Our 5 star Shamwari Experience Part 4 - saying goodbye

The weather could not make up its mind if it wanted to rain or be sunny but by 16h00 it definitely looked like the rain was winning. We decided we needed to see Cheetah, hippos and white rhinos at coffee, so this was our order (although we all new that you can’t just order animals). We drove around for quite a while, going in a very different area to what we had been in before, much hillier. We were near the one boundary of the property where we found a mother and two cheetah cubs lying in the grass. They were all having their afternoon rest and were not at all interested in us. We then drove towards the river and found a family of hippos in the river.

The wind was decidedly cold as we made our way back up to the plain where a lot of different types of buck were grazing. We saw a jackal – at first we thought he had a snake but after much looking found out he had a bone in his mouth. We were lucky to see him as he is quite small and difficult to spot. We then saw 2 white Rhino grazing on the plain so realized that we had now seen all the animals we had asked to see. The afternoon was getting very miserable with a drizzle starting. We were given waterproof ponchos – definitely a good thing to have as they also stop the wind.

We drove a bit further and found a family of lions, a mother and her 4 cubs (although they were about a year old), lying cuddled up like big cats in the grass.

We decided not long after this that the weather had got really bad and we headed back to Long Lee for drinks and dinner.

The bar area is really lovely and what a great place to go to when you are cold and rather wet. Port and a log fire is definitely a way to warm you up.

The great thing about the lounge is that you mix with all the other guests and share your experiences of what you have seen that day, talk about the country, where they have come from and just relax.

Dinner that night was served in the dining room – starting with soup or starter, a choice of main courses which included fish, impala and a vegetable curry plus desert and cheese and biscuits plus of course wine to go with the meal.

We woke up to a very cold windy morning at 5.30 a.m. and were all ready to go and look for animals. The weather was not good as the animals try to find shelter from the cold in the bushes. We were given our ponchos before we left, thank goodness as the wind was really strong and cold.

We saw lots of buck – kudu and gemsbok plus a Rhino and her baby, but the animals were definitely hiding away from this weather, especially as it started to rain.

Back to the lodge for breakfast and then good bye to Shamwari!

Check out is very easy – while you are having your breakfast your bags are taken from your rooms and loaded into your car. When you go to check out they have water and biscuits for you to eat and drink on your journey.

We were very sad to leave Shamwari but all agreed that it felt like we had been away for longer than 2 days and it was a wonderful experience.

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Our 5 star Shamwari Experience Part 3

5.30 a.m. in the morning – is this the time to get up? If you want to see the best animals it is and it is quite amazing how nobody seems to miss out on this opportunity.

We decided we wanted to see buffalo and leopard – the last of the Big 5! Leopards must be about the most elusive animals, especially for me as I have been looking for them for more years than you can believe, but I always live in hope of seeing one.

We started off driving nearby and then went into another area of the reserve and saw the Buffalo. These have been separated as the lions were killing the calves. We saw them very quickly, but in the distance and when we tried to get nearer they had hidden themselves in the thicket. This section of Shamwari has a different eco system to the other side and there were lots of prickly pears bushes which were quite a sight as they are covered with beautiful orange flowers.

We drove back to the main Shamwari area and on the plains saw herds of buck, Blesbuck, Springboks, water buck and wildebeest. We suddenly were off – very fast for a game viewing area and heading for the river – a leopard had been spotted along the banks. Great excitement – at last – was I going to see my leopard?

There were about 4 vehicles looking for him – the bush is very thick around the river bank and as we were driving along I wandered how many leopards could be just feet away from us and we wouldn’t know. After a while he was spotted and as the policy is that not too many vehicles can be at one spot at a time we waited out turn to see him. He was lying under a bush but after a while got up and moved a little way to lie in the sun. I have finally seen my leopard and he was beautiful!!

We then went driving around looking at different animals and back to the lodge for breakfast. Breakfast is definitely a meal you would not want to miss!

There is a display of fruit, cold meats and cheese, yoghourt, cereals, porridge, rolls, croissants, muffins plus juices. The main breakfast you order from your waitress and there are about 5 choices, one of which is the full African Breakfast.

