A Stopover in George at Outeniqua Travel Lodge – a review

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

Pepper Cottages in Plumstead Cape Town – a review

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?

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

Winter in South Africa – top 5 off-the-beaten-track places to head

Get cozy this winter

Admittedly we’re hardly out of autumn yet, but already the chill of the air is enough that the average South African is bundling up both morning and evening, and overhead dark clouds are more often than not the order of the day – or at least they are where I live.

To put this in perspective for overseas visitors: South Africa is pretty mild, in most places, during winter. We average 16 degrees during the day (in some places it is warmer than this) and at night it gets chilly, going down to around 5 or 6 degrees.

Places like Sutherland in the Northern Cape, or the Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu Natal get a LOT colder – there you can anticipate snow, without the added reassurance of central heating. Continued

We explore Cape St Francis Resort …

Cape St Francis Beach

Cape St Francis has a unique down-to-earth charm and rustic, seaside allure.  It stands apart from St Francis Bay and Port St Francis, making it a one-of-a-kind village with its own flavour. With only one night in St Francis Bay, we were eager to find lodging that was comfortable, effortless and classy. Cape St Francis Resort completely exceeded our expectations.

We arrived to friendly, efficient service staff that tended to us immediately. We were shown to the Club Break apartment, tired and hot after a two-hour horse ride on Papiesfontein Beach. We walked into a cool, elegant apartment that was spacious, light and airy. As soon as we had brought our bags in, we enjoyed a refreshing shower – outside! The bathroom has a gorgeous outdoor shower that is huge and private, despite being in the open air. In addition, there was a large rounded bath inside. Continued

5 Appealing Easter Breaks From Durbs

The Front House

Continuing in our series on great spots to stay over Easter (or any time of the year), and prompted by a reader’s plea to include KZN breakaways, here are a further collection of peaceful and inspiring destinations that could be your choice for one of the upcoming long weekends.

The Front House, Salt Rock, Dolphin Coast

A Bali-style cottage right on the beach doesn’t come better than this. Sleeping eight people (ten at a push), it has four bedrooms and plenty of space to unwind. But you’re here for the views of the sea and beach that you’ll wish were yours for the rest of the year – only a wooden staircase separates you from the beach and the break of the waves. The bonus is that this venue is a mere half hour drive from Durban.

Abandon yourself to a beach holiday. Continued

5 indulgent Easter breaks from Jozi

De Hoek Country House

Getting out of Johannesburg is so exhausting that one often tends to put it off completely, rather than face the hour or so it takes just to make it to the outer perimeters, so vast is the sprawl.

Other than heading off for your long weekend at the crack of dawn, before anyone else has cottoned on to the idea, make sure your destination is so damn fine that the time away is worth every moment of the trek that had to happen in order to get there.

We’ve selected a few such venues for you to choose from, for Easter, or any long weekend during 2013: Continued

5 Appealing Easter Breaks from Cape Town

Stunning Cederberg

Having recently had the rather gruelling last minute task of unearthing somewhere to stay over the Easter weekend, it became obvious to me that for some reason this time of year for Capetonians is synonymous with the Cederberg (myself included) – it’s a case of have holiday will go to the Cederberg.

Let me first clarify that I am a huge Cederberg fan (it was my first port of call). That part of the country is beautiful, and easily accessible from the Mother City yet allows a complete escape into wilderness, up mountains and passes and through little towns that allow one to play, albeit briefly, at country living for a few days.

But this propensity for one destination above others means that towns like Ceres end up with the monolopy. Hence rates for long weekends rise to almost double – there is little supply and a huge demand. Continued

Ocean Grove Guest House – Wouldn’t you rather be here?

Wouldn’t you rather be here?

One of our favourite getaways on the beautiful South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, Ocean Grove Guest House is an elegant, four-star graded guesthouse situated on a large estate in Munster, with beautiful gardens, gorgeous sea views and amazing whale and dolphin sightings. With only five luxury suites you are assured of an exclusive and very private getaway in stunning surroundings … Continued

Keeping Busy at Chrislin Bed & Breakfast

Chrislin B&B

The Chrislin Bed & Breakfast is a family-owned establishment that pairs good, old-fashioned Eastern Cape friendliness and warmth with an undeniable African look and feel. With mud and thatch huts nestled amongst the citrus orchards, there is little wonder that Chrislin remains the retreat of choice for so many visitors from around the world.

