South Africa Blog

Robben Island: For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society.

Photographs of Robben Island © Judith Malloy – To see more of Judith’s photos visit: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/robben-island.htm

During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison ‘hell-hole’ into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity …

Related Links:
Robben Island, Cape Town
Nelson Mandela
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By Muzi Mohale – Founder of http://www.TravelWires.com

Pongola – A family summer holiday at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is an unrivalled experience. The reserve truly is located in the heavens; set 15km south of Pongola in the heart of KZN, the lodge sits at 750m high on the top of the Pakamisa Mountain, amidst an expanse of unspoiled African bushveld. Pakamisa is for ‘lovers of comfort’ and those who want a guaranteed game viewing experience. Learn more about Pakamisa’s Arabian horse breeding program. The horse safaris provide a rare and fabulous opportunity for families to combine the pleasure of riding with a love for the wild and thrill of an African safari. From horseback one has the exhilarating and rare experience of viewing wildlife up close and you may ride into a herd of impala, wildebeest or numerous warthogs. Professional guides will escort guests through Pakamisa’s unspoilt wilderness areas, introduce them to the northern Natal’s fauna & flora and share with them the excitement of a Horseback safari.

Due to their last successful riding holidays for families in July, Pakamisa has decided to offer another Family Riding Holiday Special valid from 1 December to 18 December 2006. Riding, bush walks and swimming will be fun activities during this season.

The offer includes 6 nights at Pakamisa at a rate of R 6,000.00 per adult, R 4 000.00 per child (5-10 years) and no charge for children 0 to 4 hears. These rates include:
- Accommodation, meals, teas and coffees (we offer bush breakfasts and picnics which are included in our out rides) for 6 nights
- Daily horse rides through the reserve ranging between 1 and 3 hours (they cater for beginners and advanced riders and divide up the days rides accordingly)
- Game drives, bush walks and an introduction to the art of bow and arrow
- Lunge lessons for beginners or more advanced riders wanting to improve their riding skills
- Clay target shooting (Hire of gun, ammo and clays charged separately)

And if that isn’t enough to keep the whole family busy, there are also a whole host of fabulous excursions available nearby including:
- Boat cruise to view hippos and crocodiles on Jozini Dam
- Elephant Tracking at Pongolaport Game Reserve
- Tiger fishing at Jozini Dam
- Ithala big 5 game reserve
- Scuba diving on the coast
- Golf course

For parents keen to catch up on some rest, enjoy the quiet and privacy of your suite, watch incidental game from your veranda, or just lounge by the pool as you take in the breathtaking views across the mountains.

Pakamisa is owner-operated, boasting warm hospitality and personal attention to detail. Beautiful European architecture and gracious accommodation provides a Shangri-la for up to sixteen guests in eight suites. Fine dining is an integral part of the Pakamisa experience and the El Prado restaurant is included in the ‘Top 100 Restaurants’ guide.

For an exciting and truly unique holiday, it would be hard to find anywhere more incredible than Pakamisa Private Game Reserve. There really is something for all the family at this extraordinary lodge and game reserve.

Related Links:
Visit www.TravelWires.com for up to the minute South African Travel News
Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
South Africa Travel

Plettenberg Bay may be a small town, but there are so many exciting things to do there. I had never really spent much time in Plettenberg Bay. This time around, I decided to stay a while …

Plettenberg Bay is absolutely exquisite and lush boasting large lagoons and a stunning coastline. I decided to surprise my husband with a weekend away so we stayed in a gorgeous place known as Bitou River Lodge. All the rooms in this luxury Bed & Breakfast overlook the Bitou River, and canoes are provided for guests to explore the wetland area with its wonderful birdlife.

After we arrived we decided to get a few more snacks and go for dinner at a place that I went to when I was a child. Plettenberg Bay is a small town so we did not expect to find a shopping mall. However, we came across 2 large shopping malls both boasting all amenities and fantastic restaurants.

We headed off for dinner to Moby Dick’s situated right on the beautiful beach. This place definitely boasts the best seafood! As my husband and I feasted on a delectable platter of prawns, muscles, fish and calamari, we were so surprised at how many whales and dolphins we could watch that were close to the shoreline. It was incredible! That is when we decided to go whale and dolphin watching the next day. I had always wanted to go whale watching so I was utterly thrilled at the idea!

