Africa
Posted November 9, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Fly out to Port Elizabeth for a fun-filled beach break, or just to escape the dreary weather. Located on the South African cost, Port Elizabeth is graced by an enviable series of beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, and other watersports. If getting wet isn’t your thing, head to the huge Maitland Dune to try out sandboarding instead. The Donkin Reserve, with its pyramid-shaped memorial, is a very popular attraction here. The Reserve also houses the Opera House and a lighthouse which is open to the public.
See
Kragga Kamma Game Park – Get up close to South Africa’s impressive wildlife at the Kragga Kamma Game Park. The forest and grasslands within the park houses buffaloes, white rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes and many other creatures. You can explore the park in your own car, or join a two-hour guided tour and get really close to the animals.
Eat
Ginger Restaurant – The elegant yet relaxed dining room at Ginger Restaurant is a reflection of what’s on the menu – traditional dishes, updated for the modern diner. Start with a refreshing chilled cucumber and avocado soup, snails in phyllo pastry, or some chilli battered prawn tails. More substantial dishes here include scampi linguine, served in a creamy tomato sauce, ostrich fillet topped with a black cherry reduction, and vodka prawns with a peri peri and white wine sauce.
Stay
Dolphin Dance Lodge – Enjoy a comfortable, home-away-from-home experience, with the added bonus of great views, when you stay at the Dolphin Dance Lodge. The bright, spacious suites here over the sea, and is only a short walk from the beach. The Lodge also has a number of self-catering suites, equipped with fully-fitted kitchens so you can enjoy homecooked meals. Guests are also welcome out rent a barbeque unit for an informal, relaxing meal. Room rates start from about £60.
Check here for Port Elizabeth travel information.
(Photo: southafricain1.co.za)
Posted September 15, 2010 by BookingBuddy
If you feel like escaping to somewhere sunny this winter, why not hop on a flight to Cape Town? Situated on the tip of South Africa, Cape Town enjoys fairly temperate weather all year round. There are miles of shoreline surrounding the city, so you’re sure to find a beach that’s not too crowded. The city is surrounded by a ring of majestic mountains, including the famous flat-topped Table Mountain. It’s is a cosmopolitan, modern city, with several distinctive neighbourhoods. Bo-Kaap, on Signal Hill, stands out with its colourfully painted houses. Boulder’s Beach, near Simon’s Town, plays host to a colony of penguin, and June to November is prime whale-watching season.
See
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Cape Town is surrounded by a unique and diverse variety of flora, so head over to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens if you want to find out more about them. Nestled in the foot of Table Mountain, the Gardens showcase thousands of species of indigenous South African plants. Enjoy a picnic on its rolling green lawns, or explore the hiking trails that wander through different terrains. The greenhouse has a huge display of proteas, as well as a collection of baobab and quiver trees.
Eat
Bo-Kaap Kombuis – Try some Cape Malay cuisine in this casual dining room in colourful Bo-Kaap, while enjoying views out to Table Mountain. Most of the dishes here have a strong Malay influence, with lots of curries featuring on the menu. Order some flaky roti to go with the curries – this traditional flatbread soaks up the sauces very well. Denningvleis is a ‘very traditional Malay meal’ with tender chunk of lamb, served with potatoes, rice and steamed vegetables on the side.
Stay
Cape Heritage Hotel – Make your trip to Cape Town unforgettable with a stay at the Cape Heritage Hotel. The building is situated on historic Heritage Square, close to restaurants and shops. All 17 rooms in the hotel have been individually decorated, for a truly one-of-a-kind look. Most of the hotel’s furniture and artworks come from local artisans, providing the place with a distinctly Capetonian character.
Check here for cheap flights to Cape Town.
(Photo: smh.com.au)
Posted June 3, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Sharm el-Sheikh is rapidly rising in
popularity as a holiday destination, and it’s not hard to see why. It has
crystal clear blue waters, beautiful scenery, and leafy promenades. So if you’re
craving a dose of sunshine later this summer, why not grab yourself a cheap
flight there to top up your tan? Sign up with a diving club to explore the area’s
famed coral reefs, or take some time up to soak up the sun on the golden sands.
