Shark cage diving is not only an extreme sport for adrenaline junkies but allows us to come up close to sharks in their natural habitat so that we can understand them better. Although sharks are one of the world’s most dangerous predators and it’s easy to imagine them at their scariest, sharks are also graceful and majestic sea creatures that have an important role to play in the environment. Shark cage diving offers the opportunity for us to witness sharks in their own territory and to come closer to acknowledging that there is more to these animals than meets the eye.
Sharks are probably one of the most misunderstood predators. But without sharks the sea would be overpopulated with seals and fish, resulting in an unbalanced eco-system: sharks are carnivorous, one of the main factors leading to their formidable reputations as some sharks such as Tiger Sharks will eat almost anything. One of the world’s largest Great White Shark populations can be found in Cape Town, due to the abundance of seals that live on Seal Island and by Shark Alley in Gansbaai.
The seals leave the island to feed in the waters however whilst doing so, many are preyed on by sharks. If there wasn’t a large shark population along the coastline, eventually there would be an overpopulation of seals and not enough fish to feed them. Great White Sharks are roaming animals and new sharks are seen in the waters of the cape every day. The sharks travel vast distances to feed and breed but there is still an abundance of information to learn about these apex predators.
It has been argued that shark cage diving encourages sharks to hunt and feed on humans as diving companies that go into the waters throw fish and chum into the ocean to entice the sharks to come closer, it has been debated that sharks will learn to associate humans with being fed. Fortunately as mentioned Great White Sharks are roaming animals and do not stay in one particular area for a lifetime or even a long period of time. Great White Sharks have been tagged in the Cape in the past were spotted moving up the east coast of Africa only weeks after being tagged in Cape Town. One famous shark (Nicole) was tagged in Gansbaai and after 99 days made it to Australia. If Great White Sharks were territorial and resident in one place then there may be cause for concern but thankfully they are not.
For a very long time Great White Sharks have been coming up to fishing boats as all fishing boats are basically baiting. There is no difference between the fishing boats and shark cage diving boats from baiting except that the shark boats are there to observe nature and the environment and educate people. Shark Cage diving has allowed researchers and documenters to come up close to sharks whilst remaining safe from their fierce jaws. Safely behind bars in steel cages, they have been able to make recordings and watch how sharks behave when they are in their own territory.
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Extreme Scene’s adventure tours provide made to order adrenaline pumping activities to suite every taste. Whether you are looking for an authentic African adventure tour or just an adrenaline overdose, Extreme Scene offers a wide range of Cape Town based adventure tours including such thrills as Skydiving, Paragliding and Shark Cage Diving! Their extensive Cape Town adventure tours will take you to the very edge of nature, from going face to face with the infamous Great White while shark cage diving, to Bush dinners with only the Lions as guests! Whether you are an individual, tour group, bachelor party group or looking for the ultimate corporate incentive/team building in South Africa, let Extreme Scene give you the best adventure tour and shark cage diving experience South Africa has to offer!
Cape Town accommodation is plentiful and there’s something to suit every budget but it is highly advisable to book ahead, especially over the Christmas season (December to mid-February) and during the Argus Cycle Tour (usually mid-March). The greatest density of Cape Town hotels, boutique hotels
, Bed and Breakfasts, guest houses and self catering apartments and holiday villas are situated in the City Bowl area and immediate South Atlantic Seaboard belt, all within a 10 minute drive from Cape Town City Centre and the V&A Waterfront. Highly desirable suburbs like Tamboerskloof and Oranjezicht spill down the slopes of Table Mountain towards Gardens, Cape Town City Centre, De Waterkant and the exclusive Waterfront. From the Waterfront the dazzling Atlantic coastline curves south, fringed by the seaside suburbs of Green Point, Sea Point, Bantry Bay the ultra glamorous suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay.
The sun is setting fire to the horizon over the calm Atlantic Ocean in front of you and the mountains behind are bathed in the orange light from this natural spectacular, you’re lounging on a deck chair next to the heated swimming pool with an ice cold cocktail. You’re unwinding from a day of sightseeing while at the same time preparing for a night out on the strip enjoying some of the finest dinning in the country. Welcome to our world, welcome to the finest luxury Camps Bay accommodation.
Bayview Penthouses in Camps Bay, Cape Town has a selection of self-catering accommodation. Our luxury apartments reflect the natural beauty of the bay and epitomize the lifestyle that has made Camps Bay synonymous with celebrity. The apartments and double bedrooms are situated high on the slopes of the rugged Twelve Apostles mountain range, giving panoramic views of Camps Bay, Cape Town. The guest house has been laid out so that no matter which apartment you choose or where you are within your private self-catering accommodation you can enjoy the views that make Camps Bay famous.
