Calitzdorp “Walk the History” taken from the Calitzdorp.org.za website (Calitzdorp heart of the Klein Karoo) April 24, 2015

I had to share this great webpage on the historical walking tour one can do in Calitzdorp from the Calitzdorp heart of the Klein Karoo website. Hopefully myself, partner and friends will be doing one of these historical walks tomorrow. Here is the link to the webpage: http://www.calitzdorp.org.za/index.php?p=23&listfunc=list&listcatid=51 CALITZDORP HISTORY This fertile valley was originally a lake.  The soil is mainly alluvial and agricultural crops are grown 1 km on either side of the rivers (Nel’s and Gamka – lion in Khoi). Early writings prove that the Khoi called Kannaland “the valley with no grass”.  Evidence of early San and Khoi peoples are evident in numerous rock paintings found in the surrounding mountains.  In 1821, land was granted to JJ and MC Calitz who named it Buffelsvlei.  This name was derived from the local vegetation and animals found here. In 1853, the Calitz’s donated land for a church and school to be built, as Oudtshoorn proved to be too far to travel for their monthly “Nagmaal”. In 1910, the population was 4000 and a larger church and school were needed.  Both buildings were completed in 1912.  The church has a neo-Byzantine style with a Marseilles roof.  It is a good example of the sandstone architecture of the ostrich-era in the Klein Karoo.  It was declared a national monument in 1991. Also in 1912, building commenced on the old Standard Bank building, presently housing the museum, and the Nel’s river dam.  This dam wall was the first of many to be built in South Africa, using cement. Subsequent drought, the great flu epidemic, and the collapse of the ostrich feather industry, played havoc amongst the community. New hope however, came to Calitzdorp in the form of a railway line (in 1924) and electrification (in 1937), as well as the construction of the first cement road between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn (also a first for South Africa).  The new R62 was built in 1978.  Today, this Klein Karoo thriving community is known as the “Port Wine Capital of South Africa”, the “Fruit Basket of Kannaland”, and the “Heart of the Klein Karoo”. CALITZDORP ON FOOT HISTORICAL ROUTE NO 1 CENTRAL VILLAGE AREA The general architecture of the central village area of Calitzdorp is English-derived and its beauty is that of severe simplicity in the so-called Karoo style.  Many of the older homes were built as “church houses” (tuishuise) for the temporary accommodation of farmers travelling to town for church services.  These tiny structures – some of them almost dolls’ houses – are mostly to be found in the vicinity of the DR Church, a national monument that has been the main feature of the town for 98 years. 1. DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH (DECLARED A NATIONAL MONUMENT IN 1991) (Open Monday to Friday on the vestry side, i.e. the southern side – Key also obtainable from the Museum). In 1855 work was commenced on a church, although the congregation only became an independent congregation in 1873.  Less than a decade later, in 1880, the inauguration of the newly enlarged church took place, but by 1909 this too had become too small and it was decided that a new building be erected.  Twenty-six plans were submitted and in 1910 the old building was demolished, and work on the present church began in all earnest.  Stone was brought by ox wagon from Swartkop (Vlei Rivier) and dressed on the building site.  The pulpit, made of yellow- and stinkwood, is from the previous church.  According to tradition it was made in the workshop of AP Blignault’s Wagonry.  The organ was erected by GW Price and Son of Cape Town.  The organ was a gift from the 3 Potgieter brothers of Rietfontein and Buffelskloof which they imported from Hamburg in Germany.  Each brother gave 800 pound i.e. a total cost of 2 400 pound.  It has 1 495 pipes (7 sets of pipes).  A new electric console was installed in the South gallery in 1964.  The pews, shaped like benches, are of solid oak and can seat 2 000 (1 400 + 600) people.  Please note the beautiful steel ceiling.  Acetylene gas lamps were in use up to 1937.  The enormous vestry table (5,2m) had to be made on site.  The clockwork and bells, the latter cast in Germany cost 425 pounds and were donated by Mr and Mrs JJ Grundlingh.  The cast-iron enclosure dates from 1899. SOME INTERESTING FACTS Foundation stone: Laid on the 17th of December 1910. Inauguration: April 1912. Style: Neo-Byzantine with a Marseilles roof.  It is a good example of the sandstone architecture of the ostrich-era in the Klein Karoo. Architect: WH Louw, Paarl. Building Contractor: JP Strydom. Supervisory Architect: JG Vixseboxse. Total Building Cost: 12 790.00 pounds. DR Church 2. 29 ANDRIES PRETORIUS STREET – De Eerste Pastorie In December 1858 JJ Grundling, a member of the church committee responsible for selling church erven for the establishment of a village, bought this stand and had the house built shortly afterwards.  Sixteen years later, in 1874 it was let out temporarily, serving as parsonage for the first DRC preacher, Richard Barry.  The second owner, JCD Potgieter, who bought it in 1876, was the son of the first true ostrich farmer, Hermanus L Potgieter of Rietfontein.  The house has remained in the family ever since.  Note the beautifully balanced proportions and positioning of the different elements in the facade.  (Casement windows have almost disappeared in Calitzdorp).  The shutters, front door and gutters are not original and the loft staircase was removed years ago while the original thatched roof is hidden under a corrugated iron replacement.  The matching wing and garages at the back were added during the 1990’s. 3. 27 ANDRIES PRETORIUS STREET – Tristan da Cunha The first owner of this endearing cottage was JJ Stimie who acquired the stand in 1859 and built the house.  At the time he served on the same committee as his next door neighbour, JJ Grundling (2).  It is however the wife of the third owner, the cobbler John Baldwin, who is generally associated with the house.  Happy Sarah Baldwin was a well known dressmaker (the mirror used in her trade is to be seen in the museum), and a very active member of the English community playing an important part towards the erection of the St Mark’s Chapel in Queen street.  In 1857 she, as a six year old, had arrived with her family (Miller) in SA from Tristan da Cunha, and when the Baldwins bought the property in 1878 it was named after the island.  Happy Sarah’s son-in-law, George, was the son of Gustav Nefdt, the first person ever to have succeeded in climbing Towerkop mountainpeak near Ladismith.  He achieved this amazing feat in 1885 while still a schoolboy, oblivious of being one of the initiators of mountaineering as a sport in SA!  The house is one of the very few here still with a thatched roof and casement windows.  The exterior is for the most part original except the front door, shutters and lean-to additions at the back. 4. CHURCH STREET – Directly behind Tristan da Cunha This plot is among those proclaimed in 1859 and the original house might well date from approximately the same period in which case it would have had a thatched roof with parapet gables.  It was planned according to the typical early Cape-style cottages, i.e. consisting of three connecting rooms in a row, similar to the original Tristan da Cunha interior.  A few years back the interior of this one was, however, also completely altered.  The exterior is totally unadorned and basic with slightly low eaves.  The tiny sash windows, rain-water collector at the top of the down pipe and little loft door showing its cross-shaped construction, are very pleasing.  (The gutters are new).  According to tradition it was once the home of an herbalist (“bossiedokter”). 5. 1 CHURCH STREET Karel Petrus Fourie, a farmer from the Gamka Valley, had the house built as a “church house”, most probably in the late 1890’s or early 20th C, though the proclamation of the plot dates back to 1875.  The facades of these delightful cottages are in actual fact identical to the symbol for “house” around the world, which is the same as “house” seen through the eyes of a child:  a door in the centre with a window on each side.  The high roof, common in this area, is not only aesthetically pleasing, but has the practical function of keeping the house cool during the extremely hot summers.  The same is true of the abundant use of Cape Dutch shutters.  Note the scalloped facia board.  The front door, the side windows and shutters are not original.  It is unfortunately in a poor state of repair. 6. 3 CHURCH STREET – Die Hooisolder Originally church property and built as a barn with huge doors facing east onto the town’s first outspan.  It was changed into a dwelling for JW Pretorius after he had bought it in 1898.  It had had a single-story lean-to on the western side which functioned as stable but this was later built up to the height of the rest of the structure and the top floor used for fodder – the only means of entry being through a window by making use of a rope ladder.  Relatives of the late Cape Town artist, Nico Prins, were tenants of Pretorius who farmed in Groenfontein and used to collect the rent every three months by bicycle.  Much later during the ownership of LJP Boshoff who had acquired it in 1948, one of Calitzdorp’s well-known tailors, Koos Wagenaar, occupied it until his death in the 1960’s.  After this it was the joint inheritance of several people before the present owner obtained it.  Although a number of similar buildings are to be found on farms in the area, this is the only one in the centre of town, adding hugely to its pastoral atmosphere.  Ate of original construction:  ca.1860/70. 7. 5 POTGIETER STREET Since this is one of the last single storey flat-roofed houses still remaining in town (recently restored and electricity installed) it has become a little treasure.  It is in a style familiar throughout the country originating during the latter half of the 18thC where it became associated with Malay or slave dwellings.  The door, tiny casement windows and solid shutters are original, creating a facade with simple but beautiful proportions and harmony.  In this region these houses are nicknamed “platjies” (flat as opposed to raised).  The plot was proclaimed in 1875 and the little cottage might well date from more or less that time. 8. 3 POTGIETER STREET – Andante In 1875 when this plot was proclaimed, it, together with the adjacent one on the western side, were acquired by FG Odendaal and W Verschuur trading from these premises as FG Odendaal & Co.  Years later in 1907 a certain NL Fouche (farmer) who had previously bought them from the wagon-builder GFJ Koertzen (a member of the town-council), sold this specific one to HW Olivier who might have constructed the house, although legend has it that it was built by the next owner, Ernst Potgieter.  The price of 155 pounds (R310) which Potgieter had paid the insolvent estate of Olivier in 1918 would have been outrageous for an empty plot since the value of these at the time averaged about R24 (except if Potgieter replaced an existing building with Andante).  Potgieter was one of three brothers who had donated the organ for the present church, and was also the owner of the farm Rietfontein as well as the builder of its ostrich palace.  Nevertheless, Andante has modest Edwardian characteristics like the double front door, etc, while the beautiful imitation grain-painting of its interior was a typical Victorian practice.  An unexpected feature is the tripartite walls of one of the rooms.  The imitation stone decoration of the exterior plaster-finish originally became fashionable during the 1890’s.  It is unfortunate that its two roof-ventilators were removed since they were an integral part of the overall design. 9. 2 POTGIETER STREET Here we have yet another variation of the Karoo style with a still smaller and lower cottage, a fact which tends to create the illusion that the two front windows are oversized.  It seems to be in its original condition except for the gutters.  Note the beauty of the plain parapet gables in contrast to the elaborately gabled garage next door.  This specific variation of this style could well be the most common in Calitzdorp, for there are four identical houses nearby, all of them built as “church houses” but unfortunately altered beyond recognition.  The addresses of these are:  4 Potgieter street – directly next door – 1 and 6 Lourens street and the little garage just opposite 6 Lourens street and the little garage just opposite 6 Lourens Street.  The plot of 2 Potgieter street was proclaimed in 1882. 10. 33 ANDRIES PRETORIUS STREET – Oude Huis This building probably dates from the 1880’s and might be described as a Karoo-variation of the Georgian Style.  At a certain stage a girls’ hostel was housed here, during which time two extensions were added at the back.  Fortunately these were demolished.  Please note the interesting gable with the double door and small twin windows at the back as well as the unusual shutters.  The building had, according to old photographs, a beautiful parapet which partly hid the roof.  The stoep and verandah are later additions while the front door and gutters are modern. 11. 2 LOURENS STREET This is a most charming little building.  Its history can almost be read by looking at the “steps” formed by the parapet as it gradually becomes lower towards the back – the front part with the moulded parapet being the oldest, followed by two later additions.  The square window in the side wall is quite rare.  According to tradition the original part had a cloth ceiling.  It was in the 1880’s the office of the first Calitzdorp agent of law, Ter Brugge.  The back room once housed a blacksmith.  Its outside door has since been closed up.  In later years this tiny building once became a “church house” and even a permanent dwelling.  It is a pity that its condition and environment are in such a shocking state. 12. 25 VOORTREKKER STREET One of the town’s builders from the past, Koos Roux, was responsible for several attractive Victorian-style houses, including this one which was built in the late 1890’s as a “church house” for the farmer Flip Nel of Groenfontein.  When the latter died of the Spanish flu in 1918 it became the property of the tailor, Van Eik.  He lived here for many years while his workshop used to be a small “platjie” in Queen street.  Note the fretted balustrades typical of the Regency-style, and other decorative features as well as the charming extension with its raised parapet, at the back. 13. 21 VOORTREKKER STREET – This well-preserved cottage built by Koos Roux served as a “church house” for Danie Nel of Groenfontein.  Pay special attention to the Regency-style fretwork i.e. the beautiful fan shaped decorations.  At the back there is a small stone building which was part of the original stable and is, apart from the church, the only remaining stone building in the village.  According to tradition the major part of this street block was in the past a kind of quarry that provided the clay for building, and it was surrounded by a boundary wall.  Voortrekker Road, previously known as Bloekomlaan (Blue-gum Avenue), became Calitzdorp’s third main road in the 1970’s.  At this time many cottages similar to this one were demolished and most of the trees destroyed in order to widen the road.  The plot was proclaimed in 1891. 14. 37 ANDRIES PRETORIUS STREET This particular plot was only officially proclaimed in 1903.  In 1897 Andries Pretorius street (formerly known as Barry street) was extended diagonally in a northerly direction and passed right through the spot of this future plot.  A certain Jan Potgieter of Buffelskloof obtained the property in the early 1900’s and had the existing building altered into a “church house”.  Much later it became the dwelling of successive butchers, one of whom had a nightmarish experience one night in 1990 when the roof collapsed.  The disaster revealed a clay roof (brakdak) underneath the corrugated iron sheeting, so far the only one of its kind known in town.  (Clay roofs were being replaced with corrugated iron as early as 1875).  The fact that all the windows, shutters and front door were replaced by modern ones in the late 1980’s, as well as the pergola added, complicates accurate dating, but it remains worthwhile for its interesting parapet with raised centre-piece.  There used to be a garden and orchard before the butchery was erected next door. 15. LOOKOUT POINT – Northern end of Andries Pretorius street From here there is a terrific view of the Swartberg mountains.  On certain days they become transparent like expensive cut glass or seem as delicate as an exotic veil.  To the right there is the solid form of Besemkop (Broom Hill), so called for the thin reeds which grew there.  After a midday thunder storm, when the sun shines through the scattered clouds, the whole landscape turns to gold.  The valley in the foreground is mainly occupied by apricot orchards and vineyards, and is bordered by houses and other buildings flittering like a precious necklace. If by any chance you have additional information about buildings in town, please contact Malan Roux at 4 Church street or c/o.  Tel (044) 213 3790. Revised 2010 Malan Roux CALITZDORP ON FOOT HISTORICAL ROUTE  NO 2 QUEEN STREET Queen street was the most important road into the village and when it became the main street it naturally must have been the centre of activity. As the village slowly expanded and shops moved elsewhere, the existing buildings, some of which occupied the same sites as others before them, were changed into Victorian dwellings. A great number of these were the property of the Brinks and their close relatives, an influential family of the time. The beautiful poplar trees which used to line the street were destroyed during a violent storm in 1930. The street joined up with the “Road to Little Jerusalem” (Oudtshoorn) as the old road was then called because of the great number of Jews who resided in that town. On the eastern side along the street can be seen the canal (“leivoor”), the work of the harness-maker Koos Roux (also builder of several houses elsewhere in the village). It was originally faced with stone, and coincided with the construction of the historical Nelsrivier dam between 1913 and 1918. At the instigation of Dr Jannie Nel (relation in marriage to the Brinks) the street was tarred in 1943 by one Broodryk. It is also interesting to note in passing that the first cemetery was located in the area of the present Queen’s Lodge. In the name of “restoration” (a totally misunderstood term), reckless alterations are unfortunately being carried out from time to time. As a result the street as a valuable culture historical heritage is losing it’s specific character of authenticity at an alarming tempo. 1. CORNER OF QUEEN & GEYSER STREET – Handelshuis The use of the splayed corner, as can be seen here, is directly derived from the late Georgian style.  The building is one of the last to have been erected for a member of the Brink family, i.e. in 1908 for JSF (Frik or Grasveld) Brink.  It became the major shopping facility for the builders and constructors of the Nelsrivier dam.  Frik, later assisted by his son, Johan Ludolf, operated the shop till 1918.  In recent years it was modified into its present state with the back part becoming a permanent residence.  Fortunately it has retained most of its original exterior characteristics.  According to tradition there had been a water-mill on the same site. 2. 20 QUEEN STREET – KAROO LIFE This used to be the dwelling of Calitzdorp’s best-known wagon-builder, Andries Blignault who was an esteemed resident and the grandfather-in-law of the well-known Afrikaans author, Audrey Blignault.  Though the plot had been proclaimed as early as 1857, the present house dates from the 1880’s when it was most likely built by Blignault.  Until a number of years back it was considered the best local example of the late Georgian style, but was regretfully spoiled by insensitive alterations when fake sash windows and shutters replaced the originals and the interior changed beyond recognition.  Prior to that its beautiful Regency style verandah was also removed.  According to tradition the pulpit of the second church (re-installed in the present one) was constructed in the workshop which used to be at the back of the main building.  Cobblers also practised their craft here.  As late as 1964 the municipal minutes referred to this property as “die skoenmakers-erf” (the cobbler’s plot). 3. 21 QUEEN STREET This late Victorian house was designed and built for attorney LJ Bredell, son-in-law to the ostrich Baron, Gert Olivier of the “Towers”, Oudtshoorn.  Shortly after his marriage in 1907 the architect must have been operational in a wider area for there exists an identical house in Oudtshoorn.  Bredell was also paymaster fot the labourers constructing the Nelsrivier dam as well as local DR Church secretary.  One is immediately struck by the little decorative gable – a whimsical Baroque indulgence.  The wing to the left is a later addition.  On the whole the house is typical of the period. 4. 16 QUEEN STREET Up to quite recently this shop was most definitely one of the most precious in the street.  It had an extreme simplicity and honesty as well as a general constraint, typical of the late Georgian style.  Despite careful restoration, something of this was somehow lost, possibly by the over eager use of colour.  But since it had been in a bad state of repair, one is glad that it was saved from total neglect.  The splayed corner (a late Georgian invention as mentioned earlier) indicates that there once must have been a road running down in the direction of the river.  The verandah supported by boiler tubing uprights, is of the type that became fashionable in 1860.  During the Calitzdorp District Races of 1880 and 1885 the shop was also used as tote office and meeting place of enthusiasts of horse-racing.  The last shopkeepers were members of the well-known Katz family (see 14 Queen street).  It dates from the second half of the 19th century;  the plot from 1881. 5. SHOP – “KONTREIWINKEL” Burned down on the 5th of January 1999. 6. 14 QUEEN STREET The esteemed teacher, Willem Verschuur, bought this property in 1878, possibly from WJ Hansen who had been the first teacher of the DR Church school, inaugurated in 1857.  It served as dwelling, shop and postal agency (Hansen being postal official for six months in 1860 and Verschuur from 1877 to 1885).  In 1883 it changed hands becoming the firm Fleming and Mudie who in their turn sold it in 1887 to one MJ Lourens.  Six years later the Verschuur descendants bought it back and it remained Verschuur property till 1943, the last of whom being WE Verschuur (headmaster of the school), who traded here for many years.  The new owner, LA Pretorius, however, sold it two days after purchase to M Katz who’s family was to become the best-known Jewish shopkeepers in Calitzdorp.  The main structure as well as the front door of the house are still original although its thatched roof and wolve-end gables were abolished (see photo in museum).  This modification might have coincided with the addition of the stoep and verandah in the 1880’s. 7. QUEEN STREET – St Mark’s Chapel Before the erection of the chapel (1880) all services of the local Anglican Church were conducted in a room of a private house.  It was due to the zeal of Happy Sarah Baldwin that the chapel was eventually built.  The bell was cast in London and bears the date 1880.  During 1908 the church was enlarged by the addition of a vestry and fitted with a reed ceiling.  The beauty of this building lies in its stark simplicity.  There is a possibility that it could be the second smallest Anglican church in the world – the smallest being St Jude’s in Scotland. 8. 12 QUEEN STREET – Homestead The Homestead is a rather interesting structure.  At the back, part of the original building, dating back to the first half of the 1800’s, can still be seen, including its double casement windows and in the loft a section of the thatched roof, now covered with corrugated iron sheeting.  This first little cottage was situated on the farm of CC Stassen.  In 1887 one JN Stassen sold it to JJS Geyser (1851-1896) who between 1887 and 1890 extended and enlarged the front part into a double-storey.  (In the 1880’s flat-roofed double-storeys had become quite popular mainly because of the availability of iron roof sheeting).  There is a vague awkwardness about it, yet fascinating, recalling aspects of peasant architecture.  After Geyser’s death it became the joint property of his descendants and Brink in-laws.  An interesting feature of the outbuilding is the unusual parapet.  During the late 1880’s Geyser’s father, Frederick, used it (according to tradition) for his butchery, and in the 1920’s one Kallie Oosthuizen also had his butchery here.  Still later it became the service station of one Sam Fivaz (1930’s), though at the time still in the hands of Geyser’s beneficiaries. 9. QUEEN STREET – Police Station & Magistrate’s Office The main section of this plot dates from its proclamation in 1892 at which time it became the stand for the “church house” of the wagon-builder, JF Koertzen, who in the 1920’s served as council member.  Before it was demolished to make room for the present building it had become known as the spookhuis (haunted house), belonging to Ferreiras who also had a bakery on the premises.  The present building was erected in 1939 in the Neo-Cape Dutch style and was enlarged in 1986 by an addition on the left.  It had its hay day in 1991 when awarded the Kristo Pienaar prize for best-kept garden of any police station in the country. 10. 7 QUEEN STREET – Port Wine Guest House The drawing depicts the house as altered in the 1880’s (wolve-end gables abolished) and 1930 (Regency balustrade and posts replaced by brick) before it was renovated in 1997.  It’s alignment to the street indicates that the original structure must have existed before the street was built. 11. 4 QUEEN STREET Originally built for JSF Brink, it later, in the early 1900’s, was utilized as an attorney’s office by CC Brink.  At a stage it also served as post-office as well the home of the postmaster, although it remained Brink property.  The style was inspired by the 16th C Italian architect, Palladio, and may be described as Neo-Classical.  Characteristic use is made of rooms on either side of a shaded stoep.  The windows of these rooms came from the now demolished ostrich palace, “The Towers”, in Oudtshoorn.  After 1830 massive mouldings became increasingly popular.  An example is the cornice of this building.  The decorative outer corners (or quoins) are also evidence of a growing exaggeration and rustication.  The fretted balustrade on the stoep is from the house next door (2 Queen street) taking the place of the previous lattice work.  The house has been in the Brink family since it was built. 12. 3 QUEEN STREET This beautiful little late Victorian house was built in 1915 for Hansie Vinson, daughter of JSF Brink.  The use of the so-called “bull nose” verandah, like this one, became general practice from 1900.  Features which distinguish this house as a genuine architectural statement of it’s time, are e.g. the compactness of design, pleasing proportions of the different elements, and the use of appropriate decorations.  Despite it’s relative “modernity” as compared to many other buildings in the area, it can be considered a real treasure. 13. 2 QUEEN STREET Contractor Van der Westhuizen built the original Victorian house for Tom, son of JSF Brink, in 1911.  When it was modified in 1937 to it’s present style, the characteristic asymmetrical positioned gables of the original were retained.  The heavily moulded doors and spacious stoep with it’s abundance of pillars create a feeling of status and luxury, typical features of Edwardian buildings.  It still belongs to the Brink family. 14. 1 QUEEN STREET Originally built as a shop for JSP Brink in the 1880’s by aforementioned Van der Westhuizen though it was also utilized as a police station, “municipal” office in 1917 and as an hospital during the flu epidemic of 1918.  It was only later that it was changed into a residence.  The most striking features of the facade are the parapet and cornice as well as the beautiful Georgian windows on the ground floor.  (The stepped parapet is of the type used on the Cape town houses of the 1830’s).  At one stage the building was fitted with a Regency veranda similar to that of the Art Gallery near the opposite end of the street (see no 4). If by any chance you have additional information about buildings in town, please contact Malan Roux at 4 Church street or c/o.  Tel (044) 213 3790. Revised 2010 Malan Roux

