South Africa Travel News

Weekly Events Round Up (13–19 Feb 2012)

The Team @ SA-Venues — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:21 +0000

Strawberries & Champagne Love is in the air this week with Valentine’s Day on Tuesday. Valentine's Day tends to put a bit of pressure on people to come up with an idea for the perfect date so we've decided to help you out with a couple of romantic, and fun things to do this week. We also have a variety of other events and activities in South Africa that you can take part in and attend to keep you entertained — from sporting events to bridal shows. Whatever you might be looking for we are...

I ♥ Hurlingham Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:00:29 +0000

I ♥ Hurlingham Hi, I’m Trish from Hurlingham House in Hurlingham. Hurlingham IS BEST KNOWN FOR being a peaceful and safe suburb, yet it's only 3km from the heart of Sandton. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the statue of Nelson Mandela in Mandela Square. THE BEST architectural PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Sandton CBD. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Zoo Lake. WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO sit at our swimming pool or in a sidewalk cafe. WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO go to Sandton City Mall. I...

You Don't Need To Be A Book Nut To Visit Richmond, But It Helps If You Are

The Team @ SA-Venues — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:50 +0000

Richmond The little town of Richmond lies in the middle of the Karoo of the Northern Cape, roughly four hours away from Bloemfontein, its slightly shaggy main street lined with period 19th century architecture, much of it restored, the upper reaches of which form a tunnel of book stores. Richmond is a book town. The only one on the African continent. And a book town of note. If you are an avid book fan, my advice to you is that you set aside at least two days for a visit. And if you really...

10 Great Things To Do When Next in Knysna

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:37 +0000

The Town of Knysna When was the last time you were in Knysna? This ever popular Garden Route town has plenty to offer. The middle of the year is when thousands of people descend on this town for the Knsyna Oyster Festival and those who've been training take part in either the Knysna Forest Marathon and Knysna Cycle Tour. But when the buzz of the Oyster Festival calms down and the tourists leave this town doesn't go to sleep ... it does the opposite of that. Reason being because there is so...

I ♥ Haenertsburg Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:00:04 +0000

I ♥ Haenertsburg Hi, I’m Jady Stanford from Standford Lake Lodge in Haenertsburg in the Capricorn region of Limpopo. Haenertsburg IS BEST KNOWN FOR being the “Land of the Silver Mists” ... land of forests, lakes, waterfalls and more. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the John Buchan War Memorial overlooking a beautiful view of Ebenezer Dam. THE BEST scenic PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Haenertsburg Cemetry, overlooking the village. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Cheerio Gardens, Debengeni Falls and so many more...

La Vita Restaurant in Pietermaritzburg – A Review

The Team @ SA-Venues — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:15:20 +0000

La Vita Restaurant La Vita restaurant has had a reputation as being one of the most upmarket and expensive eateries in Pietermaritzburg for a while now. Situated in the popular and well-known Invesco Centre just a few kilometres from the CBD, La Vita specialises in Italian cuisine and has an extensive selection of pizza, pasta, seafood and meat dishes to cater for almost any palate. Curious sounding offerings such as Drunk Duck and Raunchy Rabbit are guaranteed to arouse interest and even...

I ♥ Colesberg Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:16 +0000

I ♥ Colesberg Hi, I’m Jurie from Toverberg Guest Houses and Carl Gronum from Traveller’s Joy Guest House in Colesberg. Colesberg IS BEST KNOWN FOR being a convenient stopover between the interior and the coast. Here the N1 and the N9 meet. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the wrought iron lamp at the corner of Paul Kruger and Ventershoek Streets – erected in commemoration of Queen Vistoria’s 60th Jubilee. THE BEST sunset PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN DOWN the road passing the golf course. OTHER HAPPY...

