There's more to South Africa Game Reserves than just visiting Kruger National Park

We visited Pumba Private Game Reserve and Spa for a weekend in March 2014. Pumba Private Game Reserve is the 3rd largest privately owned Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. We drove from our offices in Port Alfred taking the Alicedale turnoff on the N2 between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. Pumba Game Reserve is signposted off to the right off the Alicadale Road.  As you turn into Pumba you follow a gravel road for about 1km and then take a left into the entrance to Pumba.  Once through the gates there is a further track leading up to the Main Lodge at Pumba. As you head up to the Main Lodge you will start to see animals immediately with Blesbuck, Warthog and Blue Wildebeest grazing close to your track.

Pumba Main Lodge is an impressive thatched set of buildings joined by wooden paths. Pumba has two lodges the Msenge Bush Lodge and the Pumba Water Lodge where we were staying. The Pumba Water Lodge has the advantage of overlooking a beautiful lake which each cottage can enjoy from their balcony. The lake is a haven for birds, a variety of buck and of course the hippo which you can see and hear grunting in the lake. Occasionally these lumbering giants will come out of the water close to your accommodation which is an amazing sight. We even caught sight of a giant tortoise across the other side of the lake as well as two of the white rhino that roam around.

We went on four game drives during our stay at Pumba which were a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Our guide was called Peter and he had recently joined Pumba after working at Amakhala Game Reserve. Morning game drives started at 01h30 and finished at approximately 02h30. After each game drive you are welcomed back at the lodge with a hot or cold towel to freshen up along with drinks in evening. On each of the game drives there is a chance to stop and have a hot drink in the mornings and a sundowner on the evening drives. Pumba Private Game Reserve has a lovely relaxed feel to it along and along with the Big 5 that are on offer to see here it makes for a real alternative to travelling up to Limpopo to Kruger National Park. Pumba has white lions as well as normal lion and we were lucky enough to see the male and female who are simply magnificent. Late on during one of our evening game drives we caught sight of four Bat Eared foxes which is quite a rare sighting.

Evenings at Pumba are so relaxing as you sit and eat your delicious dinner whilst looking over the lake. A warm fire is always on the go and creates a lovely atmosphere. We got to know our fellow travellers on our game drives and on our last evening we enjoyed dinner together. It was lovely to exchange stories of other trips whilst listening to the hippos grunting in the lake below us.

The accommodation at Pumba Water Lodge is first class with lots of space, a large balcony and even a plunge pool to enjoy. There is an excellent choice of Game Reserves in South Africa and Pumba in the Eastern Cape offers a real alternative to the more traditional Kruger Reserves. For more information on South Africa and what to see and where to stay visit where2stay-southafrica

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New Eastern Cape Coastal Route to Launch at Indaba 2014

Lions at Pumba

A holiday to South Africa is on most people's bucket list whether it be to achieve a lifelong ambition to go on safari or to visit the Mother City, Cape Town. Visitors travel from far and wide including the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands and typically stay for a longer period than the average two week holiday. Many visitors choose to hire a car and travel long distances to ensure they take in fully all that this diverse country has to offer. One of the most famous touring routes is the Garden Route which starts around Plettenberg Bay in the Eastern Cape and stretches for 200km down to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.

At this year's Indaba Tourist Show in May 2014 a new route is being launched called the Eastern Cape Coastal Route. The route will cover over 900km of stunning coastline from Tsitsikamma all the way up to Port St Johns in the Wild Coast. The Eastern Cape Tourism and Parks Agency and Open Africa formed the idea of a new tourist route to promote the Eastern Cape as a holiday destination. Many tourists may not be aware that the Eastern Cape has some of the best Game Reserves in South Africa. Stunning luxury safaris are available at Shamwari, Lalibele, Amakhala and Pumba all located in the Eastern Cape and offering Big 5 game viewing and in a malaria-free environment.

In addition the route will incorporate the Sunshine Coast a stretch of glorious beaches and popular holiday destinations from St Francis Bay up to East London.  Midway along the Sunshine Coast is the coastal town of Port Alfred built around the Kowie River which leads into the Indian Ocean.  Twice a year the Kowie River hosts annual rowing event for the SA Schools and Universities. There is a lovely marina here to accommodate the popularity of deep sea fishing off the coast here. All along the Sunshine Coast you will find coastal holiday spots like Port Alfred including Kenton-on-Sea, Kleinemonde, Hamburg and Kidds Beach.

