Page 12 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – March/April 2018

AAA
TM
SPECTACULAR
SOUth AFRICA
'Safari ... Sooo Good'
“ Unbelievable!” exclaimed Candace in immediate response to the question “How was your
Safari in South Africa?” Candace MacAdam and her colleague Judy Ramsey, both very experienced professional travel agents at AAA’s Harrisburg and West Shore offices, respectively, were fortunate to be among the happy travelers on a recent South Africa safari tour arranged for one of AAA Central Penn’s Discoveries travel groups.
When asked to recall some favorite highlights of the safari tour, Candace replied, “There are so many great memories, I do not know where to begin!” When Judy and Candace described more and more of their amazing experiences in South Africa, it was obvious this article could not contain even just the best of their many fascinating safari stories, and printed words could not echo their excitement when telling the tales. However, here are some personal insights they expressed:
• “Seeing the wild animals living free in their
natural habitat was wonderful and so different from seeing them in a zoo; it’s a whole other world.”
• “The animals were incredibly close to us, yet we always felt perfectly safe in our safari vehicle, which also provided a perfect platform for easily capturing the animals in action with fabulous photos.”
• “The safari lodges were in the middle of nowhere, yet very comfortable – even luxurious; the food was delicious; all our rooms were air-conditioned and most lodges had swimming pools.”
• “Cape Town has a lovely waterfront area with super shops and restaurants; from the top of its backdrop Table Mountain you can see all over the city and down to the sea – the scenery is so spectacular.”
By Craig Haberle, CTC
• “The local people, whether we were in a city,
village, or on safari, were really friendly and proud
of their native country and its abundant natural attractions; we felt they honestly welcomed our visit.”
• “This is the trip of a lifetime!”
Energized by Judy and Candace’s enthusiasm for the destination and experiences available in South Africa, let’s take a look at an upcoming safari tour available through AAA Central Penn.
Your flight arrives in Johannesburg, a modern metropolis where your guided touring includes the Apartheid Museum and
Soweto Township, which
are linked in history
with the country’s peace
initiatives championed by
Nelson Mandela. Depart
the city and enter the
wide-open lands of the
Northern Drakensburg
Mountain Range. Venture
on to pass through the
third largest canyon in the world – the Blyde River Canyon – whose backdrop is the Three Rondavels, mountain tops that resemble the shape of the traditional round houses of the indigenous people. This route of stunning geological marvels leads you
to the renowned Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Your safari drives are in an open-air vehicle with an expert local guide who enriches your knowledge during the search to gain up-close views and photographs of the classic “Big Five” – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros. Often, you also see herds of zebras, giraffes and impalas, along with many other species, either grazing
or drinking, or sprinting to escape predators. You are invited to be guests among tree-browsing giraffes during a leisurely al fresco picnic included on this unforgettable safari in the parklands of Kruger.
Wildlife is also abundant along the coast of South Africa. Species from African oystercatcher birds to Cape fur seals reside here, where the unique Fynbos vegetation attracts and fascinates exotic plant lovers from around the world. Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the country, offers guided tours of a farm featuring families of the flightless bird. This area along the Garden Route also features the Aloe-Ferox
region, where a demonstration of aloe-tapping and an exploration of gardens reveal the curiosities of indigenous plants.
Cape Town’s handsome harbor- side district is just one of many attractive areas of this popular city. Visit nearby vineyards for tastings of fine wines, which are synonymous with South Africa’s sophisticated culinary scene.
Travel to the Cape Peninsula and Cape Point, which jut out to sea to form one of the most southern places on the African continent. Along the way, pop in to see penguins parade across Boulders Beach. A unique and fitting farewell to South Africa includes you in a soothing hand-washing ceremony prior to a traditional communal African dinner and a thrilling performance on the djembe drums.
If you aspire to behold one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World – Victoria Falls – hop on a local flight to just beyond the northern border of South Africa. Your AAA travel agent can provide details about this optional extension to your safari tour.
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march/april 2018 – Discoveries eDition
Now!