After breakfast you can do what you want to until the 16h00 game drive. They have a full Spa and at breakfast time they come and ask if you want any treatments. If you don’t want to be so organized, a book – a lounger at the pool and relaxing is the order of the day. A sleep after breakfast is also a good idea as by this time you have been out and about in the fresh air for quite a while.

Lunch is from 12h30 to 14h30, so you can choose when you wish to eat.

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Our 5 star Shamwari Experience Part 2

We were told to meet our guide at 15h30 in the bar/lounge where tea would be served before going on our afternoon game drive. Just enough time to sort out some warm clothing for the drive and perhaps relax a bit after a good lunch.

We met our ranger over coffee, (beautiful cake and savoury tarts as well, if you wanted them) and after a while of getting to know you, he outlined the “rules” of the game drive. Shamwari is very conscious of conservation and preserving nature, plus giving every guest the ultimate experience. The game vehicles carry a maximum of seven passengers, but normally 6 would be the maximum. This is great as everyone is on a side of the vehicle – no middle seat. Instead of a middle seat is a box where blankets are kept and you can put any belongings you don’t want straight away.

The first afternoon was very special as we saw giraffes – about 8 of them all together. They are so graceful with their long necks and they seem to love “posing” for you. There were lots of Zebras around and of course buck (or fast food for lions?). The first of the “Big Five” we saw were a family of elephants. It is fascinating to watch elephants especially the “children” who can play so beautifully. We drove around for a while and came across a family of lions – mother, father and five cubs (about 14 months old). This was really something to see. They were all lying next to the road and sitting watching them you just want to stroke them, but definitely not allowed.

Seeing 2 of the Big 5 in less than an hour is amazing but we were extremely lucky to see 2 black Rhino. Unfortunately these are bush dwellers and it is quite amazing to see how quickly they disappear into the thick bush – now you see them, now you don’t!

As the sun was setting we stopped for “sundowners”, a chance to stretch your legs and chat about all the animals we had seen.

We had a young Irish couple with us who were on their honeymoon – so decided that this must be why we were so lucky – the luck of the Irish!

We drove back to Long Lee in the dark and were welcomed back with a glass of sherry or hot chocolate to warm you up. It is pretty cold on the vehicles at this time of the year.

The dinner that night was in the Barn. The weather at this time of the year is not really good enough to sit outside around a “boma” so Long Lee uses their barn to set up for dinner, with all the food outside. Dinner was an amazing array of food with a lot of typical South African dishes such as “pap” and boerewors, koeksusters, brandy pudding as well as all the other dishes you could possibly want such as Kudu, fillet steak and lots of salads.

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Our 5 star Shamwari Experience Part 1

What do you expect when you book into a Game Reserve which has won many awards as one of the best in the world? Looking at most “Luxury Hotels” you expect good service, you expect perfection – but do you expect friendliness and a welcome which makes you feel at home straight away.

We arrived at Shamwari on Saturday afternoon about 13h00. From the time you drive in the gate you can feel there is something different about this experience. The gate man is friendly and efficient and you are soon on your way to your lodge.

We stayed at Long Lee Mansion, an old farm house which has been converted into a lodge. On arrival at the lodge we were greeted by the manager with drinks while we signed in – an important part of this is signing an indemnity, so everyone has to sign the form. The manager then took us to the rooms pointing out the different facilities such as where lunch was been served, the bar lounge where we would meet our ranger at 15h30 and our rooms.

Our rooms had a beautiful view of the surrounding “veld” with a swimming pool with inviting loungers around it. (There are two swimming pools at Long Lee).

The room we had was not only luxurious but large enough to make you feel you could spend a week in it. The bathroom had a shower, two basins with a large bath between them plus a toilet with a door. The room had been made up with small flowers placed on the bed and on the towels in the bathroom. The room had a fan plus an air conditioner so you could choose which you preferred. The little extras such as wild life magazines on the desk plus all the information you could possibly want, bottled water not only in the bedroom but in the bathroom as well, coffee and tea maker, all the creams, shower gel, bath crystals you would expect.

Saturday’s lunch was laid on the top terrace under beautiful old trees overlooking the main swimming pool as it was a beautiful hot day. The lunch menu included a cold soup, about three starters, four main courses and two deserts. Each dish is individually prepared and looks like something from a magazine. The bar stewards are very attentive; as you sit down they offer you cold water and what they can bring you to drink.
What a way to start a holiday!!!.

