South Africa Travel News

Wining, dining and music at Solms-Delta

Cape Town Editor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:00:35 +0000

Concerts @ Solms-Delta Hey la la, hey la la, hey la la – our voices were jiving, our hips swaying and our fingers clicking in time to Robbie Jansen’s slightly smokey voice as he gave vent to his own interpretation of Cape jazz – a fusion of musical influences ranging from traditional Cape Malay ‘goema’ and African rhythms to funk and salsa – in a song that most everyone knew, and I couldn’t help but learn given its enticing tune. We were at...

Tshukudu Bush Lodge – a perfectly indulgent bush getaway

SA Travel News Editor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:45:13 +0000

Tshukudu Bush Lodge Imagine lying back in a soothing bubble bath with a sweeping view of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, where over 80 species of animal roam the savannah. Imagine no more. Built high on a rocky outcrop, Tshukudu Bush Lodge has been designed to offer you a perfectly indulgent bush getaway … Overlooking its own waterhole, set in rolling plains that abound with flora and fauna, Tshukudu Lodge allows the visitor a special glimpse of Africa as she was: untouched,...

Fundraising Spinnathon for child protection

SA Events Editor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:30:53 +0000

Are you feeling a bit out of touch with your community and you would like to do something for a good cause but are not sure what, then why not head down to Canal Walk in Cape Town on Saturday 5 December and take part in the “Make a Difference Spinnathon“. Virgin Active and Canal Walk are joining up with the Friends of Child Protection (FCP) to host a fundraising Spinnathon and the proceeds of this event will go towards the much needed Comfort Packs that FCP supplies to the family...

Culture vultures in Kalk Bay

Cape Town Editor — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:00:30 +0000

On Wednesday I not only managed to sneak into an art exhibition opening and mingle with the art aficionados of Cape Town, but I also managed to snatch a moment of poetry at Kalk Bay Books straight afterwards. I didn’t know the Kalk Bay Modern existed, until a colleague of mine insisted on stopping off in Kalk Bay en route home from Fish Hoek one morning, not only for the more than choice hot crossed buns at Olympia Cafe, but also to whiz through a collection of George Hallet’s...

All eyes on Cape Town (photographs)

SA Travel News Editor — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:30:53 +0000

The city is buzzing with visitors all here to enjoy what Cape Town has to offer in the lead up to the final draw for the FIFA 2010 World Cup which is happening on 4 December. Readers of the UK Telegraph recently voted Cape Town as their favourite city outside Europe and in Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers Choice, Cape Town was named top city in Africa / Middle East, and 4th in the world … Wouldn’t you rather be here too? Photograph: View from Robben Island towards Cape...

Cape Town a World Top 10 Party City

SA Events Editor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:49:42 +0000

Lonely Planet has created a new guide, the “1000 Ultimate Experiences” and South Africa can feel proud as Cape Town has been awarded a place of honour in the world’s top 10 party cities. Other countries in the top 10 are Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Montreal, Canada and Thessaloniki, Greece. But what makes Cape Town such a unique place and especially fabulous for a party? Well, Lonely Planet only hints at the possibilities when they suggest one could “luxuriate on some...

Food & Wine Market at Hermanuspietersfontein

Cape Town Editor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:30:43 +0000

This is a popular market on a Saturday morning for residents of Hermanus and the surrounds. Its setting is the Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellars at the Hemel en Aarde Village closest to Onrus, and if you’re not there to pick up the weekend’s nibbles and nosh, then you’re there for breakfast with friends. It’s a market in much the same vein as the Neighbourgoods and the Earth Fair markets in Cape Town, although on a slightly smaller scale. It can get busy though, so you...

