A recent episode of JEOPARDY! featured a category with video clues filmed in South Africa. Knowledgeable about South African wildlife? Test your skills by watching the video below. Make sure to check out our South Africa itinerary designed exclusively for the show.

Whether you’re a foodie, cultural junkie, wine lover, shopper, or adventure traveler, there is one city in the world that must definitely be on your bucket list – Cape Town, South Africa. Known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Cape Town’s charm resides in the diversity of its activities, restaurants and environment.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and striking land formations on the southwestern point of the African continent, Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table Mountain, towering 3,563 feet above the city and harbor. The central part of the city faces north, toward Table Bay, and is cradled by the iconic Table Mountain (to the south), Lion’s Head and Signal Hill (to the west) and Devil’s Peak (to the east).

Visiting the stunning plateau of Table Mountain is essential for any traveler, but be sure to plan ahead. Clouds frequently roll in, and it’s off limits in cloudy weather. Take advantage of clear skies early in your trip so you don’t miss this amazing site. The easiest way to get to the top of the mountain is to ride the Table Mountain Cable Car. Once at the top, you’ll be able to soak up amazing vistas and hike some of the many trails that meander across the peak.

One of the most visible sites from high atop Table Mountain is Robben Island. This popular tourist attraction is where Nelson Mandela spent almost 20 years as a political prisoner. Now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is open to group tours by boat.

On the slopes of Table Mountain is Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, home to 4,500 species of indigenous flora, including several types of protea and prehistoric cycads. In addition to the unique trees, plants and flowers, Kirstenbosch is a great spot for bird watching. Visit on a Sunday for seasonal sunset concerts and craft markets highlighting the local styles and cultures that make Cape Town distinct.

The Glorious Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

One of Cape Town’s most lively areas is located just north of City Centre, along the harbor – Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred, this shopping and entertainment district is similar to those found in many U.S. cities but with flair all Cape Town’s own. The renovated warehouses have a range of shopping options and several activities (Two Oceans Aquarium, the boats to Robben Island, the Telkom Exploratorium, an IMAX cinema and more). It’s also a great place to go for some nightlife fun – many glamorous bars, world-famous restaurants and luxurious hotels sprinkle the area.

Those who love to shop may want to take advantage of the treasures found at the waterfront and in other parts of Cape Town. The value of the South African Rand makes the area one of the more affordable places to pick up African souvenirs and artwork. Semiprecious stones, gold and diamonds are reasonably priced and beadwork, woodcarvings, baskets and woven runs are some of the most popular hand-made crafts available.

Exploring the Cape

After you’ve shopped, explored and eaten your way through the city, plan to spend some extended time in the surrounding areas. At the top of the “must see” list is a driving tour of the Cape itself.

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is a sprawling 17,300 acres, home to wild antelope, ostriches and baboons, easily viewable from your car. Once you reach Cape Point, be sure to take the funicular (cable railway) from the parking area up to the viewing platform. The vantage point from this majestic spot is breathtaking.

Many visitors to the Cape Town area are aware of one of the region’s most popular residents – the penguins. As you continue your drive around the Cape, plan a stop at Boulders Beach to photograph these birds wandering freely in a protected natural environment.

A City Worth Meeting

Table Mountain, The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the famous penguins of Boulders Beach barely scratch the surface of Cape Town’s splendor. Alive with storied African history, prominent European influences and thriving modern development, Cape Town’s future is full of promise. Whether you’re a city lover who craves the shopping, dining and cultural experiences or a nature lover who longs for the flora, wildlife and awe-inspiring vistas, be sure Cape Town is on your travel wish list.

Excursions from Cape Town

If possible, allow time on your itinerary to soak up other amazing draws of this region of South Africa. Here are a couple of our favorites:

The Winelands

South Africa is home to some of the world’s best wines – many of which are produced within a 2-hour inland drive from Cape Town. One of the most popular driving tours follows the Stellenbosch Wine Route, a beautiful 45-minute drive from the city.

If time allows, continuing on to Franschhoek is well worth the trip. These quaint towns offer amazing dining options, a wide range of wine tasting opportunities and local shopping experiences – all set within the stunning hills and valleys of wine country.

