperature a few degrees below freezing. In the early hours of the morning the jackals and hyenas began their howling. By this time Rachel had probably already succumbed to the elements and young Boetie, traumatized by the inky blackness inside the ant heap and his loneliness, did not know what these wild animals were. With the first amber light of day the De Beers found their children. Rachel was covered in snow, lying like a small heap of firewood left out in a storm. Her frozen dead body lay across the opening; her brother inside – terrified and cold, but still alive. Because of the tragedy, Rachel de Beer became one of the best known and loved child heroines in South African folklore history. It is claimed that the family settled at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains where their descendants still farm to this day. Excerpt from Drakensberg Passes written by Gillis Van Schalkwyk Hear more authentic South African stories during a tour, see products here: https://www.amatungulu.com, or you can email us on info@amatungulu.com to tailor-make your dream South African holiday!

A contentious question for both seasoned jetsetters and first-time fliers is: How early should I get to the airport? It's more likely that the destination and timing of your travel can help you find a sweet spot. Are you travelling domestically or internationally? How big or busy is the departure airport, and what are your airline’s check-in requirements? And there may be other obscure delays that depend upon the airport you're travelling through. You can also base your arrival plan on when you've booked your flight. Is it a busy time of year? Is it a busy time of day? Do you have access to faster lines because of mileage status, first-class tickets, or pre-screening? Are you travelling with a family of five? What would it cost if you missed your flight? If you like to play with risk, know how restrictive your ticket and/or airline is. You may need to read the fare rules associated with your ticket to determine this. Below are some general rules of thumb to ensure you always know how early to arrive at the airport. Domestic flights If you're flying domestic but through a major airport and you have bags to check, get there two hours early before departure. If you have no bags to check, or you're able to check in online and acquire your boarding pass on your own, however, you can arrive 90 minutes before your flight's departure time. International flights When travelling internationally, certain privileges often don't apply. With that in mind, arrive three hours ahead of departure time, to be safe. And while you might not need a coronavirus test to depart a country like the U.S., remember that returning still requires proof of a negative COVID test result prior to boarding, which could further delay the process. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the pandemic is causing hefty delays at airports across the globe. “Pre-COVID-19, passengers, on average, spent about 1.5 hours in travel processes for every journey (check-in, security, border control, customs, and baggage claim),” the group says. When travel began to bounce back this spring, peak-hour airport processing times doubled, to three hours. The greatest increases are at check-in and border control (emigration and immigration), IATA says. On international flights, the plane is less likely to take off without you if your bag is already on board. But if you don’t show up at the gate for last call, the airline is more likely to pull your bag than hold the flight. But, remember if it’s a full flight and you aren’t in the boarding area within the airline’s specified time frame they could give your seat to another passenger and bump you without paying any compensation. It doesn’t actually matter whether the airplane door is open or closed. (This also holds true for domestic flights, but the timeframe is usually 15 to 30 minutes from departure; check your airline's rules.) That being said, planes can taxi away from a gate as early as 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Once the plane is full, (you may not the one in your seat, if you're late) it’s going to leave. Don't make the mistake of thinking airlines or fellow passengers will always let you move to the front of the security line if your plane is about to leave. Not only can there be flat denials for such assistance, but we’ve also received letters from readers who ran into this problem, some of whom intended to get to the airport moments before the check-in cut-off, but due to hotel-shuttle snafus, inadequate airline staffing, flat tires, traffic jams, or other issues, were not able to do so. They were refused any opportunity to move forward in the security line, missed their flights, and had to pay hefty change fees or, in some cases, purchase new tickets. Join us for a tour after you landed and see magnificent nature sightings to explore South Africa, see www.amatungulu.com for all products. Email info@amatungulu.com for more info.

The 9-day Package Bus Tour in our portfolio is an excellent way for first time visitors to explore the best South Africa offers while making new friends. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. This Safari is an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy spectacular scenery, combined with game drives to see the renowned big five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo). Including the Panorama Route. Cape Town, the “Mother City”, is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. Robben Island, the former home of Nelson Mandela and several other political prisoners who fought against the apartheid government is only one of the highlights. Visit most of Cape Town’s best attractions. The itinerary is designed in such a way that you can have some extra options to do in order to satisfy every taste. After arrival at OR Tambo/Johannesburg International Airport on day 1, you have the opportunity to do optional activities when arriving early; an optional tour can be arranged to Soweto, Johannesburg or Pretoria: ​-Soweto/Johannesburg tour: This tour takes you into the most famous sprawling township in Africa, home of about 2 million people. Full of surprise and contrast, Soweto is a township located on the South-Western side of Johannesburg. It is home to sites of historical importance; as many of the struggles were fought against the injustices of the apartheid. We visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, and then the Mandela House Museum amongst other attractions. or -Pretoria Tour: Pretoria was named after one of the "Voortrekker" leaders Andries Pretorius and is the administrative capital, South Africa. The many historic buildings, museums and monuments make this a historical ‘heimat’ of South Africa. It is also called the "Jacaranda City" due to the abundance of Jacaranda trees flowering into a sea of purple. Visit the Voortrekker Monument and Union Buildings. On day 5, you can relax, hike or explore eSwatini. You have the opportunity to do optional activities to your preference; the guests who do not choose any optional activity may relax at the hotel or join the bus for shopping at the nearby Perry’s Bridge Trading Post & Tourism Centre. - An early morning guided walk where we drive you to Kruger National Park and a Ranger is ready to introduce you to a number of skills including tracking, the use of plants and trees in medicine, as well as bird and animal identification. Walks are conducted in the wilderness areas of the Kruger, in particular, an area that is renowned for its rhino population. A short game drive to and from the walking area adds to the excitement of the day. or - A tour to the mountain kingdom of Eswatini, one of the longest standing dynasties in Africa. Ruled since 1986 by their current King, Mswati III, who is also famous for having 15 wives! The country consists of lush & fertile valleys and magnificent mountain scenery. See a show of glass blowing at Ngwenya Glass factory which evolved as a community project that recycles used glass, King Sobuza Memorial Park, the Mantenga cultural village and Mantenga falls. On the whole, the tour is filled in by a continuous narrative by our professional guide touching on aspects of African culture and traditions which are still alive in the country through the country’s monarchical democratic system as they prefer to call it. Your tour ends on day 9 where you will be dropped at your preferred hotel or Cape Town International Airport. See https://www.amatungulu.com/krugerpark-capetown-luxury-coach-tour for the full itinerary. Highlights are: Kruger National Park game drives, Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window (Wonder View), Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, Pinnacle Rock, Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Robben Island, Cape Town city tour, Table Mountain by Aerial Cableway, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Groot Constantia, Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park, Flying Dutchman Funicular See the starting dates on our booking site: https://toursouthafrica.rezgo.com/details/338721/9-day-original-kruger-park-safari-cape-town-luxury-coach-tour Join us for a tour and see these magnificent nature sightings to explore South Africa. This tour requires a minimum of 12 people to start. Email info@amatungulu.com for more info.

Imagine retracing South African history from the day South Africa was colonised and brought in slavery in 1653, visiting the Castle in Cape Town to see the torture chamber, Wine Estates built by slaves and where a slave called Eva was sent to Robben Island to quarry stone as she was considered strong enough to carry the quarried stones. The "!Oroǀõas" ("Ward-girl"), spelled in Dutch as Krotoa, otherwise known by her Christian name Eva (c. 1643 – 29 July 1674), was a !Uriǁ'aeǀona translator who worked for the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) during the founding of the Cape Colony. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. She is one of the best written about women in South African history, with her name appearing in the journals of the United East India Company (VOC) from as early as 1652. She was the first woman mentioned by her Khoi name in early European records of the settlement at ǁHuiǃgaeb (Cape Town). The name "Krotoa" was most likely not a name but a Dutch spelling of the designation !Oroǀõas (Khoekhoegowab spelling: !Goroǀgôas), referring to the fact that she was put under guardianship, either of her uncle Autshumato (also known as Kx'aothumathub) or of Jan van Riebeeck and Maria de la Quellerie. Her actual birth name is unknown. "Krotoa" was born in 1643 as a member of the !Uriǁ’aeǀona (Strandlopers) people. She was the niece of Autshumao, a Khoi chieftain and trader. At the age of twelve, she was taken to work in the household of Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Cape colony. As a teenager, she learned Dutch and Portuguese and, like her uncle, worked as an interpreter for the Dutch who wanted to trade goods for cattle. "!Oroǀõas" received goods such as tobacco, brandy, bread, beads, copper, and iron for her services. In exchange, when she visited her family her Dutch masters expected her to return with cattle, horses, seed pearls, amber, tusks, and hides. Unlike her uncle, however, "!Oroǀõas" was able to obtain a higher position within the Dutch hierarchy as she additionally served as a trading agent, ambassador for a high ranking chief and peace negotiator in time of war. Her story exemplifies the initial dependency of the Dutch newcomers on the natives, who were able to provide reasonably reliable information about the local inhabitants. The initial arrival of the Dutch in April 1652 was not viewed as negative. Many Khoi people saw their arrival as an opportunity for personal gain as middlemen in the livestock trade; others saw them as potential allies against pre-existing enemies. At the peak of her career as an interpreter, "Krotoa" held the belief that Dutch presence could bring benefits for both sides. There are multiple accounts of how "Krotoa" came to work in the household of Jan Van Riebeeck. One account says the Dutch forcefully kidnapped the child as a !oroǀõas, although no hard evidence confirms this account.[citation needed] She was taken in as a companion and as a servant to Riebeeck's wife and children. However, many authors and historians speculate that she most likely lived in a sexually abusive space, based on the fondness Van Riebeek showed for her in his journals. Circumstantial evidence supports the theory that at the time of the Dutch arrival, the girl was living with her uncle Autshumato (also known as Harry by the Dutch), the circumstantial evidence being that she showed consistent hostility to the !Uriǁ’aekua and, by association, to her own mother, who lived with them. In contrast Krotoa's fate and fortunes were closely aligned to those of her uncle Autshumato and to his clan known as the !Uriǁ'aeǀona. The ǃUriǁ'aeǀona people who were sedentary, non-pastoral hunter-gatherers are believed to be one of the first clans to make acquaintance with the Dutch people. Prior to the Dutch's arrival Autshumato served as a postal agent for passing ships of a number of countries. If the theory of !Oroǀõas having lived with her uncle is true, then her early service to the VOC may not have been as violent a transition as it was made out to be. It is believed that the birth of the first baby of chaplain/sick-healer Willem Barentssen Wijlant and his wife, coupled with the rapid spreading of a virulent disease in the settlement, sparked the initial negotiations to obtain services from a local girl. As Autshumato had a long history of working for Europeans, it is believed that the VOC first turned to Autshumato for negotiations. It is quite possible that Autshumato offered up his niece for servitude in order to better his standing with the VOC. Also read an article here: https://www.capetownmuseum.org.za/they-built-this-city/krotoa Experience Slavery and Apartheid history on this tour: https://www.amatungulu.com/darktoursouthafrica Inquiries: info@amatungulu.com

