South Africa - Travel, Accommodation & Adventure

Masterchef South Africa 2012 at Nederburg Winery

2012-02-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

Nederburg

The Masterchef TV revolution has finally come to South Africa starting on M-Net and M-Net HD on 20th March 2012. The Masterchef series has become a worldwide phenomonen watched by millions globally and now its South Africa's turn to find their Masterchef 2012. 10,000 people entered the competition and heats have already been held up and down the country and now we start to get down to business. The contestants will go through 18 episodes of elimination rounds to find the Masterchef winner.

The three main judges will be Pete Goffe-Wood, Andrew Atkinson and Benny Masekwameng. Benny is the executive chef at MondoVino Restaurant at the Sun Square Hotel in Montecasino. Andrew is the executive chef at Piccolo Mondo at the Michelangelo Hotel. Pete is also well known for his involvement in the 'Eat Out' awards, his membership of the South African Chefs Association and for running cooking classes under the name 'Kitchen Cowboy'.

The Masterchef South Africa series will be shot at the Nederburg Wine Farm in Paarl. This prestigious wine farm will host the majority of the show in the huge auction hall which has been equipped as the kitchen. The auction hall has undergone a revamp with 20 cooking stations being installed along with over 15 tonnes
of wood, locally sourced, to cover the walls and floors.

The Cape Winelands is a firm favourite with international travellers to South Africa with stunning scenery, wonderful restaurants to eat at and beautiful accommodation to stay at. For more information on Cape Winelands Accommodation visit our website Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

Cape Town's Most Popular Attractions

2012-02-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

View from Table Mountain

Looking back each year it is always interesting to see how popular certain attractions in Cape Town are and whether they are attracting more vistors than the year before. Of course the challenge in 2011 has been the global worldwide recession which has seen tourism impacted in many different ways. During December 2011 Cape Town International Airport saw 86,910 international visitors which was a 17.7% increase on December 2010. Here are the most visited attractions in Cape Town in December 2011 with the December 2010 figures represented in brackets.

Number 1: Table Mountain Cableway - 112,000 visitors in December 2011 (76,398 in December 2010)
Number 2: Cape Point - 106,672 visitors in December 2011 (89,867 in December 2010)
Number 3: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - 77,300 in December 2011 (75,784 in December 2010)
Number 4: Boulders Beach - 68,942 in December 2011 (56,096 in December 2010)

On the face of it these look like very encouraging figures for Cape Town and perhaps reflects on the increased global awareness of the Mother City since the World Cup was held in South Africa in 2010.

However it isnt all good news. Some attractions such as Robben Island actually saw a 7.5% decline in visitors in December 2011 equating to 3,140 less visitors. The main reason for this appears to be the ongoing service provided by those operating this World Heritage Site. The Western Cape MEC for Tourism Alan Winde has initiated discussions to look at ways of improving the service provided to tourists.

The top three tourist experiences in the Western Cape remain; The Cape Winelands, Table Mountain and the Scenery/Nature. For more information on Cape Town attractions and Cape Town Accommodation visit our website www.where2stay-southafrica.com

Kosi Bay in the St. Lucia Wetlands

2012-02-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

Traditional Old Fishing Nets still be used today in the lakes of Kosi Bay

The name Kosi Bay is actually quite misleading as there isn’t a ‘bay’ here. Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is made up from an intricate system of rivers, lakes, an estuary and mouth, running parallel to the beach. The entire Kosi Bay area, falls under the protected St Lucia Wetlands area which forms part of a World Heritage Site.

The beach at Kosi Bay is considered to be one of the most pristine estuarine lake systems in Africa. There are actually four inter-connected lakes that are fed by the Siyadla and Nswamanzi Rivers from the south and west respectively. The “aManzamnyama” or “Black Water” Lake is also known as Fourth Lake, and is home to many hippos and crocodiles. This lake drains into Nhlanga Lake which is also the largest lake in the system. .The four lakes form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. Kosi Bay estuary is actually only 2 kilometres from the border of Mozambique.

Kosi Bay beach is amazingly quiet and the River Mouth is referred to locally as ‘the Aquarium’ due to the clear waters and the wide variety of fish living here. One of the reasons Kosi Bay is famous is because of the traditional fish-traps that are still used today to catch fish as they swim in and out of the estuary. The mouth of the estuary is a popular spot to snorkel at and where you can often see a variety of tropical fish including the Moray Eel and Stone Fish.

Many people come to the area to experience the diversity of wildlife that lives here including the loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles that come here annually to lay their eggs on the beach. The waters here are also home to crocodiles, duiker and Bull sharks.

In order to preserve this largely unspoilt and beautiful area it is important to understand how to get about. Many of the roads are pure sand and become very rough during dry conditions, while others are filled with building rubble or gravel by the community and surrounding lodges in order to provide easier access for most 2 wheel drive vehicles. Cars that are low to the ground are not recommended, as the 2 wheel tracks on the sandy roads often leave a centre bump in the road that can damage the underneath of your vehicle. The use of 4x4 vehicles on roads here is recommended as the sand can often be very thick in places. Getting to the Kosi Bay Mouth, Black Rock and other beaches, including driving around in Mozambique are best explored in a 4x4 or 4WD vehicle.

Quad Bikes are not allowed as they are off road vehicles and not licensed to be driven on a public road. The roads that lead to the lakes, the lodges and private dwellings in Kosi Bay are accessed by the public and are therefore considered a public road.

KwaZulu-Natal is a popular hosliday destination in South Africa both for locals and for international visitors. The wonderful beaches along the coastline of KZN as well the wide range of KwaZulu-Natal holiday accommodation has people coming back year after year.

Popular Markets in South Africa

2012-01-23T23:23:00.000-08:00

There is a wide range of markets to be discovered in South Africa popular with both locals and tourists. Often these markets are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. One such market is the Victoria Street Market in Durban. This market is an indoor market with over 170 different stalls set on 2 floors which is open 7 days a week with parking available under the building.

In Cape Town you can find the Old Biscuit Mill Market popular with the young and trendy in Cape Town. This market is open every Saturday from 09h00 to 14h00 but be warned this market gets very busy and parking can be difficult close by. Our advice is to get their early to find a parking space. The market sells lots of produce and homemade goodies and has a really good vibe.

The Welwitschia Country Market is located just 1km from the popular holiday resort of Hartbeespoort Dam in the North-West Province of South Africa. The market has over 40 shops set under the shadow of some lovely old trees with even an aviary in the middle to amuse the children. The market is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 09h00 to 17h00.

On the first Saturday of every month the Green Market in Pretoria is the place to be to discover everything that is eco-friendly. Or check out the Bryanston and Organic Natural Market with its wholesome food stalls and arts and crafts - open Thursday to Saturdays from 0900 to 15h00.

Check out our Activities page for more ideas on what to do during your holiday in South Africa.

SPCA Carols by Candlelight in George, Western Cape

2011-11-28T01:55:00.001-08:00

The annual SPCA Carols by Candelight is taking place on 2 December 2011 in George at the Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa. This year’s event will be filled with caring and love as the proceeds of the event will be donated to the Garden Route branch of the SPCA to further the incredible work they are doing in our Eden District to educate people and assist animals in need.

The loving and dedicated staff members at the Garden Route SPCA are passionate about finding the right home for their furry, scaly or feathery friends and regularly place pictures of adoptable cuddle buddies in local newspapers. These critters have so much love to give and simply need to find the right home and the right people to take care of them.

What better way to shine a light on the plight of these poor deserted or abused animals than with caroling at candlelight at one of the South Cape’s most beautiful hotels, the Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa. The evening will be filled with entertainment and candlelit loveliness, accompanied by the lyrical prowess of Voldi George and the South Cape Children’s Choir conducted by Jan-Erik Swart.

Most of us grew up listening to “How much is that doggy in the window?”, and at one time or another we were all that little boy or girl, face pressed against the window of a pet shop, arm tugging on mom or dad’s coattails, and eyes mirroring the look of the puppy eyes staring from the other side. It was never about the “brand new” sticker or the label on the collar. It was the heart connection that made the question irresistible.

If you are considering giving a pet as gift this Christmas, visit the Garden Route SPCA in George at Ossi Urban Road, Tamsui Industria or contact them on 044 878 1990. How amazing would it not be to see all the little faces in homes filled with love this Christmas? Make a heart connection and come and light a candle for caring on 2 December at the Hyatt Regency Golf Resort & Spa.

Tickets are available at the event at R20 per person and include a candle. No bookings are necessary, so bring one and all so the merriment can increase whilst making a difference to the SPCA’s reach in the Garden Route. Pet gifts are welcome!

For more information contact the Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa on 044 851 1234.

Prince and Duchess to visit South Africa

2011-10-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be visiting South Africa next month which intends to take in a number of visits to local and community projects. The Prince of Wales is now the president of the WWF in the UK and his visit to South Africa is intended to focus on the work of the WWF in its fight against fragile ecosystems and the protection of endangered species. They arrive for their visit on the 2nd November and
will be staying for about a week. During their tour they will be visiting townships and community projects across South Africa. The Duchess will also be going to see some of the child literacy programmes as well. The royal couple's tour of South Africa will include visits to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal. Their tour is timed to take place just before the start of the Durban Climate Summit.

Trip to Addo National Elephant Park

2011-09-30T02:54:00.000-07:00

We left on Friday morning and entered from the N2 at the Colchester Gate.    The park has just about doubled in size in the last couple of years and the fence between the main Addo and the Colchester side has been removed, so the animals have much more space to roam. We immediately saw what the unexpected June/July rains had done – Addo looked like pictures you see of the Cape Flowers.    Beautiful long green grass and flowers everywhere and the animals looking very contented.

We arrived at about 2 p.m. and drove around the Southern part for quite a while – lucky to see lots of Buck, including the Eland, Red Hartebees and Kudu.   We also saw a lot of zebras – the number in the park of all the animals seems to have increased a lot – not sure if this is because they used to hide away more.

The new drives in the Southern Area are quite beautiful and very different from the original Addo with some breathtaking views over the whole area. We saw a lot of Buffalo – quite amazing how expensive they have become, heard on the radio the other day that one was sold on an auction for R18,000,000.00.

The main attraction of Addo is of course the elephants and the number of herds seem to have grown as you see small groups of them all over.   The weather was not very hot with a chilly wind, so they were not all over the waterholes, guess they are also getting a lot of moisture out of the leaves and grass.

About half way between the Colchester Gate and the main rest camp is a picnic spot – called Jack’s spot.   This is well placed as the ablution blocks are spotless and a great spot to stretch your legs, have something to eat and drink.   The one thing to remember is that the only shop/restaurant is in the main camp, so when you go to Addo you need to take your own refreshments.

We spent 3 nights at the Addo Rest Camp – main camp – in a small chalet.    The Chalets are always immaculately clean and they have all the mod cons you need, including quite a large fridge, stove and microwave, plus fully stocked as far as crockery and cutlery are concerned.    They also have convenient braai areas. The chalets are cleaned daily and new towels provided, so even if you are self catering you don’t have to wash all your own dishes etc.

On our first morning we were up bright and early, thankful that we were in our car with a heater as it was rather cold and windy.    The gates open at 06.30 a.m. and we were there, ready to enter at 06.30.    We saw a lot of Kudu – they are really beautiful and I know that most people think the males are the best with their spectacular horns, but the females are just so sweet with their big eyes and ears that stand up straight.
We decided to drive back to the Southern parts as there seemed to be more animals there the day before, so were really lucky to see a family of lions sleeping near the road – very satisfied with their lives.

Zebras must be the most sociable animals, you always seem to find them with other animals – that day we came across them with a whole flock of ostriches. We have noticed over the years that the number of warthogs have diminished, evidently the lions are very fond of warthogs. The amazing thing this time was the variety and colour of all the flowers, absolutely awe inspiring.    Of course the advantage of these flowers is that you also see the different animals in amongst them. We were lucky to see a couple of jackals as well as a whole family of meerkats – they are just so funny, they way they run through the grass.

One of the good things about Addo (or any Game Reserve) is that you get up early, do your game watching thing and then go back and have a midday rest – you don’t feel lazy as you have already done what you are there to do.

We have found that when we go to Addo it is better to take our food with us – the restaurant never used to be the greatest and when you have your food in the chalet, you can eat what you want to, when you want to.   There is a shop at the main camp, but also a very good Spar at Colchester, so self catering is very easy.   It is also a good idea to make sure you take something to eat and drink on game drives – sometimes they last longer than your originally planned.   A great idea is to make a picnic and have it about half way though your morning drive – lets you stretch your legs and by that time the food really tastes great.

To learn more about what to do and see in South Africa visit our South Africa Accommodation and Travel website.

Where to get married...

2011-09-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Groenvlei Guest Farm

There is a huge choice of venues up and down the breadth of South Africa that provide some awesome settings for your wedding day. Clearly we cant tell you about all of them here but here is a sample of some of the places that will give you an idea of where to get married.

The Cape Winelands in South Africa offers stunning scenery with beautiful wine estates and majestic mountains like those found in Franschhoek. Just 17km outside the university town of Stellenbosch is the lovely Groenvlei Guest Farm set on its own grape farm and with views Table Mounatin from its terrace. The grounds of the Guest Farm provide a lovely setting for an outdoor wedding with upto 170 guests welcome. If the Western Cape is too far away then what about Oranje Guest Farm in Clarens in the Free State. This beautifully restored farmhouse has some panoramic views and grounds that will create the perfect South Africa outdoor wedding wedding photos.

If it is a beach wedding in South Africa you are looking for then Le Paradis Lodge in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal is very popular. They can offer both weddings on the beach and at their lodge. They have two swimming pools and some lovely gardens ideal for photos. They also offer good rates for wedding functions.

For something a little different the Valverde Country Hotel in Lammermoor in the Muldersdrift area is an ideal for those looking for a wedding venue near Sandton, Midrand or Randburg. This unique Spanish style venue is located right on the doorstep of the Cradle of Humankind and offers a venue and great sleeping accommodation for the happy couple and their guests.

Oranje Gasteplaas - Clarens

Perhaps you fancy getting married on a Game Reserve. Well the Santa Paloma Guest Farm located just a short distance form Vincent in East London offers a tranquil setting with views all around of the valleys and wil running game. This Eastern Cape wedding venue are only to willing to sit down with you and discuss all your wedding day requirements.

Why not have a Tourism Grading System for Towns

2011-09-16T01:26:00.000-07:00

Camps Bay near Cape Town

With so much emphasis put on establishments providing accommodation in South Africa to obtain a Tourism Grading to attract clients I can't help but wonder whether a similar tourism grading system shouldn't also be applied to towns and cities. Looking around the various holiday destinations around South Africa this could only have a positive effect. It is all well and good for establishment owners to ensure they are meeting the grade in terms of visitor expectations but what about the towns. There should be a responsibility placed upon municipalities up and down the country to raise their game.

A Tourism Grading system for destinations would encourage those responsible to ensure they are continually improving the facilities and overall look and feel of the town for the holidaymaker. Presently too much reliability is left to the local Tourism Offices who have to fight for funding for basic functional needs with the municipalities. In addition these Tourist Offices have no say on what needs to be improved in their locality to encourage visitors to come back. There needs to be a far broader joined-up approach between the local
Tourism Offices and the Local Municipality. A Tourism Grading System for holiday destinations in South Africa could provide real guidance and emphasis on how and what a town could do to improve its tourist market experience.

The answer is not to put up a few signs and to have a website with some nice photos on it (although these are still needed) it is to look at your town or city through the eyes of your typical tourist. In these times of economic downturn the repeat visitor and word of mouth recommendation is key to ensuring the long term viability and success of a town as a tourist destination. A tourist on holiday at the moment expects good quality accommodation in an area with plenty of things to do or see. Good quality accommodation in a seemingly run-down or neglected area is not going to encourage visitors to return. Places like Knysna in the Western Cape set good examples of what can be achieved.