I ♥ Britannia Bay Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:13 +0000

I ♥ Britannia Bay Hi, I’m Lucille Byrnes from Dolphin B&B+S/C in Britannia Bay a suburb of the town St Helena Bay up South Africa’s Cape West Coast. Britannia Bay IS BEST KNOWN FOR long stretches of pristine beaches, “heaven” and “hell” surfer’s corners and the wreck after which the bay is named. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the deck of my house (where do you get sea and surf in the foreground and backdrop of the Winterberge in one photograph?). From Britannica Heights one can see north to...

Weekly Events Round Up (6–12 Feb 2012)

The Team @ SA-Venues — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:37 +0000

Comrades Marathon If you are a sporting enthusiast or your New Year’s resolution is to take on the Comrades or Two Oceans this year, then we have a list of this weekend’s sporting events to help you with your training. From marathons and half marathons to swimming, we have a number of sports events happening around South Africa to excite both serious athletes to recreational competitors. We will keep you up to date with the latest events happening around the country, where you can add any...

Win a 2 Night Stay in the Heart of the Cape Overberg

The Team @ SA-Venues — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:30:18 +0000

De Kloof Luxury Estate WIN a 2 night stay in Swellendam, the heart of the Cape Overberg, at the 5-star graded De Kloof Luxury Estate. This boutique hotel is a stylish, historical masterpiece of Cape Dutch architecture and is a national monument (dated 1801) with spacious, designer garden rooms and suites, courtyards surrounded by indigenous trees, zen & herb rose gardens, birdlife and koi ponds. This intimate boutique estate is situated in a green secluded valley with breathtaking views,...

The Best of Local Fayre on Saturdays at the Jozi Food Market

The Team @ SA-Venues — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:30:01 +0000

Jozi Food Market If you live in the Greenside area of Johannesburg and are looking for somewhere a bit more novel than the local supermarket for your weekly groceries why not give the Jozi Food Market a try? Open every Saturday from 08h30 to 13h30 and conveniently located at the Pirates Sports Club you can expect to be greeted by artisans and stall holders happy to share their love and knowledge of food. The market offers a wide selection of food; take your pick from the 50 delicious recipes...

Where to Lunch in De Rust, and Why it's Worth a Visit

The Team @ SA-Venues — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:20:50 +0000

Lunch in De Rust We don't mean to stop in De Rust. We're on the N12 that heads off the N1 close to the Karoo National Park en route to Ladismith, our intended destination, and have just come through the incredible Meiringspoort, when De Rust appears out of nowhere. The main road through town is littered with colourful restaurants, coffee shops and the odd boutique. The place is hot and humming. And a big board informs us that De Rust has won 'dorp van die jaar' and claims to be the best town...

I ♥ Kleinemonde Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:05 +0000

I ♥ Kleinemonde Hi, I’m Marlene from House Purfikt in Kleinemonde. Kleinemonde IS BEST KNOWN FOR its fantastic white beach which stretches on forever. We also have two lagoons right next to one another … fantastic for swimming, canoe rides, fishing etc. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN ON the beach on a bright sunny day, the dunes & blue sea looks incredible! THE BEST PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Three Sisters rocks. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the biggest Pineapple in the world in Bathurst. WHEN THE...

Essence Café in Pietermaritzburg — A Review

The Team @ SA-Venues — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:00:55 +0000

Essence Cafe Location plays a critical role in the success of any restaurant and Essence Café is most certainly well situated at Wetherlys Centre, probably the most upmarket location in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. On the day of my visit there were a number of luxury cars, including BMW’s, Mercedes Benz’s, Audi’s and even a Porsche gracing the centre’s parking bays – unmistakable proof that this venue is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best meeting places for local business...

I ♥ Menlo Park Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:01 +0000

I ♥ Menlo Park Hi, I’m Anna Marie Pienaar from Cottage Guest House in Menlo Park, Pretoria. Menlo Park IS BEST KNOWN FOR being very centrally located to Shopping Centres and the University of Pretoria and the Pretoria Country Golf Club. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Pretoria Country club, because of the beautiful gardens. THE BEST PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT during October when the Jakarandas are blooming. WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO go swimming, play tennis or play golf. WHEN THE...

