Hills of Africa Travel Presents The "Children" of Africa - A Providence Day Video

Hills of Africa Travel is helping senior students from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, visit Africa in hopes of lending a hand to locals in need. Hills of Africa Travel is using the world-famous African Encounter travel group, to arrange for these students to visit the South African township of Soweto, Robben Island, Cape Town, Red Hill Community amongst others.


African Encounter and Hills of Africa Travel strive to have a positive impact on the African economy and environment, taking every opportunity to bring about constructive changes in Africa.

The areas these students will visit, desperately in need, are going to be given a gift—the aid of the Providence Day students, who will integrate themselves into the community to lend a helpful hand.



While on their trip, they will visit and tutor children at a Soweto School, play soccer in Cape Town, tutor and play with children at an orphanage, and plant a vegetable garden in the crippling Red Hill community. The Red Hill community is in desperate need of sustenance, and these students are dedicated to bringing this to the land in hopes of providing food and jobs for the people.



You may be wondering how much African culture, nature, and rich history, can have such a large affect on the people who visit. Why each person who travels to Africa is moved by the scent and music in the air, the genuine smiles of the people, and the heartwarming culture. It’s a place where exquisite beauty is matched by no other place on earth. This is Africa—a world unlike any other.

Hills of Africa Travel presents The “Children” of Africa—a Providence day video:



Hills of Africa Travel is proud to be an active member in the African community, and is always looking for new ways to make a positive impact. To learn more about our efforts and travel itineraries, contact us today at (877) 845-4802.

Okavango Delta: An Oasis of Majestic Beauty and Adventure Awaits You

The Okavango Delta is one of the most stunning places to visit in the entire world. With its crystal blue lagoons, vibrant wildlife, and lush plant life, it’s no wonder this stunning oasis is rated as one of the world’s top luxurious destinations for an African Safari Vacation. The wildlife seen at the Okavango Delta is arguably the greatest in all of Africa. The waterholes outside of lavish accommodations are a haven for exotic birds, vivacious colored fish, and mesmerizing game.

Footsteps in Africa, a company which represents the luxurious Delta Camp and Mapula Lodge in Botswana, works together with Hills of Africa Travel to create an intimate, quality, game rich and rewarding Botswana safari experience for their clients. The exceptional accommodations, adventure, wildlife, and dining characteristic to this camp and lodge offer a vintage Botswana safari in the Okavango Delta.



• The Mapula Lodge is perfect for families and honeymooners, with its ten spacious chalets, perfect to retreat to after a long day on an enchanting Botswana African safari. Outdoor showers and screened in porches allow the bush to come to life all around you. Located in close proximity to the private Moremi Game Reserve, this lodge is the perfect place to enjoy a wide spectrum of spectacular game, and adventurous activities. Private, sprawling decks offer a great opportunity to observe a family of hippopotamus playing in the majestic lagoon at close proximity. This lodge’s casual atmosphere allows for a comfortable and playful stay.



• The Delta Camp is tastefully decorated with legendary African artifacts, and soothing colors, reminiscent of the Kalahari Desert. The nearby waterhole boasts spectacular bird viewing, and is the perfect place to watch animals satisfy their thirst in the hot sun. The Delta Camp has seven chalets, and offers an Old-African charm, as it is thirty years old. This vintage camp is the perfect location in the majestic Okavango Delta oasis. If you’re looking for a green stay, the Delta Camp offers just that. Each chalet is built from natural materials, is powered by solar panels, and is raised from the ground. The combination of these green elements never compromises the Camp’s luxurious feel.

There’s never a shortage of adventure at the Mapula Lodge and Delta Camp . . .

• The Mapula Lodge’s location makes it one of the most exceptional places to enjoy a walking safari, and become one with nature. Its surroundings celebrate a plethora of bird species, game, and other captivating mammals. The Mapula Lodge is also an excellent place to experience night safari drives, when the elusive nocturnal animals come out of hiding. The nearby Mopane Woodland and Savanna boast some of the most spectacular creatures in Africa. Species including the cape buffalo and elephant (members of the Big Five), the fish eagle, red hornbill, and spoon-billed stork (bird species), are just some of the few creatures found throughout the lively Okavango Delta.

• The Delta Camp’s dedication to the preservation of the fragile ecosystem forbids game vehicles to be present in the area. Visitors travel the same way the locals do, in dugout canoes along the Zambezi, a haven for sensational wildlife. The Delta Camp is renowned for its excellent, authentic canoe safaris and bush walks on Chief’s Island. Both the walking safari and canoe safari open tourists’ eyes to a world of unmatchable beauty. Kudu, springbok, black-backed jackal, and wildebeest, are some of the many creatures seen on these rewarding safaris. The area is also a prime location for bird viewing. Species such as vultures, goshawks, sand grouse, pied crows, and bee-eater can be found singing in the trees and flying overhead.