Peaks, Valleys and Champagne … in the Drakensberg

SA Activities Editor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:30:48 +0000

One of my favourite holiday spots is the Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal. Don’t get me wrong, I love the beach and there is nothing better than an early morning swim in the Indian Ocean, but the Drakensberg offers just as good a holiday and there is no need to watch out for jellyfish and sand in your sarmies! The Northern and Central Drakensberg falls into four valleys; Champagne Valley, Didima Valley, Amphitheatre Valley and finally the Middledale Pass Valley in the Northern Berg. Big peaks in...

Festivals and Events in the Garden Route over the Festive Season

SA Events Editor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:27 +0000

Summer Fun Festival We are heading into the festive season, time to take some time off, spend some quality time with family and friends and a popular holiday destination to do this in is the Garden Route, with many towns and interesting sites to explore. I thought I’d give you a bit of a head start on your holiday plans and let you know which festivals and events are taking place over the festive season along the Garden Route. For starters, the Summer Sun Festival happens in Mossel Bay...

Johannesburg Mozart Festival Programme

SA Events Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:51:34 +0000

Mozart Festival Lovers of classical music will be glad to know that the programme line up for the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival has been announced. So here is just a little taste of what you can expect from 23 January to 9 February 2010. Originally organised in 2006 in celebration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 250th birthday anniversary this year’s festival will see almost 20 performances in various venues around Johannesburg … The first of 4 full scale symphony concerts is...

Skeleton Gorge hiking trail

SA Travel News Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:30:59 +0000

For visitors to Cape Town, a trip up the iconic Table Mountain is usually at the top of the to-do list, as obvious an excursion as visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or licking gelato in Rome. But instead of hopping on the Cable Car for a less-than-10-minute ride straight to the top, why not make a day of it? Hiking up may take longer, but it’s well worth the extra effort. So get your sensible shoes and plenty of water, we’re going for a walk … One of the most popular routes to the top of...

Smitswinkel Bay Photographs

South Africa Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:19 +0000

Photographs taken of Smitswinkel Bay on the False Bay Coast in the Cape. Smitswinkel Bay (or Smitswinkelbaai) is practically inaccessible and right next to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Reached only by foot, it is worth the effort to get there. The bay here is popular for snorkelling, diving and fishing and the water is calm and great for swimming. Views are fantastic as the mountains are virtually to the back of the beach and one overlooks False Bay. Smitswinkel Bay lies just past Simonstown...

South African Sports News – 18 November

Guy Mortimer — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:48:45 +0000

Graeme Smith South African openers put England to the sword Graeme Smith (pictured) and Loots Bosman propelled South Africa to a crushing 84-run victory over England in their Standard Bank Pro 20 match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Sunday. The Proteas amassed 241/6 in their allotted 20 overs, which was their second highest total in international Pro 20-cricket. In reply, England could only muster 157/8, which was their biggest defeat in this format of the international game. The win...

The Table Mountain Pipe Track

Cape Town Editor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:14 +0000

Summertime is a great opportunity to experience the Cape Town surrounds by getting out onto one of the many hiking trails on offer. If you like walking but are not up for a big hike, the Pipe Track is a nice flat walk perfect for afternoon and early evening excursions. The walk faces the Atlantic Ocean and gives a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, taking you high above Cape Town city. The walk is easy and is suitable for all ages as well as for your furry...

A stay in Vermont

Cape Town Editor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:07 +0000

Vermont Tell people that you’re on your way to Vermont and many give you a puzzled response. They obviously are not expecting you to go all the way to America for the weekend, but whilst their brains are whizzing around trying to place the town on a map, I rescue them and explain that it lies close to Hermanus. The relief is palpable. Acquaintances of ours have a wee cottage set in the heart of Vermont’s ‘old’ quarter. After staying in the town twice now, and...

Birds Eye View by Noula Bouwer (photograph)

South Africa Editor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:43 +0000

Todays photograph was sent to us by Noula Bouwer as is entiled “Bird’s Eye View”. A great photograph of a giraffe, Noula has submitted a number of really great photographs to our current photography competition. You can see more of her entries at November Photography Competition. Giraffe are non-territorial, social animals that travel in large herds that are not organized in any way. They live in the savannas of Africa, where they roam freely among the tall trees, arid land,...

