South Africa Blog

British singer, songwriter and actor, Tony Christie is visiting South Africa next month to perform two concerts only at Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town on Wednesday, 15th May 2013 and Carnival City’s Big Top Arena, Johannesburg on Saturday, 18th May 2013, both concerts commence at 20h00. To celebrate Mother’s Day which takes place on 12^th May 2013, why not treat mums, grannie’s, nana’s and those special ladies in your life to a trip down memory lane with a gift of  tickets to see the legendary crooner, Tony Christie performing live in South Africa.

Tony Christie has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and many of his chart-topping hits are widely recognised. With hit numbers “Is this the way to Amarillo”, “I did what I did for Maria” as well as “Avenues and Alleyways” and “Drive safely darling” featured in the film “Love, Honour and Obey”, Tony Christie has made a significant contribution to popular music across several decades.

“Is This the Way to Amarillo” was released at the beginning of the ‘70’s and sold more than one million copies by September 1972.  The hit was so popular, it went on to sell in excess of 4 million records and in 2005, reached Number 1 on the UK Singles Chart (outselling the first release’s entire chart run). This led to the biggest sales for a Number 1 single for the whole year, with seven weeks at the top of the charts. It also became the longest running chart-topper since Cher’s “Believe”, almost seven year earlier.

Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield “Is This The Way To Amarillo” also enjoyed enormous success in South Africa in the ‘70’s and become a firm favourite with listeners of the now defunct Springbok Radio. The hit’s popularity steadily grew to become a worldwide hit.

Tony Christie’s long and illustrious musical career includes playing the role of Magaldi on the original 1976 album recording of the musical Evita and he represented the UK in the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest where he came third.  Most recently, Christie returned to the theatre where he appeared in a pantomime at The Theatre Royal, Windsor as the King.

Through most of the 1980s and 1990s, he maintained a successful singing career in continental Europe. This was especially so in Germany, with four albums recorded with German producer Jack White, then from 1991 to 2002, Christie recorded nine albums especially for the German market.

In 1999, Tony Christie was the vocalist on the Jarvis Cocker-penned UK Top Ten hit, “Walk Like a Panther”, recorded by the Sheffield band, All Seeing I. His influence on a new generation of singers was further demonstrated when indie pop band Rinaldi Sings released a cover version of “Avenues &Alleyways” in March 2004.

In 2002, “Is This the Way to Amarillo” was used in the TV comedy series Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, leading to resurgence in his popularity. The song was re-released on 14 March 2005 to raise money for the Comic Relief charity, and reached Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart. This number brought a new audience and brought him cult status amongst the younger generation.

In July 2010, Christie made his West End début in the musical Dreamboats and Petticoats in London’s Playhouse Theatre, and later that year, Christie appeared in a celebrity version of Come Dine with Me where he was placed joint second.  The following year, Christie’s nineteenth studio album, Now’s the Time!, was released in the UK. To coincide with 50 years in the music industry, Christie embarked on a 50-date UK tour promoting the new album.

Two years ago, Christie released a charity single, a special arrangement of “Steal The Sun” in aid of the Help for Heroes Charity, supporting the British Forces fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan. The single was available on line with all proceeds going to the charity. Aside from singing, Christie is a talented actor who has made a guest appearance on the Yorkshire, UK based TV soap opera, Emmerdale.

Following the decades of success with “Amarillo”, Christie was awarded the freedom of Amarillo, Texas.

Tony Christie continues to tour and brings his memorable show to South Africa for the first time in May 2013. Don’t miss this legendary artist.

For the over 55’s there’s a special discounted Golden Package offer of a 15% discount on all ticket bookings subject to presentation of a valid identity document. Golden Package bookings are only available at Computicket service centres.

Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest
Date: Wednesday, 15 May 2013 only
Time: 20h00
Cost: R255.00, R 275.00, R295.00, R 325.00
Tickets: Computicket

Venue: Carnival City, Big Top Arena
Date: Saturday, 18 May 2013 only
Time: 20h00
Costs: R 250.00, R 300.00, R 350.00
Tickets: Computicket

You can find and book accommodation for the Cape Town performance at http://www.cape-venues.co.za/ and for a place to stay in Jo-burg see http://www.johannesburg-venues.co.za/

It seems that Cape Town’s favourite destination on a Saturday morning these days, is to Stellenbosch to visit the Fresh Goods Market, situated at Oude Libertas. This amphitheatre style, outdoor and indoor market comprises of an energetic frenzy of food, beverage and craft sellers pedaling their wares and feeding hordes of hungry market goers, every Saturday between 9am-2pm.

The food is fresh, gourmet, trendy and delicious and one is easily swayed to partner brunch with a ‘real’ beer or even a margarita before the Boeing has even flown over! The ample space and rolling lawns on the outskirts of the market give it a feeling of space, allowing for relaxing with friends, while enjoying a smorgasbord of delicious offerings from the market. The ‘slow food’ philosophy at the market, as opposed to fast food, ensures that all the food on offer is independently and ethically produced.

Wafting slowly around the market, we were impressed with the incredibly diverse selection of gourmet food and goods, ranging from beautiful icing sugar dusted cherry pies and handmade chocolate through to artisan breads and cured meats. Some of our favourite goodies on offer included; breakfast wraps and steak sarmies from Jean Nel’s Flamed Weber stand; Arnim & Elke’s German waffles with cream; mushroom skewers from Sheilagh’s Shrooms; Everson’s Cider; Darling beer; Forest Hill cheeses; Chrisna’s Organic Olives; Rushda’s Famous Curry Stand and the impressive gypsy tea caravan run by Lady Bonin!

Carefully procured goods from independent producers in the Cape Winelands means that food is not only fresh and healthy, but is preservative, anti-biotic and chemical free. According to the Stellenbosch Slow Food website, “Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. To do that, Slow Food brings together pleasure and responsibility, and makes them inseparable.”

We highly recommend heading out to the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market, by bicycle, car, bus or horse and carriage – just get there – you’ll leave with wonderful memories and basket loads of delicious, fresh goods. Or better still, why not make a weekend of it? Find a great place to stay at Accommodation in Cape Winelands and spend the weekend exploring this wonderful region.

Hiking is a great way to spend quality time with your family. Beautiful surrounds combine with the sense of adventure to make for a perfect holiday or weekend activity. Still, taking children means that you need to tailor the experience a little to make sure that it is manageable and enjoyable for them too. You can find extensive info about various things to do and hikes in South Africa on a few web sites which we’ve listed below for your convenience.

Here are some tips to accomplish this:

• Create excitement by talking about the hike as an adventure with plenty to see and do before the time. It’s better not to let your children hear you stressing about blisters and being tired and thirsty, as they will begin to imitate you.
• Before the time, go for walks of increasing distances through your neighbourhood with your kids, showing them the wonders of nature (a flower, a butterfly, what lives under a rock, etc…) so that they become used to looking for excitement around them instead of on the computer or television.
• Establish a goal or reward for the end of the hike. For example, you could be hiking to the waterfall or to the picnic spot.
• Make sure that children are equipped with comfy walking shoes, plenty of sunscreen, suitable clothing and a really light backpack. A child with blistered feet is a nightmare on a hike. Giving them headlamps and allowing them to walk with these in the evening and morning will be a huge hit (you may never get them to stop walking!)
• Play games along the way. Make up competitions or activities (find the squarest stone or three different coloured berries, for example).
• Take along PLENTY of snacks. Include things that they rarely get so that there’s something to look forward to.
• Travel at a slower pace than normal so that the young ones can keep up without feeling pressured or left behind.
• Maintain your routines as far as possible. Eat at times similar to those that you would at home and read them a bedtime story before closing their tent, if this is what you’d do at home.
• Let your child(ren) invite a friend along so that they can keep one another entertained along the way.
• Get their input when planning the hike to find out what sort of things they want to see and do along the way. This will make them appreciate the experience far more.
• Allow your children to do the things they want to do on the hike. If you come across a river and they beg to get in, stop for 5 minutes and let them. If they ask about bark, stop and look at it, feel it, smell it. Don’t rush them along.
• Be prepared to stop the hike if your children are not managing.
• Allow older kids to bring along their iPods or phones so that they don’t equate hiking with complete isolation and boredom.
• Give the children each a whistle and strict instructions about what to do if they are hurt or lost. Teach them that the whistle is not a toy.
• Carry a fully-stocked first aid kit with you at all times.
• Give the child(ren) responsibilities like spotting the direction arrows, picking up any litter or watching the time to see if you’re on track.