Ideas for a Destination Tourism Grading System:

As a suggestion Towns and cities in South Africa could be graded on the following:

1. Quality and availability of amenities Eg Public Toilets, Parking, Open Areas
2. Quality of the roads
3. Quality and Safety of the beaches
4. Quality and Availability of Outdoor Activities
5. Quality and Availability of Indoor Activities
6. Quality of Shopping areas
7. Family Friendly Destination

These are just a few ideas and I am sure others will have more.

Wake up and smell the coffee !

2011-09-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

In these times of economic recession the tourism industry across South Africa has to be really on its toes. With rising electricity and petrol prices people are feeling the pinch and watching their spending carefully. For towns and villages outside of the key holiday destinations in South Africa the tourism centres should be targetting the major local events throughout the year that bring in key revenues to accommodation establishments, restaurants and other businesses in their area. The municipalities and tourist centres need to work closely together to see how they can use these events to promote their town for future holiday business. Creating a warm welcome to visitors to these events is vital to ensure repeat business. How often do we visit somewhere on the word of mouth recommendation of a friend or relative!

Ensuring that your town is well prepared for these events is key. Potholes are a major problem in some areas and simply fixing these up for visitors as well as ensuring the key attractions are tidy and well presented goes along way to leaving a positive impression. Tourism centres need to co-ordinate and communicate all the things that are on offer for visitors during these events. Where to eat, places to see, activities on offer and things for children to do. Simple things like having information readily available for visitors to take away with them would seem a good idea. These can also be used to publicise other local events planned. I wonder how many tourism centres engage socially on the web with visitors to their events asking them what they would like to see when they come to an event? Most big events now have their own Facebook Page and should be used as a marketing tool by Tourism Centres. Twitter is also a valuable tool to reach out to your events visitors creating a platform to easily communicate updates on the event as it gets nearer to its date.

Big events such as the Inter-Varsity Rowing Regatta 2011 in Port Alfred attract hundreds of visitors to the town bringing in valuable tourism business. The event is staged over the weekend of 10th September to 12th September with nine universities from across South Africa competing. The coastal town of Port Alfred on the Eastern Cape of South Africa literally buzzes with students and friends and relatives. For the bars, shops and restaurants these are happy days especially for those positioned along the Kowie River itself where the racing takes place. So my advice to towns and villages in South Africa out there is to wake up and ask youself are you doing everything you can to encourage visitors to your destination.

Horseback Riding in South Africa

2011-06-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

There are many amazing things that you can do whilst on holiday in South Africa from whale watching, deep sea fishing, bungee jumping to a horse safari holiday or horseback riding trails. There are a number of companies througout South Africa offering a variety of horseback experiences from 1 to 6 hour beach trails to 2-10 day overnight trails. The great thing is you dont need to be an experienced rider to enjoy the delights of these horseback trails.

From trails through the Overberg region in the Western Cape to riding along the beautifully clean beaches of Walker Bay there are endless choices of places to see and experience. The Walker Bay area is also well known for being the annual breeding ground for the Southern Right Whales and from July to December as well as enjoying one of these horse trails you might even get the chance to see the Whales just off the shore. The horse trails typically will take you through rugged mountain terrain, indigenous forest, via national parks, nature reserves and other scenic routes.

If you are thinking of embarking on one of the longer overnight horse trails you will need to consider what to bring and wear. Our advice is to ensure you have a cap or hat, definitely some rain or sun protection as the weather can fluctuate, a sleeping bag and warm jacket, a change of clothing, a torch and some jodphursand gloves although these can often be hired. In the summer it is worth bringing a swimsuit and dont forget some good shoes or boots.

A great place for a beach horse trail is along the Noordhoek Beach situated just below the southern slopes of Chapman's Peak Drive. This trip is normally a 2 hour horse trail across sand dunes and onto the beach with magnificent views and a chance to trot or cantor along the beaches and through the waves.

Another great place to try horseback riding is up on the Wild Coast where you will find superb beaches, lagoons and the chance to come face to face with zebra and giraffe. Dont worry you wont be coming face to face with any dangerous animals.

Whale Watching in South Africa

2011-06-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

South Africa has some of the best Whale Watching opportunities in the World. The Whale season lasts from July through to December each year but the best months are September and October when you are almost guaranteed to see these magnificent creatures lobtailing and breaching. There are a number of excellent vantagepoints along the coastline from Cape Town up to Mossel Bay and beyond where you can admire the whales without you even having to take to the seas. Further up the coast in KwaZulu-Natal you can take boat trips from places such as St.Lucia which go out to sea to catch sight of the whales. Along these waters you are morelikely to spot Humpback and Mincke and the occasional Southern Right Whale.

Cape Town - Some of the best whale watching spots can be found between Muizenberg and Cape Point. Although we can't guarantee you will see whales we do recommend checking out the Southern Right Whales between the middle of August and middle of October. This period is typically the calving season where whales congregate in False Bay to calve. Other whales that you might see are the Humpback and Bryde's whales. False bay is reached via the M3 from Cape Town.

Hermanus - probably the most famous whale watching destination in South Africa with excellent land-based whale watching spots. Check out the Cliff Path that starts at the new harbour in Westcliff and stretches 15km along the shoreline past Walker Bay and on to Grotto Beach. Hermanus even has its own Whale Crier who's job it is to alert visitors to where the whales are by blowing his kelp horn. Hermanus also has a very popular Whale Festival in September each year with lots of food, entertainment as well as the whale watching. Whale watching by boat is strictly controlled with only two licensed boat operators in Hermanus that charge approximately R500 for A 2 hour boat trip.

For all your South Africa Holiday accommodation needs check out www.where2stay-southafrica.com

Port Alfred Air Festival 2011

2011-06-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

The renowned 43 Air School in Port Alfred will be staging its annual Air Festival on the 26th and 27th December 2011. The Air Festival is a great chance to get up close and personal with some superb flying machines including bi-planes and even Russian Jet Fighters. There will be a small entrance fee charged to visitors as the festival raises import charity funds for the local area.

The Air Festival will have a full flying programme including acrobatic-displays by stunt pilots . For the adventurous among you there will be the chance to buy flips on certain aircraft including helicopters with costs ranging from R500 to R5000. The 43 Air School will also be arranging tours of their facilities which if you are interested in ever becoming a pilot, air-traffic controller or aircraft engineer will provide you with a real insight and a chance to ask questions.

Other attractions at the festival will include stall holders from the Bathurst Farmers Market and Hamburg Cottage Industries. Offers have also gone out to the Bathurst Agricultural Museum to display some of its equipment as well as the vintage car club to show off some of their classic cars.

The 43 Air School is located just outside Port Alfred a seaside town on the Eastern Cape's Sunshine Coast. Port Alfred is a very popular holiday destination with superb sandy beaches and plenty of accommodation on offer.

Kloof - a leafy suburb of Durban

2011-06-07T02:28:00.000-07:00

The small town of Kloof is a suburb located on the greater Durban area in KwaZulu-Natal. Kloof translates from Afrikaans to mean Gorge and is named after the deep gorge that has been formed from the Molweni River. The Kloof Gorge forms part of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve which extends for approximately 5 square kilometres. The middle to upper class suburb of Kloof borders onto Winston Park, Forest Hills, Gillitts and Hillcrest which together are known as the Upper Highway Area. The area is also known as a mist-belt and includes winding roads and lovely mansions surrounded by trees. There are a number of shopping malls in the area such as Maytime Shopping Centre, the Village Mall, Fields Shopping Centre and Delcairn Centre. There is a lovely selection of places to stay in Kloof from Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast and self catering accommodation.

Kloof Country Club is located in the green hills of Kloof, within easy access of Durban, and combines a wide choice of activites from the wonderful 18 hole Golf Course, to a squash centre, dining and conference facilities, tennis courts, swimming pool and also a cricket pitch. The Golf Course has been designed to USGA standards and offers a challenging course with a well earned refreshment break available at the Halfway House.

The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is approximately 532 hectares in size and is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Although you will not see the Big 5 here you will discover zebra, grey duiker, vervet monkey, bushbuck, mongoose, genets, rock hyrax and many other animals. The birdlife here is excellent with over 200 different variety of birds being recorded. Much of the reserve is covered by thick forest and vegitation and has superb views across the gorge that has been created by the Molweni River.

Click here for more ideas on where to stay in Durban.

Weekend away at Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve - Port Alfred

2011-06-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend we spent a night at Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve which is located just 5 minutes outside of Port Alfred on the Eastern Cape Sunshine Coast. Oceana is situated in an elevated position overlooking 7km of private beachfront in the maleria-free Eastern Cape. It opened its doors for business approximately
4 years ago and has established itself as a 5 Star Game Reserve and Spa Retreat.

The location is extremely private and has a really romatic feel about it. The main lodge has a lovely bar with seating around a log fire and separate dining rooms. It would make an ideal setting for a wedding function or to just getaway and pamper yourself for a few days. We arrived early evening and enjoyed some pre-dinner drinks on the patio overlooking the Indian Ocean whilst gazing at the amazing star-filled sky.

As we were celebrating a special occasion our hosts had organised us a private table for 2 in one of their lounges with a lovely fire going next to us. The food was of a very high standard and the service was excellent. After dinner we enjoyed our superb cappuccinos by the open log fire by the bar. Next to the bar area there is a very nice patio with steps leading up to the swimming pool and boma. If you are having your wedding here then Oceana have a large Bedouin-style tent that covers this area and makes for a wonderful setting.

That evening we stayed in a lovely chalet with large balcony overlooking the Reserve and Indian Ocean. Our room had a wonderful double bed with TV at the end of it. There was also a his'n'hers bathrooms with a bath with views outside in one of them. The rooms are extremely well appointed and very spacious.

In the morning we sat outside with our coffee and watch the sunrise and the animals roam around just a short distance away. Oceana is not a Big 5 Game Reserve but it still has Giraffe, Rhino, Zebra, Buffalo, Wildebeest and many other animals. There is a lovely fitness room near the Lodge with magnificent views plus an excellent Spa with a range of treatments available. Other activities on offer at Oceana include; Surf and Rock Fishing, Game Drives, Bush Picnic and Sundowners, 5 hole putting green on the Heli Pad, Steam Room and Games Room.

Visit Where2Stay-SouthAfrica for more South Africa Accommodation ideas.

Top 10 Driving Tips for South Africa

2011-06-02T04:52:00.000-07:00

1. Always fill up your car with petrol before embarking on a long journey. Distances between Petrol Stations can vary quite a lot and with such big distances between towns and cities it is better to be safe than sorry.

2. Try to plan your journey for day time driving. Driving at night can be hazardous especially out of the towns and cities. It is not uncommon to come across cows, monkeys and goats wandering across the road and at night there are many stories of cars hitting these animals. Also roads outside of town are not well lit if at all.

3. When stopping at a petrol station take advantage of the attendants and ensure they clean your windscreens - for the sake of a R2 tip it is well worth it.

4. Try to tune into a local radio station when travelling - they are normally very good at warning you of roadworks and those aptly named "smile zones" - to you and me these are speed traps !

5. For those long journeys make sure you take some food and drink with you in the car. Great for keeping the kids quiet when they start getting bored.

6. Keep a camera handy with you in the car - you just never know when you are going to come across wonderful scenery, animals or interesting sights.

7. Make sure you have your driving licence with you always. If you are stopped by the police they will want to see this. It is also always worth keeping some cash handy for those annoying on the spot fines.

8. Be aware that some of the roads in South Africa are not up to the standard of those you may normally be used to. If you are driving off the main roads or around areas like the Wild Coast you will really need a 4X4. You wouldnt want to miss out on some of the more off the beaten track sights beacuse your car isnt up to it.

9. Make sure your mobile phone is charged and you notify people of where you are going and what time you should be reaching your destination. That way if you are late you are contactable or can contact someone if you break down.

10.When parking your car anywhere do not leave valuables on show. Like anywhere in the world there are petty crime theives that are only too willing to snatch them.

Weekend in the Wild Coast

2011-05-31T04:40:00.000-07:00

We took a short weekend holiday break to Kei Mouth which is located about 1 hours drive north of East London and is effectively the start of what is known as the Wild Coast. We took the N2 route out of East London heading towards Mthatha before turning off right towards Kei Mouth. From the N2 turn off it is approximately a 30km drive down to Kei Mouth. The road down is surprisingly very good with tarmac all the way down that takes a scenic route through rolling hills before you catch sight of the coast.

We were staying at a place called Whispering Waves which is a very apt name as our rustic cottage overlooked directly onto the waves breaking on to the beach below us. Kei Mouth has a few shops, post office and supermarket, restaurant and a garage and is well geared up to serve the holiday makers that come here to stay - many on a self catering accommodation basis.

It is advisable to travel to this area in a 4x4 as there are lots of off-road dirt tracks where you can drive and explore this rugged coastline. We took a drive down to the Kei River Mouth on the Saturday afternoon and tried our hand at fishing off the rive bank. Sadly although the fish were biting we only caught barbel and not the cob which we were after. The weather over the whole weekend was lovely but rather chilly in the evenings which is to be expected in late May.

On the Sunday morning we took the river crossing (only R120 per car return trip) over the Kei River to explore the coast further up and visited the Trennerys Hotel which is a lovely hotel set high up overlooing the Indian Ocean. The Trennerys is a popular holiday resort with lovely accommodation, swimming pool and tennis court plus play areas for the younger ones. They have a very nice bar with full size snooker table and DSTV. From the hotel you can walk down to the lagoon and beach below. The beach stretches for miles with several coves and inlets visible and it is not uncommon to see the odd cow roaming around on the beach. After our walk we enjoyed a nice cold refreshing drink at the hotel before setting off to enjoy a picnic beside the Kei River. The locals wander about from early morning selling locally made crafts and will even make things to order if they dont quite have what you are looking for.

It really was a delight enjoying braais in the evenings whilst chatting and watching the waves breaking in the ocean below our cottage. The whole Wild Coast stretches for a long way northwards from here and is worth exploring. There is a good choice of accommodation from the basic and simple to the luxury end of the market. We recommend you add the Wild Coast to your South Africa Holiday itinerary.

Boutique Hotels in South Africa

2011-05-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

Boutique Hotels have become extremely popular over the world and South Africa is no exception. You can now find a good choice of Boutique Hotels in South Africa which all seem to offer something different . Many of these Boutique Hotels are more intimate and offer an ideal romantic getaway or weekend break. They also make ideal wedding function locations offering privacy and lovely settings. Generally these venues have achieved a minimum 4 star status and have been decorated to a high standard and offer something a little extra that your normal hotel. From ideal locations such as Cocomo Boutique Hotel in Hartbeespoort in the North-West Province of South Africa to Casta Diva set on the slopes of the Magaliesberg in stunning peaceful surroundings in Gauteng Province its worth seeking out these venues and to spoil yourselves. Many of these venues are family run and provide real home-from-home touches with the opportunity to recharge your batteries and getaway from the stresses of work and city life.

Weekend away in Hogsback

2011-05-23T04:34:00.000-07:00

Hogsback Village is located halfway between Alice and Cathcart in the Amatola Mountain range in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. We decided on a last minute weekend away to the village of Hogsback leaving our house in Port Alfred and travelling on a route that took us through Bathurst, Grahamstown, Fort Beaufort, Alice and finally into Hogsback. We arrived at our accommodation - Maylodge Cottages - located in a wonderful setting just off the main street. There were six of us staying for the weekend in a delightful thatched cottage (Heron House) with extensive gardens surrounding the house. Our two miniature schnauzers had come along and immediately explored the gardens and took an interest in the monkeys high up in the trees.

