Malula ~ a new addition to the family !

Early June Safari4x4Hire was proud to add another TD5 to their fleet of vehicles and will hopefully be equipping the Defender soon which is already booked out for her first trip to Botswana early July 2009.
The best 4x4xfar rides again !

Happy travels Malula ...

First time in Africa !

Playing Bingo on Safari !

In May, I had the fantastic opportunity to guide a scuba safari to my beloved Mozambique for 9 very outspoken Argentineans, fanatical about scuba and exploring new countries. The objective: to find Whale Shark !

After the night drive in the Kruger National Park didn´t deliver much more than a rare Cheetah, I was hoping the next day on our way out towards Moz would hopefully be even more spectacular - after all we only had 3/4 hours to hopefully complete the Big 5 list for these first timers to Africa, a mission impossible. One hour after leaving camp on our way to Malelane Gate - bingo ! With no more than 200 meters apart we found and yes its true, a group of elephant and 3 lazy lions looking on ! This was unbelievable to say the least. We left the Kruger with 4 out 5 and only leopard waiting to be discovered for next time.

Staying and diving at Barra had been amazing to say the least. The weather had been playing along, and the water temperature was a comfortable 23°C with not too bad vis. We had 5 dives left and the Whale Shark were still missing ... After our first morning dive on the 3rd last day coming back from Tofo the DM thought he had noticed something ... was it or was it not ? Bingo ! Never have I seen 9 divers abort ship so fast ... we saw 2 more that day before beaching. The next day we dived with 3 Manta Ray's !

Mission completed. We are planning the second trip ... In October I´ll be meeting 12 or 14 outspoken Argentineans again ... I hope it will be Bingo time again.

Safe diving and see you in the water soon !

Happy clients !

In January Safari4x4Hire started planning the self drive safari for the Ryan family from the UK. For 3 members of the family visiting South Africa would be a first ! We were challenged to offer an experience that would be remembered for ever ...
April their trip got underway in a new Land Rover Discovery III and they left for the Kruger National Park ... the Big 5, Safari Tents and valuable family time together made it all a true African experience ! After exploring more parts of Mpumalanga they left for the beautiful beaches of the Dolphin Coast in Shaka's Rock. Staying in 4* B&B comfort and hospitality they were able to recharge and prepare for summer in the UK again.

Dear Christo,

We have now settled back into routine after our most delightful South African experience. May I personally thank you for your dedication and the manner that you managed our holiday from conception to actually undertaking the safari holiday. What particularly impressed me the most was, the personal touch, the emails, meeting at the airport and indeed the time taken to produce the information pack which was invaluable to enhance the whole experience.
Your choice of vehicle added further value to the Kruger Park of which was absolutely breathtaking seeing the animals in their natural habitat and the selection of the campsites was great (I was impressed with all that the Kruger Park stands for). The tented experience in Letaba further more added to the feeling of wilderness. As you are aware we spent the second week at Shaka’s Rock staying at Lynberry’s. Once again the selection of location and accommodation was excellent “thank you” and they proved to be outstanding hosts a great experience.
If I can add any more it is that as a family we had a special holiday, which was through you efforts and attitude of nothing is too much. It represented great value for money, very important. I am that impressed that I intend to recommend you and your company where ever I can.
It was a pleasure to meet and do business with both you and your wife, from a very grateful family, thank you very much. We will no doubt be booking again soon.

Yours truly,
Mike Ryan.

The DAKAR

Still on the topic of 4WD and Adventure some news and info on the DAKAR now for the first time being raced in South America ...

THE HISTORY

AN ENDURING CHALLENGE
The adventure began back in 1977, when Thierry Sabine got lost on his motorbike in the Libyan desert during the Abidjan-Nice Rally. Saved from the sands in extremis, he returned to France still in thrall to this landscape and promising himself he would share his fascination with as many people as possible. He proceeded to come up with a route starting in Europe, continuing to Algiers and crossing Agadez before eventually finishing at Dakar. The founder coined a motto for his inspiration: “A challenge for those who go. A dream for those who stay behind.” Courtesy of his great conviction and that modicum of madness peculiar to all great ideas, the plan quickly became a reality. Since then, the Paris-Dakar, a unique event sparked by the spirit of adventure, open to all riders and carrying a message of friendship between all men, has never failed to challenge, surprise and excite. Over the course of almost thirty years, it has generated innumerable sporting and human stories.

We'll keep you posted ...

from a true DAKAR Supporter

Tasty treats around the campfire !

Kids love these sweet banana splits, made in foil packets and heated over the coals of a campfire or baked in the oven. Get creative and add peanut butter, coconut, butterscotch or caramel.

