Hi All,
I have just returned from a 4 day safari to our Kruger National Park which is a proclaimed national park the size of Israel or Belgium. Not only were we 2 adults and 4 children, but unknown to us “Lady Luck” had joined us on the trip. After 4 days we had seen the big 5 plus more. Lady Luck had arranged that we saw a pride of lions enjoying their meal of a buffalo. It took a day for them to enjoy their leisurely meal in between lazing under a tree and showing us their fat bellies.
Another special and rare sighting was spotting a leopard with his impala kill, up in a tree. Sightings like these are not an everyday occurrence and for us it was a privilege to be so lucky. Added to this we saw a chameleon crossing our path and a snake crossing the road. A great time was had by all and the most special thing to me was the education and experience had by our children ranging from 4 – 16 years.
With the year half way through I reflect on what has been achieved and what has not been so good this year.
Both here in South Africa and in the USA we have had elections and we have new Presidents. In the USA, Barack Obama was voted in with confidence. In South Africa the existing political party, the African National Congress (ANC), were reinstated with a 66% majority. It was a free and fair election although the cynics of our country were well represented.
Our new President, Jacob Zuma thus far, has come across as the right man for the job, notwithstanding that he has had his fair share of shame. He was acquitted in court on a rape charge and corruption charges dropped in an armaments procurement deal.
With the world economic crisis, we are also going through tough times, but not as bad as in Europe and the USA. South Africa is hosting the 2010 World Soccer, the biggest sport event in the world. We are spending billions of Rand building 5 new stadiums. We are also spending billions on upgrading our highways as well as a rapid rail system in Johannesburg. These projects, which still have a few years to go, have provided employment for thousands of people.
On the down side, the property prices are dropping and our car industry is in the doldrums. Yes, we build BMW’s, Mercedes Benz, Toyota’s and VW’s here in South Africa and export right hand drive cars to countries like Australia and others who use right hand drive cars. This downturn has resulted in the retrenchment of hundreds of thousands of workers.
The hype of us hosting the 2010 World Cup Soccer is hotting up. Anyone thinking of visiting our shores to experience the biggest sports event in the world should start planning now as accommodation is already becoming hard to come by. This applies also for anyone wanting to travel to our neighbouring countries like Botswana for safaris and Zambia to Victoria Falls. I have secured some special destinations which are available now but not for long.
I derive great pleasure from responses I get from clients when they arrive back home. Comments like Ït’s the best holiday I have had for 20 years” or ”Thank you for your excellent service and attention to detail on each aspect of our trip”.
Why should you use me and not your local travel consultant? I have lived here all my life (56 years) and have travelled to many destinations here in South Africa and our neighbouring countries. There is no area I recommend to which I have not travelled. I know how best to organize your trip according to how many days you will be here. To those of you, whom I have met this year, thank you for entrusting your trip to me. To all of you considering visiting Southern Africa, why not contact me?
Our new website is about to go online, for this I thank my nephew, Craig Isakow from the USA. Visit www.chavkinafricansafaris.com.
Till next month
Fond Regards
Anthony
Chavkin Safaris
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