Posted on

South Africa is open to all travelers.

South Africa’s borders reopened

South Africa’s borders have reopened for tourists from around the globe with the only requirement being a coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before departure to spectacular South Africa.

Health and safety protocols

South Africa’s tourism sector has instituted stringent health and hygiene safety protocols, and the country is ready to welcome guests safely and in comfort to plenty tourism opportunities, world-class services and experiences.

‘… world-class experiences…’

Abundance of outdoor activities

South Africa offers an abundance of outdoor and socially distanced activities for tourists, so it’s a perfect place to consider for your next trip. South Africa is definitely a destination for travellers looking for fresh air and wonderful weather. Tourists from around the world love South Africa, a top holiday destination!

‘…fresh air…’

From its nature reserves, towns, cities, coastlines and cultures, South Africa is an adventure of matchless and thrilling activities that you definitely want to see at least once in your lifetime.

‘… matchless thrilling activities…’

Beautiful natural places

There is many national parks and beautiful natural places to visit, a favorite is the famous Kruger National Park where visitors are sure to see Africa’s Big Five; the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.

‘… Africa’s Big Five…’

 

South Africa has many beautiful natural phenomenon, a main attraction is the splendid Table Mountain, and you can view its beauty from afar, hike up with a guide or book a ride in a cable car going up the mountain to admire its diverse flora up close.

‘… natural phenomenon…’

Another beautiful nature reserve that visitors love is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The reserve has many rare plant species, walking trails and mountain views.

‘…nature, rare plants and mountain views…’

Great urban lifestyle

South Africa also has a great urban lifestyle, a popular international site for tourists is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. The enormous mall is a delight to shoppers from all around the world. There are five-star restaurants, food markets and activities ranging from historical walking tours, boat rides, museums and a splendid aquarium. A day trip that leaves from the waterfront that is definitely worth a visit is Robben Island; it’s an inspiring educational trip that tells the history of the struggles for people’s rights while showcasing natural surrounding beauty.

‘…beauty, museums and aquariums…’

Interesting history

Because South Africa has an interesting and extensive history there are amazing places to visit and learn more about their history. These include the Apartheid Museum which tells the story of 20th Century South Africa and the now-defunct apartheid system. There’s also The Mandela House, a restored dwelling of the famous South African leader.

There are so many more museums and historical sites that tell South Africa’s story these include The Castle of Good Hope, an expansive and colonial 17th century castle that is now a provincial heritage site. There’s the Cango Caves, a historical network of caves with large mineral formations. There’s also the Voortrekker Monument which commemorates the Afrikaans settlers who arrived in 1830.

‘…historical sites…’

Fun and thrills

Other places to venture to include Gold Reef City in Johannesburg which has more than 40 roller coasters and thrill rides, an interactive history of gold mining and a 4D theatre, it’s a place that you definitely don’t want to miss with the family.

There are so many more fun sites and resorts that you need to visit, one of the most famous being Sun City. A beautiful resort with pools, water parks and multitude of restaurants and bars to choose from.

‘…roller coasters and water parks…’

Excitement throughout the year

Throughout the country there is impressive landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a wealth of top-rated accommodations, farmlands and vineyards. South Africa is filled with opportunities for luxurious comfort and thrill-seeking excitement with a climate that remains comfortable throughout the year.  Whether you want to cross vast wildernesses, search for predators in the bushveld or just lounge on the beach, South Africa has it covered.  Other activities include bungee jumping, abseiling, rafting, surfing, canoeing, diving, horse riding, hiking and much, much more!

‘…beaches, accommodation, luxury and so much more…’

Food and drinks

South Africa offers mouth-watering food and thirst-quenching drinks. From Cape Malay curries in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap to Xhosa dishes in the townships, you won’t be disappointed.  There are many food markets to try farm-fresh goodies.  When visiting don’t be hesitant to try a wine tour where you can experience centuries of stunning estates and wine farms.  Local beers are always worth a sip.  A bunny chow in Durban is a definite not to be missed meal, it’s a creation from Durban consisting of a hollow bread loaf filled with curry.

‘…mouth-watering and thirst quenching…’

With borders open in South Africa, we hope the above sneak preview will make you want to book you trip as soon as possible.

‘…book as soon as possible…’

https://www.vipexpressnigeria.com/resorts.html

Share this article
Posted on

What is expected when traveling to South-Africa

Three major airports for international travel

South Africa has re-opened three major airports for international travel. These airports are Cape Town International, OR Tambo in Johannesburg and King Shaka International in Durban.

Expectations upon arrival

This welcome announcement has generated a lot of questions from travelers about the different requirements for traveling to South Africa.  This article answers any grey area questions and explains what you can expect upon arrival.