Exploring the Karoo- Calitzdorp (updated) April 1, 2015

Once again I am getting a longing to explore more of the wonderful Karoo- I must have been Khoi in a previous life- so this month I have decided to do a weekender to this small town.

Calitzdorp is quite small with a population of less than 9000 residents of which at least 83% are mixed race. It is known as the fruit basket of Kannaland (Khoi translation is “the valley with no grass”) and is the port capital of South Africa. If it was later in the year, around November, I would have a choice of delectable fruits to have for breakfast but I shall just have to try the bottled and fermented variety for lunch, that this town is famous for, instead. The ostrich industry also makes up a huge part of its economy.

Another reason I want to take a visit to this small town is to stroll down the streets and try and see if I can get a historical walking tour with one of the locals. I want to visit the Tristan da Cunha house, 27 Andries Pretorius street, in particular.

But for now I will wait as I have another 3 weekends until my little road trip. The link for this little town’s tourism webpage can be found here: http://www.calitzdorp.org.za/index.php?p=3

Update 22nd of April 2015

So this weekend we are off to Calitzdorp and my two volunteers are coming with. We have booked two beautiful straw bale cottages on the side of a vineyard called “Strooi Kooi”. Here is the webpage for our weekend accommodation:  http://www.strooikooi.co.za/

For those who love the South African great outdoors… October 28, 2014

25 Of The Best South African Campsites To Pitch Your Tent This Summer

27 October 2014

Our family amp to camp … not that we’re inherently good at it. I remember us setting off with reckless abandon, caravan in tow, for campsites across the length and breadth of South Africa. We had all the enthusiasm in the world, but when it came to setting up, and configuring our campsite in such a way that we’d be comfortable for the next ten odd days, it always seemed to fall apart at the seams (of the tent).

But the outdoors nature that is so intrinsic to average South African families kept us exploring more. Rallying around the “African TV” on a frosty July evening in the Berg, or flipping the Coleman’s to a kitchen table on a warm December at the coast, camping is a core part of our culture. It’s not like we even have to travel far from our comfort zones; the best campsites in South Africa can be found within mere hours of major cities; and swapping the suburbs for sleeping bags will, as always, be a way of life this summer.

Mahai River Campsite, Royal Natal National Park

This big campground is set in one of the Drakensberg’s most beautiful valleys. The Mahai Campsite offers clean ablution and washing up facilities, as well as electric and non-electric campsites. From the Mahai Valley where the campsite is situated you can choose from a range of novice to advanced hikes, as well as fly fishing close to camp. The only thing you’ll ever need to worry about is remembering to zip your tent on the way out so wayward Chacma baboons can’t get in while you’re out hiking.

Mahai Campsite is best suited to families and couples.

Mahai Camp Bookings: Call 033 845 1000 / 1071/75 / 1001 or emailcamping@kznwildlife.com

Find it: Mahai Campsite on Google Maps

Tietiesbaai Beach Camp, West Coast

The amusingly named bay on the west coast is a favourite when it comes to rough and ready camping next to the sea. With its distinct rugged West Coast edge, the campsite at Tietiesbaai provides a diverse range of campgrounds to suit the tastes of every outdoorsman, even if cold showers and no electricity are par for the course. Setup near the ablutions for campsite convenience or choose a spot away from the crowd and nestle among the rocks for private holiday bliss. There are 60 caravanning and tenting sites available (grass and ground); none of them have power points. The possibility of strong South-Easters calls for sturdy tents, and if it gets all too much, the delightful village of Paternoster is just 6km down the road.

Tietiesbaai Campsite is best suited to families.

Tietiesbaai Camping Bookings: Titietiesbaai only accept fax or snail mail bookings. So if you’re up to the task of excavating a fax machine or figuring out how to post a letter you can get them on 022 752 2015 (fax) or mail The Municipal Manager, Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, Private Bag X 12, Vredenburg, 7380.

Find it: Tieitiesbaai on Google Maps

Fiddlers Creek Campsite, Orange River

The banks of the Orange River are as enviable a location as any to setup camp this summer, and Bushwhacked Adventures’ Fiddler Creek Campsite will surely not disappoint you and your friends. Nestled on the banks of the Orange River, Fiddlers Creek Campsite is a certain wilderness escape with some mod cons to enhance the outdoors experience. Each site is equipped with an undercover kitchen, washing up basins with running water, countertops, lights and power (220V) and a built in braai area. There’s a bar, pool table and volley ball court, and the Orange River Rafting excursions available at Bushwhacked, which range from half day to 5 day trips, come highly recommended.

Fiddlers Creek Campsite is best suited to friends.

Fiddlers Creek Bookings: Call 027 761 8953 or email info@bushwhacked.co.za

Find it: Fiddlers Creek Rest Camp on Google Maps

Bruintjieskraal Campsite, Baviaanskloof

The perfect base from which to explore the spectacular Baviaanskloof Wilderness area, Bruintjieskraal Campsite boasts one of the most idyllic settings in which to roll out your tent. It’s located at Grootrivier Poort, the entrance to the area, and spreads out on the shores of the Grootrivier. There are 10 spacious campsites on the riverbanks and another four further afield, each with a flush toilet and separate shower and braai facilities. Hot water is available, but you need to bring fresh drinking water with you. The Bruintjieskraal Campsite is an excellent base for exploring your surroundings from on scenic walks, or swimming, fishing and game viewing.

