Latest news with #KrugerNationalPark
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
I moved from Britain to South Africa – the quality of life is so much better
I first landed in Cape Town back in 2004, at 22 years old, for a one-year study-abroad programme with the University of Edinburgh. I'd never set foot on the African continent before, but I was completely hooked the moment I stepped off the plane. My mind was blown, seeing a buzzing city surrounded by incredible scenery, from Table Mountain to the Atlantic Ocean. Something about the energy of Cape Town got under my skin. After my study year ended, I headed back to Edinburgh to finish my economics degree, but I knew I'd be returning. After hundreds of phone calls and messages, a friend I had met in Cape Town and I came up with the idea to start a travel company running gap year adventures in South Africa for UK students. I moved back to Cape Town in 2008, when we ran our first trip. The early days were a blur of school talks and dodgy projectors, but the end result was a series of successful three-month overland journeys across South Africa. The business evolved into tailor-made travel, starting with friends and word of mouth. Then, in 2014, I co-founded a new travel company, Timbuktu. South Africa has more than lived up to my expectations. It is an incredible country. You can hike in the Drakensberg mountains, drive across the Karoo desert, sip world-class wine in the Cape Winelands and spot lions in Kruger National Park. Cape Town itself is such a great mix of just about everything – mountains, beaches, restaurants, shopping (so my wife tells me!) and culture. South Africa has a very entrepreneurial spirit with amazing talent, especially creatively, and it's a great place to build a team. The operating costs in South Africa are relatively low, which is a huge advantage in scaling a business, locally and internationally. The flip side is the bureaucracy! There's a lot of red tape and restrictions around banking and international payments. There are also very strict labour laws, heavily weighted towards employees, which is great in theory, but it can make it tough to move quickly when you're trying to grow. The cost of living, compared to the UK, is incredible. You can have an amazing lifestyle without the eye-watering prices of London (especially when it comes to renting property and eating out). In terms of lifestyle, it really couldn't be more different to the UK. Here, my days revolve around the outdoors – surfing before work, hiking at the weekend, and visiting some of the best restaurants and vineyards in the world. Endless blue skies and sunshine help too! Of course, there are downsides. The social inequality and economic issues are huge. Many people live in poverty and there are high levels of crime in certain areas. Pockets of racial tension still exist too, after the country's apartheid past. Safety is probably the biggest question mark for most people and, when you look at the bigger picture across the country, it's sadly not unjustified. However, it is very location specific. I have now lived in Cape Town, in various locations, for nearly 20 years and have always felt very safe in most central and coastal suburbs. You definitely learn to be more vigilant, however. You have to be aware that there is a lot of petty crime on the streets, related to the high levels of poverty and unemployment. This means not leaving anything visible in your car, not walking alone at night and avoiding certain areas. Visas are the less glamorous side of moving to South Africa. My initial visa was relatively straightforward as it was a study visa linked to my course in Cape Town, but it only gave me a year in South Africa. When we started our first travel company – which was based in the UK with an office in Cape Town – I got an Intra-Company Transfer work visa, which allowed me to work in South Africa for up to four years. I then managed to renew that visa for another four years. When we started Timbuktu, which is based in Cape Town, I got a Critical Skills visa with the help of an immigration lawyer. Finally, after five years and jumping through more hoops than I can count, I got Permanent Residency status, which allows me to live and work in South Africa