South Africa Blog

Seven-time Dusi Marathon winner and Spur Adventure ambassador Martin Dreyer is participating in the Spur Adventure Charity Challenge over the months of April and May. Dreyer is encouraging everyone to join him as all proceeds from the challenge go to Joint Aid Management (JAM), a non-profit humanitarian relief and development organisation that currently assists more than 498,000 children through nutritional feeding, health and social welfare programmes.

“Most of us would agree that there’s nothing better than a weekend of adventure spent outdoors navigating your way through nature on foot or bicycle,” says Dreyer. “Now you can enjoy your outdoor pursuits and do something good for JAM while you’re getting wet and having fun in the process.”

In addition to supporting JAM through this initiative, athletes from Dreyer’s grassroots’ initiative ‘Change a Life’ will also participate in the Spur Adventure Charity Challenge.

According to Dreyer, 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.

Dreyer, who recently became a first-time father, says there is also a bush baby trail that has been developed specifically for kids between the ages of 6-10years. “It kicks off with a ‘sak resies’ (bag race) and then children are guided along a marked trail on foot, negotiating a number of obstacles and surprises that include live demonstrations and discussions on birds, snakes and other flora and fauna.”

Spur Group Managing Director Pierre van Tonder says 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.”

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 training tips and more information contact Quantum Adventures on 021 789 0188.
See more events at South Africa Events

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.

Passion, determination and excitement marks the second in a series of action packed mountain biking and trail running events brought to you by Bicycling and Runner’s World magazines. Sponsored by MiWay, the Dirt Festival will take place at Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 15 August 2009 and is an opportunity for fanatics to test their skills on an incredible range of courses.

Entrants can choose between the 4km and 8km trail run or the 15km and 41km mountain bike races respectively. For the more serious participant there is also the 82km two-man team mountain bike race. Mike Finch, Bicycling and Runner’s World magazines editor, comments: “Our first event in Johannesburg was a stunning success and we are expecting similar in KZN. It’s a great day out for the serious and not so serious. See you all there.”

Organisers have once again ensured a fun, family filled environment that includes refreshments and entertainment for both the young and old. To ensure participation, teams and individuals are encouraged to enter early at www.runnersworld.co.za or www.bicycling.co.za. Online entries close on Wednesday, 5 August and only a limited number of entries will be accepted on race day at an additional cost of R100.

For more information get your copy of the July issue of Runner’s World and Bicycling magazines on sale now!

Telecommunications giant MTN has thrown its weight behind one of the safest but toughest and most grueling cycling events, now known as the MTN Amashova National Classic in Durban Cycle Race.

The MTN Amashova 106km race from the Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban takes place on Sunday, October 18, starting at 6.30am as well as the Sunday Tribune Amashova fun ride taking in a distance of 39km from Hillcrest High School, starting at 5.45am, both will finish at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World.

And adding another dimension to the event is the MTN Asishove mountain bike challenges which this year will take place at Midmar Dam on Saturday, October 17 over distances of 10km, 35km and 70km.

To ensure that the children are not left out, the MTN Minishova in Durban 1km (3-6 years old) and 5km (7-11years old) events for children takes place at Suncoast on Saturday, October 10 – a week before the main event.

Go to http://www.amashova.co.za for more information to register or call the Shova organizers during office hours on 031 312 8896. For accommodation in Durban see Durban Accommodation and in Pietermaritzburg see Pietermaritzburg Accommodation.

The Kitesurfing season is in full swing in Cape Town. From October to March every year thousands of ardent kitesurfers flock to the Cape Coast to indulge their passion. Between the months of October and March, Cape Town enjoys fairly constant, predominantly south-easterly winds that bring with them temperatures varying from 25°C to 30°C and ideal kite surfing conditions.

Two of the more popular spots for kitesurfing include Bloubergstrand (with its picture-postcard backdrop of Table Mountain as an added attraction) and Langebaan (on the Cape West Coast). Muizenberg on the False Bay coast is also a popular spot, especially with local kitesurfers.

Video: Kitesurfers in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, October 2007

If kitesurfing is one of those things you’ve always wanted to try, you’ll find that there are plenty of kite surfing schools in Cape Town. They provide personal instruction, experienced instructors and all equipment you will need so you could be mastering the seas in no time!