Generally, children of five years and older are able to enjoy a hike. Start them early, but keep the first hikes short and manageable, so that they are able to associate hiking with fun and pleasure.

Some good Hiking Sites:

• http://www.sahikes.co.za/
• http://www.southafrica.info/travel/adventure/hiking.htm
• http://www.sa-venues.com/activities/hiking.htm
• http://www.footprint.co.za/

Happy Hiking!

Cape Agulhas is known for many things, not least of all the geographical extremes that it presents. It represents the southernmost tip of Africa, as well as the point at which the cool Atlantic Ocean and warmer Indian Ocean meet. Due to its location on the continent, Cape Agulhas was frequently the first piece of land encountered by the seamen of centuries ago.

It has been noted as one of the most dangerous capes along the traditional clipper route (between Europe and the East or Australia). As such, there have been a number of shipwrecks on this coast over the centuries. This resulted in the Cape Aghulhas Lighthouse being built in 1848, which is now home to a restaurant and museum. This museum showcases a number of fascinating relics, not least of which are stone traps that were once used by the Khoisan people.

The Agulhas Municipality has several towns under its jurisdiction. These are Arniston (or Waenshuiskrans), Bredasdorp, Elim (a Moravian mission station and UNESCO World Heritage Site), L’Agulhas (the southernmost town on the African continent), Napier, Struisbaai (known for its gorgeous beaches), Suiderstrand (a holiday town with a rustic feel), Klipdale and Protem.

Cape Agulhas is known for its temperate, pleasant weather conditions. Summers are warm and winters are cool, with rainfall mainly during the winter months. This makes it ideal for year-round tourism.

Cape Agulhas is situated in the Overberg Region, 170 kilometres (or just over 100 miles) southeast of the city of Cape Town in the Western Cape. It is home to the Andrew’s Field Airport, which is Africa’s southernmost aerodrome.

This area has its place among the myths and legends of sailors all over the world. The Cape of Storms was a notorious myth, which saw numerous vessels being reduced to timber as they attempted to travel to the East for trading purposes. Some interesting remnants of these wrecks can be seen at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum.

The Agulhas National Park was established in 1999 and covers a total area of just less than 21 000 hectares. This park has, as its focus, the conservation and sustainability of its breath-taking biodiversity and the unique culture of this area. It boasts some magnificent wildlife (including the Southern Right Whale and African Black Oyster Catcher), ensuring that it is a haven for nature-lovers. Bird-watching is particularly popular here.  This park also showcases some of the country’s most beautiful fynbos, which is not found naturally anywhere else in the world. The best time to see the fynbos is between May and September. There are a number of trails through the national park, which allow visitors to be a part of this splendour and enjoy it in a more personal way – smelling the fresh breeze and the aroma of the vegetation; touching flowers, leaves and bark; hearing the crunch of twigs underfoot.

Fishing is especially popular in Cape Agulhas. The shallow waters off the Agulhas bank have been known to be the natural habitat of a number of species, including red steenbras, yellowtail, red stump, cob, santer, musselcracker and red roman. Deep-sea fishing and rock fishing are both popular pastimes and livelihoods in this area.

Napier Breweries was established in 2007 by a group of friends that wanted to enjoy unique, interesting beers of a superior quality. They envisioned full-bodied ales that reflected their Overberg origin.  Only the best hand-selected ingredients are used and Napier Breweries supplies to a number of bottle stores, pubs and restaurants, as well as to tourist accommodation and dining establishments. Their range comprises Old Charlie Stout, Overberg Ale, and Blue Crane Lager.

