There’s only one thing better than discovering a magical new destination, discovering two. Combining two holidays into one is a fantastic way to heighten your experience to a whole new level. For the first time we are thrilled to present South Africa, the latest addition to our portfolio, as part of a twin centre trip with a destination that is different in character but identical in terms of beauty: Mauritius.
There are so many experiences to choose from in South Africa that it would be impossible to list them all here. Unsurprisingly, one extremely popular addition to a South African to-do list is a safari. Living in an age of ubiquitous wildlife documentaries, it has become the dream of many to see the ‘Big 5’ – which consists of the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – in the flesh. Words cannot quite describe the exhilarating rush that comes from getting your first fleeting glimpse of an elephant plodding through the bush.
South Africa is home to some of nature’s most majestic beasts.
You can either set off solo on your wild expedition or, the more advisable option, take a guided tour. Guides can dispense invaluable knowledge on how to spot the sometimes elusive wildlife. It takes newcomers a few hours to develop what’s known as ‘bush eyes’, which is the ability to spot wildlife amongst the shrubs. While synonymous with Africa’s most iconic beasts, the national parks are not the only places where you can spot incredible wildlife.
Travel down to the Garden Route or to the Western Coast of South Africa and you could witness some of Mother Nature’s most captivating beasts in their element. Hermanus, which overlooks Walker Bay, is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on Earth. Here, with a bit of luck, you can see Southern Right Whales frolic off the Western Cape.
While South Africa is quite rightly regarded as a wildlife Mecca, there is a whole lot more to discover in the country. Cape Town is a glorious city with so much to see and do that you might be hard pressed to fit it all in. The cultural heritage of Cape Town can compete with any other city in the world and there are plenty of ways to absorb this wonderful place. Climb to the top of Devil’s Peak and you’ll find the impressive Rhodes Memorial. Built to honour the mining magnate and Cape Colony prime minister Cecil John Rhodes, the monument commands unparalleled views across the city and beyond. Cape Town is also a fantastic city for those wishing to have a good time with bars, restaurants and nightclubs all waiting to be discovered.
Cape Town’s picturesque waterfront.
Many of South Africa’s hotels transport guests into the heart of the country. For animal experiences, lodges such as Singita Lebombo in Kruger National Park are ideal. These lodges will help you to arrange tours into the bush that give you the best chance of spotting wildlife. When visiting Cape Town, hotels such as The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa will put you within easy access of everything the city has to offer while also providing the luxury your twin centre holiday deserves.
From the vibrant streets and wildlife strewn plains of South Africa, Mauritius is only a few hours’ flight away. The beauty of Mauritius comes in the diversity it offers to visitors, you can be as active or as laid back as you wish. Wherever you are on the island you are never far away from a stunning stretch of coast. The beaches in Mauritius are widely regarded as some of the finest in the world and are ideal for reclining in the sun or swimming in the serene waters of the Indian Ocean.
The crystalline waters of Mauritius make it the perfect destination for incredible water sport experiences. Sea kayaking is a favourite among many visitors who come to paddle among the mangroves and observe the kaleidoscopic marine life beneath the surface. Between November and April conditions are perfect for deep sea fishing and there are many operators who offer excursions to conquer some of the Indian Ocean’s most impressive marine life including marlins, sharks, tuna and bonito.
The staggering beauty of Mauritius
On terra firma there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in Mauritius’ vibrant culture. With two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Le Morne Cultural Landscape and Aapravasi Ghat, history lovers will be entranced by the island. Those looking to experience some adventure will be delighted to find a wide array of land sports to get involved with. The island’s gorgeous surroundings are perfect for horse rides while to really access the more remote corners of paradise, a quad biking excursion is ideal. Mauritius is also home to a wide selection of golf courses for you to practice your swing on.
Mauritius is synonymous with incredible resorts and hotels that put you right in the heart of beautiful beaches. Angsana Balaclava is found on the north west coast of the island and offers a huge array of world class amenities including world class restaurants and a decadent spa. The resort is perfect if you are looking to experience this twin centre trip with your significant other.
With a twin centre holiday to South Africa and Mauritius, you gain an insight into two beautiful and inspiring nations. Kenwood Travel is adept and tailoring twin centre getaways to suit its customers needs and will do everything to ensure your holiday is truly magical. Give us a call and book your dream twin centre journey today.