The vast Karoo area of South Africa covers almost one third of the nation’s landmass. For decades, this spot, with its haunting arid splendor, was ignored by nearly all tourists to Southern Africa. But people who took the time to investigate its remote expanses were compensated with the exposure of beautiful natural sights set amidst lunar-like landscapes.

Going to the Karoo The Karoo has now assumed its rightful spot as one of South Africa’s most beguiling destinations, appealing to equally local and international travellers searching for solitude and adventure. The region is definitely an suitable year-round getaway destination because of its stable environment and its distance to the city of Cape Town, a major travel and leisure destination in South Africa. Guests to the Karoo are often surprised by the large number of natural and cultural points of interest this semi-desert region provides. These include:

The Swartberg Mountains: This is an ancient mountain range that separates the Klein Karoo from the Great Karoo. The Swartberg Mountains constitute the highest mountain range in the Western Cape and they are credited for their spectacular, unspoiled natural beauty. A number of the Karoo’s most widely used destinations can be found inside the folds of the Swartberg, for example the Cango Caves and the Swartberg Pass. An ascent of this range delivers amazing views over the Klein Karoo and interior.

The Gamkaskloof Valley: Gamkaskloof is one of South Africa’s most remote and hard to get at valleys. Tourists who brave the four wheel drive quest in to the Gamaskloof are rewarded with genuine seclusion and isolation from the modern world. The isolation and pristine natural beauty of Gamkaskloof helps make the region an ideal spiritual wellness holiday, and individuals can find accommodation in the rustic farmhouses built by the farmers who once populated the valley.

Karoo towns: The Karoo is home to a few of South Africa’s quaintest and most atmospheric little towns. Apart from the advantage of an energising sun-drenched climate, these warm and friendly towns tend to be filled with museums and galleries, Victorian buildings and an almost tangible sense of history. The villages of Matjiesfontein and Prince Albert are two of the most popular locations on Karoo guided trips, whilst the charming town of Oudtshoorn can serve as the gateway to the limitless expanses of the Great Karoo.

The benefits of having a Karoo tour

• A guided tour of the Karoo is the better way for first time tourists to explore this spot.
• Features about a Karoo tour include: 
• Reserving of lodging in trustworthy, secure Karoo hospitality establishments 
• Transport through the Karoo with a tour guide present to share knowledge of the region and its social and natural heritage 
• Advance planning and reserving of all meals prior to departure 
• Access to a programme of things to do and ethnic experiences at each destination on the tour path 
• Visits to outstanding Karoo sights including the Swartberg, Gamkaskloof and various Karoo towns 
• Advance arrangement of all travel specifics, allowing travellers to chill and enjoy the experience of a journey through the Karoo 

Have you thought to book a Karoo tour online now? Choose a trustworthy Karoo tour operator and then reserve your getaway to this unique South African destination. Time Out of Time is an expert Karoo tour operator offering rewarding holistic wellness holidays to the Karoo.

Visit the website now to explore a Karoo tour itinerary, or contact janec@telkomsa.net for tour rates, departure dates and to book your place now.

The south of England is rich in potential for any holidaymaker, boasting grand Victorian seaside resorts, rich green countryside and several lively towns and cities. Although no trip to this area is complete without heading to the bright lights of London, away from the capital there is plenty for the tourist to enjoy, whether your interests lie in historical monuments, shopping or simply a little relaxation. Read on to find out more about popular tourist destinations in the South of England.

Holidaying in the South of England: Five Great Destinations

London

With significant landmarks on practically every street corner in central London, it’s extremely difficult to pick out just one tourist attraction or experience to place at the top of your wishlist. For students of history, the Tower of London and the Imperial War Museum are worth a visit, whilst those who love quintessentially British traditions should put some time aside to visit Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. Anybody looking to catch a sporting spectacle will enjoy ample choice in London, as it’s home to five Premier League sides and world famous events such as the London Marathon. Shopaholics can also indulge in a spot of window shopping in upmarket department stores such as Harrods and Fortnum and Mason.

Cornwall

Few locations in Southern England can match the Cornish Riviera in the height of summer, enjoying a leisurely pint of scrumpy cider in a beer garden after taking in the picture perfect fishing villages and ports of Looe, Polperro, Falmouth and Fowey. Cornwall’s biggest attraction is the Eden Project, which hosts the world’s largest greenhouse and attracts over 1 million visitors every year.

Brighton

If your idea of the perfect vacation is centred around shopping, nights out and clubbing, the bohemian city of Brighton should be right up your street, with its trendy Lanes a hotbed of independent shops, and hundreds of lively bars and clubs dotted in and around the city centre. It’s also remains popular with day trippers and families during the daytime when its traditional seaside charm comes to the fore.

Windsor

For a taste of the image of England often portrayed in Hollywood films, part of your holiday should incorporate a trip to the affluent town of Windsor in Berkshire. The town sits in the shadow of Windsor Castle, which for a significant proportion of the year acts as the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Every year, the Queen makes the six mile trip from the castle to Ascot racecourse for Royal Ascot, the busiest race meeting in Europe.

Sussex

Finally, should you the time to spare during your holiday, why not spend a few days of your holiday exploring the delights of the county of Sussex? Highlights for visitors to Sussex include the rolling hillside of the South Downs, the rural charm of sleepy villages situated around Uckfield and the East Sussex area and the immersion into history offered during a tour of one of the Sussex’s many castles.

Increased emphasis on public accessibility for disabled people has opened up a whole new world for easier wheelchair travel. From walkways to buildings, people in wheelchairs are experiencing more freedom.

Advocates for the disabled lobbying for increased accessibility in travel have paved the way for a new generation of wheelchair travelers. Airplanes, buses, trains and taxis are now better able to accommodate wheelchairs. With more ramps, curb cuts, elevators, wider doorways and automatic door openers in public buildings, disabled people are encountering fewer obstacles.

The public is now more aware of the needs and challenges of the disabled traveler. Handicapped people in wheelchairs are now rolling around the world with fewer obstacles and greater ease. However, despite these societal advances, people who must travel in their wheelchairs still need to do some advance planning to ensure their comfort and safety, especially when planning vacations in foreign countries.

The accessibility of your destination, particularly if it’s a third world country or remote area, needs to be researched, as does your hotel, airline and accessibility to medication and medical facilities.

Rather than book your hotel through the Internet, call your hotel personally to inquire about accessibility and door widths in the room. Ask for a confirmation number or code as proof of your booking. This rarely, happens, but sometimes hotels overbook and can give your room away or deny that you even made a reservation.

Check with your airline to see what type of service for disabled people they provide. Getting on the plane with a wheelchair is not generally a problem, but make sure the space provided for wheelchair passengers is available. Ask about their policy regarding wheelchairs and whether you can board the plane with your own chair or whether you must use one of theirs. If your personal wheelchair is stowed as luggage, what will happen if the luggage crew accidentally damages your chair, or what is the protocol if your chair ends up being lost or accidentally shipped elsewhere?

Some airlines may ask for a “fit to travel” certificate from your doctor, in which they must list the medications you’re taking, if any. This is also important when crossing international borders. If certain medications are found in your possession, especially powerful prescription drugs, having a letter from your doctor may save you from embarrassing interrogation.

Make sure you have proper travel insurance. This can’t be emphasized enough. This is key because often those bound to a wheelchair may have compromised immune systems making them vulnerable to all manner of viruses. There is also the possibility that a fall from the wheelchair could occur.