Friday, November 26, 2010

New Travel Card

A new travel card will allow visitors to South Africa the convenience of a debit card and the opportunity to save money before their trip.
With the launch of 1st Contact Travel Money Card, travellers can begin saving money in the weeks leading up to their holiday. Money is loaded online and immediately converted to rands according the latest exchange rate displayed online.

No commission is charged on the travel card, a small fee applies for ATM withdrawals while no charge applies for swiping at restaurants.
The card is also supported by an online application, 24/7 service and support, both via text and online and the ability to load the card any time, from anywhere.

To apply for the card and more information visit
www.1stcontact.com/forex

Friday, November 19, 2010

South Africa named Golf Destination of the year

South Africa has been named “Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States Golf Destination of the Year 2011" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

The announcement was made in Valencia, Spain, at the annual international awards ceremony for the golf tourism industry.
South African Tourism’s UK Country Manager, Lebo Mokhesi, said: “With over 600 golf courses providing every type and level of golf experience, we are proud to be announced as winners of this prestigious award. This is a significant acknowledgement by IAGTO that South Africa is fast becoming an irresistible golfing destination for golfers of all abilities across the world, as well as one of the most diversely appealing destinations on the planet.”

The selection for winning golfing destinations is made through votes cast by over 300 golf tour operators from 50 countries who consider customer satisfaction; quality of golf courses and accommodation; value for money; support from suppliers, tourist boards and airlines; professional conduct of suppliers; and accessibility to tee times.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Amazing 5 minutes in the Kruger Park

The astonishing spectacle of a leopard savaging a crocodile has been captured for the first time on camera.



A series of incredible pictures taken at a South African game reserve document the first known time that a leopard has taken on and defeated one of the fearsome reptiles.



The photographs were taken by Hal Brindley, an American wildlife photographer, who was supposed to be taking pictures of hippos from his car in the Kruger National Park .


The giant cat raced out of cover provided by scrub and bushes to surprise the crocodile, which was swimming nearby. A terrible and bloody struggle ensued. Eventually, onlookers were amazed to see the leopard drag the crocodile from the water as the reptile fought back.



With the crocodile snapping its powerful jaws furiously, the two animals somersaulted and grappled. Despite the crocodile's huge weight and strength, the leopard had the upper hand catching its prey by the throat.



Eventually the big cat was able to sit on top of the reptile and suffocate it. In the past, there have been reports of crocodiles killing leopards, but this is believed to the first time that the reverse scenario has been observed.


Mr Brindley said : I asked many rangers in South Africa if they had ever heard of anything like this and they all said no.


"It just doesn't make sense. The meat you get out of a crocodile is just not worth the risk it takes a predator to acquire. The whole scene happened in the course of about 5 minutes. Then the leopard was gone.


"I drove away, elated in disbelief. It may have been the most amazing thing I've ever seen."