Bruintjieskraal Campsite is best suited to families and couples.

Bruintjieskraal Campsite Bookings: Call 084 515 0993 or emailinfo@bruintjieskraal.co.za

Find it: Bruintjieskraal on Google Maps

Motswedi Luxury Campsite, Mokala National Park

Heaven for nature lovers and hikers, Mokala National Park offers “glamping” in a beautiful landscape in close proximity to wildlife. The luxurious Motswedi Campsite is home to just six camping spots, all of them are naturally fenced by camel thorn trees. Each campsite features its own ablution facilities complete with a solar powered geyser, kitchen area equipped with a two-plate gas burner, a gas fridge/freezer, outdoor braai and washing up area. There’s even a breakfast nook overlooking a waterhole where animals come to drink, which is just perfect for game viewing. Even with the comfort of the camp, there is no fuel, electricity point or shop here, so come prepared.  And if all else fails, the lodge has its own restaurant if you’re in desperate need of a bite to eat. A knee-high electric game fence keeps large animals at a safe distance.

Motswedi Luxury Campsite is best suited to higher budget campers.

Motswedi Luxury Campsite Bookings:  Call central reservations on 012 428 9111 or 082 233 9111 or email reservations@sanparks.org

Find it: Mokala National Park on Google Maps

Beaverlac Camping, Cederberg

This comfortable, pet-friendly campsite is a great choice for a fun weekend getaway from Cape Town. Cozy up in the foothills of the Olifants River Mountains just 2 hours from the Mother City – Beaverlac offers excellent hiking opportunities and a chance to breathe some fresh air in a picturesque natural setting. It’s a great place to enjoy mountain biking, hiking and exploring the wilds. There are two scenic mountain bike trails, one 14km long and another shorter, 10km trail for beginners. The famous 1-day Leopard hiking trail is well worth a try, with stops at spectacular rock pools and waterfalls en-route. There are also numerous caves to explore, offering great rock art sightings.

You don’t have to walk far to enjoy the area’s stunning rock pools – the closest is a five-minute walk from the camp and there’s another just 20 minutes from your tent. The campsite itself is rustic and peaceful with ablution facilities, some offering hot water, braai areas and a well-stocked shop.

Beaverlac Camping is best suited to friends.

Beaverlac Bookings: Call 022 931 2945 or email info@beaverlac.co.za

Find it: Beaverlac on Google Maps

Buccaneers, Cintsa

A favourite amongst nomadic backpackers and outdoorsmen, Buccaneers is located on the spectacular Wild Coast on the eastern shores of South Africa. The campsite is hemmed in behind the giant sand dunes of Cintsa Beach, bordered by giant guava trees overlooking the lagoon from the west. The campsite at Buccaneers is equipped with one of the most awesome communal kitchen areas I’ve ever seen! Buccaneers also offer chalets, a restaurant and lively bar, swimming pool, canoes and booze cruises. Of course, the beach, renowned for its breathtaking setting, is a big draw card and it’s a stone’s throw away from where you camp. Guests here enjoy a variety of daily activities, most of which are free. In addition, you can learn to surf, take a horse trail, go mountain biking or visit a traditional Xhosa village. Buccaneers, Cintsa is ideal for a fun-filled camping holiday with friends, especially over the New Year period.

Buccaneers is best suited to friends.

Buccaneers Bookings: Call 043 734 3012 or email buccaneers@cintsa.com

Find it: Buccaneers on Google Maps

Tsendze Rustic Campsites, Northern Kruger National Park

Image by Roger & Letitia from There and Back

Located just 7km from Mopani Rest Camp in the famous Kruger National Park, this rustic camp boasts 30 camp sites set out in two circles, each surrounding excellent kitchen and ablution facilities. The facilities are basic; hot water, electricity and lights are provided via solar power and gas. This Tsendze Camp, one of the newest in the Park, has quickly become very popular for its superb setting and excellent bird and game life, including elephant, buffalo, zebra and various antelope. Lions and leopard have also been spotted here.  Campsites offer privacy – another plus – and the feeling of being in the midst of the wilds is what makes Tzendze so special.

Tsendze Rustic Campsites is suitable for anyone looking for camping accommodation in the Kruger Park.

Tsendze Camp Kruger Park Bookings: Call 013 735 6535 / 6

Find it: Tsendze Campsites on Google Maps

Stoney Ridge Campsite, Colenso

If you’re heading for the scenic Natal Midlands, this is the ideal campsite. Stoney Ridge is located amongst 6000 acres of unspoiled natural beauty on a private game farm offering superb game viewing and bird life, as well as 4X4 trails. The campsite is located in shady environs on the banks of the Bloukrans River and offers excellent ablution facilities. It’s popular with four by four enthusiasts, both for off-road training and for the excellent trails in the area. Campers can enjoy the facilities of the restaurant if they wish.

Stoney Ridge Campsite is best suited to families.

Stoney Ridge Bookings: Call 036 354 7012 / 073 697 5108 or emailinfo@stoneyridge.co.za

Find it: Stoney Ridge on Google Maps

Albert Falls, Pietermaritzburg

This family-oriented campsite is located just 24km from Pietermaritzburg in the 3000-hectare Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve. Excellent bass fishing, and watersports on the dam are all part of the magic in this idyllic setting. The campsite offers camping for at least 20 tents and caravans, well-maintained ablution facilities with hot and cold water, electric lights and power points.

Albert Falls Campsite is best suited to families and friends.

Albert Falls Bookings: Call 033 569 1202 or email albert.falls@msinsi.co.za

Find it: Albert Falls Dam on Google Maps

Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Tsitsikamma National Park

If you’re planning to visit one of the most breathtaking regions in South Africa, the Tsitsikamma National Park on the spectacular Garden Route is an ideal choice. Storms River Mouth Rest Camp offers an unbeatable setting stretching 5km towards the seashore in the eastern section of the Park, where dolphins frolic in the waves and the Southern Right Whale makes it presence known. Guests here have access to 80km of dramatic rugged coastline and every facility for a pleasant camping experience. There’s a communal ablution block, Laundromat, kitchen facilities, restaurant and store. But that’s not the reason you’re here. The birdlife is unbeatable and Otter’s and animals native to the region are waiting to be discovered on the shore and in the forest.

Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is best suited to couples, families and friends.

Storms River Mouth Rest Camp Bookings: Call 042 281 1607 or emailgrace.valela@sanparks.org

Find it: Storms River Mouth Camp on Google Maps

Glen Reenen Rest Camp, Golden Gate Highlands National Park

The magnificent Golden Gate National Park is named after the exquisite shades of gold reflected by the sun on its famous sandstone cliffs. Nestled here is the popular Glen Reenen Rest Camp, offering the ideal base from which to explore the Park’s 11 600 hectares where a variety of wild animals roam free and exquisite birds have made their home. The campsite has a coveted spot in the Park, which is located in the breathtaking Maluti Mountains in the Northern Free State just 22km from Clarens. Its landmark is the famous Brandwag Overhang, a golden rock that stands sentry at the entrance.

Found in the trees on the banks of a stream, the campsite offers full ablution and braai facilities as well as power points at some of the sites. Hiking and mountain biking are common activities, but the exquisite setting is reason enough to come here and relax.

Glen Reenen Rest Camp is best suited to families and couples.

Glen Reenen Campsite Bookings: Call 058 255 0909 / 058 255 1000 or emailgoldengate@sanparks.org

Find it: Glen Reenen Camp on Google Maps

Mac Nicol’s Caravan Park, Bazley Beach

From the moment you arrive at Mac Nicol’s on the South Coast of KZN everything is taken care of for you – surely this is how most camping trips should start? The staff helps you erect your tent while you enjoy a cup of tea and the sea air – relaxation is a natural progression of events. Located less than 100km from Durban on the magnificent KwaZulu-Natal coastline just 90m from beautiful Bazley Beach and the Ifafa Lagoon, the campsite offers every facility for the perfect holiday… spotless ablutions, laundry stations, entertainment, communal braais and lots of facilities for the kids. The chalets have a four star rating, but you can enjoy all the benefits even if you’re camping here.

Mac Nicol’s Caravan Park is best suited to families.

Mac Nicol’s Caravan Park Bookings: Call 039 977 8863 or emailmacnicol@scottburgh.co.za

Find it: Mac Nicol’s Caravan Park on Google Maps

Soetwater Resort & Medusa Caravan Park, Kommetjie

This stunning little coastal resort between Kommetjie and Scarborough in the Cape is a very popular weekend retreat. With a rocky coastline offering a few sandy bays and two artificial tide pools, swimming is popular here and watching fishermen and crayfish divers return with their catch is another regular pastime. You can also take a walk to the top of Slangkop to see an abandoned radar station from the Second World War, visit the quaint fishing towns of Kalk Bay and Simonstown, or explore famous Cape Point. The resort itself is located in the southern part of the Cape Peninsula on Lighthouse Road, an undeveloped coastal terrace that is preserved for its biodiversity. There are a choice of campsites here including those with, and those without electricity.

Soetwater Resort & Medusa Caravan Park is best suited to families.

Medusa Caravan Park Bookings: Call 021 783 4146 or emailresort.bookings@capetown.gov.za

Find it: Medusa Caravan Park on Google Maps

Secret Falls, Tulbagh

Nestling in the foothills of the Groot Winterhoek Mountains amongst 150 hectares of spectacular countryside, this little campsite is only accessible via four by four vehicles. Located just 100km from Cape Town, Secret Falls offers room for just seven tents, but the site also offers a private swimming pool. This spectacular area is home to some excellent hiking trails and mountain biking is also popular here. This is camping in unmatched scenery for those who love the great outdoors and are happy to rough it.

Secret Falls Campsite is best suited to couples.

Secret Falls Tulbagh Bookings: Call 082 393 4704 or email marcnadia@mweb.co.za

Find it: Secret Falls Tulbagh on Google Maps

Cobham Campsite, Southern Drakensberg

Image by Péter Béla Molnár from flickr.com

Camping in the Southern Drakensberg doesn’t get much better than this! Cobham Campsite is located 11km from Himeville Village in the southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, about 150km from Pietermaritzburg. The campsite is rustic and sites aren’t designated, so you can pick your own spot. There are various braai areas and the ablution blocks do offer hot water. The location is quite beautiful and offers great hiking, bird watching, fly fishing and swimming.

Cobham Campsite is best suited to families and couples.

Cobham Campsite Bookings: Call 033 702 0831

Find it: Cobham Campsite on Google Maps (approximate location)

22 Waterfalls, Porterville

Set at the foot of the Olifants River Mountains 4km from Porterville in the Cederberg, the 22 Waterfalls Campsite offers an opportunity to get up close to game and birdlife. Named after the famous hiking trail which covers 22 Waterfalls along the way, the campsite here offers a rustic bush setting and a choice of sites with or without electricity. Campers can go game viewing in the nearby Cederberg Leopard Conservation area; enjoy superb bass fishing and mountain bike trails. There’s even an animal farm for the kids. The area is famous for its rock paintings in various caves and there’s a beautiful pool and waterfall close by.

22 Waterfalls Campsite is best suited to families.

22 Waterfalls Bookings: Call 022 931 2339 / 082 878 1358

Find it: 22 Waterfalls on Google Maps

Cape Vidal, KZN

Camping in the exceptional wetland beauty of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park is a unique experience, and this little campsite, which offers just 8 sites, is the ideal location from which to experience the magic and beauty of the surroundings. Go snorkeling, swimming, fishing or bird watching, laze on the beach or enjoy whale and bird watching. This exquisite coastal retreat is located in a sheltered bay offering pristine beaches and your choice of adventure along hiking trails exploring the fascinating wetland area. View hippo, crocodile, elephants and buffalo, loggerhead and leatherback turtles, playful dolphins and elusive whales. The Cape Vidal campsite offers shady spots, ablution facilities and electricity plug points. It is located 37km from St Lucia.

Cape Vidal is best suited to families and friends.

Cape Vidal Bookings: Call 033 845 1000 / 1071/75 / 1001

Find it: Cape Vidal on Google Maps

Gariep Dam

The perfect stop over point halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg is Gariep, just off the main highway 200km from Bloemfontein. Camping here is at Gariep Dam, the largest dam in the country. The dam borders a huge nature reserve of the same name where many buck species and zebra roam free. Whether you’re using this location as a stopover, or are planning to spend some time here, there’s plenty to do, including various watersports, fishing, sunset cruises and excellent game viewing by boat. The campsite offers 122 sites in all, 16 of which have their own ablution blocks. Other facilities include braai areas or you can enjoy the restaurant located here, as the resort also offers chalet and caravan accommodation.

Gariep Dam Campsite is best suited to families and friends.

Gariep Dam Camping Bookings: Call 012 423 5600

Find it: Gariep Dam on Google Maps

Vic Bay Campsite, Garden Route

Victoria Bay is an immaculate alcove located between George and Wilderness on the spectacular Garden Route. The tiny inlet, squeezed between high cliffs, offers beautiful sea views from the elevated grassy Vic Bay Campsite. Surfers love it here as do fishermen. The beach offers safe swimming and an excellent restaurant. There are 36 campsites, many of which have individual ablutions and all with tap water. The campsite also offers electricity.

Vic Bay Campsite is best suited to families, friends and couples.

Vic Bay Campsite Bookings: Call 044 889 0081 / 073 800 7096

Find it: Vic Bay Campsite on Google Maps

Warm Baths Camping, Gauteng

A total of 300 camping sites (15 luxury + 285 caravan sites) means Forever Warm Baths is well-equipped to handle the crowds that flock to this very popular location in the peak season. Guests are guaranteed a comfortable camping experience with every facility available to camp at ease. Warm Baths is a major tourist attraction, because of the mineral baths, and this luxury campsite makes visiting this region of Limpopo a pleasure. With excellent ablution facilities, the resort, which is very popular with families, is located close to Johannesburg and offers an exciting bush atmosphere. Over weekends and school holidays you have to stay for a minimum of two nights.

Warm Baths Campsite is best suited to families and friends.

Warm Baths Camping Bookings: Call 012 423 5600

Find it: Warm Baths Camping on Google Maps

Augrabies Falls Rest Camp

If you want to camp inside the remote Augrabies Falls National Park, this is the only place available. No matter – it’s an excellent campsite that has found its rightful place amongst the regions iconic Quiver trees. It’s spacious and well-organised, and the ideal base from which to explore the Augrabies Falls National Park at leisure. There’s a restaurant here, a choice of three swimming pools, a central area with a fully stocked shop and a petrol station. A highlight of a visit here is the breathtaking views offered from viewpoints along wooden walkways in front of the camp. The 56-metre Augrabies Falls is quite impressive too, especially when the Orange River is in flood. The walking trails in the area are another big draw card.

Augrabies Falls Rest Camp is best suited to families and couples.