The culture and history of Cape Agulhas is infused into almost every element of this destination, making it a very special experience. Although fairly remote, it continues to welcome many visitors who want to experience the marvels of its natural diversity every year.

For more info see Cape Agulhas attractions or book a place to stay at Cape Agulhas accommodation. The region provides great Western Cape accommodation options often with activities such as whale watching included in the deal.

Not having the time, money or other resources required to travel long distances to enjoy a break does not mean that you have to relinquish your family vacation altogether. With a little research and creativity, you will likely find that there are plenty of things to do and see without even leaving your home town. This is important for families with children, as little ones can become bored quite quickly, needing activities and attention to enjoy their time away from school. This is also a great way to spend weekends at any time of year.

Here are 10 popular things to do and places to visit locally:

1. Botanical gardens are usually open to the public and are not open for profit. They are quick, easy and cost-effective for the entire family to visit. They showcase natural beauty and are usually set up to accommodate even young children without posing too many dangers. Enquire about lectures and classes being conducted during the school holidays for those that find this type of place particularly interesting.

2. Find out about local organic farms and take the children on a pre-arranged tour of one (or more) of these to educate them about the origin of their fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products. Young ones will love milking a dairy cow or watching sheep get shorn.

3. If you live close to a regular farmers’ market, visit it as a family. Let the children choose some produce for their week’s meals, involving them more in the process and allowing them to see where their food comes from.

4. Plan a treasure hunt in a grocery store to convert a weekly chore into a fun activity. Give them clues as to what to find and where, and ensure that there is a worthwhile treasure at the end of their quest. This will take plenty of forethought and preparation but will prove to be worth it. Clues can include logos or slogans on the item’s packaging, a certain barcode, or a colour combination, for example.

5. Watch a local sports match, even if it is just at a nearby high school. The vibe and excitement is a fabulous way to pass a few free hours.

6. Incite the child in you and plan a family day at the local games arcade. Instead of ambling around waiting for the kids to finish their games, play along with them. They will love the quality time and be able to enjoy themselves without worrying that you are in a rush to get home.

7. Enjoy a family picnic in a local park, sports field, beach or forest. Pack all sorts of delicious delights and remember to take along an activity (such as a bat and ball or a board game).

8. Find out about local art, craft or music festivals and visit these, even if it is not something you would ordinarily do. A change makes for a valuable break.

9. Find an isolated spot in which you can plant some indigenous trees. This may work best at a local animal shelter or children’s home that needs and approves of your initiative. Teach youngsters about the importance of this vegetation and watch their delight as, year after year, they monitor the growth of “their” trees. Permission will definitely be required.

10. Take classes (art, pottery, jewellery making or cooking are all popular choices). If any or all of you need a boost, join the gym or take fitness classes together.

You can find a huge selection of activities Things to Do in South Africa on SA-Venues.com and to find a kid-friendly place to say, see Family-friendly accommodation where children of ALL ages are welcome or see the all South Africa Accommodation listing pages for other establishments that accept children from 6, 12 or 16 years upwards.

Happy Travelling!

Lighthouses were erected generations ago, when ships began arriving to the Eastern Cape coastline for a number of different reasons. Some brought supplies, others carried explorers and still others were delivering slaves. These lighthouses remain as beacons of our heritage and history while still serving as guides for incoming vessels.

The Eastern Cape coastline is home to four major lighthouses. There is also a national tour of the South African lighthouses, which comprises eight different buildings.

The four Eastern Cape lighthouses are:

1. The Great Fish Point lighthouse on the Sunshine Coast – just 25 kilometres from the surfing hotspot of Port Alfred.
2. Hoodpoint in East London – this is situated close to a number of excellent swimming and surfing beaches.
3. Cape St Francis lighthouse – set in the picturesque little town of Cape St Francis, right on the rocks of a small beach, this oozes charm.
4. Cape Recife lighthouse in the friendly city of Port Elizabeth.