Some of our popular tours are the combination of the Panorama Route with the Kruger National Park. (https://www.amatungulu.com/awesome-panorama-kruger-safari) The last spots to visit on the Panorama Route is a boat ride on the Blyde Dam. This dam is a gravity-arch dam on the Blyde River that runs through the Blyde River Canyon, a 26km long Canyon located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. It is the one of the larger canyons on Earth but much smaller than those of Asia, the Grand Canyon and the Fish River Canyon. Unlike the Grand and Fish River Canyon, the Blyde River Canyon is a "green canyon" which is dominated by subtropical vegetation. The canyon forms part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. One of the holiday resorts in this nature reserve is called Swadini, and this is the story how it got its name: In the landlocked country now called Eswatini, which was a few years ago still called Swaziland, and during the reign of Sobhuza I (1815-1836), and after succeeding his father in 1845, Mswati II commenced a career of large-scale raids and adventure. He selected, as his hunting ground, the prosperous tribal lands of the various groups to the north of Swaziland, brought terror to African homes as far afield as the Northern Province and Mozambique. Mswati was known for his cruelty and lust for murder and this made his subjects and people near and far tremble. In 1864 Mswati's armies attacked the maPulana living next to the Blyde River. The maPulana retreated to the top of the mountain (Mariepskop), some 1 944 metres above sea level, which towers over the magnificent Blyde River canyon, nearly 1,5 km deep and at least as wide. The maPulana piled up rocks along the top edge of the mountain in readiness of an attack by the enemy. The mountain could only be reached by a single footpath of about 2 km in length. The Swazi were aware that they could not attack the maPulana without any danger on top of the mountain and bivouacked on the mountain north of the Blyde River and waited for misty weather. It was summer and in cloudy weather Mariepskop is usually covered by thick mist. The Swazi did not wait long. One evening the clouds started rolling in from the south and covered Mariepskop with mist. The Swazi left their camping site and started moving, approaching the mountain from the south. The mist was very dense and they had to move with their hands virtually on the shoulder of the person in front to remain close together. The brother of Mswati II, was amongst the first group to ascend the mountain. The maPulana were ready and when the first Swazis reached the top the maPulana rolled the stacked rocks down onto their enemy. While the Swazi were in turmoil, the maPulana warmed down the hill and started attacking those down at the river on the southern side of the hill. To this day the bones of those who were killed by the rocks may still be seen in the inaccessible rock crevices of the mountain (Dube: 1993). The maPulana named the mountain Mhuluhulu (Mogologolo), which means 'the mountain of the wind', because the Swazi only heard the wind of the rocks before they were killed. The mountain where the Swazi camped was named Swatini, which means 'the place of the Swazis'. The resort at the foot of this hill is now named Swadini. As a result of this defeat, and the death of the King's brother, the remaining Swazis refused to return to Swaziland for fear of death. Join us for a tour and see these magnificent nature sightings where mountains can tell many stories from the past. Email info@amatungulu.com for more info.

Eurowings Discover, part of the German-based Lufthansa Group, will begin flying from Frankfurt to Mbombela in Mpumlanga from mid-November. The airline will fly three times a week from Frankfurt to Mbombela, using Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, with a short stopover in Windhoek. The new route is aimed at bringing European tourists directly to the doorstep of the Kruger National Park. The introduction of flights from Germany to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is expected to provide a major boost for our tourist industry, at a time when South Africa’s tourism sector has been decimated by Covid-19 and its associated travel restrictions. In light of this development, Amatungulu Tours is offering a 5-day Package Kruger National Park Safari from Kruger International Airport (KMI) and Panorama Route tour. This Kruger National Park safari offers some of the finest Big 5 game viewing in the world, award-winning accommodation, excellent meals and some of Africa's best trackers and guides. The Safari holiday to South Africa is an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy spectacular scenery of the Panorama Route and Kruger Park, combined with game drives to see the renowned big five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo). Stay at private quality lodges where each room has its very own private balcony, all en-suite & air-conditioned with Wi-Fi for your Kruger accommodation, these lodges are located 15 min. from Kruger Park’s premier wildlife area. You will be picked up at Kruger International Airport (KMI) and go to a comfortable lodge only 45 minutes away for your stay of 4 nights. See all the details at https://www.amatungulu.com/krugernationalparksafarifromkrugerinternationalairport

Fully vaccinated people entering South Africa will no longer have to produce negative PCR test results as of Wednesday, 23 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa said. This is a breakthrough for us as a tour company, and we welcome everybody back to tour with www.amatungulu.com. Those who cannot provide proof of vaccination need to present a PCR test no older than 72 hours. Other changes to adjusted Level 1 include that masks are no longer required outdoors (masks remain mandatory indoors), and indoor and outdoor gatherings are permitted with up to 50% of capacity. Our portfolio of tour and safari products has been improved and increased to more than 30 ideas and packaged tours, all in order to provide something for every interest. Tailor-made tours are very much possible, and we give big discounts on group bookings. We have sanitary measures in place to give you peace of mind in order to have a safe travel experience. Plan your next tour now, see www.amatungulu.com.

Two billion sources have put four South African spots on the world’s top tourist destinations! Knysna reached number 19, the vibrant Winelands town of Stellenbosch has been ranked the 23rd most loved destination, while Hermanus ranked at number 41, and Cape Town at number 54. Knysna is visited during our 6-day Cape Town and Garden Route Adventure Tour https://www.amatungulu.com/6dayscapetowngardenroutetour and our 7-day Package Tour – Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Addo National Park, https://www.amatungulu.com/gardenroute Stellenbosch, South Africa (22 January 2021) – For the first time ever, destinations around the world have been ranked to uncover those that are truly most loved… and South Africa has four spots on the list! Cape Town, and the Winelands are also on our itineraries, have a look at our page, www.amatungulu.com These Leading Places are the “100 most loved destinations in 2021” according to what people really feel. No one has paid to be named. No surveys have suggested an answer. Word of mouth built this list, unprompted and unbiased. Each of these 100 destinations has earned the love and an impressive “Tourism Sentiment Score” during one of the toughest years the tourism industry has faced. They are Leading Places, and that’s worth celebrating. For more info, please email info@amatungulu.com

The iconic Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town has been identified as the 12th best beach in the world. This comes after Big 7 Travel featured the location on in their “Top 50 Best Beaches in the World” list: https://bigseventravel.com/the-50-best-beaches-in-the-world/ Big 7 Travel gives their readers the opportunity to take surveys and vote for their favourite destinations around the world, and the votes saw Boulders Beach sitting with the world’s finest on the prestigious list. Whether you’re seeking a sandy stretch that feels like it’s your alone, hidden bays on tropical islands or buzzing party spots, we have all the top spots on our annual list of the Best Beaches In The World. According to Big 7 Travel, it’s not only about getting up close and personal with the African Penguins in the summertime, but Boulders Beach also offers something that you won’t find anywhere in the world. The beach was also the setting for the captivatingly cute Netflix series, Penguin Town. This beach is visited with the opportunity to study penguins on our following popular tours: https://www.amatungulu.com/wellnessadventure, https://www.amatungulu.com/gardenroute, and https://www.amatungulu.com/cape-to-kruger In addition to the above mentioned, UK travellers vote Langebaan South Africa’s best beach. Data released by online travel planning platform Vacaay reveals that United Kingdom (UK) travellers would most like to visit Langebaan Beach. The beach was recently nominated as South Africa’s best beach in an online report released by Vacaay. With more than 500000 UK travellers creating their bucket-list itineraries via the trip planning platform, Vacaay reports that more British users included the Western Cape’s Langebaan Lagoon in their itinerary than any other beach in South Africa. Whilst not the first beach you would expect international visitors to flock to, it is understandable why Langebaan Lagoon was voted number one, with its powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear, calm waters making it one of the safest beaches to swim in the country.

Algoa Bay in Gqeberha has been declared a Whale Heritage Site, making South Africa the only country in the world with two accredited sites. Algoa Bay joins the Bluff in Durban. The prestigious status was awarded by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) and supported by World Animal Protection, recognizing a ‘community´s commitment to respect and celebrate whales, dolphins and other cetaceans. Read it here: https://worldcetaceanalliance.org/2021/06/16/algoa-bay-in-south-africa-becomes-a-prestigious-whale-heritage-site/?fbclid=IwAR0Jr-LmU07LvB0OiMkc0XoosxFx5TNLANd2X-QWDDZ9nS_x7Rd2qSdz2gU To qualify for this global accreditation, destinations must meet set criteria which include: Encouraging respectful human-cetacean coexistence Celebrating cetaceans Environmental, social and economic sustainability Research, education and awareness Sites must take into account information relating to the relevant local cetacean populations, including their status, numbers, biology, habitat, behavior and welfare, offering the travel industry a way to protect marine wildlife and support sustainable practices. During these tours: https://www.amatungulu.com/6dayscapetowngardenroutetour, https://www.amatungulu.com/capetown-johannesburg and https://www.amatungulu.com/cape-to-kruger, when you take a trip to Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in South Africa, you drive past Algoa Bay to get the opportunity to see whales if in season. Addo is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, this park host the largest remaining population of wild elephants on the planet. You’ll enjoy a safari with our knowledgeable Guide and get the opportunity to see buffalo and other big animals. Request at info@amatungulu.com to add a Marine-Eco Cruise in the bay, or add a day to your tour to do both. Expertly guided tours are offered in Algoa Bay, led by a knowledgeable conservationist, wildlife educator and marine safari specialist, to see whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins, and other marine life. See all tours here: www.amatungulu.com

“June 3 saw South African Tourism (SAT) and United Airlines celebrating the airline’s launch of new daily nonstop service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg (JNB). With the addition of this new route, United now operates more flights to South Africa than any other U.S. carrier.” Read more about it here: https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines/south-african-tourism-welcomes-uniteds-nonstop-service-to-johannesburg.html “The Netherlands has ended a six-month-long travel ban which restricted flights from South Africa amid concerns about a new Covid-19 variant. The lifting of restrictions will benefit returning Dutch residents and in-bound tourists.”Read more here: https://www.businessinsider.co.za/netherlands-ends-south-african-travel-and-flight-ban-2021-6 Amatungulu Tours now offer a “pay-your-tour-forward” plan to customers to plan their travel in advance. This is to help you do your trip planning, but also to assist you when you have already booked to enable you to re-book travel at a later date instead of immediately postponing/cancelling your plans. Amatungulu Tours also has a Bonding Scheme, which according to the South African Government Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 entails a consumer protection scheme to provide guarantees against deposits held, and therefore guaranteeing its quality assurance role. In so doing, it provides consumers with a greater level of protection against providers of goods and services. Amatungulu (Pty) Ltd is a registered South African Company (2017/538010/07) and therefor bound to this Act. ​This bonding guarantees consumers/clients that Amatungulu Tours is in a position to refund tour deposits, advance reservations, or bookings should you decide to cancel within the limitations set in the Terms and Conditions set out on the bottom of every page. Read more here: https://www.amatungulu.com/consumer-protection Have a look and book our tours here: www.amatungulu.com Read more protocol here: https://www.gov.za/ and https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/trade/page/coronavirus-covid-19-south-african-tourism-update

Namaqualand is a place where one can experience nature in a special and extraordinary way and is steeped in the story of the Namaqualand daisies; an abundance of fertile flowers that transform the almost lifeless Namaqualand into a beautiful floral display of beauty in spring. It was once the hunting ground of the Bushman, with wonderful stories of survival in an unfriendly and unforgiving world, until the rains come and everything unfolds in an unprecedented floral splendour. Namaqualand in South Africa’s Northern Cape province is a springtime vision that will colour your imagination for the rest of your days. Here, Namaqualand daisies and more than 3 500 other floral species emerge in spring – from early August to the end of September – to offer one of the world’s greatest flower shows. The tour is aimed at the history of the places we travel through and the beauty of the Kalahari and Namaqualand, and covers many other interesting places, since it starts and ends in Gauteng. Highlights you will experience are: 1. Big hole of Kimberley 2. Augrabies falls near Upington 3. Namakwa Nature Park 4. Kokerboom nursery in Vanrhynsdorp 5. Hantam Botanical Garden 6. Rooibos tea shop in Clanwilliam 7. Ramskop Nature Park 8. West Coast National Park 9. Gariep dam 10. Women's Monument in Bloemfontein. Tour dates: 1-8 August, 15-22 August, 29 August - 5 September Read the full itinerary here: https://www.amatungulu.com/namaqualandflowertour Booking inquiries: info@amatungulu.com, or whatsapp: 084 410 4888

Whether you are a surfer or a sunbather, South Africa is home to the perfect beach for you. South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches are on par with the best beaches in the world. Located along the extensive 3200km-long coastline, these beaches are conserved and protected through strict ethics that honour the environment. The Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) has announced that 58 Blue Flags will be flown at 48 beaches, six marinas and by four sustainable tourism boats around South Africa over the forthcoming 2020/21 Blue Flag season. The Blue Flag programme is focused on the conservation of marine and coastal habitats, and is designed to raise environmental education and awareness, and increase sound environmental practices among tourists, local populations and beach management. To achieve Blue Flag status, as many as 33 different criteria spanning four aspects of coastal management must be met and maintained: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services. You can find the full list of Blue Flag beaches here: https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/453024/these-are-south-africas-48-blue-flag-beaches-for-2020/ Amongst these Blue Flag beaches, you will visit some during our variety of tours, as seen on www.amatungulu.com More of our “off the beaten track” awe-inspiring beaches like at the “Hole-in-the-Wall” at the Wild Coast are also visited. Visit https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/ to book your next holiday now!

