Stanford Village Tempts Tastebuds

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Described by many as resembling a scene from ‘A River Runs Through It‘, Stanford village possesses the idyllic, dreamy charm of an epic romantic film. Children fish from the jetties while Gymnogenes call nearby; residents hit the river with their canoes early in summer for a ‘country gym session’, while horse-riders saddle up for long outrides in the mountains.

Stanford has quietly been attracting ‘swallows’, investors, weekenders, visitors and residents to its sleepy river banks over the past few years, shaking things up for the better. This small Overberg town now boasts award-winning wineries, restaurants and artisans, along with just about the prettiest country views you’ve ever clapped eyes on… Continued

Breakfast at Parc Cafe in Glenwood, Durban

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I love a lie in on a Saturday morning, but this last Saturday we found ourselves heading down the highway at 06h45 in order to get to Durban in time for our first ever Park Run which started at 08h00. What a great event … A free 5km time trial that happens every Saturday with the route starting on the promenade outside Suncoast Casino and making its way past Circus Circus Beach Cafe for 2.5kms before heading back to Suncoast.

We really enjoyed it but let’s face it, every runner, elite or not, deserves a good breakfast after a 6h15 wake up call and this really was why we had made the trek from Kearsney! Continued

The 8 best drinking holes in Cape Town

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Cape Town is lively, sophisticated and one of the world’s 10 most loved cities at any time of the year. But in winter, when driving rain or cold can keep people from spilling out onto the pavements, finding the city’s favourite drinking holes is not as easy as cruising the streets to follow the crowd; the crowd is usually safely sequestered indoors.

We thought we’d be helpful and highlight our top trendy drinking holes in Cape Town, in the centre of the city… Continued

Living in Cape Town – The 15 best days

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Just about any time spent living in Cape Town is better than living anywhere else (yes, I am unashamedly biased). Even so, there are some days that are even better than others. Guess that’s why we love living here so much… Continued

Where to drink in Jozi – top 15 bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants

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Jozi’s bustling nightlife has so much by way of eclectic and vibey restaurants, pubs, and clubs that making a choice is difficult.

We make it easy for you – Here is our guide on Where to drink in Jozi – top 15 bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants …
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20 things you have to explain to out-of-towners about Johannesburg

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There is a whole sector of society who is of the opinion that a visit to Johannesburg is tantamount to suicide. Most people fly through Jo’burg on their way elsewhere. For reasons that on the face of it appear completely sensible. But for the most part are not true. Johannesburg has an edge. It is tough, vigorous and beautiful and most people who live there love their city and will defend its skyline, its insistent energy and its people.

But perhaps a brief introduction about Johannesburg will help those visiting for the first time … Continued

Your bucket list of things to do this winter holiday (that even the kids will like)

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Three long weeks of holiday! But it needn’t feel like a burden for those with children. With a list of events that will keep both parents and kids happy, this winter break promises to be a good break all round.

We list top events across South Africa - things to do this winter holiday (that even the kids will like) … Continued

South Africa’s peace parks – top 5 parks that transcend borders

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Peace parks, also known as Transboundary Protected Areas (TBPA), allow animals to migrate freely between neighbouring countries in a return to their natural migration patterns. They promote tourism and goodwill between neighbouring countries.

It is also a potential tool to save a deteriorating ecology. Once parties or countries involved realise the importance of biological diversity, they are more likely to co-operate.  Environmental cooperation, in turn, can help resolve political and territorial conflicts. Sharing physical space and management responsibilities sustains peace among countries.

Real-life examples of such successes include the Seslous-Niassa Wildlife Corridor, and the Emerald Triangle conservation zone in Indochina.

But the bonus for visitors is the increased access to a greater variety of game, and far greater variety of wildlife habitats.

South Africa has eight peace parks, and one in the making. All are worthy of a visit. Here is more on 5 of them: Continued

La Piazza – Ooh La La

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My husband and I went out for dinner on Friday at a restaurant we found almost by accident. My first choice was for Thai but on arrival at the restaurant in Umhlali, it appeared that it has closed its doors for business (either that or they only operate during lunch hours), our second choice was for Chinese but the restaurant was lacking a lot of ambiance and so we settled on pizza and pasta at La Piazza.

Clearly the good people of Ballito know more than we do … we hadn’t made a reservation and were lucky to get a table. Continued

A Visit to Harold Johnson Nature Reserve

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When you live on a farm, like we do, and the closest Ster Kinekor is an hour’s drive and two toll gates away, it is sometimes necessary to make your own entertainment.

We did this a few Sunday’s ago when I suggested breakfast at the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve. The Skottel and breakfast supplies (including a tin of condensed milk …necessary for any game reserve cup of coffee) were loaded into the double cab and off we went. Continued

19 secret spots in South Africa – places you’ve probably never been

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There is a danger in thinking that every little bolthole and haven has been discovered in South Africa.

Whilst travel magazines, blogs and websites undoubtedly make our lives as travellers a lot easier with their vivid accounts of places and spaces, the vastness of South Africa means that there will always be uncharted areas… Continued

Burnedale Farmers Market

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We tried out the fantastic Burnedale Farmers Market over this past weekend. Having only started in mid-May, this market is going from strength to strength with the 25 stalls offering a wide range of products. I was particularly impressed with the purposefully built covered market area; stall holders and market goers will be dry on a rainy day but the light and airy space is perfect for the mostly sunny days the Dolphin Coast provides! Continued

10 things you may not know about Table Mountain

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Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most prominent landmark. The view of the flat-topped massif, as seen from Table Bay or Blouberg, is recognised throughout the world and has placed Cape Town on the map. That it is one of the seven new wonders of the world is no mystery.

The triptych of Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain and the Lion is as famous, as is the mountain’s ‘tablecloth’ – the result of the south-easter, one of the prevailing winds of the Cape peninsula.

But the mountain’s bulk is not there simply to be admired, although this is a large aspect of its appeal. It is also there to hike, climb, worship, drive, walk and explore. From the paths that lead to its summit, to the inescapably rare fauna and flora, Table Mountain is attractive to every visitor… Continued

Winter Wonderland Festival at Theuniskraal

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Winter is the perfect time for glühwein and a roaring fire, if this is what you’re after why not head down to the Winter Wonderland Festival at Theuniskraal Wine Estate on 28 and 29 June 2014.

This festival runs in conjunction with the annual Tulbagh Christmas in Winter -  a weekend of fun for the entire family. Located 120km outside of Cape Town take a leisurely drive into town or spend the night at one of the lovely accommodation options in Tulbagh. Continued

South Africa’s four small wild cats – where to see them

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The big cats in South Africa receive a lot of attention. In fairness lions, leopards and cheetah deserve the focus; most of these top predators are in danger – we live in their space, we hunt them illegally and kill them when they prey on livestock.

But South Africa is also home to four smaller cats – the African wild cat, the black-footed cat (now known as the small spotted cat), the caracal, and the serval. To this list I wanted to add the civet and genet but they are not, in fact, cats at all. Instead they belong to a family known as Viverrids, related to the mongoose and meerkat… Continued