The Okavango Delta is a true treasure in Botswana, and is filled with exciting activities for those on a Botswana honeymoon safari, or African family safari. Let Hills of Africa Trave and Footsteps in Africa help you plan your African safari vacation of a lifetime. Contact Hills of Africa Travel today at (877) 845-4802 and build memories that will last a lifetime. An experience of unimaginable proportions awaits you.

Deception Valley Lodge: Botswana's Rewarding Gem

Explore a place where the culture of the people and serene nature of the land are unlike any other place in the world. A place where wild animals roam free and adventure is an everyday occurrence. This place, which encompasses such a definition, would be no other than Botswana.

Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert is one of the most acclaimed destinations for travelers. With its fantastic accommodations, adventures, dining opportunities, and intriguing cultural fabric, the Deception Valley Lodge is one Botswana’s prime time destinations for a rewarding, quality and game rich experience.

If you’re looking for a game rich experience in Botswana, with exceptional service and private accommodations built with impeccable style, Deception Valley Lodge is perfect for you.



Accommodations:

The Deception Valley Lodge is a private sanctuary, boasting eight, lavish chalets equipped with fantastic amenities, and exceptional service. Private chalet decks are the perfect place to relax with a cold cocktail and soak in the sun as it sets behind a beveled horizon. Each chalet serves as the ideal retreat after an exciting day on a wild Botswana African safari. Relax in your private Victorian-style bath tub, or cool off in your personal outdoor shower.

For those interested in staying in the best location Deception Valley Lodge has to offer, the Kalahari Manor villa is the most grandiose and magnificent of them all. Perfect for those on a Botswana African honeymoon safari, this two bedroom villa includes a butler, personal chef, and private guide and safari vehicle. It doesn’t get any more perfect than that.

Adventure:

The Kalahari Desert is one of Africa’s prime locations for game-viewing and excellent for vehicle safaris. Visitors are enchanted by the large game, spectacular birds, and delightful creatures roaming this majestic desert. With species including antelope, kudu, warthog, zebra, steenbok, and lion, the Kalahari Desert is a must-visit location.

Dining:

Enjoy delectable cuisine, and fine South African wines in the soothing outdoors at the Deception Valley Lodge. After a fun-filled morning of game-viewing, relax with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and delight your palette with exceptional foods. Ingredients native to the land are fresh and unique, creating a truly exceptional experience.

Culture:

The cultural fabric of Botswana speaks volumes of its ancient roots, and is a delightful treat to come in contact with. Interacting with the Bushmen of the San Tribe, offers a rare insight into a world of legendary history, spoken directly from ancestors. A morning with the Bushmen is one of the most fantastic and exemplary experiences one could ask for. Learn survival skills, hunting techniques, tribal weaponry, and the laws of nature with the captivating Bushmen. The “click” language of the Bushmen is one of the most unique and intriguing languages in the world. One of the most interesting aspects of this tribe is that, according to genetic studies, all of humankind can be traced back to these people.

Are you ready to take the African safari trip of a lifetime? Let Hills of Africa Travel and Footsteps in Africa, a company which represents the luxurious Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana, plan for you a tailored and exceptional itinerary for your next African family safari, or Botswana honeymoon safari. Contact Hills of Africa Travel today at (877) 845-4802, and prepare to be fascinated by Botswana’s sprawling landscape, magnificent animals, and legendary culture.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge: A Fusion of Luxury and Authenticity

An authentic African safari experience fuses brilliantly with luxurious accommodations at the Tintswalo Safari Lodge, located on the Manyeleti Reserve. This private reserve is home to some of the most exotic birds, game, reptiles, and amphibians in the world, making it the perfect location for an African family safari or honeymoon safari.

Experience what it must have been like, centuries ago, for the European explorers, on a luxury African safari . . .

• Experience a sensational safari with a knowledgeable, private guide. Observe the Big Five stalk their prey, or elephants mingle by the waterhole.

• Pamper yourself at Tintswalo Safari Lodge’s Vital Source Spa, after an exciting day on an African safari tour.

• Tintswalo boasts a passion for the culinary arts, which can be tasted in their delectable cuisines. Enjoy a picnic in the bush, or a candlelit dinner under the stars. Tintswalo Safari Lodge’s chefs blend local flavors with international flavors to create unique dishes with vibrant flavors.