The Garden Route

This stretch of beautiful coastline winds its way for 125 miles via George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna on to Plettenberg Bay. The journey culminates at the Tstisikamma Forest – a fairyland of giant trees, ferns and bird life.
There are many side trips and activities you can take advantage of along the route. Scuba diving, bungy jumping, golfing, whale watching, fishing and hiking are just a few activities that are easily available. If a little side adventure is what you’re looking for, try the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, surfing at Jeffries Bay or a safari in Shamwari Reserve.

For more information on Cape Town or other international destinations, contact us.

Lauer’s clue for Namibia tricked his co-anchors, who were surprised by his desert location. His clue (and what it referred to) read: “It conjures up thoughts of a child’s worst fright (Skeleton Coast), but there are no people to scare (Namib Desert) in this skier’s delight (sand skiing on the dunes).”

Read more about Namibia in our blog archive or on our website. To view the full coverage of Matt Lauer’s trip to Namibia, visit the Today show website.

At first glance, Namibia might seem like one of Earth’s most desolate places and may appear to offer little to interest the average traveler. Yet within its borders there are treasures and startling beauty not found anywhere else on the planet, such as the largest subterranean lake in the world; the largest meteorite ever found (Hoba); the oldest desert (Namib Desert), which is also the only desert with elephant, lion, giraffe and rhino; the highest sand dunes in the world; the oldest living fossil plants (Welwitschia mirabilis); and the largest free-roaming cheetah population. Namibia was the first to include protection of the environment in its constitution. Namibia is an intriguing destination with universal appeal.

Sossusvlei: A photographers dream

Roughly 230 miles from Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek is Sossusvlei, a destination located in the southern portion of the Namib Desert and made famous by its massive red dunes that rise dramatically from its flat valley floors. The dunes of Sossusvlei can reach heights of up to 1,000 feet (roughly 20 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower). In addition to the dramatic dunes, visitors to Sossusvlei will likely see many of Namibia’s desert-adapted animal species, including oryx, springbok, ostrich, hyena, bat-eared fox and jackal. Combine the country’s 300 days of sunshine with mammoth red dunes and unique wildlife, and you’re in for a photo treat.

Swakopmund: multicultural influences and coastal cruises

Swakopmund, a misty and cool coastal city northwest of Sossusvlei, is a popular retreat from the heat of Namibia’s inland deserts. It is here where Namibia’s unique history shines. Until its independence in 1990, Namibia had been governed at various times by Germany, Great Britain and South Africa. Today, customs, art, architecture and food reflect these African and European influences. The waters off the coast of Swakopmund prove that Namibia’s allure extends beyond the land alone. Visitors here can enjoy a boat cruise to view Cape fur seals, rare Heaviside’s dolphins and unique birdlife that call Namibia’s Atlantic shores home.

Damaraland: stark desert beauty

Travel up the coast, away from Swakopmund and you’ll be introduced to yet another landscape: the rocky and rugged desert region of Damaraland. Despite its aridity, Damaraland hosts a surprising variety of flora and fauna that are sustained by the morning mists that drift inland from the coast. The dramatic hills of Damaraland interspersed with sweeping valleys are also home to one of Africa’s few populations of desert-adapted elephants, as well as the desert-dwelling black rhino that some authorities regard to be a distinct race. Visitors to Damaraland have a rare and special opportunity to take an active role in protecting these rhinos by participating in rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle. These tracking activities provide useful data, including movement patterns and health information to Save the Rhino Trust, an NGO actively seeking to save the rhino population from poaching and other threats.

Etosha: Where animals and imaginations run wild

East of Damaraland is Etosha National Park, Namibia’s best-known tourist attraction and one of the most interesting game reserves in the world because of its unusual terrain. Etosha is a combination of dried lake (salt pan) in the north and grasslands, dense brush and open plains in the south. When the sun glints off the 6,500 square mile blindingly-white salt pan it provides an eerie backdrop for animals moving through the shimmering haze. Dust in the air adds to the mystery by making everything slightly indistinct; and since mirages are common, visitors may occasionally question what they’ve really seen. Etosha is widely regarded to be a photographer’s paradise, especially during the dry winter months (May – September) when wildlife congregates around waterholes that line the pan. It is here where herds of springbok, impala, zebra, giraffe and elephant gather and thus attracting their known predators—lion, leopard and cheetah.