From the pool deck with its solar heated swimming pool or from the private balcony of your penthouse apartment you can enjoy a view of Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean that will become a part of your holiday memories forever.
Created after identifying the high demand for outdoor and adventure holidays in South Africa, Extreme Scene offers some of the most adrenalin pumping adventures for those locals and travellers seeking the heart stopping thrills and excitement. From breathtaking safari tours to heart stopping bungee jumping and laid back tree top canopy tours, these Cape Town adventure tours operators offer something for everyone. Whatever adventure you’re looking for Extreme Scene has it all.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Table Mountain, overlooking the bustling Mother City, David’s Guest House welcomes its visitors to elegant, comfortable and well-appointed Green Point accommodation. Each classic style room has its own en-suite bathroom and leads out on to a beautiful, lush garden or private balcony. Discover more about this ambient Cape Town B&B on the David’s website.
Jambo Guest House, situated in the heart of Green Point, allows guests the opportunity to experience the ultimate peace and serenity while still enjoying the ambience of the bustling city. This Green Point accommodation offers supremely comfortable rooms and a tranquil garden while still being in close proximity to the city, allowing them to explore and experience the thrill of city life. Visit the Jambo Guest House website to find out more about this Cape Town bed & breakfast.
Retirement communities should encompass all the great things life has to offer, according to property development leaders, Devmark Property Group. As a result, their latest project, Helderberg Manor Retirement Village, includes facilities such as a swimming pool, bowling green and fully equipped gym, to ensure the best possible retirement.
Head South Boutique Hotel, situated in trendy Green Point, offers luxury and sophistication to all their guests. With facilities such as a hairdresser, mini conference room and surgery, this Green Point accommodation has all the components of a world class hotel.
by Sandy Cosser
There are 550 walks, many of which are guided. Free guided walks are available through the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, but travel agencies can put you in touch with any number of accredited, professional guides with years of experience traversing the pathways of Table Mountain behind them.
One of the most popular routes is the Skeleton Gorge/Nursery Ravine walk. It starts in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, at Smuts Track, and is indicated with small yellow tree tags. It wends its way through some indigenous forest before hikers reach the half way point and some ladders. The ladders are there to help walkers over tricky rocky patches, but they are easy to climb. The top offers views over False Bay and Cape Point. From there hikers work their way past the Hely-Hutchinson Dam to the top of the Nursery Ravine where the descent begins. The entire circuit should take around three and a half hours.
Grootkop is a highly recommended route that few people take, even though guides say that it provides one of the best views of the whole Table Mountain Range. It starts at Theresa Drive in Camps Bay and ascends via Kasteelspoort, which is the shortest route to Grootkop. The climb is fairly tricky and isn’t recommended for inexperienced or unfit hikers. Including a stopover for lunch, the roundtrip should take around six hours.
While many of the walks are suitable for inexperienced climbers, and it’s possible for people to explore the mountain paths without a guide, visitors should bear in mind that Table Mountain can be a dangerous place for the unwary. Temperatures drop dramatically the higher you go, so even in summer visitors should carry something warm, and preferably waterproof, with them. A map, compass, torch and extra food are also recommended in case walkers wander off the pathways or bad weather sets in and they have to wait it out. October to March are traditionally the windy months, when gale-force south-easters shriek across the mountain face and do their best to whip hikers off the trails. But the wind is by no means bound by this indefinite timeline and can blow at any time. Mist is not uncommon and descends quickly and without warning.
Over the past year, Table Mountain has been plagued with an escalation in muggings. To combat this, more park rangers were employed, as well as increased police surveillance by camera and helicopter, particularly during peak periods. According to officials, the incidence of muggings as decreased as a result of these actions, but as is so often the case, no official numbers have been released. Hikers are advised to always travel in a group of at least four, to leave their valuables at home and to carry a cell phone in case of emergency.
Recommended sites:
http://www.tablemountainwalks.co.za/
Camps Bay Weather
South Africa lies in the southern hemisphere and the seasons in South Africa are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. December and January are the main summer holiday months and the Camps Bay beach is very popular at this time of the year. In May and June, Autumn brings warm days and cool nights and this time of the year is the best seasons for hiking. From the beginning of July to the end of September, you can expect cold and rain in the Western Cape where Camps Bay is situated. Snow sometimes falls on the Cape mountains in winter.
South African Visas
Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel to South Africa and visitors from more than 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan and the European Union countries can visit South Africa without visas. Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. If you intend traveling to South Africa’s neighbouring countries and back into South Africa you are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets.They must also have valid international health certificates.