Ingredients

• 6 large bananas, unpeeled, stems removed
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill for high heat.
2. Spray 4 sheets of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap bananas, with cooking spray.
3. Slice the peel of the banana from stem to bottom, while slicing the banana inside lengthwise. The bananas can be cut into slices instead if you like, (while still in the peel) for easier handling later.
4. Carefully open the banana just wide enough to place the chocolate chips and marshmallows inside the peel with the banana. Stuff with as much of the chocolate chips and marshmallows as desired.
5. Wrap the bananas with the aluminum foil and place on the grill or directly in the coals of a fire. Leave in long enough to melt the chips and the marshmallows, about 5 minutes. Unwrap bananas, open the peels wide, and eat with a spoon.

Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
• calories: 549cal
• total fat: 17.6g
• cholesterol: 0mg
• sodium: 31mg
• carbohydrates: 107g
• fiber: 6.6g
• protein: 4.6g

Preparation Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 8 min.
Ready In: 18 min.
Servings: 6


mmm enjoy !

Take Care with Malaria

Malaria poses a risk to travellers to and residents in malaria areas. Stringent non drug measures should be taken to avoid mosquito bites throughout the year, even in areas of low malaria transmission intensity. In addition, effective chemoprophylaxis should be taken whenever and wherever the risks of acquiring malaria exceed the probability of experiencing a serious adverse reaction to the chemoprophylaxis. The risk of acquiring malaria is determined by the intensity of malaria transmission in the area and season of visit, as well as the length of stay, type of accommodation, and likely activities between dusk and dawn. The choice of chemoprophylaxis is determined by local antimalarial drug resistance patterns and patient factors including, co-morbid disease, drug interactions and activities. Mefloquine or doxycycline are the preferred prophylactic agents due to their greater efficacy, but chloroquine plus proguanil may be considered in certain circumstances. Patients should be made aware that malaria should be urgently excluded with ANY febrile
illness occurring within 1 week to 3 months after visiting a malaria area, regardless of whether or not chemoprophylaxis was taken or mosquitoes were seen. Early effective treatment is essential to prevent progression to potentially fatal severe malaria.

Classic Safari to the Kruger National Park

Safari 4x4 Hire - Self Drive & Guided Safaris is proud to present our world famous

Classic Overland Safari to the Kruger National Park

Into Africa 4x4 Big 5 Game Safari – Kruger National Park, South Africa


All inclusive 3 days/2 nights guided 4x4 Big 5 game safari (Max. 4 people per vehicle)
Fully catered Accommodation (chalet) - Kruger National Park
Fully equipped air-conditioned Land Rover Defender 110 TD5
All Meals, drinks and snacks

U$D 350.00 p.p.sharing* - max.4
* Terms & Conditions Apply

What's Included?
• Collection & drop off from Oliver Tambo Int Airport (JNB) or any hotel in Jo'burg or Pretoria.
• Chalet accommodation with en-suite facilities and air-conditioning - 3 stars.
• Professional “Safari 4x4 Hire” guides.
• Transport for the entire duration of the safari tour.
• Panoramic Route on journey back to Gauteng.
• Comfortable 'all day' game viewing drives.
• One 'open vehicle' night game drive.
• Bottle water on game drives.
• Kruger Park entrance fees.
• Wine with evening meal.
• Breakfasts & dinners.
• Conservation levy.

And if you wanted to Fly-in?

• Collection & drop off from either Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) or Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) near Nelspruit.
• Extended time in Kruger Park on last day, in lieu of Panoramic Route.

Excluded?
• Panoramic Route (included on overland)
• International flights.
• Personal expenses.
• Drinks and curios.
• Domestic flights.
• Lunches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note

Our Kruger Park Classic Safaris are carried out with a 'Safari 4x4 Hire' guide and not with just a tour guide or a driver guide!
Interested in a Kruger Park Classic Safari, then e-mail us right now - we'll check availability and reply with a safari offer in 48 hours.

As a minimum we require the following information with your email:

A) Type of safari - Kruger Park Classic Safari
B) Number of days - 3 day, 4 day, 5 day, 6 day and 7 day.
C) Number of people - minimum 2 people guarantees departure.
D) Required departure date - any day that suits you.
E) Collection & drop off requirements - your hotel or flight details can be provided after we have confirmed safari availability.

