Blog

How lucky we are in South Africa to have Kruger National Park – one of the world’s most sought-after destinations – on our doorstep.

I’ve just spent six glorious (and very hot) nights in this lovely Indian Ocean country. It’s a poor country, but its tourism industry is growing all the time with accommodation ranging from tiny desert island lodges, sumptuous colonial hotels and 5-star resorts, to friendly backpackers’ and B&Bs, as well as lots of self-catering accommodation.

A recent visit to the World Heritage Site of the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng, the Visitor Centre, took me back 40 years ago to a trip I made then with the late, legendary paleoanthropologist, Professor Phillip Tobias. It also took me back millions of years ago to the time when early hominids roamed these hills and valleys.

Most people, when they hear the name Peru, go a bit misty-eyed and thoughtful. The name conjures up visions of lost civilizations, ancient mystical ruins, towering mountain peaks, friendly genuine people, and of course, the mighty Amazon. It’s one of those almost mythical travel destinations that’s on most people’s wish-list.