All of these lighthouses are open to visitors between 10h00 and 15h00 on weekdays.

The Wild Trout Association invites avid fishermen to visit the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to indulge in some really relaxing fishing expeditions in search of delicious trout. Their official waters are at the southernmost tip of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, extending from Lesotho. They continue through the Stormberg Mountains (in Dordrecht and Molteno) and westwards.

The Kraai River is the most important in the area when it comes to trout fishing. It begins on the escarpment slopes and connects to the Orange River at Aliwal North. The Kraai then flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Oranjemund.

The following areas are prime trout-fishing regions:
Rhodes – this town is the site of the greatest concentration of running water in the area. The water is easily accessible and very rewarding.

Barkly East – visit Langkloofspruit for superior trout fishing opportunities.

New England – home to the only trout hatchery in the area.

Lady Grey – this fishery is supported mainly by a beautiful stream in a deep sandstone gorge.

To find more fishing locations in the eastern Cape visit he SA-Venues.com site and see Eastern Cape accommodation should you wish to book overnight accommodation.

Terra-Khaya is backpacking accommodation in Hogback that prides itself on running and accommodating travellers from all over the world completely “off the grid”.  It is situated on Chillington Farm on the magnificent escarpment of the Amathole Mountains, which drape the horizon around Hogsback.

The aim of this backpackers is to allow visitors to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of the Hogsback village and the Eastern Cape without leaving a negative impact in their wake. In fact, all visitors are encouraged to leave the backpackers in an even better condition. This is done by offering a free meal for every three hours spent taking out the invasive alien Black Wattle trees around the area and a free night’s accommodation when guests bring an indigenous tree to be planted.

The name Terra-Khaya means “Earth Home”. The accommodation and other buildings have been built using eco-friendly and sustainable materials and techniques, so that the environment does not suffer for the human intrusion. Nestled within such beautiful surrounds, guests are assured of a very special backpacking experience, where the bounty of the earth is showcased. The simplicity in this beauty is the core of its success. More…

The Phinda Private Game Reserve is an exclusive retreat at the foot of the majestic Lebombo Mountain Range in KwaZulu Natal. This exquisite reserve is home to an abundance of plant and animal species, making it a very rewarding South African experience for nature-lovers and those visiting the country, wanting to taste and touch its natural appeal.

Some of the wildest residents of the Phinda Private Game Reserve include the Big 5, as well as a number of other mammals and more than 400 bird species. Reptiles and insects abound to create the perfect balance of predators and prey. This reserve boasts seven ecosystems, each of which achieves a delicate balance in which a different combination of plants and animals can co-habit. This creates a truly African experience, with all of the splendour and variety that characterises this magnificent land.

There is also a conference centre at Phinda, catering to large corporate groups that want to incorporate the natural beauty of Kwa-Zulu Natal with their business-related discussions or events. Teambuilding initiatives at Phinda Private Game Reserve are sure to be memorable and effective. Morning and evening game drives showcase animals that are more active during the warmth and light of day as well as nocturnal ones that prefer to hunt under the cover of night.

Durban is 350 kilometres away from Phinda, and is home to the new King Shaka International Airport. This means that the reserve is accessible, even to international tourists.

Other attractions that are located within close proximity to the Phinda Private Game Reserve include:

•    The St Lucia Wetland Park (with the largest estuarine system in all of Africa), now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
•    Zulu villages in which traditional arts, crafts, music and culture are showcased to visitors.
•    The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Park, which is home to about 1 600 White Rhino and 370 Black Rhino. This park is just an hour’s drive from Phinda Private Game Reserve.
•    Sodwana Bay, a coastal park about 30 kilometres from Phinda, is popular for its many watersport opportunities.

Kwa-Zulu Natal is humid and warm to hot along the coast, with slightly cooler temperatures as you head further away from the coast and more inland. Summers at Phinda can experience soaring daytime highs in the mid- to late-30’s, but usually average around 30 degrees Celsius. Winters can get very cold inland, with night-time lows plummeting to zero. Therefore, visitors to the reserve should be prepared for weather extremes, depending on what time of year they visit. To find a place to stay for your cvisit to Phinda see KwaZulu Natal accommodation for a variety of hotels, guest houses and self catering options.

