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.

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.

The Great White Shark Safari Experience

Tues Sept 14, 2010
Kleinbaai, South Africa (near Hermanus)

It’s spring time in Africa, but some mornings still feel like winter. I know I was glad to have a warm coat, hat, and gloves while on Safari in the mornings. This day was no different. We woke up at 6:00 a.m. to start our journey, the temperature outside- under 10 degrees Celsius. One of our travel mates wasn’t feeling well and decided not to embark with us (perhaps she knew something we didn’t). Charlie, our travel guide, was prompt to pick us up at 6:45 a.m. We had a short ride to Kleinbaai; he always made sure we were ON TIME!

We arrived at The Great White House where our shark safari would begin. We were met by a very chipper woman who told us to grab some breakfast (included) as we waited for the others. Sixteen, in all, would be on our boat called Shark Fever. The others, who met up with us, were traveling from Cape Town (some 2 hours away). We watched a brief instructional video about the DOs and DON’Ts of the trip. Of course it’s always good when they yell……”and please make sure you sign the waiver form before you leave the building!”

A lot of things were buzzing through my head as we walked down to the dock. You never want to use the head (toilet) on a little boat- it’s never easy, especially when you are 6’6″. When you are nervous, before something like this, you never know what’s going to happen. Should I have worn a Depend undergarment today? My mates and I had our seasickness patch on the day prior; I wasn’t too concerned about that. This was our last day before flying back to the states. I reflected on what a wonderful trip it had been, JUST IN CASE I didn’t make it out alive.

We boarded Shark Fever, cast off from shore, and away we went. Our destination was 20-25 min. away, near Shark Alley (the place where Discovery tapes for Shark Week). The sea was calm, the Captain says, “It’s a great day for seeing sharks.” The sun was out and it started to warm up. The anchor was dropped. We were told to get into our wet suits as the cage, which held 6 people, was dropped into the water, next to the boat. A young man started to place chum in the water to attract the sharks. Within 5 min. the first shark had arrived. The Captain informed us, “Any shark you see today will be a Great White.”

Judy and I were ready! Ramesis, our other mate, decided to stay on the boat and take pictures. The cage top opened and Sara, one of the assistants, told me to climb in. I wasn’t scared, just full of adrenaline. This was my dream about to come true. We climbed in, the cage was shut, and Warren (the shark bait man) cast out a rope with fish heads attached. Your head stays above the water in the cage. As the spotters see a shark coming they yell, “Down to the bait” or whatever direction the shark might be coming from. You grab a breath, hold on to the bar inside the cage, and go down.

Visibility under the water was about 1-1.5 meters (from what I could tell). However, above the surface, it was closer to 4 meters or more. The water was cold (Atlantic Ocean), but we didn’t care. Only your hands, and part of your face, were exposed to the water/air. I carried my FLIP video with me to capture our adventure. Luckily, I was able to take footage above and below the surface.

One by one the sharks came to the boat. At one time we had 3 circling around us. The largest was a female, who was tagged, at 4.2 meters long. She was a monster. As you went under water, the bait was brought closer to the cage, and you got a good look into the eyes/mouth of these amazing creatures. They would swim inches from your face. I did hear a woman scream as the first one came by the cage. One guy got seasick and had to leave the cage. One shark had a hook on the inside of her lip. They would swim quickly by the cage; you had to be fast on your game. Many times you could hear/feel the shark hit the cage as it jostled you around- what POWER!

A few sharks breached out of the water for the bait. The large mouth opened, gums exposed, showing us their sharp, jagged teeth. Sharks continuously shed their teeth and new ones are replaced in a conveyor belt -type pattern. It has been said that some species of shark may lose approximately 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. The tooth fairy must be broke!

It was an experience I will never forget. We spent 3-4 hours in the water watching and admiring these prehistoric fish. The power of their jaws and the force of their tail, as they propelled through the water, was quite a sight. If you are seeking adventure, consider a cage dive with the Great Whites. Even television can’t bring to life what it feels like to be inches away from such a beautiful animal. Thanks Travel Beyond and a special THANK YOU to Pam Buttner.