Adhere to procedures

On arrival in South Africa, all travelers will need to adhere to the following procedures:

  • Present a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure; this includes infants and children.  Covid-19 tests must be from a registered health practitioner or laboratory.
  • Where a traveler has not done a Covid-19 test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost for the period of ten (10) days.
  • All travelers will be subjected to screening by health officials upon arrival and departure.
  • All travelers detected with symptoms will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine facilities and have a repeat Covid-19 test conducted at their own cost. The approximate cost for a COVID test ranges from R850.00 to R1300.00 per person.
  • Every traveler must have mandatory travel insurance.
  • All travelers must complete a Traveler Health Questionnaire prior to arrival or upon arrival.
  • Beside the health protocols, travelers will still be subjected to other formal border processes. All travelers should wear masks at all times whilst in the controlled airport area and adhere to social distance as part of queue management protocol.
  • Travelers must travel with their accommodation confirmations.
  • Travelers must download the South African COVID Alert App.  The app uses Bluetooth contact-tracing technology to let people know if they have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19. It gives everyone the chance to understand their exposure to the virus.

Depending on the airline used, when departing from South Africa, travelers will require another Covid-19 test taken 48 to 72 hours prior to departure.

According to the World Health Organization guidelines, South Africa is travel ready with the majority of establishments putting strict health and safety measures in place. Travelers can take comfort in the knowledge that the South African tourism industry is reviving, and the safety of tourists is undoubtedly priority number one. Accepting that safety is a shared responsibility, South Africa welcomes back the many pleasure that tourists have missed for so long.

 

Share this article
Posted on

Kenya’s Pink Flamingos returns to Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru sees a bright spot on the horizon

The long-missed pink flamingos have returned to Kenya’s Lake Nakuru.  Eight years ago, rising water levels at Lake Nakuru drove away the pink-coloured flamingos.  The flamingos are the park’s biggest attraction and now they’re back!

Flocks of flamingos

Flamingos are the most instantly recognizable wading birds in the world. They capture the hearts of bird lovers and non-bird lovers! Flocks of flamingos are seen looking for food in the lake’s turquoise waters, while others flap in a wave formation and a rhinoceros grazes nearby.

The return of the flamingos rekindles hopes of a gradual rebound in an area reliant on tourists. Caroline Mwebia, the park’s tourism warden said “with the increase of the number of flamingos we have started seeing visitors also increasing“.

The beautiful flamingos eat insect larvae and algae that gives them their pink hue. High water levels shrink the birds’ ideal breeding and feeding grounds.

Mwebia said “when Nakuru Lake first rose, flamingos left for nearby lakes like Bogoria and Baringo whose waters were shallower. But heavy rains in recent years have also flooded those lakes, forcing the birds to return to Nakuru, where they are an intrinsic attraction.”

The flamingos are so popular that the street leading up to the park is decorated with flamingo-shaped lampposts.

‘…they are an intrinsic attraction…’

Some Flamingo Trivia

  • There are only six species of flamingos in the world, they all belong to the bird family Phoenicopteridae, and they are the only members of that scientific bird family.
  • Flamingos are popular guests in many zoos, aviaries, aquariums, marine parks, and botanical gardens well outside their native ranges.
  • The word ‘flamingo’ comes from the Spanish and Latin word ‘flamenco’ which means fire, and refers to the bright colour of the birds’ feathers.
  • Not all flamingos are brightly coloured, some of the birds are mostly grey or white. The strength of a flamingo’s coloration comes from its diet. Younger birds also have less coloration.
  • While flamingos are considered wading birds, the same classification as herons, egrets, spoonbills, and cranes, they are most closely related to grebes genetically.
  • Flamingos are strong but rare swimmers and powerful fliers, even though they’re most often seen just wading. Flamingos do fly very well, however, many flamingos migrate or regularly fly between the best food sources and nesting grounds.
  • When flying in a flock, the top speed of a flamingo can be as high as 56 kilometres per hour.
  • Flamingos are monogamous birds that lay only a single egg each year. If that egg is lost, stolen, damaged, or does not hatch, they do not typically lay a replacement.
  • The pink, orange, or red colour of a flamingo’s feathers is caused by carotenoid pigments in their food. A wild flamingo’s diet includes shrimp, plankton, algae, and crustaceans skimmed from different water sources. In zoos and aviaries, captive flamingos are often fed a specialized diet that helps preserve and enhance their unique coloration.
  • Flamingos often stand on one leg to preserve body heat, tucking the other leg into their plumage so it is kept warm. They will alternate legs to regulate their body temperature.
  • A flock of flamingos is called a stand, colony, regiment, or flamboyance.
  • Flamingos have a wild lifespan of 20-30 years, but in captivity have been recorded as living up to 50 years or longer. Captive flamingos typically live longer because they are not subject to predators, poachers, or other threats.

Visitors to Lake Nakuru also enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats.  These include the lake itself, the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges.

‘…enjoy the wide ecological diversity…’

Share this article