Johannesburg to Cape Town

South Africa Holidays Mean Adventure!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:02:00 +0000

South Africa holidays have got to bring to mind adventure when you have such a backdrop to work with! Each individual itinerary is special and is an adventure in itself. Take one of the itineraries I am working on currently, staying at the magnificent Westcliff Hotel to unwind from your international flight you would never believe that you are in the heart of the city of Johannesburg - all those Jacaranda trees and views across to the zoological gardens where animals can be spotted beneath the trees! This is a beautiful Mediterranean-pink villa-style hotel perched on the hillside overlooking the City of Gold

Continue your holiday in this fascinating country with a trip from Pretoria to Cape Town on the Rovos Rail train, perfectly illustrating South Africa as a "World in One Country" - Highveld grasslands giving way to the haunting barrennes of the Great Karoo, spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands before arriving in the 'Mother City' Cape Town, encapsulating The Big Hole in Kimberley and its Diamond Mine Museum, and the historic village of Matjiesfontein en route!

Idyllic Flowery Bower For Celebration!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Two sets of dear friends have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversaries in the last couple of days and as I was looking through my lovely photos of South Africa, this photo stood out as a beautiful place to celebrate a wedding or anniversary in style!

Set on a wine estate outside of Robertson, about 2 hours north of Cape Town, this idyllic bower just conjured up warmth, colour, peace and joy. We stopped for lunch on the way to the African Game Lodge at Montagu and had one of the most lovely lunches sitting outside on the verandah, or stoop as the South African's call them!

Idyllic Flowery Bower For Celebration!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:21:00 +0000

Two sets of dear friends have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversaries in the last couple of days and as I was looking through my lovely photos of South Africa, this photo stood out as a beautiful place to celebrate a wedding or anniversary in style!
Set on a wine estate outside of Robertson, about 2 hours north of Cape Town, this idyllic bower just conjured up warmth, colour, peace and joy. We stopped for lunch on the way to the African Game Lodge at Montagu and had one of the most lovely lunches sitting outside on the verandah, or stoop as the South African's call them!

South Africa Links With Garden Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:36:00 +0000

I never thought that I would be able to write about South Africa and a new garden furniture blog in the same breathe, but do forgive me if I am a little off-topic but I wanted to introduce you to my new "baby" blog about garden furniture.

My link is a little tenuous, but I love the South African barbeque, or "braais" and the new family blog and business today showcases a barbeque that is so like the ones I love in South Africa!

Garden Lifestyle is the new blog I have created to introduce our stunning garden furniture to the discerning UK public. Poly-Wood and CountryFieldGarden are the online arms of the family business and I am having fun doing the online marketing!

Go and take a look and then sit back, relax and forget about it!

News of South Africa Wine and Golf

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:00 +0000

One of my favourite South Africa wine estates in Stellenbosch is the Engelbrecht-Els produced wines from Ernie Els wines and Guardian Peak.

You can tell a lot from the makers about what the wine is going to taste like! Take a look at this video clip of Jean Engelbrecht and South African golfer, Ernie Els. What lovely guys they are and I can assure you their wines are just as good ...

Make sure you add their estates to your South Africa wine tour!

Safari Vs. Zoo? Your thoughts ...

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:32:00 +0000

Safari or Zoo? What are your thoughts?

I personally have to sit on the fence on this one! I actually feel that both are excellent and both, of course, very different, but if you look at it from a conservation point, zoos do a wonderful job.

Take the Australia Zoo. You might know the owner, Steve Irwin, the great Aussie TV presenter who was known to the world as the Crocodile Hunter with his exploits in crocodile rescue. His zoo, which is today run by his wife Terri, ably supported by the rest of the family, is one of the most searched for words on Australia and draws visitors from across the world.

Safaris, on the other hand, allow us to get as close to wild animals, with no barriers, as it is possible to do! Thankfully, in the main, these wonderful game drives are for no more than shooting pictures with your camera and to be able to get a feel for how it is to be so unfettered in the big, wide world!

Choices, choices! If you want help with either your tailor made Australia travel or your South Africa travel, contact us at Tailor Made Luxury Travel for your own personalised travel itinerary.

World Cup Football Fever Grips Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:56:00 +0000

Football World Cup fever has already started for Australia, as they have qualified for the next round of qualification to the competition being held in South Africa in 2010.

The Socceroos ( don't you just love the Australian twist to everything!) beat Qatar to keep their hopes alive of playing in South Africa.

Check out what fantastic places they can visit and things they can do on their rest days if they do get there, by going to Tailor Made South Africa Travel and also HubPages.