You’ve heard of the Big 5, for which South Africa is famous. These are the leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. However, the Eastern Cape is home to the Big 7, which adds Great White Sharks and the Southern Right Whale to this already-impressive list.

There are a few game reserves in the Eastern Cape that offer this very exciting combination of nature’s finest, guaranteeing a memorable safari and vacation in this South African province. These include:

Addo Elephant National Park
Addo is just outside of Port Elizabeth or the Nelson Mandela Metro. It is a national park and ranks third in size in the country. It was recently extended to stretch from Sunday’s River towards Alexandria, and includes the marine areas of St Croix Island and Bird Island. It stretches 1 640 square kilometres. In addition to the Big 7, Addo is also home to the famous Flightless Dung Beetle, as well as the Spotted Hyena, warthogs, a vast array of antelope, and an impressive selection of birdlife.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Acclaimed for its luxury, Kwandwe offers award-winning accommodation and safaris that cater to the needs of local visitors and international tourists. Kwandwe stretches for 220 square kilometres, and is also the home of the Cape Grysbok, Knysna Woodpecker, Black-Footed Cat and Crowned Eagle. So, once you have spotted all of the Big 7, there remains plenty to see and do during your special time at Kwandwe.

Kariega Game Reserve and Park
This private game reserve is situated along the renowned Eastern Cape coastline of South Africa. It includes the beautiful Kariega River and the Bushman’s River and stretches down to the magnificent coastline, along which the whales and dolphins frequently play and surf. Thanks to this location and the variety within the reserve, visitors are assured of plenty to do and see, over and above the impressive Big 7. Kariega is situated close to Kenton-on-Sea, which is a tiny village, as well as Port Alfred and the small community of Bushman’s.

Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari is just 65 kilometres from the hub of the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth. It is 250 square kilometres in area and is all about the luxurious side of safaris. This area was once under huge threat of total destruction due to generations of farming. However, Shamwari has focused on the rehabilitation and conservation of the land and those that have made it their home. The Cat Sanctuaries and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre are very special and serve to educate the public about the threats facing our precious natural treasures. This is all set within unrivalled natural beauty.

So book yourself into one of these fine South Africa Lodges or find a great South African Hotel and experience wildlife viewing second to none!

Visiting a destination makes you appreciate its beauty and value so much more. However, we all have a part to play in ensuring that destinations around the world are maintained and cared for, so that others may also get to experience them in their natural splendour. Being a responsible tourist doesn’t rob you of any of the joy and excitement of visiting a place. Rather, it adds to the experience and leaves you feeling satisfied that you have contributed to its sustainability.

Modes of Transport
We all know that cars emit harmful gases that destroy our atmosphere, but aeroplanes do much the same. So, for trips that don’t require crossing oceans, consider taking the train. This is a really relaxed, easy way to travel and allows you to stroll around, sleep and play games along the way. Within a destination, try to walk or take bicycles wherever possible. Not only is this environmentally better, but it also gives you the opportunity to experience the landscape in a much more personal, less rushed way. If you have to fly, try to take a direct flight, rather than stopping over. Use public transport, if necessary, rather than renting your own vehicle.

Switch it Off
When leaving your home and office to head for your holiday, make sure that you unplug and switch off all of your appliances, including your geyser, which uses loads of electricity. At your destination, be sure to switch off your lights and the air-conditioning in the hotel room.

Ask About Green Initiatives
Before booking at various accommodation facilities and tourist attractions, enquire about their green initiatives and sustainable practices. Try to book only where there are systems like recycling, grey water usage, solar heating, and so on, in place. The more of a habit this becomes to tourists, the more places will begin implementing sustainable measures. More…

The go! Travel South Africa app is a comprehensive map-based source of South African tourism information and a tool for finding and booking accommodation, restaurant meals and events.