indefinitely. Navigating the visa landscape can be overwhelming – and it has become more challenging in recent years, with long wait times and fewer options – but finding a good immigration lawyer is a game changer. Finding one early on is my best advice. Since I first moved here, Cape Town feels more international. There has been a huge increase in tourists visiting and working remotely due to the lifestyle benefits. There's an influx of new apartment hotels and Airbnbs along the Atlantic coast, where we live. From a business perspective, the number of people starting businesses and investing in the country is higher, which is fantastic to see. There's also been a shift in the social fabric. When I first arrived, racial tension was much more visible, but now I think there's more integration, collaboration, and progress. There's still work to do, but the direction feels hopeful. My (now) wife and I met in Cape Town 10 years ago. We both love living here and it definitely feels like home, particularly since we bought a house in the coastal neighbourhood of Sea Point two years ago. We are both very free-spirited and don't make long-term plans, but neither of us can imagine life without Cape Town in it. My advice for anyone moving to South Africa is to say yes to everything (within reason!). Be open, be patient, and embrace the adventure. Things like setting up bank accounts and navigating paperwork can take longer than you'd like, but the rewards and lifestyle far outweigh any of these frustrations. If you come with an open heart and a flexible mindset, you'll discover a country bursting with natural beauty, creative energy, and a lifestyle that's hard to beat. How to move to South Africa Immigration lawyer Nora Dawud, founder of Cape Town-based Black Pen Immigration, breaks down some common visa options for British citizens. Retired Person's Visa Requirements: Monthly income of at least ZAR 37,000 (approximately £1,600) from passive sources (e.g. pensions, annuities or investment returns). Work Visa (e.g. Critical Skills Visa) Requirements: Qualifications and experience in fields listed on South Africa's critical skills list and an offer from a South African employer. Financially Independent Permit (Permanent Residency) Requirements: Proof of net worth of at least ZAR 12 million (approx. £500,000), plus payment of ZAR 120,000 (approx. £5,000) upon approval. Processing times: Between eight weeks for a work visa and up to two to four years for a financially independent permit, depending on specific circumstances. Find out more on VFS Global (through which applications are processed) and South African Home Affairs websites.
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24-05-2025
I've Been on Dozens of African Safaris, and This Is the Best Way to See the Wildlife—and No It's Not on a Game Drive
If there was a loyalty program for safaris, I'd have million-miler status. I can recite the safety speech verbatim (keep all body parts inside the Land Cruiser if you want to keep all body parts), tell the difference between male and female giraffes (ladies have furrier ossicones, or horns), and set up a stunning sundowner (pink tonic water is the secret to picture-perfect gin and tonics). I've flown in helicopters over elephant herds in Botswana, navigated hippo-infested waters by wooden canoe in Zambia, and watched kudu graze from the comfort of my private plunge pool at a five-star camp near Kruger National Park. But if you ask me about my favorite way to see the Big Five, you may be surprised. It involves padded shorts, PBJs paired with Fanta, and climbing into ice baths as cold as the African sun is hot. Enjoying the sunset with Botswana cycling safari with Natural Selection. 'How risky is this?' I asked the first time I went on a cycling safari. Kyle MacIntyre, our Natural Selection safari guide who was raised in rural Botswana, handed me a helmet and smiled. 'Cycling is a very natural and pure form of being in the bush,' he said, simultaneously dodging the question and assuring me. I took comfort in the rifle—capable of taking down a bull elephant, but never needed—mounted to his mountain bike. 