South Africa Blog

Artice by Brian Kemp – Halls Country House in the Drakensberg.

The ‘great and the good’ have decided that tourism is to be one of the key drivers of the South African economy. More tourists will make us all richer. So obviously we’ve got to improve access to our Drakensberg wilderness. Right? Well here’s one grumpy old man who’s not too delighted.

Where and what is the Sani Pass? It’s in the southern Drakensberg. It’s one of the highest passes in southern Africa and it’s the only road offering vehicular access from KwaZulu Natal to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Admittedly, it’s not much of a road. In fact without a 4-wheel drive, you’re not allowed to enter the pass. And now it’s to be tarred by 2009. Starting next month.

Sani Pass was originally a mule route over the mountains until, in 1955, David Alexander and friends began constructing a road for their Land Rovers, so they could create a trade route between KwaZulu Natal and Lesotho. So the Mokhotlong Mountain Transport Company was created, and the Pass which it made famous.

A simple inn was built at the top to give shelter to travellers. You get warm beds, good food and “the highest pub in southern Africa”. Just as well. You can be snowed in for days on end.

Why tar it? The idea is greatly favoured by the Lesotho 4×4 taximen and other traders. It’s also thought that improving access will bring more tourists, more hotels, more jobs and all the rest of it. Maybe.

But. The Sani Pass is like the rest of the Drakensberg - a pristine mountain wilderness. And it’s pristine precisely because it’s inaccessible. And remote. And the only people you’re going to meet are like-minded spirits, who’ve taken the trouble to get there. Good grief, it’s only in the last few years that the area has been properly mapped. Some of the peaks haven’t even been named, far less climbed. People go there because they’re trying to escape the traffic, the hubbub, mall-brats and their cell phones. They want more than a break. They want redemption. In a wilderness. Not tarred roads.

Am I just a grumpy old man?

Related Links:
Halls Country House
Drakensberg Accommodation
The Drakensberg – A World Heritage Site

Unique in Camps Bay, Cape Town and nestled under the Twelve Apostles in a peaceful location, Cape Rose Cottage enjoys breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the most magnificent sunsets.

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Related Links: Cape Town Accommodation and South Africa Travel

Larger than life and one of the most explosive rock bands of all time, NICKELBACK have announced their long awaited tour dates this November/December throughout South Africa, brought to you by Mr Price and 5fm. They are heading to Cape Town December 2nd. Other concerts include Sun City (25Nov), Johannesburg (26Nov), Port Elizabeth (1Dec) and Durban (3Dec). These concerts will be the ultimate summer break-up parties this year.

International touring trade publication “POLLSTAR” recently released its Top 100 World Tours chart, and NICKELBACK ranked third highest in worldwide ticket sales for the first quarter of 2006. With sales of nearly 1.1 million concert tickets worldwide, NICKELBACK’s numbers were exceeded only by those of U2 & their co-headlining road mates Bon Jovi. After completing an extensive European and North American tour, NICKELBACK are ready to rock South Africa with what promises to be the ultimate Summer Rock fest! You can expect a mind blowing live show with world-class production and a few added awesome surprises.

“We have heard so much about your country and we are really excited that we are finally able to play to our thousands of fans in South Africa,” says Chad Kroeger from NICKELBACK. “It will be our first visit to your country and our fans can expect a rocking good time”, adds Chad.

Leading South African apparel and home retailer, Mr Price, is proud to sponsor and be associated with a band and tour of this magnitude. “NICKELBACK’s wide appeal is spot on with our target market and customers. We are looking forward to the band’s long awaited tour of our country this summer”, says Alastair McArthur, Group CEO. Station Manager of 5FM, Helen Graham says, “We’re really looking forward to bringing yet another major music force to South Africa. NICKELBACK have a long list of hit singles on 5fm, and their live act is incredible. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase a local band alongside their international counterparts - something that’s important to us in the shows of this magnitude.”

Headline Nigelback Tour dates at exciting new venues around South Africa:
November 25th – Sun City Superbowl
November 26th – Helderfontein Estate, Fourways, Johannesburg
December 1st – EPRU Stadium Port Elizabeth
December 2nd – Hamiltons Rugby Club, Greenpoint, Cape Town
December 3rd – Greyville Race Course Durban

Ticket prices range from R190 to R370 (excluding service charge) and are exclusively available at all Checkers stores nationally or at www.ticketshop.co.za

Mpumalanga-Venues.co.za is an easy to use online directory of Accommodation in Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park Accommodation in South Africa. Travellers to this popular South African destination are able to find Hotels, Game Lodges, Guest Houses and Bed & Beakfast accommodation within the various Game Reserves, in the larger Towns and cities and can also search for self catering accommodation options within the province.

Search for your preferred Mpumalanga Accommodation by town name, by establishment name, via A-Z directory or by clickable map and then make a commission-free booking by dealing directly with the Lodge or Hotel you plan to visit.

Popular Site Links:
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga Accommodation
Kruger National Park Accommodation