2020 B
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TRAVEL + LEISURE
BEAUTIFUL
SOUTH AFRICA
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INSPIRE YOUR
WANDERLUST
K
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MAY 2020
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF
LOCAL TRAVEL
SOUTH
Africa #inspireyourwanderlust
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KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
CAPE TOWN
KGALAGADI
STELLENBOSCH
DRAKENSBERG
The land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula and mopane trees which lurk the Big Five...
The mother city, seemingly perched at the end of the world...
The park offers a majestic and infinite desert landscape with migrating herds of game...
Wine lovers are spoiled for choice in buzzy Stellenbosch and French-flavoured Franschhoek...
Staying in the shadow of these mountains brings immediate breathing space and a chance to unwind...
Hello Everyone... WHEN THE WORLD OPENS ITS DOORS AGAIN, WHAT WILL OUR NEW NORMAL LOOK LIKE? This is what I have been pondering on for the last 28 days because realistically I have no idea... What I do know for sure , that in our beautiful country South Africa and the rest of the world that has been hit hard by Covid-19, this invisible enemy that has shaken our world, visibly ,emotionally and economically, that this too shall pass as cliched at it sounds. Many are asking how they can still plan travel—and have something hopeful to look forward to in a time of ongoing new cases reported by the minute, lockdown and social distancing? As the MD of HTS, my world has always been defined by mobility, adventure and the need to explore, which has now been replaced by the need to be still and safe. I feel reassured knowing we are all in it together which makes this journey worthwhile. It would be remiss of us to recommend any type of travel at the moment and instead we are going to give you clear and concise advice to plan for journeys in the months to come and into 2021. Most importantly, to provide you with inspiration to get you there. So, we encourage you to hold on to your travel dreams, as the time to travel will come again, which we will grab with zest and inspiration and have a deep appreciation for making it out on the other side.. This is how we at HTS will find our way back into the world of travel again, so in the meantime, know that you in my prayers daily and wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful journey. Miss you All! Keep Safe & Positive!
Melany Pugin Co-Founder/Managing Director
“When the world opens its doors again, what will our new normal look like?”
Did you know? STRESS FREE VISA FACILITATION Adding the perfect touch to your visa application facilitation process! For applications that can be done through HTS, we offer full advice, assistance and undertake the preparation and application lodging for a valid visa permit for the traveller. Mandatory information is required from the applicant for a successful visa permit. For applications that require in person submission, HTS will collate all the required documents needed for the applicant to be fully equipped and prepared to attend their appointment at the Submission Centre.
I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our native land.� - Thabo Mbeki Situated at the tip of the African continent and surrounded by two oceans, South Africa boasts breathtaking scenery, quaint coastal villages and cosmopolitan cities that can all be combined with a truly exhilarating travel experience. We are one of the continents best safari destinations offering the big five. We truly live in a country of astounding diversity. This is a fantastic destination for the entire family to enjoy, and perfect for romantic honeymooners, adventure travellers, food enthusiasts tempted to taste our delicious local flavours. Our culinary scene is is a haven of sublime restaurants and the finest wines. Allow us to introduce Haniel Travel Solutions top travel destinations to #inspireyourwanderlust
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KRUGER
National Park A self-drive destination and, lying in the heart of the Lowveld is a wildlife sanctuary like no other, its atmosphere so unique that it allows those who enter its vastness to immerse themselves in the unpredictability and endless wilderness that is the true quality of Africa. This is the land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula and mopane trees underneath
which lurk the Big Five, the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle), the birding Big Six (ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, pel’s fishing owl and saddle-bill stork) and more species of mammals than any other African Game Reserve.
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“If anyone wants to know what elephants are like, they are like people only more so.� - Peter Corneille
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CAPE
Town Beautifully crowned by Table Mountain, Cape Town is a coming together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes.
Explore the colourful streets of the Bo Kaap and wind your way above the treetops of Kirstenbosch before a picnic amidst the botanical gardens. Its waterfront area is a great place to explore on foot, eat, drink and shop, and the surrounding beach and surf towns are extremely charming.
Almost all visitors make a day trip to explore the Cape Peninsula, where you can see one of only two land based penguin colonies on earth, a huge attraction, that along with the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, where you can walk out to the lighthouse, seemingly perched at the end of the world.
“Seemingly perched at the end of the world.�
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KGALAGADI
Trans Frontier Park Located in the Kalahari regions of both Botswana and South Africa and came into being as the official merger of the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa.