'You can hear all the alarm calls from the birds, the snapping of twigs, and because most animals won't be by the busy roads, you have a better chance of seeing them by bike.' MacIntyre wasn't wrong. In the four days we spent cycling and camping together in the Kalahari Desert, I noticed the wildlife either eyed our two-wheeled endeavors with curiosity or indifference. They definitely didn't see us as food. Mountain biking Grumeti Reserve. My first cycling safari was so riveting, I now prefer game rides to game drives. On a game ride, you can't kick back the way you can on a drive. All five senses have to be firing at once. It's equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. And in the case of my most recent cycling safari this past October—the inaugural Wagora Bike Ride at Singita Explore—I made lifelong friends and pedaled for a purpose. Instead of just seeing the Big Five, we were saving them. 'Ready to ride?' asked Braya Masunga, operations manager at Singita Explore. Masunga, who greeted my cousin, Rosie, and me with welcome drinks and cool towels, won't tell you, but Singita Explore is the luxurious tented camp where Leonardo DiCaprio stays when he's in Tanzania. You won't find any paparazzi in these parts—just the continent's coolest anti-poaching unit. In fact, the five-day cycling safari we were about to embark on is named after Kitaboka Wagora, an anti-poaching scout who was murdered by a poacher in 2008. Proceeds from the Wagora Bike Ride are donated to the Grumeti Fund, a non-profit that employs nearly 100 anti-poaching scouts tasked with protecting wildlife in this 350,000-acre section of the Serengeti. Katie Jackson cycling by a hear of giraffes while in Tanzania. Like game drives, game rides start early. Fortunately, rising and shining in the bush is easy. Singita Explore's cooks have coffee brewing over the open fire and a carb-heavy spread waiting for us. With the help of a headlamp, the on-site bicycle mechanic, a Kenyan named Godfrey, makes sure our tires are adequately aired and ready for the day's 20 miles. The goal is to be cycling no later than sunrise. This is when it's coolest, and the animals are most active. Sporting matching cycling jerseys, our peloton is a motley crew. I'm an avid roadie who learned how to ride from my friend, the 17-time Tour de France legend, George Hincapie. Meanwhile, Rosie barely feels comfortable on a beach cruiser. Skyler Nuelle—the Grumeti Fund's head of partnerships and impact analysis—recently mountain biked up Mount Kilimanjaro in a four-day stage race, and Vicky Mkessa, programs coordinator for the Grumeti Fund, has never been on a bike before. We're escorted by a couple of safari guides who can track and tell us about the animals we'll see, and at least five armed anti-poaching scouts, most of whom don't speak English. We may not speak the same languages, but there's something about riding in a group—taking turns breaking the wind for each other—that bonds us in ways bumping around in a vehicle never would. In Botswana, we cycled on 'elephant highways'—well-trodden paths made by Africa's biggest five. But here in Tanzania, we're riding on a mix of dirt roads and single-track paths winding through the Grumeti Game Reserve, grasslands home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffalo, and the rare eastern black rhino. We see everything except leopards and cheetahs as we ride. My favorite sighting is a pair of lions we watch through binoculars at one of our rest stops. Most cycling safaris feature refreshment tables—covered with orange slices, PB&Js, and soda—approximately every eight miles. If you need to use the bathroom, you find a tree. I love working out and seeing wildlife at the same time. It makes me feel less guilty about indulging in the Instagram-worthy brunch waiting for us when we ride back into camp. But before diving into the buffet, we dunk ourselves in ice baths. After refueling, it's time for a nap and massage, followed by afternoon tea and a game drive. We return around dark and discuss the next morning's ride and route over a multicourse dinner fit for Mr. DiCaprio. Full bellies, sore legs, and happy hearts, we're all looking forward to tomorrow's 5 a.m. wake-up call. There's something about being on a bike that brings you back to childhood, and we can't wait to feel like kids again (especially if it means we get to watch "The Lion King" in real life).
