As a resident of Cape Town I’ve witnessed first hand the beneficial impact of tourism. Not only in terms of money and job creation, but also in educating visitors about our country and cultures. Every African country that welcomes tourists enjoys these same benefits. Tourism is sometimes the sole source of income for communities in many countries. With the rise in responsible tourism, operators are becoming more aware of their impact and are ensuring that they are making a positive contribution to the environment and the people where they operate.
Safari365 has been tailor-making African journeys for travellers for 10 years and over that time has seen first hand the positive impact that tourism has had on communities throughout the continent. It’s this positive contribution that gives the team at Safari365 the most reward, that and the reward of knowing that their clients have had an amazing experience in Africa and returned home with a deeper understanding and a greater appreciation for what this continent and its people have to offer.
There is a reason Safari365 can boast that 40% of their business comes from repeat and referral clients. Each client deals with a dedicated consultant who will plan their itinerary and be available to assist in case of any difficulty. The Safari365 team has traveled all over Africa to see and experience first hand the products they are offering.
The Competition
To celebrate 10 years in the business, Safari365 is giving away a 10 day African journey worth $10,000. That’s approximately R150,000! This is an amazing trip which showcases some of the best Africa has to offer and includes domestic flights! Together with their partners and sponsors, British Airways, Wild Horizons, Simbavati, More Quarters and Le Franschhoek, Safari365 has put together the trip of a lifetime. The prize is detailed below, but I’ve taken a look at the prize and have shared some tips on how to maximise it by adding a couple of things here and there which you can do when you book the trip (whether you win or not because it’s a trip worth doing!).
- 3 nights at the luxurious More Quarters Hotel in Cape Town
- A 15 minute helicopter flip over Cape Town
- 1 night in the spectacular Cape Winelands
- 3 nights on safari seeing the Big 5 at Simbavati River Lodge in Kruger National Park
- 2 nights at Victoria Falls at Ilala Lodge (including a sunset river cruise and tour of the falls)
- All internal flights and 4 days of car hire in Cape Town.
The competition is open to all countries, but only includes domestic flights not international flights. Entrants from outside South Africa will need to get themselves here to take advantage of the prize. The prize is not transferable so if you can’t use it, you’ll lose it.
Safari in Kruger Park
The Kruger Park is the biggest national park in South Africa and the best option for seeing animals in their natural habitat. The prize includes 3 nights at Simbavati River Lodge which is located in the Timbavati private reserve. Rangers in private reserves have more freedom of movement within the reserve which means they can ensure that visitors have an unforgettable game viewing experience. Timbavati reserve is home to a very long list of animals which includes the big 5. But if you’re very lucky, you may spot the critically endangered wild dog and the very rare white lion.
Day visitors are not allowed into Timbavati reserve so you don’t need to worry about competing with a profusion of other cars trying to catch a glimpse at every game sighting.
Read more about the Kruger National park here.
Victoria Falls
Vic Falls is one of Africa’s greatest sights. Nothing could have prepared me for the grandeur of the falls, when I saw them I was both humbled and mesmerised. Another highlight of my visit to Victoria Falls was a serene sunset cruise along the Zambezi river, which is included in the prize. Along with a 2 night stay at Ilala Lodge, a mere 20 minute walk from the Falls. If dinner at the nearby Boma restaurant is not included, pay whatever the cost is to have it added because it’s great fun, I highly recommend it. I would also consider adding a helicopter flip over the Falls. It’s fairly pricey but a truly memorable experience.
I really enjoyed my visit to Victoria Falls. I would love to go again. This picture is of me arriving at the Falls. From this point you walk all the way along paths through the rain forest and stop at the viewing points.
Read more Victoria Falls here.
Cape Town & Winelands
Telegraph Travel readers recently voted Cape Town the best city in the world to visit, and for good reason. This is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you love to spend time in nature, relax on the beach, eat at world-class restaurants or even visit museums and art galleries, Cape Town has it all. The cherry on top, the thing that makes Cape Town the best in the world, is the easily accessible winelands.
The prize includes a helicopter flip over Cape Town which is spectacular and a real treat. Also included is car hire for 4 days which gives you freedom to get around to attractions which are further away from town like Cape Point, Boulders Beach (to see the penguins), etc. I always recommend visitors spend their first day doing a tour on the sightseeing bus. It’s such great value and includes all sorts of extras like a walking tour of downtown, a cruise on the canal and a wine tasting experience. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with the city without having to worry about driving and navigating.
This picture is from Kalk Bay harbour. It’s a lovely seaside village with some quaint shops and great restaurants. Read more about Cape Town here and the winelands here.
How To Enter
It’s simple and quick to enter the Safari365 10th birthday competition. Simply head over to the competition page, select your dream African journey, input your details and you’re done! Don’t forget to share the competition on social media for an extra chance to win. Also, like the Safari365 Facebook page to stay inspired and see what Africa has to offer.