#isimangaliso

[lost-lycaon]

Baby hippo gets on mom's back, but the ride is all too brief.

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Hippo nursery

Mike Korostelev reveals a hippopotamus and her two offspring resting in the shallow clear-water lake. For over two years he has been visiting the hippos in this lake and knew they were accustomed to his boat. He spent just 20 seconds under water with them – enough time to get this image from a safe distance and to avoid alarming the mother. Hippos produce one calf every two to three years. Their slow-growing population is particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation, drought, and illegal hunting for meat and ivory from their teeth.

Location: Kosi Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

Photograph: Mike Korostelev, Russia

2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

[unlimitedvisit]

Best 5 Places to Visit in South Africa for Nature Lovers

South Africa is a nature lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters. Here are five of the best places to visit in South Africa for nature enthusiasts:

Kruger National Park: Embark on a safari adventure in Kruger National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves. Spot the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) as well as numerous other species, and explore the vast wilderness on game drives and guided bush walks.

Table Mountain National Park: Discover the iconic Table Mountain National Park, home to the majestic Table Mountain that overlooks Cape Town. Hike or take a cable car to the summit for panoramic views, explore the Cape Floral Kingdom, and visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

Garden Route: Drive along the scenic Garden Route, a stretch of coastline that offers a variety of natural wonders. Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for its ancient forests and stunning coastal trails, explore the beautiful Knysna Lagoon, and indulge in wine tasting in the Cape Winelands.

Drakensberg Mountains: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains. Hike through the dramatic peaks, discover ancient rock art sites, and marvel at the cascading waterfalls and pristine valleys.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Experience the incredible biodiversity of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, lakes, beaches, and coastal forests, and encounter an abundance of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and turtles.

These destinations in South Africa offer extraordinary natural beauty, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and opportunities for outdoor exploration that will leave nature lovers in awe.

Keep Reading

[dumberme]

Amazing sighting of 2 leopard cubs on the Western shores, Isimangaliso this afternoon- amazingly one appears to be a rare 'Strawberry' leopard. This unusual colouration is thought to be a result a genetic mutation called erythrism that causes an absence of a normal dark pigment or excessive production of red pigment. This has only been recorded a handful of times in leopards so could be a pretty special find for Isimangaliso.

[notoriouseliteevents]

𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓸 𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓰𝓮

Below the cut please find the itinerary for the Safari that you're about to embark on. Outside of these activities - feel free to do what you'd like to during the morning/evening. Each day we'll post a more detailed description of what you can expect.

Day one - 19th July

Everyone arrives in South Africa and makes their way to Rhino Ridge, where there will be a welcoming dinner, a mixture of cultural foods and modern fusion. There will be an open bar, and a chance for everyone to interact.

Day two - 20th July.

With a guide, in small groups - experience a wild game walk where you'll be able to see some of the wild rhinos, and other African animals in their natural environment.

Day three - 21st July

Taking a trip out to St Lucia, you'll be able to explore the area of hippos, crocs and birdlife.

Day four - 22nd July

This day consist of traveling to a local village to experience the culture surrounding the area - from learning to weave to learning how to cook local meals.

Day five - 23rd July

After three days of adventure, take the time to relax and unwind in the lodges spa. A variety of treatments are available.

Day six - 24th July

On this day, travel to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a world heritage site.

Day seven - 25th July

Another chance to take life slowly and learn the art of bird watching, with information you have learnt from previous days, see how many birds you can identify. As the trip draws to a close - the lodge will be putting on a party for everyone. Dance the night away before flying home.

[tinyshe]

10,942,263 views Jan 10, 2020 SOUTH AFRICA

Sakhile has a new channel!! If you like his stuff, please consider subscribing to his channel here:    / @safariandsurf-wi...   I know it would mean the world to him...

Many of the languages spoken by the Nguni people of southern Africa as well as the San people have a range of click sounds. In this video, Sakhile Dube from St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, demonstrates how these click sounds are pronounced in the Zulu language. He has an epic voice :)

Check out our other videos with Sakhile here: iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Southern Ecosystems with Sakhile Dube:    • iSimangaliso Wetl...   Sakhile Dube explains Zulu culture: Ancestors:    • Sakhile Dube expl...  