Useful Kitesurfing Links:
Cape Extreme Adventures
Cape Kites (situated in Wynberg, Cape Town)
Cape Town Accommodation
South Africa Kitesurfing (see photos).

Welcome to the playground of the Zulu Kingdom! Durban, or eThekweni, is a city that enjoys year round good weather, temperate warm waters of the Indian Ocean, golden beaches and tropical vegetation. 

Durbs (as it is fondly called by the locals) has something to offer everyone.  If your ideal holiday is lying on the beach, then pick your spot of sand on any of the 6kms of beaches along the Golden Mile. If golf is your game, book a round at the world renowned golf course of the Durban Country Club. The city is sports crazy, and hosts various international contests, including test cricket at Sahara Kingsmead Stadium and Super 14 rugby matches at The ABSA Stadium. Don’t forget to shop!  Gateway Theatre of Shopping is located just outside Umhlanga.  The mall has a wide variety of shops, restaurants, theatres and an iMax cinema.  It should keep you entertained for hours.

Durban is an ideal base from which to explore the game reserves and the Drakensberg Mountains.  Both destinations are only a few hours drive away. Hluhluwe Game Reserve is a relatively short 3 hour drive up the North Coast.  Established in 1895, and set in the heartland of Zululand, it is the oldest reserve in Africa and boasts the ‘big five’. Or you can visit the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Set in the majestic mountain range, this World Heritage Site is also one of South Africa’s prime eco-tourist destinations. Take your hiking boots with you and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you walk the well laid out paths from the all the major camps. 

Visit Durban - you’ll be glad you did!
For Fun and Interesting Activities visit Things to Do in Durban
Find a place to stay at Durban Accommodation

Don’t know what to do with your kids? Great news for frustrated moms, dads and teachers who never know where to look to find child-friendly places to visit, restaurants, extra-mural activities, extra lessons, shows, educational class outings and much much more!!  Jozikids is here to assist all those who want to find out what they can do with their children today, this weekend or during the holidays in Joburg.

At long last Joburg  has its very own in-depth, on-line directory  with 100s of listings, devoted to helping parents and teachers find what they need for their children from birth to 14 yrs old. You can search for something specific (by subject/area) or  just browse through the various categories for inspiration:

to learn for a wide range of extra-mural activities, extra lessons and clubs
to go for all kinds of day outings, activities and interesting places to visit
to eat  for child-friendly restaurants & markets
to party for a comprehensive range of party services
to read for library storytime, children’s books and magazines
to shop for retail outlets specialising in items for children
for teachers for educational class outings and shows relevant to the curriculum

And the in-depth, regularly updated calendar will provide details of what’s on across the city from Soweto to Sandton on a daily basis. Find out what’s showing in theatres, when libraries have storytime or when the Junior Spider Club meets. Users can  Review what  they have experienced to help others choose.

Parents can get a wide range of detailed, independently reviewed and regularly updated information about every possible kind of activity and place to visit with their children. Teachers can get detailed information on educational class outings/shows that are relevant to the curriculum.

Businesses can list their services on a full page for a very affordable fee and can manage the content of their own listing via password access. They can also use the Review function to market their services by encouraging clients to write reviews.

www.jozikids.co.za is a unique user-friendly on-line directory & calendar that is designed to change the face of what Johannesburg/ Gauteng has to offer children.

CONTACT: info@jozikids.co.za
Tel: 011 482 4310
Cell: 083 4762597
Fax: 086 516 9136

Related Links:
Gauteng Events
Gauteng Attractions

I received a fabulous set of photographs of a paraglider in Cape Town this week. Paragliding off Lions Head, the photos show the magnificent views of Sea Point and Green Point below with Robben Island in the distance. You can view the full set as a Flickr photo gallery at: Paragliding Photo Gallery.

Paragliding off Lions Head, Cape Town photographs with thanks to and © Ryan Minnaar of Paraglide South Africa and Celebration – The Wedding Directory.

Related Sites:
Paragliding in South Africa
South Africa Activities
South Africa Events

View our videos (amateur – still learning!) of the tree-top canopy tour we did on a recent trip to Knysna. It was a fantastic experience, highly recommended! (Contact Stormsriver Adventures Tel: (042) 2811836). 

