Strandloper Safaris
Strandloper Safaris runs specialised tours with an emphasis on communicating the excitement of marine research and education, conducted by postgraduate marine biology students trained by Professor George Branch.
For the delegates and accompanying persons associated with the International Aquarium Conference (IAC), we are offering two tours, Tour One to the Cape Peninsula (“Where mountains and sea collide”) and Tour Two to Langebaan Lagoon on the West Coast (“The wild west coast”), at a special discount rate of R1 200 per person.
Tours last the whole day and include all entry fees, food and drinks. For delegates at the IAC, special tours will be run on the day before the conference (Sunday 9 September) and again on the day after the conference (Saturday 15 September), but bookings outside of those dates can also be arranged.
On that webpage is a link to “Enquire here” where queries and bookings can be made. Under “Enquiry”, please specify:
- that you are associated with the International Aquarium Conference to qualify for a discount;
- which of the tours you are interested in;
- your preferred date(s); and
- number of people
uShaka Sea World Durban
Are you planning to attend the IAC in Cape Town in 2012? If your answer is yes, then make sure that you add Durban to your itinerary. Situated a mere two-hour flight from Cape Town, Durban is home to uShaka Marine World, a unique marine theme park. Consisting of uShaka Sea World, the uShaka Wet ‘n Wild Water Park and the uShaka Village Walk shopping centre, this unique destination offers something for everyone. uShaka Sea World includes an aquarium, as well as a dolphinarium and seal and penguin exhibits.
The uniquely themed aquarium provides a window into the western Indian Ocean and is home to magnificent specimens, many of which are endemic to our home waters. Home to almost 8 000 specimens, representative of over 500 species and with a water volume of over 22-million litres, uShaka Sea World is the largest aquarium in Africa! We are also home to some of the largest bottlenose dolphins in any facility in the world. Although the entrance fee can carry a bit of a steep price, you would be wise to use the No Deposit Bonus on Microgaming Games at Platinum Play Casino to win some cash easily in order to pay for your ticket, you can even pay for the VIP pass without no problems on this site, the payout rates are quite generous.
While you are in Durban why not do a dive – without a cage – with sand tigers, tiger and bull sharks in the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected area. We can also arrange for a visit to one of our amazing game parks – the Hluhluwe Umfolozi complex, home to rhino, elephant, leopard and lion, is just a two-hour drive away.
Contact us at www.seaworld.org.za.
Cape Eco-Tours
The Eco-Ist is offering four tailored day trips for 2012 IAC delegates.
Option 1: West Coast spring flowers – full-day tour
The West Coast of South Africa, a region where the rugged coastline contrasts the pristine beauty of the springtime floral tapestry. For most of the year it seems as if the West Coast is unable to support any but the toughest forms of life, but the seemingly lifeless soil sustains thousands of wild flower species, many of which comes to life during the months of August to October.
Option 2: Art, winelands, Cape cuisine and walk-in traditional food garden – full-day tour
Start the day with a visit to South Africa’s second oldest town Stellenbosch. Here, you will explore the famous art galleries and museums, and do wine tasting, enjoy a local lunch and a walk through a fynbos reserve.
Option 3: Unique culture, nature and West Coast cuisine – full-day tour
Travel to !Khwa Ttu (www.khwattu.org). This 850 ha nature reserve on the West Coast just outside Cape Town where impeccably renovated old farm buildings house the San Culture & Education Centre, is a place dedicated to the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, the San or Bushmen. It is a choice destination for the discerning tourist who wishes to meet and learn about South Africa’s First People, while enjoying a beautiful natural setting in the unique West Coast environment.
Option 4: Winelands history and Cape Floral Kingdom nature walk – full-day tour
Enjoy spending some time in South Africa’s second oldest town, Stellenbosch, home to the University of Stellenbosch and some other beautiful heritage sites and museums. Visit wine estates such as the historical Vergelegen, which is part of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative.
Please note
- Private small group tours for min 6 guests per tour
- Guided tours held by professional guide who has a good local knowledge
- Special dietary requirements and any other special interests – please advise
- For enquiries and bookings please contact Ince Maree: [email protected]
Specialised tours of SANCCOB
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is a world-renowned seabird facility that specialises in the rehabilitation and rearing of wild seabirds for release back into the wild.
Visit SANCCOB for an inspirational one-hour specialist tour and get a behind-the-scenes peek into the workings of a seabird hospital, and hear about the research, education and training being done to support seabird conservation.
SANCCOB has treated more than 90 000 seabirds since 1964, half of these are its flagship species – the endangered African penguin – which are favourites at zoos and aquariums around the world.
Situated just 20 minutes from the city of Cape Town, SANCCOB is easily accessible via the bus rapid transit (BRT) service or by car/taxi. From its vantage point overlooking the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, SANCCOB commands a majestic view of Table Mountain and its surroundings.
To arrange a tour – please call +27 (0)21 557 6155 and speak to Francois Louw or email [email protected].
Tours cost R40/US$5 per person – and the chance to adopt your very own penguin and pay for its rehabilitation back into the wild is R500/US$70.