Beyond the Obvious South Africa

This 2 day walk through the wonderful Garden Route which covers approximately 35 km, starting in Mossel Bay and ending at Fransmanshoek.

Day 1

From Mossel Bay; head west across the rocks and along the coastal path over the great cliffs overlooking the beaches and deserted sand dunes. This 'off the beaten track' route affords you amazing views, taking you along paths where you will come across the famous fynbos that attracts so many botanists to the area. Did you know that on Table Mountain there are over 9,000 species of plant - more than you will find in the whole of the UK?

 This area is famous for the "Xhosa" (pronounced Corsa) people who have inhabited this area for many years. Many famous South African politicians are from the Xhosa tribe including Mandela, Mbeki and Tambo.  Xhosa people are famous for their language which consists of words mixed with "clicks" - if you get the chance to hear someone speak Xhosa it’s amazing!

Walking along this route you will eventually come to the Pinnacle Golf resort which demonstrates the delicate eco-balance that the Garden Route faces. The Garden Route has become extremely popular with the wealthy, the prosperous and of course tourists. Pinnacle Point will eventually have 850 houses next to a golf course which is situated on the cliff top. In contrast, immediately below the cliffs, archaeologists have discovered caves with evidence of life possibly tracing back to the origins of man. This amazing discovery may one day become a tourist attraction in itself.

From here, the cliffs begin to drop and you are at the end of your first day walking. If you take this walk at the right time of year (July to October) then you may be fortunate enough to spot Southern Right Whales just off the coast line. The whales frequent these waters to play, mate and calve and watching these mammals up so close is an amazing experience.

Day 2

Day 2 begins with a long walk along wide open sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean shore. With the enormous sand dunes behind you - some 030 metres high; it’s impossible to resist the urge to take your shoes off and wade into the Ocean. You will possibly spot the rare African Oyster Catcher along this route as well as people fishing for oysters in the rock pools close to the sea shore. This is a beautiful walk but if you venture up into the sand dunes keep a look out for leopard prints in the sand - yes that's right! leopards do visit down from the mountains but you are highly unlikely to see one.

You will eventually come to the village of Vleesbaai and from here you can take a path along the seashore towards the jagged rocks of Fransmanshoek and the end of your trail. From here you can look back and view almost the whole two day route you have just walked all the way from Mossel Bay.

For more information and accommodation options, go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com 

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Accommodation advice for the World Cup in South Africa

As with any country that hosts the World Cup the topic of accommodation is always an area of contention. Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or in a group choosing somewhere to stay is always never as easy as it might be. South Africa is a vast country and fans will have to cope with travelling long distances between games. Choosing the right location at the right price is key. 

The great thing about South Africa is that there is a lot of accommodation located all over the country.  Depending upon how much you want to pay and what you want to do between games will largely dictate where you decide to stay. There is a vast established network of good quality guest houses, B&B’s, hotels, game reserves, lodges and self-catering venues all vying for your custom. The hotels will be targeted by tour operators looking to accommodate groups and locate them centrally in order to facilitate organising trips. Another option is the Private Home. Many South Africans own second homes or are looking to rent out their whole house/apartment or rooms during the World Cup. This is a real alternative and these can be found by searching on many of the accommodation websites such as www.where2stay-southafrica.com . If you are in a small group this could turn out to be a really cost effective accommodation solution.

I have even heard of someone that has brought in a load of tents for the event with a view to hiring these out to fans. I do have some advice on this and that is to remember that the World Cup is being held in the winter of South Africa and although it is still pleasant during the day nights will be cold if sleeping outside. In addition I am not sure what security arrangements will be put in place but you will have to think about what to do with valuables for the times when you are sight seeing or at the games themselves. To my mind this isn’t perhaps an option I would choose.  My suggestion would be to look to base yourself centrally between games and to reduce your travelling time. If you base yourself slightly outside of major towns you will find accommodation cheaper and also probably have a choice of activities nearby such as game drives, 4x4, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, diving and fishing.