Augrabies Fall Rest Camp Bookings: Call 054 452 9205 / 9200 or emailreservations@sanparks.org

Find it: Augrabies Fall Camp on Google Maps

Spekboom Tented Rest Camp, Addo Elephant National Park

Image by Michael McCrae

Located in one of South Africa’s most famous national parks, Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth, Spekboom Camp offers some glam camping in the bush. Tents are already set up so there’s no need to bring your own. In fact, they are more like cabins than tents; you’ll enjoy real beds on wooden floors, towels and cookware to make your stay more comfortable. In addition, the camp has its own watering hole, so you will see elephants, buffalo and warthogs up close when they come to drink. The camp is located in a fenced area inside the Spekboom Hide in the main game area of the park, around 27km from Matyholweni Gate and Camp, and 12km from Addo Rest Camp.

This tiny camp comprises just five fixed tents on decks with two beds, two chairs, a table, braai unit and solar-powered light per tent. Ablution facilities including communal showers, and toilets are within walking distance of the tents. Although there is a curfew at the camp and you cannot go on night game drives, you will still see various nocturnal animals come to drink at the camp’s waterhole and the stars are so clear in the sky they look as if you can reach out and touch them.

You can bring your own linen and cooking equipment with you, or hire cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and bedding. Guests are provided with dishwashing liquid and a cloth but must bring their own firewood and torches.

Spekboom Campsite is best suited to couples.

Spekboom Tented Rest Camp Bookings: Call 042 233 8600 or emailaddoenquiries@sanparks.org

Find it: Spekboom Tented Camp on Google Maps (approximate location)

Berg River Resort, Paarl

Camping in the famous Winelands is not only scenic, it’s also loads of fun for the whole family. Berg River Resort is located in the midst of this spectacular area in the Paarl Valley, just 60km from Cape Town, between Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including a campsite, and various facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, children’s pool and waterslide as well as the river itself, where guests can enjoy swimming and canoeing.

The campsite offers 150 stands with grass for tents or caravans, most of which also have electrical outlets.  There’s a café for daily essentials, a play area where kids can enjoy ball games, an animal farmyard with goats and donkeys and free trampoline and tractor rides for the kids. The area is a joy to explore, with a number of museums, art galleries, restaurants and wine farms nearby as well as the Drakenstein Lion Park, Bien Donne Herb Farm and the Paarl Bird Sanctuary nearby.

Berg River Resort is best suited to families.

Berg River Resort Bookings: Call 021 863 1650 / 52 or email info@bergriverresort.co.za

Find it: Berg River Resort on Google Maps

Pitjane Fishing Camp, Borakalalo National Park

Located on the northern shores of the Klipvoor Dam in the Borakalalo National Park, this excellent campsite is shaded with Acacia trees and offers traditional reed-walled ablutions with flush toilets, showers and hot and cold water. Although it’s mainly used by avid fishermen, the rustic campsite is an ideal spot from which to explore the spectacular eco game and nature reserve. There are 20 campsites scattered throughout the grounds, each with its own braai area and running water. Visitors enjoy relaxing in the spectacular surrounds, fishing, birding, going on picnics and guided walks.

Pitjane Fishing Camp Bookings: Call 012 729 4101 / 2 or emailborakalalo@mtnloaded.co.za

Find it: Pitjane Fishing Camp on Google Maps

http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/25-best-south-african-campsites-pitch-tent-summer/?utm_source=SocialMedia&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=Facebook_TSZA_SACampingPage27Oct14

A taste of South Africa October 21, 2014

South Africa’s Rainbow Nation status goes way beyond our vast culture and heritage; it also applies to a succulent range of food and beverages that South Africans cannot get enough of and tourists have to try.

Pap, a South African staple, surrounded by chakalaka and corn on the cob. Image courtesy of yosoynuts

South African food is interesting and a bit strange to visitors, but trying some of these dishes should be part of your adventure. In honour of Heritage Month, I have put together this list of classic local dishes, and places where you can find them.

Ulusu/malamohodu (tripe)

Tripe is a Xhosa and Tswana delicacy made from sheep, goat or cow stomach and intestines. These are washed thoroughly and cooked in salt water until soft and tender.

A few years ago, the charm in cooking tripe was to keep the process as simple as possible, so no spices or vegetables were ever added to the dish. These days, however, it is usually served slightly spiced with pieces of vegetables added to it. Tripe is best enjoyed with steamed bread,pap (maize porridge), or samp and beans.

Where to try it: Marco’s African Place,15 Rose Lane, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town. Business hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and public holidays, 3pm till late; Thursday and Friday, 12pm till late. Closed on Christmas and Boxing Day

Lightly curried tripe. Image courtesy of Alpha

Pap

Pap is a very popular dish in South Africa. Made from ground maize, it is cooked in different ways and accompanied by side dishes such as boerewors (South African farmers’ sausage), stew or tripe.

Where to try it: Max’s Lifestyle, Mbe Road, Umlazi, Durban. Business hours: Monday to Thursday, 7am till 8pm; Friday to Sunday, 7am till 1am

Potjiekos

There is just something delicious about meat cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot. Potjiekosconsists of meat and/or vegetables, slow-cooked in wine and stock until the meat is juicy and tender. Bread is sometimes used to mop up the juices.

Where to try it: Magic Moments, Jan van Riebeeck Ave, Oudtshoorn. Business hours: call + 27 (0)76 501 8685

Delicious potjiekos meal. Image courtesy of NevilleNel

Homemade ginger beer

Homemade ginger beer is a refreshing beverage made of a fusion of hot water, ground ginger, pineapple pieces, sugar, raisins and yeast. The ginger flavour teases your taste buds and satisfies your thirst.

Where to try it: Tam’JaZi Country Farm Stall, Fairlands Farm, Alexandria, Eastern Cape. Business hours: call + 27 (0)46 653 0914

Chakalaka

Chakalaka is an all-South African dish made from onions, tomatoes, peppers and a lot of different spices. This dish has become a tradition in most South African homes and a must-have at any braai. Chakalaka can be enjoyed as a side dish with meat, boerewors, pap or bread.

Where to try it: Mzoli’s Place, Shop 3, NY 115, Gugulethu, Cape Town. Business hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm till late

Mopane worms

This unusual Tswana delicacy makes for a filling and undeniably tasty meal. Mopane worms are picked, squeezed, cleaned and cooked in delicious sauces. They are also simply pan-fried until crisp.

Where to try it: Iyavaya restaurant, 42 Hunter Street, Yeoville, Johannesburg. Business hours: call + 27 (0)11 648 3500

Dried mopane worms. Image courtesy of NH53

Umqombothi

This is probably the most popular homemade traditional beer among South Africans.Umqombothi takes time and a certain set of skills to brew, made from a mixture of water, maize, yeast and sorghum. Umqombothi makes for a refreshing drink for beer lovers.

Where to try it: Edible Gold Restaurant, 15 Bennett Street, Green Point, Cape Town. Business hours: call + 27 (0)21 421 46453

http://www.southafrica.net/blog/en/posts/entry/a-taste-of-south-africa

The best blog post EVER for those who want to explore South Africa October 15, 2014

101 Of The Best Destinations In South Africa

South Africans have a lot to be proud of. We are rated third in the world in supplying safe, drinkable tap water, and despite Eskom’s bad reputation, we enjoy some of the cheapest electricity in the world. More than these basic human necessities, our colourful nation draws visitors from near and far for its natural beauty, world cities, people and unique wildlife. The diversity South Africa offers is unparalleled to many other countries – you can be reclining on a beach in Cape Town in the morning and by the afternoon you could be jostling from side to side on a game viewing vehicle in the Kruger National Park.

In April, Stats SA noted a record number of visitors to our shores with nearly one million tourists visiting South Africa in December 2013 alone. Cape Town continues to capture the imagination of the global community with the city continuing to receive many accolades throughout 2014.

Each of the destinations you see below is numbered; however, don’t take this as a ranking or rating. There’s no bias here; this is simply 101 of the best destinations in South Africa.

101. Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg

Image by Pascal Parent from: flickr.com

Located in the eastern part of Johannesburg’s former CBD, this brand new artsy area is one of several being created to uplift the industrialized city centre. The Maboneng Precinct is full of modern loft apartments, stunning shops, restaurants and entertainment areas, as well as offices, a hotel and a museum. Maboneng means “Place of Light” in Sotho, and it has become just that, a creative hub for artists and designers that includes a cultural entertainment centre called Arts on Main, where residents and visitors come to eat, play and shop. Its home to numerous art galleries, advertising agencies, shops and private studios, including one belonging to world-famous local artist William Kentridge. The newer development, Main Street Life, is houses the 12 Decades Johannesburg Art Hotel, featuring individually designed rooms, as well as an independent cinema, shops, apartments and a rooftop events venue.

Visit the Maboneng Precinct on facebook

100. Whale Watching, Hermanus

The Cape as a whole offers unparalleled opportunities for whale watching, but Hermanus is largely recognised as the official home of this recreation. It hosts the annual whale festival, and is coasted by the Whale Coast on either side.

Visit Southern Right Charters on facebook

99. Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn

As popular as the ostriches are in nearby Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves is a 20-million year-old system of caves that cut deep into the limestone. Located just 30km from Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo, the caves are considered one of the world’s great Natural Wonders. These vast hidden chambers make up Africa’s largest cave system and were inhabited all the way back in the Stone Age. They have been a popular South African tourist attraction since they were discovered in the 1800s as they boast some of the largest stalagmite formations in the world. Not all of the caverns are open to the public but those that are offer an amazing subterranean adventure through chambers and tunnels. One of the highlights of a visit to the Cango Caves is Cleopatra’s Needle, a 9m-high formation that is believed to be more than 150 000 years old!

Visit the Cango Caves on facebook

98. Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Image by Jonathan Gill from: flickr.com

Named for the glittering golden shades of its sandstone cliffs, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located about 120km from Bloemfontein in the Northern Free State. Nestled in the Maluti Mountains, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebra, wildebeest and species of buck, and some extremely rare birds such as the bald ibis and the bearded vulture. Activities abound, and visitors enjoy nature trails, game viewing, horse riding, swimming, and environmental education courses here.

97. Oyster Box Hotel

A favourite among visiting Royals, the high-brow surroundings of Umhlanga’s long-standing Oyster Box Hotel has been the envy of us mere mortals for decades. Despite the hotel’s plush surroundings and impeccable old school service, many guests agree that the one feature that keeps them coming back is the hotel catSkabenga.

Visit the Oyster Box Hotel on facebook

96. Ronnie’s Sex Shop

Image by Tours and Tales from: flickr.com

South Africa’s famous Klein Karoo sex shop is anything but; Ronnie’s Sex Shop is actually a popular pub and a regular stopover for locals, as well as bikers and visitors to the area. Located on Route 62, the shop which is named after its owner, began as a farm stall selling fresh produce to passersby. However, Ronnie complained of business being slow, so, in a booze fuelled prank, Ronnie’s friends amended the painted “Ronnie’s Shop” sign to Ronnie’s Sex Shop. Suddenly business was booming, and the rest, as they say, is history. The pub is one of the most popular in the Karoo and tourists from near and far stop to photograph themselves next to the sign after enjoying a pint or two.

Visit Ronnie’s Sex Shop on facebook

95. KZN Midlands Meander

KZN’s most recognizable meander offers various routes of discovery throughout the scenic Natal Midlands. Located just an hour’s drive from Durban, the Midlands Meander is an 80km stretch of thriving arts and crafts communities, and more than 160 places to eat, sleep, shop and be entertained. You’ll come into contact with all sorts of craftsmen, from those growing herbs or producing cheese and craft beer to weavers, potters, artists, leather workers, wood carvers and much more. Nearby Midmar Dam is a haven for water sports enthusiasts where sailing, boating, canoeing and windsurfing are particularly popular.

Visit the Midlands Meander on facebook

94. Cape Agulhas

Situated at the southernmost tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, Cape Agulhas, with its signature red and white lighthouse, is a place of mystery and adventure. The legendary “Cape of Storms” with its treacherous coastline was the catalyst for many ships’ undoing. At the Agulhas National Park you can see archeological wonders, including the well-reserved shell middens, as well as fish-traps used by the Khoi people. You might even be lucky enough to spot the Southern Right Whale on this remote stretch of South Africa’s coast.

93. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

This is the first formal trans-border conservation area in Africa, launched in 2000 on the border between South Africa and Botswana. Located around 250km from Upington in the Northern Cape and 904km from Johannesburg, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is the result of joining the Kalahari Gemsbok Park in South Africa with the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. Today, the park has a combined protected area of 38 000 square kilometres. Of that area, 28 400km are situated in Botswana and 9600km in South Africa. It covers the southern Kalahari Desert, an arid, desolate environment uninhabited by humans, and offers superb rare and endangered species game viewing opportunities from a number of game lodges.

Join the SANParks – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park group on facebook

92. Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay

Image by Rian Saunders from: flickr.com

Located 65km from Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the five top surfing destinations on earth, and the primary reason for this is what is largely considered one of the most predictable and perfect right hand point breaks in the world inSupertubes. This high speed wave reaches anything from 1.2 to 3 metres in height and varies in length from 150m to 300m. The best waves occur in winter between May and mid-September.

91. Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Image by Andrew Ashton from: flickr.com

This modern stadium is well-known for hosting international sports and music concerts, but these days it’s become a popular tourist attraction in South Africa for other reasons. Now visitors can take a trip on the SkyCar to the top of the stadium’s arch, or enjoy a 500-step adventure walk to the arch for an unbeatable panoramic view of the city and the sea. The more adventurous can even take the Big Rush Big Swing, the only stadium swing in the world, which plunges off the 106m arch, and those who enjoy less active pursuits can explore the stadium on a tour, go shopping or enjoy a meal or a snack at one of the restaurants on the property.

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90. Sutherland

Image by Michael Morris from: trekkingtripod.com

It’s South Africa’s coldest town, however, many gloss over the fact that it’s also one of the clearest and darkest towns in the world thanks to its remote location and altitude. Obviously this makes it a sought after spot for stargazing, and it helps that the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere is located nearby.

89. Union Buildings, Pretoria

Located in Tshwane, the Union Buildings are the official seat of South Africa’s national government. This semi-circular structure was designed by the famous architect Sir Herbert Baker and comprises three separate sections, an amphitheater with official offices on either side. Surrounded by lush gardens, the structure is considered an architectural masterpiece. Aside from its architectural significance, the Union Buildings are also considered a symbol of South Africa’s transition to democracy. This is where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first President of a free South Africa, and long before that, it was the site of a women’s protest against the country’s strict Apartheid pass laws on what is now a public holiday called Women’s Day.

88. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Cape Town

A must-do activity on a trip to Cape Town is a journey to the top of the Mother City’s most iconic natural landmark – Table Mountain. Seeing the city and sea spread below you from 1085m above is a gasp-worthy sight like no other. Reaching the flat-topped summit is easy with the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway; the modern cableway accommodates 65 passengers in each of its 2 cars, and the interior floor rotates 360 degrees on its 5-10 minute ascent and descent. Travelling upwards and downwards at around 10m per second, cable car riders enjoy an unmatched view of the beautiful Mother City, and from the top, the panorama is legendary. Table Mountain is also a nature reserve, home to a variety of indigenous animals and plants, with various paths to explore.