Skeleton Coast: shipwrecks, seals and nomads

Located in the northwest corner of Namibia, the Skeleton Coast is one of the Earth’s most remote, starkly surreal and peaceful places. It is home to misty shores, rolling dunes, rare fossils, rugged mountains, ancient valleys, unique wildlife and endless space. One trip here and you’ll understand the strength of the Atlantic currents, which have washed up the skeletons of historic shipwrecks and bleached whale bones. The combination of ocean fog, shipwrecks and enormous scattered bones give the deserted beaches a haunting façade. However, the beaches of the Skeleton Coast are brought to life by Cape fur seals that draw the attention of many predators like brown hyenas and jackals, creating a truly unique coastal experience.

A visit to the Skeleton Coast also brings a remarkable opportunity to visit the Himba people of northwestern Namibia. As one of the last semi-nomadic groups in the world, the Himba have adapted to Namibia’s often harsh environment while still keeping true to their longstanding traditional customs and attire. The Himba live in small dwellings with extended families, which surround their livestock enclosure and an ancestral fire, an important element of ancestral worship. Their customary skirts, shelled jewelry and unusual reddish skin tone (created by a special applied cream called otjize) are only part of their unique lifestyle. It’s their conversations about keeping traditions alive in an ever-changing world that visitors will never forget.

The Great Namibian Journey

For travelers who yearn to explore all that Namibia has to offer, we recommend the Great Namibian Journey, a 13-day luxury safari adventure offered by Wilderness Explorations. No other itinerary will afford guests with an opportunity to move experience so much of this captivating country.

The Great Namibian Journey at a glance:
• Days 1 & 2 Sossusvlei (Kulala Desert Lodge)
• Days 3 & 4 Swakopmund (Hansa Hotel)
• Day 5 Damaraland (Damaraland Camp)
• Days 6 & 7 Damaraland (Desert Rhino Camp)
• Days 8 & 9 Etosha region (Ongava Tented Camp)
• Days 10, 11 & 12 Skeleton Coast (Skeleton Coast Research Camp)
• Day 13 Fly to Windhoek

The next morning, I psyched myself up throughout breakfast, at times questioning if I really wanted to leap off the bridge. My husband was right when he reassured me and told me that I already had my mind made up and there was no reason in questioning my decision. We arrived at the Face Adrenaline office and I skimmed some paperwork before signing my life away. I was thankful that I just missed a group of jumpers heading out to the bridge so I had to wait about an hour. I wanted to see what I was getting myself into. Fifteen minutes prior to walking out to the bridge I gathered at a gazebo where Face Adrenaline employees dressed in red jump suits helped me step into a safety harness. When he asked me if it was too tight, I replied that it was not tight enough. He laughed and said I was fine. This did not reassure me as I walked with a group of strangers along a trail to the bridge.

Just prior to the bridge, our guide stopped us and gathered us close as he gave us a safety briefing. I was surprised when the safety brief only included staying within the yellow tape on the bridge. And then he advised us about making the big jump. We were instructed to jump off and out as if doing a belly flop into a pool. I was surprised that it was not more of a swan dive. Everyone I saw jump looked effortless and graceful jumping off the bridge. That was it; the only advise we were given. I was shocked and terrified at this point.

We continued our walk to the bridge and stepped up onto a wire mesh cage which hung along the bottom of the concrete bridge and led to the arch. As we walked the bridge shook as large semis drove along it and other vehicle honked their horn cheering on jumpers. I made the mistake of looking down past the wire frame of the bridge we were on. Oh WOW! It was a long way down with jagged rocks and a brown colored river. What did I get myself in to? I jumped out of planes previously but this was different. I had no one there to reassure me because my husband, who is afraid of heights, stayed at the viewing area to watch and take photographs. I repeatedly asked myself what I was doing there. We arrived to the center of the bridge and we were given our order. I was relieved that I was number three and not the first jumper. My heart started beating faster as loud upbeat music blasted around us. I was excited, nervous, and amazed by the beautiful view that surrounded me.

I was “on deck” and did not have much time to think about what was before me. The safety placed padding around my ankles to protect my legs from rope burn. I took my place on the next seating where the safety showed me the six foot, three inch wide strap that would hold me on the end of the bungee rope. “That was the only thing that was holding me, this was crazy!” I saw them attach another strap to my harness as a secondary safety, this made me feel slightly better. The safety directed me to stand up and helped me toward the edge. I whispered to him that I was really, really, really nervous. He smiled at me and said, “you should not be jumping if you were not nervous, don’t worry this will be great.” I took another deep breath as he and another safety helped me so my toes were just over the edge. I didn’t have time to look down and focused on the view and performing the perfect belly flop. The safeties let go of me and yelled, “FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE, BUNGY!”