Great White Cage Diving in False Bay, South Africa

“…I asked the bait guy to please make one open its mouth in front of me like “JAWS”. Then we dropped down, I held my breath and tada! There it was: a HUGE 9′ shark. It looked 20′ long to me, chasing the bait probably 7′ away from the cage. Next shark: big open mouth, right in front of our faces. It looked like it was going to eat us in one giant chomp. The teeth looked crooked and dirty like he was in bad need of a toothbrush. I came to the surface, laughing and ready to go down again. I thanked the bait guy for giving me what I came there for. Down we went again, and BAM! SMACK! A big one slammed his head into the cage inches from our hands; I screamed. Loud. So loud that Randy heard me. I popped up (still screaming), took a deep breath and went back down. I wanted him to come back and do it again. The adrenaline was pumping now and any thought of being cold was gone. It was so amazing… “

Private Vacation Rental in Riversdale, South Africa

“…This place is truly gorgeous landscape. Last night we watched the sun go down over green valley of lush indigenous vegetation. We hiked in to caves where bushman painted the walls over 300 years ago…

True pure beauty is waking up to the sounds of a farm knowing that you have babies waiting for you to take care of them. We have had the greatest couple of days being part of Chris Davies farm, land and spirit. My inner “tom boy” definitely surfaced and memories of farm life and how much I enjoy living in the middle of nowhere surrounded by fresh air, beautiful country and playful animals definitely was put front and center…”

World’s Highest Bungee Jump – Bloukrans Bungee Bridge

“…The fun part for me was watching everyone get ready to jump. Since I had done the Flying Fox, that meant I could be on the bridge with the 8-10 jumpers, all excited and nervous at the same time. The music was blaring and the hearts were pounding. One girl was even crying because she was so scared about her husband jumping.

I watched Randy hop to the edge. He was jumper #4 and the three before him really didn’t dive out the way the instructors were suggesting. Out he hopped and did the perfect swan dive. Down he went, 75MPH for 5 seconds to cover the 708 feet he just volunteered to dive off. Bounce, Bounce, Bounce… Hmmmm… Looked easy enough. They actually pull you back up, but that didn’t look so bad either.

My mind was thinking, “Hey- I’m here, I should do it..”. But I kept looking at the people who had jumped, and their eyes were red and they talked about pressure in their head. I was being my Miss Safety self and decided I didn’t want some major headache to keep me from the safari tomorrow so I didn’t jump. I’m mad at myself now. Guess I will have to come back to South Africa again and have it on my “to do” list to hit the Longest Bungee in the World…”

Luxury Safaris at at Phinda Vlei Lodge and Mala Mala Rattrays

“…We get even closer to the animals here it seems. Some of them are literally almost touchable. Randy could have touched a lion (but elected not to) and an elephant could have put his trunk in the vehicle if I would have had peanuts or something he wanted. Let’s put it this way-we can’t use the camera zoom lens as much here or you’d only see whiskers, tongues and teeth.”

“…The evening drive was phenomenal… We found a leopard with the 8 month cub. We had almost given up and then Randy heard the crunching of bones coming from a cluster of bushes and grass. The mommy leopard came out of the bushes with a Dahyka (small antelope) in her mouth and drug it up into the tree and just sort of hung it there. Then the baby jumped up clumsy-like into the tree to try to show us his climbing skills (not so good as he almost fell out). It was so interesting to watch the youngster interact with his mom (and us). He was a curious little guy and even thought he’s try to bite the vehicle’s tire. I am still in awe over the fact that these wild animals are so calm when they don’t feel threatened.

We finally tore ourselves away from the mom and cub and went off to see the Grey Go Away ( a bird that makes a noise that sounds like “go away”. We came across a huge litter of Dwarf Mongooses and even saw another Hyena. After that – time for a sundowner.. Get out of the rig, stretch our legs, grab a beer with our buddies and toast to a fabulous game sighting and a beautiful sunset.”

South African Fables

“…The African fable says a Wildebeest was made by taking bits and pieces from other animals…. The tail of a giraffe, the rear and stripes of a Zebra, the horns of a Kudu, the back of a Hyena….. I can’t look at them the same way anymore as I always thought they looked like a small Buffalo and now I see all of the animals in them….”