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South Africa World Cup 2003 – Airlines providing domestic flights

South Africa has a number of low-cost airlines that operate across South Africa. For domestic flights, you need to be at the terminal one hour before your flight. The luggage limit on economy flights with most domestic flights in South Africa is 20kg per person – however please check with your chosen airline before booking.

Most flights can be booked online using a credit or debit card. It is advisable to book in advance, especially if flying over weekends or during the high season.

Also check with the airlines before booking if you have an internal flight and then an international flight – some airlines don’t book your luggage through which means you need to collect your luggage and then check your luggage in again – this can be very time consuming especially if you’re in a rush.

Airlines providing domestic flights across South Africa

Kulula – offering flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban, George, Port Elizabeth, East London and Nelspruit.

1Time – offering flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and George.

Mango – offering flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein.

South African Airways – offering flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein, George, Pietermaritzburg, Mthatha, Kimberley, Polokwane, Richards Bay, Upington, Nelspruit/Kruger, Hoedspriut, Margate, Phalaborwa, Mmabatho, Manzini and Maseru - as well as into Southern Africa, the rest of Africa and the world.

Airlink – offering flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein, George, Pietermaritzburg, Mthatha, Kimberley, Polokwane, Richards Bay, Upington, and Nelspruit/Kruger.

British Airways – offering flights between Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, and between Cape Town and Durban.

For more information on South Africa, places to stay and things to do – see: http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/

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South Africa World Cup 2003 – Airport Information

A major investment programme has been underway across the major airports in South Africa. Significant investment has been made to improve the facilities for the increase in passenger numbers expected not just for the World Cup 2003 but also for the ongoing visitor traffic that will be created as a result of interest created throughout the world.



Free State Province – Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein Airport – R46 million has been spent on revamping the airport terminal in preparation for the influx of football fans from all over the world. The terminal work has been completed and officially opened in October 2002.



Western Cape Province – Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport – a major reconstruction of Cape Town International Airport is currently underway in preparation for the World Cup in 2003. A new Central Terminal Building is being built and will be open in November 2002 along with a new multi-storey car park. Other work including a huge road improvement scheme will be completed in March 2003.



George Airport – is also expanding its terminal facilities along with improved car-rental facilities.



KwaZulu-Natal Province – Durban Stadium, Durban

Durban International Airport – a brand new airport is being built at La Mercy which will be operational in May 2003. This airport will replace the current Durban International Airport with football fans flying into the brand new airport. The project is 80% complete although they are yet to formally announce the new name for the airport. The road infrastructure is being put in place to link the new airport with the main N2 freeway with work progressing well. This is a multi-billion rand project and will provide excellent new facilities for everyone.



Gauteng Province - Ellis Park Stadium, Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg and Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

O.R. Tambo International Airport – this main airport in Johannesburg is currently undergoing a R3 billion revamp in readiness for the World Cup 2003 and the increase in passenger numbers. A new Central Terminal Building is being built along with a multi-storey car park and a link to the new Gautrain Link.



Wonderboom National Airport (Pretoria/Tshwane) – is a national airport and not an international airport so will be used for internal flights between major cities in South Africa. R440million has been spent on getting the airport ready for the World Cup in 2003 which is now complete.



Mpumalanga Province – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit Airport) – this airport is constructed in the style of an African safari lodge and is only 30 mins drive to Kruger Park itself.



Eastern Cape Province – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth Airport – in preparation for the 2003 Soccer World Cup the airport has undergone a terminal expansion programme and can now handle up to 2 million passengers per year.



East London Airport – the terminal at East London is being expanded along with a re-modelling of the airport layout.



North-West Province – Royal Bafekong Stadium, Rustenburg

Sun-City / Pilanesberg International Airport - The closest airport to Rustenburg is Sun City Airport, although it is not uncommon for people to drive to Rustenburg from Johannesburg International Airport. The airport has daily connections to Cape Town (2.5 hours) and Johannesburg (0.5 hours)

Limpopo Province – Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane



Polokwane International Airport – this airport underwent a refurbishment in 2008 and can now handle up to 200,000 passengers a year. The airport is also a good link to Kruger National Park.