Which two oceans, mum?

Cape Town Editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:18:50 +0000

Two Oceans Aquarium It’s a pretty valid question when asked by a four-year old en route to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, but it had me stumbling for a moment as, with my indicator stuck, my head craned round to see oncoming traffic, and my other finger reaching for the air conditioning that needed a mighty overhaul if you consider the angst with which it was emitting tepid air, my brain and mouth couldn’t get in synch to wrap around the rather meaty ‘Indian and...

Two Oceans Aquarium photographs

SA Travel News Editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:15:47 +0000

Todays photographs are a collection of photographs taken at the Two Oceans Aquarium. The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is without doubt one of the most exciting attractions in the city, particularly if you have children. Called the Two Oceans Aquarium because the vast Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet here, or almost here at the southern tip of the continent, the delightful underwater nature reserve displays over 3000 living sea animals, including sharks, fish,...

Cape Town City Ballet celebrates 75 years in Cape Town

SA Events Editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:30 +0000

Sunday 22 November 2009 is a special day for ballet in Cape Town as Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) celebrates 75 years on ballet. This is South Africa’s premier ballet company and where better to commemorate this milestone but at the newly refurbished Artscape. The evening will be commemorated with a once off gala performance from both past and present stars of the ballet. With a most fitting title the Happy Birthday Ballet will take the audience through the CTCB’s history. From the early...

Farmstalls along the N2 between Sir Lowry’s Pass and the Houhoek Pass

Cape Town Editor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:52 +0000

Farmstalls on the N2 As the N2 summits Sir Lowry’s Pass and begins its meander through one of the most lovely valleys known to man – the Elgin Valley is sumptuous it is such a feast of beauty - it passes no fewer than five farmstalls distributed fairly evenly on either side of the road (if you’re smart, you can stop at one or two on the way to your destination, and then another couple on your return). We were headed to Vermont, the little village not far from Hermanus that has...

Whats up at The Grand Daddy?

SA Events Editor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:30:44 +0000

The Pink Flamingo Is it too early in the week to be thinking about the weekend? We think not! So let’s get up to date with the next two weeks of funky, fun events that are happening at The Grand Daddy Hotel. In case you are unfamiliar with this hotel, The Grand Daddy is one of the places to be in Cape Town. Not only are the staff warm and hospitable, but the penthouse trailer park, that is home to a collection of 7 vintage Airstream caravans all with the backdrop of Table Mountain, is a...

Game Drive photograph by Justin Cohen

South Africa Editor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:24 +0000

South Africa is a wildlife paradise offering umpteen numbers of national parks and game reserves. Although each game reserve offers its own dimension to game viewing, one common factor ties them all together: the regal big five of the South African wild world – Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, Lion and Buffalo. Game Viewing in South Africa is done either in closed vehicles (mostly in the National Parks), in open safari vehicles in the Private Game reserves and both day and night game viewing is...

Dining at Jardine Restaurant at 185 on Bree

SA Activities Editor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:30:52 +0000

185 Bree Street Friends were visiting from Mpumalanga last week and invited me to join them for dinner at Jardine. Included on the S. Pellegrino Worlds Best 100 Restaurants list for 2009, dining at Jardine is not something to be missed. Owner and Executive Chef George has worked all over the world and since opening Jardine in 2006 has established the restaurant into one of the leading fine dining restaurants this country has to offer … Situated at 185 Bree Street (on the corner of...

Vervet Monkey – mother and baby by Trudi Naude

South Africa Editor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:05 +0000

Submitted to our November Photography Competion by Trudi Naude, this photograph of a vervet monkey (Cercopithecus Aethiops) and her baby is entitled “Hold on tight”. Different types of vervets vary in colour, but generally the body is a greenish olive or silvery grey. The face, ears, hands, feet and tip of the tail are black, but an obvious white band on the forehead blends in with the short whiskers … Photograph “Hold on Tight”- By and © Trudi Naude (South...