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87. Sun City

Just an hour and a half outside Johannesburg one finds the famous entertainment complex, Sun City, home to various hotels, a world class golf course and a seemingly never-ending variety of world class entertainment options. Locals and tourists flock here to enjoy the famous waterpark, the Valley of the Waves with its simulated beach and manmade waves, gamble at the Casino, enjoy Vegas style entertainment at the Sun City Superbowl and go game viewing to see elephants, rhino, lions and antelope in the nearby Pilanesberg National Park. The lavish Palace of the Lost City is a major draw card; this five star hotel offers every facility for a romantic African holiday, and there are various other accommodation offerings including the 4-star Sun City Hotel and the 3-star Cabanas. Alternatively, there are game lodges and camping establishments nearby, or one can visit Sun City for the day.

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86. Riebeek Kasteel

Image by Werner Bayer from: flickr.com

Nestled in the beautiful Riebeek Valley, this is one of South Africa’s oldest towns teeming with restaurants, coffee shops, creativity, and wine and olive culture. Stumble on bric-a-brac shops; spend time sorting through reams of treasures, then grab fresh coffee and a croissant at one of the homey bakeries in town. It’s only 80km from Cape Town (about 1 hours’ drive) so it’s easily accessible … you’ll only wish you’d discovered it earlier! Leave Cape Town on the N1, peel on to the N7 near Canal Walk, turn off at Malmesbury and take the R46; Riebeek Kasteel is about 20 minutes further down the road.

85. Hole in the Wall

Image by alcuin lai from: flickr.com

The Hole in the Wall is a rocky archway on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast that was created millions of years ago by the relentless action of the waves crashing against the sandstone. The little holiday village of the same name overlooks this surreal rocky phenomenon that is located at the mouth of the Mpako River in Coffee Bay. Of course, Hole in the Wall has many legends attached to it, including a charming Xhosa tale about a young woman who fell in love with a mythical “sea person”; the hole formed in the rock face so the sea person could reach the woman.

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84. God’s Window

You know it’s going to be a holy sight if it’s called “God’s Window”, and the views from various points here are quite extraordinary. On a clear day, you can literally see all the way to the Kruger Park and South Africa’s border with Mozambique. Close by, the sheerness of the cliffs as they plunge 700m downwards into the gorge below, the lush ravine, canyons and waterfalls are nothing short of spectacular. This dramatic setting forms part of the Lowveld’s 250km-long Panorama Route, which includes Lydenberg, White River, Sabie, Graskop, Hazyview and Hoedspruit. It’s also where you will find some of the country’s best game lodges, all offering a variety of activities, including superb game viewing, walking trails, horse riding and more.

83. Clarens, Free State

Nestling at the foot of the Maluti Mountains is the tranquil Free State village of Clarens, an artistic community rich with galleries and the creativity that has become synonymous with small town South Africa. Its close proximity to Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein (300km from each of these cities) makes Clarens a favourite weekend destination for urbanites. The area is scenically beautiful, and is a popular stopover for those en route to view wildlife in nearby Golden Gate National Park. There are also a number of prehistoric rock paintings in the area, as well as a Basotho Cultural Village, and excellent opportunities for fly fishing, hiking and abseiling.

82. Huey Helicopter Combat Missions, Cape Town

Image by Christopher Griner from: flickr.com

Where men become boys again. Reenact airborne Vietnam missions as you hug the Cape coast on a real Huey helicopter in combat mode. If the deep ‘whopping’ hum of the blades overhead isn’t enough to get your heart racing then the aerial perspectives of Cape Town certainly will be. At R2700 per person for a 30 minute Combat Mission these aerial jaunts don’t come cheap, but if you’re looking to live out your army aspirations in real life then it doesn’t get much better than this!

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81. Victoria Street Market, Durban

Image by jit bag from: flickr.com

This flea market is completely unique, a heady mix of Oriental spices and African magic. First opened in the 1980s to replace the original turn-of-the century market that was destroyed in a fire, the Vic, as the market is called locally, offers more than 170 stalls selling an eclectic combination of products indigenous to both India and South Africa. Visitors and locals flock here to purchase all sorts of treasures, from saris and spices to incense, African herbs, fresh produce and seafood, crafts and jewellery.

80. Tiffindell

Tiffindell Ski Resort is South Africa’s only ski and snowboarding resort. Located in the Eastern Cape, the resort is 2720m above sea level, and offers winter skiing each year by way of natural and man-made snow!  And those who don’t want to make awkward, pizza shaped movements on skis can come and enjoy a unique African snow experience, making snowmen, throwing snow balls or tobogganing.

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79. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Only 2 hours from Cape Town and 30 minutes from Hermanus en route to the Garden Route, Grootbos showcases the remarkable flora and marine life found near the southern most parts of Africa. The 5-Star luxury accommodation here complements the spectacular forest views and whale watching to be had in Walker Bay.

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78. Wave House, Durban

When the waves behind Durban’s piers are six foot plus and grinding, or when they’re one foot and sloppy, you can guarantee the Wave House at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga will be offering up ride after ride of pseudo surf perfection. The D-Rex (pictured) is the main event, and at 10-feet high it’s the largest manmade wave in the world and the ideal cross-trainer for surfers, snowboarders, skaters and wake boarders. The Wave House also features a 4000-square-metre skate park, as well as frequent concerts and events. There’s also a climbing rock, which, at 22.5 metres, is the highest in the world.

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77. Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris

An hour-long hot air balloon ride in the magnificent Magalies River Valley is one of the most unforgettable experiences, something that Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has been offering visitors for the past 33 years. From your unique vantage point above the treetops, glide above the magnificent Cradle of Humankind and Magaliesberg Mountain range. On landing, you will enjoy an excellent breakfast in the clubhouse. There is an excellent range of accommodation nearby, although Bill Harrop’s headquarters, at Skeerpoort Country Base, is just 45 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg.

Visit Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris on facebook

76. Kalk Bay

The picturesque fishing enclave on the ‘other side’ of the Peninsula is a longtime favourite for its coffee shops, antique shops, steep cobbled streets and the laidback vibe that floods the place to its core. For fine dining in Kalk Bay check out Polana; for something more fitting of the chilled ambience swig a few at the Brass Bell where you’re practically in the surf, or suss out Kalky’s for fish fresh off the boats which rock just a few feet away from the tables.

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75. Safari Ostrich Show Farm, Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is ostrich country, and a stop at the Safari Ostrich Show Farm 6km from town is highly recommended. The farm, which has been operating since 1956, offers insights into how these large birds are bred. Watch a unique ostrich race with colourfully dressed jockeys racing the birds up to 70km per hour. Here you can also ride an ostrich, take photographs of nests and eggs and feed the tame birds as well as cuddle their baby chicks. The store stocks numerous ostrich products, including leather handbags, eggs and feather boas.

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74. The Big Hole, Kimberley

It’s not the biggest hole in the city, but the 500m-wide Big Hole in Kimberley is its main attraction. This is where diamonds were first found on top of a flat-topped hill in 1871. Of course, the gaping hole that measures 215m deep was created through mining, which became a big industry for the city, with more than 13.6 million carats of diamonds being found by De Beers Diamond Mines in 1914. To see the famous Big Hole you need to visit Kimberley Mine Museum, which offers an excellent insight into the city’s sparkling history. View the Big Hole from a platform suspended above it, which was formed as diggers used their picks and shovels to find treasure during the diamond rush. The Underground Mine Experience offers a view of what a mine shaft looked like in the 19^th Century, while the short film overviews the history of Kimberley’s diamonds. See various items on display and explore meticulously preserved old buildings, including a Church and a tavern.

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73. Vredefort Dome

The largest meteorite impact site on earth is located in the Free State at Vredefort. It’s estimated to have been around 300km wide and is also the oldest impact crater in the world, so it comes as no surprise that this is another of South Africa’s World Heritage Sites. The crater was formed when a meteorite fell to Earth more than 4 billion years ago hitting our planet near Vredefort. This small, idyllic farming town located only 120km from Johannesburg is home to just 3000 residents. The area is a popular destination for horse riding, mountain biking, river rafting, archery and walking.

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72. Robben Island

The infamous island prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years is a World Heritage Site. Located just 5.5km off the shores of Cape Town, the trip to Robben Island starts at the V&A Waterfront at the Nelson Mandela Gateway. The Robben Island Ferries depart on the hour, and each tour takes approximately three and a half hours. Previous political prisoners lead you around the island and offer a personal account into the 400-year history of Robben Island and its daily life. Visitors stop off at Mandela’s former cell, and explore the lime quarry where he and his fellow inmates were tasked with grueling hard labour.

71. The Three Rondavels

Image by Chris Eason from: flickr.com

These three giant mountain peaks that resemble traditional African huts are a sight to behold, and also the viewpoint for a dramatic panorama of the Blyde River Canyon below. Located at the start of the Canyon, the rondavels, which used to be called the Three Sisters, are just one of the exquisite highlights of a visit to Mpumalanga’s renowned Panorama Route. Towering 700m above the impressive valley, these three rocks offer a view over the Canyon all the way to the distant Drakensberg Mountains.

70. Howick Falls

Image by Greg Horne from: pixmag.ning.com

Located 24km from Pietermaritzburg en route to Durban within the lush, rolling KwaZulu-Natal Midlands you’ll find Howick Falls. The name means “The Place of the Tall One” in Zulu because of the great height (95m) from which the water travels to reach the Umgeni River below. Legend has it that the Falls are home to a mythical snake-like creature, but that’s not the only reason people come here. The scenic beauty from the top of the Falls is mesmerising, and there are numerous walking trails to enjoy. A walk from the top to the bottom of the Falls takes about an hour.

69. Hartbeespoort Dam

Nestled within the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains just 45 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria is Hartbeespoort Dam – a welcome respite from busy city life for locals and visitors alike. The dam, which covers 1620 hectares, is a popular resort destination and offers a variety of outdoor and watersport activities. Aside from sailing, jet skiing, para-sailing and waterskiing, there are also scenic walks to enjoy, more challenging hikes, an aerial cableway and excellent bird watching, as well as sunset cruises. There’s also a wide selection of restaurants and accommodation on offer making it ideal for day trips and weekend breakaways.

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68. Big Pineapple, Bathurst

Image by Randy OHC from: flickr.com

Pineapple country around Bathurst has its very own landmark, the largest pineapple on earth. Located just outside the town on Summerhill Farm in the Eastern Cape, this 16.7m tall structure celebrates one of the region’s biggest natural exports – the pineapple, the only fruit to grow in the area, first planted here in 1865. The giant pineapple is actually a building, home to a souvenir store, a 60-seat auditorium, some fascinating displays and an observation deck.

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67. Rovos Rail

Largely considered the most luxurious passenger train in the world, the old world Rovos Rail carries passengers from Pretoria to Cape Town through the arid Karoo in sumptuous 1920s-style locomotive accommodation. There are also longer journeys available from Cape Town all the way to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The observation car at the back of the train offers unsurpassed views as the train clacks along. Carrying a maximum of 72 passengers in their 36 luxury wood-paneled suites, the trains are hauled by steam, electricity or diesel at various stages along the route. Established in 1989, this famous train company offers a superior level of service including fine dining, much like the famous Orient Express that travels through Europe. With room service available 24 hours a day and every luxury on tap, passengers enjoy an unforgettable adventure on board.

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66. Bay Harbour Market, Hout Bay

Beautiful Hout Bay, located just outside Cape Town, is home to a colourful weekend market, called Bay Harbour Market. Formed as an initiative and social upliftment project for the local community, the market is located in an old fish factory on the harbour front. It houses more than 100 stalls offering a variety of wares, from art, souvenirs and gifts to food and fashion. Live music enriches the Bay Harbour Market experience.

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65. Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve

Image by James Black

Matroosberg offers a variety of fun activities for the whole family, and is a popular weekend/day getaway during the winter and summer months. Offroaders will love the scenic 4×4 route that leads 2240 metres up Matroosberg Peak and offers magnificent views and rock formations, or another that travels along the river bed. Less nerve-wracking pursuits include farm tours (the reserve is located on the farm Erfdeel), bird watching, quad biking, snow boarding, fishing, abseiling, hiking and horse riding. In winter, you can even ski here on the private ski slope.

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64. Valley of Desolation, Graaff-Reinet

Image by David Siu from: flickr.com

The eerily named Valley of Desolation offers a variety of viewpoints and trails where the highlight is a sheer cliff face. Located amongst barren Karoo landscape in the Camdeboo National Park just 14km from the town of Graaff-Reinet, the Valley of Desolation is a series of vertical dolerite cliffs and columns that hang 12 metres above the valley below. This unusual sight took more than 100 million years to form and stands majestic and proud amongst scenic vegetation where more than 220 species of birds and 43 animal species roam free. There’s a circular hiking trail offering spectacular views of Graaff-Reinet and the Valley itself.

63. uShaka Marine World, Durban

Located on Addington Beach at the southern end of Durban’s Golden Mile, this marine themed entertainment complex is the largest aquatic theme park in Africa. It offers all sorts of amusement, including a vast aquarium with indoor and outdoor displays, a range of restaurants and shops, and a variety of activities for families. A highlight here is Wet ‘n Wild, a fresh water wonderland with river rides, swimming pools, and super tubes aplenty.

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62. Constitution Hill, Johannesburg

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Today, Constitution Hill is the seat of South Africa’s Constitutional Court, a symbol of freedom, but in days past, it housed the famous Old Fort Prison, which was built in the late 19^th Century and symbolized exactly the opposite. Located in Braamfontein, close to the city’s university, the Old Fort was once a high security prison for Anglo Boer war prisoners. Later, Number Four, a prison for non-whites, and a women’s prison were added and The Old Fort became a politically-based prison where striking mineworkers and political dissidents were jailed. Both former President Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi served time there. Today Constitutional Hill is a symbol of freedom, and the court’s aim is to uphold human dignity and human rights.

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61. Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town

More than a century old and still one of the most popular locations to visit in Cape Town, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a scenic natural paradise which is famous the world over for its natural beauty. As part of the garden’s centenary, a magnificent 130m-long treetop canopy boardwalk was installed in May 2014, weaving between the branches of the Garden’s famous Arboretum. Nicknamed the “Boomslang”, the walkway offers a unique vantage point up to 12m above the ground from which visitors savour the spectacular scenery in this magnificent 36-hectare Botanical Gardens. In the summer months, garden guests can enjoy outdoor musical concerts at sunset in what must be one of the most spectacular settings on earth.