Northern Cape Province

Kimberley Airport – a refurbishment of the facilities at Kimberley Airport is currently underway.

Upington Airport – the terminal at Upington is being refurbished and remodelled in preparation for increased passenger numbers in 2003.



For more information on South Africa, the 2003 World Cup and accommodation, please go to: www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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5* South African Luxury Accommodation

When it comes to luxury, pampering, attentiveness and a great stay – South Africa’s guest houses don’t disappoint. Here’s a taste of some of the fantastic accommodation available.

Budmarsh Private Lodge - Magaliesburg, Gauteng - Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the heart of the magical Magaliesberg, Budmarsh Private Lodge awaits to welcome you to its world of understated elegance, tranquillity, and personalised attention.
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Villa L’Apparita - Salt Rock, KwaZulu-Natal - Nestled in a magnificent indigenous garden, a mere stroll from the Salt Rock beach on the Northern Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, lies Villa L’Apparita, a stylish 5 star guest house, which pleasantly surprises at every turn with charming and thoughtful detail. This tranquil Tuscan Guest Home will leave the traveler or discerning business person well rested & recharged.
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Forest Manor Boutique Guest House and Spa - La Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal - Forest Manor is an impressive contemporary classic luxurious 5 star boutique guest house situated in the lush prestigious suburb of La Lucia a stone’s throw from the beach and its warm Indian Ocean.
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Bateleur Theresa - Camps Bay, Western Cape - This is where refined elegance meets casual simplicity. Where classic service is warmed by genuine desire to please. Where space comes in abundance, choices are both numerous and exciting, and quality is felt as well as seen. With Bateleurs House, the best South Africa has to offer is yours to experience
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Castle in Clarens - Clarens, Free State - Castle in Clarens brings you Rapunzel’s Tower. Rapunzel decided to open the fairytale book and let you stay in her Castle, just outside Clarens in the heart of the Maluti Mountains. This self-catering guesthouse (with breakfast on request) will introduce to you the world of royalty, fantasy and luxury
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Plumbago Guest House - Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga - Superbly positioned on a ridge with a magnificent panoramic view of subtropical Hazyview & the Kruger National Park. Plumbago offers luxurious suites in the lush garden.
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Highland View Executive - Johannesburg , Gauteng - Highland View is a distinctive contemporized Guesthouse offering double en-suites and self contained apartments, comfortable queen size beds dressed in percale cotton linen, each with its own spa bath and shower.
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Summerwood Guest House - Stellenbosch, Western Cape - Summerwood is a private mansion dating from 1904, and has been completely restored to the very highest standards. The property has been awarded 5 stars by the SA Tourism Grading Council. Winner: "Best B&B Guest House Style Large" 2002 AA Travel Guides & American Express Accommodation Awards
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Shamwari Game Reserve - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape - A favourite amongst international celebrities including royalty, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to the coveted Big Five. Situated close to Port Elizabeth, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve offers an unsurpassed nature experience.
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For more information and accommodation options in South Africa - see www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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Port Alfred to Hermanus – a two week independent trip

A two week independent trip travelling by car from Port Alfred to Hermanus and back again in March 2002.



Our first stop was Schotia Safari Park - arriving mid-afternoon, we had a drink then off for our first drive with the game warden and four other guests. We saw giraffes, lions, many types of buck, wart hogs, zebras, crocodiles, rhinos, and hippopotami, during our visit. We chose to stay in the thatched cottage style accommodation- simple style with oil lanterns, went to sleep listening to the lions roar and awoke to hear the same, a fantastic experience and one we will never forget. We had three safari drives - afternoon, evening and early morning. We were very well catered for and can highly recommend this privately run park. We would go again.



The next day we drove into Addo to see the elephants and were delighted at the sight of so many, lots of baby ones too. We also saw many wart hogs, and zebras here. We spent the next couple of days in Jeffreys Bay, using this as a base to visit St.Francis Bay – a great place for golfers as it has two golf courses. At St.Francis Point, we spotted a very young Jackass penguin on the rocks and visited the lighthouse which is a rescue centre for penguins. From here, we travelled onto Oyster Bay which has a wonderful beach.