Collection in Jo'burg or Pretoria:
Departing at 7.00-7.30am from any hotel in Johannesburg/Pretoria or off any early morning flight arriving at Jo'burg's Oliver Tambo Int Airport (JNB), you safely travel east for approx 4 hours to 'Nelspruit' the capital of Mpumalanga Province.
At Nelspruit you have an opportunity to do your last minute shopping, to stock up the cooler box with some drinks, film, snacks, mosquito repellent etc.
Leaving Nelspruit your journey continues for 1.5 hours to the game rich Southern region of Kruger Park and enter the park at Crocodile Bridge.

Collection from KMIA or MQP:
Your Safari 4x4 Hire guide will meet you off your midday flight arriving at Kruger Mpumalanga Int Airport (KMIA) or Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) and start your safari by driving for 1 hour to the game rich Southern region of Kruger Park and enter the park at Crocodile Bridge.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 1: Johannesburg/Pretoria - Kruger Park - Skukuza Camp (D)

On entering Kruger Park, you spend the rest of the day game viewing following the Sabi River. The animals tend to move towards the Sabi River in the afternoon to quench their thirst from the sun's heat - you see herds of Impala or Waterbuck drinking at the waters edge. A herd of Elephants cross the river, splashing, play fighting once they arrive on the far side. Crocodiles are seen basking in the afternoon sun; mouths open regulating their body temperatures. A grunt from a Hippo is heard, we find them in a shallow section of the river sleeping with the biggest male keeping an eye on his territory and his females.
This first game viewing drive up the Sabi River sets up what's yet to come.
Arriving at 'Skukuza' camp just before the entrance gates close for the evening, you check in, move into your chalet to freshen up, ready for your first safari dinner.
Your dinner is prepared, cooked and served outside under the stars. Traditional South African meals are prepared giving you a taste of our delicious, barbeque (known to the locals as a braai) cuisine.

Day 2: Kruger Park - Satara Camp (B D)

The day starts early with a wake up call at 5.00am. At 6.00am the camp gates open so we can start the day's game viewing. We visit 'Lower Sabi' camp at approx 10.00am when it's time to have some breakfast and of course, have a good stretch.
On the way your Safari 4x4 Hire guide finds a Leopard walking on the edge of the road, marking it's territory by scenting trees and bushes. He's a big male, powerful. We slowly follow him as he proudly walks along the edge of the road. Later you see a White Rhino using a rubbing post then wanders off. Impalas always next to or crossing the road. Three Lionesses on the road laying close to each other and then moving off into the bush. Later a Hyena crossed the road making its way back to its den.
After breakfast at 'Lower Sabi' camp we continue game viewing, stopping off at water holes, following river lines, checking dams for the rest of the morning and early afternoon. Your Safari 4x4 Hire guide spots you lots of wildlife - a herd of Buffalos at a water hole, Eagles in the afternoon sky, Giraffes grazing off the Acacia trees with their necks stretched to the limit. Birds are spotted all the time.
We stop off at Nkombi lookout and enjoy this stunning view, seeing more Rhino in the distance. Zebra and Wildebeest grazing the open grass areas keeping a watchful eye out for predators. You see more Elephants passing near by.
We arrive at 'Satara' camp at 1.00pm. You check in. You may wish to stay in camp and siesta the afternoon away or continue the game drive with your Safari 4x4 Hire guide. At this time of the day it's hot but it's still worth checking a few water holes waiting for the sun to cool a little later in the afternoon.
Arriving back at camp for 4.00pm you then have a chance to check the curio shop, stock up with drinks and freshen up ready for your night drive, which departs from camp at 6.00pm.
A SANParks ranger in an open sided truck conducts the night drive, which lasts for approx three hours.
On your return from your night drive at 9.00pm your dinner would have been prepared, cooked ready for you to enjoy dinner out in the open, listening to the African night sounds, whilst we discuss the next day's exciting events.

Day 3: Kruger Park – Johannesburg/Pretoria (B)

You start your last morning game viewing drive - loads of Impalas are found. A troop of Baboons block the road. We slowly drive through the troop with our windows shut. More Elephants, close and in the distance, being destructive with their eating habits. A Steenbok standing in the middle of an open area. More Lions lazing around a base of a wild fig tree, the cubs playing with each other.......

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Drop-off back in Jo'burg/Pretoria:

On leaving Kruger Park, your homeward bound journey includes the 'Panoramic Route' with driving through the Northern Drakensberg Mountains. En-route you will stop and spend a few minutes at famous scenic spots such as God's Window, World's View, Berlin Falls, Blyde River Canyon at the Three Rondavels and if there is still time in hand, you visit Pilgrims Rest.
From Pilgrims Rest it's a relaxed 4 hour drive back to Jo'burg. During this time it's great to reflect on the last few days & chat about your safari with your Safari Guide or catch up on a little sleep!