Practical Advice For South Africa Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:33:00 +0000

I've written a new HubPage that I thought you might like, all about practical advice for South Africa travel.

If you like it, why not become a Fan, so that you get any updates on information I post to HubPages? You can also find me on Facebook

If you would like to keep in touch by adding me as a Friend, just send me a personal message so that I know you've come through these pages! Looking forward to connecting ...

Cape Town History Lesson in the 21st Century

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:18:00 +0000

Cape Town history is remarkable! And the best bit is that it is neatly woven through the very fabric of this beautiful, seaside city.

From the English to the Dutch, from the Indies to San Bushmen, it's all on display. Why not take a look at this informative HubPage and enjoy a history lesson that is guaranteed not to be anything like a history lesson at school.

Do let me know what you like best about the HubPage. Send me your comments below ...

Why not have a look around whilst you are there. There's so much fascinating stuff on HubPages about all sorts of topics. I found this one on the subject of vacation packing and thought the tips are well worth thinking about in this age of paying for every piece of baggage you carry on airlines - AND pay extra for too!

Many Happy 90th Birthday Returns Mr Mandela!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:40:00 +0000

Nelson Mandela turns 90! Many Happy Returns. I bet he never imagined getting to this illustrious age when incarcerated on Robben Island.

Here's one explanation - its the lack of junk food and cigarettes that have allowed him to have such good health! Take a look at TheSpoof.com's thoughts on the matter ... (Remember this is completely fictitious, but it brought a smile to my face!)

I for one, wish him well and hope that he still has many more birthdays to come. Just a thought, will he get a telegram from the Queen if he reaches 100?

Cape Town Waterfront Buzz

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:06:00 +0000

Cape Town's famous Waterfront is the envy of the world! Official.

Take a look at this particular Victoria, Canada resident and her view of this magical place. She says that Victoria is the polar opposite of the progressive insight Cape Town has had with its own docklands.

When I first visited in the early 80's, the vibrant, colourful place that is the Waterfront today didn't exist. A drab, neglected collection of warehouses, run-down docks and depleted fishing industry was all that was there.

No doubt a lot of naysayers didn't get their way, but it is testament to the vision of a small group of people who set the ball rolling and haven't given up!

Today it is truly alive with activity, music, colour and people. A must-not miss on anyone's itinerary!

Received the Free Report on Safari in South Africa Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:32:00 +0000

Have you received the free report, "9 Sure Fire Ways To Have The Safari In South Africa You Always Wanted" yet?

If not, you'll want to head over there straight away to get all the most up-to-date information on having the safari you want.

Here's what you'll find ...

The best game reserves to visit and whether to combine your trip with other destinations

The best time of year to visit

What type of clothes to pack and equipment to take

What animals you are likely to see and how to make sure you see all you want to

What you can expect and much more

You will love looking at all the wonderful photos and it is guaranteed to have you packing your bags, grabbing your passport and heading for the nearest airport with your camera slung over your shoulder and your pith helmet on your head!

What are you waiting for? Go over there now and get the safari in South Africa you always wanted ...

Safari in South Africa - Cape Town's Waterfront

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:48:00 +0000

Safari in South Africa and you will not want to miss Cape Town's famous Waterfront. The old working docks have been transformed over the last 20 years into a busy, buzzing area full of great restaurants, shopping malls full of the most beautiful shops, and streets teeming with street theatre.

I've been having fun over the weekend putting my video up onto YouTube for you all to see, so here it is! Hope you like it! Watch out for more movies over the coming weeks ...

Safari in South Africa - 6 Days is Not Enough!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:50:00 +0000

For a safari in South Africa, 6 days is not enough! So says Kaelynn in her assessment of her trip to South Africa.

Take a look at Kaelynn's blog and you will find a lovely young person's description of her time in South Africa. She's loved it so much, she's thinking of doing an internship at the University of Cape Town just so that she can come back to do all the things she didn't get time to do this time!

I particularly love her description of the restaurant at Spier, Stellenbosch called Moyo. It is an amazing sight to see the "tables" set amongst the treetops whilst all around is lit up with braziers and flaming torches - very atmospheric!

I also think that Kaelynn's description of the township visit good, although I would have loved to hear a bit more about it. What a pity Kaelynn has not had time to go up Table Mountain and visit Robben Island. You will have to come back, Kaelynn, to see the rest of the country!

Make sure you leave enough time on your visit to South Africa to fit in all the exciting things you need to see!

I've Squidoo'd again!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:06:00 +0000

I've been busy building a South Africa Squidoo page! Go and have a look at all my hard work building a resource for South Africa ...