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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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FIFA World Cup 2003 – A missed tourism opportunity for South Africa

The FIFA World Cup in South Africa will soon be upon us and as with any worldwide event like this, there is immense public debate of how well the preparations are going. For South Africa, this is the first time they have hosted the FIFA World Cup and the eyes of the world will be upon them, perhaps with even more scrutiny than previous hosts. This is a magnificent opportunity to sell this wonderful country and all it has to offer international visitors. 
 

The latest reports are that ticket sales are not going as well as hoped and some qualifying nations are reporting public concerns over safety for their teams and supporters. South Africa has invested a huge sum of money in preparing the stadia and putting in place transport infrastructure to ensure the games are enjoyed by all the fans. Perhaps the most concerning areas for potential fans, looking to attend the World Cup, are the costs for accommodation and internal flights.

I am aware of prices for internal flights being offered at 4 to 5 times their normal price for the time of year. This doesn’t just impact fans but also those living in South Africa. In their wisdom, the government has decided that their will be a national school holiday throughout the World Cup period. For working parents this presents enough problems, but if you were to contemplate going away on holiday during this time then you will come up against the same problem that fans are having – extortionate prices! There is currently an investigation underway involving a number of the key airline carriers in South Africa around price fixing – this is further exacerbated by the complete lack of flights during this time. Hopefully the government will get on top of this and sort out this situation, as it will undoubtedly put many fans off.

The second area of concern is accommodation prices. At this point it is worth pointing out that after Sydney hosted the last Olympics, instead of seeing an upturn in visitors after the event, there was a dramatic decrease in tourists for the next three years! Much of this decrease in tourism was put down to the prices being charged during the Olympics. The same thing is happening in South Africa. Many accommodation owners are charging 5, 6 7+ times more than their normal rates. This short term profiteering, known as ‘gouging‘, is ridiculous. Fans are being “ripped off” and this is leaving many football supporters with the only decision not to come to South Africa. 

This is such a shame as the quality of the accommodation offered by guest houses, B&B’s and self catering owners is generally far higher than that in many other countries. Of course, there will always be corporate packages that will take up these high prices to entertain their clients but for the average football fan this will be a World Cup that is an expense too far. What a shame when the country has so much to offer fans during their breaks between games. 

I really feel this is going to be a “lost opportunity” for the South Africa tourism industry and that venue owners are going to regret the high prices they are charging. Hopefully they will come to their senses, along with the airlines, and lower their prices. Otherwise how else will the numbers coming to the World Cup reach anywhere near the expected 1 million.

For great deals and information on South Africa go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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The Amazing Cape Winelands - South Africa

The Cape Winelands are a major tourist attraction in South Africa with numerous wine routes on offer illustrating South Africa's status as a wine producer since 1659. 

The area is known for its wonderful natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and world-renowned wines. Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town will put you in the Winelands with its marvellous mountains providing an inspiring backdrop to the plentiful vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history. 

We recommend that you experience the hospitality and beauty of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek and Robertson in the Breede River Valley. Stop and visit some of the many wine farms, or perhaps stroll down one of the beautifully restored streets in the historical town centres.  

The excellent wines produced in this area are transported worldwide and enjoy a world-renowned reputation. The Winelands is an ideal base from which to explore Cape Town and its surrounding area. The accommodation is this area caters for all tastes so indulge yourself at one of the exclusive boutique hotels, or enjoy the hospitality of one of the many splendid guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments common throughout the area. 

Constantia Wineland
If you contact the Cape Town Tourism Office it is possible to book a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Constantia winelands. En-route you can stop for refreshments, tours, or tastings at wineries such as Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia or Buitenverwachting. Remember to spend some time at the Old Cape Farm Stall where you can buy fresh goods and gourmet foods.

Stellenbosch Wineland
This wine route is the oldest and largest, having the most estates, wineries and cooperatives as well as wine and cultural museums. You will need to allow plenty of time to explore this area - probably a whole week or several weekends. You can buy a map of the farms on the route from the Information Centre in Stellenbosch.

