Southern Africa my Favourite Spots

 

South Africa Drakensberg ©Solange Hando

The Zulus call it 'Barrier of Spears' and this is the highest mountain range in the country. A place for stunning views, rare species and spectacular sunsets.

Drive all the way up to the Sani pass if you dare, 2784 metres, enjoy a meal in the pub and if time allows, spend the night in a traditional rondavel or pop over the border into Lesotho.

                                                               Namib Desert ©Solange Hando

This is the 'sea of sand' spreading all along the coast of Namibia, across the borders and inland for up to 120 km. They say it is the oldest desert in the world and claims some of the highest dunes.

This is an amazing place with dried up oases and skeleton trees but at times some unexpected greenery benefitting from moisture from the nearby Atlantic. Look out for wild life, including the oryx gazelle, Namibia's national animal.

                                                            Victoria Falls in Zambia ©Solange Hando

Plunging down to 108 metres, the Victoria Falls spread 17 km across Zambia and Zimbabwe- the quieter side-, protected by Unesco and national parks on both sides.

On the Zambian side, you can walk along the 'knife's edge' bridge but only the brave should bathe in the Devil's Pool on Livingstone Island. 

                                                     Chobe National Park in Botswana ©Solange Hando

Easily accessed from neighbouring Zambia, this is a great wilderness of wetlands and riverine forest meandering along the blue Chobe river.

It's a haven for wild life on land and water, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocs, buffaloes and more, and 460 species of birds. One of the best safaris in Africa.

                                                       Madagascar Land of Lemurs ©Solange Hando

Off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, this is a big island but two national parks are relatively close to Antananarivo, the capital, most popular Andasibe, a four hour drive or so.

Andasibe's easy trails give you to chance to see a range of lemurs in the wild, including the indri, the largest- and the beautiful 'dancing lemur', as seen on the picture. 

                                                                  Reunion Island ©Solange Hando

Just east of Madagascar, Reunion is a volcanic hotspot, all ravines, gorges and peaks, very green except for the Furnace Peak which erupts every few months.

But in this far away French department, there's plenty to do and see from forlorn villages and mountain treks to tropical beaches and seaside resorts with few crowds.

                                                                 Mauritius ©Solange Hando

          Then if you need to relax, just check out the paradise island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius Images Part 2

Port Louis, Views from the Shrine ©Solange Hando

 Port Louis, the capital, has great views from the citadel or, as above from the quiet hillside shrine of Marie Reine de la Paix, closer to the peaks.

Umbrella Street in Port Louis ©Solange Hando

This is at the heart of the city, a lively shopping district near the Caudan waterfront and craft and food market. Umbrellas are for colour and shade.

Pamplemousse Garden ©Solange Hando

Close to the capital, this superb botanical garden displays 650 varieties of plants, including rare specimens, giant waterlilies, baobabs and 85 species of palms.

Lunch in Eureka ©Solange Hando

In this multicultural island, food ranges from Creole to French, Chinese, Indian and more. Look out for restored colonial mansions turned into restaurants, like this one just outside Port Louis.

The Coast North of Port Louis ©Solange Hando

Mauritius is a romantic place with honeymoon and wedding resorts but if you want to tie the knot in this little Church of Our Lady on the north coast, expect a long waiting list.

Love Flowers? Enjoy ©Solange Hando

  

Images of Mauritius Part 1

Mauritius Beach, Bel Ombre ©Solange Hando

Quiet coves or long stretches of white sands, clear warm waters protected by the coral reef, Mauritius is perfect for beach lovers with superb resorts lapped by the Indian Ocean.

Black River Gorges National Park ©Solange Hando

Down in the south west, a scenic drive from some of the most popular resorts, the park offers 50 km of trails where the more adventurous can watch exotic birds, including pink pigeons and waterfalls.

Chamarel Coloured Earth ©Solange Hando

This is a top attraction in Mauritius created by lava rocks which cooled at different temperatures. It does not not erode and should you mix the colours, they will separate again within a day.  

The North Coast, Cap Malheureux ©Solange Hando

Beyond the bustling Grand Baie resort, this is the most northerly tip of the island, a quiet place with some lovely coves looking out to the islands.

The National Flower ©Solange Hando

Growing on a bush endemic to the island, it is commonly known as the 'earring', just one of many exotic flowers adding myriad colours to Mauritius.

Sunset on the Indian Ocean, Mauritius ©Solange Hando

Tamassa Resort in Mauritius Bel Ombre

Tamassa Resort in Mauritius ©Solange Hando

This all inclusive resort is located in Bel Ombre in south west Mauritius. Stretching along the beach, it is an extensive place, vibrant around the bar area but with plenty of space to relax in peace and quiet. Top attractions are the four swimming pools set in tropical gardens close to the accommodation.

Restaurants include the vast buffet show room for breakfast and themed dinners, the Playa Beach and the casual Chef's Truck for gourmet burghers and other snacks lunch time. There is also an ice cream parlour, plus beach and in-room service.

Superior Room in Tamassa ©Solange Hando

Guest rooms are set in villas scattered across a wide area so be sure yo get your bearings right from the start. Accommodation ranges from standard to superior, beach and family rooms. 

Rooms are spacious, uncluttered and colourful, with balcony or patio. All amenities you would expect from a top resort are available, including bottled water and free WiFi. Superior rooms have excellent bathrooms with double washbasin, spacious walk-in shower, deep-soak bath tub and separate toilet.

Beach in Bel Ombre ©Solange Hando

White sands and palm trees, it's the idyllic holiday place with clear water protected by a the coral reef. Swim, snorkel, sail or take out a pedal boat, the ocean beckons if you can bear to leave your favourite pool.

Other activities include tennis, gym and giant chess. You can also hire bicycles or maybe book a tour or two to see the island's highlights. Highly recommended are the Black River Gorges and seven-coloured earth of Chamarel.

Tree of Peace ©Solange Hando

The Tamassa tree of peace is a serene place where guests can write a wish on a ribbon and hang it on the tree. On certain days there is a small singing bowl ceremony for blessings.

Next door is the spa which offers a range of personalised treatments, facials, scrub, massage, as well as yoga classes.

Also of special interest in Tamassa  is the vintage phone box near the reception where you can call home any time free of charge. Just check the initial numbers with the staff, always available and keen to help.

Sunset in Bel Ombre ©Solange Hando

Weddings, honeymoons, this is a romantic spot with superb sunsets for everyone.. Just get to the beach in good time for within minutes it will be gone