Drive: Wildlife self-safaris

Drive: Wildlife self-safaris

MORE THAN YOU CAN BEAR
The grizzlies in Canada
The Route: The Icefields Parkway, which stretches 230km from Lake Louise to Jasper in the Canadian Rockies.
The Experience: This route takes travellers into the World Heritage listed Canadian Rockies, home to majestic mountains and meadows of wildflowers. To see bears in their natural habitat you'll need to plan your trip around their sleeping schedule though – they will be out and about from June to September.
The Rockies have two types of bear – the black bear (a threatened species in Banff National Park) and the grizzly bear (a sub-species of the brown bear). Grizzlies have often been sighted along the Icefields Parkway, so you may not even have to leave your car. You know you're in a bear's territory when you see gouges in tree bark – this is a bear's scratching post.
The Vehicle: A Ford Explorer standard SUV or similar from DriveAway Holidays is priced from $860 for seven days' hire, collecting from and returning to Calgary.
For more information, visit www.driveaway.com.au
THE LION'S SHARE
Kruger National Park, South Africa
The Route: The Panorama Route, starting at the Paul Kruger Gate and heading north to Orpen Gate, takes a day to drive. There are nine entry and exit gates in the park.
The Experience: Don't expect the animals to respect the road rules in the Kruger. Lionesses stretch out on the hot bitumen, rhinos take up two lanes, elephants have been known to rock cars with their trunks and zebras cross the road without looking left and right. This is the best place in Africa to see the Big Five – lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo and elephants. With almost 700km of sealed roads running through the park and nine entrance points, the Kruger is open to anyone with a vehicle. Expect to drive slowly to catch a glimpse of car-shy creatures and keep the window down to experience the sounds and smells of the African bush.
The central region is the best for game sighting as its grassland supports herds of herbivores. For the lions this means dinner, but they won't hunt until the day cools down. In the heat of the day it is likely they will be idling relaxing under a shady tree. And as a word of warning for Kruger visitors – you are in the animals' territory, not vice versa, so do your research and don't do anything that would put you or your passengers at risk.
The Vehicle: A Kia Sportage 2×4 Auto or similar from Hertz is priced from $752 for seven days' hire, collecting and returning to the town of Phalabowra.
For more information, visit www.hertz.com.au
NEVER SMILE AT A CROCODILE
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
The Route: Take the Explorer's Highway from Darwin, followed by the Arnhem Highway.
The Experience: Kakadu is home to one-fifth of Australia's mammals plus over one-third of its birds and the best time to spot them is at dawn and at sunset. Take a cruise down East Alligator River to see saltwater crocodiles, the kings of Kakadu. However, as they grow to over six metres in length, it's best to obey the warning signs and keep away from the edge of waterways. Mamukala Wetlands is a paradise for bird-watchers, with brolgas strolling through the water lily-strewn billabongs, while from September to October you can see magpie geese congregating in their thousands. Many native animals, such as bandicoots, are nocturnal so it pays to pack a torch if you are out and about in the evening. Kakadu National Park has two main bitumen roads and is well signposted.
The Vehicle: Clients should note that vehicle hire can be more expensive in the Northern Territory due to the varied road conditions and distances covered. Driving restrictions in certain areas also apply. A full size 4×4 Mitsubishi Pajero or similar from Holiday Autos is priced from $1862 for seven days' hire, collecting from and returning to Alice Springs.
For more information, visit www.holidayautos.com.au
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
driveLatest News

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events
NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

Engine delays plaguing Air New Zealand as carrier set to suspend Incheon-Auckland route
We never liked being at the back of the queue, and this is a big one to jump.

Australia’s aviation future takes flight: An exclusive with Simon Westaway
As you walk through your next Australian airport, from ABX to YWYY, remember this face, he may be there.

Destination Vancouver brings World Chef Exchange event to Sydney
We are sure that with Mark Best in the kitchen, there was more on offer than poutine and fries.

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

Envoyage-hosted National Travel Group joins Luxury Travel Collection
As this market continues to grow, make sure you get along to our own Travel Weekly Luxury Roadshow.

Airports Council International labels Newcastle Airport most sustainable in Australia
Newcastle says it will be the green gateway into to Australia, maybe the football team needs some new colours to match.

Vintage Rail Journeys’ unique Bathurst Race’N Rail packages now on sale
You might not get there as fast but you are guaranteed to save on fuel on the way there.