The Independent
23-05-2025
- The Independent
The ultimate adventure travel guide for 2025
In the mood for something more adventurous for your next getaway? Here's a curated collection of unforgettable getaways, from whale-watching in Northern Norway to luxury safaris in Kenya, each designed to reconnect you with wild places both near and far. Conquer Africa's highest peak with a top local team If you've ever dreamed of standing atop the 'Roof of Africa', this could be your year. Tour operator Climb Kili has already helped thousands reach the 19,341ft summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with a smart blend of experience and safety. Locally operated for over four decades, it offers multiple route options to suit your ability, plus premium gear, personalised logistics and porter welfare standards that are industry leading. Tackle misty rainforest trails and catch sunrises above the clouds — every step is supported by a team that know the mountain inside out. Whether it's your first big climb or your boldest to date, this is one trip that will change the way you think about high-altitude adventures. Track wildlife at a unique South African safari lodge Kruger Shalati offers travellers a safari experience like no other — the opportunity to sleep in a repurposed classic train, permanently stationed on a historic bridge over the Sabie River. Situated in South Africa's iconic Kruger National Park, this extraordinary lodge blends heritage design with modern luxury touches, pairing panoramic views with jaw-dropping wildlife encounters, like watching elephants wander below your glass-walled suite, or heading out on twice-daily game drives led by expert guides. Land-based family suites, gourmet dining and a serene pool deck offer next-level luxury, and Kruger Shalati's strong commitment to sustainability and community — through its 'Pillars of Hope' programme — means you can rest easy knowing your stay supports local people and ecosystems. Prime game-viewing runs May through October. Fly to Latin America in comfort and style Seasoned travellers know the best adventures often begin before landing — and Avianca offers one of the smartest, most stylish ways to explore Latin America. With daily direct flights from London to Bogotá aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, expect smooth skies, curated entertainment, and standout Latin American cuisine served with warmth and care. The journey begins in Bogotá, Colombia's vibrant capital, known for its art, music, and world-class gastronomy. From there, travellers can experience the country's incredible diversity — from the colonial charm of Cartagena to the lush coffee landscapes of the Andes. Avianca connects to over 150 destinations across the Americas, making it easy to reach everywhere from Costa Rica's rainforests to Peru's culinary hubs. With flexible fare bundles, access to the Star Alliance network, and a choice between economy or Insignia by Avianca business class, Avianca delivers comfort, convenience, and service — taking travellers closer to their next great story. Explore Kenya's wild beauty in refined luxury Not all safaris are created equal. Locally owned and family-run, bespoke adventure company Crimson Brookes Safaris presents Kenya at its most exclusive — a 12-day odyssey through private conservancies, with rare wildlife encounters, staying in elegant eco-lodges. Begin in the Maasai Mara, where private game drives and bush dining immerse you in nature's grandeur. Venture north to Samburu's rugged beauty, where elephants and rare species roam dramatic, photogenic terrain. In Ol Pejeta Conservancy, witness pioneering conservation in action, including rare encounters with the last northern white rhinos. Finally, retreat to the secluded Lumo Conservancy, where your luxury lodge overlooks the golden savannah. Every moment is tailored; every detail considered. This is the Kenya you've always dreamed of — wild, intimate, utterly unforgettable. And now available with 10% off. Go off-grid on a Tanzanian safari like no other Want to go where the wild things are? Western Tanzania remains one of East Africa's least explored regions — and one of its most thrilling. On Nomad's exclusive itinerary, you'll track big game in the raw, remote savannahs of Katavi, then cross to the rainforest-fringed shores of Lake Tanganyika for close encounters with chimpanzees in Mahale. At Chada Katavi, elephants amble past canvas tents. At Greystoke Mahale, reachable only by boat, you'll wake to birdsong, trek through ancient forest and toast the day on the beach. The wildlife is astonishing. The solitude? Profound. But don't mistake this for roughing it — this is wild luxury at its most elegant and authentic. If you've already seen the Serengeti, now's the time to go deeper. If you've ever dreamed of encountering pink river dolphins amid ancient towering trees deep in the Amazon, now is your chance. Anakonda Amazon Cruises leads luxury expeditions through Ecuador's most biodiverse landscapes, following the winding course of the Napo River. Aboard either the Anakonda or the Manatee — two beautifully designed, purpose-built vessels with panoramic lounges and air-conditioned suites — you'll explore one of the