Your Safari 4x4 Hire guide will drop you off at any hotel in Jo'burg/Pretoria or at Jo'burg's Oliver Tambo Int Airport (JNB) for approx 6.00pm.

Drop-off back at KMIA or MQP:

Flying out on your last day may mean enjoying extended time in Kruger Park, with not having to leave the park, straight after the morning game drive!
Your Safari 4x4 Hire guide will make sure you leave the park with time to travel back to either Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) or Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) to catch your flight.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note

Interested in our 3 Day Kruger Park Classic Safari, e-mail us right now - we'll check availability and reply within 48 hours.

(B L D) refers to the meals included - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Using air-conditioned vehicles means we can provide all day game drives, no matter how hot the day gets! Your comfort is ensured.

Skukuza and Satara camps are used for explanation purposes in this itinerary and may not be the camps you are booked into as all accommodation is subject to availability.
Itinerary may vary slightly due to gate opening times, game movements, weather etc....

For other Classic Overland Safaris

Contact:
Christo Hugo

Tel: +27 14 718 7131
Cell: +27 72 388 1536
Fax: +27 14 718 7131

Email: info@safari4x4hire.com
Web: www.safari4x4hire.com

These trips are ideal for romantic break aways, retired couples wanting to get out or just because ...

See you soon on Safari !

All New Defender - The best 4x4 x Far - just got better !

Some Defender quick facts:

• All-new 2.4 litre diesel engine produces a class leading 360Nm of Torque
• All-new six speed transmission enhances Defender´s driving experience
• Best in class towing capability, with a braked trailer, of 3500kg
• All-new facia
• New seating
• All-new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
• Variety of body styles including the new Utility Station Wagon option

The new 2.4 litre common-rail diesel engine gives New 2007 Defender greater drivability and refinement. While the six speed manual transmission features a wide spread of gear ratios, with the lower first gear offering a reduction in crawl speed and improved pull-away to make off-roading and towing even easier. Making Defender now even better than ever.

Defender is the world´s most versatile off-road vehicle, capable of traversing extremes of terrain and surviving the most hostile environments. Its robust suspension allows extreme wheel articulation, enabling it to cross rocks and deep ruts with equal ease. Surefooted and unstoppable, it´s become a byword for tough, four-wheel drive dependability.

http://www.landrover.co.za

Safe Driving.

4x4 Hire News

Lowest Rates for 4x4 Rental in South Africa

Safari 4x4 Hire in South Africa offers the best rates with zero mileage/comprehensive insurance options and professional service for 4x4 rental in South Africa.
All 4x4 rentals are low-mileage, late model vehicles. You can pick-up and drop-off our rental 4x4 anywhere in South Africa/Southern Africa.

Cheapest 4x4 Hire in South Africa with low Excess
Safari 4x4 Hire in South Africa rental rates are the lowest on the Internet. We offer the best service when it comes to 4x4 hire in South Africa: long-term and short-term.

Long Term Rentals in South Africa
We offer unbeatable monthly 4x4 rental in South Africa.
If you only have a couple of weeks for your African Safari, then why not rent a 4x4. Choose from our range of fully equipped Land Rover Defenders, Toyota Double Cabs, Toyota Landcruisers or custom off road trailers.

4x4 Hire in Southern Africa
Through our network of other rental agencies across Southern Africa, we are able to offer car hire anywhere in Southern Africa: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, Malawi and Zambia.
Contact us if you would like us to make a 4x4 hire booking.

Safari 4x4 Hire - Quality Service
We are a young, dynamic company which prides itself in professional, prompt and personalised service.

Rate Match Policy
We will match any comparative quote in writing. Send comparative quotes to info@safari4x4hire.com or contact us directly on +27 72 388 1536.

Visiting the Kruger National Park in December ... and don't forget the fan !

It was my first visit to the Kruger National Park in December, wow was it hot ! All my previous visits have always been over Easter weekend and normally during the winter months not to mention the odd weekend break aways and short trips around Autumn, but this was a first - and did we love it !

We stayed in Letaba camp and we enjoyed both swimming pools during midday when driving around was just too hot. The pools offered an amazing refreshment in the 38 C heat. As we enjoy camping we wedged ourselves in between some fancy caravaners who all brought along the luxuries - they all seemed to have airconditioning ! I was amazed by some of the campers and the comforts and luxuries they bring along. South Africans love camping very organised even if its on a small basic scale.

In 3 days we saw all the Big 5 ! Fantastic, we love the Kruger and I guess that visiting the Kruger during a December in future won't be a strange idea. Just don't forget the fan or even better the airconditioner !

Happy camping.