The cottage accommodation comprised three bedrooms and three bathrooms with a lovely open plan living area with a fireplace as the centrepiece. Hogsback is surrounded by mountains and a hikers paradise. Its elevated position also means that you do get snowfall in the winter months on the mountains and occasionally in Hogsback village itself. In July they even have what they call "Christmas in July" when the village usually buzzes with people relaxing over a long weekend around log fires.

On our first morning in Hogsback we took a short drive down Oak Avenue which is just off the main high street. We parked and then set off through the Arboretum and up to The 39 Steps Falls. The leaves on the trees are turning beautiful colours and the walk up to the waterfalls is a gentle one. Look out for the huge Giant Redwoods dotted about in the forests.

In the afternoon we took a drive out down Oak Avenue again but this time turned up Forest Drive and then stopped off to walk the hike up to the Kettlespout Falls. This is a longer hike and more strenuous up some steeper steps and inclines but the view is worth it when you reach the top. From the top you can see the waterfalls cascading down and enjoy the views that stretch for miles on a clear day.

Later that day we drove out on the R345 to visit St Patrick on the Hill church which really is quite beautiful. From there we continued on past the Little Candle Factory and onto the Labyrinth - follow the signs for The Edge. Here we stopped and walked around the Labyrinth beofre enjoying a well earned coffee and cake in their cafe/restaurant. After a long day we returned home to enjoy a log fire and scrummy food.

The next morning we sat out by our cottage enjoying the sunshine and views and then headed off down Wolf Ridge Road along a dirt track enjoying the views and then stopping off to have our picnic by the dam. Sadly it was now time to head for Port Alfred and we decided to take a different route home taking the dirt track route to Seymour and then onto Fort Beaufort. This route is recommended for 4x4 vehicles only as the roads are very rough in places and a good clearance is needed.

All in all we had a very relaxing break in Hogsback and it is easy to see why many people from East London and Port Elizabeth visit here for weekend breaks. The air is clean and it is lovely and quiet a real getaway from suburban life. The picturesque village of Hogsback is approximately 1.5 hours from East London.

Tsitsikamma National Park in the Eastern Cape

2011-05-16T03:45:00.000-07:00

Tsitsikamma National Park is a popular national park found along the famous Garden Route of South Africa. The word "Tsitsikamma" actually translates from Khoi to mean "place of abundant and sparking water" and this is a very apt description of this area. The Tsitsikamma Forest is home to beautiful indigenous trees such as the Yellowwood, the Stinkwood amd the Ironwood to name just a few. The patch of coastline along the Tsitsikamma National Forest is rocky and wild and where the Storms River meets the Ocean is a must see spot. From here you can watch the huge waves crashing against the rocks or perhaps eat at the Tigers Eye restaurant that overlooks the river mouth. There is also a boat trip from here which takes you into the gorge itself or you can take the short walk along the Mouth Trail which leads up to Strandloper Cave and the suspension bridge and vantage point.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is well served with places to stay such as Lodges or Log Cabins providing everything from luxury accommodation to self catering accommodation for those on a budget or travelling as a family or group. The area really is a haven of activities for everyone from Bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge to canopy tours and ziplines through the forests. If trail walking is your thing then you must try the famous Otter Trail which is a spectacular hikng trail leading from Natures Valley to Storms River. The Otter Trail hike takes you past hidden coves and caves along paths where sometimes you can feel the spray from the waves breaking. Keep an eye out to see for dolphins and whales which depending upon the season you may well see.

Tsitsikamma National Forest is well worth a visit and you should set aside a day or 2 as part of your Garden Route trip.

Coldplay coming to South Africa in October

2011-05-09T04:18:00.000-07:00

Coldplay are coming on tour to South Africa for the first time in October this year. They will be playing at Cape Town Stadium on October 5th and at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on October 8th. Coldplay have had a string of hit albums since the release of their album 'Parachutes' in 2000. Their latest album is described as a step in a new direction by Chris Martin and a change from their previous three albums. Coldplay have sold over 50 million albums worldwide and have won seven Grammy Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards as well as six Brit Awards.

Tickets for these concerts are priced between R270 and R635 and will be available to purchase from Thursday 1th May at 09h00.

Computicket Tel: 083 915 8000

Flights from Durban to London

2011-05-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

This Sunday the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu announced that King Shaka International Airport in Durban is to get direct flights to London Gatwick Airport and across Africa as part of a new strategic deal with Dube TradePort and South Africa's biggest privately owned airline Comair. Although the plans are only at the initial stages it is hoped that they will start with three flights a week to London Gatwick which presently does not serve South Africa. London Gatwick Airport is located to the south of London and has a fast train service from within the airport directly into the centre of London.

Holiday in the Western Cape

2011-05-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

South Africa's Western Cape Province is one of the most popular areas for tourists but with so much to see and do here the first thing you need to realise is that you are not going to see everything in one trip. So planning your trip is a necessary and vital aspect to your holiday.

The Western Cape has many popular attractions such as the famous Garden Route, Cape Town and all its city attractions, the Cape Winelands, Route 62, Cape Point and Table Mountain. Planning your route and your accommodation for your holiday break in the Western Cape is important. Hiring a car to get you about is a must and remember the distances you will travel may well be further than you are used to so ensuring you get a comfortable and practical hire car is important. Small and cheap is not always the best idea.

There are lots of lovely beaches around the Western Cape to enjoy and its a good idea to break up your sight-seeing with a few days spent relaxing on the golden sandy beaches. Areas near Cape Town such as Clifton, Camps Bay and Bloubergstrand have lots of guest house, self catering and hotel accommodation to choose from.

The Cape Winelands are well worth spending a least a couple of days exploring with some wonderful wine estates and beautiful towns such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. If you are travelling with some friends then it is well worth staying in self catering accommodation and there are some fine places to stay at with pools to cool off in the warm evenings.

The Garden Route can be driven in a day but to do this would mean on missing out on visiting the many towns that you pass along the way. Again plan to spend 3-4 days driving through the Garden Route exploring the area and the coastal towns such as Mossel Bay. Click here for more accommodation ideas in the Western Cape

Marloth Park in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

2011-04-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

Marloth Park can be found towards the southern edge of the famous Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Visitors to the 3,000 hectare Marloth Park can find some of the best game viewing conditions in South Africa and excellent accommodation to stay in. No fences are allowed around Marloth Park creating a natural environment for the abundance of animals to be found here.

Visitors are spoilt for accommodation in Marloth Park with some wonderful lodges offering everything from self-catering to luxury boutique style hotel accommodation. It is very common to find animals like nyala and kudu wondering around the accommodation in Marloth Park. Other animals to be found here include giraffe, lion, rhino, buffalo, warthog and zebra.

For families on a budget then self-catering accommodation offers an affordable holiday option with a chance to share the thrill of game viewing. Marloth Park sits on the banks of the Crocodile River which is a haven for many different types of birds. For the adventurous types you can even enjoy a micro-light flight and observe the wild animals from the skies. In the evenings the skies in Marloth Park come alive with stars creating a majestic night sky. You will often find accommodation in Marloth Park with balconies so you can sit in the evening and watch the glorious sunsets while sipping on your sundowner.

From your Marloth Park accommodation you can easily explore the wonders of Kruger National Park or even take a day trip to the beaches of Mozambique. For other accommodation in South Africa visit Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.

Less than 2 weeks now to the Splashy Fen Festival 2011

2011-04-11T02:11:00.000-07:00

With less than two weeks to go before this year’s Splashy Fen Music Festival there is as you can imagine a hive of activity on site at the tranquil Underberg Farm in South Africa’s Southern Drakensberg. Splashy Fen Festival starts on Thursday April 21st through to Monday April 25 and there will be over 90 acts performing over the two stages which means there really will be something for everyone’s musical tastes.

The site is very busy at the moment with a host of skilled tradesmen putting the final touches together to ensure that the festival is ready for the thousands of music fans who will attend this popular event.

New fields are being cleared ready for the camping sites, new fences are being erected and of course those all-important toilet and washing facilities are being prepared. Even the cellular networks are being upgraded especially for this event.

As always Pedro Carlo, the festival organiser, is making sure that music fans will have even more to look forward to than last year. This year there will be more bars, more food stores, a new comedy tent and an all new Freestyle Tribal Village. For festival fans coming as a family there is a separate family campsite area which is perfect for those with younger ones in tow. The Children Centre will put on a full programme of childrens activities as well as providing a child minding service.

As usual all profits from the festival’s main bar, run by Sani 152 Round Table, will go to helping out deserving causes and community upliftment projects.

At this year’s Splashy Fen Festival you can expect to see acts like Vusi Mahlasela, Boo!, Goodluck, Karen Zoid, Ard Matthews, The Rudimentals, Valiant Swart, Holiday Murray, City Bowl Mizers, Madala Kunene, Wrestlerish, Dan Patlansky and former Tree63 frontman, John Ellis, among many others.

Supported by East Coast Radio and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Splashy Fen was established in 1990 and is the longest-running music festival in the country. Tickets cost R500 at Computicket and selected Game stores. The price includes camping for the entire festival. For more information and the full programme, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or contact 031 563 0824. For news on other events across South Africa visit South Africa Events Page.

Ski in South Africa - not yet but maybe soon !

2011-04-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

Since 2009 Snowboarders and skiers in South Africa have had to endure long trips to Europe or America to get their skiing fix but there may be light at the end of the tunnel. The mothballed ski resort of Tiffindell in the southern Drakensberg Mountains is due to go up for auction soon with a number of local and foreign buyers proported to be interested. The auction is to be managed by the High Street Auction Company.

The Tiffendell Ski Resort covers an area of 101 hectares and includes a main lodge, chalets that can accommodate 142 guests, a beginners slope, a bar, shop, ski school and place to hire ski equipment. The main ski slope does have its own ski lift. More news to follow.

Going to South Africa on holiday in the future - visit where2stay-southafrica for all your accommodation needs.

The Great Annual Sardine Run

2011-04-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

There are some truly spectacular natural events that occur around the world every year and none more so than the awesome Sardine Run which takes place off the East Coast of South Africa. Every year between the months of May and July the Sardine Run takes place off the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape coast.
The sardines start their epic journey off the Cape Point of South Africa and journey north to escape the cold waters. Millions of sardines congregate and travel up the Eastern Cape up to the north coast of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The huge numbers of sardines create a mass so big that it is visible from satellites orbiting the earth. The vast shoal reaches lengths of 15km, a width of 3km and a depth of 40 metres.

This spectacular event attracts a wide array of predators that come to feed creating amazing feeding frenzies which are spectacular to watch. Some of the predators that come to feed include dolphins, sharks, whale, birds and game fish. This natural event ranks alongside the huge migration of wildebeest across the African savannah.

This unexplained phenomenon is not to be missed whether viewing from a boat or, if you are an experienced diver, from beneath the sea. The Annual Sardine Run passes along some of the best coastlines in South Africa, passed the Garden Route, the Sunshine Coast, and the KZN South Coast and up to what was once known as the Transkei.

If you are planning a holiday to South Africa during May and July then you may want to consider a trip to see this marvellous event. Visit Where2Stay-South Africa for all your accommodation needs.

The Top Ten Golf Courses in South Africa

2011-04-04T01:57:00.000-07:00

1. Leopard Creek Golf Course is currently rated the number 1 golf course in South Africa. This 18 Hole Championship course was designed by Gary Player and is 6723m long and is a Par 72. Leopard Creek Golf Course is located at Malelane in Mpumalanga Province and is only open to hotel residents. The Gary Player design team worked very closely with local conservationists and the Kruger National Park Game Reserve, which the golf course overlooks, to ensure that Leopard Creek blends in with its natural surroundings.

2.   The Gary Player Country Club Golf Course in Sun City in the North West Province is rated the number 2 golf course in South Africa. The course was designed by Gary Player and Ron Kirby in 1979 and its Championship course is 6938m long and is a Par 72. The Gary Player Country Club is home to the Nedbank Challenge and is renowned for being a challenging and difficult course. The course is not open on Mondays but otherwise visitors are welcome.
3.   The Links Course at Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate in George in the Western Cape of South Africa is currently rated number 3 golf course in South Africa. The Links Championship Golf Course is 6532m long is a Par 70. The Gary Player Design Team spent some time studying the famous Links courses of Scotland before finalising the design of this testing round of golf. The course is open to Fancourt members and their guests and also to hotel residents by prior arrangement.
4.   The Arabella Golf Course in Kleinmond in the Western Cape of South Africa is currently rated the number 5 golf course in South Africa. This Par 72 course is 6381 metres long and was designed by Peter Matkovich in 1999. The Arabella Golf Course has lovely views across the Bot River lagoon and across to the Kogelberg mountain range. Visitors are welcome everyday although there is a booking restriction of 7 days in advance if you are not staying at the hotel.
5.   The Pearl Valley Golf Course is rated number 5 golf course in South Africa and was designed by the great Jack Nicklaus. Situated in the beautiful Cape Winelands area between Paarl and Franschhoek the Pearl Valley Golf Estate and Spa is surrounded by the Simonsberg Mountains and Drakenstein Mountains. This creates a spectacular setting for this Par 72 course which is 6511 metres long. Golf clubs are available to hire and there is a driving range on site.
6.   The Durban Country Club, in Durban KwaZulu-Natal, actually has two 18 hole championship courses designed by Laurie Waters and George Waterman. The course has been created alongside the Indian Ocean creating a semi-links style course. The course is more geared towards the experience golfer and the third hole here is said to be the best third hole on any course in the world. Visitors are welcome to play here any day apart from Saturday.
7.   The Royal Johannesburg Golf Course actually has two 18 Hole Championship courses – the East Course and the West Course. The East Course has hosted numerous SA Open Championships and is 6846 metres long and is a Par 72. The West Course is marginally shorter at 6382 metres in length and probably favours the less experienced golfer although you may well be punished for any wayward shots. The course is open to visitors everyday apart from Saturdays and Sunday mornings.

8.   The Montagu Course at Fancourt is rated the number 8 golf course in South Africa. This course, designed by Gary Player, is located in George in the Western Cape of South Africa. The course has recently undergone a transformation with two new holes being created and several others being completely redesigned. The course is open every day to Fancourt Hotel residents only.
9.   The St. Francis Links Golf Course is situated in St. Francis Bay on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Yet again Jack Nicklaus has used his skills and experience to design another challenging Links course reminiscent of those you would find in Scotland. As with all links courses the wind plays a major factor in your round of golf. The St. Francis Links Golf Course is open to visitors every day of the week.
10.   The Elements Private Golf Reserve is located in the stunning scenery of the Waterberg region of Limpopo Province in South Africa. This golf course is rated number 10 in the Top Ten Golf Courses of South Africa and is a Peter Matkovich designed golf course.

If you are looking for accommodation in South Africa for your golfing holiday try Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.

Formula 1 returns to South Africa in 2011

2011-04-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

Formula 1 Racing is returning to South Africa at the famous Kyalami Race Track on 20th November 2011. Due to the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year there was a gap in the schedule that needed to be filled and South Africa has won the race to host the replacement. This is great news for South Africa and the economy as it will bring a real boost to local businesses and tourism around the Kyalami Grand Prix track.

David Coulthard recently drove around the Kyalami Race Track to test its suitability and gave the race track a ringing endorsement with just a few minor changes required to ensure a safe and successful race. The last time South Africa hosted a Grand Prix at Kyalami was back in 1993 when the likes of
Alain Prost was racing.

The Grand Prix at Kyalami will be followed by a huge concert with big acts such as U2, Shakira, Beyonce and Usher all playing. Kyalami Grand Prix Race Track is in Midrand in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Gauteng Province has excellent self-catering accommodation, guest house accommodation, hotels and Bed and Breakfast accommodation to ensure your visit to this Grand Prix is an enjoyable one.