South Africa has secured a total of twenty million doses of Coronavirus vaccine, due to be delivered in the first half of 2021. According to President Ramaphosa, SA now focus more on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for which clinical trials have shown is effective against the South African variant. This will make travelling to SA a reality, and we are ready for you to travel with us. Amatungulu Tours now offer a “pay-your-tour-forward” plan to customers to plan their travel in advance. This is to help you do your trip planning, but also to assist you when you have already booked to enable you to re-book travel at a later date instead of immediately postponing/cancelling your plans. Amatungulu Tours also has a Bonding Scheme, which according to the South African Government Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 entails a consumer protection scheme to provide guarantees against deposits held, and therefore guaranteeing its quality assurance role. In so doing, it provides consumers with a greater level of protection against providers of goods and services. Amatungulu (Pty) Ltd is a registered South African Company (2017/538010/07) and therefor bound to this Act. ​This bonding guarantees consumers/clients that Amatungulu Tours is in a position to refund tour deposits, advance reservations, or bookings should you decide to cancel within the limitations set in the Terms and Conditions set out on the bottom of every page. Read more here: https://www.amatungulu.com/consumer-protection Have a look and book our tours here: www.amatungulu.com Read more protocol here: https://www.gov.za/covid-19/individuals-and-households/travel-coronavirus-covid-19

1. Luxury Kruger Park & Panorama Route Safari ​ Get an authentic wilderness experience with your African Safari! Have unrestrained luxury while experiencing magnificent wildlife sightings in Africa’s most iconic game reserve. Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1898 and later extended to its present size of approximately 19,000 square km or 8,000 square miles. Where nearly 2 million hectares of the unrivaled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sites - this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. This Tour is an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy spectacular scenery, combined with game drives to see the renowned big five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo). You stay at the luxury Rhino Post Safari Lodge, situated at the southern end of our 12,000 hectare private wilderness concession in the Kruger National Park. The concession shares a 15km unfenced boundary with the famous Mala Mala and Sabi Sand reserve with an abundance of wildlife moving freely between the two reserves. The concession and surrounding areas is noted as an excellent game viewing area, home to all of the Big Five as well as a variety of other mammals, reptiles and birds. Twice daily game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles with professional guides are included. In the late afternoon after a delicious high tea, you can enjoy an evening safari drive, winding down with sun downers, watching an African sunset and spotting nocturnal animals in the Park. Have excellent game viewing and photographic opportunities from the main Lodge deck. You can enjoy a selection of South Africa's finest wines from the wine cellar. Whether you need to de-stress with an Anti-Stress Massage, recover flexibility with a Deep Tissue Massage, or just pamper yourself with a Tribal African Wrap, the spa treatments are done professionally in the privacy of your own room. Read more about it and book here: https://www.amatungulu.com/luxury-kruger-park-safari 2. Luxury Garden Route Tour Discover and experience the best of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route during a 5-day round-trip from Cape Town where you will stay at luxury accommodation offering fine cuisine and personalized service, catering to the needs of the discerning traveler. Visit the Addo Elephant National Park where you can get close to elephants, big cats like lion, buffalo, black rhino, hyena, a variety of antelope and in the marine section, great white sharks and southern right whales, as this is one of the few reserves in the world housing the Big 7. Hike through lush forests and canoe on picture-perfect water. Unwind and soak in the sun on soft, sandy beaches for an unforgettable holiday, where you will overnight at spectacular venues like the 5-star Views Boutique Hotel & Spa., where the lounge is the perfect place to laze or sip sundowners, spot dolphins & whales or watch spectacular sunsets. Also winner of the Les Nouvelle Esthetiques Award for Best Boutique Spa. Read more about it and book here: https://www.amatungulu.com/luxurygardenroute 3. Cradle of Human Kind, Sun City & Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Tour This tour at the North-West province allows a traveler to explore a variety of rich cultural heritage and history, combined with wonderful nature and wildlife scenery not very far from Johannesburg and the O.R. Tambo airport. You visit The Cradle of Human Kind to muse about your origins, see wildlife at Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, and visit the Voortrekker Monument or the Union Buildings in Pretoria. You get the option to stay at the the Lost City Hotel at the Sun City Resort, and as described on their website: “This luxury five-star hotel in Sun City has integrated the natural beauty of its surroundings into its design, taking architectural and interior themes from the legend of a lost African tribe to capture the essence of The Palace. Think richly-woven colours, faux elephant tusks, sculptured bronze and crystal, and jungle cascades. The magnificence of the wild landscape is depicted through lions, kudus, birds and beasts of all kinds; these are immortalised in statues, stone carvings, mosaic illustrations, vaulted ceilings, dazzling flame-topped towers and in artist Danie de Jager's bronze wildlife sculptures. With fresco ceilings above and ancient tiles below, you are left to stand in awe at the sheer scale and grandeur of the masterpiece that is The Palace of the Lost City. Accommodation fit for royalty, The Palace of the Lost City is synonymous with five-star luxury. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensconce guests in opulent comfort, from the cool mosaic tiles of the lobby and the subtle fusion of botanic aromas to the hotel's regally appointed high teas. Each exquisite suite with its handcrafted furniture repeats the magic of this remarkable place and offers royal hospitality with breathtaking views over water or jungle.” Read more about it and book here: https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/details/128833/3-day-cradle-of-human-kind-sun-city-pilanesberg-tour

The sardine run of southern Africa occurs from May through July when billions of sardines – or more specifically the Southern African pilchard, Sardinops saqax, spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa. Their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline. The run, containing millions of individual sardines, occurs when a current of cold water heads north from the Agulhas Bank up to Mozambique where it then leaves the coastline and goes further east into the Indian Ocean. In terms of biomass, researchers estimate the sardine run could rival East Africa's great wildebeest migration. However, little is known of the phenomenon. It is believed that the water temperature has to drop below 21 °C in order for the migration to take place. The shoals are often more than 7 km long, 1.5 km wide and 30 metres deep and are clearly visible from spotter planes or from the surface. Sardines group together when they are threatened. This instinctual behaviour is a defense mechanism, as lone individuals are more likely to be eaten than large groups. The sardine run is most likely a seasonal reproductive migration of a genetically distinct sub population of sardine that moves along the coast from the eastern Agulhas Bank to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal in most years if not in every year. The migration is restricted to the inshore waters by the preference of sardine for cooler water and the strong and warm offshore Agulhas Current, which flows in the opposite direction to the migration, and is strongest just off the continental shelf. A band of cooler coastal water and the occurrence of Natal pulses and break-away eddies make it possible for sardine shoals to overcome their habitat constraints. The importance of these enabling factors is greatest where the continental shelf is narrowest. The presence of eggs off the KwaZulu-Natal coast suggests that sardine stay there for several months and their return migration during late winter to spring is nearly always unnoticeable because it probably occurs at depths where the water is cooler than at the surface. Request your tailor-made itinerary or combine a diving excursion during one of these tours: https://www.amatungulu.com/coasttocoasttour or https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/details/214355/12-day-meander-to-south-africas-best-kept-secrets-and-experience-lesotho The Red Desert Nature Conservation Reserve is a national heritage site and is reputed to be the smallest desert in the world with a width of just 200m and 11 hectares in its entirety. Best described as a miniature version of the Arizona Desert, the high hills and valleys of naked red soil bare stark contrast to to the surrounding lush and tropical vegetation. Archaeological artifacts going back millions of years can be found and the locals are pleased this is now an internationally protected heritage site. This peculiar phenomenon is surrounded by myth and legend including stories that this is the site of an alien landing. Truth be told the origins of this desert are found in the location of a Zulu tribe in the 1800’s, with vast cattle herds stolen from the Pondo’s. The terrain became severely over grazed and subsequently eroded by wind leading to the desertification and an opportunity to study the unique desert ecology. Request your tailor-made itinerary or combine this during a https://www.amatungulu.com/wild-coast-adventure See more tours at www.amatungulu.com

South Africa is melting pot of diversity. From a multitude of cultures, to a natural world laden with endemic animals and plant life. Our country is also home to some epic waterfalls. From the famous Tugela Falls to the lesser known seasonal rapids, take a look at some travel favorites: The Berlin Falls in Mpumalanga are located close to God's Window and the second highest waterfall in this South African province. Berlin Falls, which forms part of the Blyde River Canyon on the Panorama route, is one of several waterfalls that can be found in the Sabie region – the others being Horseshoe Falls, Lone Creek Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac-Mac Falls, and the highest waterfall in Mpumalanga, Lisbon Falls, which is a staggering 90m high. The Berlin Falls cascade from the centre of a sheer cliff that stands roughly 80m tall. The shape of the falls is likened to a giant candle. A narrow, natural channel at the top of the falls creates the ‘wick’ of the candle, and as the water drops from this point, it fans out creating the rest of the candle before emptying out into the pool below. Berlin Falls gets its name from miners who ventured to South Africa from Europe during the gold rush, and named each waterfall in the region after their home towns, or places from their home countries. This falls is visited on most tours going into the Kruger National Park, see these relevant tours: https://www.amatungulu.com/panorama-kruger-safari https://www.amatungulu.com/awesome-panorama-kruger-safari https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/details/128832/7-days-panorama-routekruger-park-eswatini-tour Tugela Falls is a complex of seasonal waterfalls located in the Drakensberg (Dragon's Mountains) in KwaZulu-Natal Province. It is generally accepted as the world's second-tallest waterfall but there is an argument that it is actually the tallest waterfall in the world, rather than Venezuela's Angel Falls. The combined total drop of its five distinct free-leaping falls is officially 948 m (3,110 ft). In 2016, however, a Czech scientific expedition took new measurements, making the falls 983 m tall. The data were sent to the World Waterfall Database for confirmation. The source of the Tugela River (Zulu for 'sudden') is the Mont-Aux-Sources plateau which extends several kilometres beyond The Amphitheatre escarpment from which the falls drop. This falls is visited on request when you do a https://www.amatungulu.com/drakensberg-kzn Waterfall Bluff is an area of steep cliffs in Eastern Cape. Waterfall Bluff is one of only 19 waterfalls world-wide that fall directly into the sea. Waterfall Bluff is an iconic waterfall that drops down into the Indian Ocean. It requires a bit of effort to do this but the rewards are immense. This remains one of the most exciting walks for the seasoned hiker. If you do a return trip from the lodge, the distance is 28km where you will see undisturbed, clear streams and ascend up the back of Sugarloaf Hill to a plateau. Your guide will also point out the Eggossa fault to you. A highlight along this route is to see one of the endemic Mkambati palms, which are indigenous to this area. Walking along the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean where whales and dolphins abound, you will come across Cathedral Rock, a well- known landmark. After crossing the Mlambomkulu River, with its pristine pools, the trails lead you down to the coast and Waterfall Bluff. The cliffs form a huge overhanging cave, called Grotto Cave and supplies excellent shade for your tasty packed lunch. This falls is visited when you do a https://www.amatungulu.com/wild-coast-adventure See more stunning waterfalls here: https://www.wanderlustmovement.org/waterfalls-in-south-africa/ For bookings and more private tour requests, email us: info@amatungulu.com

