TRAVELBUCKET

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WILDERNESS CAMPING

Through social media I noticed that a woman was recently attacked by a beaut of a leopard in the Matopi campsite in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and there is a bit of a hype amongst campers at the moment. As usual there are a lot of accusations flying around on the how, why, do’s and don’ts. I want to stress that we have camped in the wilderness for the past 20 years and never ever had any incident/accident while camping in an unfenced campsite in Africa. We encountered hyenas skimming our tent in Moremi, a shy leopard watching us from the dark behind our tent in Central Kalahari, elephants stepping over our tent ropes in Mana Pools, hippos grazing on the green grass in front of our tent in Nkasa Rupara and monkeys trying to steal our food In Hwangwe, but nothing turned out as a bad situation. If you… Read more >

FOUR PRETTY COOL INVENTIONS!

A new year brings new challenges, travels and discoveries. Maybe it is a good idea to enlighten you of some pretty cool inventions coming from South Africa – some of it you will probably recognize. 1) The Kreepy Krauly The funny swimming pool vacuum cleaner was invented by Ferdinand Chauvier from Springs. Chauvier tried to figure out a way to take the hassle out of pool cleaning. The result was the Kreepy Krauly and the first one was created in 1974. I think he was just tired of cleaning the pool and thought of all the pool sweepers out there, so he made them happy! 2) Dolosse Created by Eric Merrifield, a harbour engineer from East London. Dolosse is that large, unusually shaped concrete blocks weighing up to 20 tons that you sometimes notice on the shoreline. Initially they were called the “Merrifield block.” A Dolos resembles the knuckle bones of… Read more >

SPOTTING BLACK AND WHITE IN ADDO

Addo Elephant National Park is one of the smaller parks in South Africa, but did you know it is the only park in South Africa that boasts the Big Seven? Are you able to name the Big Seven? What better way to start this post with an appropriate shot of an elly! Situated in the adventure province of the Eastern Cape it is within easy reach of the Friendly City of Port Elizabeth and is a firm favorite for a day escape from hectic city life. I feel like experimenting as 2017 is drawing to an end and thus decided on an all-out black and white theme. One of my favorite objects to capture is zebras as they are really patient while you are zooming in and set your focus to snap that perfect moment. This was another black and white shoot done and dusted. Did you know that you… Read more >

KHARTOUM – WHERE THE WHITE AND BLUE NILE MEET

As I am sitting behind my computer writing this I am missing Sudan. Yes, Sudan! Hubby was stationed there for about three years and I was fortunate enough to visit Khartoum four times. As you approach from a southerly direction you get a glimpse of the White Nile embracing the sprawling city when peeking through the aeroplane’s window. The below video that I found on Youtube of a Qatar flight approaching the airport is exactly what I saw on my first visit! Stepping off the aeroplane at Khartoum International Airport the desert heat bounces from the tarmac and hits you in the face no matter what time of day or night you arrive. Immediately I realized that Africa is throwing a totally new experience at me. Driving from the airport back “home” introduced an unknown world to me – tuck-tucks and taxis negotiating melting tar surfaces, interesting vehicles and cool… Read more >

COMPETITION TIME – WIN A SCORPION TORCH

We are giving away a African Snakebite Institute Scorpion Torch on Facebook! We made it easy as it is end of the year and we feel like celebrating the holidays with all you travelers! Follow these 3 easy steps to stand a chance to win: 1) Like our TRAVELBUCKET Facebook Page 2) Share our competition post on Facebook 3) Tag a friend that you will go scorpion hunting with in the comments section! This is a SUPER cool gadget to add to your collection and will keep the kids and the adults (kid within you) alike busy for hours! The following clip shows you what difference this torch can make: COME ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT!! Competition closes 31 December 2017. Draw will take place in the first week of January 2018. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the announcement of the winner!

TAKE THE QUIZ

So, you think your general knowledge is good. Come let’s play a game and see what your score is on South Africa – no cheating or Googling! Shoot from the head/hip. (Answers at the bottom of the page) # Question 1: We as the Rainbow Nation has a rich culture and history. A country at the bottom tip of the African continent, but do you know how many languages we speak? Hope you are off to a good start and got this one right … # Questions 2: America has Route 66, but we have our own Route 62 stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Why is our Route 62 famous? # Question 3: My quiz journey now takes you to KwaZulu Natal where the famous Comrades marathon takes place between Pietermartizburg and Durban and thousands of runners participate each year. Do you know why the first one… Read more >

FREE HOLIDAY FUN IN THE FRIENDLY CITY

Seeing that the schools are closing today for a six weeks summer holiday break, I am putting up some holiday fun activities to do in and around Port Elizabeth. RISE AND SHINE! Get up nice and early. Go for a stroll along Shark Rock Pier to watch sunrise over the Indian Ocean. What a better way to start your day? BE A VOLUNTEER Sancobb (but you will probably still remember it as Samrec) is always looking for volunteers of any age to help with daily tasks caring for the penguins at the centre as well as to help protect our precious marine life. A GIANT FLAG Did you know that Port Elizabeth is home to the largest flag in South Africa? Take a walk around The Donkin and watch the giant flag of 12 meters by 8 meters, sitting on a 65 metre high pole, fly in the wind. It… Read more >