South Africa Blog

If your idea of fun is navigating your way through nature on foot and bicycle and getting wet in the process, then make sure you enter the Spur Adventure Charity Challenge that takes place in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal during March and April 2010.

The Adventure Challenge consists of a 20km mountain bike trail ride (two 10km loops) and 5km trail (two 2.5km loops) dash through nature with natural obstacles and water crossings. Teams can participate in the long or short courses and for the less energetically inclined there’s a scenic 6-7km circular route nature hike.

A bush baby trail has been developed specifically for kids between the ages of 6-10years and kicks off with a ‘sak resies’ (bag race). Children are then guided along a marked trail on foot, negotiating a number of obstacles and surprises along the way that include live demonstrations and chats on birds, snakes and other flora and fauna.

Spur Adventure ambassador and seven-time Dusi Marathon winner, Martin Dreyer is also participating in the event and encouraging everyone to join him as all proceeds from the challenge go to Joint Aid Management (JAM), a charity that works to feed less fortunate children across South Africa.

According Group Managing Director Pierre van Tonder the Spur Adventure Charity Challenge is an outdoor experience for the whole family. “Spur Adventure is a celebration of all things South African, an event that makes the most of our great weather, our scenic surrounds and the simple pleasure of spending time with family and friends.”

Dates & Venues:
The Spur Adventure Challenges takes place on the following dates:
Cape Town (Lourensford) – 18 April 2010;
Pretoria (Groenkloof) – 24 April 2010;
Durban (Shongweni Dam) – 2 May 2010.

For more information contact Quantum Adventures on 021 789 0188 or 082 658 3078.

Supported by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Splashy Fen will mark its coming of age this Easter from 1-5 April with its most exciting line-up yet, rumours of which have been causing a stir around the country for the last couple of months. Many of the faces who have helped to make Splashy a world-class festival will be there, joined by the cream of South Africa’s rising new talent as over 80 artists play on two stages.

Splashy’s line-up this year is set to raise the bar in its breadth and variety, with the likes of all-girl vamp-rock band Cortina Whiplash, the show-stealing progressive Celtic fusion outfit Haggis and Bong (bagpipes and all), and Joburg rockers The Shadowclub performing on the Grant Erskine Marquee stage. Other acts to look out for are Straatligkinders, the multi-award winning rock powerhouse from Potchefstroom, as well as Indie pop sensations New Holland, ska-punk veterans Hog Hoggidy Hog and fellow Capetonian skankers, Captain Stu.

A must-see is one of Splashy’s favourite sons, world-renowned folk guitarist Syd Kitchen, who was honoured last year for performing at every Splashy since the fest’s inception in 1990. In contrast, Afrikaans comedic rapper Jack Parow, the moustached godfather of zef from Bellville in the Cape whose hit single “Cooler as Ekke” has taken YouTube by storm, will be making his much-anticipated Splashy debut. Also hailing from Bellville and pushing the boundaries of Afrikaans music to new limits are the notorious Fokofpolisiekar and electro-rock outfit Die Heuwels Fantasties, both of which are sure to make their mark on this year’s festival.

For fans of African-influenced roots music, there is plenty on offer as revered Jozi reggae-rock stalwarts Tidal Waves stir it up, and Capetonians Hot Water bring their cross-cultural fusion of funky, bluesy Afro-rock and a dynamic stage show. David Jenkins, hailing from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, plays a fusion of maskandi and bluegrass, and Bongeziwe and The Fridge offers urban folk music diversely influenced by soul, hip hop and mbaqanga. Splashy also presents the Underberg Community Showcase, featuring local choirs and dancers from the Kwa Sani area.

Tree Houses On The Sea (T.H.O.T.S.) from Durban will also be making an appearance with their engaging experimental hip hop, while acclaimed singer/songwriter Ard Matthews will perform a rare solo set. Also not to be missed are heavyweights Prime Circle, melodic rockers Plush, featuring the talents of front man Rory Eliot and the boys, as well as the wildly popular dance trio Goodluck, who will debut their fusion of sounds at Splashy in a late-night set.

For those who love a bit of blues in their rock, get ready: the Redhand Blues Band, PE’s Jack Rabbit Slims, the Albert Frost Trio and Dan Patlansky will be on hand with some smoking blues to get you grooving. There won’t be any rest for the wicked though, because Southern Gypsy Queen, one of the hardest-working bands in the country, will also be treating the audience to their signature style of rock.

An exciting development at this year’s festival is the expansion of the second stage, dubbed the Splashy Fen Stage, which will now also be covered with a marquee and offer more space for bands and fans. In addition to hosting a selection of musicians’ clubs from around the country during the day, the evenings will offer a blistering line-up that includes Zoe, Sheep Down, funk ‘n soul monsters Voodoo Child, the hard rocking Catlike Thieves, Dimeshift, and pop-punkers Holly and The Woods.