Cape Winelands Tour

“…Then we headed from Cape Town to our next destination – Franschhoek – to do some wine tasting. We took the scenic route through Stellenbosch (a wine and university town 30 min from Cape Town). It was such a pretty drive up and over a small pass until we arrived at our Bed and Breakfast only one hour from Cape Town. Our GPS worked SO well, it let us pick different roads instead of the most direct route so we could see the beautiful parts of this area…”

South Africa–A Trip of a Lifetime

“…It is nice to be “back in the States” – and excited to see everyone – but I must admit, I miss South Africa and the people there and Randy and I already are talking about when we can go back someday!! I HIGHLY recommend it. A trip of a lifetime for sure …”

Looking to plan your own African adventure? Let us know. We’d love to help.

Just wanted to say thank to you both for all of your help with our honeymoon; we just got back yesterday, and both agree that it was the most incredible trip we’ve ever taken.  Cape Town was great (we loved Kensington Place, especially since it was a little quieter and out of the way) and both Botswana and Mozambique were very special.

The game viewing at Chitabe exceeded all expectations, and Craig you were right that Little Vumbura is just wonderful.

Azura, I might add, was simply outstanding; try as we did, we couldn’t think of anything we’d do to change it.

All in all, it was a tremendous honeymoon, so thanks again to you both for going above and beyond.  I should add that everyone in Africa seems to know you guys, so you must be doing something right!

All the best

A few honeymoon photos…

Read about another client’s safari honeymoon experience in the Okavango Delta (Botswana); Johannesburg, South Africa and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

But we were here to meet Captain Rob and First Mate Derek and go visit the great white sharks of False Bay in one of the world’s only places where they breach high out of the water after Cape Fur Seals.  Named False Bay because of the number of ships who would round Cape Hangklip and turn north thinking it was Cape Point only to find themselves in False Bay instead of sailing up the Atlantic coast, False Bay is about 20 miles across and rimmed with quaint towns, fishing villages and beautiful beaches; but it’s a tiny island called Seal Island where most of the action takes place.

There are three of us in the boat plus the Captain and Mate; we untie the ropes and cruise to the middle of False Bay to Seal Island, a true gem location in the African theater.  60,000 Cape Fur Seals inhabit this 1300ft x 165ft, 7ft high at high tide island, the seals must take to the sea and swim quite a distance to their feeding grounds, and therein lies the drama we have come to see.

The shark boats are small, not like big whale watching boats.  The boat ride to Seal Island is about 40 minutes, it’s a gorgeous site as the sun rises over the bay and the shoreline is beautiful looking back.  It is chilly, or better, crisp, and it is so pure and refreshing, the water is calm today and I am excited.  We arrive at Seal Island and turn off the engines, straight out of the Discovery Channel but now real right in front of me, one of many surreal moments during this experience.

SHARK BREACH!!!  I spin my head around and only see the aftermath of a huge splash in the calm sea; I missed it, but loved it anyway.  We continue to scan the waters looking for solo seals, the seals fish far from the island, they try to swim in groups to throw off the sharks, but stragglers always happen, and these are the targets of the great whites.  Viewing a great white shark breach is like viewing a shooting star, scan the water and then there out of the corner of your eye is a violent eruption from the water and then just a splash of disturbed water and perhaps a surface shark chase as the shark gobbles up the stunned seal.  We focus on a single seal that has been separated from the group on its way back from feeding, as it porpoises through the water the anticipation builds and then bang, an eruption and a massive great white is hurling through the air contorting its massive body as the seal spins like a tiny doll high into the air.

SHARK BREACH!!!  I turn and see a seal 20ft in the air and a shark landing sideways in the water, it was massive!  The stunned seal is quickly deep in the sharks belly and he submerges and the water calms once again, brief moments of spectacular action followed by quiet calm.

The sharks were flying that morning, and only two small boats were in the area.  I managed to actually see four breaches, one was right on the seal that I was tracking, the shooting star analogy is the best I can do, I didn’t manage one picture of a breach, too powerful and fast, paralyzing awe combined with raw speed present a photographers dilemma.  Sometimes mental images are best.