Emirates has announced it will resume flights to Johannesburg (1 October), Cape Town (1 October), Durban (4 October) in South Africa; Harare in Zimbabwe (1 October); and Mauritius (3 October). The addition of the five points will expand the Emirates’ global network to 92 destinations, as the airline gradually resumes its operations while prioritising the safety of its customers, crew and the communities it serves around the world. Emirates’ African network will also now extend to 19 cities. Customers flying in and out of Emirates’ three South African gateways can safely connect to Dubai and to an array of onwards connections to Europe, the Far East, Middle East, West Asia and Australasia. Flight schedules for Emirates’ South African destinations will be available on emirates.com later this week. Emirates will operate to Harare with two weekly flights linked to its Lusaka service. The linked services will connect Zambia and Zimbabwe to key destinations across Europe, the Far East, the Americas, Australasia and West Asia with one convenient stop in Dubai. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents as well as online travel agents. Customers can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for international business and leisure visitors. Ensuring the safety of travellers, visitors, and the community, COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from. Flexibility and assurance: Emirates’ booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket by 30 September 2020 for travel on or before 30 March 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they have to change their travel plans due to unexpected flight or travel restrictions relating to COVID-19, or when they book a Flex or Flex plus fare. https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/help/covid-19/ticket-options/ COVID-19 PCR testing: Emirates customers who require a COVID-19 PCR test certificate prior to departure from Dubai, can avail of special rates at the American Hospital and their satellite clinics across Dubai by simply presenting their ticket or boarding pass. Home or office testing is also available, with results in 48 hours. https://www.emirates.com/za/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/residents/? Free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs: Customers can now travel with confidence, as Emirates has committed to cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, free of cost, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel while they are away from home. This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 December 2020, and is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination. https://www.emirates.com/english/help/covid-19/free-covid-19-cover/ Health and safety: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: https://www.emirates.com/za/english/help/covid-19/safety/? Tourist entry requirements: For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai visit: https://www.emirates.com/za/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/residents/? For tour bookings, go to: https://www.amatungulu.com/

Studies show that people remember 80% what they see and only 20% what they read. Research suggests that 65% of people are visual learners, and that the human brain can process images in as little as 13 milliseconds. These and many other statistics favour the idea that images are a powerful means of communication. Perhaps, their most important function is that they remove language barriers, as they are easily understood by everyone in the world. On the Internet, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, and images are used for all kinds of reasons: to enhance websites, to illustrate stories, in ad displays, to present products or services, and on social media. Adding an image gallery to accompany our web content can deliver information to clients that would take up valuable space and time were it to be described through text, and is quicker to show images, rather than attempting to describe them in intricate detail. By adding an image gallery allows the opportunity to show clients previous examples of tours, and to demonstrate the offers available, and the breadth of our ability. Used in this context, images also have the potential to act as a form of customer review. By including examples of work that have impressed customers, we are showing potential clients the quality of our previous work, encouraging them to use our services and book our tours. See 60 images here, https://www.amatungulu.com/gallery, and our tours at www.amatungulu.com

20 Jun 2020 International travel, with the feeling of insecurity associated with flights and airports have a detrimental effect on tourism. Cities are deserted, and South African Parks and attractions did not see visitors for months. Many countries and places with popular destinations are now reconsidering its mass-tourism model. As soon as borders will open up and international travel commences, travelers will be asking many questions concerning their safety, while people are longing to get out and be anxious to travel again. Our company decided to give safety and distancing a thought in order to make it much more safe and accessible to travel with us. Here are some of the considerations and solutions we are implementing: -small group travel with not more than 5 guests on a particular tour for now. The fear of proximity between people and the need to avoid crowded spaces will play an important role. The vehicle you will be travelling in is large enough for 8 people, but with your safety in mind, we limit the amount to 5, plus the driver/Guide. If more book, we use 2 x mini buses. This ensures an open seat between you and a fellow guest at all times. Small groups also have the benefit to be more flexible, and to fit more activities into a day’s program. If there is consent between all travelers, extra sights/activities can be visited if possible, making your tour much more worthwhile. -when your destination is a safari in nature, it will allow you to put together social distancing and contact with nature, which in recent weeks many travelers have been unable to benefit from. Have a look at our very popular Kruger National Park & Panorama Route, Cape Town and Garden Route and Addo Elephant Park and Pilanesberg Tours. -family holidays, particularly when a family book a private tour for them alone (which is possible), social distancing becomes a lesser issue, and you can have a safe vacation on any of our tours. All other required safety measurements will always be implemented. With tourists who take the time to understand and get away from the frenetic tours of previous times, these measures are a way to move towards intelligent tourism. See our tours at www.amatungulu.com, and Book now! Early Bird 2021 Special: get 20% discount on all tours when you book before end of October 2020!

Situated over the beautiful Ocean, this zip line glides you over the cliffs of the Bay while giving you an uninterrupted view of the town and famous lighthouse. Going down this zipline, which is 1,100m (3608 feet) long, you’ll have time to take in the scenery. It has been described as ‘1,1km of screaming fun’ and runs from the cliffs below Point High School to the deck of the current (Shark Lab) aquarium at the Point. You can slide over the ocean at speeds of up to 80km/h (or 50MPH) for those in the Americas) and enjoy unparalleled views of the cliffs, ocean and sea life. Enjoy this unique and unforgettable experience during our 7-day Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Addo National Park tour. More of the highlights you can experience on this tour: Robben Island cultural tour, Two Oceans Aquarium, Bo Kaap Museum and walk, Table Mountain by Aerial Cableway, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Groot Constantia, Wine tasting at 2 wine farms, and more on request, Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park, Flying Dutchman Funicular, Vergenoegd wine farm, Spier Wine Farm, Route 62 – Karoo, Cango Caves Heritage Tour, Featherbed Eco Experience, Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump (optional), Whale watching Nelson Mandela Bay, Addo Elephant Park game drive and night game drive, Dias Museum in Mossel Bay, an optional shark cage diving experience or the world’s longest over-ocean zipline at Mossel Bay. Book now at https://www.amatungulu.com/gardenroute, or at https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/details/140116/7-day-cape-town-winelands-garden-route-addo-national-park Do not miss this adrenaline rush!

Travel South Africa from Cape Town to Johannesburg in comfort and visit the most popular tourist destinations and most amazing sights. This tour is designed to show you the highlights of South Africa and Lesotho in a casual way, but will also excite the adventurous Tourist with the best kept secrets with optional adrenaline-filled activities. Since this tour start at Cape Town's most famous icon: Table Mountain, it not only have action-filled activities like riding a cable car, but you also visit the first botanical garden in the world to be established (in 1913) to protect local flora, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Kingdom. You will also experience traditional African cuisine at selected restaurants. Wine tasting will not be neglected, as you go to the first winery in the country: Groot Constantia to taste their export quality wines and learn more about wine making on the cellar tour. From here you go to Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, home to one of the few land-based penguin colonies in the world. Cape Point where the two oceans meet is next and you ascend the viewpoint with the Flying Dutchman Funicular. Drive along the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive and then picture the colourful houses at Bo-Kaap, formerly known as the Malay Quarter. Head out to Stellenbosch and visit the Spier Wine Farm for chocolate and wine tasting on the banks of the Spier dam. Go to the Vergenoegd wine farm for a duck parade show. You leave for Hermanus, home to the world’s best whale-watching when in season. Your journey to the Garden Route starts with Route 62. This route delivers an unforgettable South African travelling experience. After visiting the Cango Caves for a Heritage Tour, you can select one of the following activities to do: a boat ride for a “Dolphin Encounters” excursion of 1,5 to 2 hours at Ocean Blue Adventures, jump from the ‘highest recognized bungee from a bridge’ in the world, the Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump, or do a Tsitsikama Canopy Tour at Stormsriver Adventures. You can also choose to walk through the "Garden of Eden" and the "Big Tree" as another option. Jeffreys Bay, home to the best right hand surf break in the world follows and then a night game drive Addo Elephant National Park . The spectacular Wild Coast town of Kei Mouth, where you can have an optional cruise on the Great Kei or a Wild Coast Horseback Adventure follows a drive along the roads of the Transkei to see how the Xhosa people still live in their traditional rondawel huts. “The Hole in the Wall”, one of South Africa's most famous tourist attractions is next. The locals call this "izi Khaleni" which means place of thunder. If you want to have a real authentic traditional experience, sleep in a rural rondawel of a traditional Xhosa village and taste a home-cooked meal. Do a 4x4 via Sani Pass tour through Lesotho to experience an adventure of climbing to a height of 2874 metres above sea level. You will stop at breath taking view sites along the Sani Pass and pass two border posts. Enjoy lunch at the highest Pub in Africa at The Sani Mountain Lodge and continue into a living Basotho village, where you will learn more about Lesotho and its people - the hardy mountainous Basotho folk. Progress to Howick to visit the Mandela Capture Site and take the road North on the Midlands Meander and visit some of the craft shops at the Thokozisa Lifestyle Centre. Once at the Champagne Valley area at the Drakensberg, you get the option to do a Canopy Tour, a helicopter flight over the main Drakensberg escarpment or to attend a Drakensberg Boys Choir concert if available on a Wednesday. We conclude this tour with a drive to Johannesburg where you will visit the Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City, an amusement park located on an old gold mine which closed in 1971. The park is themed around the gold rush that started in 1886 on the Witwatersrand, the buildings on the park are designed to mimic the same period and you can learn how Johannesburg came to be, how gold was discovered on the reef and descend 75 meters underground. Add an optional day for a Big 5 game drive at the Pilanesberg National Park or any other tour from our website: www.amatungulu.com. Email info@amatungulu.com for more info, or book here: https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/details/214355/11-day-meander-to-south-africas-best-kept-secrets-and-experience-lesotho

Only some of the highlights are: Table Mountain by Aerial Cableway, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Groot Constantia and traditional cuisine at the Cape Malay Restaurant, Penguins at Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park, Flying Dutchman Funicular, Wine tasting at Vergenoegd wine farm and duck parade, Spier Wine Farm, Route 62 – Karoo, Cango Caves Heritage Tour, Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump (optional), Whale watching Nelson Mandela Bay, Addo Elephant Park game drive and night game drive, Nelson Mandela Museum at Qunu and capture site at Howick, Eastern Cape Wild Coast, “The Hole in the Wall” Coffee Bay, sleep in a rural rondawel (hut) of a traditional Xhosa village, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Lake Eland Zip Lines, the Longest Zip Line Tour in Africa!, KZN South Coast, scuba diving at Aliwal Shoal, UShaka Marine World Durban, Drakensberg Canopy Tour and Boys’ Choir, an optional helicopter flight over the main Drakensberg escarpment, battlefields route KZN. The awesome diversity of South Africa can be experienced in all its splendour during this 9 day tour as you will start at the Mediterranean-like Cape Province, travers through the dry Karoo region onto the lush green Garden Route and then to the succulent Addo Park area where you have the opportunity to see the Big 7. Some of South Africa’s best kept secrets like “The Hole in the Wall”, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Drakensberg are visited and you will also learn more about our culture treasures and Apartheid history along the way. More to be seen at https://www.amatungulu.com/capetown-johannesburg. This tour can be extended with a visit to the Panorama Route and Kruger National Park where a guest will even have a more fulfilling experience of our nature and wildlife. This is currently our most popular tour: https://www.amatungulu.com/panorama-kruger-safari See all our tours at https://www.amatungulu.com/ and book now!

