South Africa is well-known for its Big Five safari sightings of lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo. A lesser-known fact is that it is also home to the Marine Big Five – the Common Dolphin, Cape Fur Seal, African Penguin, Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale. What is also not well known to … Continue reading »
We can hardly believe it ourselves, but it was 10 years ago today that we launched Baobab Travel. Initially it was a dream that started with a strong love for Africa and a desire to make a difference. Even if that difference was only small. Baobab Travel, as an UK-based tour operator, started with only … Continue reading »
Early in 2010 the last Java Rhino was shot in Vietnam bringing about the extinction of the species. This came at a time, when Rhino poaching across southern Africa was experiencing a rapid increase, as we have previously reported on this blog. Even in the UK, zoo keepers and safari park managers have been placed … Continue reading »
Figures recently released from the University of Cape Town (UCT) have revealed that 2011 was yet another fantastic year for the Southern Right Whales that visit the country each winter. It appears that the population continues to increase at a rate of about 6.8% a year, very close to the biological maximum, with mature cows … Continue reading »
After the recent shark attack in Fish Hoek, False Bay (South Africa), I was going to just add a comment to my blog Rethink the Shark from Villain to Sophisticate. However when I started writing, I decided that the issues deserve a full blog, so here I get on my shark soapbox once again. What happened? … Continue reading »
BAOBAB Travel has been involved with Dalukhanyo pre-school in Langa, one of the oldest townships near Cape Town, for a number of years now. Many of the working women are single mums and need a safe environment for their children during working hours. Dalukhanyo is one of the few nursery facilities in Langa and fills … Continue reading »
As the mild Cape winter comes to a close in August-September, pockets of spring flowers start to emerge alongside roadside verges. If you have planned your trip to arrive in the city at this time, you have a chance of seeing the brilliant purples, yellows, and reds of the hardy daisy species that start to … Continue reading »
Earlier this month (July 2011) the Cape West Coast Trails were launched within the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR). The CWCBR, with the West Coast National Park at its centre, is one of the 6 UNESCO recognised Biosphere Reserves in South Africa. Paul and I were invited to explore the brand new Darling Stagger, … Continue reading »
Having moved to the Cape Peninsula some years ago, we regularly get visitors from Europe who stay with us and wonder at the local wildlife. Whales, penguins, ostriches and….baboons! Driving along the coastal road past Simon’s Town and on to Cape Point, it is almost impossible not to encounter the Peninsula’s infamous Chacma baboons. In … Continue reading »
Kate Dashwood from Hampshire in the UK travelled with Baobab Travel in September 2010 to South Africa. Paul organised a holiday for Kate and 4 family members to Cape Town, both a City and Peninsula location, and a short safari in the Eastern Cape. As they didn’t want to self-drive, so we organised transfers and … Continue reading »
Late last year we spoke to Bert and Louise from Beilen in Holland, who were planning to visit South Africa in March 2011. They booked a private guided tour of the Garden Route with us a few years back and we were delighted to hear from them again. After hearing that they were returning to … Continue reading »
During the recent Football World Cup Cape Point National Park had to close its gates on an unprecedented three consecutive days. Lighthouse at Cape Point That is an extreme event but visitors to the park will know this icon of South African tourism can be one of busiest locations on any Cape Town itinerary. Every … Continue reading »
You cannot call a quick drive through the township a cultural experience – you have to participate and not just be a spectator. So say Knysna Tourism in their promotional material for the Living Local programme in this area of the Garden Route. Liesel and I decided to find out for ourselves and drove the … Continue reading »
This week, the City of Cape Town in cooperation with the Shark Spotting Programme released a public caution to all water users of an increase in White shark activity in the False Bay area. Since the beginning of December, the Shark Spotters have recorded 24 shark sightings between Muizenberg and Fishhoek, and in Noordhoek. White … Continue reading »
Paul and I were recently invited to join one of African Relish’s weekend cookery courses. Wanting to visit the Karoo town of Prince Albert for quite a while and being intrigued by the African Relish set up, we set off for the 400 odd kilometer journey along the N1. Not the most varied route, but … Continue reading »