The architectural style of the Tintswalo Safari Lodge reflects the 19th-century luxury-safari style implemented by the first pioneers who came to South Africa in search of its unspoiled treasures. This same luxury is brought to life today . . .

• No request is over looked at the Tintswalo Safari Lodge. Staff is not only attentive, but delightfully friendly.

• A tailored itinerary caters to your every preference, with no detail overlooked—a trip that is both personal and detail oriented.

• Relax on your private deck with a cold cocktail while you observe wildlife at your doorstep, or watch the most gorgeous sunset in the world from your private pool.

Capture the enchantment of the African bush with your loved ones on an African family safari, or enjoy a romantic escapade for two on a South African honeymoon safari. Whatever your preference, Hills of Africa Travel tailors every itinerary to fit personal preferences. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802 and take a life-altering trip through the hills of Africa.

Mpumalanga: Experience a Culture, Rich with History and Art

With a colorful cultural fabric, hundreds of activities to choose from, a unique art scene, and intriguing historic sites, Mpumalanga is one of the most highly-acclaimed and distinct places to visit in Africa. The delightful land, striking wildlife, intriguing national landmarks, and distinct works of art, create a taste of adventure, unique to Mpumalanga.

You’re guaranteed to find something new and exciting to do each day . . .

Historic Sites:

The culture seen today in Mpumalanga has deep roots, dating back to its first settlers nearly 100,000 years ago. Saturated with history, Mpumalanga boasts fascinating cave paintings from thousands of years ago, ruins, temples, legendary gold mines, and much more. Uncover the history of the gold mines, which plagued Mpumalanga with greedy settlers, and tour century-old cemeteries.

The Art Scene:

Bursting with artistic culture, Mpumalanga is one of the most charming places to visit for its art community. Art is part of local heritage in Mpumalanga, with the first artwork dating back thousands of years ago, as spiritual paintings on cave walls. The spiritual nature of these paintings can be seen in many local artists’ work today. Their artwork encompasses the true essence of the Mpumalanga culture, and speaks volumes of history. Bead work, mask crafting, basket weaving, and wood carvings are just a few crafts among a wide spectrum, which Mpumalanga’s locals have to offer. The unique combination of pop art and art reminiscent of the cultural heritage, make Mpumalanga a truly unique art scene.

If you’re looking for adventure, beauty, and luxury, Mpumalanga is the perfect place to book an African safari vacation with Hills of Africa Travel. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802 to begin your journey to Africa. Enjoy an African family safari, or one of our honeymoon safaris, and experience the magic of Africa.

Mpumalanga: A World of Adventure

With a wide spectrum of exciting escapades to choose from, it’s no wonder Mpumalanga is considered the capital of adventure in Africa. Mpumalanga is a haven for people who love the outdoors—whether you enjoy exotic African Safari tours, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, or slalom canoeing, Mpumalanga has it.

Situated in South Africa, Mpumalanga’s hot climate makes it the perfect place to enjoy outdoor delights year-round. You’re guaranteed to find something to fulfill the craving for adventure . . .



Adventurous Activities:

There are an infinite number of possibilities when it comes to adventure in Mpumalanga. Horseback riding, wildlife walks, caving, canoeing, rafting, and fishing, are just some of the many activities to enjoy. Glide on the wild side off of Mpumalanga’s Blyde River Canyon. Paragliding and hangliding are sure to create an adrenaline rush. With cliffs as tall as 2,400 feet high, Blyde River Canyon ranks as the world’s number 3 largest canyons, and one of the most spectacular views in all of Africa. For mountain enthusiasts, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking are a must in Mpumalanga.



African Safaris:

Observe ferocious wild game, vibrant birds, and slithering reptiles, on an authentic African safari tour on the Kruger National Park. This Park is the most ancient in Africa and arguably, the greatest Park to spot the Big Five and other captivating mammals. For many people, the Big Five are the most amazing creatures you can witness on an African safari vacation. These five magnificent animals would be none other than the elephant, cape buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard.

Explore the real Mpumalanga and uncover a world of exciting adventure, on an African family safari or a magical honeymoon safari . Hills of Africa Travel will create the perfect itinerary for you, tailored around your every preference. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802, and live the magic of Africa.

Walking Safari: Top Ten Tips for Walkers

To enjoy an African walking safari, you do not have to have the endurance levels to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.

An African Safari is not just about seeing the Big Five, it's about the small stuff. You get to distinguish between the different foot prints, you get to check out flowers, trees, plants, you get to see the insects, you even get to inspect dung!