On queue, I jumped as far out as I could with my arms raised over my head. I have no idea if I closed my eyes or what happened those first few seconds. I think I held my breath for the six-second free fall. I felt the rope stop me at then end of the fall and thanked God that the small but strong strap held on to my ankles and my shoes did not fall off. I did not feel my body snap up like others I saw, but rather I was peacefully pulled back up by the rope. I looked out over the canyon and river below. It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful and was thankful I had the opportunity to see this part of the world upside down hanging from the tallest bridge in Africa. I hung from the rope repeating to myself, “I did it; I can’t believe I did this”.

The jump was exhilarating and unbelievable. This was definitely a great experience and now when someone asks me if I would jump off a bridge, I can say, “why yes, yes I have”. If you are thinking about doing a bungy jump, my recommendations is just do it, trust the safeties and take a leap of faith.

More about Bloukrans Bungy Jumping

Read another client’s account of the big jump from Bloukrans Bridge.

The sun was already beyond the horizon when we arrived so we had our sundowner with the group discussing the anticipated evening. Brandon gave us the grand tour showing us the small quaint bathroom with plenty of water and toilet, which I was quite thankful for. And then for the open air bedroom which sat on a platform above the bush and included everything we needed for the evening. The only rule was not to go beyond the wood door Brandon shut behind him on his way out. There was no question about it; we had no intentions of risking our fate to the wildlife below.

I do not recall ever seeing so many stars in my life. We pointed out several constellations to include Orion, Cassiopeia, Leo, Sagittarius, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and others. The constellations shifted throughout the night as new stars took shape. The Milky Way was sprinkled across the sky forming a hazy band. It was breathtaking; I was in awe the entire evening. Knowing the stars are out every night, I realized that I certainly do not take enough time in my everyday busy life to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful view surrounding us.

I was not scared of the animals, but often startled throughout the night as we listened to the animals settle in for a good nights sleep and others awaken. I knew I was safe in this Tree House when other animals were sleeping with one eye open as hunters were carefully moving upon their prey. We definitely heard baboons, owls, impalas in heat, and many indescribable sounds throughout the night. The brush below us shook several times and as we scanned the flashlight we saw eyes staring boldly back at us, but could not identify who the eyes belonged to.

As the sun rose, the wildlife also stirred making more sounds awaking us from our somewhat peaceful slumber. Wet dew covered everything causing a slight chill in the air as we pulled the blankets back. We stared out into the wide open bush we could see in the morning light, hoping to get a glimpse of a herd of elephants, giraffes, impala or any wildlife for that matter. A blanket of fog hovered over the open bush making it difficult to identify any animals. We enjoyed coffee, tea, rolls, and fruit as we watched the sun rise. The sun lit the sky up and we knew it would be another beautiful day on our safari adventure in South Africa. Our peaceful moment was broken by the slight purr of an engine getting louder and louder as it drew near. Our Tree House adventure was ended as the Land Rover arrived with our safari mates waving and taking pictures of us as we descended down the stairs. Our safari mates were anxious to hear about the evening and the only thing we could do was recommend that they experience it for themselves.

Some destinations are better suited for family travel than others, and the moms and dads on our staff were eager to share their favorite places to travel with their own kids.

Craig’s Pick: The Galapagos Islands

“Kids really love the Galapagos in the summertime. Not only do the Islands offer a unique wildlife experience on par with an African safari, but the routine makes for good family fun. The Islands are on the Equator, and the ships cross it numerous times during the cruise so the weather is the same year round. But in the summer the ships are loaded with mature, well-traveled kids, typically age 7-17. The early morning and late afternoon activities keep everyone in the family engaged and the timing of the activities and life on the ship keeps everyone on the same sleeping and eating schedule. With other kids onboard the parents can really enjoy some downtime during the siesta (10am-2pm) while the kids have fun and make new friends. This seems to be a perfect balance of family time, activities, kids’ time, and parents’ time.”

Jim’s Pick: Hawaii

“Hawaii is often thought of as a romantic destination for couples. But what most people outside of the West Coast don’t realize is the islands are one of the best family destinations in the world. Hawaii offers a worry-free environment that is safe and comfortable. Plus, you can drink the water! Some of my favorite family activities include: watching whales from a boat off the coast of Maui, kayaking to the Mokulua twin islands on Oahu, hiking through ancient lava tubes on the Big Island, riding mules down the Pacific’s highest sea cliffs on Molokai and taking a helicopter tour to see the stunning beauty of Kauai.”