Tailor Made South Africa's Squidoo page

Do leave a comment and let me know what you think of it. How do you think I can improve it?

Safari in South Africa- Through the City of Cape Town

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:21:00 +0000

Take a safari in South Africa and one of the cities you must not miss is Cape Town. I've just found this great little video which I think gives you a small taster of what your vacation in Cape Town could be like.

Take a look now!

Why not purchase the ebook, "An Insider’s Guide To South Africa: 101 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Cape Town"

You'll find a wealth of information about this fascinating city at the foot of Africa, so that you'll make the most of your precious time in Cape Town when you are there.

My Life Changing Journey Through South Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:09:00 +0000

Take a trip to South Africa and you will soon find out that the reality and the news are two different things. Of course there is violence, muggings and atrocities that we would rather not think about, and these things do happen all over the world not just in South Africa, but take a read of this blog, My Life Changing Journey, that I've come across and I think you will agree that Maria, her friend and two Jack Russell dogs have truly found the REAL South Africa.

Take the time to read and join them on their journey through this extraordinary country. You have to be there to see it ...

Tailor Made Australia Travel Joins Family

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:15:00 +0000

Tailor Made Australia Travel finally joins the Tailor Made family! Since the success of Tailor Made South Africa Travel last year, I have taken the plunge and added luxury personalized Australia travel to my portfolio of Helen Palmer Vacations.

I have partnered with a fantastic company in Australia to bring you Australia tailor made for you, just as I do South Africa. Each itinerary that we produce is especially for you, so that you can have the vacation YOU want, how you want it.

Don't want to be ferried around in a bus with 50 other people, but still want to have the best information, best prices and luxury accommodation?

Then look no further!

We find out exactly what type of holiday you have in mind, be it Australia or South Africa and we tailor the plan to your budget, your special interests, your desires. What could be better?

Make sure you get your own copy of our special report for South Africa, 9 Surefire Ways to have the Safari in South Africa You always wanted.

Coming soon - Australia's special report

Sure-fire Australia Destination Travel Ideas That Will Guarantee You Have The Luxury Australia Vacation You Desire

Check back soon!

The Elephant Has Been Eaten!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:44:00 +0000

I'm really glad you are reading this because...

I’ve finally done it! The frustrations have been considerable and far too many to mention here, you will be relieved to know, but I have now “given birth” to my “elephant!

I’ve taken it bit by bit, as any good “elephant” eater will tell you and now it is finally here.

“An Insider’s Guide To South Africa: 101 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Cape Town” has hit the virtual “book stands” in the form of an immediately downloadable ebook in PDF format.

Find out those all important facts about a travel destination everyone has on their MUST DO list. Whet your appetite – here are just a few of the things you will discover within its pages:

Looking for the insider secrets? Check out page 4 on where to look
Find out why the Cape of Good Hope had an early change of name
How the city evolved into today’s Cape Town - Castles, grand houses, luxury and magnificence
Why Cosmopolitan Cape Town continues to thrive - how the buzz and energy seeps into your pores
Discover the Gold of Africa – twenty carat gold chunks and glittering gold artefacts depicting the wealth and power of African kings
District Six where you can find the history of apartheid and its devastating effects on the “ordinary” people
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront - a mecca for those looking for the finest restaurants, shops, entertainment, living. A must read - find it on page 25
Day Jaunts and Overnight stays - the choice is yours
Discover the beauties of Cape Point and swim with penguins
Sip wine all day under spreading oak trees, with your picnic laid out beside you on the Wine Route
Shopping, Entertainment, Sports - not just for adults, but all the best things for children to get delighted about too!
Where To Stay, Eat and be merry … let us whet your appetite
And much, much more … we are longing to show you how dazzling this city at the foot of Africa REALLY is …

It’s been nearly 24 months in the planning, writing, organising, uploading etc, but you can now get the book at Tailor Made South Africa Travel.

I would love to know your thoughts on the book ... so check back soon and let me know!

Happy reading ...

Safari in South Africa - Guide to Malaria Free South Africa Safaris

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:47:00 +0000

Safari in South Africa and you immediately think of hot, steamy, wide open spaces of the African velde, but research closer under the skin and you will find a wealth of smaller safari reserves based away from the Kruger.

Most of these game reserves are malaria-free, such as the Western and Eastern Cape and a safari can be combined with other holiday requisites such as beach, mountains, shopping - the list is endless! Also when time is tight, less travelling is involved to bring these elements together, therefore making your holiday time stretch further.

Take a look at this wonderful video for Aquila, a two hour drive from Cape Town and I think you will begin to see the possibilities of combining a city and safari holiday in one trip.