James Blunt Live in Concert in South Africa

2011-03-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

Its exciting news to hear that James Blunt is coming to South Africa as part of his 'Some kind of Trouble World Tour'. James Blunt will be playing on the 24th August 2011 at the ICC Durban Arena and on the 26th August at the Coca Cola Dome in Johannesburg. This is terrific news and follows on from other international artists that have played in South Africa this year including U2 and Neil Diamond.

It is really great to see artists such as James Blunt choosing South Africa as part of their World Tour. His latest album 'Some Kind of Trouble' has seen him team up with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder in terms of songwriting and James is really looking forward to getting back out on the road and infront of his fans. Tickets for these concerts can be obtained from Computicket.

If you are looking for accommodation for either of these events check out where2stay-southafrica.

South Africa upgrades its Establishment Grading System

2011-03-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

South Africa's Minister of Tourism has launched a new star grading system for accommodation establishments across South Africa. The new star grading system is an update to the current system which was introduced in 2009. Over the last three years the current system has delivered a world class standard in grading accommodation and provided visitors with a real level of comfort in booking accommodation for their holidays.

The new star grading system which was unveiled by Marthinus van Schalkwyk at the Kind Edward Hotel and Forest Hall Guest House in Port Elizabeth will increase the grading criteria and minimum requirements for establishments. The grading system is managed by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) and is an official measure of an establishments quality assurance. The changes to the new grading system will ensure that South Africa provides tourists with a promise of quality when booking their holiday accommodation. It will also ensure that South Africa remains a key destination for international visitors. The Minister of Tourism's aim is also to maintain South Africa as world leaders in terms of quality assurance.

Look out for the Star Grading on all venue listings on where2stay-southafrica.

Things I love about South Africa

2011-03-22T05:20:00.000-07:00

Having moved to South Africa last year I thought it was time I shared my top 10 things that I love about living here. Living very close to the Indian Ocean on the Eastern Cape the deep sea fishing is fantastic. Sadly I cant go as often as I would like because of work but every time I go its always great fun. Generally there are three or four of us that go deep sea fishing off of the Port Alfred Coast. We normally leave early around about 6h30am and fish for about 6 hours or so depending upon how lucky we are at catching ! Of course there is nothing better than the taste of freshly caught fish cooked that evening.

Second on my list is walking our dogs on the endless sandy beaches. Our miniature schnauzers absolutely love running up and down the enormous sand dunes and then playing in the waves. Dudley, the grey one in the photo, generally tires himself out so much that we some times have to pick him up on the way back. The best time of day for a walk is first thing in the morning or late afternoon. You can't beat paddling along in the waves while your dogs wears themselves out. Walking back home watching the sunset infront of you is just pure delight and a perfect end to any day.

Third on my list is the view from our offices which overlooks Port Alfred Marina. You never tire of staring out across the marina on a sunny day watching the boats come and go. The marina even has its very own seal - Sammy the Seal - which can be seen frequently playing in the marina. Just the other week a dolphin was even spotted swimming around the waters. The marina is a real tourist attraction in Port Alfred with a number of charter boats taking people up the Kowie River or out to sea to fish.

Next up is the traditional Braai - of course where I came from it was known as a BBQ but to be honest a Braai is a very traditional and social activity in South Africa. We often get together with family or friends to enjoy a Braai. I have to say that the quality of meat on offer here is of a much higher quality than I was used to in the UK and our local butcher supplies excellent steaks, sausages, boerwors and ribs. Its just lovely to sit together outside enjoying a few drinks and the amazing smells coming from the Braai.

South Africa is a country rich in wildlife with an abundance of Game Reserves with a range of accommodation options. There are Game Reserves to be found all over South Africa and not just in provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The Eastern Cape now has some of the best private Game Reserves in South Africa. Its great to be able to just plan a short trip to stay on one of these as we did recently at Pumba Private Game Reserve situated between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. I never seem to tire of seeing the magnificent Big 5 in their natural surroundings and feel very lucky to be able to do so.

South Africa is a country full of natural wonders such as Table Mountain, the Drakensberg Mountains, Cape Point, the Garden Route, Cape Winelands and many more. Its a joy and a pleasure to be able to visit these wonders and to share these with friends and family that visit us. There are many great hiking trails and walks that pass through some of the most beautiful countryside and include some spectacular views.

For more travel advice on where to stay, what to do and what to see in South Africa visit Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.

There's more to South Africa Game Reserves than just visiting Kruger National Park

2011-03-15T01:50:00.000-07:00

We visited Pumba Private Game Reserve and Spa for a weekend in March 2011. Pumba Private Game Reserve is the 3rd largest privately owned Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. We drove from our offices in Port Alfred taking the Alicedale turnoff on the N2 between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. Pumba Game Reserve is signposted off to the right off the Alicadale Road. As you turn into Pumba you follow a gravel road for about 1km and then take a left into the entrance to Pumba. Once through the gates there is a further track leading up to the Main Lodge at Pumba. As you head up to the Main Lodge you will start to see animals immediately with Blesbuck, Warthog and Blue Wildebeest grazing close to your track.

Pumba Main Lodge is an impressive thatched set of buildings joined by wooden paths. Pumba has two lodges the Msenge Bush Lodge and the Pumba Water Lodge where we were staying. The Pumba Water Lodge has the advantage of overlooking a beautiful lake which each cottage can enjoy from their balcony. The lake is a haven for birds, a variety of buck and of course the hippo which you can see and hear grunting in the lake. Occasionally these lumbering giants will come out of the water close to your accommodation which is an amazing sight. We even caught sight of a giant tortoise across the other side of the lake as well as two of the white rhino that roam around.

We went on four game drives during our stay at Pumba which were a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Our guide was called Peter and he had recently joined Pumba after working at Amakhala Game Reserve. Morning game drives started at 06h30 and finished at approximately 09h30. After each game drive you are welcomed back at the lodge with a hot or cold towel to freshen up along with drinks in evening. On each of the game drives there is a chance to stop and have a hot drink in the mornings and a sundowner on the evening drives. Pumba Private Game Reserve has a lovely relaxed feel to it along and along with the Big 5 that are on offer to see here it makes for a real alternative to travelling up to Limpopo to Kruger National Park. Pumba has white lions as well as normal lion and we were lucky enough to see the male and female who are simply magnificent. Late on during one of our evening game drives we caught sight of four Bat Eared foxes which is quite a rare sighting.

Evenings at Pumba are so relaxing as you sit and eat your delicious dinner whilst looking over the lake. A warm fire is always on the go and creates a lovely atmosphere. We got to know our fellow travellers on our game drives and on our last evening we enjoyed dinner together. It was lovely to exchange stories of other trips whilst listening to the hippos grunting in the lake below us.

The accommodation at Pumba Water Lodge is first class with lots of space, a large balcony and even a plunge pool to enjoy. There is an excellent choice of Game Reserves in South Africa and Pumba in the Eastern Cape offers a real alternative to the more traditional Kruger Reserves. For more information on South Africa and what to see and where to stay visit where2stay-southafrica

Top Ten Natural Wonders of South Africa

2011-03-09T02:18:00.000-08:00

Cape Winelands
Exploring the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape of South Africa is an indulging affair. The sheer number of Wine Farms and Wine Estates on offer is a treat for any budding wine connoisseur. The Winelands are located in a beautiful setting with undulating hills and imposing mountains particularly around Franschhoek. Vinyards stretch across the land hugging the bottom of the hills creating a patchwork of neat parallel lines. The Franschhoek Mountains are not to be missed first thing in the morning as you will often see the clouds dripping over the mountain tops like a huge tablecloth. Many people of course visit the famous Wine Estates of Boschendal, Laborie, Spier and Simonsig to name just a few but it is well worth exploring some of the smaller and lesser well know wineries. There are some excellent restaurants in the Winelands serving some delicious food and places like Franschhoek have a number of the Top 50 restaurants in South Africa located there.

Garden Route
Probably one of the most visited areas of South Africa after Cape Town the Garden Route stretches for 200km from Mossel Bay all the way up to Plettenberg Bay. There are two sides to the Garden Route – one is the well-developed coastal resort towns like Knysna, George and Plettenberg Bay while the other is the wilder areas such as Tsitsikamma and Wilderness and the famous Otter Trail which runs along the coast through the Tsitsikamma National Park. The main N2 road takes you through the Garden Route crossing bridges over rivers that flow down from the mountains to the north and passing through lush forests. To really see the Garden Route though you will need to take detours off the N2 and down towards the sea discovering places such as Nature’s Valley and Victoria Bay. This whole area is teeming with things to do such as the famous Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump which is the highest commercial jump in the world. At Tsitsikamma you can enjoy a Canopy Tour through the indigenous forest or take a zipline ride over waterfalls. Other popular things to do are horse-riding, abseiling, mountain biking and hiking.

Drakensberg
If you are into walking or hiking then the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal are simply not to be missed. Stretching for 112 miles this impressive mountain range has become hugely popular with mountain climbers. The best time to visit is between May and September when the weather is dry and despite snow on the highest peaks the temperatures are still quite warm. Probably one of the most popular areas to visit in the area is the Royal Natal National Park which has over 80 miles of walking trails. The walks here are set against a stunning backdrop of the Amphitheatre created from an impressive rock wall that stretches across the skyline for about 4km. Other highlights include the famous Cathedral Peak where after hiking the 6km to reach the top you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning views of the Drakensberg.

Addo National Elephant Park
We have visited Addo National Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape a few times now and never tire of seeing these amazing creatures in such wonderful surroundings. There are over 500 elephants in a park that covers over 30,000 acres as well as lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard plus many others. The great thing about Addo National Elephant Park is that you can drive yourself around. You are provided with a map when you enter the park and they will also tell you where various animals have been spotted that day. There are a number of water holes in the park that are a great place to spot animals. The park also has a special braai (BBQ) area set aside with places to braai, sit and eat. All you need to do is bring along some charcoal and some food and drink. Just watch out for the monkeys while you are there as they are very cheeky and will steal your food!

The Whale Coast
South Africa has some of the best whale watching opportunities in the whole world and the great thing is you don’t even have to go out on a boat to do it! The coastline which stretches from near Kleinmond all the way up the Western Cape coast to the De Hoop Nature Reserve is known as the Whale Coast. From about July to October each year up to nine different whale species frequent the Indian Ocean waters off this coastline many to come and calve and then to rear their young. The most common type of whale you will see is the Southern Right Whale which is common to the Cape Town area. Hermanus has become world famous for visitors being able to stand on the cliff paths and watch these amazing creatures out to sea and even has its own annual Hermanus Whale Festival. However for perhaps a less crowded experience why not head to either the De Hoop Nature Reserve or De Kelders which are considered to provide even better places to watch the whales.

Namakwa (formally known as Namaqualand)
For something a little bit different why not travel out to the arid north-west corner of the Northern Cape of South Africa. From late July to November each year this normally arid region explodes into life with a sea of colourful flowers that can stretch for miles. This area of South Africa is best explored from the comforts of a 4x4 to fully appreciate the scenery. Springbok which is actually the capital of Namakwa is probably the most suitable place from which to base yourself as it has many of the amenities you require when on holiday. What is normally a sleepy part of South Africa truly comes to life with the large number of visitors that flock to the area during flower season. North of Springbok is the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park where with a 4x4 you can discover some of the most beautiful scenery to be found in Namakwa. The rugged terrain and wild flowers during the flower season attract many keen botanists.

Augrabies Falls National Park
After visiting Namakwa why not then move further north to visit to the Augrabies Falls National Park where you can find the sixth largest waterfall in the world. The falls here are fed by the Gariep River which drops down via a series of cataracts culminating in the 300 foot drop that creates the Agrabies Falls. The Gariep River provides some excellent white water rafting opportunities both above and below the Augrabie Falls. The park here is located close to the border of Namibia and is probably best visited between the months of March through to October when the day time temperatures are bearable although the evenings can be quite chilly. You can view the waterfall best from the south side of the gorge and a particularly good time of day to visit is at sunset when you can see swallows and then bats flying around. Hiking is extremely popular in the area especially the 2-day Klipspringer Trail. There is a charge to enter the National Park and the gates are open from 0630am to 10pm daily.

Blyde River Canyon
The spectacular Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga extends for some 26km and the depth of the canyon reaches up to 2,400 feet in some places. There are so many viewing spots it is impossible to list them all but some of the best places to view the canyon are from God’s Window where on a clear day you can see as far as Kruger and from the Three Rondavels where the canyon opens up and you can see the amazingly blue waters of the Blydespoort Dam way down below. You can learn all about the creation of this canyon, some 60 million years ago, at the Bourkes Luck Potholes visitor centre. The Bourkes Luck Potholes are the point where the Treur and Blyde rivers meet and where truly unusual rock shapes have formed from the swirling whirlpools creating a Swiss cheese type effect. There are a number of viewing spots here including World’s End and Lowveld Lookout which are easily reached from the R534 road.

Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is so big, measuring 60km wide by 350km long, that it actually stretches across Mpumalanga Province and Limpopo Province – 2 of the 9 provinces that make up South Africa. Kruger Park has an extensive network of roads that join the numerous camps dotted about. Accommodation in the park varies from the simple (and cheaper) self-catering accommodation to top of the range private game reserves. Hiring a car is essential to getting around but don’t worry you won’t be alone as the park attracts some 1.5million visitors every year. Of course the larger the park the easier it is for the animals to remain hidden from view so patience is a necessity here. The southern area of Kruger Park has the highest concentration of animals and with it most of the larger Kruger accommodation camps. The central Kruger Park region is a lot quieter with fewer camps and a lot less vehicles on the road and is more appealing to some visitors. You can still find all the Big 5 here although they are elusive especially the cheetah. The very northern section of the Kruger is very dry and quite remote. This area has very little water and hence the environment supports less animals.

Cape Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula incorporates some of the most visited spots of South Africa including Table Mountain, The Cape of Good Hope, the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay & Clifton, Boulders Beach, Robben Island and False Bay.

From the top of Table Mountain you can see nearly all of these attractions in the distance. Make sure when you are staying in Cape Town to head to Table Mountain at the first sight of good weather. Planning Table Mountain into an itinerary can be a big mistake as you need to be flexible and go when the weather is good. Often the top of Table Mountain can be shrouded in what is known locally as the ‘tablecloth’ – low cloud that drips over the top of the mountain rendering sightseeing impossible. Remember to keep an eye for the Rock Dassies when you are up there. A walk around the V&A Waterfront is extremely popular with lots of bars and restaurants for you to sit at and do some people watching. From the V&A Waterfront you can catch the boat to Robben Island for a half day tour. It is essential to book your tickets for this well in advance as these trips are very popular. Trendy Camps Bay and Clifton are a short drive from Cape Town and has some excellent sandy beaches. At lunch time and in the evenings the main promenade is the place to be seen and the place to eat – booking ahead is essential. Take a drive along the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive which hugs the Atlantic Coast and provides some amazing views of the Twelve Apostles and a great driving experience. Continue on to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point but remember to hold on to your hats and sunglasses when you get to the top of the lighthouse as the winds here can be pretty strong. Finally don’t forget to pay a visit to see the wonderful penguins on Boulders Beach about 2km south of Simon’s Town.

Table Mountain on a glorious hot day in February

2011-02-08T02:55:00.000-08:00

We stopped over in Cape Town this February for 5 days to take in as many sites as we could with our friends from the UK. On our penultimate day the weather in the morning was really misty and the clouds hung low over Table Mountain and Lions Head. There was a slight breeze and we remained optimistic that the weather would improve so we could go up Table Mountain later in the day. We decided to head over to Camps Bay for a late brunch and found a very nice restaurant on the seafront serving an excellent choice of breakfasts. As we sat eating out brunch the weather was improving by the minute so we decided to go for it.

