Breathtaking Visit: The Taktshang Monastery In Bhutan More on Bhutan... OTHER RECENT KONTREI NEWS: - Kilimanjaro: Making it Before the Ice-Cap Disappears... - Summer Shark Viewing: Plenty Of Sharks In Joubertsdam - Cederberg South Africa: Clanwilliam 'Town of the Year 2009' - Franschhoek Christmas Market, Rose Exibition - Tracking Penguins of Dyer Island - De Zeekoe Guest Farm Community Project, Meerkat Walking World Economic Crisis - Bhutan's Answer Is 'Gross National Happiness' LEES IN AFRIKAANS BHUTAN, HIMALAYAS - If the world is suffering under a massive economic crisis it is due to "...greed, insatiable human greed," according to Prime Minister Jigme Thinley of Bhutan. The leader of the Bhutan Government was recently quoted by the New York Times after the first democratic elections in the tiny mountain kingdom. After being guided by the philosophy of "Gross National Happiness" for decades, Bhutan has now adopted it as a policy in order to counter the effects of the international focus on Gross National Product (GNP), or what it sees as unbridled economic development regardless of the human and other costs involved. Bhutan, a country with fewer than 800 000 inhabitants, has only recently (in the 1960's) opened up to foreigners, and is fast becoming one of the most exclusive and fascinating travel destinations. According to Bikee, owner of a travel agency specializing in cultural and "sense of place" visits to Bhutan, March and April is the spring season in Bhutan and would be the best time for a trip to Bhutan. "There is little or no rain during these times, flowers will be blooming and the ground again starts getting green after the dry and cold winter." Dedicated to giving foreigners a unique view and experience of the country, Bhutanese like Bikee understand what tourists need in their own pursuit of gross travelling happiness... Click here for more information on travelling to Bhutan

More News How Much We Owe To The Oceans Life on our planet originated in the sea; today, the oceans continue to provide countless benefits for all life on Earth. Watch CIs new marine video to learn just how much we owe to these vast habitats, and why we must act to save them before its too late. More information at the Conservation International site... Book your ocean experience directly with the sustainable owner/operator for Whales and Great Whites!

New on Kontrei Unforgettable Tours by Helicopter and Aeroplane!
	Take a breathtaking flight! Choose between scenic or adventure tours or customise a flight to any location of your choice. Click here for more information...

Tanzania, Kilimanjaro: Looking For More Than Simply Being A Tourist?

Take a look at a slideshow of this Tanzania experience...

New! Bhutan Kingdom: Discover This Top Global Hot Spot!

West to East Bhutan Tour, 16 days. Arrive by air at Paro - read more...

Are You Looking For That Unforgettable Wedding Experience?

Kontrei has put together a list of unique wedding venues in South Africa, as offered by our Kontrei Portfolio Partners. Take a look here... and book well in advance!

Featured Destinations!

Namaqualand Flower Spectacular A spring flower tour is most spectacular in the winter rainfall area on the western, arid side of South Africa. The natural flower phenomenon of the Namaqualand area (kontrei) is regarded as a natural wonder. The 2009 winter rain season started normally. Read more...

Savingnac de Versailles, Wellington, Boland Savingnac de Versailles is a pot distilled brandy producer in Wellington, who has perfected cognac in Wellington on our farm, Versailles. The perfected product is now called SAVINGNAC. Savingnac is South Africa's finest spirit, rare and rich, and completely natural. Read more...

South Africa by KONTREI. Select the kontrei (region) you want to view:

Popular Experiences and Attractions!

Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse Hermon, Swartland Bartholomeus Klip is famous for its long history of luxurious country hospitality. Bartholomeus Klip offers you a warm welcome. At the farmhouse you can feel at ease reading a book, or enjoying an open fire in one of the reception areas in the main homestead. Bask in the last rays of the afternoon sun on the verandah as the day turns to night, with the wind down. Read more...

De Zeekoe Guest Farm Oudshoorn, Klein Karoo De Zeekoe Guest Farm/ Reserve is one of the words 17 "hot spots" with three overlapping flower zones. This expansive 2000-hectare farm, offers a special African experience where guests have the unique opportunity to walk with wild meerkats. Read more...

Zomerlust Paarl Situated in the Western Cape Winelands, about 45 minutes' drive from Cape Town and its international airport, Paarl is the ideal Winelands stay-over. Major routes lead to the neighboring towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Wellington. Read more...

Grootbos Nature Reserve Gansbaai, Overberg The whale whisperer, a custom built whale-watching boat, will take you on a marine big five adventure. See 50-ton Southern Right Whales only meters from your boat (the size of up to 12 elephants!). Travel to the island refuge of huge sea bird colonies and nesting grounds of the rare African Penguin. Read more...

Muratie Wine Estate & Guest Houses, Stellenbosch Stay in one of our 2 magnificent guest cottages on the farm. The Canitz Studio which is our previous owner's old art studio or the Humble Cellar Cottage situated next to our ancient cellar... Read more...

Ganora Guest Farm Discover the famous Ganora Guest Farm meals, comforts and attractions while touring South Africa. Why settle for ordinary Graaff Reinet accommodation if you can get a taste of real African dust with a Great Karoo-style quad biking experience or a 4x4 adventure? Or do you prefer getting back to your roots via a fossil tour? Read more...

Van Zijl Guesthouses & Restaurant, Nieuwoudtville, Boesmanland Van Zijl Guesthouses and Restaurant is situated in the bulb capital of the world, Nieuwoudtville, bordering the Namakwaland, Hantam Karoo, Bokkeveld, Boesmanland and the Knersvlakte. Nieuwoudtville is about 5-6 hrs drive from Cape Town and about 52 km east of Vanrhynsdorp and the N7. Read more...

New Week-Long Steps Over Africa!

Step Into Africa Using Cape Town As Gateway Linking our Kontrei Portfolio Members in Africa together with 7,8,10 days per area (Kontrei), a three or four week combination is possible... Read more...

Popular Tours!

Guided Cape And Boland Wine Tour After breakfast guided Paarl Walkabout through the historic centre of Paarl, Afrikaans language museum and Monument with vistas over winelands from Paarl Mountain. Cellar tour and tasting and lunch at Backsberg Estate. Buffet dinner at Ralph's... Read more...

BOTSWANA SAFARI LION COUNTRY! Group of Max. 4 Vehicles Needed! Departing: Any Desired Date! 7 Days 7 Nights from Bray To Kaa! Click here for details about this wonderful tour which includes a bushman experience...

South Africa is now BIG 7 Country! 5 Big Land Mammals PLUS 2 Marine creatures, Whales and White Sharks Already a BIG 5 traveller? Complete your BIG 7 experience at Gansbaai with a same day whales and white sharks interaction. Book your experience directly with the sustainable owner/operator for Whales and Great Whites!

KONTREI NEWS View pictures of a recent trip - 7 sightings! Read more... Kilimanjaro Ice Going Fast Read more... Hlubi Mboya of Isidingo at Zomerlust Gastehuis! Read more...

KONTREI CALENDAR 29 August 2009 Famous Guitarist, Trevor Nasser at De Zeekoe MORE EVENTS SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS!

Guided Cape And Boland Wine Tour!

Support Cape Leopard Trust Sponsors! Book at any of these Kontrei Traveller Portfolio members in the Cederberg who are active supporters of the Cape Leopard Trust: Bakkrans Keurbosfontein Mount Ceder