The app incorporates content – displayed as pins on a map of South Africa – from go! travel magazine, online travel guide SA-Venues.com and restaurant guide Eat Out. It is integrated with Expedia, gotravel24 and ComeDine’s online booking systems.

Selecting the “Explore map” option takes you to an interactive map that allows you to select various categories, such as Activities, Places of interest, South African hotels, B&Bs and even Wi-Fi hotspots. These are then displayed as pins on the map, which you can tap to read more information, make a booking or plan a trip.

The app includes suggested trips in each of the nine provinces and it provides the tools to plan your own trips by dropping pins for the sights and activities that pique your interest onto the trip planner timeline. (The trip-building feature is only available for the tablet versions of the app, not for the phone version.) The app also offers offline maps for finding your way around the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Kruger National Park, among others, without an Internet connection.

The app recently won a silver Pixel at the 2012 Bookmarks Awards and a bronze Loerie Award.

The go! Travel South Africa app was developed by Touchlab, a division of Media24.

To read more about this app, watch a video tutorial and find out some more info see South Africa Travel News – The go! Travel South Africa app:

We are so proud that Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar in Longmarket Street, Cape Town, was voted one of the “Best New Bars in 20 Cities” in the Condé Nast Traveler’s list (published in the July 2012 issue of this international magazine). Tjing Tjing ranked fourth on this inclusive list, which is about searching the world for the best drinking and party hubs to have hit the scene since the previous year.

Tjing Tjing describes themselves as “a unique urban rooftop bar.” The eclectic style, set within and atop a building that is almost 200 years old, gives it a retro look that is really different, and makes for a trendy hotspot for drinks, cocktails, snacks and a good dance. Being situated in the City Bowl of the Mother City means that Tjing Tjing is accessible and close to a host of other eateries, guest houses, attractions and activities.

The Condé Nast Traveler’s list included Tjing Tjing for its vibrant ambience, great music and varied menu and wine list. The music that regulars can expect ranges from Indie to electronic, attracting an irresistibly cool crowd. The red, black and white Tokyo-inspired décor provides the perfect ambience in which to enjoy this trendy hub.

The menu is fairly brief, but includes something for everyone. Foody options include cheesy quesadillas, beer-battered angelfish, sticky Asian pork belly sandwiches and a local cheese and charcuterie platter. The wine list is considerably more assorted and ranges from 2009 vintages (at R350 per bottle) to easy-to-drink varieties that cost only R77 per bottle. Lots of cool cocktails are available to refresh you on a balmy summer’s afternoon or warm you up on a chilly winter evening.

Tjing Tjing makes for a fab event venue. Every Wednesday, this award-winning bar is the host of wine tastings. Each tasting showcases wines from suppliers off the wine list; familiarising the tasters with new flavours and traditional favourites and giving these suppliers a platform on which to show their labels off in the best light.

Tjing Tjing is open from Tuesday to Friday from 16h00 to late and on Saturdays from 18h30 to late. If booked in advance, Tjing Tjing takes exclusive bookings for a Monday night.

See more: www.tjingtjing.co.za

Bathurst is situated on the fringes of both the Sunshine Coast and Frontier Country, a half hour drive from Grahamstown or 10 minutes from Port Alfred. Bathurst is in the heart of one of the biggest pineapple growing areas in South Africa. Located on the outskirts of Bathurst just off the R67, only 15km from Port Alfred, is where you will find the world’s biggest pineapple …

Find out more about Bathurst …

• Bathurst Map
• Bathurst Accommodation
• Bathurst Hotels
• Sunshine Coast Accommodation
• Sunshine Coast Hotels
• Eastern Cape Accommodation

These great photos of Port Alfred were submitted by Sandy of Port Alfred. Port Alfred is known fondly as the ‘heart of the sunshine coast’ and lies on Route 72 equidistant from Port Elizabeth and East London.

To find out more about Port Alfred visit …

• Port Alfred Map
• Visitorial – I ♥ Port Alfred because…
• Port Alfred Accommodation
• Port Alfred Hotels
• Eastern Cape Accommodation