More Events to attend in November

SA Events Editor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:19 +0000

Global Diabetes Run Oh boy, November is still jam packed with fun things to do, so if you are running out of ideas to keep yourself entertained this month then why not take a look at what you can still look forward to? The Western Cape certainly has been busy this month and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down as there is still plenty to keep you occupied. I know the weather hasn’t been that fantastic this week, but why not dust off your running (in my case walking) shoes and take part in the...

African Drumming at The Tafelberg Restaurant & Bar

SA Travel News Editor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:30:06 +0000

The only interactive show in Cape Town dedicated purely to drumming, this sounds like a great way to spend a Wednesday evening! This exciting event runs every Wednesday from 20h30 to 22h30 (doors open at 20h00). The Drum Mania band opens with a short performance of a simple rhythm and most people join in! Newcomers are then shown the basic technique of playing djembe including good seating posture. The more experienced players attending use this time to warm-up their hands or they just relax at...

Eagle in Flight – photographs by Dror Orbach

South Africa Editor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:53 +0000

These two photographs caught my eye when we received them as I think they are quite spectacular. Taken during a holiday to South Africa last year, they were sent to us by Dror Orbach from Israel. Dror has quite the eye for taking great wildlife photographs … we featured his “Shy Waterbuck” two weeks ago and there are more on our November Photography Competition page. Eagle in Flight – By & © Dror Orbach (Israel) With a great prize up for grabs its not too late...

Forget about its name – there’s nothing cute or cuddly about the Otter Trail!

SA Travel News Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:00:24 +0000

The Otter Trail is one of South Africa’s most well-known hiking trails, popular with both locals and international visitors thanks largely to its incredible scenery. The trail starts at the Storms River mouth and ends at Nature’s Valley in the beautiful Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve on the Garden Route. The Otter Trail meanders mostly along the rocky shoreline, but changes in elevation from sea level to about 150m above, laying out the spectacular Eastern Cape coastline on a platter for your...

The Parlotones performing in Cape Town and Jozi

SA Events Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:30:45 +0000

The Parlotones will be performing in Cape Town on Friday 13th and Johannesburg on Saturday 14th November – Who are Kahn Morbee, Glenn Hodgson, Paul Hodgson and Neil Pauw, some of you might recognise the names, some of you may even know that these guys make up one of South Africa’s biggest selling rock bands and others might know them better as the Parlotones … Kicking off their professional career in 2003 the Parlotones grew from strength to strength and in 2006 signed a European...

Photograph of iconic Table Mountain on International Day of Climate Action by Dave Estment

SA Travel News Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:41 +0000

Did you know that 24 October was the International Day of Climate Action? The intention of this day, organised by 350.org, was to lift public awareness on the need for an international climate treaty to reach 350. 350.org called upon people from every corner of the globe to find an iconic place in their community and incorporate the number 350 with this place and take a photograph. Once all the images are collected they will be delivered to world leaders and the media to show how unified the...

Let’s go camping – the best campsites on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast

SA Budget Travel Editor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:54 +0000

Lets go camping! It’s virtually that time of the year again, when a beach holiday for the family looms on the horizon and visions of just how one is going to wiggle one’s way into one’s swim attire with a fair amount of grace occupies one’s thoughts, if only for a moment. The rest of the time is taken up with trying to find the right campsite whilst dithering about how best to fit the entire house and the kitchen sink into the boot of the car! The KwaZulu-Natal...

Thanda Private Game Reserve Special Offer

SA Travel News Editor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:11:18 +0000

One of South Africa’s most romantic destinations, and winner of Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge in South Africa and South Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge at The World Travel Awards, Thanda Private Game Reserve is situated on a 7800 hectare Big Five private game reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, only an hour away from the Indian Ocean … All this is yours to enjoy at these very special rates which include all meals and game activities and are valid until 21st December 2009: Double...

