A Guide To Accommodation In South Africa

When traveling these days accommodation is not just a place to sleep for the night. There are many types to choose from and South Africa offers a vast range of accommodation options.

One of the most unique places to spend a night is at a 'game lodge' which can be anything from a basic 'rondawel' (round building with thatch roof) to a superbly appointed luxury suite. A game lodge is generally situated in a wildlife reserve or national park with close proximity to game viewing.

With a little homework you can enjoy exceptional value for money in some of South Africa's prime game reserves and national parks. Visit Sabi Sand Game Reserve that borders the famous Kruger National Park. This 'Big 5' game reserve offers some of the best game viewing available anywhere on the continent and is associated with very expenses luxury lodges. With a little research you'll find gems like Elephant Plains Game Lodge and Notten's Bush Camp, both offering great family offers as well as privacy and luxury at affordable rates.

Another amazing experience is found in a KwaZulu Natal game reserve called Phinda. It is one of the most fascinating regions in South Africa combining 7 distinctly different habitats that shelters an abundance of wildlife including Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo). The reserve has some of the most exclusive accommodation options, but it also offers an affordable experience not to be missed - a walking safari where you stay in spacious safari tents with ensuite bathrooms (flush w.c. & hot water!). It is one of the best ways to experience Africa and doesn't break the bank.

Ever stayed on a farm where the cows get milked in the morning and the rooster wakes you up to the smell of freshly baked bread and fresh coffee? South Africa offers exceptional accommodation known as farm stays where you enjoy life on a working farm. It is a great option as part of a road trip or a family holiday. The kids love the outdoors and enjoy the farm lifestyle, be it only for a day or two. It is an affordable way to see South Africa and to experience some local culture and cuisine. These 'farm stays' are found all over South Africa from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Great Karoo as well as the popular Garden Route and Winelands of the Western Cape.

Beach accommodation offers anything from relaxed and comfortable to luxury and exclusivity - the choice is yours. A good place to find accommodation close to the beach is renting a beach cottage. South Africa's coastline offers incredible diversity from remote villages to popular seaside town and city beaches. It is advised to book way in advance as these beach cottages fill up fast especially over the holiday seasons of April & December/January.

The 'old faithful' B&B (bed & breakfast) accommodation is still an all time favorite with more and more business travelers making use of this versatile and affordable option. It's high levels of customer service makes bed and breakfasts an excellent choice. More and more B&B owners cater for the sophisticated traveler that needs a reliable, affordable accommodation option. A new trend in the B&B circles is a 'boutique' feel with hip decorations and modern furnishings. This trend is blending studio living, boutique hotels and the B&B lifestyle to offer great options for both casual and business travelers.

Nowadays accommodation is more than just a bed and a place to have a meal. It's about what you feel like and how much you want to pay to experience it. The choice is there, just do a little homework and you'll find exactly what you're looking for.

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August 19 2010 | Travel | No Comments »

For your Next Adventure try Tulum Mexico

Many people, when making plans for a vacation, will look to a place like Tulum, Mexico. In this place they will find the serenity that one would look for in a vacation. Tulum offers them a wide range of opportunities to experience the type of relaxation this vacation is known for.

There are many fun filled, exciting activities available in the town of Tulum. You and your family will be taken with the natural beauty available to your through one of its three parks such as Sian Ka'an the largest of the three and the aquatic adventures that can be found at the Xcaret and the Xel-Ha. These parks are by far some of the most beautiful of any parks anywhere in the world.

Many visitors come to Tulum Mexico to enjoy its many beautiful beaches where they can swim or they can learn snorkeling. Others just come to the town to get away from everyday life and to catch a nap on the Yucatecan hammocks, surrounded by a grove of coconut trees. On the beaches and in the parks you will find young lovers and families enjoying the activities available to them in this Rivera Maya town.

Even though, you will find that Tulum Mexico is a picture of the past, you will also find that it offers the conveniences you would expect to find in any tourist town such as telephone services and internet cafes. The food offered at the different local restaurants is delicious and the places to stay are comfortable and inexpensive.

If you plan to stay in Tulum you may be interested in one of the areas many hotels, but families and lovers who want to extend their stay will be more interested in one of the condos or apartments. For that luxurious feel you may also be interested in one of the many Cabanas available in the town. In some cases you may even find that your choice of living arrangement is located right on the beach offering you the ability to take long, peaceful walks on the beach.

Located on a cliff that is high atop the Caribbean, visitors are treated to outstanding views. They may also want to visit the highest building called El Castillo which happens to be only one of the many buildings offering visitors a look into the past.

Because Tulum features many important historically profound buildings created by the Maya, it is a popular place for archeology. Many will come to enjoy the peace and serenity of the ruins, and the natural beauty of the town. A visit to Tulum is a great place to experience old world history in a comfortable, relaxing environment.

The best way to get to Tulum whenever you go to Mexico is to arrive in Cancun International Airport, from there you still have about an hour and 30 minutes drive, it is about 84 miles south of Cancun, so you can take a cab or rent a car. Take the main highway from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, it is a four lane highway, and once you get to Playa del Carmen only two lanes will continue to Tulum. The highways are nice and well kept.

February 26 2009 | vacation | No Comments »