You’ll find a wealth of dining options, from local and Bedouin-inspired
cuisine, to cosmopolitan offerings such as sushi bars, and even a Hard Rock
Cafe.
See
Ras Mohammed National Park – Take a
day trip out to this sprawling National Park, just 12km south of Sharm el-Sheikh.
The park boundaries enclose a diverse variety of habitats, from dried out wadis (valleys or riverbeds), to
mangrove swamps and jewel-coloured coral reefs. Take a hike through the park to
explore these habitats, or dive in Shark Reef, a popular dive spot.
Stay
Oriental Rivoli Hotel – Situated on
the bustling stretch of Naama Bay, the Oriental Rivoli is conveniently near a
beach, and has many shops and restaurants on its doorstep. The hotel is sumptuously
decorated, with luxurious fabrics, jewel-toned walls and ornate pierced metal
lamps. After a tiring day diving or exploring the area, recharge your batteries
by indulging in a massage, or enjoying a steam bath in the hotel’s spa. There
is also a private beach for guests to enjoy, with loungers available for rent.
Room rates start from £60.
Eat
Sinai Star –This crowded restaurant,
decorated like a Disneyfied underwater grotto, is often bustling with customers
hungry for some of the best seafood in Sharm el-Sheikh. Come with a large group
of friends and a huge appetite, order a couple of seafood platters and tuck in
with your hands. The foil-wrapped platters are laden with huge quantities of
fresh fish and seafood, with some citrus fruits thrown on top to act as
garnishes.
Check here for Sharm el-Sheikh travel information.
(Photo: dealstosharmelsheikh.info)
Posted February 4, 2010 by BookingBuddy
With many airlines offering cheap flights to Sharm el-Sheikh, why not book yourself a ticket there to escape the last days of winter? This former port is now famous for its stunning underwater scenery and warm, crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for scuba divers.
Stay
Hilton Sharm el-Sheikh Fayrouz Resort – This family-friendly branch of the Hilton offers great value for money, and a wonderful location smack in the middle of Na’ama Bay. The resort’s private beach leads into the turquoise waters of the Red Sea – perfect for exploring its famed coral reefs. Diving novices can benefit from world-class instructors at the Gold Palm Dive Centre, or pay a visit to the watersports centre and lark about in a kayak. The hotel also offers guests a wide range of dining choices, with several bars and restaurants on-site. Rates start from about £90.
See
Sharm el-Maya – The original old town of Sharm rests in a picturesque natural harbour about 15 minutes away from the more popular Na’ama Bay. While not as developed as Na’ama, it is a great place for a scenic stroll around, with a pretty, sandy beach and plenty of cute little boats resting in the harbour. The market here also offers lower prices than many of the shops at the more popular areas of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Eat
Kan Zaman Restaurant – You’ll be treated to great food as well as unforgettable hospitality at this Bedouin-styled restaurant. The inside is laid out like a Bedouin settlement, with guests resting on large, comfortable cushions while enjoying their meal. Most items on the menu are perfect for sharing, with dishes ranging from pasta and fresh seafood, to mouth-watering platters of grilled meat.
Check here for Sharm el-Sheikh travel information.
(Photo: buyegyptproperty.com)
Posted January 26, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Can’t wait for the arrival of warmer weather? Then how about escaping to the sub-tropical climes of Rustenburg to soak up some sun? This tranquil town in South Africa is a gateway to a few stunning game and nature reserves, where adventurous types can come face to face with large animals.
Stay
Kedar Country Hotel – This hotel and spa provides a relaxing hideaway for those of you needing a break from city life. The rustic-looking huts are built with stone and thatch, and decorated with cheerful, vibrant prints that reflect the area’s cultural heritage. The rooms may be simply furnished, but who would want to spend much time moping indoors when the scenery outside is so stunning? The Armoury restaurant is decorated with relics from the Boer War - including a replica cannon- and serves traditional South African fare. Room rates start at about £75.
Play
Sun City Resort - This sprawling luxury resort is a little bit of Las Vegas that somehow landed in South Africa. Even if you’re not staying in one of the four hotels, it’s worth taking a day trip to this lavish resort just for a look at its various attractions. The complex boasts several casinos, a spa, and two lush 18-hole golf courses - the Lost City course has 38 live crocodiles in its water feature!