We headed off in our hire car out of Camps Bay and along the short route to the bottom of the Cable Car at Table Mountain. We managed to find parking within an easy stroll of the Cable Car - making sure our car was parked facing up the road towards the Mountain so as to avoid the R300 fine if you park facing down the hill!

We headed straight to the tickets - where there was no queue! - amazing for this time of year and day. Maybe Cape Town is suffering from international visitors along with everyone else. Anyway we quickly purchased our tickets (R180 each) and went straight to the Cable Cars where once again we got straight on with no queuing.

The trip up the Cable Car is only a short one about 5-7 minutes and the car revolves a full 360 to ensure everyone gets a view. Once up there the weather was glorious. Sunny conditions with almost no wind - we slapped on our protective cream of course!

We then went on a stroll around the top of the mountain admiring the amazing views across Cape Town, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront and over to Cape Point. There are some fabulous photo opportunities right the way around but we were also keen to spot a Rock Dassie. Rock Dassies are small rodents which live up among the rocks. After we had almost given up we spotted them. There were about 6 or 7 of them including a very small baby one.

After quite a long walk about we then headed off to the cafe/restaurant and bought a cold drink and sat outside at one of the tables enjoying the views. Occasionally a very light cloud would come over but it was so quick and light it was actually a nice respite from the heat.

You really cant come to Cape Town without visiting Table Mountain but it really is a case of when you see some fine weather coming in then just head for the Cable Car. It is worth considering buying a combination ticket which includes the Two Oceans Aquarioum and Robben Island and represents quite a saving if you are thinking of visiting all three Cape Town attractions.To find out more about what to do and where to stay in Cape Town visit Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.

Our trip to Addo National Elephant Park

2011-01-26T03:41:00.000-08:00

We recently had friends over from the UK and we decided to take them to Addo National Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Addo is situated just 60 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth and is home to over 500 elephants, lions, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, zebra, hyena, warthog, a variety of antelope and not forgetting the famous flightless Dung Beetle.

We entered Addo at the Colchester Entrance Gate just off the N2 route. At the entrance it is always worth asking where lion have been spotted that day. This entrance takes you through the newest extension to Addo National Elephant Park which now extends to over 180,000 hectares of land. This Colchester entrance is provided for game viewing in your own vehicle. If you want a guided tour then you will need to enter via the Addo Main Camp section which is on the R342.

As soon as we entered Addo we spotted a Vervet Monkey sitting in a tree which was a great start to our day. The roads here are a mix between tarmac and dirt track but are suitable for most vehicles. The vegetation in southern section of Addo is quite high so you really need to keep your eyes and ears open to try and spot the animals. Travelling around the southern section we spotted zebra, ostrich, buffalo and just a single bull elephant. We came across the bull elephant in the middle of the road about 3 hundred yards infront of us. We stopped the car as we are well aware that you should not annoy a bull elephant. As we could see we were in the way of where the bull elephant wanted to go we reversed a little and allowed the elephant to continue on his way.

We moved on and passed across the southern gate and headed towards the various waterholes that can be found dotted around. As we were all getting a little hungry at this point we decided to pull into Jacks Picnic Site which has some excellent facilities including braai areas - all you need to do is bring your food, charcoal and utensils. There were a few people braaing and the smell was fantastic. This is a good chance to recharge your batteries and look at some of the photos you have already taken. We finished our food and carried on. Just before the Hapoor Dam we decided to take a turn down the Mpunzi Loop and boy are we glad we did. We had only gone a short way when we spotted two elephants right by the side of the road and very close to the car. We stopped the car and soon discovered we were right in the midst of a herd of elephants that were all feeding on the bush all around us. The group was mostly made up of females and their young. There were some extremely cute baby elephants which didnt mind us at all and passed a number of times both infront and behind our car. With our windows wound down we took the opportunity to get some wonderful close-up shots and to watch the elephants as they ate. We were there for a good half an hour just marvelling at these amazing animals.

Pushing on we headed towards the Hapoor Dam where we could see a number of elephants drinking at the waterhole. We could also see a number of different herds all waiting for their turn at the waterhole in what was very clearly a pecking order. Occasionally a bull elephant would try and jump the queue which resulted in quite a bit of pushing and shoving and some large elephant trumpetting. It was extremely interesting to the interaction and social behaviour of what must have been 50-60 elephants. Although we didnt spot lion during the 6 hours we were there we did see lots of other animals including Kudu, buffalo, zebra, ostrich, warthogs to name just a few. We visited Addo in January and there lots of animals with their young which clearly shows how happy these animals are. Addo is a great day out and we thoroughly recommend a trip here. If you are looking for accommodation for your holiday in South Africa visit Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.

Our Poor Mans Game Drive

2011-01-17T04:23:00.000-08:00

Stuck for something to do this Sunday we decided to go on our local Poor Mans Game drive. We drove from Port Alfred heading towards East London on the R72 in the Eastern Cape for approximately 20 mins and just before reaching Fish River there is a left hand turning into Kapp Reserve. The turning is signposted.

The road is a dirt track but on a dry day is easily done in a normal car. The road takes you through a gate and across a cattle grid and straight into the reserve. Following the dirt track you will wind your way through the Kapp Reserve and will soon be upon views over the valley and Fish River. Keeping our eyes peeled we look out for game. On the way you pass a picnic point and also the start of a 3 hour canoe trail. We continued up the dirt track and soon spotted some giraffe sitting down in the bush but quite easy to spot. There were quite a few giraffe and a number of zebra all mingling together. I dont think I had ever seen giraffe sitting down in the wild so it was quite a treat. They were quite close to the track and getting photos was easy. Then as we turned the corner a number of zebra passed right across the road infront of us. Naturally they stopped and stared at us before continuing on their way.

We continued slowly on our way and then spotted a herd of buck all gathered under the bush feeding. There was an excellent mix of males and females and their babies. They werent too bothered by us and allowed us to get some lovely photos. So why is this a Poor Mans Game Drive - well for starters its free as long as you turn back before you hit the main entrance into the reserve. It was lovely and quiet and we enjoyed a good hour or so checking out the animals.

Ok so its not the Big 5 but if you are just looking to amuse yourself its really good fun. On the way back we passed the giraffe again this time up and about and feeding on the bush. All in all a well spent afternoon. For a Big 5 Game Reserve experience why not check out our Game Reserve Accommodation. Click here for all your other South Africa Accommodation needs.

Tips on planning your holiday to South Africa

2010-12-23T02:12:00.000-08:00

Booking a holiday to far flung destinations is never easy at the best of times but I just thought I would share some advice on booking a trip to South Africa. A holiday trip to somewhere like South Africa is an exciting and truly memorable one but requires planning if you are to avoid disappointment and heartache along the way.

The first thing to consider is the timing of your holiday. Many of us choose a destination like South Africa to escape colder climates and to enjoy some sun and adventure to get us through the dark cold nights of winter at home. South Africa is a popular holiday destination during the winter months between December to March time each year. The better summer months in South Africa are probably January to February with December offering a mixture of hot days with cooler days. One thing to bear in mind is the length of the days in South Africa. There is no winter clock change in South Africa resulting in early sunrises and early sunsets so come 5 O'Clock in the morning the sun is up. The longest day is generally around the 21st December and even then the sunsets about 19h00. December can offer quite chilly evenings so you will be well advised to bring a warm sweatshirt to pop on so that you can continue to enjoy your braii late into the evening. If you do choose to holiday in South Africa in December it is imperative to book your accommodation and any excursions early. Typically the factories close early in December and many locals take their well earned holidays over the December and early January period. Many guest houses and bed and breakfasts will be booked well in advance for the last 2 weeks of December and the first week of January especially those around the coast, the major holiday destinations and game reserves.

These busy periods will also effect your ability to book internal flights within South Africa. Again its easy to book these flights well in advance and take advantage of some of the local flight operators such as Kulula and SAA. Internal flight prices differ quite a bit depending on when you are looking to fly but booking early should assure you of reasonably priced travel. If you are choosing a fly-drive holiday then please be aware of the distances that you intend to travel. South Africa is a big country and distances between major towns can be vast. Petrol stations are not as frequent once you get outside major suburban areas so you are well advised to fill up before you start your journeys. Another consideration is to try and drive during the day. Driving at night can be quite different to driving at home as the roads are not lit outside of town and you need to be aware of cattle that may be crossing the road at night. Speed limits should be adhered especially around holiday periods as the police set regular speed traps around the country. Another tip for you is the "4 way stops" that they have in South Africa. These are in effect crossroads that dont have traffic lights (called 'robots' over here) and rely on a system whereby cars take it in turns as they arrive at the crossroads. It takes a bit of getting used to!

Our friends trip to Bukela Lodge in the Amakhala Game Reserve in Eastern Cape

2010-08-16T03:41:00.000-07:00

Des and I had the wonderful experience of staying at Bukela Lodge in the Amakhala Reserve a 5 star Eastern Cape Game Lodge last weekend.

We arrived at Bukela Lodge about 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and were welcomed by Steve, Kerry and Sandra.   We were taken through to the lounge where a welcome drink was waiting.    Sandra then went through the programme at the lodge and we signed the indemnity form – you can definitely see why this needs to be signed when you meet some of the guests who want to experience Africa.

Our room was everything that we had expected and more.    Each room is positioned so that it is completely private.    The rooms are large with a fire place, underfloor heating, air conditioning, jet spa bath, indoor and outdoor shower.    There is also a fridge in the entrance area plus a kettle and a large selection of tea and coffee. Each room has its own private patio – lovely to sit and relax and listen to the birds singing.

At 2.30 p.m. we went up to the main area where a scrumptious high tea was waiting.   Saturday was very hot with the temperature up to 30°C, so it almost seemed silly to be taking thick jackets, gloves and wearing denims at this stage, but the one thing I have learned is that Game Drives can get very cold, especially once the sun has gone down.

We set off on our game drive at 3 p.m. and drove towards a large plain where a cheetah with 5 babies had been seen in the morning.    We did not see the Cheetahs, but we did see lots of buck and Zebra.    We had been driving for a while when we came across the Buffalo who all seemed very happy.    There was 1 baby in the herd which was very cute.    The interesting thing I learned that day was that the baby buffalo goes through the mother’s back legs to drink – also for protection.   This section of the Amakhala Reserve did not have lions so the animals were pretty safe from predators as most of them were too big for the Cheetahs or any other predators.

We came across an area where the elephants had been earlier and followed their trail until we came across the elephants.   Steve decided this would be a good time to have our sundowners and watch the elephants.    Sundowners are always welcome – and that afternoon we had biltong and dried wors plus whatever drink you had ordered earlier.

The sun was going down as we followed the elephants for a while, amazing how quickly these enormous animals can walk.    The one elephant seemed a bit too interested in our vehicle – walked right up to it.

On our way back to the camp we came across a snake in the road, Steve jumped down and showed it to us.    The reason the snake was around was that it had been so hot that day.

We got back to the lodge and were welcomed with a glass of sherry and then went to relax and clean up before dinner.

Dinner consisted of a starter of Camembert Cheese baked in pastry with Cranberry Sauce, butternut soup and a choice of a beef fillet or chicken plus a variety of vegetables.    The pudding was just the right end to the great meal.

We were extremely lucky with our fellow guests – a family of 5 from England and a couple from Durban.    Meals are eaten together and it lends to the whole experience, sharing what you have seen and finding out more about each other.

Wake up on Sunday morning was 6.30 a.m.    The amazing thing is that when I am in a game reserve, 6.30 is a good time to wake up, but when I am at home that seems very early.

The start of the day was cereals, toast, rusks, and biscuits with coffee, tea and orange juice and then we were off on the game drive.    We went in another direction and saw Hlosi Game Lodge.    We were looking for Rhino and Giraffes.   It did not take us long to find about 6 giraffes, mainly male with a couple of youngsters with them. We then drove around – the great thing about a good ranger is that they explain so much about the area you are in, picking up droppings to show you interesting things about it.   We found a lot of Rhino droppings and after our coffee break found a family of Rhinos, mother, father and baby.     These are such weird looking animals and when you look at them happily grazing you wander how anyone can injure or kill them for their horns.    We were close to a waterhole and watched them saunter across to drink water – watched by about 6 giraffes.   On our way back to the lodge we saw a lot of zebra and some wildebeest with of course a good number of buck.

Brunch is served soon after you arrive back at the lodge – fresh fruit and yoghourt followed by a cooked breakfast which will definitely mean that you do not feel hungry for many hours. After brunch it is time to relax until 2.30 p.m. and high tea.

Sunday afternoon was very cold – the wind had arrived and a definite cold front was on its way through.    We now met the new guests, a couple from Hungary.    Perhaps this is the time to point out that although you are in a reserve with rangers who know their way around, the animals are wild and they do not have collars with radios in them, so the rangers have to find the animals on their own.    The other important thing to realize is that you have to listen to your Ranger – he is there to protect you and keep you safe, so if you do not listen to him, you put not only yourself in danger but the Ranger as well.

We were driving along the main road and just turning the way we had gone the day before when we saw the Cheetah and her cubs crossing the road ahead.    What a sight, mother and 5 babies.   We all agreed that this mother has got the obedience thing down to a fine art – those babies did exactly what they were supposed to do, no questions asked.    We spent a lot of time watching and looking for her and were really lucky to see the mother hunting an Impala (unfortunately for her, she did not manage to do it).    We spent a lot of time with the Hartebees and other buck and saw a really beautiful herd of Impala and Zebra.    It was really cold and Steve took us to a waterhole which was sheltered from the wind for our sundowners.

We all voted to go back to the lodge as the weather was really miserable and we were all very cold.    Steve took us up to an area where we looked over the plains surrounding the Bushman’s River (unfortunately very low due to the drought at the moment).

Sunday night’s dinner was once against something to tempt your taste buds and ensure that you would not be hungry.

On Monday morning we went to the other section of the Amakhala Game Reserve where the lions are.    In this section there is also Black Rhino and lots of buck.

We found the lions quite quickly and were really lucky as they decided to change their positions – I think they were cold and looking for sun.    We had a great view of the 2 lions walking and the male is really a magnificent animal.

We got back to Bukela quite late that morning and by the time we had brunch it was time to say good-bye and get ready to face reality.

I would recommend Bukela to anyone – the service is absolutely amazing and from the moment you arrive you are made to feel extremely important and that nothing could be too much trouble to ensure your happiness. For more information on where to stay and places to see in South Africa visit where2stay-southafrica

Summer Picnic Concerts in the Cape Winelands

2010-08-11T03:10:00.000-07:00

Summer picnic concerts take place right across the Cape Winelands region of South Africa. These wonderful events are a great opportunity to get together with friends and family and to sit and relax and enjoy a mixture of classical, jazz and swing music. One such event is the Nederberg Picnic Concerts which take place at the lovely Nederberg Wine Estate. This years final annual picnic concert event takes place on the 27th November 2010 at 1700 at the glorious Nederberg Wine Estate. In a change to previous years this years event will be taking place on the Saturday afternoon and is called "Swing, Classic, Cabaret and all that Jazz" so there is something for every musical taste.

This concert itself starts at 1700 but you will be able to get in from 1500 on the day. This enables you the opportunity to arrive early and to claim your piece of lawn to have your picnic on. If you like you can even pre-order a Nederberg Picnic Platter at a cost of R100 per person or you can bring your own. Guests are politely requested to not bring any wine as Nederberg wines will be available. Tickets for this event cost R80 per person with children under 12 going free.

Find out more about whats going on in South Africa and where to stay at www.where2stay-southafrica.com

Jeffreys Bay the surf capital of South Africa

2010-08-09T02:36:00.000-07:00

The Jeffreys Bay region is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, endless summers, plentiful shells and is best known as “the Surf Mecca of the World”. The beautiful beaches are safe for bathing and provide endless excitement for water sport enthusiasts. Nestled in the Eastern Cape Province, Jeffreys Bay is located just 90km from Port Elizabeth Airport and is a short stop off the famous Garden Route, a place like no other in the world in terms of beauty, natural attractions and unique flora and fauna.