Patricia Piccinini’s skywhales return to tour Australia
The journey of Patricia Piccinini’s skywhales continues as the monumental sculptures take flight on a new tour across Australia. The National Gallery of Australia presents a second national tour of leading contemporary artist Patricia Piccinini’s beloved Skywhale and Skywhalepapa. The National Gallery has partnered with venues in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and, for the […]

David Fraser returns to Accor as VP of operations for Sofitel Pacific
Hotelier and asset manager David Fraser has been named vice president of operations for the Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and emblems brands across the Pacific. His arrival comes at a pivotal moment as Sofitel undergoes a transformative renewal phase and MGallery is executing expansion in the region. Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, […]

A foodie adventure at Disneyland Resort in California: Snack Attack on the Go
As far as levels of cuteness go, Disneyland Resort's Mickey beignets take the cake or should that be churros.

Minor Hotels brand unveils the Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, its first property in India
Treat like a Raj for a few hundred a night, we like the sound of that. Just don't mention the cricket.

Four Seasons announces new luxury resort and private residences in UAE
Four Seasons, together with RAK Properties, has announced plans for a new beach Resort and Private Residences in Mina, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Ras Al Khaimah at Mina will establish a new benchmark for the region’s luxury hospitality and lifestyle offerings. Designed as a sanctuary of beachfront sophistication and natural […]

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests
Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]

MSC Cruises announces MSC World Asia Webinar
MSC Cruises has announced a webinar series tailored for travel partners focusing on MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC World Asia, set to launch in 2026. The webinar is scheduled over two sessions on Wednesday 12 February 2025. Bronwyn Knight, MSC Cruises NSW/QLD/ACT BDM, will host an 8:30am (AEST) session while Aaron Eilers, MSC Cruises Queensland BDM, […]

Legendary Italian hotel, Il San Pietro di Positano, opens new clothing and accessories boutique
Anyone planning a trip to Italy this northern summer should leave room in their Louis Vuitton luggage.

AAT Kings’ NT boost with air credits
AAT Kings really dominates travel in the Top End and news like this only adds fuel to the fire.

Camino Women and Laos’ Khiri Travel announce new mountain trail for Australian women
Responsible tourism starts with one foot in front of the other. This trek sounds like there are a few more steps.

Thousands of dollars worth of prizes on offer through ATIA’s ‘Rockstar Renewal’ campaign
Of course it's nice to be called a rockstar, but we'd like to be a part of the superstar surge personally.

Sally Miles joins Linkd Tourism’s trade team
Having lived in the US and Japan, Sally will no doubt thrive in this role!

Maximise your Emirates journey with complimentary hotel stays in Dubai
Any freebie is a good freebie, but a free hotel in Dubai has to be pretty high on the list.

Celebrity Xcel unveils ‘The Bazaar’ set to transforms onboard experiences
No word if Xcel will make its way to Australian shores - we'd expect koala cuddling and kangaroo boxing.

CT Partners expands focus on business meetings and events
AIME is looking like it will be bigger than Ben Hur... it was a movie? Charlton Heston? Never mind.

South Africa’s The Royal Portfolio appoints Nigel Pace as executive head of sales to ultra-luxury portfolio
First job on the list is to visit all the luxury properties in the portfolio. Next, he'll be perusing all the menus...

Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year
40,000 keys is a lot of keys. We wonder if there is a master key to all of these.

Countdown underway for 2025 Visit USA Expo in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
The two-week countdown is on, but we've been counting down for nearly 50 weeks since the last one!

WA Labor commits $500,000 to a study for future Broome cruise passenger terminal
Given the emerging popularity of cruising in this part of the world, another stop is welcome.

Maximum Occupancy New Zealand conference to return to Auckland in March
If we were to take a stab in the dark we'd say this one's all about getting those rooms full... Just a guess!

NRMA’s Turtle Sands Nature resort officially opens
For some of us, sometimes there is a bit too much nature. Try explaining to the little ones why mum buries the kids.

Outrigger appoints new sales & marketing head for Kaua‘i Beach and Kona resorts
As anyone who has worked on a resort will know, stress-free paradise is for the guests only.

Five new food and beverage guides for Coral Coast road trippers
From fresh oysters to the perfect steak, The Coral Coast is a foodies dream. We're sure you can find a good wine too.

Aboard the Palau Paradise Express, Qantas’ new direct route to remote Pacific island
There are plenty of 'hooks' for this story and our roving correspondent will soon tell us all about it.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge celebrates 25th anniversary with new adventures
Baillie Lodges has announced that it is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge with a range of new helicopter experiences for the 2025 season. Kicking off on 22 May, the 2025 season promises five months of generously inclusive luxury adventures for guests in nature’s own playground where black bears forage shoreside, whales, […]

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is set to open on in April
First cab off the rank is getting our pronunciation of this new venue right, so we can tell the cabbie.

Moreton Bay region presents exciting events for 2025
There's more than just the bugs to look forward to if you're in Moreton Bay in 2025.

Mint Payments unveils new layer of financial protection for travel industry
Mint is here with all the tips of financial safety. Rule #1: No buying gift cards for cold callers.