A: Blombos Cave is an archaeological site located in Blomboschfontein Nature Reserve, about 300 km east of Cape Town on the Southern Cape coastline, South Africa. The cave contains Middle Stone Age (MSA) deposits currently dated at between c. 100,000 and 70,000 years Before Present (BP), and a Late Stone Age sequence dated at between 2000 and 300 years BP. The cave site was first excavated in 1991 and field work has been conducted there on a regular basis since 1997, and is ongoing. The excavations at Blombos Cave have yielded important new information on the behavioural evolution of anatomically modern humans. The archaeological record from this cave site has been central in the on-going debate on the cognitive and cultural origin of early humans and to the current understanding of when and where key behavioural innovations emerged among Homo sapiens in southern Africa during the Late Pleistocene. Archaeological material and faunal remains recovered from the Middle Stone Age phase in Blombos Cave – dated to ca. 100,000–70,000 years BP – are considered to represent greater ecological niche adaptation, a more diverse set of subsistence and procurements strategies, adoption of multi-step technology and manufacture of composite tools, stylistic elaboration, increased economic and social organisation and occurrence of symbolically mediated behaviour. The most informative archaeological material from Blombos Cave includes engraved ochre, engraved bone ochre processing kits, marine shell beads, refined bone and stone tools and a broad range of terrestrial and marine faunal remains, including shellfish, birds, tortoise and ostrich egg shell and mammals of various sizes. These findings, together with subsequent re-analysis and excavation of other Middle Stone Age sites in southern Africa, have resulted in a paradigm shift with regard to the understanding of the timing and location of the development of modern human behaviour. On 29 May 2015 Heritage Western Cape formally protected the site as a provincial heritage site. Cross-hatching done in ochre on a stone fragment found at Blombos Cave is believed to be the earliest known drawing done by a human in the world. Wikipedia B: Elephant’s Eye Cave, Silvermine Nature Reserve Cape Town The name is derived from the fact that this mountain looks like the shape of an elephant’s head and the cave is perfectly located where the eye would be. This leisurely hike brings us past indigenous fynbos, we even see the king proteas bloom - a joy for the eyes and easy on your feet. The hike’s inclines are very minor and an unfit person could do this route too. Silvermine was made part of Table Mountain National Park on 1 May 1998, thereby ensuring that its unique and diverse natural offering will be protected. Silvermine offers spectacular scenery, an abundance of fynbos and is a popular spot for all sorts of activities including hiking, caving, rock-climbing and mountain-biking. Cutesy to https://www.capetownmagazine.com/elephants-eye. These caves can be visited by www.amatungulu.com. Do not miss this opportunity and book now!

A: The Echo Caves in Limpopo, South Africa, are set in Precambrian dolomite rock, which was first laid down about 3800 million years ago, when Africa was still part of Gondwana. The caves are considered some of the oldest in the world. The Echo Caves are about 92km north of the similar Sudwala Caves. There are a number of speleothem structures in the cave; two of these are hollow stalactites which when hammered create echoes audible throughout and even outside the caves, thus the name of the caves. The caves are over 40km long; regular tours are available for about 2km of the tunnels and chambers. The caves were used for shelter in recent centuries by the Pedi people; they slept in what is now called the Samson chamber (due to the limestone columns which appear to hold the low roof of the cave up). In the nineteenth century the Pedi lived in the Echo Caves. They used the hollow stalactites as a warning system to warn their people of attacks by neighbouring Swazi tribes. Many archeological artefacts and bones from those times are on display at the nearby Museum of Man. In 1923, the caves were rediscovered by the owner of the farm Klipfonteinhoek, near Ohrigstad, who was looking for missing cattle. The caves were opened in 1959 as a tourist attraction. In the 1980s, more sealed caverns were discovered, and entrances created both into the existing caves and out to the hillside; the new discovery included the enormous Madonna chamber. www.amatungulu.com will take you there for a visit B: The Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga, South Africa, are set in Precambrian dolomite rock, which was first laid down about 2800 million years ago, when Africa was still part of Gondwana. The caves themselves formed about 240 million years ago. There are a number of speleothem structures in the cave, known by names such as the "Lowveld Rocket", "Samson's Pillar", and the "Screaming Monster"; some have been dated to 200 million years old. There are also microbial fossils of a cyanobacterium known as collenia in the rock; these formed 2000 million years ago. The caves were used for shelter in prehistoric times, probably due in part to a constant supply of fresh air from an unknown source in the caves. In the nineteenth century the Sudwala Caves were used by Somquba, the brother of the Swazi heir apparent, as a fortress. In a power struggle for the Swazi throne, many bloody battles were fought at the cave entrance. The story begins as follows: When King Sobhuza I of Swaziland died in 1836, his heir was Mswati II, who was still a minor and too young to ascend the vacant throne. A cousin, Paramount Chief Usutfu, was installed as regent, which proved to be a flawed choice. Usutfu was too weak to prevent Mswati’s brother Somquba from making an effective bid for the throne by calling an Incwala, or Festival of the First Fruit. The significance of this is that it is high treason, not to mention sacrilege, for any other person other than the Swazi king to hold an Incwala. After a skirmish with Mswati’s army near the Mgwenyana River, 9 km west of Barberton, Somquba and his followers fled the area, with some 500 head of Mswati’s cattle. They crossed the Crocodile River and settled near the Mankelexele Mountains, between Elandshoek and Schagen, about 10 km from what are now the Sudwala Caves. Their settlement was known as M’selezie. Somquba sought and received protection from the newly established Boer settlement of Lydenburg. He made a formal alliance with the (1856–57) Lydenburg Republic. There was continuous conflict between Mswati’s and Somquba’s followers in the form of raids and cattle theft. The Boers continued to side with Somquba, in return for labour to dig the first water canal at Lydenburg. Another benefit for the Boers was that Somquba acted as a buffer for them, against Mswati. During the early 1860s Somquba came to know of the Caves, and subsequently, in times of conflict, he and his followers would take refuge there, with their cattle. They stock-piled food and there was plenty of water, so it made a strong refuge. Somquba maintained observation posts, and always kept the cave entrance clear, so that he could retreat there in a hurry. At that time stage the cave mouth was much smaller, and could barely accommodate the long horns of his small herd of prized Nguni cattle, as they were led in by hand, in single file. The principal guardian of the Caves’ entrance was Sudwala, Somquba’s chief inDuna (councillor/captain), whose name is thus commemorated to this day, and whose spirit is legendarily said to linger in the Caves. Today nobody knows how many times Somquba took refuge inside the Caves, but many bloody battles were fought at the site. At one time, the ever-persistent regiments of Mswati built a massive bonfire at the entrance, while Somquba and his followers were inside, in an attempt to suffocate them, but the natural airflow in the Caves foiled this attack. Help was sent for and received from a Lydenburg Boer commando, led by one Abel Erasmus. The commando drove off Mswati’s regiments, and freed Somquba. Traces of the fire are still visible to this day. Somquba and his followers used the caves as refuge, until Somquba was killed in an unexpected attack. Survivors stayed on under the leadership of Sudwala, and that is how the caves got their name. During the Second Boer War, in 1900, the caves were used by the Boers to store ammunition for their 94-pounder Long Tom guns. It was thought that the caves may have been used by President Paul Kruger to store the legendary "Kruger Millions", gold bullion which reputedly disappeared somewhere between Waterval Onder and Nelspruit during Paul Kruger's flight from Pretoria to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) in Mozambique.In 1914 a company was formed to excavate huge amounts of bat guano; this was sold as fertilizer to farmers. WikipediaCombined with our tours, it can be visited by www.amatungulu.com. Do not miss this opportunity and book now!

A: Makapansgat is an archaeological location within the Makapansgat and Zwartkrans Valleys, northeast of Mokopane in Limpopo province, South Africa. It is an important palaeontological site, with the local limeworks containing Australopithecus-bearing deposits dating to between 3.0 and 2.6 million years BP. Makapansgat Valley has been described as having one of the greatest palaeontological records of human evolution in the world. Collecting at the site began in 1925, when a local school teacher, Wilfred Eitzman, was attracted by the activities of limeworkers. Some fossil material was sent to Raymond Dart, who initiated a systematic investigation in 1947. Eitzman also discovered the so-called "Makapansgat pebble" associated with the bones. Ca. 3,000,000 BCE, the pebble is shaped naturally to resemble a human face, it is thought to have been found by an Australopithecus and carried from its source into the Makapansgat cave. It has been suggested that this pebble represents the earliest known example of symbolic thinking of early hominids. B: The Cango Caves are located in Precambrian limestones at the foothills of the Swartberg range near the town of Oudtshoorn, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The principal cave is one of the country's finest, best known, and most popular tourist caves and attracts many visitors. Although the extensive system of tunnels and chambers go on for over 4 km (2.5 mi), only about a quarter of this is open to visitors, who may proceed into the cave only in groups supervised by a guide. Cave paintings and artifacts indicate that the caves were in use throughout prehistory over a long period during the Middle and Later Stone Ages. The caves were rediscovered in modern times in 1780 by a local farmer named Jacobus Van Zyl. The chamber he first was lowered down into was found to be as long as a football field, and is named Van Zyl Hall in his honor. Further exploration was done and a second chamber discovered in 1792. The caves soon became a popular place to visit. The hour long Heritage Tour, which takes you through 6 magnificent rooms, halls and chambers is visited by www.amatungulu.com. Do not miss this opportunity and book now!

Thought to be associated with the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Thulamela is situated high on a hilltop in the northeastern corner of the Kruger National Park. More than 600 years ago, a peaceful tribe lived on a hilltop near what is presently, the border between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Thulamela is a Venda word meaning "place of birth". Archaeologists believe that people lived at Thulamela between about 1420 AD and 1650 AD. Stone ruins of a royal citadel found in the northern Kruger National Park date back to between the 15th and 17th centuries. Thulamela was discovered in 1996. Archaeologist Sidney Miller was commissioned to head the team of five workers who spent 18 months painstakingly reconstructing the fallen walls of Thulamela. From the positioning of the scattered stones, the team was able to deduce the original position, height and thickness of these walls. More than 2 000 tons of rock were manually shifted in the process of restoring the site to some of its former glory. Originally, stonewalls were built to show the high status of the royal family, demarcate living areas and provide privacy. The vast area covered by Thulamela's walling is evidence that in its heyday, the city housed approximately 2 000 people. Iron-age implements, ceramic potsherds, glass beads, spinning whorls, sewing needles and even a piece of Chinese porcelain was brought to the surface. The presence of these items confirmed the hypothesis that gold, iron and other metals were smelted at Thulamela by a technologically sophisticated community who had trade links with the Far East. In August 1996, archaeologist Sidney Miller discovered two graves within the royal enclosures. Miller, in close consultation with the local communities, opened the graves. One contained the remains of a man bedecked in gold jewelry, thought to have been the king of Thulamela ruling about 1400 AD. He holds a spear, the handle of which was originally covered in gold foil affixed to the wood underneath with minute gold nails. The blade of this spear, which was found on the gravesite, was not sharpened. This suggests that it was probably a symbol of leadership. Around his neck are gold and ostrich shell beads. The other contained the remains of a particularly tall woman buried in a fetal position. On her left forearm was a plaited, golden bracelet of exceptional beauty. The Thulamela Trail can be arranged with Amatungulu Tours. Book now at www.amatungulu.com for tours and safari to the Kruger National Park.

The Harbour of Table Bay, Cape Town was originally referred to as Saldanha Bay in honour of the ascent in 1503 of Table Mountain by Antonio de Saldanha. A Dutch renamed the place of Saldanha to Table Bay in 1600 as the Dutch trade increased. Cape Town, as the oldest urban area in South Africa, was developed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established Dutch Cape Colony. Cape Town outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony. A lucrative occupation was the keeping of boarding houses for sailors and other visitors to the town. Payment for board and lodging was frequently made in the form of goods smuggled in or clothing which lodgers had to sell to the landlord to pay their bills when the time for departure came. Reckless expenditure of the Company's officials and sailors on their way back to Holland happened most of the time. Many lived beyond their means and spent their savings so recklessly that they were called, 'heeren van ses weeken' as they went through all their money in six weeks. Free burghers also made a living by keeping taverns where soldiers and sailors could drink wine and met the burghers of the town. Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Town Discover Cape Town and South Africa on our popular tours. Book now at www.amatungulu.com

The Knysna elephants are a very small number of African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana), a relict population of large herds which roamed the Tsitsikamma Forest and surrounding regions at the southern tip of Africa until the 1800s and 1900s. It is conjectured that about 1,000 elephants historically roamed the Outeniqua/Tsitsikamma area. The elephants of Knysna, living deep in the high forest, are shy and seldom seen and the remnants of a famous, once numerous population. They are large specimens of their kind. It has been suggested that living in a high forest area stimulated their growth, while the elephant community of the Addo bush, further east, and were slightly stunted because they lived in an area of low shrub. Before the arrival of the Bantu and European-origin settlers, the nomadic people had refrained from hunting wildlife unsustainably. Ivory hunting and loss of habitat to agriculture had all but exterminated elephants from the Cape region of Africa by 1900. The last elephant in the vicinity of the Cape peninsula was killed in 1704 and elephant populations west of the Knysna region were extirpated prior to 1800. By 1775 the remaining Cape elephants had retreated for their lives into forests along the foothills of the Outinequa/Tsitsikamma coastal mountain range around Knysna, and dense scrub-thickets of the Addo bush. As far back as 1870 it was estimated that only some 400 elephants remained out of the enormous numbers that had been observed in and about these southern forests in earlier centuries. In appearance, however, the Knysna elephants are identical to the bush elephants. Both have curved tusks of excellent soft ivory, easily carved, unlike the brittle ivory of the forest elephants. Left to themselves, these Knysna elephants will linger on in their forest home for an indefinite period. They have a rich food supply and ample water. Excessive dampness is their greatest enemy, inflicting them with rheumatism. A Garden Route National Park spokesperson said it is a “rare occasion to spot an elephant and this needs to be celebrated”. Only a few people see a Knysna elephant. There are maybe one or two a year. More info at The Knysna Elephants and Forests Public Facebook group. Join us for tours through this magnificent area on our https://www.amatungulu.com/cape-to-kruger tours.