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The park offers a majestic and infinite desert landscape with migrating herds of wildebeest, gemsbok, springbok and eland, cunning predators like lion, cheetah and leopard and unending red dunes with unique flora and a diversity of epic proportions is what draws the visitor to this ancient land of the Kalahari Desert. The park is abundant with wildlife, and it’s not too difficult to spot. Predators such as cheetahs flourish here, while herds of gemsbok (oryx), springbok and wildebeest are also seen. Then there are, of course, smaller birds and animals to keep an eye out for. Sociable weavers build nests that envelop trees – and any other structures, for that matter – while ground squirrels use their bushy tails as shade from the harsh sun. Bateleur eagles with velvet-like feathers are often seen quenching their thirst at water holes, while lappet-faced and whitebacked vultures can be spotted in trees and soaring high in the sky.
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“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.” - John Hemingway
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STELLENBOSCH &
Franschoek Wine lovers are spoiled for choice in buzzy Stellenbosch and French-flavoured Franschhoek, with excellent wines and gourmet restaurants. The heart of the Cape winelands is the buzzing town of Stellenbosch, a wine lover’s paradise of bars and bistros, the perfect place to be based for a few days of serious vineyard visiting. The little town of Franschhoek (‘French Corner’) is arguably the prettiest of the Cape Winelands regions. The appearance and atmosphere is that of Provence, and the mood is further reflected by elegant wine estates such as Le Petite Ferme, Chamonix and Mont Rochelle – their names testament to the early French Huguenot influence in the area. Franschhoek has just one main street but it is lined with art galleries, boutique shops and a number of excellent restaurants. Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, Franschhoek is a top choice for a food and wine holiday; dine on flavours ranging from traditional Cape fare to French haute cuisine – and the accompanying wine will of course come from the vineyards around you.
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Drakensberg The natural splendour of it all. Within the Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal lies the 243 000 hectare mountain region that is also a world heritage site, known as Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Not only does it boast some of the most incredible scenic beauty, but it also has over 600 examples of San rock paintings in caves around the park. The Amphitheatre takes pride of place in Royal Natal National Park in the northern Drakensberg. While many come to admire the impressive ribbon of ochre cliffs from below, it was the challenging hike to the escarpment that draws us to this stretch of mountain. A chance to stand on the roof of Africa, a nickname shared with the gargantuan feat of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
Staying in the shadow of these mountains brings immediate breathing space and a chance to unwind. Aside from hiking - and there are innumerable hikes that range in skill and fitness requirements throughout the entire Drakensberg - there are also horse trails, canopy tours, white water rafting, abseiling, local arts and crafts or simply ‘taking the air’ for those with little other than repose in mind. You can visit and explore the Drakensberg as a day visitor; but, to fully appreciate all that the region has to offer, we recommend a stay of a few nights.
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BLYDE
River Canyon Serene, calm and a never-ending canyon. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world 26 946 ha, after the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, and is the largest ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage, with the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet. One of the most-visited attractions in South Africa, the Blyde River Canyon is 26 kilometres in length and is, on average, around 800m deep. The dam itself, when full, is at an altitude of 665m (2182 feet). The Blyde River Canyon Reserve extends along the Blyde River Canyon’s winding path, which at every turn offers more and more impressive views over sheer edges droper personing 800m into the riverbed. Blyde River Canyon Reserve is situated against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment and includes natural wonders such as the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window. Many visitors to this region enjoy the visual splendour of combining the Panorama Route with exceptional game viewing in the Kruger National Park to create a spectacular itinerary in Mpumalanga.
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ISIMANGALISO
Wetland Park iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in recognition of its unique global values; no other place has comparable ecological processes or the superlative natural beauty and biodiversity of iSimangaliso. The 332 000ha park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700-year-old fishing traditions, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25 000-year-old coastal dunes, among the highest in the world. The Big Seven wildlife include the Big Five and the marine whale and shark. The name iSimangaliso means “miracle and wonder”. Experience iSimangaliso’s “Ten Jewels”, incorporating 190km of pristine coastline from Maphelane in the south to Kosi Bay on the Mozambique border, the foothills of the Lebombo mountains in uMkhuze to Lake St Lucia’s Eastern and Western Shores. The diverse terrestrial and marine habitats of iSimangaliso ensure a wide range of activities and experiences. Thrilling marine activities include boat-based whale watching or nighttime turtle tracking to see the nesting of the giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles. See spectacular coral reefs and colourful underwater life whilst diving or snorkeling in the Coastal Forest, Sodwana Bay or Cape Vidal sections of the park. Fishing is popular and options range from deep-sea fishing charters to surf and rock and fly-fishing. Game and bird viewing includes self-guided and guided walks and drives, whilst night drives introduce the nocturnal inhabitants of iSimangaliso. Boat cruises on the Lake St Lucia estuary to view some of the park’s 800 hippos, over 2 000 crocodiles and prolific waterfowl are one of the most popular activities. For the more adventurous there is kayaking on Lake St Lucia or Lake Sibaya, or a horse ride on St Lucia’s beaches and the Eastern Shores.
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2020 B
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LET’S STAY IN TOUCH Email: consult3@hanieltravel.co.za Tel: 076 303-1645 www.hanieltravel.co.za
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