Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon is located in southern Namibia, West Africa. As the second largest canyon in the world, it's a very popular destination among tourists. Although dry with only a small series of pools for most of the year, late summer flooding breathes new life into the 404 mile Fish River. Spectacular panoramic views await visitors of the Fish River Canyon, particularly at Hell's Bend, a scenic overlook named after a horseshoe shaped bend in the river.

With a length of 650 kilometres the Fish River is the longest river in Namibia. Its source lies in the eastern Naukluft Mountains. South-west of Ai-Ais it flows into the Oranje. The Fish River canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. With a depth of up to 550 metres, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. The enormous gorge meanders along a distance of approx. 160 kilometres through the fissured Koubis massif all the way down to Ai-Ais. The canyon starts near Seeheim. It is 161 kilometres long and ends at Ai-Ais.

The Fish River Canyon probably formed about 500 million years ago during the pluvial times - a rainy climatic epoch - many millions of years ago. However, the gorge was not only created by water erosion, but also through the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth's crust. Because the Fish River is being dammed in Hardap near Mariental, it only contains a small amount of running water. In winter, during the dry season, the river bed is often completely dry or reduced to just some puddles here and there. However, after rainfalls in summer the river can become a raging torrent.

Exteriors of the resort

The canyon is part of a national nature conservation park. The gate is situated at the restcamp Hobas. From there, you have to drive another 10 kilometres to the actual canyon which offers a stunning view of the famous "Hell's Bend".

relax while enjoying the atmosphere of the wild

The Fish River Canyon has become a popular hiking destination. However, hikes require good physical health and can only be undertaken during the cooler winter months (between May and September). A permit from Namibia Wildlife Resorts in Windhoek must be obtained. The hike is 86 km in length and takes about 5 days. Much easier hikes, no less beautiful, are offered in the bordering private "Canyon Nature Park". The adjacent "Gondwana Canyon Park", also private, offers scenic hikes as well. They also have excellent accommodation.

don't miss this atmosphere

Read More

Cape Town's Beaches

On Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard, wide sandy stretches, dramatic views and blazing sunsets make up for the bracing sea temperatures that these beaches of Cape Town are known for. While the water might be chilly, Clifton’s four beaches are among Cape Town’s most popular, attracting a trendier set that like to sunbathe, play volleyball and hang out with friends.

Nearby Camps Bay beach is a Cape Town weekend favourite, edged by trendy eateries and characterised by large crowds. A little further on you’ll find Llandudno, a surfers’ paradise rimmed by some of the city’s most expensive real estate, and Sandy Bay, where not even a swimming costume is required.

The warmer Indian Ocean waters of the False Bay seaboard are better suited to swimming. Best known among these beaches is Muizenberg, where multi-coloured Victorian-style beach boxes hark back to a more genteel time.

There are some good Cape Town beaches in nearby Simon's Town, one of the oldest Cape settlements with a strong naval tradition, reflected in the number of naval museums and monuments in the town.

When the wind is up at the beaches in Cape Town, people head to Boulders Beach, which is sheltered by large, rounded rocks and is home to a protected colony of endangered African penguins.

Other popular Cape Town beaches are Noordhoek Beach, which is good for long walks and popular with surfers and kite fliers; Kommetjie Beach, another popular surfers' hangout; and Bloubergstrand, which offers the famous view of Table Mountain across the bay. 

Cape Town is served by an international airport. The beaches themselves are all easily accessible by road and most are served by a variety of bus and tour companies. Best time to visit is Winters are cold and wet, but Cape Town summers have perfect beach weather with extra-long days. Highlights include a trip up Table Mountain, a tour to Robben Island, and a few hours (or days) in the nearby Cape Winelands. Access to most beaches is free. Some beaches, like Boulders that's in a national park, charge a nominal entrance fee. Cape Town has arguably the highest concentration of restaurants in the country, many of which are found on or close to the beachfront. Try fresh fish or a Cape Malay meal for an authentic taste of the city.

Source :southafrica.net

Read More

Emmrentia DAM at Johannesburg

Emmarentia Dam is situated less than 6km from the Johannesburg city centre, and just a few minutes from Sandton, making it the ideal location for anyone in town on business who wants to experience the natural side of the city.The suburb of Greenside is aptly named, boasting an abundance of outdoor splendor. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, right next to the dam, are home to approximately 30 000 trees, more than 4 500 rose bushes and a stunning herb garden.Members of the Dabulamanzi Canoe Club train on this stretch of water throughout the year and most of them are extremely friendly and will happily give advice about canoeing as well as other outdoor spots to visit in the city. 

Fish that can be caught in Emmarentia Dam include bass, barbel and carp. A freshwater fishing license is required, which you can obtain from the South African Post Office (SAPO). Avian life at Emmarentia Dam includes bishops, weavers, moorhens and geese, as well as many other species of water birds. This is a popular dog walking spot and a great place to meet other canine lovers if you happen to be one.

 

Photographers, in particular, will enjoy Emmarentia during the autumn months (April and May) when the leaves on the trees start to change. There are often very vivid thunder storms in the summer months (November to March), during which spectacular photographs of lightning above the water can be taken. There are an abundance of nightlife options down the road from Emmarentia Dam, in the form of the restaurants and bars in Gleneagles Road, which remain festive until the early hours of the morning. 

Emmarentia Dam is in the Johannesburg suburb of Greenside, well serviced by taxis and buses.

Johannesburg is at it’s greenest between November and April, but Emmarentia Dam is open to the public throughout the year. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are adjacent to the dam. The suburb of Greenside is worth exploring as is the nearby suburb of Parkhurst. If you are interested in birds, of which their are many species around the dam, bring binoculars and a camera. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended.


Source : southafrica.net

Read More