By mid morning the breaching had subsided, so we utilized the decoy seal to entice curiosity.  Great white sharks are extremely body aware and curious, they move around the boat very slowly and gracefully and sniff the decoy as the Mate slowly reels it closer, the shark is right there, touching distance, I was amazed by its size, much bigger than I had ever imagined.  Sometimes the sharks will actually breach on the decoy seal, this is a magical experience witnessed just meters from the boat.  The power and agility is awesome!

Viewing the sharks as they slowly sniffed the decoy next to the boat was the best as far as actually seeing the sharks clearly in their entirety, even better than the shark cage for visibility, but not so in terms of breath shortage and heart poundage.

The boat has a small steel cage meant for just two people; some boats have cages for up to six people.  I put on the dry suit with hood and gloves, the water was very cold, the cage is secured to the back of the boat at water level.  There is a hatch on the top which sits above the water.  There are three options for using the cage; none require diving experience or certification:

• Sit on top of the cage with your legs in the water, when a shark is spotted coming to the boat you simply take a deep breath and submerge into the cage and hold your breath
• Use a snorkel
• Use the Hookah System; oxygen tanks are in the boat and a long breathing hose connects to the regulator in your mouth, this way you can stay under the water without coming up and down through the hatch

I hold my breath.  The shark comes toward the boat and the Mate says “now”!  I take a deep breath and submerge.  There were a couple problems with this first attempt, I was so short of breath, hyperventilating with nervous anticipation, gulping air with short inhales like a cat in a car because the water was so cold and I was downright nervous; I managed to get enough oxygen in my lungs for about 3 seconds, I popped straight back out of the cage with a huge gasping inhale like I had been under for some record time.  As soon as I calmed down it was much better.  The visibility was not good that day, maybe 3ft, my friends on the boat saw 5 sharks that I could not see under the water, the boat really does offer a better vantage point for viewing but the cage is a very intense experience knowing you are right there in the water with these massive animals of lore.

On my 6^th descent into the cage I was treated to a memory I will never ever forget, a fifteen foot great white shark slowly swam within inches of the cage, her big black eye seemed to stare straight into me as she silently and effortlessly swam in front of the cage and her enormous body seemed endless, and then she disappeared into the eerie murkiness.  Truly surreal to be so close to this animal I had read and heard so many stories about.

The time flew by like a Cape Fur Seal after a great white shark breach. It was time to return to the dock. The day had been a huge success for shark viewing, much more intense, close, huge, un-crowded, beautiful and interactive than I was expecting; it was just our little boat amongst this unique natural phenomenon. We pulled into the marina at 1pm and bid farewell to Rob and Derek, we had a beer in the pub and went to Boulder’s Beach to visit the penguins.

The great white shark season in False Bay is April – September; False Bay is by far the best place in the world to see great whites breach during these months.

During the off-season (summer months) October – March, the sharks move inshore from Seal Island to feed on summer migrant species of fish so there is not much shark activity around Seal Island, and the False Bay shark charter boats don’t get permits to go that close to shore. During the off-season the best place to see the great white sharks is a two and a half hour drive from Cape Town just off the coast from a town called Gansbaai, there the boats have permits to go close to shore.

The Other Side of the World
Southern Africa safari mesmerizes with a land always ready for its close-up.
By Lainey R. Seyler – AAA Home & Away magazine

South Africa Airlines’ flight from Washington to Johannesburg is one of the longest a traveler can take—it’s 18 hours plus a fuel stop in Senegal. Worlds away, Africa is a continent more diverse in culture, language and geography than I can fathom, and last spring, my father and I set off on a trip to explore the southern region of the fabled land.

Natural Wonders
After a pit stop in Johannesburg, including an overnight at the Grace Hotel, Dad and I gathered ourselves and joined our tour group for a brief flight to Livingstone, Zambia, a town near Victoria Falls.