Whether you are a surfer or a sunbather, South Africa is home to the perfect beach for you. South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches are on par with the best beaches in the world. Located along the extensive 3200km-long coastline, these beaches are conserved and protected through strict ethics that honour the environment. Sixty-two Blue Flags will be proudly flown at 44 beaches, seven marinas and by 11 sustainable tourism boats around South Africa over the forthcoming 2017/18 South African Blue Flag season. South Africa was the first country, outside of Europe, to introduce the Blue Flag programme, in November 2001. Locally, the initiative has grown from just three beaches in the first year to 41 beaches in 2015/16 to 62 in 2018. Since its launch in 1987, the Blue Flag programme has continued to grow, not only regarding the number of member countries and sites involved but also in its range of expertise within marine and freshwater environments. The Western Cape has achieved the highest number of Blue Flag sites, with 28 of the beaches, all 11 boats and six of the seven Blue Flag marinas falling in the province. This shows an increase of three Blue Flag boats from the previous season and one additional marina. KwaZulu-Natal again has nine Blue Flag beaches for the 2017/18 season. Seven beaches and one marina have been awarded the eco-label in the Eastern Cape, which is on par with the previous season. The programme is designed to raise environmental awareness and increase sound environmental practices among tourists, local populations and beach management. Amongst the Blue Flag beaches, you will visit the following during our variety of tours: Eastern Cape: Hobie Beach Port Elizabeth, Humewood Beach Port Elizabeth, Kings Beach Port Elizabeth, Dolphin Beach, Jeffreys Bay KwaZulu-Natal Marina/San Lameer Beach South Coast, Trafalgar Beach South Coast Western Cape: Buffalo Bay Beach near Knysna, Camps Bay Beach Cape Town, Fish Hoek False Bay, Llandudno Cape Town, Lookout Beach Plettenberg Bay, Muizenberg Beach Cape Town Other beaches of interest is unofficial nudist beaches, which are Sandy Beach Cape Town, Trafalgar Beach South Coast and Umhlanga Lagoon North Coast. More of our “off the beaten track” awe-inspiring beaches like at the “Hole-in-the-Wall” at the Wild Coast are also visited. Visit https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/ to book your next holiday now!

Amatungulu Tours combined 4 of their most popular tours to give you one amazing long travel experience. By designing a mini-coach tour for up to 14 people, we are setting the best South Africa and Swaziland has to offer with this 15 to 17-day Cape to Kruger picturesque and authentic safari experience. A group tour means more privileges for Tourists like: -Meet other Tourists and share travel stories, -The more we are the less you pay, -Make memories that will last forever. The 17-day Cape to Kruger Tour starts with the Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Addo National Park section. Cape Town, the world’s most fabulous city is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. Visit Table Mountain, Wine Farms, the Cango Caves, The Garden Route and the Addo National Park to see the Big 7. Read more here: https://www.amatungulu.com/cape-to-kruger. From here we search some of the country’s most beautiful beaches on the Picturesque Wild Coast, a stunning section of Eastern Cape coastline stretching from East London in the south to the border of KwaZulu-Natal in the north. It is the home of the Xhosa people and incorporates estuaries, sandy beaches, natural heritage sites, craggy cliffs, waterfalls, and rolling hills, providing spectacular scenery and real authentic traditional experiences. “The Boers occupied the railway Station on the 20th October 1899 and were shelled the following morning by a British mounted patrol with artillery…” This is but one of the foregone Anglo/Boer and Anglo/Zulu war excursions you can discover on the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, Battlefields & Midlands Meander Tour. On this section you not only indulge yourself in bloody battles, but also tweak up your adrenaline level with a slide through the forest at the Drakensberg Canopy Tour. We also visit the world renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gold rush history re-experienced, amazing scenery and Big Five game drives. On the Panorama route we experience the amazing view from God’s Window, visit the Berlin Falls and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. An interpretation tour will take us to the Kadishi Tufa waterfall via a boat trip on the Blyde Dam. An abundance of wildlife will keep you distracted while learning more about the natural history of the Blyde Canyon. See the Big 5 with game drives in the Kruger National Park, a night game drive to a bush braai, and a game drive in Swaziland. Some of the highlights you will experience include: Two Oceans Aquarium, Bo Kaap Museum and walk, Table Mountain by Aerial Cableway, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Groot Constantia, Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park, Flying Dutchman Funicular, Vergenoegd wine farm, Spier Wine Farm, Eagle Encounters, Mzoli's Gugulethu (optional), Route 62 – Karoo, Cango Caves Heritage Tour, Featherbed Eco Experience, Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump (optional), Whale watching Nelson Mandela Bay, Addo Elephant Park game drive and night game drive, Bawa Falls, “Execution Rock”, Nelson Mandela Museum at Qunu, “The Hole in the Wall” Coffee Bay, sleep in a rural rondawel (hut) of a traditional Xhosa village, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, KZN South Coast, Discover Battlefields Routes, Enjoy game drives to see the big 5 (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo), Attend a Drakensberg Boys Choir concert, Nelson Mandela Capture Site visit, History of the discovery of gold. Pilgrim's Rest, Barberton “Geo-Route”, Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Echo Caves, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Boat trip on the Blyde Canyon Dam, Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimpanzee Eden, Swaziland to watch glass blowing, Game Drive at Hlane Royal National Park and game drives in the Kruger National Park. You now have the option to go on to Cape Town, doing 2 more days of touring where we drive to the capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province on our way to Cape Town. It’s known for its 19th-century diamond mines, like the deep, hand-dug Big Hole. Nearby, the Kimberley Mine Museum is a re-creation of the town in its heyday, and displays jewelry and uncut diamonds where we take a tour, and then drive to Cape Town through the semi desert region of the Karoo. Have the best time of your life and book a tour now! (Book here: https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/details/144230/21-day-cape-town-to-kruger-national-park)

If this is your first time on safari, packing can be a daunting task. The less you pack, the more convenient it will be to move around and the happier you’ll be. ‘Less is more’ is a good principle for touring and safari. The best time to visit South Africa for safari is after the worst summer heat is over, between March and October. During this period, there is less vegetation and animals are more concentrated around rivers and waterholes, making it easier to spot them. There are also fewer mosquitos. Depending on your destination, summer months are recommended for the coastal and high lying areas like Cape Town and the Drakensberg. However, it can get cold in the evenings during this time of the year. That means you’ll need to bring a jacket or two for game drives at sunrise and sunset. In general, winter is very mild in South Africa and Swaziland. Temperatures in the lowlands range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius, and in the mountains from 3 to 10 degrees Celsius. Most of East Africa are high-risk malaria areas, so be sure to get malaria medication at home before your trip. The best is to consult your doctor. You’ll need to start taking it a few days before your trip and continue for a few weeks after the trip. It’s not advisable for kids under five to take malaria medication. Book at www.amatungulu.com. Clothing: There’s a reason why everyone wears earth tone clothing on safari. They help you to blend in to the natural environment. Wearing neon pink leggings or a bright yellow shirt might scare off the animals, especially if you’re on a walking safari. It’s also good to look for clothing made of breathable, lightweight material, as it can get pretty hot even during winter in Africa. Long Pants: Regardless of which time of the year you’re traveling, you’ll need to pack long pants as they’ll protect your skin from mosquito bites and sun exposure. I recommend bringing zip-off pants i.e. pants that can be converted into shorts when the weather gets too warm. It can be uncomfortable wearing long sleeves in hot weather, but they are useful to prevent scrapes and bites. I recommend opting for light and breathable long-sleeved shirts that are designed for trekking. Waterproof Jacket: Again, no matter when you’re traveling, you’ll need a light waterproof jacket for chilly mornings/evenings or rain. We were traveling in winter time, so a good waterproof jacket definitely was essential. Keep in mind that most safari jeeps are completely open-roofed (i.e. no windows or cover), so it can get really chilly during morning and evening game drives. Plus you’ll be guaranteed to get wet when it rains, so make sure your jacket is waterproof. Cash: You won’t find credit card machines in the African bush, so make sure you get enough cash in the city before you head into the savanna. While some lodges accept credit cards, you’ll likely need some cash when visiting villages or buying souvenirs. You’ll also need cash to tip your guides and porters. Here is a list that should be helpful, depending on the season and time: Safari Clothes for Adults One light jacket One fleece Three pairs safari pants (one of them zip-off) One pair shorts One long-sleeve shirts (light, breathable) Four short-sleeve shirts One dress (for nice dinners) A set of pyjamas A pair of hiking boots A pair of sandals (or Keens) Underwear Sports bra (for women) Three pairs of socks Sun hat Swimsuit Sunglasses Safari Clothes for Kids One down jacket (for cold winter nights) One light jacket Two fleece Three pairs zip-off safari pants One pair shorts Four short-sleeve shirts (quick dry) Two sets of pyjamas A pair of hiking boots (or walking shoes) A pair of sandals Underwear Three pairs of socks Sun hat Swimsuit Sunglasses First-Aid Kit: Pain tablets for both adults and kids Anti-histamine for allergic reactions Anti-diarrhoea pills Anti-malaria pills (if you’re traveling in malaria risk areas) Cough drops Band-Aid Electronics: Camera Lenses Portable power bank (to charge devices in lodges without electricity) International plug converter Chargers and charging cables iPad, Kindle or books for long car rides Headphones Other Essentials: Standard toiletries Toothbrush/toothpaste Sunscreen Snacks for kids (yogurt and puree pouches) Wet wipes Head torch or flashlight Binoculars Visas Passports Cash Insect repellent: This is essential especially if you’re traveling in high-risk malaria areas. It’s always better to prevent bites, even if you’re taking anti-malaria pills. You will receive some repellent cream in your gift pack with compliments from Amatungulu Tours, but it is still advisable to take your favorite brand. Hurry, tours are selling out! Book at www.amatungulu.com.

The 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee has announced that the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Land will be on the World Heritage List. The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Land has provided an unparalleled source of scientific information on the formation of the early earth from 3.6 billion years ago. Along with their exceptional geology, the area is rich in wild plants, animals and beautiful scenery. The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Land is truly unique, containing the oldest and best preserved sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rocks on earth. The several large and small nature reserves and panoramic beauty, provide the key elements needed for developing diverse and innovative tourism partnerships and businesses such as adventure tourism, geological, birding, game viewing, historical and cultural tours, hiking and off-road trails. The final step has now been completed towards nominating the Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Though the Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains (BMM) hosts other impressive features, the nomination is based on their geology, which specialists say is of outstanding universal value. This is because the world’s oldest, best-preserved, most continuous, and diverse sequence of rocks from about 3.215 – 3.570 billion years ago is only found here. This makes the BMM, and its centrepiece, the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail, a hotspot for tourists and science enthusiasts interested in learning more about the early earth. This Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail is included in the Planning for the future BMM World Heritage Site (WHS) has been completed and sent to the National Department of Environmental Affairs, which is the agency responsible for world heritage in SA. They will send the completed documents, a 100-page nomination dossier and piles of appendices, to UNESCO headquarters in Paris. This is the fulfilment of a 10-year effort by Barberton Chamber of Business and its development agency, BATOBIC. This milestone could not have been reached without continued state support through MTPA, DEA, SAHRA, provincial and local government. There has been strong support also from all landowners involved. Learn more here: https://geotrail.co.za/ Our following tours traverses along this site: https://www.amatungulu.com/panorama-kruger-swaziland, and https://www.amatungulu.com/cape-to-kruger safari. Book now at https://amatungulu.rezgo.com/details/144230/21-day-cape-town-to-kruger-national-park, seats are filling fast.

