Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the founder of the Zulu kingdom
We spent two nights at the Hermanus Boutique Guest House overlooking the sea and it was crazy to see two groups of foreign tourists arrive in the late afternoon, head out for supper and leave after breakfast the next morning, something that happens a lot here, one manager said. What a waste of all the […]
Traditional African food in South Africa
When most of us think Hermanus, we only think whales. Wrong – because although it is a famous whale-watching destination, which sees foreigners and South Africans flocking here in the winter, this town which hugs the Walker Bay coast in the Overberg region rocks for many reasons. There’s the sea of course, but it’s got […]
48 hours in Dubern: South Africa’s most famous battle sites
There are a million good reasons, most of them packed in shells and tasting delightfully of the sea, for visiting the Knysna Oyster Festival (KOF) next month, but wanting to lose weight is not one of them. Oysters themselves are not fattening and are packed with nutrients but, serve them fried and smothered in a […]
Centurion Hotel is memorable
Normally when one decides to organise a weekend getaway with the family, staying in a hotel in the middle of a city is hardly ever on the top of that list. But the Centurion Hotel is trying to change that and, from I could see, they are succeeding. My wife, twin boys and I had […]
Foray into the wild: Pilanesberg caters for family
There’s something soul-stirring about the South African bush in winter. The early morning chill, the golden grasslands and the crisp, clean air lend a quiet majesty to the wilderness. Without the summer haze and thick foliage, winter unveils the heartbeat of the bush. Recently, I had the opportunity to explore the Pilanesberg National Park in […]
A slice of bush heaven that delivers more than just wildlife
The Kruger National Park can be intimidating simply because it is so huge. It’s like a first date, really, because to get lucky you just never really know where to begin. And if you haven’t been there since a child, and are now hauling your kids to the park, playing expert-dad can add even more […]
Get close to nature at Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
The sweeping plains of the Pilanesberg deliver thrilling moments for adults, while the lodge ensures even its youngest guests feel exhilarated to be there. For me it was a real bush treat. From the moment we arrived, Wandile Ngxesha, Kwa Maritane’s guest relations manager, made sure we felt looked after. Warm, attentive and full of […]
Wine and dine in Stellenbosch
Wine and dine in Stellenbosch There are 150 wine farms in Stellenbosch and that’s not to mention other attractions, so short of having endless days to roam around and indulge in the good grape, how does one negotiate a short stay in Stellies that will do wine farms justice but still give you time to […]
Just a darling place to stay: Discovering the West Coast gem
Recently, during a spring flower exploration of the West Coast, I discovered the little dorp of Darling – and now I am searching for a house there with my name on it. Up until then all I really knew of Darling was that it’s home to Pieter-Dirk Uys, one of South Africa’s best-known satirists, playwrights […]
Are there any ports left? Going barefoot all year round in the E Cape
Port Alfred’s rich history and transformation since the 1820 Settlers. I’ve spent time in so many ports in South Africa recently, I feel as if I could have been a sailor rather than a landlubber: Port Nolloth, Port St Francis, Port St Johns, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Port Edward, Port Shepstone and now (again) Port Alfred. […]