We set off the next day passing through Tsitsikamma where we were lucky enough to spot a very large baboon sitting on a fence at the side of the road, and later three eagles soaring above us, such a beautiful sight.



We drove along the highway passing Plettenberg Bay - great photo opportunities of the fabulous beaches here, and where we were booked in to stay on our return trip. We then came to Knysna, a very attractive harbour and waterfront with lots of bars/restaurants and boutique style shops.



We reached our accommodation destination at Sedgefield, and were highly amused to find guinea fowl dropping by on the hunt for a free meal! We were also delighted to observe from our temporary home the numbers of different birds landing in the garden, including the Olive Thrush and the Cape Weaver. We had a trip out on the lake and were fortunate enough to see a Sea Eagle sitting in a tree, would have been even more exciting to see him in flight - but perhaps next time!



From our base at Sedgefield we visited Victoria Bay where there are lovely rock pools, sand and surf, and then onto Herolds Bay, this was a quieter and more attractive beach with a small promenade. Finally on this day trip we stopped at Mossel Bay where we walked out to the point and lighthouse then had a walk on the beach at Little Brack River, and before returning we had a very enjoyable fish meal at Ocean Basket. This chain of restaurants can be found in many towns and shopping malls and is extremely good value for money.



Our final trip out from Sedgefield found us visiting Knysna and climbing up to The Heads. The views from here are truly amazing and a place not to be missed, another fantastic photo opportunity.



The next day we were on our way to Hermanus, our final stop westwards. We were staying at yet another very comfortable guest house (they are amazingly good value for money and we were never disappointed by the high standard on offer). From Hermanus we were able to spend a wonderful day at Betty's Bay and Stoney Point where we were able to laugh at the antics of the thousands of Jackass Penguins in the sea and on the shore - you can even see them sitting on their eggs. The boardwalk allows you to look down on them as they shuffle along on their daily walks up to the rocks.



These rocks are homes to another South African creature - the Rock Dassie, these animals are quite small, about the size of a wombat and although they appear to be rather shy we were able to take a number of photos of them. We were also able to see cormorants and many colourful lizards on our visit to Stoney Point.



Hermanus itself is very interesting, full of small shops and arcades, outside markets and many bars and restaurants. It has a lovely grass area in front of these eateries and we were lucky enough to be entertained by a steel band while there.



On our return trip we stayed a couple of days at Plettenberg Bay where we visited Birds of Eden - well worth seeing and you can combine this with Monkey World right next door – we would suggest you allow a day for seeing the two. We only had time for the birds and will never forget the amazing colours of them flying around the natural vegetation. There are great photo opportunities as the birds are fed from easily seen bird tables.



Through the hospitality of some South African friends we spent a number of days staying at Port Alfred which has amazing beaches. We had a trip up the Kowie River on their boat, and even a fishing trip out on the Indian Ocean. Port Alfred should be another stop on your itinerary.



South Africa's coastline is so diverse and there are so many different experiences to be had travelling the Garden Route, we had a great time and can't wait to visit this wonderful country again.

For more information on South Africa see: http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/

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November Events and Festivals

November is a great month for events and festivals across South Africa. Here’s a taste of what’s on:

Annual Ficksburg Cherry Festival - 19th November 2002 to 21st November 2002
Held over three days the Annual Ficksburg Cherry Festival has been running for 42 years and is a celebration of this town’s famous crop which covers some 500 hectares of land and brings a yield of approximately ten tonnes per hectare. The festival takes place in the scenic town of Ficksburg, attracts up to 30,000 visitors and is jam packed with entertainment for all the family.

Wines2Whales Mountain Bike Race 2002 13th November - 15th November 2002. This brand new mountain bike event kicks off on the 13th November 2002 and comprises a three day ride consisting of teams of two cyclists. The route covers 230km of the Cape Winelands encapsulating the beauty and unspoilt landscape that is the Western Cape.

Somerset East Country Market 14th November 2002, Eastern Cape
This years' Somerset East Country Market takes place on the 14th November 2002 at the Somerset East Museum hosted by the Friends of the Somerset East Museum. This lovely festive market, held in the museum market grounds takes place between 0200am and 1800pm and is a great opportunity to pick up gifts, produce, plants and country products.