You might want to click on the low-band video, then sit back, relax, enjoy the up-beat music and the fantastic pictures!

If you need help with an itinerary, don't forget we are just an email away at Tailor Made South Africa Travel ...

Rugby World Cup Clash for South Africa and England

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:03:00 +0000

Rugby World Cup fever has hit our household! South Africa and England are in the final and we are torn with who to support! Normally we support both teams because they don't play each other that frequently, but now they are both in the final ...

Sport in South Africa is amazing. Every bar, restaurant or shop has a television tuned into the sport of the moment, be it cricket, rugby, golf - the choice is endless. Everyone takes an interest, especially when the cricket is on, stopping by to ask the latest score, how's he doing, who's batting? It encompasses one and all, young and old.

Well, I'm going to sit firmly on the fence and say, "may the best team win!" You make your own minds up ... who do you want to win and why?

PS. Check out Percy Montgomery's hair. Apparently, the English players have to ruffle his hair to put him off his stride. His nickname is Peacock.

Tailor Made South Africa Travel Gets New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 08:20:00 +0000

Well, I've finally managed to pull Tailor Made South Africa Travel and Costa Brava Spain together under one banner at Coast 2 Coast Connection!

The two parts of my business (and life) have now come together in one place, but don't worry I won't be abandoning you here! I love to write, so I will be able to keep you all up-to-date with happenings in South Africa in both blogs.

The name, Coast 2 Coast Connection brings together two amazing coastlines, Costa Brava, Spain and the whole of the South African coastline that stretches for more than 2500 km from the Namibian border on the Atlantic coast, round Cape Point and Cape Agulhas right up to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean.

The Costa Brava is tiny in comparison, only 160 km, but its beauty is no less. Stunningly rugged in parts with turquoise blue seas and long sandy beaches and tiny inlets and coves. It is a fascinating destination with history, beauty, culture and cuisine which are international icons.

South Africa is billed as a "World within one Country" and it's not hard to see why! Such varied coastline alone would make it difficult to choose one particular beach to visit, but couple that with the mind-blowing diversity inland and it is not unexpected that people turn to those in the know to help them plan their travel.

Why not go on over to Tailor Made South Africa Travel and take your pick of exciting things to see and do on your own South Africa idyll?

Cape Town Daily Photo: To Harley or not to Harley

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:32:00 +0000

Cape Town Daily Photo: To Harley or not to Harley

I love this blog! Kerry-Ann takes lovely photos and here is one she's taken of Harley Davidson bikes holed up at their Sunday morning breakfast joint.

She made me smile too, with her thoughts on those amazing helmets!

Keep taking the photos, Kerry-Ann - I love your slant on Cape Town life.

African Bird Off-Course For Its Winter Destination

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:32:00 +0000

I went up to our villa rental on the Costa Brava, Spain yesterday, mainly just to check that everything was OK and also to show TorreMirona Golf & Spa Resort to a friend over from the UK. It was also a great excuse for lunch at one of my favourite haunts, Tamariu.

Whilst standing gazing at the spectacular view towards the Pyrenees mountains, I spotted an African Hoopoe bird sitting in our garden!

The photo above is courtesy of photo © Arkadiy Yarmolenko.

These amazing African birds spend the South African winter here in the southern and central parts of Europe before heading south again for the summer.

I think he must have been stocking up on grubs for his journey, as the weather here in Spain is decidedly Autumnal and I think he will be beginning to miss the sunshine! But how lucky was I?!

Check out this particular website for more African birds you can see on your travels to South Africa.

Encounter a African Lion Safari at Victoria Falls or A cheetah

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Palmer) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:40:00 +0000

What better way to get up close and personal to an African lion than to go on safari at the Victoria Falls!

At Victoria Falls you have the unique experience of the lion encounter! This amazing experience offers a once in a lifetime insight into the behaviour and social aspects of the African Lion.

Guests interact with 2 or 3 lion cubs for a period of approx. 1 ½ hours. The lions roam free with guests in the African bush, and you may even be lucky enough to experience the cubs stalking some of the wildlife species that occur on the property.

The training and rehabilitation techniques adopted with these lions are well supervised and professionally managed, which makes it very safe - so far over 11000 walks have been conducted without a single incident!

It is rather like the same experience with cheetah's. We spent two days at the African Game Lodge outside Montagu which was a truly magical experience and one not to be missed. You cannot imagine the peace and stars! Yes, imagine being able to see the stars in their entirety in the inky blackness of an African night.

Let us help you plan your special African safari, be it to see the lions or the cheetahs, you are guaranteed a magical time which ever you choose!