Wanna hear Sakhile live: Get on one of his guided walking safaris with https://www.safariandsurf.com/ For those of you interested in learning to speak zulu, Duolingo has just added it to their courses: https://www.duolingo.com/ _________________________________________________________________ Blog: http://www.strayalongtheway.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strayalongt... Twitter: https://twitter.com/StrayATW Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrayAlongTh..

[lost-lycaon]

Grey heron, Isimangaliso Wetland Reserve. MO BIRBS

Prompt:

Birds with long legs and feet??

Gurllllllllllll, did you say long legs?

Secretary Birds:

Herps and Birds (and More) (Posts tagged secretary bird) (tumblr.com)

Cranes:

Herps and Birds (and More) (Posts tagged secretary bird) (tumblr.com)

Flamingo:

Herps and Birds (and More) (Posts tagged phoenicopteridae) (tumblr.com)

DID YOU SAY LONG ASS TOES?!

Coot:

Herps and Birds (and More) (Search results for: coot) (tumblr.com)

Purple Gallinules:

Herps and Birds (and More) (Search results for: gallinule) (tumblr.com)

[piscesdivingsodwanabay]

One of our most popular requests is our extraordinary Night Dives! ❤️

If the stunningly beautiful Ocean is at its best with peak ocean conditions, crystal clear visibility and not a slight wiff of a breeze......the popular dive is booked for our epic peeps! Only the best Night Dive conditions are booked!! 🤿

What do you see on a night dive?👀

For example, wide ranges of fish can be seen sleeping in small holes. Likewise, many different shrimp, lobsters and crabs show up at night. You can also be so lucky as to see sharks passing by at the end of your light. Thus, there is indeed a chance to discover new and exciting marine animals while diving at night.🤿🐠🐙

We must thank LEGENDARY Isimangaliso for giving us these epic opportunities to be able to dive at night!! You all ROCK BIGTIME!! 💪��🐠❤️

#sodwanabay #nightdive #isimangaliso #padiadvancedcourse dvancedcourse

[b2bbusiness]

Exploring South Africa’s Tourism Market: A Source of Growth and Opportunity

South Africa is one of the most captivating travel destinations in the world, offering an incredible variety of landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and remarkable wildlife. As a result, the country's tourism market has grown into a crucial economic sector, contributing significantly to GDP and creating numerous employment opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the dynamics of South Africa's tourism market, identifying key source markets, the role of domestic and international travelers, and future growth opportunities.

1. Overview of South Africa’s Tourism Industry

Tourism is a vital component of South Africa’s economy. The country is renowned for its world-class attractions, such as Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, and the Garden Route. From adventure tourism to eco-tourism and cultural heritage experiences, South Africa’s diverse offerings attract millions of visitors annually.

In recent years, tourism has contributed more than R130 billion to South Africa’s economy, making it one of the key industries. The South African Tourism (SAT) board has focused heavily on promoting the country’s offerings, both internationally and locally, to boost visitor numbers.

2. Key Source Markets for Tourism in South Africa

International Source Markets

South Africa's tourism market benefits largely from international visitors. The top international source markets include:

United States: American travelers are increasingly interested in experiencing South Africa’s unique wildlife safaris and luxury lodges. The growth in U.S. tourists has been boosted by improved air connectivity and travel marketing campaigns.

United Kingdom: The UK has consistently been a significant source market for South Africa. British tourists often seek the cultural diversity, natural beauty, and historical sites such as Robben Island.

Germany: German tourists, known for their interest in adventure and nature-based tourism, form a strong part of South Africa's visitor base, flocking to game reserves and outdoor adventures.

China: As an emerging source market, Chinese tourism to South Africa has shown steady growth, with many travelers attracted to the country's wildlife, shopping experiences, and cultural attractions.

India: With deep historical and cultural ties, Indian tourists are another rapidly growing market. South Africa's diverse attractions cater to Indian families, honeymooners, and business travelers.

Regional and Domestic Source Markets

SADC (Southern African Development Community): Visitors from nearby countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia form a significant portion of South Africa’s tourist arrivals. These regional travelers often visit for business, shopping, and leisure.

