Travel & Leisure

Zanzibar, which is an island just off the coast of Tanzania, is an island that has seen much excitement in the last 50 years. There is a lot to the island, though it is mostly known for the beaches. The island is home to a great number of beaches, some of which are among the most beautiful in the world.

These beaches are Tanzania’s biggest attraction, which means that the largest number of tourists go to the island for a number of reasons. One such reason is to do some work on their tan and to finish Dan Brown’s latest thriller while they’re sipping on some cocktail concocted by someone at any of the numerous beach hotels.

The island is home to a large Muslim population, which means that visitors to Tanzania should cover up as much as they can. Swimwear (bikinis, short shorts and other clothing that do not cover the entire body) is acceptable on the beach but outside of the beaches it is advisable to wear clothing that will not elicit stares of disapproval from the people who live there, and from the tourists who know better by now.

It is always a good idea to carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with you. Do not neglect this: Zanzibar is hot year round and frying in the sun is not particularly pleasant. Many of the 25 beaches are so far away from normal, everyday life that they are quite quiet: it’s possible to not hear or see anyone else on the beach so it is a great place to ‘get away from it all’, including humans.

Some of the smaller islands around Zanzibar are the perfect excuse to opt for a travel package that allows trips that last at least a day or two. There is scope for plenty of romance: the beaches are idyllic – white sands dotted with palm trees as far as the eye can see.

The North and East coast of Zanzibar have some of the more popular beaches, which is why there are a variety of travel packages that offer trips to Zanzibar. These beaches are incredibly popular with not only the locals, but also with the tourists who visit the islands in the Indian Ocean.

Author bio:

This article was written for Flightsite about what visitors to Zanzibar can expect.

Many people enjoy the experience of staying in hotels in London and such visits can be enhanced by the right choice of restaurant. [Read more…] about Stays in London hotels can be combined with fine dining

South Africa’s sub-tropical playground, Durban is a favorite holiday destination for locals and foreigners alike. Blessed with a year round warm climate and enough outdoor pursuits to keep you constantly active, being independently mobile with Durban car hire is the best way to explore this bustling city and its surrounds.

Durban’s warm waters, cosmopolitan city, business capacity, proximity to golden beaches, Drakensberg mountain range and typical warm climate make it one the most sought after destinations in South Africa. Featuring interesting architecture, Indian markets, botanical gardens and a laid back atmosphere, peppered with sophistication, the capital of KwaZulu Natal caters to all tastes, fusing Eastern and Western cultures with African culture.

Plenty of accommodation in and around the city makes excursions easy and mean you can stay overnight at just about any destination.

Some of the prominent attractions accessible by hire car include:

• The Beaches: Durban has sun-kissed endless beaches running north and south. Warm waters, surf and idyllic settings make them a treasured part of Durban life. Recommended beaches include Ramsgate Beach, Marina Beach, South Beach, Margate Main Beach and Willard Beach.
• Ushaka Marine World: With over 30 displays this impressive aquarium exhibits South Africa’s marine life.
• Valley of 1,000 Hills: Travel inland from Durban to explore the hills that house rural and traditional families.
• Zululand: Zululand presents an insight into the predominant culture of KwaZulu Natal. Situated inland from the North Coast, visitors are treated to traditional hospitality and a glimpse into the rich Zulu history.
• Hluhluwe Game Reserve: Africa’s oldest game park, home to the Big 5, close to 100 species of animal and well over 300 bird species, this wildlife reserve is an excellent park and prime birding destination.
• Drakensberg World Heritage Site: Magnificent scenery and culturally rich with Bushmen Rock Art dating spanning from 400 B.C. to late 19^th century, the Drakensberg World Heritage Site lies about 3 hours drive inland from Durban.

Durban car hire allows you accessibility and flexibility for inner city travel, cultural discovery and exploration of Durban’s history and surrounding areas.

Author Bio:

This article was written for Drive South Africa, explaining about their Durban Car Hire Options

One of the best options for travelling the country is to consider motorhome hire in South Africa. This self-drive option offers the ideal combination of convenience, comfort and flexibility – allowing you to travel across the many beautiful cities and towns of South Africa in the comfort of your very own home on wheels. Motorhomes, or campers as they are also often called, are fast becoming one of the most popular ways to explore a country at leisure, and make for an unforgettable travel experience as you travel across a myriad of landscapes in comfort and luxury.

For those who are visiting South Africa for the first time, it can be tough to know the best times to visit. To get the most from your camper hire in South Africa, choose the season that offers the best all-round conditions and highlights, to ensure that your trip is memorable and fun.

• Summer

South Africa’s summer begins towards the end of November, and lasts up until March or so. The months between December and February are typically the hottest, but you could still expect heat waves as late as March. Cape Town summers are famous for very hot weather with strong winds – making this the prime season for mountain fires. In Durban, summers are hot and humid, while in the Gauteng region, thunder showers and spectacular lightning displays are common during the hot summer months. Key things to do when considering motorhome rental in South Africa during these months include enjoying South Africa’s excellent beaches, open air concerts, water sports, outdoor festivals and an abundance of New Years parties in almost every town across the country.

• Autumn

Autumn in South Africa offers the best of both worlds, with the weather turning cooler, with plenty of stunning hot days to enjoy. The scenery changes as trees begin to take on their autumn leaves, and locals and visitors alike begin to enjoy some of the attractions on offer such as wine tours, abseiling, road trips to favourites such as the Garden Route, hiking and walking trails, camping and many other fun things to see and do – all offering ideal options when planning your camper rental in South Africa.

• Winter

The winter months can be on the cold and miserable side, but this season has its own attractions. Durban winters are the mildest, and you can still enjoy beach activities during winter – there is even a surfing competition held during the peak of winter (June/July). In Cape Town, locals and visitors flock to cosy pubs and restaurants to enjoy fine local red wines around the fire, to escape the cold and windy weather. In the Gauteng region, winters can be very cold – but with plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, you can still have plenty to see and do during the cold months. A big advantage of travelling during winter is that prices are much lower during these off-season months.

• Spring

Spring is one of the best seasons for visiting South Africa, and offers a riot of colour with wildflowers in full bloom. The Cape Floral route offers the best viewing, and also offers prime whale watching during July to November. In the Gauteng, you can enjoy a host of outdoor activities, while in Durban the beaches begin the fill up as the weather turns towards summer. Spring is an ideal season for those planning a car hire adventure in South Africa, ensuring great weather and stunning scenery.

Author Bio:
Andre Van Kets is the co-founder and IT Director of a leading car hire agency, and offers advice and tips on car hire in South Africa for travelers seeking affordable and reliable self-drive travel solutions.