I ♥ Beaufort West Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:32 +0000

I ♥ Beaufort West Hi, I’m Elsolique from Old House Guesthouse in Beaufort West. Beaufort West IS BEST KNOWN FOR its unique Karoo hospitality. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Chris Barnard Museum; Chris Barnard was the famous heart surgeon who performed the worlds first heart transplant. THE BEST Karoo PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Karoo National Park. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT our beautiful pear trees on the Main Road. WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO be outside in the fresh Karoo air. WHEN...

Weekly Events Round Up (30 Jan to 5 Feb 2012)

The Team @ SA-Venues — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:00:59 +0000

Up The Creek If you haven’t thought about what you’re going to do next week, we’ve come up with a list of some of the most exciting events that will be taking place. We will now be giving you a weekly round up of the upcoming events and festivals throughout South Africa. We will keep you up to date with the hip and happening events that you can attend. Think sports, entertainment, culture and more. Break out your diaries and start phoning your friends to make sure you don't miss out. There...

Graaff Reinet's Obesa Nursery – Walk the Cacti Labyrinth

The Team @ SA-Venues — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:00:14 +0000

Obesa Cacti Nursery You either get it, or you don't. With the Obesa Cactus Nursery. Although describing it as a 'nursery' hardly does the experience justice. For a visit here, if you allow it, is far more of an experience than it is a simple trip to the nursery to pick up a cactus or two for your window sill. First of all the 'nursery' takes up the better part of a block. For those of you who want to find it, hunt down the street dominated by a myriad psychedelically painted houses. They're a...

I ♥ Chartwell Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:00:11 +0000

I ♥ Chartwell Hi, I’m Alan from Hoopoe Haven Guest House in Chartwell, in Sandton. Chartwell IS BEST KNOWN FOR its country atmosphere and living. All plots are from 2.5 to 10 acres in size, so it is very peaceful. The Lion Park is on the border of Chartwell West 1 km away as the crow flies and just 5 km south is the busy metropolis of fourways with lots of malls and shops, MonteCasino and plenty of activity like live theatre, ice rink, extravaganzas, bird park etc. Chartwell is a place where...

5 great things to do when in Graaff-Reinet

The Team @ SA-Venues — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:00:07 +0000

Reinet House Stop your car on the outskirts of town on the Camdeboo Mountain Drive and below you will lie the circular shape of Graaff-Reinet, held within a generous bend of the Sundays River closest to you, and the mountains of the Sneeuberg in the background. It's a glorious setting, to say the least. Depending upon the time of year that you go, it will either be mercilessly hot (at least 40 degrees in the shade if the last couple of summers are anything to go by) or really cold (during...

I ♥ Kamberg Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:12 +0000

I ♥ Kamberg Hi, I’m Gerhard from Qambathi Mountain Lodge in Kamberg. Kamberg IS BEST KNOWN FOR its Bushman Rock Art, fly-fishing and breathtaking mountain scenery. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Highmoor or on one of our game drives with Giant’s Castle in the background. The views are really something special with Mount Eskirne and Mount Cleopatra very dominant everywhere you look. THE BEST nature PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN by just driving around Kamberg. There are so many treed lanes, wild flowers,...

I ♥ Mkuze Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:00:32 +0000

I ♥ Mkuze Hi, I’m Nicky Kinnell from Leopard Mountain Game Lodge in Mkuze. Mkuze IS BEST KNOWN FOR Game Reserves and Conservation. The village of Mkuze is a mere 18km’s from the entrance gate to the Mkuze Reserve, in the shadow of the Ubombo Mountains. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the reserve — the bird and animal life is spectacular. There are also over 700 plant species WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO go bird watching — with the species we have in this area I will more than likely spot...