Residents joke that the highest point in this part of Africa is a termite mound. But it’s here the Zambezi River, seemingly impossibly, plummets more than 350 feet from a plateau into a gorge. The visitor’s only sign from a distance that he or she is approaching this natural wonder is the spray, which rises more than 1,300 feet above the falls. By some considerations, Victoria Falls is the largest in the world, passing some 2 million cubic feet of water per minute over its edge by the end of the rainy season.

A tour of the Zambia side of the falls affords close contact with the river before it takes the plunge. Outfitted with rain ponchos, our group hiked on a paved trail to a point directly across from the falls. After this year’s monumental spring rains, we could barely see the cliff through the mist of spray. We made the trek without slipping but laughing and completely soaked—even with the ponchos.

Later that day, we caught a twilight boat cruise on the Zambezi, during which we spotted vervet monkeys on the Zimbabwe side of the river, a few errant hippos, and the lively and colorful white-fronted bee-eater—a bird common enough in Zambia, but one I never grew tired of seeing.
 
Safari Time
The following day, we passed into Botswana for the wildlife-centered portion of the trip. Botswana, South Africa and Zambia have enjoyed a prosperous decade, achieved by luring tourists to wilderness areas protected from poachers and industrial development. Botswana’s government has also worked to limit the number of tourists who enter its national parks in order to promote the territory’s conservation and encourage a calmer atmosphere for the animals.

Up before sunrise each morning, our group of six was in a Land Rover after breakfast, cameras and binoculars in hand. Our guide for the trip was Botswana native Francis Kudumo, who seemed to know everything about the flora and fauna of the region. Deer-like impalas crossed our path at practically every turn, and Kudumo always had something new to tell us about their coloring, horns, group dynamics or mating habits. And he knew this information for every animal we saw.

Observing the animals was like solving a mystery of nature revealed bit by bit. Stumbling upon a herd of elephants forging the Linyanti River, we saw how the adults shielded the youngsters from us. Kudumo told of the pachyderm’s memory for every trail it travels. I was in complete awe of the symbiotic balance of nature playing out before me.

Our morning drives took us countless miles on dusty roads. We stopped mid-morning for a coffee break, then returned to camp for lunch and a siesta in the heat of the day. Following afternoon tea, we were out again for an evening ride.

Throughout, we spotted exotic raptors with prey, families of warthogs and mongooses, and impossibly colorful birds such as the lilac-breasted roller and the saddle-billed stork. We were even fortunate enough to spot a few larger predators. One night under a full moon, we happened upon a pack of wild dogs whose kill had just been stolen by a group of hyenas.

Another night, we received word of a leopard sighting. Kudumo shifted into third gear and sped to the spot. It took a while to find
the cat, which had temporarily fled the scene, but patience paid off when it returned to the tree where its impala was hidden. Hyenas gathered at the base of the tree, ready to catch any stray morsels. We observed and snapped photos in stunned silence from the safety of the vehicle.

On the Delta
The third camp we visited was in the middle of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Okavango is the largest inland river delta in the world. Instead of emptying into the ocean or a lake, the Okavango River trickles through the Kalahari Desert until it evaporates.

We stayed at a camp located on an island. Traditionally, Batswana maneuver the river in canoe-like boats called mokoros, propelling themselves with a long pole. Hired “polers” ferried us to our campsite and on quiet early morning and evening tours.

We spent hours drifting from island to island through the delta’s reeds, careful not to squish the spiders and tiny frogs that wandered into the mokoros. And when hiking, we were more cautious of elephants and Cape buffalo without the protection of a vehicle.

We stopped to sip wine at dusk each evening. Even on the other side of the world, the sun still sets in the west, presenting a new display for those who take time to watch it.

Planning Your Trip
For information on Zambia and Botswana, visit www.zambiatourism.com and www.botswanatourism.us. Wilderness Safaris, which partners with Travel Beyond to handle its bookings, operates more than 60 lodges throughout southern Africa. To plan your Wilderness Safaris journey, contact Travel Beyond at (800) 823-6063, www.travelbeyond.com  or craigb@travelbeyond.com.

To read Seyler’s Web Bonus about Wilderness Safaris’ extensive conservation efforts and to see more of her images, log on to www.HomeAndAwayMagazine.com.