The new Eastern Cape Coastal Route will offer a huge selection of activities for visitors from fishing, hiking trails, horse-riding on the beaches, diving and surfing. The launch of the route is coinciding with a government initiative to invest in tourism in the Eastern Cape.

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Why not have a Tourism Grading System for Towns

Camps Bay near Cape Town

With so much emphasis put on establishments providing accommodation in South Africa to obtain a Tourism Grading to attract clients I can't help but wonder whether a similar tourism grading system shouldn't also be applied to towns and cities. Looking around the various holiday destinations around South Africa this could only have a positive effect. It is all well and good for establishment owners to ensure they are meeting the grade in terms of visitor expectations but what about the towns. There should be a responsibility placed upon municipalities up and down the country to raise their game.

A Tourism Grading system for destinations would encourage those responsible to ensure they are continually improving the facilities and overall look and feel of the town for the holidaymaker. Presently too much reliability is left to the local Tourism Offices who have to fight for funding for basic functional needs with the municipalities. In addition these Tourist Offices have no say on what needs to be improved in their locality to encourage visitors to come back. There needs to be a far broader joined-up approach between the local
Tourism Offices and the Local Municipality. A Tourism Grading System for holiday destinations in South Africa could provide real guidance and emphasis on how and what a town could do to improve its tourist market experience.

The answer is not to put up a few signs and to have a website with some nice photos on it (although these are still needed) it is to look at your town or city through the eyes of your typical tourist. In these times of economic downturn the repeat visitor and word of mouth recommendation is key to ensuring the long term viability and success of a town as a tourist destination. A tourist on holiday at the moment expects good quality accommodation in an area with plenty of things to do or see. Good quality accommodation in a seemingly run-down or neglected area is not going to encourage visitors to return.  Places like Knysna in the Western Cape set good examples of what can be achieved.

Ideas for a Destination Tourism Grading System:

As a suggestion Towns and cities in South Africa could be graded on the following:

1. Quality and availability of amenities Eg Public Toilets, Parking, Open Areas
2. Quality of the roads
3. Quality and Safety of the beaches
4. Quality and Availability of Outdoor Activities
5. Quality and Availability of Indoor Activities
6. Quality of Shopping areas
7. Family Friendly Destination

These are just a few ideas and I am sure others will have more. 

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Plettenberg Bay – the Monaco of South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is situated along the Garden Route and is hugely popular with visitors throughout the year but especially around the Christmas season. This area has become increasingly popular over the last few years with visitors being attracted by the miles of sweeping golden sandy beaches, rocky peninsula and wonderful climate. There are some fabulous spots here to look out across the vast Indian Ocean. There are three main beaches - Robberg, Central and Lookout. Of these, Lookout is probably the most appealing but they are all excellent for swimming and perfect for families. With over 300 days of sunshine a year Plettenberg has been compared to Monaco by some with its setting and delightful cuisine on offer.

There really is something for everyone to do from Skydiving, Bungee Jumping, Mountain Biking, and Canopy Tours to Whale Watching, Diving or perhaps just a gentle boat cruise. For the keen fisherman amongst you there is some excellent deep sea fishing to be had here. If you like playing golf then you will be spoilt for choice as this area has probably the most golf courses of all the areas in South Africa. Try the signature Goose Valley and Turtle Creek course in Plettenberg Bay, as well as the Country Club, offering golfers a unique experience.

Recommendations for accommodations in Plettenberg Bay include:

Madon Studio Self Catering Apartment If you’re looking for accommodation in a peaceful and tranquil setting look no further! This sunny North facing open-plan apartment forms the ground floor level of a resident artist’s home; from the private garden with its own entrance, overlooking a dense indigenous forest, home to a variety of bird life, you enter a spacious lounge and well-equipped kitchen; the bedroom has a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower - all you need for a relaxing stay in Plettenberg Bay, the jewel of the Garden Route. Prices start from R250 per night.

Crescent Country Hotel - The Crescent Country Hotel is situated on 8 hectares surrounded by beautiful rose gardens. The hotel offers 39 luxurious en-suite rooms, some with their own private garden terrace. The Crescent Country Hotel is a great base to explore the Garden Route - there also many wonderful activities on site and in and around Plettenberg Bay. Visit the Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, Game Reserves or take a boat trip to view whales, dolphins and sharks at close range. For Golf enthusiasts, there is a golf course over the road from the hotel. Paddle by canoe to the beach which is just 1km downstream or motor down 2kms away. Prices start from R520 per night sharing.