Here are few tips to help make your walk a trip of a lifetime:

1. Wear neutral colors (greens and browns); avoid white, bright or very pale colors.
   
   
2. Lightweight long pants are better than shorts, they help protect you against ticks and thorns.
   
   
3. Make sure you wear a hat to protect you from the sun (neutral color).
   
   
4. Go without deodorant (animals sniff out artificial scents).
   
   
5. Make sure to use sun protection, even when it is cloudy and overcast.
   
   
6. Take a small backpack with you containing a bottle of water, your camera and a Field Guide.
   
   
7. Make sure to listen to your guide and do EXACTLY AS HE SAYS.
   
   
8. Keep binoculars handy, preferably on a strap around your neck, they will come in very handy.
   
   
9. Bring a lens in your backpack that can take close-up pictures, also a long distance lens to capture the animals in the distance.
   
   
10. Whatever you want to do (go for a bathroom break, tie your laces) make sure to tell your guide.

Learn how Hills of Africa Travel can help you experience a Zambia honeymoon safari or Zambia family safari of a lifetime by calling us today at (877) 845-4802.

Walking Safari: The Complete Connection to Nature

Are you ready to take a vacation full of fresh perspectives and life-altering adventures? Zambia’s Luangwa National Park is the place to go. Famous for its exceptional walking safaris, exotic wildlife, unspoiled wilderness, and infinite beauty, the Luangwa National Park is a must see destination for safari enthusiasts.

Filled with a wide spectrum of wildlife, the Luangwa National Park is the ideal haven for water dwellers, land animals, and tree habitants. The intricate streams, which weave throughout the land, stimulating heavy plant growth, and the bending trees, which canopy the streams and earth, create the perfect place for a walking safari.

Celebrating over a 100 different species of mammal, 500 species of bird, and nearly 50 species of reptile, you’re guaranteed to see something extraordinary in Luangwa National Park’s wilderness. Walking safaris bring you closer to exotic wildlife than ever before. No longer do you have a safari vehicle between you and nature. It’s the raw feeling of being among nature with no barriers, which creates a sense of fulfillment and thrill.

During your walking safari, a personal tour guide takes you through the untouched woodlands, open grasslands, and dense forests. You’ll see lions yawning as the afternoon slowly passes, crocodiles waiting patiently in the water, and elephants bathing in the stream with their young. The feeling of pure excitement washes over your body as you stand merely a few feet from these magnificent creatures.

This is not a vacation. This is a one-of-a-kind experience. A perfect memory. Let Hills of Africa Travel plan your African family safari or honeymoon safari. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802. A world of radiating beauty, breath-taking creatures, and fantastic adventure awaits you in the hills of Africa.

Life is perfect on the Garden Route's Beaches

Home to stunning backdrops, sprawling white beaches, and magnificent wildlife, the Garden Route in South Africa is one of the most celebrated vacation destinations in the world. The year-round beauty and ideal climate offer locals and visitors alike, the opportunity to relax on the Garden Route’s many beaches under the African sun.

The pristine, white coastline of the Garden Route is accented perfectly by a mountainous and lush green backdrop. With sheer beauty and tranquility surrounding the area, it’s no wonder the Garden Route is one of the most world-renowned beach destinations.

The variety of Garden Route beaches to choose from may be a difficult task, but whichever beach visitors choose, they’ll never be disappointed. Each beach is a haven for a wide spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy breathing in the ocean’s salty sea breeze, whale watching, diving, water sports, basking in the sun, or photography, you’ll love the golden beaches of the Garden Route.

Choose from:

Mossel Bay

Bordering the Indian Ocean, this seaside delight is rich with culture, adventure, luxurious restaurants, high-end accommodations, museums, and so much more. When the beach gets too hot, take the whole family on a whale watching tour, to the Shell Museum and Aquarium, or to the Maritime Museum. With so much to do you’ll never want to leave.

Plettenberg Bay

Enveloped by the jagged Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains, Plettenberg Bay is an excellent place to hike extraordinary mountains and witness unbelievable landscapes. Relaxing at a nearby café or high-end restaurant is a great way to cool off and spend time reminiscing about the day with family. For a little more adventure, enjoy a one-of-a-kind whale watching excursion for a break from the beach.


The Wilderness Beach

If you’re looking for a beach backdrop with rugged terrain, serrated mountains, and frothy, crashing waves, Wilderness Beach is the place to go. Also excellent for sunbathing and relaxing, this beach uniquely combines excitement and tranquility.

Port Elizabeth

Famous for its sea port, beaches, and fantastic climate, Port Elizabeth is one of the top vacation spots in Africa. The year-round breeze and the warm waters of the Algoa Bay, make Port Elizabeth the ideal location for sailing, windsurfing, and swimming. When it’s time to take a break from the beach, the city offers great shopping, a variety of eateries, historic sites, and much more.