Two French Protestant missionaries, Thomas Arbousset and Francois Daumas, explored the mountainous highlands of Lesotho in 1830. After a difficult journey they penetrated to the eastern edge of the great mass of basalt and found themselves on the plateau summit of a mountain known to the Sotho as Phofung ('place of eland'), but renamed by the missionaries Montaux-Sources ('mountain of sources') because on it they found the sources of many different rivers and streams. The plateau of Mont-aux-Sources is 3 048 metres high. The tremendous cliffs on the eastern edge form a massive curve known as the Amphitheatre. Set back westwards on the plateau is a hillock-like summit which crowns the whole mountain and reaches an altitude of 3 282 metres. On the slopes of this summit, the Tugela River has its source. The infant river flows to the edge of the Amphitheatre and then plummets 2 000 metres in a series of sheer falls and cascades. This is the highest waterfall in South Africa. In Winter the upper part of the waterfall freezes into a pinnacle of ice. Close to the source of the Tugela is a second spring, which is the source of the Elands River. The two streams are separated by a low, boggy ridge which is the east-west watershed of Southern Africa. The Elands veers north off this ridge, cascades from the summit in a series of falls for 1200 metres, reaches the Central Plains and flows off to join the Vaal River and through it the Orange River. It reaches the Atlantic Ocean at a point on the west coast 2200 kilometres away from the mouth of the Tugela River. On the northern side of Montaux-Sources, the northern end of the main Drakensberg is marked by the Sentinel, a great landmark 3 165 metres high. The south-eastern end of the Amphitheatre is marked by the 3 009-metre Eastern Buttress. Between this buttress and the Amphitheatre is a jagged pinnacle known as the Devil's Tooth—one of the most dangerous climbs in the Drakensberg. The 8000 hectare area at the foot of Mont-aux- Sources was proclaimed a national park in 1906 and in 1950 the 794 hectare Rugged Glen Nature Reserve was added to it. The ‘Royal’ part of it was tacked on in 1947 when the British royal family stayed here during their visit to South Africa. The Royal Natal National Park is one of the great scenic show-pieces of Southern Africa. grey rhebuck, mountain reedbuck, grey duiker, bushbuck, blesbok, klipspringer and gnu live here, as well as dassies and baboons. Our https://www.amatungulu.com/cape-to-kruger safari can take Tourists to this spectacular Mountain and Park. Do not dare to miss out and Book Now!

When Voortrekker leader Hendrik Potgieter lead a party to the Portuguese port of the now Maputo in 1840, the women were left at the malaria-free summit of the Drakensberg near Graskop. They waited far beyond the time at which the men were due to return then thinking that their men must have died, named the stream on whose banks they were camped the Treur “sorrow”, and set off for home. On the way they were overtaken by Potgieter and his party. The reunion took place as the women were about to ford a river named the Blyde, “joy”. The Blyde has a spectacular course. From its source it flows to meet the Treur. At this meeting point, near the site of a once profitable gold mine known as Bourke’s Luck after its owner, Tom Bourke, there are extraordinary potholes and rock formations. This natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Through countless eons the swirling whirlpools which occur as the Treur River plunges into the Blyde River caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river. Paths and bridges take visitors to viewing sites overlooking these formations. The river then plunges headlong into a gigantic gorge and ends up in the Blyde River Dam. Dominating the gorge are the triplet peaks known as the Three Rondawels and the great flat-topped summit of Mariepskop. All to be experienced on these tours: https://www.amatungulu.com/awesome-panorama-kruger-safari, https://www.amatungulu.com/panorama-kruger-tour, and https://www.amatungulu.com/panorama-kruger-swaziland Hurry and book, seats are filling fast!

When you visit South Africa we hope you are not here to eat exactly like you normally would at home. Eat and drink like a local and become a genuine traveler who is curious about the local cuisine of the country he is exploring. Most famous tradition: a proper braai. A South African barbeque, but it involves a proper fire, lots of meat like steaks, boerewors and chops. This is usually accompanied by many side dishes such as maize meal porridge (“pap” or “phuthu”) with tomato gravy, toasts made on the fire (braaibroodjies), salads, veggies etc. Some South Africans even renamed our national Heritage Day (24 September) to the official “braai day”. Do not forget biltong. Biltong is dried meat (similar to beef jerky), spiced with salt, pepper, coriander and various other flavours. Chilli bites is a popular variation. It can be made from beef, various types of game, ostrich or even fish. This needs to come along on your next safari style game drive. A related snack is droëwors (“dried sausage”), which also goes down well in our meat loving nation. Make friends over a potjie. This is a stew made in a rustic, 3 legged, cast iron pot (“potjie”) and slow cooked over a fire. Also called Potjiekos. Ingredients usually include a type of meat or fish with vegetables, potatoes and rice. A very popular event is to have festive potjiekos competitions for socializing or fundraising purposes. Feel at home with a bobotie. Bobotie is typical of Cape Malay cuisine, which is a flavourful blend of South African and Eastern cuisine, and made from mildly spiced mince (curry and turmeric) topped with a “custardy” layer of egg and milk. It often contains raisins and eaten with chutney, resulting in the characteristic taste, which is a unique combination of savoury spicy and sweet. A not-to-be-missed dish. Try a bunny chow. A popular meal in KwaZulu-Natal (especially Durban), where the local cuisine has more of an Indian influence thanks to the big Indian community. This fun dish consists of half a loaf of white bread which has been hollowed out and filled with curry mince. The bread serves as a “bowl”, a very practical way of transporting a curry lunch. The Western Cape version is called a Gatsby, and the Soweto version is called “AK‑47” or Kota. Sweet koeksisters for dessert. These extremely sweet delicacies are traditional Afrikaner treats. They are basically “braided” strips of dough which have been deep fried and dipped in syrup, which soaks into it to create a little sugar bomb. Watch out, they are irresistible and addictive. Craft beers have grown in popularity in recent years, with many small breweries exploring the market with great success. Taste some on our Panorama/Kruger, and Battlefields Tours. African traditional brews also offer a very unique taste experience and are made of maize and sorghum, rather than barley and hops. Flavoured gins are all the rage at the moment. Many local distilleries are producing their own gins and infusing them with indigenous ingredients such as fynbos or rooibos, giving them a unique South African flavour. Drink our famous export product. To enjoy a characteristic South African drink, have a few glasses of wine. South African wines are well-known internationally and have a long history in the Western Cape region. Our Cape Town Tours will expose you to wine tasting at some of the many scenic wine estates in the Cape Town area. The history of brandy dates back about 350 years when the first brandies were distilled by the Dutch on ships in the Cape. There are highly sophisticated brandies produced, which are made in the French cognac style and regularly win international awards. We recommend you have a taste. These are just a few examples of inspiration for your culinary adventure in South Africa, there are many more local foods and specialities to discover. South Africa is a food loving nation and has a flourishing gastronomic culture to be enjoyed. Hurry and book a tour now, or the wine might get sold out!

Discover and experience the best of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route during a 5-day round-trip from Cape Town. Visit the Addo Elephant National Park where you can get close to elephants, big cats like lion, buffalo, black rhino, hyena, a variety of antelope and in the marine section, great white sharks and southern right whales, as this is one of the few reserves in the world housing the Big 7. Hike through lush forests and canoe on picture-perfect water. Unwind and soak in the sun on soft, sandy beaches for an unforgettable holiday. You will start this tour from Cape Town and travel to your first stop at Spier Wine Estate where we will have a taste of two premium wine ranges, plus Spier’s flagship wine, Frans K Smit. Completing this appetizer we drive for approximately five hours to the town of Mossel Bay where we visit the Bartolomeu Dias museum complex to see the famous 500 year old Post Office Tree, the life-size replica of the Dias Caravel, the Shell Museum & Aquarium and Ethno-Botanical Garden. You will be taken to the Kaaimans River Gorge Reserve, located between the towns of George and Wilderness. The Kaaimans Waterfall is accessible by rowing boat or canoe. You can paddle on a calm river that wind through lush forests and mountains with canoes and stand the chance to see the brilliantly coloured Knysna Loerie or one of the five Kingfisher species. A drive through Knysna take you to the town of Plettenberg Bay, where you can either take a boat ride for a “Dolphin Encounters” excursion of 1,5 to 2 hours at Ocean Blue Adventures, or do tours at the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Birds of Eden and Monkeyland. Standing 709 feet (216 meters) above the Bloukrans River, the Bloukrans Bridge is the ideal place to bungee jump. You can also choose to do one of the activities at Stormsriver Adventures: a Tsitsikama Woodcutters Journey or a Tsitsikama Canopy Tour. A short drive takes us to the ±1000-year-old Big Tree in the Tsitsikama forest. You have an early morning start for a day trip to Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in South Africa. Home to elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, this park host the largest remaining population of wild elephants on the planet. You’ll enjoy a safari tour with knowledgeable park Guides and get the opportunity to see buffalo and other big animals. We via Jeffrey’s Bay on our return in the afternoon to try surfing in one of the world's most famous surf spots, or just relax on the beach. Travel for approximately four hours on the famous Route 62 to get to Oudtshoorn for a Heritage Tour at the Cango Caves. Located in a limestone ridge parallel to the picturesque Swartberg Mountains, the caves include over 2.5 miles (4 km) of drip stone caverns with vast halls and towering formations of stalactites and stalagmites. You’ll walk through some of this subterranean wonderland with your guide on a 2-hour tour of the caves. Stay on a farm which is surrounded by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, and one of the world’s 17 “hot spots” with 3 overlapping flower zones. Here you can take part in a Wild meerkat tour which offer you the unique opportunity to see these animals that are part of the shy 5 in their natural environment. Meerkats are part of the so-called Shy 5 which also includes the bat-eared fox, the aardvark, porcupine and aardwolf. You can take a game drive, or go on a Khoi San Cultural Trail. Return to Cape Town along Route 62, the world's longest wine route. You’ll pass through breath-taking scenery and have plenty of rest stops. Also to be visited is Ronnie's Sex Shop which had visitors from all over the world, judging by the graffiti on its wall. There will be more stops for wine tasting before reaching Cape Town to end your tour. This tour is filling up fast, so hurry and book now!

Amatungulu Tours established a Bonding Scheme, which according to the South African Government Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 entails a consumer protection scheme to provide guarantees against deposits held, and therefor guaranteeing its quality assurance role. The act is based on fairness and equality for all consumers. In so doing, it provides consumers with a greater level of protection against providers of goods and services. Amatungulu (Pty) Ltd is a registered South African Company and therefor bound to this Act. This bonding guarantees consumers/clients that Amatungulu Tours is in a position to refund tour deposits, advance reservations, or bookings should you decide to cancel within the limitations set in our Terms and Conditions. Section 17 of the South African Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 gives very clear guidance in the event of cancellation. Amatungulu Tours is hereby providing assurance to local and international Tourists of quality tourism services in a way to set the highest standards in the Tourism Industry. Deposits and flexible payment terms. Amatungulu is offering you the option to pay a 40% deposit for a multi-day tour when you book prior than 60 days (8 weeks). We offer a safe and secure online booking system. Deposits can be paid via PayPal or PayFast with credit card or bank transfers during the booking process. If you are booking more than 90 days (12 weeks) in advance we offer flexible payment terms to make it easy on your budget. This assists as a way to pay the cost of your tour in instalments. Email amatungulutours@gmail.com to request easy payment terms. The final payment however has to be made 60 days before the start of a tour. Secure credit card and identity information on you booking platform. The booking platform we are using is Rezgo, specifically designed, trusted and built for tour, activity, excursion, and event operators and integrated with top trusted travel brands. Rezgo is validated by the Trustwave certification authority (CA), a secure credit card and identity information engine, using a 256-bit SSL certificate from Trustwave. This SSL Certificate can provide encryption between your web browser and their web server so that personal information can be transmitted over the Internet securely. Payments through PayPal and PayFast. PayPal “PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay and get paid online. The service allows anyone to pay in any way they prefer, including through credit cards, bank accounts, PayPal Smart Connect or account balances, without sharing financial information.” PayFast "PayFast accept credit card payments: Visa & MasterCard, accept Instant EFT: the electronic funds transfer (EFT) gets verified instantly. No two day waiting period, no proof of payment required and no disclosing of financial information. PayFast is committed to keeping you and your information secure by reducing fraud through effective use of technology. We have a multitude of checks in place to protect both buyers and sellers from fraudulent transactions." Hurry to book - most tours sell out!