A Little Stint in Paradise - A tastefully furnished 4-star graded fully-equipped 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom ground floor holiday apartment located in the heart of Plettenberg Bay with the focus on luxury, comfort and style. Prices starting from R190 per night.

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An explanation of some of the food you will come across whilst in South Africa.

Potjiekos "small pot food", is a small cast iron pot in which meat, vegetables, wine, and almost anything else can be put in and set by an open fire to stew. A Potjie is a layered dish - you start with spices and oil then add the meat and brown it. Then add potatoes and other vegetables. The Potjie will then need to cook for a few hours to bring out all of the flavours. It is extremely tasty. 

Braai - The word Braai means an outdoor barbeque and as you can imagine is extremely popular all across South Africa with no home being complete without one. This is a great event where friends get together to eat, drink and have fun. Typical food cooked on a braai includes steak (South African steak has to be some of the best in the world!) chicken and boerewors served with traditional pap. 

Pap - Pap is a porridge made typically from mealie meal (maize meal) cooked with water and salt to a fairly stiff consistency. Delicious as an accompaniment to a Braai. 

Boerewors - Boerewors is made from coarsely minced beef (sometimes combined with minced pork, lamb, or both) and spices (usually toasted coriander seed, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves and allspice). Similar to a sausage but extremely tasty boerewors is usually cooked on a braai but can also be grilled.

Sosaties are seasoned lamb / chicken or other meats on a skewer and usually served at a braai. They are made in different ways with different seasoning and marinades to give them flavour.

Frikkadels are little meatballs which can be backed or deep-fried.

Rooibos tea is made from a plant native to South Africa – it is served without milk, sugar or lemon.

Vetkoek a traditional Afrikaner pastry which has been deep-fried and can be served with either a savoury mince or for something sweet; served with syrup, honey or jam.

Bobotie is spiced minced meat with an egg based topping. 

Biltong - This South African favourite is dried and salted meat, similar to beef jerky, although it can be made from ostrich, kudu or any other red meat.

Bunny chow - Delicious and cheap food on the go, bunny chow is curry served in a hollowed-out half-loaf of bread, generally sold in greasy-spoon cafés. Perfect for eating on the side of the road while backpacking across South Africa.

Koeksister - This is a delicious sweet which is both a traditional Malay and also Afrikaner dish. Koeksister is made from twisted yeast dough, deep fried and dipped in syrup. The right-wing enclave of Orania in the Northern Cape even has its own statue to the koeksister. The word comes from the Dutch koek ("cake") and sissen, meaning "to sizzle".

Malva Pudding is a sweet pudding made from apricot jam and is usually served hot with either ice cream or custard.

Melktert – meaning “Milk Tart” in Afrikaans is a sweet dessert with a creamy filling with cinnamon sprinkled on top.

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Spectacular Accommodation in South Africa

With more and more accommodation venue’s joining Where2Stay-SouthAfrica – we are amazed by some of the magnificent places on offer for people to stay when they come to South Africa or for those already in South Africa travelling on holiday.

Visitors and travellers alike now have a choice not only in price and what you’re willing to pay, but for the features, location, star grading and those extra’s that make a place unique and memorable. 

Accommodation – like most other things – is something you need to shop around for.  There are so many sites offering accommodation, the best deals, the best tours at the most affordable prices, etc – but as long as you do a bit of homework – all the information is out there and you can very easily create your perfect holiday or break.

Here a few of the venue’s we have recently come across which we’d like to share with you:

Buhala Game Lodge: is an enchanting Game Lodge right on the banks of the Crocodile River, the border of the Kruger National Park. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=038

Leshiba Wilderness: For a magical African experience, try Leshiba Wilderness Private Game Reserve, 2600 hectare in area located on top of the Soutpansberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=281

Air del Mar – Mossel Bay: Everyone who stays at Air del Mar falls in love with its spectacular, unspoiled natural beauty and harmonious, safe and tranquil lifestyle. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=277

Set in a Private Nature Reserve on 417 Hectares, Grotto Bay is unique. Inspired by the architecture in the Hamptons, USA this spacious Villa has uninterrupted views of the spectacular West Coast. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=286