Jeffreys Bay is also home to the only World Championship Surfing Tour event in South Africa. The Billabong Pro J-Bay is the biggest and richest surfing event in Africa attracting the top 45 surfers in the world to challenge for over $400,000 in prize money. The event in Jeffreys Bay in July each year attracts 30,000 daily visitors. The crowds really get into the event with lots of cheering and of course those famous vuvuzelas.

Jeffreys Bay was also the recent location for the sequel to the movie Blue Crush II. The perfect conditions and superb beaches brought the cast over from the USA to film this during 2010. Cast members included Sasha Jackson from One Tree Hill, Sharna Vinson from Step Up 3D and Ben Millikin. We were especially pleased to hear that one of our clients "On the Beach Guest House" had the pleasure of hosting the film's director and cast members as well as the Vice President of Universal Studios. The film is due for release in 2011. This fabulous Guest House is located right on the beach with views to die for.

Jeffreys Bay is a very popular destination in the December Festive season attracting local and international visitors who come to enjoy the golden beaches and sunshine along with the many festive activities. For other accommodation ideas for South Africa visit www.where2stay-southafrica.com .

Horse Safari Game Ride in South Africa's Eastern Cape

2010-07-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

On one of my trips to South Africa we decided to do something a little bit different and went on a Horse Safari Game Ride. Fish River Horse Safaris are based just outside Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. When you arrive you are met by one of the guides who takes you through to get you all kitted out. Rider safety is taken quite seriously here and proper hard riding hats have to be worn. You then gather round to be allocated your horse. This is good chance to meet your fellow riders and to ascertain what level of experience everyone has at riding. Fortunately we are all in pretty much the same boat and there are no expert riders.The guides are very helpful and pick out a suitable horse for you based upon your height and weight and competency. All the horses look extremely well looked after and are very good natured.

We had chosen to do a Game Ride which lasts approximately 2.5 hours however you can choose to do a mixture of a Beach and Game Ride (its next on my list when I go back). The additional beach ride aspect takes you down through the dunes and onto a secluded beach where you can ride through the glorious sea. We set off on our trip and at the start its all about getting to know your horse and making sure you feel comfortable. The guides, although young, are very helpful and experienced. We head off through the reserve, up and down a few hills before reaching open grassland where we let the horses exercise a bit and soon we are galloping along. Now I am no expert so galloping takes a bit of mastering but if you dont mind the bouncing up and down and are game for a laugh you will really enjoy yourself. We are soon riding through thick valley bushveld an dopen plains and spotting buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buck, impala and duiker.

The guides help us to spot various animals and ensure we do not disturb them. I had two highlights on my ride. The first was being able to get really close to a group of giraffe who really didnt mind is. Some great photos were taken by our group. It's so nice to be able to experience the complete tranquility as opposed to groups of jeeps or minibuses dashing about. This is a whole new experience. My second highlight was spotting the rhino. Of course we had to be very careful and we maintained a good distance but it was amazing to sit on the horse and watch three rhino in the field ahead. I cant pretend that my bottom wasn't a little tender the following day but it was well worth it and i will be going back to try the beach and game ride next time.

For more information on activites to do during your stay in South Africa visit www.where2stay-southafrica.com

SA Open Champinship returns to Durban Country Cub 2010

2010-07-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

In 2010 the SA Open Golf Championship returns to the Durban Country Club to celebrate the 100th SA Open. For the last three years the championship has been held at Pearl Valley Golf Estates but now comes back to Durban. The course is a 6,111 metre Par72 course and is one of the best, if not the best, course in the whole of South Africa. The SA Open Championship is the second oldest Open after the British Open. The Championship will take place from the 16th December to the 19th December 2010.

This will be the 16th time that the Durban Country Club has staged the SA Open Championship and will surely attract a good crowd. At last year's Open the winner was Richie Ramsey from Scotland ending a 7 year run of home grown winners.

Durban Country Club is situated just 1 mile north of the Durban Golden Mile Beachfront and has a magnificent Cape Dutch style clubhouse. In addition there are excellent fine dining facilities, a cocktail bar, a traditional bar and a pool with poolside bar. The clubhouse is open from 7am and closes at midnight apart from Sundays when closing time is 10pm.

Paul the Octopus predicts a Spain win - Dutch now worried

2010-07-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

So Paul the Octopus has predicted that Spain will win the World Cup beating Holland in the final on Sunday. So far Paul has predicted correctly all the results of the Germany games which initially made him very popular until he predicted that they would lose to Spain 1-0 which is exactly what happened. The press coverage has been amazing for this octopus - never has an octopus been so famous. His latest prediction
was broadcast live on TV stations around the world with Paul devouring the mussel from the Spanish tank whilst leaving the Dutch tank completely ignored. Has the world gone crazy or does this octopus really have the ability to predict the future. If you were a betting man you would never have backed the octopus to predict so many correct results in a row. Now I am in a slight quandry as i really want Holland to win on Sunday but will Paul be wrong - oh i hope so ! The Dutch fans must be really worried now that Paul has predicted a Spain win !!

South Africa 2010 - What did you do?

2010-07-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

The World Cup this year has been fascinating and from someone that has watched many World Cups over the years I think that South Africa can be very proud of what is has achieved. As we enter the final phases of games leading up to the big Final on the 11th July i started to think about what people's views were inside South Africa and how they thought the event had gone.

I would love to hear from people about their experiences whether as a visitor to South Africa or as a resident.

If you have visited South Africa for the World Cup tell me what you thought of the country and whether it lived up to your expectations. Would you come come back to visit? Would you recommend it to friends and family when you get back home? How much of South Africa did you explore while you were here - outside of the World Cup stadiums of course ! What did you think of the costs involved in your trip? Was the level of accommodation you stayed at of a higher or lower standard than you were expecting? Tell me about the local people you met - were they helpful, friendly? What wa sthe highlight of your trip? Was it easy to get around the country from a transport perspective?

As a resident what was your view of how your country hosted the World Cup? Did you feel a sense of pride and excitement? How did you get involved in local events? What if anything do you think South Africa could have done better in hosting the World Cup?

Perhaps you have a particular tale which you would like to recount. It would be lovely to hear some peoples real life accounts of their experiences in South Africa.

Please comment back or drop me an email - info@where2stay-southafrica.com

Wonderful Clarens - go on, spoil yourself

2010-06-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

Clarens is an attractive small village found just 20km to the west of the Golden Gate National Park. This is a perfect spot from which to base yourself and explore the wonders of the Eastern Highlands which neighbours the borders of Lesotho. Many artists have been attracted to this area by the surrounding beautiful countryside, spectacular sandstone mountains and you will find a number of excellent galleries in Clarens displaying their work.

Tourists flock here to appreciate the charm of the village and explore the craft shops and relax in the tea rooms found here. Clarens is actually named after a Swiss holiday resort on the shores of Lake Geneva and where President Paul Kruger died in 1904. It's worth popping into the local Clarens Tourist Office to discover what is on offer and perhaps to find out about the white water rafting that you can do along the Ash River. Clarens is about a 4 hour drive from Durban and 3 hours from Johannesburg.

The climate in Clarens is lovely and has been described as one of the most picturesque places in South Africa. If you like fishing then this is the place to come for the Trout fishing has been voted as the best in South Africa. The surrounding countryside also provides some excellent horse riding opportunities and a great way to see the area. The area is well served by guest houses, B&B's, self catering establishments and hotels so accommodation is not a problem.

For accommodation ideas in Clarens:

4 Star Oranje Gasteplaas (Guest House) - The beautifully restored farmhouse has panoramic views and a great veranda ideal for barbeques or sundowners. An excellent venue to host your conference or wedding catering for up to 200 guests.

4 Star Boeretroos Gastehuis (Self-Catering) - Situated above an 18-hole golf course it has a 360 degree view over the mountains, valleys, sandstone cliffs and landscape that inspire artists - french country-style interior which has an intimate, cosy feel.

Don’t ban the Vuvuzela – it’s unique!

2010-06-13T09:24:00.003-07:00

So it would seem that the vuvezela is cooking up a storm at the World Cup with the South Africa's organising chief Danny Jordaan saying that they may ban them. Apparently some of the broadcasters and others have complained about the noise generated by the thousands of vuvuzelas being blown at the World Cup games.

The French captain Patrice Evra has even blamed the noise created by the vuvuzela's as the reason for their poor performance in their first game against Uruguay.

To be honest the vuvuzela is not new to South African football it’s just that the rest of the world has not really come across them yet. It’s true that we are not really hearing the chanting of supporters as much as we would normally hear but we must remember this is South Africa's World Cup and it's certainly creating a unique atmosphere even if it is not to everyone’s taste.

I think as we go through the matches the vuvzela blowing and chanting will find a balance and we will end up with a great atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. To ban the vuvuzela would be a big mistake.

South Africa vs Mexico - World Cup 2010 Kick Off

2010-06-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

So South Africa has kicked off the World Cup at Soccer City in JHB with a 1-1 draw against Mexico. After a nervous start the Bafana Bafana settled down and started to play some attacking football towards the end of the first half. The noise in the stadium from the Vuvuzela's was extraordinary and like nothing we have heard before in a World Cup match.

The stadium was alive with colour as the yellow and green of South Africa dominated the crowd. The second half started in a similar way to the first with Mexico dominating possession but looking vulnerable on the break. In the 55th minute of the second half the crowd erupted when the South African Siphiwe Tshabalala controlled a great through ball and fired a wonder strike past the hapless Mexico goalkeeper.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as South Africa's dream of winning the game suddenly became a real possibility. But the Mexicans never gave up and in the 79th minute a cross from Andres Guardado caught the South African defence asleep and was beautifully controlled by Marquez who brought the ball down and shot past Khune for the equaliser.

The South Africans never gave up hope and in the dying momens of the game Katlego Mphela almost won the game only to see his shot hit the post.

Overall South Africa will be the happier team to have grabbed a point and give their supporters hope that they could actually qualify for the next round.

First ever World Cup in South Africa kicks off in style

2010-06-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

South Africa's first ever World Cup has kicked off with a huge celebration concert held at the enormous Orlando Stadium in Soweto. On the eve of the first game between South Africa and Mexico thousands turned up to watch local and international stars perform in what was the first ever World Cup music event.

Black Eyed Peas performed 'I got a feeling' and had the whole crowd bouncing and cheering. The crowd braved freezing night time temperatures to enjoy performances from Alicia Keys and Shakira as well as local artists such as the Parlotones, John Legend and Angelique Kidjo.

There were appearances from past and present football heroes as well as a video montage of Nelson Mandela. The diverse crowd created a fabulous atmosphere as the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa kicked off in style.

In just a few hours “Bafana Bafana” kick off their World Cup campaign against Mexico at the 94,000 capacity Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. The stadium which looks like a calabash (an African storage pot) will host a 40 minute opening ceremony with performances from R Kelly and likely appearances from President Zuma and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Gauteng FIFA World Cup 2010 Group Stage Matches

2010-06-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2010 matches which will be played in Gauteng l Province.

With a population of over 9 million people and a history of discovering gold; Gauteng offers a vibrant mix of diversity and is one of the wealthiest provinces in Africa. Rapid development has swept the province in the last 10 years with new chrome structures rising overnight. The two major cities are Johannesburg and the city of Pretoria.

11th June 2010

South Africa v Mexico @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 15.00

12th June 2010

Argentina v Nigeria @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 12.30

13th June 2010

Serbia v Ghana @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 19.30

14th June 2010

Netherlands v Denmark @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 12.30

15th June 2010

Brazil v Korea DPR @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

16th June 2010

South Africa v Uruguay @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 19.30

17th June 2010

Argentina v Korea Republic @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

18th June 2010

Slovenia v USA @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 15.00

19th June 2010

Cameroon v Denmark @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 19.30

20th June 2010

Brazil v Ivory Coast @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

21st June 2010

Spain v Honduras @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

23rd June 2010

Ghana v Germany @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

USA v Algeria @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 15.00

24th June 2010

Slovakia v Italy @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 15.00

25th June 2010

Chile v Spain @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 19.30

Base Camps in Gauteng

• Australia at the Kloofzicht Lodge, Gauteng

• Brazil at the Fairway Hotel, Randpark Golf Course, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Germany will set up camp at the Velmore Hotel, Centurion, Gauteng

• Honduras at Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Italy, will be based at the Leriba Lodge, Pretoria, Gauteng

• Mexico at Thaba ya Batswana, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Netherlands at the Hilton Sandton Hotel, Sandton, Gauteng

• New Zealand at the Serengeti Estate, Gauteng

• North Korea (Korea DPR) at the Protea Hotel, Midrand, Gauteng

• Serbia will be based at the Sunnyside Park Hotel, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Slovakia, Hyde Park Southern Sun, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Slovenia will be based at the Hyde Park Southern Sun Hotel, Pretoria, Gauteng

• South Africa (Bafana Bafana) will be based at the Southern Sun Grayston Hotel in Sandton, Gauteng

• Switzerland will be based at the Emerald Resort and Casino, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng

• USA will be based at Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria, Gauteng

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in Johannesburg

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in Pretoria

KwaZulu-Natal FIFA World Cup 2010 Group Stage Matches

2010-06-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2010 matches which will be played in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

KwaZulu-Natal's capital city - Durban, offers a subtropical carnival atmosphere and summer sunshine all year round. Holiday makers from all over the world converge on the city to play on the golden, palm-fringed sands. The lovely climate brings holiday makers to their favourite KwaZulu-Natal coastal haunts to cultivate a tan, ride the waves, eat, drink and generally have fun.

13th June 2010

Germany v Australia @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

16th June 2010

Spain v Switzerland @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

19th June 2010

Netherlands v Japan @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

22nd June 2010

Nigeria v Korea Republic @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 19.30

25th June 2010

Portugal v Brazil @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

28th June 2010

Group E Winners v Group F Runners Up @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

7th July 2010

Semi Final @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 19.30

Base Camps in KwaZulu-Natal

• Algeria at Zimbali Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal

• Cameroon who will be based at the Oyster Box in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

• Greece at the Beverly Hills Hotel, KwaZulu-Natal

• Ivory Coast will be based at Riverside Hotel and Conference Centre, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

• Nigeria will be based in Hemshire, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

• Paraguay at Woodridge Country Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal.

• Portugal at the Valley Lodge, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Click here for accommodation ideas in Durban

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in KwaZulu-Natal

North-West FIFA World Cup 2010 Group Stage Matches

2010-06-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2010 matches which will be played in North-Wes Province.

The North West Province of South Africa is situated in the western Magaliesberg and provides plenty to see and do in the popular holiday destinations such as Rustenburg. Just half an hour’s drive from here will find you at the glamorous Sun City complex and its enormous range of leisure options. The complex providing an excellent combination of golf, game and gambling, as well as world class hotels, is the perfect choice for any holiday in South Africa. Close by, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve provides travellers an excellent chance of spotting the "Big Five".

12th June 2010

England v USA @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 20.30

15th June 2010

New Zealand v Slovakia @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 13.30

20th June 2010

Slovakia v Paraguay @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 12.30

19th June 2010

Ghana v Australia @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 16.00

22nd June 2010

Mexico v Uruguay @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 16.00

24th June 2010

Denmark v Japan @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 20.30

Base Camps in North-West

• England at the Bafokeng Sports Campus in Rustenburg, North-West

• Korea Republic at the Hunters Rest Hotel in North-West

• Spain at the Potchefstroom University (North West Campus), Potchefstroom, North-West

Click here for accommodation ideas in Rustenburg

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in the North-West

Western Cape FIFA World Cup 2010 Group Stage Matches

2010-06-03T07:02:00.003-07:00

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2010 matches which will be played in Western Cape Province.