Sande’s Pick: South Africa

“South Africa is an incredible experience for kids. Not only does it have game viewing but also so many other options. In Cape Town, the waterfront area is fun for kids to walk around with parents to go shopping and exploring. Take the kids on a tour to the Cape of Good Hope where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet with picturesque crashing waves, and on the return stop by Simons Town and see the Jackass Penguins whose loud bark sounds like a donkey.

Want more adult activities with the kids? Take them to a winery for a tour–still very interesting no matter what the age. There are also wineries that have many other kid friendly activities, like one that also houses a Cheetah sanctuary.

The Eastern Cape is an excellent area for game viewing with young kids because it is located in a malaria-free zone and still has the Big 5. Kruger and the Sabi Sands have some of the most incredible game activity in the country and the most beautiful family lodges. The information kids learn from the game rangers is amazing, and they soak up the information like sponges. The lodges also give you time to connect to your kids because they really have to unconnect to the world of Facebook and the internet and have some fun time just being with parents. There aren’t many places anymore that can still offer this.”

Debbie’s Pick: Egypt

“Kids can’t help but be impressed by Egypt’s rich history when they can take pictures in front of ancient pyramids, explore royal tombs and discover colorful artifacts and treasures. From viewing mummies to riding camels, a trip to Egypt is an unforgettable vacation for kids. The Egyptologists at the Valleys of the Kings and Queens are especially great at keeping kids of all ages engaged. Older kids can appreciate Egypt’s history and culture, and younger kids will be impressed by the majesty of it all. After taking my son to Egypt a few years ago, it’s one of my favorite travel destinations.”

Note: Egypt is on the road to recovery. U.S. travel warnings have been eased and elections are scheduled for Fall 2011. We anticipate family travel to Egypt will be safe and very popular in the years ahead.

Facebook Fan Pick

We recently asked our Facebook fans about the best place they’ve taken their kids. Here’s Travel Beyond client Kathy Klofft’s pick: “Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica. We did a real “jungle cruise,” slept in a treehouse and listened to crickets all night and howler monkeys in the morning.”

Do you have a favorite spot for kids that wasn’t covered? Let us know in the comment section below!

Enrich their lives through travel

Let us know if you’re looking for new destinations to explore with your kids. Looking to enrich your children’s lives through travel? Learn more about Travel Trust®, which allows parents and grandparents to place tax-exempt gifts into a family trust.

A rare trunkless elephant has recently been spotted in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve near King’s Pool Camp. Because an elephant’s trunk is the most important tool for eating, drinking, digging, bathing, smelling and socializing, this trunkless elephant has managed to survive in spite of incredible challenges.

Elephants drink between 30 and 50 gallons of water per day. Normally, an elephant will suck water in with his trunk and spray it into his mouth to drink. This trunkless elephant bends to drink directly from the water and eats from shorter bushes and small trees rather than stripping leaves from taller trees like other elephants. Though the trunkless elephant faces many challenges, it still lives and moves with a normal breeding herd.

The reason for this elephant’s amputation is unknown. The absence of the trunk could be a birth defect, the result of poaching snares or the aftermath of a crocodile or lion attack when the elephant was young.

Many visitors to southern Africa make the long journey with only a few things in mind: ride in a safari vehicle, see the Big Five; take amazing photos, and perhaps enjoy a sundowner or two. But there is so much more to experience, and even more to come away with, than an album of giraffe and elephant photos. Southern Africa has so much to offer – you just have to know where to look.

Anne Bendt of Orono, Minnesota recently returned from a safari in Zimbabwe where she experienced much of what the country has to offer. We were fortunate to be able to talk with Bendt upon her return. Her reflection on the time she spent in Zimbabwe is a testament to the incredible pull this beautiful country has on the hearts of its visitors:

“My recent trip to Zimbabwe has energized me beyond belief with love of the people and the best wildlife viewing…ever! I’m already looking forward to the day when I can return. I went to see the Big Five, but also saw and learned so much more. From our guide stopping our vehicle so we could watch a Yellow Orb spider spinning it’s golden web, to witnessing new-born mongoose curiously investigate our presence. Large or small, every encounter was meaningful and created memories that will last forever.”