Paarl Wineland
This is South Africa's second-oldest wine route and offers self-conducted tour of the historic Backsberg Estate's cellars and brandy pot stills but don't be tempted as you are being watched on camera! Alternatively take a guided tour of the sprawling KWV cellars. Further along the route are Zandwijk, where South Africa's only kosher wines are made, and Fairview farm, famous for its cheeses.

Wellington Wineland
This historic route with its museums and old churches is the centre of this "off-the-beaten-track" route, exemplified by the small, family-run wineries. At Bovlei you can even have your own wine label designed and made for you. North of Wellington is the lovely Brian's Kloof Pass.

Klein Karoo Wineland
Believe it or not this is the route to see ostriches and vines side by side. Viticulture has boosted the economy of this hot, arid region between the Langeberg and Swartberg mountains, and is practised at farms round Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Swellendam, Ladismith and Montagu. Don't miss the excellent quality flagship ports of Boplaas Estate.

Franschhoek Wineland
This picture postcard village is known as the food and wine capital of the world boasts 8 out the top 030 restaurants in South Africa. The farms of the Vignerons de Franschhoek, as the producers along this French-influenced wine route are properly known, lie in a beautiful valley and many have historic homesteads, such as Boschendal, La Motte and L'Ormarins. If you are short on time then you can always taste the Franschhoek Vineyards Cooperative wines at the wine-tasting centre in Franschhoek.

Worcester Wineland
This triangular route stretches from Villiersdorp in the south to Woseley and Worcester in the North. Along the way you will discover wineries such as the Brandvlei and Merwida cooperatives. Worcester itself offers many other attractions such as museums and galleries, and the Karoo National Botanic Garden situated just four kilometres outside the town.

Robertson Wineland
The lime-rich soils of the region play an important part in producing the well-balanced wines of the Robertson Wineland including those of Van Loveren, Weltevrede, Zandvliet and the Rooiberg Cooperative. This mountainous region is covered by hiking trails best enjoyed in the spring. It's also famous for being the birthplace of some of the country's greatest racehorses and a nursery for roses.

For more information on South Africa, activities and places to stay - see. www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com 

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South Africa’s Beautiful Route 62

Route 62, runs between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth

This is a very popular tourist route in South Africa which runs between; and links two major cities; Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.  The route starts/ends at Oudtshoorn and is a more scenic alternative and offers a 70km shorter option to the N2 Highway.  Route 62 is also known as the “Mountain Route” and passes through no less than 14 beautiful villages lined by mountain ranges.

Route 62 offers an unforgettable and exciting experience for all with many attractions for both young and old.

The Route offers an abundance of trees and indigenous flora, rivers, vineyards and orchards.  You will pass the longest wine route in the Western Cape and through farming towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladysmith, historic Amalienstein, Zoar and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester,Rawsonville, Ceres, Wolseley, Tulbagh, Wellington and Paarl. 

It includes the Langkloof - with the following towns; Misgund, Louterwater, Krakeel and Kareedouw. All these towns are all easily accessible and offer travellers a lot of opportunity to explore the surrounding areas.  For things to do on this Route – you will be spoilt for choice with many activities, including hiking trails, mountain climbing, horse riding, canoeing, ostrich riding and many museums.

Things to do along Route 62:

• Schotia Safaris or Addo National Elephant Park


• Woody Cape Nature Reserve


• Quin Sculpture Gardens, Alexandria


• Bathurst


• Port Alfred


• Fish River Lighthouse


• Hamburg


• Kidd's Beach


• Cove Rock

For more information on activities, information on this area and other areas within South Africa, please go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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Things to do in and around KwaZulu Natal

Suggestions on things to do in and around KwaZulu Natal including visiting Durban, eating curry, visiting the Drakensberg, St Lucia, Diving in Sodwana Bay, a visit to the Natal Sharks Board – go shopping at Gateway Shopping Centre; experience Zulu Culture and more.

Durban – Africa’s largest port, wide beaches, fantastic nightlife and bustling markets. Not to miss is a visit to Victoria Embankment, UShaka Marine World and of course the Golden Mile. Also try the Victoria Street Market which has over 170 stalls!