Chrislin Bed & Breakfast is situated in Addo, and only minutes from the Addo Elephant National Park. In addition, it is only about an hour (or less) from Nelson Mandela Bay. This makes it accessible, convenient and, importantly, free of the threat of malaria.

The rooms, while enjoying a rustic African design, are spacious and elegant, and offer modern amenities and conveniences. Breakfasts are included in the accommodation rates, and are enjoyed in a semi-open lapa with views of the African countryside as the perfect garnish. Continued

Luxury Health Resorts In Mpumalanga

Amani Spa

Nothing compares to the sheer indulgence of a health resort, where your body, mind and soul are treated to refreshing and ultimately relaxing treatments. Some resorts are more medically-oriented in their approach, which results in more stringent eating programmes and fitness regimes. Others are more about beauty and relaxation, pampering guests during their stay. Be sure that you are completely aware of which option you require and that the resort you choose caters to your needs.

Here are some of Mpumalanga’s most luxurious health and beauty resorts: Continued

Volunteering At The Two Oceans Aquarium

Microscopic Wonder

I have been volunteering at the Two Oceans Aquarium in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town for about three months now and all I can say is wow, what a fantastic experience. I can see why it is such a popular tourist attraction. I had to take part in a seven week training course every Saturday morning and pass the weekly test that was set. I luckily passed with flying colours and so began the start of my amazing journey.

My first shift started at the microscope section, the one place where you can see things you never imagined possible, It is definitely worth swinging by just to see incredible and fascinating things that you could never see with the naked eye. Its a wonderful feeling to be able to zoom in on a dish that looks like its filled with just water only to see the many baby jellyfish starting out life or getting a close up on a strawberry anemone and seeing the tentacles hard at work trying to catch the microscopic morsels we just put in for them. Continued

A Little Break at Au Pear Boutique Guest House in Newlands

Au Pear Guest House

Secluded under the leafy boughs of Newlands in Cape Town, Au Pear Boutique Guest House is an old woodcutters’ cottage, with the remnants of an ancient orchard, which has been renovated to reflect all of the charm and style of its owner, Pam Sorel. Ample lavender bushes and a grape vine that shelters the outdoor dining area lend the guesthouse a tranquillity that is quite rare in the heart of a bustling city.

Jones meets new guests and caters to their needs throughout their stay. His passion is evident. He is particularly invested because he was an integral part of developing Au Pear, having been a member of the team that renovated it with their own hands.

There are three rooms available within the guest house itself, as well as a spacious unit that is, quite literally, down the garden path, which is flanked by fragrant lavender bushes. Screed floors, concrete basins and chrome mirrors and accessories are juxtaposed by Victorian ball-and-claw baths, goose-down bedding and romantic Persian rugs. Continued

Guest Farms of KwaZulu Natal

Chillifields B&B

Guest farms offer holiday accommodation with a difference. Instead of luxurious spas and silver service, visitors are immersed in the rustically charming life of country farmers. They become a part of the workings of the farm, getting the opportunity to interact with the land and animals in a very hands-on way. This is an awesome way to unwind and spend quality time with the family.

Here are some of the guest farms of the KwaZulu Natal Province:

Chillifields B&B (Hillcrest)

Marked by stunning duvets of colourful flowers, Chillifields really is rather idyllic. Its situation on the side of a hill grants it breath-taking views of the Assagay Valley. There are magnificent bird species around Chillifields, including Egyptian Geese and Long-Crested Eagles. This guest farm is within close, convenient proximity to many of Durban’s attractions, as well as to the Shongweni Polo Grounds. Continued

Houseboat Holidays In South Africa

Langebaan Houseboats

For something really different, a houseboat holiday promises relaxation, rest and fun while incorporating a little bit of travel within your accommodation option. The biggest draw card of a houseboat holiday is the magnificent scenery that usually characterises these. Looking out on the river and its banks, travellers cruise past lazily as birds and other animals drink from the water, trees sway gently in the breeze and the warm air brushes past their faces.

Because of the magnificent landscape of South Africa, there is a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing the houseboat vacation for you and your family. Of course, the selection is not quite as wide as land-based guesthouses and hotels, but the experience offers so much more in terms of novel sights, sounds and sensations. Continued