Escape to the West Coast and the Berg River Region

The Team @ SA-Venues — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:00:29 +0000

West Coast Beach Think West Coast, think sand, heat, sea and little fresh water. And you wouldn't be far off the mark. The West Coast is arid, wild and windswept, but it does have water. And one of the major sources of water available that makes farming possible, in the arid Sandveld and undulating hills of the Swartland, is the Berg River — its source in the Drakenstein Mountains just south of Franschhoek and its mouth at Laaiplek on the Atlantic Ocean. In the presence of the Berg River...

I ♥ Tzaneen Because ...

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:57 +0000

I ♥ Tzaneen Hi, I’m Natalie from Tzaneen Country Lodge in Tzaneen. Tzaneen IS BEST KNOWN as the fruit basket of South Africa and famous for its tropical fruits and extraordinary scenic beauty. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Debegeni Waterfall – meaning the place of the Big Pot. (It’s a stunning waterfall with lush bush and vegetation). THE BEST adventure PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours while sliding through the indigenous forest on a 2½-hour Tarzan and Jane style...

A Long Lunch and Celebration in Fairtrade at the Bosman Family Vineyard

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:15:44 +0000

Harvest Festival If you are looking for a fantastic experience on the weekend of 17 and 18 March 2012 why not take a drive to Wellington for their annual Wellington Harvest Festival. Purchase your access pass at your first port of call or at the Wellington Tourism Office. Your pass allows you free wine tasting at participating cellars otherwise it is a pay-as-you-go system. Wondering where your first stop should be, why not stop at the Bosman Family Vinerard as they have joined together with...

The Cape Leopard Trust — small cats with big problems

The Team @ SA-Venues — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:40:56 +0000

Dr Quinton Martins, the man behind The Cape Leopard Trust, has seen only seven ad hoc sightings of wild leopards in the Cederberg where his research takes place in eight years. Even with collars, he sees but a few each year. The Cape Leopard is a vulnerable, isolated population that occurs at low density in the mountains of the Northern, Eastern and Western Cape. Due to the influence of European settlers over the past 350 years, it has already been made extinct in many areas where it used to...

I did it Five Bays!

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:00:36 +0000

Five Bay Trail It is just as well that when first reading the email inviting us to join one of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails that the rather obvious fact that I was going to have to actually walk the 28 km didn't register. Or I probably would have chickened out and sent my other half without me. My eye, instead, homes into the word 'gentle' (used to describe the hiking trail) and the fact that we will not have to carry heavy packs, will have our food laid on for us, and be put up in a...

The Karkloof Canopy Tour – An adrenaline fuelled rush through the tree tops

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:00:38 +0000

Karkloof Canopy Tour The Karkloof Canopy Tour is probably the most well-known outdoor activity in the Natal Midlands, attracting people from all walks of life in search of the adventure of a lifetime. Situated amidst the beauty and greenery of the majestic Karkloof Valley, the tour involves traversing from one wooden platform to another along a pair of steel cables (with a two ton breaking strain) suspended high above the forest floor. Those in the industry refer to this traversing as ‘zip...

Being a tourist in your own town — 10 unusual things to do in Cape Town

The Team @ SA-Venues — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:58:01 +0000

The Cape in a side car There are a lot of things I've not done in Cape Town that the average tourist has. Exploring Cape Town through the eyes of a tourist can be as good as going on holiday elsewhere, a lot cheaper, and will earn you greenie points for saving on carbon emissions and for contributing to the local economy. So this year over the Festive Season, why not try to explore the city as a tourist. Here is my choice list of things we'd like to do – not all of them fall in the Top 10...

Rawdon’s Restaurant – Good old fashioned service and hospitality in the Midlands

The Team @ SA-Venues — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:03:15 +0000

Rawdons Estate Situated in the heart of the Midlands Meander and only a five minute drive from the N3 highway is Rawdon’s Estate, probably one of the oldest hospitality establishments on the Midlands. The first thing that struck me about Rawdon’s was its unique, old world charm. Closely resembling an English country estate of a bygone era the establishment is furnished with a variety of prize antiques that create an atmosphere of class and sophistication. Walking through its numerous hallways...