60. Addo Elephant Park

Stretching over 180 000 hectares in the Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant Park is the third largest game park in South Africa. Originally a park with just 11 elephants, the park has transformed into a major wildlife sanctuary and is now home to more than 600 elephants as well as a variety of other animals, including lion, buffalo, black rhino, leopard, zebra and more. It’s famous for the Big Seven, the Big Five wild animals plus the Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale, as well as a huge population of penguins.

Join the SANParks – Addo Elephant National Park group on facebook

59. Freedom Park, Pretoria

Located on 52 hectares on Salvokop Hill in Pretoria, Freedom Park is a permanent reminder to locals and visitors of South Africa’s turbulent past, and a symbol of the country’s heart and soul. It’s a place where people come to contemplate what happened before, and how far the country has come. This monument to liberty, humanity and South African heritage features a number of fascinating sights, including the Wall of Names that lists those who died during eight different conflicts in our history, an Eternal Flame and Isivavane, a symbolic burial place for those who died heroically. The Pan African Archives is home to research material about the country’s history and there’s a Gallery of Leaders that features displays of local and international leaders who have contributed to freedom and humanity.

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58. Knysna Heads

Located on the magnificent Garden Route in the Western Cape, Knysna is a popular resort town, home to some of the area’s most breathtaking scenery, including the famous Knysna Heads. Knysna is built on a natural lagoon, and these two dramatic cliffs guard its entrance in the sea. The Western Head is home to a privately owned nature reserve called Featherbed which visitors can explore, while the Eastern Head offers an observation point with stunning views. One of the more popular trips to Knysna Heads is on a champagne and oyster cruise at sunset.

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57. Augrabies Falls

Known by the Khoisan people as “The Place of Noise”, Augrabies Falls is a deafening 56m waterfall located 120km from Upington in the Northern Cape. This scenic area is full of indigenous animals including various buck, while the iconic Quiver tree, from which the Khoi hunters used to make their quivers, is a treat to see. In May and June the wildflowers transform the landscape into a yellow splashed wonderland. The best vantage point to see the Falls and the entire park in the Orange River Gorge is from the top of Moon Rock but there’s an easier 2.5km route along which you can see the Gorge, as well as Arrow Point and the Twin Falls.

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56. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Nature Reserve

Combined, the Umfolozi Game Reserve and its neighbour, the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, form the oldest and largest Big Five game reserve in South Africa. The reserve is home to a diversity of wildlife, including the famous Big Five and the rare White Rhino, which is currently under conservation here. The reserve offers a wide selection of lodges and camps from where you can enjoy game drives, walking trails and boat safaris on the Hluhluwe Dam. Established in 1895, this famous reserve is located in the heart of Zululand, where Zulu kings hunted and then set up conservation laws. The reserve is also renowned for its Game Capture unit, where animals are captured and secured for sustainable purposes.

55. Tsitsikamma Zipline Tours

For a unique adventure, why not go ziplining across the Kruis River? This exciting experience is available within the Tsitsikamma region, 8km from the Storms River Bridge. There are eight slides in all, the longest of which is 211m, and those brave enough can zip across the river gorge, up to 50m above the water. What’s more, you can control the speed of your trip across the gorge, so that you can stop en route to take in the spectacular scenery. Guides offer commentary about the area. If you prefer another type of adventure, there are also quad biking tours, wall climbing and abseiling.

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54. Clifton Beaches, Cape Town

Cape Town’s famous four secluded beaches at Clifton are also the location for some of the most expensive residential properties in Africa. These beautiful white sand beaches are separated by boulders and rocks, and only accessible via steep stairways from the road above. Although the water is cold, people enjoy its calmness, but that’s not the reason people flock here. This is the “it” place to visit, the most beautiful beaches in the Mother City, and securing a spot in the sand in December and January alongside the jet set can be a challenging task. Vendors stroll around offering drinks and refreshments so that you don’t have to move. Each of the four beaches (named First, Second, Third and Fourth) has its own special personality, so it’s best to sample each to find your favourite.

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53. Kruger Park

South Africa’s largest and most legendary game reserve, the Kruger National Park straddles the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the northeastern section of the country. The park, which on its own is larger than the State of Israel, recently became part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that includes Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park and the Limpopo National Park.  Fences are being removed between the parks so that wildlife can roam free.  The Kruger Park is most famous for its Big Five encounters, as well as numerous other species of wildlife, an incredible selection of birdlife and some of the most exquisite trees in Africa, including baobabs, Marula, mopane and fever trees.

Join the SANParks – Kruger National Park group on facebook

52. Genadendal Mission Museum, Greyton

Image by Leon Oosthuizen from: flickr.com

Located outside the town of Greyton, Genadendal has to be one of South Africa’s most fascinating museums. The Genadendal Mission Museum boasts displays of some of the first books, tools and everyday items brought to South Africa in the 18^thand 19^th Centuries by Moravian Missionaries. It’s hard to believe that this almost deserted spot was once the second-largest settlement in the Cape, next to Cape Town. Here, Afrikaans as a language was developed, and some of the first Afrikaans literature was printed. All the buildings on the town’s Church Square were declared national monuments in 1980 and are open to explore.

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51. uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

Located just two hours from Durban and four hours from Gauteng, South Africa’s highest mountain range, the Drakensberg, was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000. Stretching for some 150km, its home to various spectacular locations, including Cathedral Peak and Giant’s Castle, as well as a 5km wall of rock called the Amphitheatre. From its summit, at famous Mont-aux-Sources, the Tugela Falls plummets 1000m. Hiking, rock climbing and fly fishing are the most popular pastimes here, and the area is also home to a number of game parks. Some 30 000 San rock paintings found in more than 600 caves and overhangs tell the story of the indigenous San people, with scenes showing dancing, fighting, food gathering, rituals and hunting.

50. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Simonstown

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Cape Peninsula, Boulders, is located just outside of Cape Town in the naval town of Simonstown. Not only is the beach itself very scenic, but it’s also home to a breeding colony of more than 2000 endangered African penguins. In fact, Boulders and neighbouring Foxy Beach are part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, and one has to pay a fee to enter and share the sandy beaches and their various little coves with these tame birds. Take the wooden walkway to see the penguins’ nesting and breeding sites, and then enjoy the warmth of the sun, sea and sand on an unforgettable stretch of coast.

The penguin colony at Boulders thrives thanks to the cold Atlantic currents #MeetSouthAfrica

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49. St Lucia Wetland Park

Extending northwards from Cape St Lucia to Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, this magnificent 332 000-hectare park was designated South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. Its name, iSimangaliso, means “miracle and wonder” and this is a perfect description, as St Lucia is made up of three main lake systems, eight different interlinking ecosystems, most of the country’s swamp forests and the largest estuarine system in Africa. This paradise setting is also home to 526 different species of birds, and coastal dunes that have withstood the elements for more than 25 000 years. A visit here will see you exploring endless beaches, hiking scenic trails and routes through mountains, coastal forests and the rolling grasslands around Lake St Lucia. Magnificent scuba diving and snorkeling in spectacular coral reefs will keep the water babies occupied, while horse riding, camping, kayak trips and game viewing to see the largest population of hippo in the country are great options too.

48. Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail

Here’s an opportunity to step back in time to the very beginning of our planets recorded history. The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, part of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, are on the list to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient geotrail stops off at various geological sites of interest along a designated route, each well-illustrated and with information that explains the significance of this Belt, which is more than three billion years old and is believed to be one of the most complete pictures of what the earth looked like billions of years ago. Travel the route and explore the world from the beginning of time, a 350-million year sequence of Archaean rocks, and ancient volcanic and sedimentary rocks that are still being researched today to discover the origins of life, how continents emerged and the earliest oceans came into being.

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47. South African National Museum of Military History, Johannesburg

Located next door to Johannesburg Zoo, the National Museum of Military History showcases various weapons used in some of South Africa’s most notorious historical conflicts. These include the Anglo Boer War, the Anglo-Zulu War, the First and Second World Wars and battles between South Africa and Namibia; then called South West Africa. Amongst the 44 000 items on display are weaponry, rare military aircraft, medals, journals, books and uniforms.

46. Two Oceans Aquarium

Image by flowcomm from: flickr.com

With sea life from both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium has a lot to offer. Located at the popular V&A Waterfront, the aquarium is renowned for being one of the world’s finest. It is home to more than 30 000 sea creatures, including a variety of fish, sharks, seals, penguins and turtles. Aside from its superb displays, many of which are interactive, visitors with diving certificates can even scuba dive with predators. The aquarium is divided into different sections, including the Atlantic and Ocean Galleries, a Children’s Centre and a Predator Exhibit.

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45. Hazyview Elephant Sanctuary

Image by Fiona Henderson from: flickr.com

This exquisite sanctuary is a halfway house for young elephants, after which they are released into the wild. Located just 5km from Hazyview in Mpumalanga Province, the sanctuary offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend time with elephants, interacting with these gentle giants, feeding them, walking trunk-in-hand with them and getting to know them. There are elevated wooden walkways, viewing decks overlooking the water and of course the opportunity to learn all about the large mammals, their history and future in the African wilds.

44. Tswaing Crater

Image by Paul Jacobson from: flickr.com

40km outside of Pretoria one finds the Tswaing Crater; an impact crater left by a meteorite that hit the earth more than 200 000 years ago. The name of the crater, which measures 100 metres high, 200 metres deep and 1km in diameter, translates to “Salt Pan”, in both Afrikaans and the local dialect, Setswana. The crater is filled with water which used to be mined for its high concentration of salt and soda ash. The remains of the factory, which closed in 1956, are located nearby. Also next to the crater is a museum and you can stroll around the perimeter and down to the lake. The area, which is full of indigenous plants and trees, is regarded as a birding paradise.

43. Chapman’s Peak Drive

One of the most thrilling routes on the Cape Peninsula is along Chapman’s Peak Drive between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, hugging the coastline with the azure sea on one side and sheer cliff face on the other. Climbing steadily from Hout Bay’s harbour upwards, the toll road follows the rugged coastline, curving 114 times and offering some of the most breathtaking views in the world. This 9km stretch is one of Cape Town’s most famous, and well travelled, and is also known as one of the most ambitious engineering projects ever undertaken. There are various vantage points along the route where drivers can stop and soak up the scenery. Sometimes whales and dolphins are to be seen, and troops of baboons are often viewed watching passersby.

Visit Chapman’s Peak on facebook

42. Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market

With more than 90 stalls to browse through, the Shongweni Farmer’s and Craft Market in the KwaZulu-Natal foothills is a joy to explore. Most of the stall holders offer either organic fresh produce or handmade souvenirs, and the variety of fresh foods and home-made dishes is endless. If you’re in the area at breakfast time, you can enjoy one of the hearty meals that the market is famous for, and then explore for hours, savouring tidbits and exquisite arts and crafts created by local craftsmen and women. Beer lovers can also enjoy handcrafted beers including some exotic fruit varieties.

Visit the Shongweni Farmer’s and Craft Market on facebook

41. Blyde River Canyon

Mpumalanga’s scenic Panorama Route is home to the famous Blyde River Canyon – the largest green canyon in the world, with a number of famous viewpoints along the route such as God’s Window, Wonder View and The Pinnacle offering some of the most breathtaking panoramic scenery in South Africa. The canyon, which stretches for 60km from Graskop all the way up the Abel Erasmus Pass, is the third largest canyon in the world. Now called the Motlatse River Canyon, it boasts a variation of plant and animal life including a number of rare species, many of which can be viewed on game drives in the Nature Reserve.

40. Babylonstoren, Paarl

Image by flowcomm from: flickr.com

Modelled on the Mother City’s Company’s Garden, Babylonstoren is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the inner city greenbelt. Set on acres of land just outside Paarl, the massive working garden is like something out of a fairytale. Stay in one of the 13 cottages with their complimentary bottles of Shiraz and Chenin Blanc produced on the farm, or just pop in for the day to enjoy the immaculate grounds and the Glaskas – a conservatory where organic food and herbal teas straight from the garden are the order of the day.

Visit Babylonstoren on facebook

39. The Golden Mile, Durban Beachfront

Durban Beachfront, also known as the Golden Mile, stretches all the way from uShaka Marine World at South Beach to Suncoast Casino in the North. The high-rise hotel and palm tree fringed promenade will remind you of Miami; however, a distinct African twist is evident in the sand sculptures that spring from the sand; the work of many talented sculptors who make their livelihood here.  The traditional Rickshaw ride has been a common activity since the early days, but what most people come to Durban for is to cycle, swim, surf, or just soak up the sun on its hot beaches. And with weather that is warm year-round, this is a very regular activity.

38. Spier, Stellenbosch

Image by Andy Jou from: flickr.com

One of the oldest wine farms in the country, Spier, which was built in the 17^thCentury, is now a superb four star hotel and winery where some of South Africa’s most superb vintages are sipped in an idyllic setting. Housed in original Cape Dutch gabled buildings, the Wine Centre offers a range of wines from 175 estates in the Cape, including Spier’s own variety. Enjoy special tastings in the tasting room as well as superb food from Spier’s farm-to-table offering at Eight. There’s also a deli where one can purchase fresh produce; all you need for a picnic on the estate grounds.

Visit Spier Wine Farm on facebook

37. Vilakazi Street, Soweto

Soweto’s most famous street was once the home of two Nobel Prize laureates in Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  The Archbishop still owns his house in Vilakazi Street, while Madiba’s house, at number 8115, has been converted into the Mandela Family Museum. The street is historically significant having been the site of a massive students uprising in 1976 where protestor Hector Pieterson was killed. There are also some famous restaurants here where visitors can sample traditional local dishes as well as the community TV station, Soweto TV, broadcast from a classroom at the local primary school.

36. Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Image by Juan Alberto Garcia Rivera from: flickr.com

Carved by nature into the bedrock, the Bourke’s Luck Potholes are a spectacular geological phenomenon in Mpumalanga Province. Over centuries, sand and rock carried by the rivers have eroded into these fascinating cylindrical pothole-like sculptures located at the start of the Blyde River Canyon where the Blyde and Treur Rivers join. Tom Bourke, after whom the potholes are named, was a luckless gold prospector who never found any gold, but he did find fame after all. There’s a 700m trail to the potholes as well as a choice of two 5km trails to the canyon itself – the Bushman Nature Trail and the Interpretive Trail.

35. Fancourt, George

Tee off at Fancourt , one of Africa’s premier golfing destinations with a Links course that was ranked number one in the world by Golf Digest USA. As if its enviable Garden Route location wasn’t enough, the resort is superbly landscaped on 613 hectares of lush countryside set against the moody Outeniqua Mountains.

Visit Fancourt on facebook

34. Orange River

Image by SA Places from: flickr.com

The lush area on the banks of the Orange River offers a unique stretch of natural beauty that is worth exploring, especially after a winter of heavy rains. The landscape transforms into a paradise of colourful flowers, and the opportunities for enjoying nature are endless. There are half-day river rafting trips on offer, from Upington to Oukamps. Many tourists come here to relish in the Orange River Wine Route, known as the Green Kalahari because of its lushness in the midst of the arid surrounds. Starting at Groblershoop on the N14, the vineyards stretch out for about 300km along the river, past Upington, Keimoes, Kakamas and Grootdrink. The area is famous for its white wines, a combination of dessert, semi-sweet wines and blends, which you can sample at the various wineries en route.