Modern day Garden of Eden

Hwange National Park is located on the easternmost edge of the Kalahari Desert in what is called a “convergence zone” between the Kalahari to the west and moist woodlands to the east. This zone is one of the most species-diverse areas in the world, where more than 100 mammal and 420 bird species can be seen.

Bendt describes the park as a “modern day Garden of Eden” because of its natural beauty and the abundance of wildlife. Recalling a time when her guide, Charles, stopped during a game drive and turned off the vehicle, she said “he looked back and said, ‘If you sit quietly, the bush will come alive around you’.” As they sat in silence looking out at a plain filled with giraffe, zebra, impala, wildebeest and jackals, the bush indeed came alive. The sights and sounds of nature grew as time passed and their presence as visitors melted away. Eventually, an eagle aggressively swooped down to the ground in front of their vehicle, before springing back up and away with a snake held firmly in its talons.

Experiences like these may not be surprising to those who know that Hwange is best known for excellent game viewing year-round. With always-full waterholes scattered throughout the park, it’s common to see enormous elephant herds or, as Bendt witnessed, a pride of 20 lions cautiously approach for a sip. The concession is also well known for being one of the few remaining places to see the endangered white rhino, and for having what is thought to be the largest population of the endangered African wild dog.

An Adventurer’s Playground

The mighty Zambezi touches six African countries before emptying into the Indian Ocean. It’s most notable feature is the stunning Victoria Falls or Mosi-o-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, which runs along Zimbabwe’s border and separates the country from neighboring Zambia. Often considered a “must see” destination for travelers to southern Africa, Victoria Falls is visible from both countries; however, Zimbabwe offers a view of about 2/3 of the falls compared to 1/3 from the Zambian side.

Both the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls offer a plethora of activities for adventure enthusiasts. Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, peeking over the edge of the falls from Devil’s Pool, white water rafting, and micro flights over the falls are adventure activities available in Zimbabwe. Oh, and forget the sharks of South Africa. Cage diving with crocs in the Zambezi is Africa’s next big thing.

The adventure continues further downstream in Mana Pools National Park. The natural beauty of Mana Pools can best be compared to that of the Boundary Waters that separate Minnesota from neighboring Ontario. It is here that adventurers are able to enjoy hiking and canoeing safaris where, under the leadership of expert guides, up close views of elephants and hippos are regular experiences.

World Class Accommodations

The town of Victoria Falls itself is a tourist hub with colonial hotels showcasing spectacular views of the falls. One of our favorites is the Edwardian-style Victoria Falls Hotel. Built in 1904, the five-star Victoria Falls Hotel combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Plus, Victoria Falls is only a ten-minute walk from the property via a private path. Safari camps, including Ruckomechi, Little Makalolo, Makalolo Plains and Singita Pamushana are all favorites of Travel Beyond due to their high level of service, expert guides, and abundant year-round animal viewing.

Expert Guides

The Zimbabwean guide school is considered the most difficult and comprehensive in all of Africa. Many prospects fail to pass the stringent training requirements, which ensure graduates truly are the best-of-the-best. Guides in Zimbabwe are professionals in their craft and take great pride in educating their guests. Bendt describes her guide Charles as “phenomenal” and said, “Along with his incredible depth of knowledge, he demonstrated an innate love of nature. His excitement was infectious.”

Zimbabwe – In the News

Zimbabwe’s political situation has spent plenty of time in the media spotlight over the last few years. The good news is the country is now operating under a coalition government and the US State Department has lifted their Travel Warning. What most travelers don’t realize is that behind the headlines is one of southern Africa’s most beautiful countries. Zimbabweans have not lost their sense of humor or their resolve, and visitors will see a very different country than what is often portrayed; one offering gracious hosts, abundant and diverse wildlife, some of the best walking and canoeing safaris in Africa, and opportunities to learn from the highest trained safari guides in the industry.

To see video and photography from Bendt’s trip, visit our previous blog post. To start planning a trip to Zimbabwe, contact us.

The video below was taken on a 3-day safari in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe in February 2011. The footage documents some of the amazing wildlife sightings from a trip of a lifetime.

Photos of Zimbabwe

The slideshow below features additional images not shown in our article in the April issue of Tonka Times Magazine. The article spotlights Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, luxury safari lodges in Hwange National Park, canoeing adventures in Mana Pools National Park and much more.