world's richest and most fascinating ecosystems in serious style. Guided by expert naturalists, guests learn about the rainforest's vibrant flora and fauna and meet local communities with deep ties to the land. These are small-scale, sustainable adventures made for nature-lovers, wildlife photographers and curious travellers alike. Let the forest's stories unfold around you and discover the Amazon as few ever do. Experience Kenya's wild wonders in true comfort and style Whether you're witnessing the world's rarest rhinos or flamboyant flocks of pink flamingos, the Kenya Classic Safari with Explorer Kenya is a masterclass in the art of adventure. Your journey begins in Samburu, where Grevy's zebras and reticulated giraffes roam landscapes few visitors reach. Next, cross the Equator to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to chimpanzees and the world's last two northern white rhinos. Pause at Lake Nakuru, Kenya's legendary pink lake, then end in the Maasai Mara, where lions and wildebeest sweep across the savannah in scenes worthy of Attenborough. With expert local guides, custom itineraries and a shiny new fleet of 4WDs, this is East Africa at its most immersive and luxurious. Book before 31 August with code KCS08 for 10% off. Every winter, the remote Kvænangen fjord in Northern Norway plays host to one of nature's most magical spectacles: vast schools of herring lure orcas, and humpbacks fin and sperm whales into the icy waters. With OffTrack Experience, you can witness this spectacular migration by sailboat, spending the nights in a cosy lodge in a secluded fishing village only accessible by boat. Led by Espen and Delphine — a Norwegian French couple with 30 years of Arctic know-how and a large extended family of friendly huskies — this is small-scale adventure at its most intimate and awe-inspiring. Think snowy mountain peaks, salmon-coloured winter skies and once-in-a-lifetime marine encounters. It's a world-class wilderness experience, thoughtfully curated for both families and small private groups. Availability strictly limited for the 30 November to 7 December 2025 departure. Tick Everest off your bucket list on a once-in-a-lifetime trek As great adventures go, there's nothing quite like marvelling at the foot of the world's highest mountain. Visit Himalaya Treks offers life-affirming journeys to Everest Base Camp, guiding you through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests and vast Himalayan valleys on your way to 17,598 feet. This isn't just a hike – it's a chance to connect with one of Earth's most dramatic landscapes, supported by expert local guides and thoughtful logistics every step of the way. The sense of accomplishment is real, and the views are unforgettable. Book now and receive a complimentary two-night, three-day jungle adventure in Chitwan National Park (worth US$200), perfect for capping off your high-altitude adventure with a dose of lowland wildlife. If you've ever wished your appreciation of other cultures could go deeper – with true connection, understanding and personal growth – this is your chance. EF's immersive Language Abroad programmes blend education and adventure in 17 destinations across the globe, from Tokyo to Barcelona. Whether you're 18 or 50, staying two weeks or a year, you'll learn at your own pace, with courses tailored to your level and goals. Join a truly global classroom with students from more than 100 countries, stay in quality accommodation and explore your surroundings with built-in activities and excursions. Start any Monday of the year, knowing that one language level of progress every six weeks is guaranteed. See Iceland's wonders in comfort and luxury Iceland has a wild landscape, but your journey needn't be. With Bespoke Iceland, the untamed beauty of glaciers, geysers and lava fields meets the quiet luxury of private transport – ideal for families, couples or small groups who want the thrill of adventure, with the security and peace of mind of a private ride. From jet runways to remote retreats, the discreet service transports you seamlessly in luxury SUVs, saloon cars or jet vans, complete with onboard Wi-Fi, refreshments and a local guide behind the wheel. Every journey is custom, with flexibility built in. Pause for photos, detour for lunch or simply skip the crowds. From boardroom to black sand beach, and ice caps to client dinners, every route is tailored. Wherever you roam, be a seasoned traveller There's no reason to sacrifice flavour just because you're off-grid. Whether you're hiking the Highlands or rustling up breakfast on a camping stove in Southeast Asia, Oryx Desert Salt's Mini Travel Shakers bring a seriously good taste to the trail. Sourced from an ancient underground lake in South Africa's Kalahari Desert, this naturally sun-dried salt is unrefined, rich in essential minerals and completely free of microplastics at source. It's paired here with bold, hand-harvested Madagascan black pepper — both packed into lightweight, biodegradable shakers that slip easily into a rucksack or glovebox. No plastic, no additives. Just clean, elemental seasoning wherever you roam. Compost it or toss it in the campfire when you're done. It's real flavour with wild origins.