33. Sani Pass

Image by Vaiz Ha from: flickr.com

One of South Africa’s most magnificent mountain passes, Sani Pass is known as the “Roof of Africa”, because the views of the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains as it climbs upwards are quite something. Also located right at the top of the Pass is the highest pub in the world, 2874m above sea level. The Pass is located in KwaZulu-Natal, close to the Lesotho border, so passports are required when travelling through. The trip to the top takes two hours from the berg town of Underberg. Sani Pass is popular with hikers, climbers, mountain bikers and 4×4 enthusiasts.

Visit the Sani Pass Hotel on facebook

32. Milnerton Market

Located near the sea on Marine Drive, this open-air weekend market outside Milnerton offers a magnificent view of Table Mountain and the harbour 8km away. Bargain hunters come here to pick up a variety of wares, from furniture and caravans to clothing and tents, but there are often valuable vintage finds for those with a keen eye. But it’s not just the goods on offer that make Milnerton Market such fun; there are a variety of tasty refreshments and foods on offer, including hot pancakes and fresh ginger beer. And it’s the fun of discovering a hidden treasure that makes a visit here so worthwhile. Open Friday, Saturday and public holidays.

31. Dullstroom

Just two hours from Johannesburg on the way to the famous Kruger National Park, one finds the charming settlement of Dullstroom. This region of Mpumalanga is well-loved for its sparkling rivers, lakes and streams and spectacular scenery, and Dullstroom is largely considered a trout fishing destination for two specific species of trout – Rainbow and Brown. The area is also home to three endangered species of cranes, numerous beautiful wild flowers and some rare animals, too. Aside from spending hours relaxing whilst fishing, there are numerous other countryside activities on offer, including horseback riding and bird watching.

30. Madikwe Game Reserve

Image by Nina Hale from: flickr.com

Despite being the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa, the 60 000-hectare Madikwe Reserve is one of the country’s lesser known reserves. It’s a hidden gem, a malaria-free zone that offers sightings of the Big Five as well as a choice of some of the most luxurious game lodges in the country. Once farmland, Madikwe was taken over by the government in 1994 and filled with game to uplift the region. Today it boasts more than 66 large species of animals and about 300 different bird species. Located about 90km from Zeerust, alongside the border with Botswana, the reserve is easily accessible, about three and a half hours’ drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Visit Madikwe Game Reserve on facebook

29. Bloukrans Bridge Bungy

Image by seanbjack from: flickr.com

For many adrenaline junkies, a highlight of visiting the spectacular Tsitsikamma Forest on the Garden Route is to bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge. The bridge, which is located 40km from Plettenberg Bay, is the highest single span arch bridge in the world and offers the highest commercially operated bungee jump on earth. Those brave enough walk along a gangway that is tucked under the bridge, before plunging 216m towards the valley below. Of course, the bungy technology ensures their safety, but if you prefer, walking tours of the bridge are also offered.

Visit Face Adrenalin (Bloukrans Bungy) on facebook

28. Nelson Mandela Museum

Opened in 2000, on the 10^th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, this museum is also located at the statesman’s birthplace, Qunu, in the Eastern Cape. Madiba insisted that the museum serve to uplift and develop the surrounding community, instead of being just a tribute to him. The museum covers three separate locations – Bhunga, a building in Umtata which tells the story of Madiba’s life in the leader’s own words from his book, “The Long Walk to Freedom”, the open-air museum called Mvezo, where he was born, and the Nelson Mandela Heritage and Youth Centre in the village of Qunu, where he spent his childhood. Visitors enjoy guided tours and a heritage trail that follows in Mandela’s footsteps and also get to see some of the gifts given to him when he was President.

Visit the Nelson Mandela Museum on facebook

27. Long Street, Cape Town

Image by warrenski from: flickr.com

The centre of Cape Town’s nightlife action, Long Street is packed with pavement cafes, restaurants, vintage boutiques, bars and nightclubs. During the day it’s a hive of shopping and eating activity, and after dark the people party on the streets and the rooftops till the wee hours. In Long Street there’s always something new to explore and to savour, and if you’re looking to stay out all night, this is the place to go. The food stalls are excellent and you can sample a variety of cuisines, from Indian, Chinese and Kurdish delights to ostrich steak, best-ever burgers and Mozambican prawns. And the pubs are legendary, too. The Dubliner offers cigars and live jazz, or enjoy comedy and poetry at Zula Sound Bar. If you’d like to stay in the midst of the action, book a room at the Grand Daddy Hotel, a Long Street institution.

Visit Long Street Cape Town on facebook

26. Nottingham Road

Image by Midlands Meander from: facebook.com

Located in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Nottingham Road is a little village nestling in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. The surroundings are lush and picturesque and the area forms part of the Midlands Meander, an arts and crafts route full of various galleries, restaurants, country taverns, holiday accommodation, cattle ranches and sheep farms. The town started out as a tented military camp in 1856 and today it’s home to the rustic Nottingham Road Brewing Company, a brewery that produces a variety of artisanal beers. These days, polo and mock fox hunts are big attractions, while trout fishing, horse riding and other country pursuits are very popular.

Visit Nottingham Road on facebook

25. Pilgrim’s Rest

Image by Kieran Lamb from: flickr.com

Step back in time as you explore the 19^th Century gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga. This perfectly preserved little town tells the story of the Gold Rush and how miners and residents lived and played way back then. Hear of a time when a round of drinks was paid for with a gold nugget and where the surrounding hills were full of the sounds of digging as treasure hunters panned for gold. You can explore many of the buildings in the town, all meticulously restored to their former glory, such as the Edwardian-style Alanglade Museum, once home to the mine manager. Stores sell antiques, crafts and collectables and you can enjoy refreshments and baked goods prepared as they were more than a century ago.

The world’s largest diamond was the Cullinan Diamond, found in South Africa in 1905. It weighed…

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24. Theewaterskloof Dam

Image by SA-Venues.com from: flickr.com

Along the road linking Franschhoek and Villiersdorp, about an hour and a half outside Cape Town, lies the Theewaterskloof Dam. This inland catchment, which is approximately 48 square kilometers in size, is part of a river project to provide water to the Cape by capturing surplus winter run-off. The dam is a popular spot for bass fishing, and there are seven campsites located on its eastern shore. Its Sports Club has grown in popularity, and offers a variety of watersports including power boating, jet skiing and dinghy sailing. The setting is idyllic, with rolling farmlands, beautiful mountains and a variety of flora and fauna.

23. Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town

Image by Graeme Churchard from: flickr.com

Big, sugary pink, iconic; standing front and centre in the Mother City with Table Mountain watching over it, the ‘Nellie’ has long been THE place to stay in Cape Town for statesmen, royalty and A-Listers. With a magnificent setting at the foot of Table Mountain, the hotel, which is surrounded by 9 acres of lush greenery, has been the accommodation of choice for the rich and famous for more than a century. Of course, it offers every luxury, including two swimming pools, two excellent restaurants, the stylish Planet Bar and plush accommodation. It’s also renowned for its lavish Afternoon Tea and a very sumptuous spa.

Visit The Mount Nelson on facebook

22. Cradle of Humankind

One of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, the Cradle of Humankind is the richest hominid site in the world, as 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils have been found here. The area, which covers 53 000 hectares, is also home to a number of birds, plants and animals, many of them rare and endangered species. The Cradle itself is a strip of 12 dolomitic limestone caves that are home to the fossilised remains of ancient animals, plants and more than 850 hominid fossils. Located mainly where Gauteng meets the North-West, sites like Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves offers a window into early life on the planet dating back five or six million years.

Visit Maropeng on facebook

21. Gold Reef City

Located 8km from Johannesburg, Gold Reef City has long been a popular entertainment destination on the Gauteng itinerary. The complex includes an amusement park themed on the Gold Rush which gave way to the Joburg we know today, a variety of chain restaurants and unique eateries, theatres, a casino and more than 30 thrilling rides. Guests can also visit an authentic gold mine and learn about Johannesburg’s beginnings as a mining town. Gold Reef City also has two hotels, one of which is Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel, designed to look like a gold mining town, with rooms and public areas resembling buildings of that period.

Visit Gold Reef City on facebook

20. Aliwal Shoal

Image by Santhan Naidoo from: flickr.com

Just half an hour south of Durban lies one of the top 10 dive spots on earth in Aliwal Shoal. Located 5km off the coast near the little seaside town of Umkomaas on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, its home to some spectacular marine life. Shoals of the reasonably docile ragged tooth shark are found here between July and December (no divers have ever been attacked by this species), as well as an array of fish, turtles, dolphins and whales. The coral reef, which is a marine protected area, boasts a spectacular hole called The Cathedral, as well as various scenic spots along the 5km stretch and the wrecks of two ships.

Visit Aliwal Shoal Adventures on facebook

19. Otter Trail, Garden Route

Image by SA-Venues.com from: flickr.com

Embark on a coastal trail of discovery along the famous Otter Trail, from Storms River Mouth through the spectacular Tsitsikamma Forest to Nature’s Valley in the breathtaking Garden Route National Park. This exciting 5-day adventure encompasses 42km of trails on cliff tops along the shoreline, and offers an exceptional diversity of scenery and experiences. Hikers cross rivers and explore fascinating sights en route, stopping off to camp overnight. The Otter Trail is an experience of a lifetime along one of the most beautiful trails in the world.

18. Steenberg Farm, Cape Town

Located in the Cape’s oldest wine region, Steenberg is a gracious five star hotel renowned for its excellent winery and 18-hole championship golf course. Set in the pretty suburb of Constantia just 20 minutes from Cape Town’s CBD, the hotel, which was originally built in 1682, offers an unsurpassed experience that includes superb cuisine, a countryside atmosphere, personalised service and every modern facility. Aside from wine tasting and relaxing in the magnificent surrounds, guests also enjoy treatments at the spa, or a relaxing game of golf.

Visit Steenberg Estate on facebook

17. Matjiesfontein

Image by Gary Bembridge from: flickr.com

Untouched by time, Matjiesfontein is a tiny Victorian town in the Little Karoo that has been designated a national monument. White-washed little houses line its main street, as well as a traditional Victorian hotel, the Lord Milner, which is believed to be haunted. The railway line is an integral part of the town, which was a popular luxury health resort in the late 19^th Century. Restored to its former glory in 1970, Matjiesfontein is a well-kept secret worth discovering. Visitors can explore the little town on a red double decker bus and learn about its history, which is very much a part of the Cape’s fascinating past, and then enjoy refreshments in the wooden Laird’s Arms Bar.

Visit The Lord Milner Matjiesfontein on facebook

16. Sunlands Baobab Bar, Limpopo

This ancient giant baobab tree is believed to be around 6000 years old. Located in Limpopo Province near Tzaneen on a mango farm called Sunlands, home to many such trees, this baobab stands out from the crowd. After a baobab has reached the age of a thousand years, it becomes hollow inside. The Sunlands Baobab is not only immense, but its hollows have been filled with a world-renowned little bar, one of the most unusual places in the world to stop for a drink. The bar, which has been serving drinks since 1933, is an excellent base from which to explore the surroundings, including Magoebaskloof.

Visit the Sunlands Baobab on facebook

15. Neighbourgoods Market, Braamfontein

Based on the popular Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town, the Neighbourgoods Market is a market set up every Saturday in Juta Street in Braamfontein. This Johannesburg suburb on the edge of the city is in the process of being regenerated, and the market has proved itself to be a successful part of the project. Located in a two-storey heritage building, the Neighbourgoods Market boasts around 100 fabulous food stalls offering fresh specialty, organic and local fare, everything from burgers to paella, with artisan products thrown in too. The beer garden on the top floor spills out onto a verandah where people relax for hours. Various events are regularly held at the market, which has fast become an institution.

Visit the Neighbourgoods Market Johannesburg on facebook

14. Cheetah Experience, Bloemfontein

The perfect opportunity to get up close to cheetah, the Cheetah Experience is a sanctuary for big cats set up for conservation purposes. Owner Riana van Vieuwenhuizen founded this non-profit 10-hectare sanctuary for cheetah, lion, leopards, tigers, jaguars and other animals in Bloemfontein in 2006 to ensure the animals’ long-term survival. People come from all over the world to visit, and many stay for between 3 weeks and 3 months as volunteers. Visitors enjoy game viewing in the sanctuary and learn all about cheetah and other endangered species.

Visit the Cheetah Experience on facebook

13. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens & Emmarentia Dam

Image by Derek Keats from: flickr.com

Nestling in one of Johannesburg’s oldest suburbs 6km from the city centre one finds the 7.5 hectare Emmarentia Dam and the neighbouring Botanical Gardens. Both create an oasis amidst the hubbub of this vast city, and are visited by residents and tourists alike, especially on weekends. The Dam is a great spot for picnics, sailing and long walks, and the Gardens are quite spectacular and worth exploring. Divided into seven different sections, they include a Herb Garden, Hedge Garden, Chapel Garden, The Shakespeare Garden, a spectacular Rose Garden, the Succulent Garden and the Arboretum, which is full of beautiful trees.

12. Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

Image by Rob from: flickr.com

If you are interested in learning about some of the bloodiest battles fought on South African soil between the British, the Dutch-born Boers and the Zulu nation, then head for the famous Battlefields Route in KwaZulu-Natal. Home to more than 82 battlefields, as well as museums, forts and memorials, this route takes visitors through a selection of wars in different periods. The best way to explore is by choosing a specific war or period and then following the relevant route to see the historic sights. The more famous battles include Isandlwana and Rourke’s Drift, and these routes, as well as the others, are best explored with an experienced guide.

Visit the KZN Battlefields Route on facebook

11. Baxter Theatre, Cape Town

A Cape Town cultural landmark, the Baxter Theatre opened in 1977 on the University of Cape Town’s campus. The main theatre seats 666, and there’s also a concert hall with 683 seats and a small 162-seat theatre. The theatre provides a forum for theatre, dance and music in Cape Town and is renowned for its superb and varied performances, including classical music, opera, dance, dramatic theatre and comedy.

Visit the Baxter Theatre on facebook

10. Baviaanskloof

Image by Ralph Pina from: flickr.com

Baviaanskloof means “Valley of Baboons” in Dutch, and this magnificent narrow valley is a World Heritage Site not only because of its scenic beauty, but also because it’s one of the few places on earth with evidence of human history going back a million years! The valley is a little less than 200km in length and nestles between two mountain ranges, the Baviaanskloof Mountains on one side, and the Kouga Mountains on the other. Here, a variety of wild animals and birds have made their home in a wilderness that is not only scenic but extremely tranquil and remote.