Drakensberg - Rising to over 3,000 metres in height the Drakensberg escarpment can frequently be seen covered in snow in the winter providing wonderful photo opportunities. The area is very popular with hikers, rock climbers, trout fishermen and general holiday makers and is served by Hotels, Guest Houses, Lodges and camp sites. For the more athletic among you there are many trails up the mountains where caves are used as overnight stops.

Natal Sharks Board - The Sharks Board is also worth a visit on Herrwood Drive. Here the life cycle of local sharks is studied investigating how best to protect the sharks as well as the swimming community.

Gateway Shopping Centre which is said to be the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere. In addition to the shops and restaurants here there is a range of activities from cinema to an artificial surf wave.

Valley of a Thousand Hills –with its dramatic scenery and landscapes – this is one of KwaZulu Natal’s best kept secrets. Many artists are attracted to the area.

Zululand Tour / King Shaka - Zululand attracts huge numbers of visitors keen to experience a feeling for the Zulu culture. The area certainly evokes memories of what once was the homeland of King Shaka early in the 19th Century. Visitors to Zululand can stay in a multitude of accommodation from guesthouses and hotels in the major cities to game lodges, Zulu homes or even floating lake chalets. The game reserves here offer excellent game drives as well as some good hiking trails. Inland from the sea you will come across tea plantations, farms and towns steeped in history such as Vryheid and Paulpietersburg. Here you can relax in the therapeutic sulphur springs

Midlands Meander - This truly is a beautiful area with fertile landscapes, crystal-clear water, forests and is also rich in history. The Midlands Meander which is very popular with arts and crafts lovers should not be missed.

The Dolphin Coast - The Dolphin Coast is a malaria-free stretch along the North coast of KwaZulu Natal from Zimbali in the South to the Tugela in the North. It includes holiday towns such as Ballito, Sheffield Beach, Blythedale, Zinkwazi, Tinley Manor, Salt Rock and Shakas Rock. It also includes inland areas Ndwedwe, Maphumulo, KwaDukuza, Shakaskraal, eNdondakasuka and Umhlali. Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Fishing, Dolphin and Marine excursions, museums, arts and crafts, bird hides, crocodile farms, game reserves, hiking, golf, horse riding and many more.

Umhlanga Rocks - upmarket resort with safe beaches, vibrant nightlife, great restaurants and much more.

La Lucia Wetlands and diving in Sodwana Bay - this area achieved World Heritage status in 1999 and incorporates Mkuzi (a Big 5 reserve), Sodwana Bay (a world famous scuba diving destination) and Kosi Bay (a natural paradise). There are ecosystems and a unique biodiversity which are found nowhere else on earth, it is not hard to see why the earliest name for St Lucia, given by Portuguese explorers, was "River of the Sands of Gold". St Lucia boasts 300 sun-filled days a year the area with magnificent sub-tropical forests, grasslands and lily-covered pans which abound in animal life.

Curry – don’t miss out on the wonderful Indian Cuisine whilst in the area – particularly Durban with a variety of Indian restaurants and markets. Do try a Bunny Chow which was created in Durban in the 1940’s. It consists of a hollowed out loaf of bread which is then filled with curry.

For more information on South Africa, things to do and places to stay –

see www.where2stay-southafrica.com

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The Best of Gauteng

Suggestions on things to do in and around Gauteng, including; the biggest zoo in South Africa, Theme Parks, Township Tours, the infamous Blue Train and much more...

Top things to do in and around Gauteng

• Visit the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria which is the largest zoo in South Africa. The zoo has 202 mammal species, 202 bird species, 190 fish species, 4 invertebrate species, 93 reptile species, and 7 amphibian species.
• Do a Soweto Township Tour – unique in that it is the only place in the world to have a street where two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived.
• Experience the fun and thrills of Johannesburg's Gold Reef City Theme Park with its amazing Tower of Terror ride
• Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
• Bring some luxury into your life and take the Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town with a stop in Kimberley (1600km); travelling at 90 kilometres per hour, you will experience spectacular scenery and luxury throughout your journey.
• Go clubbing in Johannesburg in one or more of the many fantastic clubs and bars.

For more information on Gauteng, other provinces in South Africa, Accommodation and things to do - go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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