Eat
Cape Town Fish Market – Its name is a bit of a misnomer, as the Cape Town Fish Market is actually located in Rustenburg, and offers more than just fish. The menu draws on the country’s bountiful produce, and offers up astoundingly fresh fish, as well as prime examples of beef and lamb. Customers who want a taste of South African fare can opt for a bowl of potjie – a large, hearty stew with either chicken, prawn or seafood.
Check here for
Rustenburg travel information.
(Photo: conti-online.com)
Posted January 20, 2010 by BookingBuddy
These cold grey winter days have had many people hankering after warmer climes, but how hot is too hot? Following on from last week’s virtual visit to some of the coldest places on Earth, this week, we’re bringing you to the hottest places on Earth. Those silly looking hats with attached fans may come in handy should you find yourself in any of these hotspots.
Death Valley, USA – With a name like that, you won’t expect to find many signs of life or greenery in the driest place in America. Summer temperatures have been known to top 56
oC, but that hasn’t stopped hikers from attempting to walk through the valley. If you’re not (fool)hardy enough to do the same, Death Valley also boasts many luxurious resorts scattered throughout its seemingly inhospitable terrain, so you can take in the stunning dessert scenery from the air-conditioned comfort of your room.
Bangkok, Thailand – It may come as a surprise to you to find out that Thailand’s capital has the honour of being named the world’s hottest city. Bangkok is surrounded by lush green farmland, but the constant smog and high humidity raises the average daily temperature to well over 28
oC. For some respite from the heat and notoriously bad traffic snarls, head north to the cooler provinces, such as Chiang Mai.
Dasht-e Lut, Libya – If a name like Death Valley doesn’t scare you, then perhaps the sight of parched, cracked mud will. This plateau in the Libyan desert is said to be the driest spot on earth, and is so hostile to life that not even bacteria is able to survive. The temperature here has exceeded 70
oc in some years, so you’ll need more than a fan to keep cool.
(Photo: und.edu)
Posted October 6, 2009 by BookingBuddy
Escape to this beautiful, historic city on the shores of the Mediterranean the next time you need a short break. The capital city of Tunisia, Tunis is an intriguing mix of antiquity and modernity, and African and European cultures. The streets signs are in French and Arabic, and shining skyscrapers tower over bustling souks where citizens still gather to conduct their day-to-day business.
SeeCarthage – The ancient city of Carthage is now a quiet residential suburb in Tunis. The ruins of the old city have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and these days, you’re more likely to find swarms of tourists rather than fearless warriors wandering about the place. For a reminder of Carthage’s bloody history, take a walk through the Tophet – its peaceful, shady calmness belying its past as a supposed necropolis for the victims of child sacrifices. The complex also boasts a museum, and the carefully restored Cathedral of St. Louis has been turned into a cultural centre.
StayDar El Medina – You’ll find this 12-room hotel right in the Medina – Tunis’ centuries-old inner city. Housed in an elegant former family home that is nearly 200-years old, it makes a great base to explore the maze-like Medina. The rooms are airy, with cool marble floors to help beat the heat, and are individually decorated in dramatic rugs and artwork. Make your way up to the terrace during sunset for a stunning view of the city’s rooftops. Guests are offered a large, satisfyingly filling complimentary breakfast – eggs cooked to order, plenty of pastries, spreads, juices, and coffee or tea. Room rates start from around £150.
Eat Café M’rabet – This medieval-style café and restaurant is an institution within the Medina. Said to be built over the tombs of three holy men, the café offers a respite from the heat and crowds outside. Take your shoes off before you enter, and rest yourself on platforms covered with tatties, beside imposing pillars painted in rock candy stripes of red and green. A cup of mint tea will quickly revive your spirits, and you may want to indulge your sweet tooth with treats such as baklava. For a more filling meal, head to the restaurant upstairs, for generous portions of steaming lamb couscous.
Check here for flights to Tunis.
(Photo: planetware.com)
rss
Flights
Archives