A law has been passed stipulating that all visitors to South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passport to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient space in the passport entry will be denied and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin.
Communication Services
A direct dialing service connects all centres and the international telephone service links south Africa with countries around the world. Cellular phones can be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Internet access is available in all but the most remote areas and broadband (ADSL) is available in the major urban areas.
If you wish to make a call overseas, you must first dial 09, which is South Africa’s international access code. You then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call.
Immunisations
No international immunization is needed when entering South Africa. The only inoculation requirement is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers over one year of age entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in these areas are advised to be inoculated against the disease before visiting South Africa. Immunisation against cholera and smallpox is not required.
Malaria is to the larger extent under control in South Africa. Regions that are affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, northern Natal and Zululand. Visitors to Camps Bay will not be effected by the disease and will not require immunization against it.
Medical Services
South Africa has no national health scheme. It’s advisable to purchase travel insurance which covers medical expenses during the period of your stay.
Water
In the major cities and towns and most game reserves, tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink.
Electricity
220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are universal, so take an adapter. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.
Credit Cards
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa
Traveller’s Cheques
Most international traveler’s cheques are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.
Currency
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1. R1 = 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, American Express and Rennies Travel. Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c and 5c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press.
Postal Service
Open Mon – Fri 08h00 – 16h30 & Sat 08h00 – 12h00. Mail may be addressed to you Post Restante. The main post offices have special counters for this purpose. Postage stamps are widely available (e.g. at some cafes and branches of the Central News Agency – CNA).
Time Differences
Throughout the year, Standard Time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time.
Languages
South Africa currently has 11 official languages. English is spoken throughout the country. French, Italian and German are spoken by staff members in many of the larger hotels and shops that cater to the tourist markets.
Shopping
South African manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship, and a favourable exchange rate against the major currencies means that you can afford to be a bit extravagant. Shopping hours are generally 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Many shops in cities and big shopping malls are open Sundays.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Porters R2 per item, taxis 10%, waiters & waitresses in restaurants 10 – 15%.
VAT (Value Added Tax):
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors are not exempt from paying VAT on purchased goods. They may, however, claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R 250.00..
VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT refund administration office or an appointed RSA customs and excise official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded. Visitors will be requested to fill out a VAT Refund Control Sheet (VAT 255). Where a visitor does not export all the goods specified on a particular tax invoice, only the value of the goods and the tax paid on such goods exported must be declared on this form.
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| // <![CDATA[ <!-- ch_client = "greatme"; ch_type = "mpu"; ch_width = 468; ch_height = 180; ch_non_contextual = 4; ch_vertical ="premium"; ch_default_category = "200001"; ch_sid = "Chitika Premium"; var ch_queries = new Array( ); var ch_selected=Math.floor((Math.random()*ch_queries.length)); if ( ch_selected // ]]>// From time to time you will come across a survey that has found that going on vacation can be one of the most stressful activities that you can do, the only things that come out as more stressful in the survey are getting married or buying a new house. It is surprising then to believe that we all look forward to our summer vacation so much. Vacations do not have to be so stressful though and if you follow a few basic tips you should be able to have a nice relaxing time from the moment that you book your vacation to the moment you step back through your front door after the vacation. So what are the top tips to remember when going on vacation?Generally a family holiday with a young family is more stressful than if you are a lone traveler, simply because you have the well being of your children to consider makes the whole experience more stressful. Before you book your vacation with your family you should thoroughly research all of the facilities that are available for children at the resort that you are going to, a vacation can be made a whole lot more hectic if there is nothing there for the children to do. Only when you are happy that the resort is safe for the children and that there is plenty there to keep them occupied should you book. In the weeks leading up to your departure you should start to make a list of everything that you need to but for the trip whether it is clothing or toiletries, if you have a list that you can work to then you should hopefully avoid any last minute panics. If you need to get foreign currency for your vacation it is advisable to check out whether the currency that you need is dropping or rising against your own currency. By studying the currency fluctuations over the preceding weeks you may well be able to save yourself some money which may enable you to live a little more whilst away. If your children are old enough to pack for themselves you should make them a packing list of everything that they will need to take away with them. This gives them a little bit of responsibility and frees you up to be doing something else. Working down your checklist of things that you need to do you should try to put a date along side each task so you know when you need to have that completed by. This allows you to budget your time better and means that you will not be running around at the last minute trying to remember what needs to be done. Try to make a sub-list of things such as toiletries to ensure that you have the basics required for your vacation such as shower gel, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste and most importantly of all sun cream. If you are traveling with small children always ensure that you have a high enough sun block to protect their delicate skin. |
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Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site Harwood E Woodpecker. Submitted By ArticleUnited.com |
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