Clovelly Lodge is the perfect base to explore Cape Town, at the heart of the Table Mountain National Park. Kick back and relax in the privacy and independence of your own guest apartment, surrounded by indigenous gardens in a naturally landscaped setting. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=300

The Ocean Art House is a Guest House with Art Gallery, at Cape Agulhas on the Southern Cape coast. Art and Nature combine to convey enduring impressions, stimulating the senses and allowing one to forget everyday hustle and bustle. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=297

Perched in a prime position on the spectacular Knynsa Heads with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, The Alexander takes style, ambience and personal service to new heights. http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/info.php?lid=168

For more amazing accommodation venues – go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

Or contact us on info@where2stay-southafrica.com

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South African Adventure – Canopy Tours

A Canopy Tour comprises a series of high platforms connected by a series of ropes from which you swing from one to the other. You are connected to the ropes by means of safety harnesses and helmets are provided. Guides are close by to ensure your safety at all times.

Tours generally last for 2.5 hours and cost around R450 each. The price includes equipment, 4x4 transport, guides, refreshments and a light lunch after your tour. The tours are suitable for those aged 7 to 70. Bookings are always essential for these tours.

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, Western Cape Province

Just 45 minutes from Plettenberg Bay and 1hr and 30 minutes from Port Elizabeth lies Storms River Village where you will find the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour. Within the amazing Tsitsikamma indigenous forest are a number of platforms built around Outeniqua Yellowood trees - some of which are 700 years old.

Experience the thrill of sliding across from one platform to the next whilst soaring over the lush forest nearly 30 metres below you. Keep your eyes open while you are high up in the trees and look out for Knysna Loeries and the elusive Narina Trogon birds. The scenery is superb and your trip across the platforms will be well supervised by professional guides who will describe everything that you can see. The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is a real experience and thoroughly recommended.

Contact: +27 42 281 1836

Magaliesberg Canopy Tour, North-West Province

The Magaliesberg Canopy Tour is set among the old Magaliesberg Mountains on eleven platforms built way up on the rock faces of the Ysterhout Kloof. There are 03 slides and the longest is nearly 140 metres long. This Canopy Tour is located at the Sparkling Waters Hotel just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Pretoria and Johannesburg and a mere 30 minutes from Rustenburg. The tour guides will inform you on all the interesting facts covering the birds, wildlife, plants and geology of the area. The Magaliesberg Mountains are home to all sorts of wildlife - keep you eyes open for the Klipspringer which jumps from rock to rock below you as you swing over them.

Contact: +27 14 535 0150

Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, Limpopo Province

In between the towns of Haenertsburg and Tzaneen you will find the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour - just 1hr from Polokwane and 30 minutes from Tzaneen. From the platforms of the Magoesbaskloof Canopy Tour your guides will tell you all about your surroundings before you traverse across exhilarating slides. There are three giant waterfalls here as well as the sparking river below where you can look out for the Giant Kingfisher which swoops over the river in search of its prey. The flowers here are colourful and along with the surrounding cliffs will make your canopy tour worth every minute.

Contact: +27 83 866 1546

Karkloof Canopy Tour, KwaZulu-Natal Province

In Karkloof, just 03minutes from Howick and 1hr and 30 minutes from Durban is the Karkloof Canopy Tour. This Canopy Tour has been built high up in the Karkloof Nature Reserve and was only the second canopy tour to be built in South Africa. This Canopy Tour has been built for the slightly more adventurous nature lover and has 180 metre longs slides over the forest canopy and provides you with superb views of the beautiful Karkloof Valley. On your journey from platform to platform you will probably hear the loud calls of the Samango monkey and possibly see an Emerald cuckoo. This Canopy Tour is truly exhilarating and well supervised by professional guides.

Contact: +27 33 330 3415

Drakensberg Canopy Tour, KwaZulu-Natal Province

Located centrally in the Drakensberg Region just 20 minutes from Winterton, 3.5 hrs from Johannesburg and 2.5 hrs from Durban is the new Drakensberg Canopy Tour. This canopy tour is a favourite with bird lovers and nature lovers. The tour is set within a forested valley of the Central Drakensberg Mountains. The Canopy Tour has high rock face walkways, tree bound platforms, a suspension bridge and slides that go across the river way below. The platforms set on the cliff-side provide excellent viewing galleries for nature lovers. This canopy tour really has something for everyone.

Contact: +27 83 785 1693

For more information on the above, other activities and accommodation across South Africa – please see: http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com

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