News24
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
SA's Kruger National Park features in Prince William's Guardians, spotlighting the work of wildlife rangers
Prince William spotlights the world's most dangerous job, wildlife rangers, in a new six-part BBC Earth YouTube series. The series Guardians showcases rangers' bravery in fighting poachers, protecting biodiversity, and fostering human-animal coexistence globally. One episode focuses on South Africa's Kruger National Park, where teams work tirelessly to protect critically endangered rhinos from daily poaching threats. Prince William is spotlighting the most dangerous job in the world in a new BBC Earth YouTube series. The Prince of Wales presents the six-part series Guardians, 'which highlights the perilous and crucial work of rangers working to keep wildlife safe across the world. It is the culmination of 18 months of work for the prince and his team,' according to People. CNN reports that William shared that he had been dying to do something around this sort of space for a while. 'This one is particularly special to me because I've got lots of friends and people I've met over the years on my trips and going abroad who are living this life daily.' According to People, the 42-year-old wants programs to educate, showcase, and spotlight the brilliant people who are on the frontlines of conservation around the world. This is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. 'Many people think being a soldier, being a jobs are dangerous and people put their lives on the line. I don't think people realise it's the same for these guys and girls around the world,' William said. 'Rangers are particularly unknown and unseen,' he added. The first episode, which is available to watch on YouTube, focuses on the Congo rainforest and the protected area of Dzangha-Sangha. It features a reformed poacher who now fights for the wildlife he once hunted. According to a synopsis per The Hollywood Reporter, the films run between six and 10 minutes, with new episodes every Friday. They give first-hand accounts of the lives of rangers and nature protectors. The series takes viewers on a journey through inspiring and demanding locations such as the Central African Republic, the Himalayas, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, Sri Lanka, and Caru Indigenous Land in Brazil. One of the episodes features South Africa's Kruger National Park, where 'teams work round the clock to protect, rescue, and rehabilitate critically endangered rhinos, which face daily poaching threats.' In the trailer William emphasised that the rangers in the series are an inspiration to us all. 'Every day, they take huge risks as nature's front line of defence, standing between poachers and endangered species, supporting sustainable human-animal coexistence and fighting habitat loss. As they work to protect our oceans, our forests, our plains, our mountains and biodiversity, they are also educating, community building and furthering science. These are the unsung heroes — the true guardians of the natural world, defending nature and the future of the planet for all of us.' Prince William and The Royal Foundation launched United for Wildlife in 2013 to protect endangered species from the illegal wildlife trade. During his visit to South Africa for Earthshot Week in December last year, the prince announced a new life insurance product designed for rangers across Africa. 'This initiative aims to ensure that rangers receive much-needed life insurance cover, giving them and their families reassurance that they are protected for the dangerous job they do.'
The Herald
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald
102 vultures killed in Mpumalanga, third mass poisoning this month
Conservationists say 102 critically endangered vultures have been found fatally poisoned in Mpumalanga. Vulpro and the Wild and Free Rehabilitation Centre in Mpumalanga said 92 white-backed vultures, of which 90% were breeding adults, nine hooded vultures and one male adult white-headed vulture were found dead in a game reserve near Marloth Park, Mpumalanga. The scene was located through real-time GPS tracking of several vultures previously rehabilitated and released by Vulpro and Wild and Free. Many carcasses were found lying around a warthog carcass. Two more carcasses were discovered by air. No body parts were taken. "Samples have been collected and will be submitted for toxicological testing to identify the poison used and supporting possible legal action," the organisations said. This is the third mass poisoning this month, with more than 120 killed after eating off an elephant carcass and 49 from a giraffe carcass in the Kruger National Park. "The scale of the poisoning is devastating," said Kerri Wolter, CEO of Vulpro. "To lose this number of vultures, let alone adult breeding birds, during breeding season is an ecological crisis." Vulpro appealed to rehabilitation centres to stop releasing vultures in the area until the threat is investigated and mitigated. TimesLIVE