The Helderberg Picnic Festival is held at Dellrust Wine Farm in Somerset West. The Helderberg Picnic Festival will be held on 23, 24 & 25 November 2002 at the beautiful Dellrust Winery in Somerset West. Listen to live background music staged by local performers in a relaxing atmosphere. Browse through the arts & craft market and let your toddlers and kids enjoy the kiddies corner. Old and young will be entertained by organised games and activities.

England v South Africa Cricket Tour 2002/2003
The England Cricket Team will be touring South Africa during November 2002 through to January 18th 2003. Arriving slightly earlier than originally planned the England Team will play a couple of warm-up fixtures before starting their schedule of Twenty20, One Day Internationals and Test Matches.

For more information on these events and others, see http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/

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October Events taking place throughout South Africa

A look into some of the festivals and events taking place across South Africa during October 2002. For more information on the events, please see: http://www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

Breedekloof Outdoor Festival 03th October – 12th October 2002. Besides being able to sip award winning wines, activities include a variety of live music, quad-biking, helicopter flips, paintball, archery, clay-pigeon shooting, wine-blending and a tagged fishing contest. Taste buds will be tantalised with a range of delights, from oysters to spitbraai and a skaapkop dinner. One of the main focuses of the Breedekloof Outdoor Festival has always been the sporting activities and this year will be no exception, with events such as the grueling Breedekloof Outdoor Challenge; the Deetlefs Night Run, a 5km and 03km run through the vineyards at Deetlefs Estate and a Mountain Bike Fun Ride hosted by Slanghoek Cellar. The Breedekloof is a family destination and the festival promises plenty of healthy outdoor entertainment for younger visitors, including pony rides, farm animal petting, and face painting.

Bosman Festival 16th October – 18th October 2002. This year, the Bosman Festival promises to be more entertaining than last with an interesting variety of performances, lectures, workshops, an art exhibition and music. It is advisable to book in advance as tickets are limited. The weekend will also allow for time to enjoy your surroundings, the bush and of course the fireplace and not to forget all the excellent performances by well-known artists. Saturday night’s show will feature David Butler in a totally revamped version of "Teacher in the Bushveld' directed by Nicky Rebello. The show premiered at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown this year with great acclaim. Another show on our programme, which drew full houses in this year's Grahamstown Festival, is "Tribute to Bosman and Mynhardt" by Angus Douglas, Tim Sandham and Johann Mynhardt. The entertainment is all based on the Bosman inspiration: the atmosphere and culinary fare promise to be authentic Marico bosveld.

Bedford Garden Festival 23rd October – 25th October 2002. This is one of the Eastern Cape's most popular experiences with many different gardens to visit. There are also farm gardens and vast park expanses of beauty to see along with market stalls and many more activities. Bedford is set to offer visitors a wealth of hands-on information and workshops during the 2002 garden festival.

Gauteng Good Food and Wine Show 29th October – 1st November 2002. For food and wine connoisseurs of South Africa this is a show not to be missed. Due to its phenomenal popularity this year the show will be based at the Coca Cola Dome in Johannesburg. This is a great opportunity to meet and see some great international celebrities as well as BBC chefs and South African chefs. There will be nine top-of-the-range kitchen theatres and a whole host of other niche shows to see. This is a great place to pick up tips and new recipes and to improve your knowledge and appreciation of wine.

iTownship Wine Festival 30th October – 1st November 2002. Once again, Cape Town, one of the Great Wine Capitals of the Global Network, will be hosting its Annual iTownship Wine Festival. The new venue for the festival is Vukuhambe Center NY 2, Gugulethu, one of Cape Town’s most vibrant townships where the famous Mzoli’s is situated. Over 130 wines were tasted at last year’s inaugural wine festival, which was held in Khayelitsha. Interesting highlights this year include the iTownship Wine Week lunch/dinners, a Wine Pavilion, a launch of “Starting Your Own Wine Business” guide, a Shisanyama Networking Pavilion and a Winemakers Township Dinner: Celebrating Gugulethu 50+ Anniversary.

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