Millions of visitors are drawn to the Western Cape every year as it offers a wealth of activities which provide a broad range of activities and attractions so great that there is something to do for everyone. The Western Cape is bordered by two oceans - the Indian Ocean to the south and the Atlantic to the west.

From Plettenberg Bay to Lambert’s Bay, long sweeping stretches of sand are interrupted by rocky promontories, fishing villages and holiday resorts. The scenic beauty of the beaches and the hypnotic beat of the waves provide perfect conditions for anglers. Peace and tranquillity is easy to find and fish are plentiful.

11th June 2010

Uruguay v France @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

14th June 2010

Italy v Paraguay @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

18th June 2010

England v Algeria @ Green Point Stadium , Cape Town

21st June 2010

Portugal v Korea DPR @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

24th June 2010

Cameroon v Netherlands @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

29th June 2010

Group H Winners v Group G Runners Up @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

3rd July 2010

Quarter-Final @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

6th July 2010

Semi Final @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Base Camps in Western Cape

Denmark at Simola Hotel Country Club, Knysna, Western Cape
France at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, Western Cape
Japan at the Fancourt Hotel & Country Club, Western Cape

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in Cape Town

Free State FIFA World Cup 2010 Group Stage Matches

2010-06-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2010 matches which will be played in Free State Province.

The Free State offers everything from historical and cultural attractions to renowned beauty and great expanses of scenery. Charming towns are scattered across the province with cities offering everything from excellent facilities; great shopping centres and fantastic bars and restaurants.

14th June 2010

Japan v Cameroon @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 15.00

17th June 2010

Greece v Nigeria @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 15.00

20th June 2010

Slovakia v Paraguay @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 12.30

22nd June 2010

France v South Africa @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 15.00

25th June 2010

Switzerland v Honduras @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 19.30

27th June 2010

Group D Winners v Group C Runners Up @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 15.00

Click here for accommodation ideas in Free State

Expand your horizons on holiday in South Africa

2010-05-07T05:49:00.001-07:00

When it comes to holidays; we are all guilty of it – sticking to our usual activities, swimming, relaxing, eating out, sunbathing, etc. How many of us choose a fabulous new holiday destination and come back thinking… “well we had a good break but did we really experience the country we have just been to?”.

Too many of us stick to our hotels and the trips on offer to us. With just a little research and an appetite to try out new experiences we can truly expand our horizons.

When it comes to a destination such as South Africa; it is easy to get sucked into the classic holiday of Cape Town, Garden Route and Safari. Please don’t get me wrong these are good places to go but really only scratches the surface of what there is to do in this vast and culturally diverse country.

So let’s take the example of a Safari. Instead of taking the normal type of safari, why not consider a horse-back safari or perhaps a quad-bike safari. Both of these provide a uniquely different type of safari experience and miles away from the usual experience of queuing with lots of other tourists on the more typical jeep/minibus safari.

If you are struck by the horse-back experience then why not try out one that includes a beach ride as well. The coastline along the Indian Ocean has vast expanses of deserted sandy beaches with huge sand dunes and you get the chance to ride through the shallow waves – a truly magical experience.

The countryside across South Africa is beautiful and just waiting to be explored. In the KwaZulu-Natal province you can discover the amazing Drakensberg Mountains where you can walk miles along hiking trails. The scenery is stunning with San Bushman caves just waiting to be discovered. Many of the peaks have names around the Drakensberg with Cathedral Peak being one of the best known. A trip up these mountains is well worth it especially on a sunny day with stunning panoramic views to be found.

Dotted all around South Africa you can find also Canopy Tours. These are a series of roped walkways between wooden platforms set high up in the forests. Guides will take you through the forest where you can experience a truly different perspective of life in these indigenous forests. One place you can do this is at the lovely Tsitsikamma National Forest.

Many people visit the Garden Route driving through this pretty route en route from Cape Town. The route follows the Indian Ocean passing though or close to many pretty coastal villages and towns. But did you also know that you can try parasailing from one of the mountains that follow the route too. This is a fantastic experience soaring high above the route with amazing views of the Indian Ocean.

I have tried to give you just a few ideas but there are so many more. By exploring the web you can discover many other wild and different ideas for your trip to South Africa. Just think of all the photo opportunities you will get and be able to share with your friends. So next time you visit our wonderful country take the time out to try a few new ideas – you won’t be disappointed. For more ideas on things to do in South Africa; accommodation and places of interest - go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

My First Experience of Deep Sea Fishing in South Africa

2010-05-05T03:31:00.000-07:00

My first ever trip deep sea fishing in South Africa starts with an early morning wake up call at 4.30am. I am staying at a lovely guest house in Port Alfred situated on the coast of the Eastern Cape. With a sense of excitement, I kick start my day with a strong coffee and prepare food to take with me for what I hope will be a successful days fishing. The night before I took some Stugeron (seasickness tablets) just to be on the safe side as I am not sure what the Indian Ocean has in store for me. We make our way down to the boat and prepare everything. We have taken 2 boxes of fresh sardines for bait.

Port Alfred has a lovely marina with a river that flows into the Ocean. We have timed our exit from the Kowie River mouth to coincide with low tide to ensure we have the smoothest exit to the Ocean. Nevertheless we put on our life jackets and ride the waves at the river mouth out to the vast Indian Ocean. We are riding in a Butt Cat which is superb for the Ocean with the ability to ride over the oncoming waves. Our skipper is Des, an experienced fisherman who knows the waters off this area of the Eastern Cape, and asks us to hold on as he picks up speed crashing over the waves in front of us. This is great and a really exciting start to the day completely taking my mind off any potential seasickness.

We head out for about 30 minutes before we drop our first anchor. Once we are settled we start to bait up our rods and drop our first lines. There are three of us on the boat so Des gives us expert advice on how to bait up and some tips on what to do when you get your first nibble on the line. I can’t believe how far down my line goes before my weight hits the bottom! As soon as my line reaches the bottom of the Indian Ocean I can feel the fish biting. This is amazing I didn’t expect to feel the bites so firmly. I now try and put into practice Des’ tips on making a strike. After a few fruitless attempts I make a proper strike and I reel in quickly. Of course it’s a long way up and my arms are doing all the work but soon I can see the fish on the end of my line. The feeling is amazing!

Des shows me how to bring the fish on board and then how to remove the hook from the fish. The fish is too small to keep but the taste of the catch has left me wanting more. Having returned the fish to the Ocean I bait up again. We spend about an hour in the first spot before moving on to a new spot. The Ocean is relatively calm and the weather is superb – always remember your suntan cream as the breeze out here can be very deceiving.

We stop for lunch halfway through the day to enjoy homemade sandwiches and cool drinks. Bobbing around on the Ocean we suddenly hear the noise of a familiar spurt of water made by a whale. Des points out the southern right whale about 200 metres away – incredible to think these mammals are cruising around near where you are fishing. We finish lunch and move on to a new spot. We enjoy in total about 8 hours fishing and catch enough good size fish for dinner later that evening. During the afternoon we spot lots of white water about a mile away from us – Des heads his boat towards the area and we are suddenly surrounded by thousands of dolphins and seals as far as the eye can see. This is an incredible sight and I take lots of photos to capture the moment.

As we return back to Port Alfred I look back on an amazing first experience of deep sea fishing in South Africa. South Africa has miles of coastline with a great choice of accommodation to be found from Guest Houses, Bed and; Breakfasts, Lodges and Self Catering venues. From Cape Town all the way up the Garden Route to beyond Durban there are numerous beach holiday places to stay where you can take a fishing boat charter.

For more information on other things to do in South Africa and places to stay – see www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

The World Famous Drakensberg Mountains – a two day walk.

2010-04-30T02:42:00.001-07:00

The Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal form a natural border with Lesotho. The Drakensberg is home to South Africa’s highest peaks and perhaps the most famous of all these summits is the 3,000 metre high Cathedral Peak. The Drakensberg range of mountains creates an escarpment of some 1,000km in length. Cathedral Peak, despite its enormous height, is extremely well laid out for walkers aiming to climb this impressive peak. For anyone attempting to climb Cathedral Peak perhaps the biggest challenge is the weather itself. As with any range of mountains the weather can change at extremely short notice so being prepared and keeping in touch with the latest weather reports is vital. Good walking shoes should be worn and wet weather gear taken at all times.

Day 1

A great place to start your walk is in the Mlambonja Valley. From this village follow the paths through the valley and countryside passing lovely Proteas. The Protea is the national flower of South Africa and also the nickname given to the national cricket team. The walk through the valley has quite a mystical feel and is reminiscent of the lands in the Lord of the Rings. As you head upwards in the valley, passed waterfalls; look out for hidden caves in the rocks high up. These caves were inhabited by the San Bushmen as long as 4,000 years ago. Inside the caves you can still see some of the cave paintings they drew.

Head down from the caves and make for the Cathedral Park Hotel. This amazing hotel lies deep in the valley under the gaze of the Drakensberg Mountains and is ideal for walkers as a stopover before they attempt to climb to the Cathedral Peak summit.

Day 2

In order to make it up and down to the Cathedral Peak summit in one day you will require an early start. From the hotel, it will typically take 9 hours of steady walking to reach the Peak summit as it approximately an 18km round trip. The other important thing to check out before you leave is the weather report. As you walk through the hills and fields keep an eye out for baboons often seen in this area. The hike from the hotel will take you up a series of tiers eventually taking you from the Lower Berg to the Upper Berg. You will pass along places known as Swine Hill, the challenging Bugger Gulley and the lovely named Orange Peel Gap.

At this point you are on the Upper Berg and about half way to the summit. Take a break at this point before following the trail all the way to the summit. Once you reach here you will not be disappointed. The views on a clear blue day are simply stunning and you can spend a few moments spotting the many other peaks spreading for miles in each direction. Overall this is a challenging walk and you do need to be fairly fit. However the views are worth it!

For more information on the Drakensberg and places to stay, go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

Plettenberg Bay – the Monaco of South Africa

2010-04-29T01:18:00.000-07:00

Plettenberg Bay is situated along the Garden Route and is hugely popular with visitors throughout the year but especially around the Christmas season. This area has become increasingly popular over the last few years with visitors being attracted by the miles of sweeping golden sandy beaches, rocky peninsula and wonderful climate. There are some fabulous spots here to look out across the vast Indian Ocean. There are three main beaches - Robberg, Central and Lookout. Of these, Lookout is probably the most appealing but they are all excellent for swimming and perfect for families. With over 300 days of sunshine a year Plettenberg has been compared to Monaco by some with its setting and delightful cuisine on offer.

There really is something for everyone to do from Skydiving, Bungee Jumping, Mountain Biking, and Canopy Tours to Whale Watching, Diving or perhaps just a gentle boat cruise. For the keen fisherman amongst you there is some excellent deep sea fishing to be had here. If you like playing golf then you will be spoilt for choice as this area has probably the most golf courses of all the areas in South Africa. Try the signature Goose Valley and Turtle Creek course in Plettenberg Bay, as well as the Country Club, offering golfers a unique experience.

Recommendations for accommodations in Plettenberg Bay include:

Madon Studio Self Catering Apartment If you’re looking for accommodation in a peaceful and tranquil setting look no further! This sunny North facing open-plan apartment forms the ground floor level of a resident artist’s home; from the private garden with its own entrance, overlooking a dense indigenous forest, home to a variety of bird life, you enter a spacious lounge and well-equipped kitchen; the bedroom has a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower - all you need for a relaxing stay in Plettenberg Bay, the jewel of the Garden Route. Prices start from R250 per night.

Crescent Country Hotel - The Crescent Country Hotel is situated on 8 hectares surrounded by beautiful rose gardens. The hotel offers 39 luxurious en-suite rooms, some with their own private garden terrace. The Crescent Country Hotel is a great base to explore the Garden Route - there also many wonderful activities on site and in and around Plettenberg Bay. Visit the Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, Game Reserves or take a boat trip to view whales, dolphins and sharks at close range. For Golf enthusiasts, there is a golf course over the road from the hotel. Paddle by canoe to the beach which is just 1km downstream or motor down 2kms away. Prices start from R520 per night sharing.

A Little Stint in Paradise - A tastefully furnished 4-star graded fully-equipped 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom ground floor holiday apartment located in the heart of Plettenberg Bay with the focus on luxury, comfort and style. Prices starting from R190 per night.

Beyond the Obvious South Africa

2010-04-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

This 2 day walk through the wonderful Garden Route which covers approximately 35 km, starting in Mossel Bay and ending at Fransmanshoek.

Day 1

From Mossel Bay; head west across the rocks and along the coastal path over the great cliffs overlooking the beaches and deserted sand dunes. This 'off the beaten track' route affords you amazing views, taking you along paths where you will come across the famous fynbos that attracts so many botanists to the area. Did you know that on Table Mountain there are over 9,000 species of plant - more than you will find in the whole of the UK?

This area is famous for the "Xhosa" (pronounced Corsa) people who have inhabited this area for many years. Many famous South African politicians are from the Xhosa tribe including Mandela, Mbeki and Tambo. Xhosa people are famous for their language which consists of words mixed with "clicks" - if you get the chance to hear someone speak Xhosa it’s amazing!

Walking along this route you will eventually come to the Pinnacle Golf resort which demonstrates the delicate eco-balance that the Garden Route faces. The Garden Route has become extremely popular with the wealthy, the prosperous and of course tourists. Pinnacle Point will eventually have 850 houses next to a golf course which is situated on the cliff top. In contrast, immediately below the cliffs, archaeologists have discovered caves with evidence of life possibly tracing back to the origins of man. This amazing discovery may one day become a tourist attraction in itself.

From here, the cliffs begin to drop and you are at the end of your first day walking. If you take this walk at the right time of year (July to October) then you may be fortunate enough to spot Southern Right Whales just off the coast line. The whales frequent these waters to play, mate and calve and watching these mammals up so close is an amazing experience.

Day 2

Day 2 begins with a long walk along wide open sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean shore. With the enormous sand dunes behind you - some 100 metres high; it’s impossible to resist the urge to take your shoes off and wade into the Ocean. You will possibly spot the rare African Oyster Catcher along this route as well as people fishing for oysters in the rock pools close to the sea shore. This is a beautiful walk but if you venture up into the sand dunes keep a look out for leopard prints in the sand - yes that's right! leopards do visit down from the mountains but you are highly unlikely to see one.

You will eventually come to the village of Vleesbaai and from here you can take a path along the seashore towards the jagged rocks of Fransmanshoek and the end of your trail. From here you can look back and view almost the whole two day route you have just walked all the way from Mossel Bay.

For more information and accommodation options, go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

South Africa's Garden Route

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The Garden Route of South Africa stretches from north Swellendam to Oudtshoorn and east to the beautiful town of Plettenberg Bay. A drive along this route should be a must for all visitors to the Western Cape as you will enjoy stunning coastline dotted with quaint villages and towns and all accompanied by action packed mountain ranges.

The Garden Route has a climate similar to the Mediterranean, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. During the winter months humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean bring rainfall although any time of the year is good for visiting the Garden Route area, whether you enjoy a peaceful retreat during the winter months, or a bustling holiday destination during the summer.

A wide range of leisure options, spectacular scenery and a mild climate guarantee an unforgettable holiday experience when visiting the Garden Route in South Africa.

The Cango Caves offers an important geological feature and is a series of caverns and chambers naturally hewn out of limestone, situated outside the city of Oudtshoorn. The Cango Caves are among the top ten most visited attractions in South Africa.

For the adrenalin junkies out there; the Garden Route is the place to come with activities such as mountain climbing; abseiling and a breathtaking freefall on the world’s highest commercial bungy jump.