Definitely not to be missed is California-based rock outfit, Horse the Band, performing on Sunday, 4 April as part of their upcoming Reigns in Africa tour. Other bands to watch out for are Dead Cat Bounce, Kissed by Katie, True To Adopted, Nonchalant, Outbreak, and Joburg indie-pop stars The Sick Leaves, hot on the heels of the release of their new album.

Held on a farm near Underberg in KZN, Splashy Fen is geared up to present one of its strongest and most diverse line-ups to date. In addition to awesome music, a wide variety of food and drink outlets, arts and crafts, and a range of outdoor activities for the whole family, it will also feature an Eco Village powered by the elements – all in the midst of the breathtaking natural beauty which makes Splashy Fen so unique. To find a place to stay why not see Drakensberg Accommodation, for those of you who are not into camping.

Tickets cost R425 at Computicket and selected Game stores or R550 at the gate. The price includes camping for the entire festival. For more information, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or contact 031 563 0824.

Seen on the SA-Venues.com Travel News Blog: WIN a 3 night stay at the biggest game reserve in the Southern Cape – Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve – and discover an “Out of Africa” experience just a few minutes drive from the seaside town of Plettenberg Bay on the Cape’s magnificent Garden Route.

The prize includes:
3 consecutive nights accommodation for 2 people sharing at the exclusive Baroness Luxury Safari Lodge
breakfast and dinner daily
a game drive OR (for an “up close and personal” experience) a horse safari each day

Plettenberg Bay Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 4 (rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard). The reserve is situated on over 2,000 hectares of indigenous beauty and is malaria free. There are over 150 different species of game and birdlife. Join us on a horseback safari to interact closely with the wildlife, or simply relax and enjoy a 2 hour game drive in an open landrover with our experienced and well-informed guides and see our large variety of wildlife up close. Then retreat to the 10-suite Baroness Luxury Safari Lodge – reminiscent of the romantic colonial era of an “age gone by” – where you can relax and unwind, enjoying true African hospitality.

While antelope and Zebra roam carefree around the lodge, guests are often distracted by the rolling views which capture their eyes, drawing them down across the rolling lawns towards the indigenous forests. Then up over the tree tops of Giant Yellowwoods, to the craggy foothills of the region, and up into the magestic Tsitsikamma mountains in the distance beyond. It’s no wonder guests are reluctant to leave!

See full details about this competition and to enter click here.

Earth Hour Romantico – Famous SA Author inspired – Stanford’s 2010 Earth Hour Picnic on the Village Green and mini Jazz Festival.

Stanford is an hour and a half up from Cape Town, it lies on the beautiful Kleinrivier just past Hermanus

For a truly special non-commercial country experience, you have just got to make it the heart of historical Stanford’s Village Green for the Great Earth Hour switch-off. 28th March 6pm. Pack in a picnic and a blanket and head to the central village green to await the moment when all the old stone church’s ring their bells across the valley in count-down to the great global Earth Hour lights switch off moment. It’s truly incredible! The Green and all the picnickers are suddenly plunged into magnificent star light, galaxies and milky ways. Its safe, peaceful and sociable and just the thing for city dwellers missing some astronomical astronomy and the awesomeness of raw nature for the sheer enjoyment.

How refreshing that this event is noise and coca-cola free! But after 10:30pm, delicious Jazz will start up in the local restaurants and pubs all in strolling distance from the Green. They will be open late hosting jazz artists in aid of fund-raising towards the Overberg Conservation Foundation’s Eco schools project. Rumour has it that Abdullah Abrahim ( Dollor Brand) was so taken by the ethos of the event that he donated a performance, sadly his German agent had other plans… so the town is waiting excitedly to hear if another big jazz name can donate his time. There is a great local line-up but you might just find yourself in a cozy intimate little spot having hit ‘once in a life-time’ Jazz gold..with the Cape Town jazz fest kicking off three days later, everything’s possible. And its for a great cause too.

But jazz lover or not, just coming to hear the all the church bells ringing togethor across the valley, having a glass of wine with the locals and the night sky is magical on its own. And it being Valentines today and all, I should add, certainly the most romantic, happening and unforgettable surprise outing there is. So facebook a friend with a holiday home in Hermanus or book a holiday cottage in Stanford under the Willow trees, pack a picnic blanket and whisk your loved one away for one of those truly awesome and unforgettable experiences. Chances are you will leave with a lighter soul after having made new friends and viewing the enormity of the cosmos.