Domestic Tourism: While international tourism plays a vital role, domestic tourism also represents a crucial pillar of the market. South African residents travel within the country for holidays, family visits, and cultural events, particularly to coastal areas and game reserves.

3. Tourism Trends and Opportunities

South Africa's tourism sector is evolving rapidly, with several trends shaping its future:

Sustainable and Eco-Tourism

Increasingly, tourists are looking for sustainable and environmentally conscious travel experiences. South Africa has capitalized on this by promoting eco-tourism initiatives such as community-based tourism projects, conservation programs, and eco-friendly lodges. Destinations like iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Addo Elephant National Park offer tourists the chance to experience nature responsibly.

Adventure Tourism

South Africa has positioned itself as a global hub for adventure tourism, offering activities such as bungee jumping, shark cage diving, hiking, and surfing. Adventure seekers are drawn to iconic spots like Bloukrans Bridge and the Drakensberg Mountains.

Cultural and Heritage Tourism

The country's rich history and cultural diversity provide immense opportunities for cultural tourism. Sites like Nelson Mandela’s former home in Soweto and the Apartheid Museum attract visitors interested in South Africa’s complex socio-political history. Traditional villages and cultural festivals also offer immersive experiences.

Health and Wellness Tourism

South Africa is emerging as a destination for health and wellness tourism, with visitors seeking spa retreats, wellness centers, and holistic treatments. The natural beauty and tranquility of the country make it a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

4. Challenges Facing the South African Tourism Market

Despite its promising potential, South Africa’s tourism market faces several challenges:

Safety and Security Concerns: Issues around safety and crime can deter potential visitors. Addressing these concerns through stronger security measures and targeted communication is vital.

Infrastructure Development: Improving infrastructure, including airports, roads, and public transportation, remains a priority to enhance the visitor experience and encourage longer stays.

Visa Regulations: Streamlining visa processes for key source markets, particularly India and China, is crucial to removing barriers for potential tourists.

5. Future Growth Opportunities

South Africa’s tourism market has vast growth potential, particularly with the rise of post-pandemic travel. There are opportunities for investment in developing niche tourism segments such as medical tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and agro-tourism. Additionally, enhanced marketing strategies aimed at promoting lesser-known regions and attractions can diversify tourism revenue streams.

South Africa’s tourism industry is on a trajectory of recovery and expansion, bolstered by favorable exchange rates and new airline routes. Efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism practices will position South Africa as a competitive and responsible destination in the global market.

Buy the Full Report for More Insights into the South Africa Source Tourism Market Segments

Download a Free Report Sample

[lost-lycaon]

One last rest on the beach before we head into autumn.

[projectourworld]

Hippo nursery by Mike Korostelev, Russia. Winner: underwater

Mike Korostelev reveals a hippopotamus and her two offspring resting in the shallow clear-water lake. For over two years he has been visiting the hippos in this lake and knew they were accustomed to his boat. He spent just 20 seconds under water with them – enough time to get this image from a safe distance and to avoid alarming the mother. Hippos produce one calf every two to three years. Their slow-growing population is particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation, drought, and illegal hunting for meat and ivory from their teeth. Location: Kosi Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

Photograph: Mike Korostelev/2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year

[celestialabode]

South Africa travel - Isimangaliso wetland park

[ao3feed-briennejaime]

Futhi kanjalo kwazalwa isimangaliso somhlaba...

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/qgeOsm7

by Sawubona

Words: 1450, Chapters: 1/1, Language: isiZulu

Series: Part 31 of Imilando yokuhlalisana okunesiphithiphithi

Fandoms: Game of Thrones (TV), A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Jaime Lannister, Brienne of Tarth

Relationships: Jaime Lannister/Brienne of Tarth

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/qgeOsm7

[southafricavoice]

Minister Barbara Creecy conducts site visits at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park and Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, 9 to 10 Mar

http://dlvr.it/SkdBBw

[andmaybegayer]

Forked tails: pretty cute actually

Fork-tailed drongo, Isimangaliso Wetland Preserve

[gjcphotography]

Land Hermit - Kosi Bay, South Africa