The Garden Route is a nature lovers paradise which offer leisurely walks through quiet forests; an abundance of birdlife and crystal clear waterfalls. Hikers follow the meandering trails, forests offer leisurely drives, and the lakes and rivers provide opportunities to swim, boat and fish.

For more information on the Garden Route and other wonderful areas in South Africa, go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

South African Phrases

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Ja which is pronounced Yah meaning YES

Lekker – this is an Afrikaans word which means something is really nice or good.

Howzit – a common greeting across South Africa which is means how is it going, how are you?

Eina - means ouch.

Sies – usually an exclamation of disgust or annoyance.

Now-now - This phrase is used a lot by South Africans and basically means "Shortly" or "in a bit". Usually you will hear people say "I'll be there now-now." Or Just now which can mean "very soon", "eventually" or "never".

Robots - Not to be confused with metal things that move about; "Robots" means "traffic lights". It’s also worth pointing out that in some out of city areas you will come across "4 way junctions" where you won’t find traffic lights controlling the flow of traffic. The rule of thumb is that you let cars go in turn in the order you arrive at the junction. You will soon get used to this and it works!

Vuvuzela (voo-voo-zeh-lah) - This will become known all over the world as the FIFA World Cup takes place in 2010. A vuvuzela is a large, colourful plastic trumpet with the sound of a foghorn, blown enthusiastically by virtually everyone in the crowd at football matches. The word is believed to come from the isiZulu for "making noise".

A bottle store – this is a retail outlet selling which sells alcohol.

Padkos – is food for a road trip – usually comprising of sandwiches, chicken, frikkadels (little meat balls) and hard-boiled eggs.

Gogga – an insect is referred to as Gogga.

Jawl – refers to having a good time or going to a party / night out.

Babbelas – is a bad hangover.

Golf Holidays in South Africa

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Kingfisher Lodge - Durban, Mount Edgecombe Country Club CC consists of two championship courses - both these courses have their own clubhouses. The golf course is situated a mere 500m from Kingfisher Lodge and 30 minutes drive north of Durban International Airport. In pristine condition, this new course has an interesting layout, characterised by attractive water features and large, multi-tiered greens planted with country club grass.

Bushman Sands Hotel and Golf Course - Alicedale, The Gary Player designed golf course is perfect for the keen golfer. There are thrilling adventure options and prospects of viewing big game. Bushman Sands is a multi-faceted experience offering something for everyone. The 4-star hotel is a delightful blend of rich heritage and modern luxury.

Colona Castle - Cape Town - A golfer’s paradise – there are more than four world-class Golf courses in the vicinity. Colona Castle is situated on the warm False Bay coast and has panoramic breathtaking views of the world famous Table Mountain, Constantia, the Peninsula, Sandvlei Lake, False Bay’s legendary beaches and the South Atlantic Ocean with the Cape Winelands in the distance.

Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate- Stellenbosch, magnificent 18-hole championship golf course with various lodging styles, ranging from hotel rooms to self-catering apartments and luxurious holiday houses we offer every comfort. All of our rooms are stylish and practically furnished, and are ideal for the business traveller, single or family.

Two Oaks B&B - Somerset West,These golf courses are all within 3/4 hour of Two Oaks B&B - Your host - Martin - a fellow golfer will gladly arrange games for and assist in planning day trips etc.Somerset West, Strand, Spier, Stellenbosch, Royal Cape, Mowbray, Clovelly, Erinvale, Arrabella, Devon Vale, Hermanus, Paarl, Westlake, Steenberg, Milnerton, Rondebosch.

Badplaas Golf Club Guest House and Lodge - Badplaas, has a challenging 9 hole golf course at the foot of the Hlumu Hlumu mountains. It is en route to the Kruger National Park, and only 4km from the Aventura Spa Resort.

Ambience-on Mossel Bay Golf Estate - Mossel Bay, Situated in the prestigious Mossel Bay Golf Estate & Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the benefit of having the golf course within walking distance, many facilities offered at the Mossel Bay Golf Estate, and tranquillity to dream of. 18-Hole par 72 links-style golf course on the Estate with a view of the sea from every tee. Affiliated members R240,non-affiliated members R400, carts R180.

For more ideas on accommodation for golfing holidays in South Africa see www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

An explanation of some of the food you will come across whilst in South Africa.

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Potjiekos "small pot food", is a small cast iron pot in which meat, vegetables, wine, and almost anything else can be put in and set by an open fire to stew. A Potjie is a layered dish - you start with spices and oil then add the meat and brown it. Then add potatoes and other vegetables. The Potjie will then need to cook for a few hours to bring out all of the flavours. It is extremely tasty.

Braai - The word Braai means an outdoor barbeque and as you can imagine is extremely popular all across South Africa with no home being complete without one. This is a great event where friends get together to eat, drink and have fun. Typical food cooked on a braai includes steak (South African steak has to be some of the best in the world!) chicken and boerewors served with traditional pap.

Pap - Pap is a porridge made typically from mealie meal (maize meal) cooked with water and salt to a fairly stiff consistency. Delicious as an accompaniment to a Braai.

Boerewors - Boerewors is made from coarsely minced beef (sometimes combined with minced pork, lamb, or both) and spices (usually toasted coriander seed, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves and allspice). Similar to a sausage but extremely tasty boerewors is usually cooked on a braai but can also be grilled.

Sosaties are seasoned lamb / chicken or other meats on a skewer and usually served at a braai. They are made in different ways with different seasoning and marinades to give them flavour.

Frikkadels are little meatballs which can be backed or deep-fried.

Rooibos tea is made from a plant native to South Africa – it is served without milk, sugar or lemon.

Vetkoek a traditional Afrikaner pastry which has been deep-fried and can be served with either a savoury mince or for something sweet; served with syrup, honey or jam.

Bobotie is spiced minced meat with an egg based topping.

Biltong - This South African favourite is dried and salted meat, similar to beef jerky, although it can be made from ostrich, kudu or any other red meat.

Bunny chow - Delicious and cheap food on the go, bunny chow is curry served in a hollowed-out half-loaf of bread, generally sold in greasy-spoon cafés. Perfect for eating on the side of the road while backpacking across South Africa.

Koeksister - This is a delicious sweet which is both a traditional Malay and also Afrikaner dish. Koeksister is made from twisted yeast dough, deep fried and dipped in syrup. The right-wing enclave of Orania in the Northern Cape even has its own statue to the koeksister. The word comes from the Dutch koek ("cake") and sissen, meaning "to sizzle".

Malva Pudding is a sweet pudding made from apricot jam and is usually served hot with either ice cream or custard.

Melktert – meaning “Milk Tart” in Afrikaans is a sweet dessert with a creamy filling with cinnamon sprinkled on top.

World Cup Suggestion – Mara B&B, Irene, Centurion (Gauteng)

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Mara B&B is located only 45 minutes drive from 3 airports, namely OR Tambo International, Lanseria and Wonderboom Airports and is also ideally located within a 30-45 min driving distance of 3 different 2010 World Cup Soccer Stadiums, namely Soccer City, Ellis Park and Loftus Versfeld.

Mara B&B is located on a large property in a secure, fenced Estate in the beautiful suburb of Irene. The wonderful country atmosphere is a haven to retreat to, yet is only a few kilometres from all the amenities a large city has to offer.

The Area:

The area has a rich cultural heritage and many national leaders and historic figures have left their mark in Irene.

Smuts House is the restored home of General Jan Smuts, a former Prime Minister of South Africa and World Statesman and is a wonderful museum within walking distance of Mara B&B and also has nature walks on the property.

Irene Dairy Farm - established in 1895 with lovely restaurants and a deli, the kids can get to see the cows being milked.

Paintball Action Games - within walking distance of the B&B, fun for the more adventurous

Irene Craft Market - with over 200 stalls, a fantastic morning can be spent browsing and located within walking distance from the bed and breakfast (open on Saturdays).

Anglo Boer War Concentration Camp Cemetery and Memorial in Irene.

Kruger House Museum - on display are many of Paul Kruger's personal possessions. (former President of the SA Republic).

Union Buildings.

Voortrekker Monument - erected to commemorate the Great Trek by white pioneers, also called Voortrekkers.

Air Force Museum - aviation development form the Paterson Aviation School to modern day jets.

Van Wouw Museum - documents and photographs relating to the artist's life, as well as several small sculptures.

National Botanical Gardens - contains a large collection of plants grouped according to the various climatic regions of the country.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve - an ideal spot for a picnic or braai. The reserve also offers game viewing, hiking and permit angling.

Many excellent shopping malls only a few kilometres away.

For more information on places to stay during the World Cup 2010, please go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

Accommodation advice for the World Cup in South Africa

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As with any country that hosts the World Cup the topic of accommodation is always an area of contention. Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or in a group choosing somewhere to stay is always never as easy as it might be. South Africa is a vast country and fans will have to cope with travelling long distances between games. Choosing the right location at the right price is key.

The great thing about South Africa is that there is a lot of accommodation located all over the country. Depending upon how much you want to pay and what you want to do between games will largely dictate where you decide to stay. There is a vast established network of good quality guest houses, B&B’s, hotels, game reserves, lodges and self-catering venues all vying for your custom. The hotels will be targeted by tour operators looking to accommodate groups and locate them centrally in order to facilitate organising trips. Another option is the Private Home. Many South Africans own second homes or are looking to rent out their whole house/apartment or rooms during the World Cup. This is a real alternative and these can be found by searching on many of the accommodation websites such as www.where2stay-southafrica.com . If you are in a small group this could turn out to be a really cost effective accommodation solution.

I have even heard of someone that has brought in a load of tents for the event with a view to hiring these out to fans. I do have some advice on this and that is to remember that the World Cup is being held in the winter of South Africa and although it is still pleasant during the day nights will be cold if sleeping outside. In addition I am not sure what security arrangements will be put in place but you will have to think about what to do with valuables for the times when you are sight seeing or at the games themselves. To my mind this isn’t perhaps an option I would choose. My suggestion would be to look to base yourself centrally between games and to reduce your travelling time. If you base yourself slightly outside of major towns you will find accommodation cheaper and also probably have a choice of activities nearby such as game drives, 4x4, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, diving and fishing.

Cape Town International Kite Festival – 23 & 24 October 2010

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‘Uplifting Mind and Body’ is the theme for the sixteenth Cape Town International Kite Festival, which is happening on 23 and 24 October 2010 in Muizenberg and is proudly hosted by Cape Mental Health.

This is Africa’s biggest kite festival and attracts over 20,000 visitors, including some of the biggest names in kiting in South Africa and the world who fly in to show off their magnificent kite creations. With kite-making, kite-flying, food stalls, kiddies’ rides, a full programme of entertainment and an eclectic craft market, this is family entertainment at its best.

The Cape Town International Kite Festival will be open from 10:00 to 18:00 each day and takes place on the lawns surrounding Zandvlei, Muizenberg. There is lots of parking and easy access by train (False Bay or Muizenberg stations). Entry is just R15 for adults and R5 for children.

“More and more people are suffering from stress and mental ill-health,” said Ingrid Daniels, Director of Cape Mental health. “By inviting people to fly their kites, and highlighting the connection between physical and mental well-being, we hope to uplift minds and bodies.”

All profits go directly to Cape Mental Health to support their mental health services for people in disadvantaged communities. For more information on the Cape Town International Kite Festival and Cape Mental Health visit www.capementalhealth.co.za or contact them on (021) 447 9040 / info@cmhs.co.za

For more information on Cape Town, event and activities and places to stay; go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

South Africa Events during March 2010

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A look at some of the amazing events taking place in South Africa during March 2010.

Cape Town Carnival 2010

An exciting new carnival is coming to Cape Town in 2010. The inaugural event which is aimed at bringing together all communities and cultures will run from 18-20 March 2010. The Cape Town Carnival will bring together music, dance and performing arts culminating in an amazing parade with up to 10,000 performers on the Saturday 2oth March.

Dragon Boat Festival 2010 - Moorreesburg, Western Cape

From March 19th to March 22nd 2010 the Western Cape Dragon Boat Association will hold its 2nd Annual Dragon Boat Festival. The event will be held at Club Elani at the Misverstand Dam in Moorreesburg. The event is open to local and international clubs with Open, Mixed and Ladies events being held. Races will be run over 250m and 500m sprints and also 1000m courses (under IDBF rules).

The ABSA Cape Epic 2010 - 7th Annual Mountain Bike Race

This year the ABSA Cape Epic Mountain Bike race event will take place between 21st March and 28th March 2010. This year’s event, which is now the most televised mountain bike event in the world, will kick off with the opening celebrations and registration at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The 722km race which crosses the magnificent Western Cape scenery will comprise teams of two cyclists. The race will pass through Diemersfontein, Worcester, Ceras and Oak Valley.

Elton John and Ray Cooper in Concert - Franschhoek, Western Cape

On Sunday 28th March 2010 at the Val de Vie Wine and Polo Estate in Franschhoek. Elton John and Ray Cooper will be putting on a memorable show entertaining attracting an audience from across South Africa and the globe. The initial shows on this tour have collected rave reviews. The "Under African Skies" event will be staged in a wonderful picnic style setting on one of the infamous wine estates near the beautiful village of Franschhoek.

OmmiBerg 'Round the Rock' 2010 - Paarl, Western Cape

On the 14th March 2010 thirteen wineries, situated around the Paarl Mountain, along the Paarl Wine Route will open their doors to celebrate the tasting of the first of the 2010 vintage. You will be able to sample the wines unfiltered and straight from the tanks! The participating wineries will be putting on all sorts of activities and events for all the family including tractor-trail rides, cooking demonstrations, pony rides, art exhibitions, cellar tours, grape stomping, slip'n'slides, grape tastings and even demonstrations on glass-blowing.

For more information on these events and other events taking place in South Africa, go to: www.where2stay-southafrica.com

Spectacular Accommodation in South Africa

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With more and more accommodation venue’s joining Where2Stay-SouthAfrica – we are amazed by some of the magnificent places on offer for people to stay when they come to South Africa or for those already in South Africa travelling on holiday.

Visitors and travellers alike now have a choice not only in price and what you’re willing to pay, but for the features, location, star grading and those extra’s that make a place unique and memorable.

Accommodation – like most other things – is something you need to shop around for. There are so many sites offering accommodation, the best deals, the best tours at the most affordable prices, etc – but as long as you do a bit of homework – all the information is out there and you can very easily create your perfect holiday or break.

Here a few of the venue’s we have recently come across which we’d like to share with you:

Buhala Game Lodge: is an enchanting Game Lodge right on the banks of the Crocodile River, the border of the Kruger National Park. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=118

Leshiba Wilderness: For a magical African experience, try Leshiba Wilderness Private Game Reserve, 2600 hectare in area located on top of the Soutpansberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=281

Air del Mar – Mossel Bay: Everyone who stays at Air del Mar falls in love with its spectacular, unspoiled natural beauty and harmonious, safe and tranquil lifestyle. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=277

Set in a Private Nature Reserve on 417 Hectares, Grotto Bay is unique. Inspired by the architecture in the Hamptons, USA this spacious Villa has uninterrupted views of the spectacular West Coast. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=286

Clovelly Lodge is the perfect base to explore Cape Town, at the heart of the Table Mountain National Park. Kick back and relax in the privacy and independence of your own guest apartment, surrounded by indigenous gardens in a naturally landscaped setting. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=300

The Ocean Art House is a Guest House with Art Gallery, at Cape Agulhas on the Southern Cape coast. Art and Nature combine to convey enduring impressions, stimulating the senses and allowing one to forget everyday hustle and bustle. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=297

Perched in a prime position on the spectacular Knynsa Heads with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, The Alexander takes style, ambience and personal service to new heights. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=168

For more amazing accommodation venues – go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

Or contact us on info@where2stay-southafrica.com