Let Hills of Africa Travel take you to a land where outstanding beauty is met by sheer adventure. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802 or visit our website at www.hillsofafrica.com to learn more about our African family safari and honeymoon safari ) itineraries .

Isn’t it time you took your trip of a lifetime?

Animal Spotlight: The Elephant

Living up to its title as one of the Big Five, the African elephant is the largest animal on land, with adults weighing nearly 12,000 lbs., and standing approximately 8 - 13 ft. tall. These tremendous creatures are magnificent to watch while on an African safari tour. Their close knit families, playful manor, and intriguing physique are just a few characteristics luring the attention of visitors.

Bizarre Elephant Details:

• Elephant trunks are made up of more than 40,000 muscles. Compare that number to the human body, which is made up of only 640 muscles . . .

• The elephant’s trunk is a fascinating tool, which performs several different actions. It uses its trunk to smell, drink, breath, and pick things up. Quite the innovative tool.

• All African elephants have tusks which are used as shovels to pick the ground to find water and food.

• Elephants are herbivores—the animal version of a vegetarian.

• There are two species of elephant—the Asian elephant and the African elephant, with the Asian elephant being the smallest of the two.

• Elephants’ ears are an important cooling mechanism during those hot African days. Their ears emit heat in order to cool their bodies. Another way elephants keep cool is splashing through the water. They suck water up their trunks and spray it over their bodies to remain cool.

The mere sight of an elephant on an African safari tour will have your heart pounding with excitement and curiosity. The baby elephants will surely provoke a giggle from within as they prance around waterholes, splashing about.

Discover the magic of an authentic African safari vacation and uncover a world of sheer joy. Our African family safari and honeymoon safari itineraries cater to every individual preference and interest. Contact a Hills of Africa Travel agent today at (877) 845-4802 or visit our website at www.hillsofafrica.com to begin this once in a lifetime journey.

A Unique “Tasting”

When all the wine tasting gets to be too much, try a taste of something that won’t give you the spins. Olive oils produced in South Africa are some of the best in the world and many farms offer both olive oil and wine tasting.

Olive oil is rich with the flavor of the land it was harvested in, which is why each olive oil is slightly unique to the area it was created in. Olive oil tasting is similar to the process of wine tasting. Both invite the nose and taste buds to differentiate the complex flavors and aromas, which lend to its taste.

Visitors to South Africa’s prestigious Morgenster Estate enjoy both wine and olive oil tastings. Morgenster produces a variety of olive products including black and green olives, extra virgin olive oils, and olive pastes. Internationally recognized for its exquisite olive oils, this farm boasts a large library of awards and was recognized as “Mill of the Year 2007,” the greatest honor for olive producers. In addition, the farm’s extra virgin olive oil was the first olive oil of South Africa to win Italy’s L’Orciolo D’oro award several times in various categories.

Visitors watch the process of extracting oils from the olives at the Estate’s olive processing center, receiving an up-close look into olive oil production. Most of the olives are hand-picked and the oils must be extracted within two days of picking.

Experience all the rich flavors South Africa has to offer while touring through legendary vineyards and olive farms. Let Hills of Africa Travel plan your life-altering safari vacation, rich in both authenticity and luxury. Call us today at (877) 845-4802, and discover how you can begin your journey to Africa.

An African Safari Different From The Rest

At the southern bank of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe lies the Mana Pools National Park. Famous for its plentiful wildlife, majestic scenery, and unspoiled terrain, this Park is often referred to as Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Riviera. The river is an excellent magnet for a spectrum of wildlife, making a canoe safari a must.

These safaris are an outstanding way to enjoy game viewing from a new perspective. Instead of the traditional bumpy, off-road safari, a canoe safari quietly takes you down the Zambezi River. It’s so smooth you can even hold a cocktail while enjoying the surrounding wildlife and grandiose beauty.

The river is home to spectacular animals different from those observed in the dry arid plains of Africa. A canoe safari down the Zambezi River offers the amazing opportunity to observe wildlife not seen during off-road safaris. The combination of the quiet river, unspoiled nature, and canopying trees, can be matched by no other place on earth.

On your canoe safari in the Mana Pools National Park, you’ll be within feet of:

• Over 380 species of bird.

• An animal known as one of the Big Five—the buffalo.

• A sneaky crocodile lurking on the river bank.

• Elephants bathing with their young.

• Hippos charging in the water with magnificent power.

Build memories that will last a lifetime as you journey down the Zambezi River on a blissful canoe safari. Contact Hills of Africa Travel today at (877) 845-4802, and let us plan something special for you. The magic of Africa awaits you…