9. Shamwari Game Reserve

The award winning Shamwari Private Game Reserve is situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape, only an hour away from Port Elizabeth Airport. The reserve has been running for almost 20 years and offers a wide variety of animal life, including Big 5 encounters. Shamwari’s biggest concern is conserving a vanishing way of life, as such their primary objective is to protect the wild flora and fauna of Southern Africa and share her immense but fragile beauty with the rest of the world.

Visit Shamwari Game Reserve on facebook

8. West Coast National Park

Located slightly inland from Saldanha Bay and surrounding Langebaan Lagoon, the West Coast National Park is home to thousands of seabirds, magnificent stretches of golden beaches and spectacular salt marshes. Just one and a half hours by car from Cape Town, the Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to thousands of waders that gather in the salt marshes and the lagoon. The Park is also famous for its antelope that reside in the idyllic Postberg Reserve, which is only open to the public in the summer when the multi-coloured wildflowers are blooming. Animals and spectacular flora have made this paradise their home, and in the Atlantic Ocean, passing whales and dolphins appear in the waves.

Visit the West Coast National Park on facebook

7. Valley of 1000 Hills

One of scenic KwaZulu-Natal’s hidden gems, the Valley of 1000 Hills is a spectacular region that stretches from Botha’s Hill and follows the Umgeni River through Drummond, Assagay and Shongweni to the Indian Ocean with various hills and valleys to explore en route. Visitors to this region can gain an insight into age-old Zulu traditions and culture through various attractions and activities. The climate is tropical and warm, the scenery dramatic, and the diversity of landscape, from rolling hills to beautiful windswept beaches, is unmatched.

Visit 1000 Hills Tourism on facebook

6. Apartheid Museum

Image by thomas_sly from: flickr.com

This fascinating museum educates people about the horrors of South Africa’s Apartheid regime through photographs, research, films and artifacts. It reenacts the life of people who lived in the townships at that time, constantly being watched by security police, how they rebelled, and were suppressed. Located south of Johannesburg’s CBD, it’s an important place to visit, to understand the suffering of the oppressed and how they triumphed over adversity.

Visit the Apartheid Museum on facebook

5. Route 62

Stretching between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, and further up the East coast to Port Elizabeth, Route 62, also known as the Mountain Route, is a renowned tourist route through various spectacular mountain passes. It’s far more scenic than taking the national motorway to reach these destinations, which is one of the reasons it’s so popular. Along the route one finds exquisite lush green scenery, sparkling rivers, magnificent mountains and sheer cliffs. The route also covers the Western Cape’s longest wine route, offering the chance to stop off and sample superb wines as you travel along.

Visit Route 62 on facebook

Most of the world’s proto-mammalian fossils are found in the Karoo region #MeetSouthAfrica

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4. The Big Tree, Tsitsikamma National Park

Image by FrauDeee from: flickr.com

The magnificent fairytale Tsitsikamma Forest on the Garden Route is renowned for its exquisite yellowwood trees, which are protected under the country’s National Forests Act. The most famous tree of all is dubbed The Big Tree; at 37m it towers over all the rest, and has been standing here for around 800 years. Located in the forest near Plettenberg Bay and boasting a trunk circumference of 9m, the tree is the largest and oldest remaining yellowwood in the region.

Join the SANParks – Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna & Wilderness) National Park group on facebook

3. KwaMuhle Museum, Durban

Durban’s KwaMuhle is a museum dedicated to telling the story of Apartheid and how the oppressed overcame harsh conditions. Housed in what used to be the punitive Native Affairs Building, the museum is one of Durban’s four major historical museums. Today it tells a thought-provoking story of those unjust years and how the new democratic South Africa has overcome its past. Emphasis is, of course, focused on Durban and the Zulu nation, but the strong South African message of freedom prevails.

2. Sedgefield

Image by Discover Sedgefield from: facebook.com

No longer a sleepy seaside town or a hidden gem, Sedgefield is one of the most famous places to visit in the Garden Route, and for good reason. Located within the Garden Route National Park just 490km from Cape Town and between George and Knysna, this scenic little town has just been awarded “Slow Town” status, which means slowing down to nature’s pace. Visitors come here to enjoy spectacular scenery, exquisite beaches and a lazy summer holiday strolling through the village, enjoying the famous Wild Oats Farmer’s Market, and interacting with some of the friendliest people in the province in one of the most idyllic settings on earth.

Visit the Sedgefield Wild Oats Farmer’s Market on facebook

1. Cape Point

Image by Bas Leenders from: flickr.com

Even though rumours are rife that this is where two oceans meet (that in fact happens at Cape Agulhas), the peninsula that comes to a head at Cape Point is an impressive sight on a tour of South Africa. It’s a wild stretch of coastline and must’ve been a nightmare for navigator’s in the early days; even so, Cape Point is a must see – the dramatic views will make you feel as if you’re standing at the definitive end of the world!

Visit Cape Point on facebook

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When we set out to create a list of the best destinations in South Africa we never thought we’d reach 101. But as the research went on, we uncovered even more impressive South African sights that we simply couldn’t leave out.

What are your best destinations in South Africa? No doubt we’ve missed something close to your heart so let us know in the comments below or join us on theTravelstart South Africa Facebook page to discuss.

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Oh I so want to go camping! September 30, 2014

Family Camping Checklist (and a few great tips!)

There’s no doubt about it, camping is hard work. Organizing gear, getting a reservation, preparing food for several days ahead, packing the car, and making sure there is enough to do to entertain the whole family—it can overwhelm. But it’s worth it! You’re guaranteed to make lasting family memories, enjoy lots of laughs with the family, and get plenty of outdoor time for the kids.

To help you get out under the stars, we’ve put together some tips for camping with the family and a checklist of what to take.

First, get a camping date on your calendar. Campgrounds can fill up quickly so plan ahead to get a spot. And try to leave early in the day on Friday (or head out during the work week) to avoid commuter traffic and have a better chance of setting up camp before it gets dark.

Invite friends. Camping with kids alone is great. But camping with another family or bringing your kids’ friends along helps keep everyone happy and occupied.

Prepare the gear. Use the camping checklist below to make sure you take what you need, but not much more. Check the tent, stove, matches/lighters, and lanterns beforehand for damage and working condition.

Prepare the food. The checklist doesn’t include food—you’ll have to create that yourself. Here’s a tip: Write down what you plan to eat for each meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner.) Then prepare what you can at home—marinate the meats, cut the vegetables, wrap the potatoes in foil. You’ll be thankful once you get to camp.

When you pack the cooler, set out the foods meal by meal, thinking about how you’ll serve each meal so you don’t forget condiments and necessary utensils, can opener, etc.

Get five more tips for camping with kids. And visit REI for an even more extensive checklist for camping.

Family Camping Checklist

• CAMPSITE GEAR
• Tent, poles, stakes
• Tent footprint (ground cover for under your tent)
• Extra tarp or canopy
• Sleeping bag for each camper
• Sleeping pad for each camper
• Repair kit for pads, mattress, tent, tarp
• Pillows
• Extra blankets
• Chairs
• Headlamps or flashlights (extra batteries)
• Lantern
• Lantern fuel or batteries
• KITCHEN
• Stove
• Fuel for stove
• Matches or lighter
• Firewood
• Frying pan
• Pot
• French press or portable coffee maker
• Corkscrew
• Tablecloth
• Roasting sticks for marshmallows, hot dogs
• Food-storage containers, bags
• Trash bags
• Cooler
• Ice
• Water bottles
• Plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives
• Cups, mugs
• Paring knife, spatula, cooking spoon
• Cutting board
• Foil
• Biodegradable soap
• Sponge, dishcloth, dishtowel
• Paper towels
• Extra bin for washing dishes
• CLOTHES
• Clothes for daytime
• Sleepwear
• Swimsuits
• Rainwear
• Shoes: hiking/walking shoes, easy-on shoes, water shoes
• Extra layers for warmth
• Gloves
• Hats
• PERSONAL ITEMS
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Toothbrush, toiletries
• Soap
• OTHER ITEMS
• Camera
• Campsite reservation confirmation, phone number
• Maps, area information
• Bikes, toys
• Pet supplies and food

http://www.cozi.com/live-simply/family-camping-checklist-few-great-tips

Is South Africa the best place to road trip? September 22, 2014

Is South Africa the best place to road trip?

KAROO DIARY: Show Time in Prince Albert! September 19, 2014

Love this blog on Prince Albert’s theatre

Karoo towns are never the first choice for those seeking the bright lights.

Prince Albert, though, is an exception. It’s worth waiting until dark to drive down the main road and wait until the magic moment just after dusk, when the neon outside the Showroom Theatre flickers to life, highlighting its distinctive Art Deco lines.

In fact, this entire theatre is something of an anomaly. What is something this sophisticated, this classy, this cutting edge, doing in a Karoo town? More to the point, why is a 140-seater theatre thriving in a small dorp when professional theatres in big cities are struggling?

The Showroom is the dreamchild of Johnny Breedt, a movie designer whose work you may have seen in Hotel Rwanda, Paljas, Catch a Fire, the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency and most recently, the award-winning Long Walk to Freedom.

He has just finished on the first film he has directed, Die Ontwaking, starring Gys de Villiers.

But Johnny’s first love was the stage. He started in theatre long before he got into movies, and he’s always dreamed of having his own.

Johnny bought a house in Prince Albert 17 years ago. He had been shooting Paljas in Oudtshoorn and drove over the Swartberg Pass on a day off. He fell in love with the little town, and returned to the Karoo house often for holidays. Six years ago he moved there full time.

Three years ago, the obsession re-awoke in him to build a theatre, the perfect theatre. One that artists and audiences would love.

He and his business partner Charon Landman, previously from the construction industry and the woman behind the success of the Swartberg Hotel, started looking for land.

Initially they looked for property in the industrial area, but for a number of reasons, the right location never presented itself. But then an old building on Prince Albert’s main road came onto the market.

It wasn’t anything you’d look at twice. Originally built in Victorian style nearly a century ago, the building had been changed with each new owner over the decades and its various incarnations as a tractor repair shop, filling station, general dealer, restaurant, home and Toyota dealership. By the time it came onto the market, its Victorian lines had pretty much vanished. There was a faint hint of 1940s elegance though.

Johnny and Charon picked up on the crude remnants of the Art Deco look.

“To me theatre and Art Deco are synonymous,” said Johnny. The name is a nod to its previous function as a car showroom.

The theatre is a visual wonder, thanks to Charon and Johnny intense personal attention. They hunted for the right furnishings, including the chandeliers and gorgeous mirrors. It is built for legendary status.

Johnny made sure the acoustics, sound and lighting are state of the art. With his experience of greasepaint and backstage, he made the loveliest ‘green rooms’ for performers, with well-lit mirrors, cupboards, toilets, a fridge.

“The performers arrive early because it’s such a great place to prepare for a show. You should see what artists have to cope with normally. A little curtain covering a spot in the corner of a room or sometimes even worse.”

At first they were approaching singers and performers. Nianell was their first, when they launched the theatre in November 2013 to a capacity crowd. Now performers are approaching them.

“We take 30% of the door and the refreshments. The performers take 70% and can sell CDs. It works pretty well.”

The Showroom opened in November 2013 and has eclipsed all expectations, attracting a steady stream of musicians, comedians and performances, from Valiant Swart, Matthys Roets, Chris Chameleon and Heinz Winckler to Daniele Pascal, Barry Hilton, acclaimed plays, classical pianists and violinists.

Once or twice a week, the Showroom Movie Club screens classic and art movies for R30 a ticket, which includes a drink.

The secret to the Showroom’s success is not only the audiences it draws in this town, or its unexpected glamour in a Karoo street, but also the fact that Prince Albert is an easy drive for a weekend away from Cape Town and George.

City people come and combine a show at the theatre with fine dining, visits to olive farms and local vineyards, and stargazing.

But Johnny doesn’t only want the larnies to benefit. Recently he brought in a group called the Jaloers Bokkies and gave away some complimentary tickets to policemen, hospital and prisons staff too.

And there are lots of plans. The Showroom people are plotting a Great Karoo Film Festival. And workshops on experimental theatre and film. The theatre is perfect for fashion shows and launches. Watch this elegant space….

About Julienne du Toit
Julienne du Toit and her husband Chris Marais run www.karoospace.co.za, the definitive website on the Karoo region of South Africa. They are also the authors of Karoo Keepsakes I and II (print) and have just launched their e-Bookstore on Karoo Space. They live and work in Cradock, in the Eastern Karoo.

– See more at: http://www.sapeople.com/2014/09/17/karoo-diary-show-time-prince-albert/?fb_action_ids=10152721283945987&fb_action_types=og.comments#sthash.XsEs8YkT.dpuf

http://www.sapeople.com/2014/09/17/karoo-diary-show-time-prince-albert/?fb_action_ids=10152721283945987&fb_action_types=og.comments

“Die Spook van Uniondale” September 10, 2014

One of the neighbouring towns to my town of Knysna, is the Karoo ‘dorp’ (Afrikaans for town) of Uniondale. This small slightly isolated farming town has always had a resident ghost and recently a movie was made about it with a fairly romantic love story angle.

So tonight we go to see the movie “Die spook can Uniondale” (The ghost of Uniondale) and I’m really looking forward to it. I love the Karoo and Uniondale too so having been dying to see it!

This review of the movie isn’t that great but I will be honest, I want to see it more for the visuals of the surrounding area of Uniondale and Willowmore than the storyline: “Die spook van Uniondale” movie review

Oudtshoorn, more Karoo visits September 8, 2014

So on Thursday I have a tour to Oudtshoorn with an overseas volunteer. For those that don’t know about Oudtshoorn, it’s largely regarded as the ostrich capital of South Africa and is a pretty town found in the Karoo with gorgeous old sandstone historic buildings.

I shall be first taking our volunteer to the Cango caves to do the heritage your. I can’t wait to see these natural caves and rock formations in undeniably Africa’s most popular ‘show caves’. The Cango caves have had excavations that prove humans have lived in the entrance dating as far back as the Middle and Later Stone Ages. Africa truly is the home of mankind!

Cango Caves

Obviously an ostrich farm will have to also be on the cards and I’ve decided to take him to the Cango Ostrich Show farm. One thing I will do though is not encourage ostrich riding which I think is not necessary and cruel.

Cango Ostrich Farm

Last but not least is a visit to the Cango Wildlife ranch which is actually an accredited zoo. One of the things they offer is crocodile cage diving! Yes you read that right!

However I will also not encourage any cub petting as I don’t feel that it’s an ethical thing to do to any wild animal. We shall just observe them.

Cango Wildlife Ranch

As the town I live in is a 2 hour drive from Oudtshoorn, I don’t visit there as much as I would like to. I’m really starting to love the Karoo and it’s very unique beauty. Hopefully I will take lots of stunning photos and upload them at a later stage on here.