Health and Wellness in the Magaliesberg

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Relax at Sparkling Waters

The Magaliesberg Mountain Range is a place of unrivalled beauty and unique abundance. This makes it the perfect escape for city slickers that need a break. Living and working in an urban area becomes enormously stressful, taxing the body of its natural, healthful resources. Without investing time in your body and mind, you can soon burn out. For this reason, it is essential to seek solace and real relaxation on a regular basis.

The Magaliesberg Mountains are home to a number of fabulous retreats for the weary and stress-ridden. Continued

Two Olives Restaurant in Port Elizabeth – a review

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The Two Olives Restaurant is an authentic culinary experience, immersing diners in the basic pleasures of enjoying excellent quality, coupled with flavours that are worthy of a few audible sighs. Situated in the food Mecca of Stanley Street in Richmond Hill, it is at the very heart of the ‘who’s who’ and ‘what’s what’ of the Friendly City.

The menu is a delight to explore. Even simple sounding dishes are presented beautifully and taste heavenly. The tapas options are a great way to sample a number of different dishes, especially when shared amongst friends. The portions (even the starters) are generous, so get here hungry. Continued

I ♥ Somerset West Because …

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I ♥ Somerset West

Hi, I’m Joerg Streibing from Somerset Villa Guesthouse in Somerset West.

Somerset West IS BEST KNOWN FOR for the fantastic accommodation places, value for money and diversity.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Vergelegen Estate,The gardens are one of the most beautiful in the Western Cape, the Estate had a lot of Head of States and member of the Royal families visiting. Walk along where Nelson Mandela walked. Get a picture taken under one of the unique trees.

THE BEST penguin PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Bettys Bay (on the scenic R44 ocean drive between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond), renowned for its Jackass penguin colony.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT at Lourensford, Vergelegen, Gordons Bay, the beach and many many more! Continued

Foo Bar Café in George

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Foo Bar

For a trendy spot at which almost nothing is predictable, Foo Bar in George is a definite winner. It is located between the SPAR and Virgin Active in the Heatherpark Centre, just off CJ Langenhoven, tucked away discreetly in the far corner. But, on entering, it is immediately a delight to the senses.

It is light and airy, as the doors are all opened up onto the sheltered patio, allowing the sunlight and fresh air to drift inside. The décor is funky and eclectic, juxtaposing some crazy prints with classically simple black-and-white features, but giving neither the upper hand. Oversized scatter cushions may bear embroidered wording (like “be nice or leave”) or some of South Africa’s most in-demand animal prints. Chairs are upholstered in similarly cool textiles. Continued

I Love SA Video

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We have some fantastic fans who absolutely love South Africa. One such fan is Annabel Biggar and she made a great short video of how much she loves this beautiful country and she has shared it with us so we can share it with all of you. Her video takes us on a journey of some of the awesome things to do and places to visit. Thank you Annabel! Continued

Getting my Mexican on in Mowbray at Fat Cactus – a review

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On the busy Durban Road of Mowbray, somewhat secluded behind trellis work and bright lights, is the Mexican Mecca of the Fat Cactus. We arranged a dinner there, all at the last moment. Fortunately, Bon Jovi was playing live in Cape Town, so the restaurants were fairly empty throughout the city, so we secured a table. Still, there was a very distinct vibe, and only a few tables to spare.

The waitresses are relaxed in their approach and attire, so we waited a while for service, but it was sort of in keeping with the ambience. Continued

A Stopover in George at Outeniqua Travel Lodge – a review

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George is sometimes nicknamed “Cold and Wet” in reference to its number plate (CAW) and its weather conditions, but that couldn’t be further from the truth when I meandered my way along the Garden Route in May and stopped over at Outeniqua Travel Lodge for the night. It was a glorious sunshiny day, even though this time of year is unpredictable. The stunning Outeniqua Mountain Range towers as the backdrop of the lodge, which is a very homely house situated in the suburbs of George.

A friendly Jack Russell and the owner and manager, Sue, are the first to offer a welcome to the self-catering lodge. It is warm and inviting, creating a feeling of visiting a relative. The walls are bedecked with old photographs of the area, providing a fascinating insight into its history and hours of gazing for those that take an interest in such memories that have been frozen in time. Continued

Monthly Events Lineup and Don’t Forget Christmas in Winter is Coming Up

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Who would have thought it would almost be the middle of the year already. If you’re reading this wondering where time has gone this year and what you’ve already done perhaps you need to get out that diary and plan to get to some of these awesome annual events and festivals. Do you have a favourite event in South Africa? If so we’d love to hear what it is … Continued

6 Essential Activities in South Africa

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Go on safari

There are a few things that every tourist simply has to try if they want to have a real experience of South Africa. These are available across most of the provinces and define, to an extent, the African encounter. Of course, even if you only manage to squeeze a few of these into your vacation itinerary, they will be well worth the experience.