When travelling from Cape Town to the Garden Route, Route 62 makes for a very interesting alternative to drive through the Karoo. Geologically it covers two thirds of South Africa. “It’s big and it’s dry and it’s full of snakes and angry plants that look like they’re pulling a middle finger at you. Plants like bitter-appel which have the sole purpose of ‘making sheep and goats appear drunk and aggressive’. In the south east is the Klein Karoo, a vague area between Barrydale and Oudtshoorn strung together around the Route 62.” Now no. 10 on its list of the ten best road trips for 2017, CNN said it picked the route because of the incredible scenery and the vineyards that’ll make you wish you’re a passenger rather than a driver. Although the route itself is shorter than the N2 highway, the pace is relaxed, and most people take the opportunity to enjoy exploring the interesting towns en route, making the journey an experience in itself rather than simply a way to get from A to B. On our 7 day Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Addo National Park tour, we travel this route from Barrydale to Oudtshoorn where you will also have the opportunity to pick one of the numerous restaurants to have lunch at. Along the way there are sweet small towns to explore, home-baked farmstall goodies to taste and plenty of wineries to enjoy - this being the "longest wine route in the world". Also to be visited is Ronnie's Sex Shop which had visitors from all over the world, judging by the graffiti on its wall. Over the years it has become a popular stop for bikers, local farmers and people travelling Route 62 regularly. The story of how the name came into being is now local legend. Ronnie painted the name Ronnie's Shop on this cottage next to the R62, planning to open a farm stall to sell fresh produce and fruit. His friends played a prank on him by changing the name to Ronnie's Sex Shop. Initially angry about the involuntary name change, he left the name and continued fixing the dilapidated building. One evening while enjoying a few beers and couple of chops on the braai with friends, someone suggested "Why don't you just open a pub?" And the rest is history! Book any of the 7 day Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Addo National Park, the 9 day - Cape Town to Durban via Wild Coast or the 21 day Cape Town to Kruger National Park tours now to explore this amazing route.

Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1898 and later extended to its present size of approximately 19,000 square km or 8,000 square miles. Where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sites - this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. This Tour is an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy spectacular scenery, combined with game drives to see the renowned big five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo). That is the reason we created this new tour, to show you the amazing places with the 4 day Awesome Panorama Route & Kruger Park value Safari. The journey starts with a drive through some of the most scenic areas of the Eastern part of South Africa. We visit the intriguing museums and shops in Pilgrim’s Rest, and then drive to view Pinnacle Rock and to experience the amazing view from God’s Window. The Berlin Falls, where numerous local arts and crafts are for sale follows. From here we visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes and head the Blyde River Canyon, where we take in the spectacular views of the Canyon. An interpretation tour on the Blyde Dam with a ferry will take us to the Kadishi Tufa waterfall. An abundance of wildlife will keep you distracted while learning more about the natural history of the Blyde Canyon. The Kadishi Tufa waterfall, at 200 meters (around 660 feet) in height, is the second tallest tufa waterfall on earth. The waterfall’s formation strikingly resembles a face which is crying profusely, and is thus sometimes known as ‘the weeping face of nature’. Completing this we head to the heart of the Kruger National Park through the Phalaborwa gate, watching game as we head to the Letaba Rest Camp. This idyllic Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park. Letaba is a green oasis in the surrounding Mopani veld, and remains a firm favourite with visitors. At night the stars overlook a symphony of sounds. Owls, nightjars, frogs, fruit bats, crickets and cicadas all to be heard, until the lion roars, then all are silent. On arrival, we enjoy a sunset game drive to a bush braai (bbq) by a qualified accredited professional game ranger. The return game drive will coincide with some night game viewing. A 225 km game drive take you south to the Malelane gate, where every possible opportunity to view the spectacular wildlife scenery is explored. Chances are excellent to spot a variety of some of the estimated number of animals: Lion, 1 620 – 1750, Leopard, 1 000, Cheetah, 120, Wild dog, 120, Spotted hyena, 5340, Elephant, 13 750 and many more. See more here. Some of the tour highlights include: Game drives during the day, a boat trip on the Blyde Dam, an evening game drive to see nocturnal species, including a bush braai (bbq), very good opportunities to spot the Big Five and chances to have encounters with elephant, giraffe, hippo, and antelope, visit museums and shops in Pilgrim’s Rest, experience the amazing view from God’s Window, see water Falls, the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon while driving on the Panorama route. Dates and prices are available here. Book now to secure your seat.

Amatungulu is offering a tour at the spectacular Wild Coast along the roads of the Transkei, (Eastern Cape) where farm animals graze by the side of the road against the backdrop of the Drakensberg in the distance. One of our stops on this tour is at the majestic Bawa Falls, with a single drop of 103 meters (338 feet). It was here at “Execution Rock” where witches were executed by throwing them off the cliff. The waters of the world-famous Bawa Falls tumble down the Qolora River in a horsetail formation. Bawa Falls are the crown jewel of attractions in the Transkei region of the Eastern Cape. The Nelson Mandela Museum at Qunu, and one of South Africa's most famous landmarks: “The Hole in the Wall” is also to be visited. The locals call this "izi Khaleni" which means place of thunder. During certain seasons and water conditions, the waves clap in such a way that the concussion can be heard throughout the valley. Tourists can spend the night at a traditional homestead and see how the Xhosa people still live in their traditional rondawel huts. Here you will have a real authentic traditional experience and sleep in a rural rondawel (hut) which is nestled above an indigenous forest, overlooking the Mncwasa River mouth. ‘Be humbled by the hospitality, fetch water from the stream, go crazy trying to count the stars and wake up to the cry of the fish eagles...’ This 3 day tour then traverses north to the Kwazulu Natal province and we stay for a night at the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. The picturesque reserve lies snugly at the head of a spectacular river gorge lined with dense coastal bush and forests. The breath-taking scenery along the Umzimkulwana river gorge makes this a photographer’s and nature lover’s paradise. We end this tour with a drive along the Hibiscus coast with its inviting stretch of Indian Ocean, which sometimes presents the year-round delights of frolicking dolphins and majestic, cruising whales to provide the spectacular scenery for the drive to Durban. This tour is also incorporated in the 9-day Cape Town to Durban via Wild Coast Tour, and with our flagship 21-day Cape Town to Kruger Tour.

Imagine thinking that South Africa has nine World Heritage sites that have ‘outstanding universal value to humanity’. Around the world some of them include the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, the Taj Mahal in India, the Grand Canyon etc., … so we are providing value to you. From the 9 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, our tours visit: Robben Island Famous as the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 jail years, 11 km off the shore of Cape Town – a small island where most tourists to the city visit the Robben Island Museum. Still existing is the tomb of Hadije Kramat, a village of administrative buildings that include a chapel and parsonage, and a lighthouse, a church that is all that remains of the leper colony, and the stark security prison of the Apartheid period. Its cultural value rests in the buildings’ tribute to history, and its symbolism as a triumph over oppression. See our Best of Cape Town & Winelands tour. Cape Floral Region This is one of the richest areas in the world for plants. It stretches from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape. The incredible diversity, density and examples of endemic plants are among the highest in the world. The areas on our tours include Table Mountain and the Boland mountain complex, which includes Cape Point, part of the Table Mountain National Park. Not only does this region have remarkable plant diversity, but 31.9% of the plants are endemic to the area – the highest on the planet. See our Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Addo National Park tour. The fossil hominid sites of Sterkfontein, known as the Cradle of Humankind. This region straddles parts of Gauteng and the North West Province, having one of the richest concentrations of hominid fossils that provide evidence of human evolution over the last 3.5 million years. In the 47 000 hectare area there have been excavations of ancient forms of animals, plants and hominids – our early ancestors and their relatives. More than 950 hominid fossils have been uncovered here. See our Cradle of Human Kind, North–West & Pilanesberg tour. uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park The combination of Africa’s highest mountain range south of Kilimanjaro, high altitude grasslands, river valley and rocky gorges makes this a place of incredible beauty. On our tours we see many marvels of the Drakensberg, while exploring the nearby Battlefields Routes. The diversity of natural habitats protects many endemic and threatened species. See our Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, Battlefields Route & Midlands Meander tour. Besides this, a tentative List also exists which basically is an inventory of those properties which each State Party intends to consider for nomination. We have a tour going along the Barberton “Geo Trail”: http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5456/, and is described as: ". . the rocks in the Barberton belt provide a unique view of the early Earth that is quite literally unavailable anywhere else." Prof Don Lowe, Stanford University. See our 7 day Panorama Route, Kruger Park & Swaziland tour. Other sites from the tentative list we visit includes the: Liberation Heritage Route: Robben Island, Nelson Mandela Sites such as Qunu, Constitution Hill, Hector Peterson Memorial and Liliesleaf Farm. Human Rights, Liberation Struggle and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites: Union Buildings and Freedom Park National Memorial Site Pretoria, Howick Nelson Mandela Capture Site in KZN, Vilakazi Street Soweto. Early Farmsteads of the Cape Winelands: Groot Constantia (http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6049/) All you have to do now is to book a tour. Hope to see you soon.

Amatungulu are now also providing a service to book Flights and Hotels on the same website via our affiliate, Agoda. This is part of our plan to expand our product range and to ensure a one-stop booking opportunity to our clients. You can now Book-a-Tour, a Flight, Accommodation, buy Fine Art and Travel Products. Due to the popularity of our tour destinations, the overnight accommodations we are using on our routes are being far ahead fully booked. This can result that we could not stay in our specifically chosen hotels and lodges. We therefor decided to widen our cut-off time for bookings and payments to two months (60 days) before a tour starts. We however recommend you book three months (12 weeks) in advance to guarantee your seat. This will ensure a better chance for us to secure bookings at our special selected accommodation on our popular and exciting tours. Also see the day tours and extended tour options we offer now, and make your booking.

“The Boers occupied the railway Station on the 20th October 1899 and were shelled the following morning by a British mounted patrol with artillery. Taking up a position on high ground overlooking the railway line, the Boers and their guns forced the British to withdraw…” This is but one of the two foregone Anglo/Boer and Anglo/Zulu war excursions (by professional guides) you can discover on the 6 day Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, Battlefields & Midlands Meander Tour. On this tour you not only indulge yourself in bloody battles, but also tweak up your adrenalin level with a slide through the forest canopy at the Drakenberg Canopy Tour. The name “Drakensberg” derives from Dutch, meaning “mountain of the dragon”, for the jagged peaks seem like a natural domain for these fabled creatures. We also visit the world renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir, savor one of the many local brewed beers at the delightful Bierfassl restaurant and enjoy many of the local Art, Craft and souvenir shops of the area. Observing the Nelson Mandela Capture site, we learn more about the Apartheid history of South Africa. Watching the Big 5 on game drives, we realise why the South African Safari won the NGT Reader Awards of 2017. See the full itinerary here, and make a booking.

Painting wild animals are not always as easy as one should think. With her exceptional technique, the South African Artist Marie Conradie is brilliantly succeeding in this. She just completed a series of Big 5 oil paintings. (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) It can be purchased separately or as a set. Email us for more information. “The paintings bring out the life in the animals on the canvas, “she replied in an interview with Amatungulu. Have a look at them here and make your purchase.