Durbanville Wine Valley Feast of the Grape on Sunday, 21 March 2010: Harvesting the bounty of the vineyards is one of the most important moments in the making of good wine. The Durbanville Wine Valley celebrates ‘Feast of the Grape’, its annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, 21 March, signaling the end of the grape season and the beginning of autumn. Delight your senses with our complete package of wine, great food, fine music and other vendange activities.

SEE … natural beauty of the countryside, breathtaking views of the ocean and rolling hills

HEAR …you are spoilt for choice with stirring rhythms and soulful jazz as well as Jakkie Louw’s biggest festival hit “Drie pikkewyne”

TOUCH …get your hands dirty and join in the grape picking and traditional stomping of grapes

TASTE …the finest regional produce, grape inspired dishes, grape must and award winning wines

SMELL …the wonderful aromas and flavours wafting from the various food stalls, to nose the concentrated aromas of the magnificent range of intense, fruit driven yet elegant wines as different from each other as the slopes that create them.

From the vineyards to the Altydgedacht Cellar. Bring friends and the whole family along for a fun-filled day on this historic working farm in the green heart of Durbanville. Go on a vineyard tour, taste grape must (a rare treat only available at harvest time); enjoy wine tastings and indulge in delicious vintner’s picnic baskets available to order or harvest platters served from the restaurant.

Bloemendal Wine Estate once again shows its legendary knack for hosting fun-filled festivities under the famed poplar trees and calming lily pond. Join in the grape picking, traditional stomping of the grapes and making of wine in the cellar. Then linger for the wine tastings and fabulous lunch.

Toast the turn of the seasons with the world’s nr. 1 celebratory drink at De Grendel Estate. Join their festive harvest table for a decadent bubbly brunch. And have you ever wondered why they call their De Grendel Pinot Noir OP DIE BERG? Experience a vertical tasting with 4 De Grendel Pinot Noir vintages, paired with a Burgundy inspired dish. Boules can be played on their lawns around the cellar and platters will be available.

Diemersdal Estate is an idyllic spot for the whole family to get together and celebrate the wine valley’s harvest heritage. Bring your own picnic basket, blanket and enjoy a leisurely day under the shade trees of the farm. Drink in the natural beauty of the countryside; take a stroll through the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings or stomp grapes.

Catch the glorious aromas of a Sunday lunch spitbraai at D’Aria; enjoy the exhilarating experience of grape stomping, followed by a taste of wines from D’Aria Winery.Bookings are essential as space is limited and in high demand. Price includes lunch and grape stomping, but wines are excluded.

Celebrate the harvest at Durbanville Hills with its breathtaking views on the ocean and rolling hills. Moms, Dads, Grandma and Grandpa will be delighted with the amazing entertainment for the kids, from a jumping castle and water slide to sand art, piñatas and more. Drink in the fiesta atmosphere and flavours wafting from the various food stalls where delicious food can be bought. All this to the rhythms and sounds of the dj.

Be carried away by the live music on the sprawling lawns in our stunning quarry at Hillcrest Estate Suitable for the whole family with grape stomping, winemaking kits to take home, wine tasting and Jakkie Louw to end the day’s festivities. Concert goers can bring their picnic blankets and baskets along for an epic afternoon of Hillcrest Wines, Music and Dance. Wine and food will be on sale.

Meerendal is looking forward to spoil 50 energetic amateur wine makers with a fun day of grape picking, grape stomping – like in the old days by feet – and learning all the secrets of wine making with their cellar master Liza Goodwin. Included in the package is a sumptuous breakfast (you cannot work on an empty stomach!), all the grape picking and wine making activities and a vintner’s lunch platter with lots of Meerendal wine to enjoy! This activity is ideal for the whole family or a group of friends.

Spend the day in the company of the Vellers – owners of Nitida Cellars & enjoy award winning wines & carnival style foods. You pick & pay for what you feel like eating!

Deatails:
No entrance fee – plenty to do for the little’ies…sand art, candle making & a jumping castle. Rene van Reenen will entertain you with her repertoire of jazz & many other styles of live music. This will add the special touch to a relaxing day in our company.

Durbanville Wine Valley’s Feast of the Grape will be held at participating wine farms on Sunday, 21March 2010.

Bookings are essential! Contact the following participating farms directly: Altydgedacht, Bloemendal, D’Aria, De Grendel, Diemersdal, Durbanville Hills, Hillcrest, Meerendal and Nitida.

Contact details:
Altydgedacht: 021 975 7815
Bloemendal: 021 976 2682
D’Aria: 021 801 6772
De Grendel: 021 558 6280
Diemersdal: 021 976 3361
Durbanville Hills: 021 558 1300
Hillcrest: 021 975 2346 / 021 976 1110
Meerendal: 021 975 1655
Nitida: 021 976 1110