The African Safari

South Africa is home to an astounding array of fauna and flora. The best way to appreciate the abundance and beauty is on an authentic safari. This usually includes a slow drive through the bushveld in an open 4 x 4 vehicle that allows uninterrupted views of the surrounds. In game parks, wild animals can be spotted from the vehicles. South Africa boasts the Big 5 – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos. Many of the parks and reserves invite visitors to view all five of these (as well as a huge array of other animals) on a safari. Of course, safaris are not restricted to driving – bush walks and horse riding are also on offer at various reserves. Continued

We Bust 5 Travel Myths About South Africa

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Pack your bags!

There are travel myths that the seasoned around-the-world traveller will encounter:

You must have a backpack if you’re visiting more than one country; women shouldn’t travel alone; the plane will crash if you use your cell phone on board; train travel is always cheaper than air travel in Europe…

These have been well and truly explored, and most of them debunked.

But what about travel myths in South Africa – the type the average visitor might encounter whilst enthusiastically planning to fly to our shores? Continued

Pepper Cottages in Plumstead Cape Town – a review

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Pepper Cottages is a quiet little retreat, right in the heart of Plumstead. You would hardly know it was there if it were not for the discreet sign at the gate.

The self-catering Red Pepper Cottage was to be my home for the night, and I was so glad it was. Tastefully furnished, the ample cottage would be ideal for corporate visitors or a couple needing a great base from which to explore the Mother City for a few days. Continued

Schoone Oordt Country House – Doesn’t This Look Inviting?

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With winter just around the corner it is time to make use of the fantastic spots around the country, one such place is the town of Swellendam. Doesn’t the swimming pool at Schoone Oordt Country House look completely inviting? The gracious dame who has been lovingly restored over time by Richard and Alison Walker welcomes you with open arms. The area itself offers a wide variety of activities from wine tasting to fantastic hiking trails and nature walks and plenty of wonderful places to eat. This luxury 5-star graded accommodation will be a wonderful break and perhaps you can even spoil that special someone in your life with a little break away … Continued

A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Cape Town

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Cappuccino anyone?

An ardent lover of coffee, I will always seek out the side-walk cafes, the little nooks with real espresso machines and run in the opposite direction of burnt filter coffee. As a traveller, I fully understand your pain if you land up at a hotel with only lukewarm filter coffee on offer, so when coming to Cape Town, know that you are in good hands and this is where you should go…

Origin

In Cape Town’s foreshore up the sloping roads of trendy De Waterkant is where you’ll find Origin Coffee. Just a walk past the door and a whiff of the heavenly aromas and you will be sold. Pick the beans you most desire and have them whip up an espresso dream. Enjoy it with fresh daily savoury and sweet snacks. It also houses a superb tea room behind glass doors where you can get a demonstration on how to make the perfect tea from many varieties. Continued

4 Inspiring Road Trip Routes From Cape Town

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There is something addictive about road trips. Someone I know once said “There’s nothing like a hundred kilometres between me and the constant chatter in my head” and I think that just about sums it up: road trips put space between you and the mundanity of life; they add perspective, and take you out of yourself.

There are two kinds of road trips. The first is the Thelma-and-Louise style that entails throwing your suitcase into the boot and letting the road decide where to take you.

The other is a more systematic, planned approach that involves maps, an internet trawl for accommodation and a very good idea of what you want to do when – allowing, of course, for the incidentals that a good road trip always promises. Continued

Biodiversity Showcase Garden – Photographs

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We have been lucky enough to receive some fantastic photographs of the Biodiversity Showcase Garden, which you’ll find in the vibey suburb of Green Point. But before we get to the photographs lets find out a little bit more about these gardens. The gardens are situated in the Green Point Urban Park and allows you, the visitor, to enjoy the space that is home to flora that is endemic to Cape Town. If you’re unfamiliar with what endemic means it basically means that the flora is completely unique to the area i.e. you won’t find this anywhere else – so this garden really is something special.

You can spend hours here and it’s a place that will be both educational and fun for your children. Take your time looking at all the animal sculptures, seeing which of the more than 300 local plant species you are able to identify, learn from the interactive displays and demonstration gardens and more. The setting is something in itself with the beautiful backdrop of Table Mountain and the impressive Green Point Stadium that is adjacent to the garden. This is also a place where you can exercise your body as here are both running and cycle paths as well as a play park a perfect opportunity to discover all that the 12.5 hectares of the park offer. Continued