The Southern Right Whales migrate their way to the magnificent South African coastline every year to mate, calve and feast. Most can be seen along the Western Cape and especially in Plettenberg Bay. The best time to go whale watching is between July and October.

As we clothed ourselves with scarves and bini’s, my husband realised that he gets very seasick. But we could not resist going! We jumped on the boat with 3 other couples and our guide, named Lindsay, informed us of what was in store. As the boat sped its way into the waves, we prepared for the splash! The sea was rather angry that day. Whenever the boat stopped, it would give way to the giant swells causing it to go up and down. I was the only one, of course, thoroughly enjoying myself and practically hanging off the edge of the boat whilst everyone else was clinging to their seat for dear lives! When I turned around, I could see my husband’s face go green. Until, we saw them. 2 whales up close and personal in all their glory! What an awesome sight! It is almost as if the world stops as you admire these endearing creatures. They even breached for us making a rather large splash! I had never thought I would ever see a whale do that. It is a spectacular sight that you mostly witness on postcards. This time, I got to see it for myself. We had the fantastic opportunity to witness at least 6 whales that day.

Dinner and breakfast was spent at a restaurant in the Beacon Isle Hotel situated right on the rocks in the sea. As we feasted on our delectable steak that evening and stuffed ourselves the next morning on the buffet breakfast, we could watch the wave’s crash on the rocks and splash up against the windows! What a perfect way to enjoy our meals.

Plettenberg Bay boasts a large number of superb curio shops where a vast array of interesting and beautiful things can be bought. We made our way to “The Heath” as we do every year. The Heath has a fantastic restaurant, a completely unique furniture shop and superb curio shop where luxurious handmade loofah soaps can be bought. The next stop was “The Potter” where the most beautiful pottery can be bought.

Our weekend getaway was spectacular! I was so glad that I chose Plettenberg Bay to surprise my husband and simply relax and unwind. On the way back, we stopped at Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. That became another adventure all on its own, I’ll tell you about that next time!

Related Links:
Find Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay Map
More info about Plettenberg Bay

Classic crafts and food from the earth for the body, mind and soul on Saturday 21st October 2006 between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. More than 90 quality cape crafters will display their wares of classic crafts and food from the earth for the body, mind and soul …

The venue is The Cape Academy (Old Constantia School for Boys) in Firgrove Way, Tokai (off Spaanschemat River Road). Join us on the third Saturday of every month. For more info contact Jen on 021 712 2124.

Organic food, tasty treats, pancakes, aromatherapy oil, fruit and nuts, honey, hand-made clothing, silver jewellery, chutney, biscotti, mustard, pickles, preserves, photography, silk scarves, olives, cows and goats cheese, Christmas gifts,earth friendly nappies,cotton clothing, hats, vegetarian foods, Crunchies, kiddies furniture, pet products, baby things, wooden toys, handmade glassware, knitwear, beaded gifts, organic party bags, hand made stationery, shopping bags, kiddies leather shoes, sand art, indigenous wooden kitchenware, bath ware, mosaics, Swarovski jewellery, Turkish delight, lap trays, futons , face painting, award winning ceramics, delicious cakes …

Related links: Constantia Accommodation and the Constantia Valley – Destinations and Attractions.

The travel and tourism industry in South Africa is an exciting place to be at the moment. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism recently announced the results of the latest tourism review and once again South Africa emerged as a star performer. With just over 2.7 million arrivals from January to April 2006, the country has for the first time broken through the 2.5 million mark for the first four months of the year. There has been a 16% increase in arrivals across all territories compared to the same period last year. In addition, the greatest sporting event in the world promises an even rosier future for this sector.

This dynamic industry demands a vibrant and vigorous online presence that caters for travel and tourism professionals, product owners and tourists. Such a lively online hub is now available in the form of the recently launched TravelWires.com – a dynamic travel and tourism online news resource for the South African industry.

TravelWires offers up-to-the-moment industry news, events, product launches, services information and vacancies, published on the site daily. Designed to help tourism industry players keep their fingers on the pulse of what is happening, the site covers eighteen sectors of the industry including trade associations, tour operators, wildlife, car rentals, airlines, restaurants, accommodation, technology, public relations, reservations, media, suppliers, travel agents, MICE, cruise lines, rail, casinos and luxury coaches.