Sisters with Blisters taking place 28 November

SA Events Editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:11 +0000

We’ve all had them, that extremely painful blister after a fun night out wearing your favourite pair of stilettos. But this doesn’t really give us a sense of achievement or make much difference to anyone but ourselves. So why not get a blister on 28 November 2009 that will actually mean something? Sisters with Blisters in an annual event that has been taking place for the past 3 years. Jacaranda 94.2 and First for Women have joined forces to raise awareness on the abuse suffered by many women...

Why I’m telling no-one about McGregor

Cape Town Editor — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:01 +0000

It isn’t easy to find somewhere to stay on a farm that is remote but still close enough to a small town to provide light entertainment when needed and supplies when necessary. I spent quite a bit of time on the internet before I found our little gem on a farm just outside Robertson and McGregor (bonus as we got two quaint towns for the price of one!). The unbelievably beautiful valley that holds Robertson, McGregor, Ashton, Bonnievale and Montagu in its embrace has something magical...

Dwarf Chameleon photograph by Jennifer Peers

South Africa Editor — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:08 +0000

This amazing close up of a dwarf chameleon was sent to us by Jennifer Peers as an entry for our November Photography Competition. Jennifer has submitted some of the most beautiful photographs (see previous featured photo here). According to the Wikipedia entry for Cape Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum), it is native to the Western Cape where it is restricted to the region around Cape Town. As with most chameleons, its tongue is twice the length of its body and it can be shot out of its...

It’s the Ficksburg Festival, my cherry!

SA Travel News Editor — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:00:24 +0000

Cherry Festival Ficksburg didn’t mean that much to me until I visited the pretty little town set on the banks of the Caledon River. It lies at the foot of the beautiful Imperani Mountain in the Free State, for those of you who didn’t know, and I had only heard of it before the festival because a school friend of mine hailed from there (and since we were at school in Durban at the time, you can understand how she was regarded with a fair amount of incredulity). First off let me...

The grand opening of the Cape Quarter’s Square

SA Events Editor — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:52:57 +0000

Cape Quarter This is one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets because it has something for everyone, health, beauty, fashion, lifestyle and food all in one unique venue with typical Cape Malay architecture. This is a place that epitomises cool and if you want to be with the who’s who then you should make your way to the Cape Quarter … This is such a fantastic space that is brought together with the central piazza which in itself is a meeting place for friends and family before they explore...

Mpila Camp, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve

SA Travel News Editor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:26 +0000

KwaZulu Natal is a wonderful destination to visit during winter, since its mild temperatures allow you to escape the chill of other parts of the country. As part of our travels, we chose a visit to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, which was established in 1895, and is the oldest game park in Africa … One of the attractions of selecting this reserve, and Mpila camp in particular, was that I could meet my young boys’ desire to camp, without having to sacrifice my need for a little...

A weekend in Franschhoek

SA Activities Editor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:12 +0000

Franschhoek Friends got married at Moreson Wine Estate last weekend so we used this as a good excuse to spend the weekend in Franschhoek. It was a lunch time wedding and we live in Cape Town, so strictly speaking two nights in Franschhoek was not really necessary but then again, it’s Franschhoek and it’s always a treat to spend time in this beautiful town! We arrived on Friday evening and there is something quite special about driving through the valley as the sun is setting. We really do...

South African Sports News – 4 November

Guy Mortimer — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:00:37 +0000

Francois Hougaard Bulls tame Cheetahs to take Currie Cup It was all smiles for the Loftus Versfeld faithful in Pretoria on Saturday night when their darlings, the mighty Blue Bulls, defeated a stubborn Cheetahs outfit 36-24 to become 2009 Absa Currie Cup Premier Division champions. The Bulls stormed to a 24-0 lead after just 25 minutes courtesy of a try from right wing Francois Hougaard (pictured with ball in hand) and a brace from left wing Bryan Habana, but the Cheetahs, as always, staged a...