In addition, TravelWires will serve as an industry platform for debate, opinion and sharing best practice. All stakeholders within the industry are invited to contribute expert content on a wide variety of subjects, take part in the snap online polls and participate in building a vibrant online community providing support and ideas. The site will also allow travellers to provide feedback in the ‘Rant and Rave’ section - allowing the industry to continually improve and adapt to changing traveller needs.

“This is such an exciting industry and these are exciting times,” says Muzi Mohale, founder of TravelWires CC. “There is an urgent need for a platform for the travel industry where players can share their ideas, debate and work together to improve the industry. We realised the need for a fresh approach to online resources for the travel industry and we know that TravelWires.com will become the source of choice for industry news, views and happenings.”

Special Accommodation Offers available exclusively through SA-Venues.com, one in Green Point, Cape Town and one on the Cape West Coast.

1). 121 OCEAN VIEW DRIVE is a newly renovated luxury self catering studio apartment situated in Green Point on the slopes of Signal Hill, with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
121 Ocean View Drive Studio Apartment is available at the discounted rate of only R695.00 per night for the apartment, for stays of 4 nights or longer. Valid 1 October to 30 November 2006.

This is a large studio apartment (approximately 54 sq metres) with king-size or twin beds (extra length beds) fitted with superior quality percale linen. Sleeps maximum 2 persons. Fully furnished and equipped with best quality towels and linen, Walk in closet with safe, Lounge area with couch, satellite TV, DVD / video and mini hi-fi CD stereo system, Air conditioning, Bathroom with separate toilet, separate shower, bath and basin, Fully equipped kitchen with oven, hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, iron etc, Large patio (approximately 20 sq metres) with stunning views, with table and chairs and barbeque. Serviced twice a week (extra services available at extra cost); Swimming pool with magnifcent views available for the use of guests only.

To book or enquire, contact Roy on +27 (0)21 434 – 2313 or Click for additional Info

2). WHISPERING WHALE – Jacobsbaai, Cape West Coast: The 4 Star Whispering Whale Guest House is offering SA-Venues.com site visitors an exclusive 20% discount on all bookings from October 15th to December 15th 2006. (20% OFF our peak season rates – subject to availability).
Whispering Whale’s central location is ideal for fascinating day trips to everything that the Cape West Coast has on offer, such as its great natural unspoilt beauty with its rugged coastline, quaint fishing villages, Wine Estates and Nature Reserves, as well as historical Fossil Parks.

Jacobsbaai, known as “The Namaqualand” of the Cape Atlantic West Coast of South Africa, is situated between Saldanha Bay and Vredenburg, just a leisurely hour and thirty minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. Enjoy the warmth and charm of any one of our three luxuriously appointed Units, all with stunning sea views. The Units are fully self-catering, or Bed and Breakfast by arrangement.

To book or enquire, contact Lynne on +27 (0)82 770 – 4109 or Click for additional Info

Source: www.SA-Venues.com

Article by Brian Kemp of Halls Country House in the Drakensberg.

The Ukhahlamba - Drakensberg Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. International recognition was achieved through its unique richness of biological diversity, its endemic and endangered species and its superlative natural beauty. Mostly though, it was declared a World Heritage Site for its masterpieces of human creative genius in the form of some 35 000 Bushman rock art images.

Only a few artifacts and 35 000 paintings, slowly weathering away, remain to tell the story of the Bushman. The Drakensberg has the world’ s richest treasure trove of stoneage rock art. With artistic skills honed by a tradition of total intimacy with their environment, the Bushman expressed their life experiences in art painted in the caves and overhangs in the mountains. They are drawings of infinite detail, sensitivity, movement and meaning.

Natural weathering of the exposed softer sandstone layers under the harder basalt created caves where Bushmen lived. Many of the paintings were drawn onto the relatively softer sandstone substrata and have deteriorated considerably over the years.

The top three Drakensberg destinations to see Bushman rock painting are: Game Pass Shelter in the Kamberg, Main Cave at Giant’s Castle and Battle Cave at Injasuti. KZN Wildlife operates guided tours from all three of these locations daily. There are literally thousands of other places in the Drakensberg where you can view Bushman paintings. But if you’re looking for destinations other than the “big three” mentioned above, then you’re going to have to get your hiking boots on. Legislation has recognized this amazing outdoor art gallery, and that each painting is an irreplaceable treasure. As such they are protected. Please don’t touch. Or I’ll kill you.

Visit Halls Country House at: Halls Country House