Canopy Tour in Knysna.

And another one!.

View additional info about Canopy Tours at:
Canopy Tours in South Africa
Outdoor Activities & Adventure

A few weeks ago we wrote about the list of “101 Things to do in Cape Town for under R101.00” found on the Cape Town Accommodation site, Cape-Venues.co.za. Listed at number 75 (I think they should move it in to the first 25) is Pick your own Roses at Chart Farm in Wynberg. I’d heard about Chart Farm before but never knew where it was. We went to visit Chart Farm this past Sunday and I would recommend it to anyone, who loves roses, as a delightful way to spend two to three hours on a Sunday. 

You get to choose and pick your own roses from their extensive rose gardens. You get given proper rose cutters to cut your roses. You pay R4.00 per rose that you pick yourself or you can get them to pick roses for you @ R5.00 a rose. Afterwards we sat down in the Tea-Room which was very relaxed.  We had coffee, tea and huge, very tasty muffins for two. (The total for that came to 48.00). And I came home with masses of very fresh, beautiful smelling roses! Find Chart Farm in Wynberg adjacent to the Wynberg Park. (Telephone: 021 762-0067).

If you can think of any other less well known great things to do in Cape Town why not leave us a comment about it so we can share these lesser known highlights of Cape Town with our readers? Click on “Post or Read Comments” below to share your favourite spot with us »

101 Things to do in Cape Town for under R101.00 (under $15.00). From climbing to the top of Table Mountain, horse riding on Noordhoek Beach, club-hopping to see up-and-coming South African Musicians, Dragon Boat racing at the Waterfront, Cruise around Cape Town’s historic harbour, museum visits, wine-tasting, indoor karting, Sight-seeing on the double-decker, topless City Explorer Bus, Theatrical Dining at a Restaurant in Rondebosch, places to go, things to do all for under R101.00. And about 50% of the suggestions are totally free of charge!

Visit the South African Rugby Museum in Newlands, attend a parliamentary session (no charge but bring your passport!), stroll up Government Avenue, Watch the firing of Cape Town’s Noon-day Gun on Signal Hill (it’s free), enjoy a site-seeing horse-drawn carriage tour through the streets of Cape Town (did you know that exists? I didn’t), visit the Comedy Warehouse for a good laugh or laugh yourself silly at the side-splitting comedy at Theatre Sports … so much to do, so many places to see.

A very cool list. See … 101 Things to do in Cape Town »
on the Cape Town Accommodation site, or see Things to Do in Cape Town on SA-Venues.com for a more comprehensive list (500+ and counting …)

If you are into scuba diving or have always had a hankering to try it, take a look at this diving website.

The mission of Systemic Descent is to instill in divers the desire to learn more about diving and the aquatic realm, beyond that of the designs of a qualification course. It is a place for divers to talk about diving, improvement, the environment and the many aspects that affect our sport …

Visit the site at : Sadly the site is no longer active (Link removed).
Related pages: Scuba Diving in South Africa

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

Discover the beautiful terrains and the fantastic diversity of the wildlife South Africa has whilst on a walking safaris. Take a relaxing walk and discover the excitement and ancient secrets of the African wilderness. There are numerous options of walking safaris throughout South Africa offering varying terrains. South Africa has a superb array of National Parks, Game Reserves and Nature Reserves that all offer South African walking safaris.

The Kruger Parks walking safaris are guided by experienced rangers with an extensive knowledge of the area, the wildlife, birds and indigenous vegetation. Accommodation and lodging in the park are in two-bedded safari-tents, with communal toilet and shower facilities. The camp-staff cook and clean while your guide leads you into close encounters with the African wild. Feel your excitement build as you track the South African Big 5 on your walking safari. Also within the Kruger National Park, the 5 Star luxury Jock Safari Lodge offer walking safaris, birding safaris and guided historical tours will take you along the paths of legend and mystery …. continued at Walking Safaris in South Africa

South Africa Elephant Back Safaris : Elephants, the largest land animals in the world, inspire a feeling of awe and respect in most people. Weighing up to 6 tons (11 000lb) and reaching speeds of up to 40km/hr, this monster of the animal kingdom has an impressive presence.

Whilst the majority of people will never have the opportunity to come close or even touch these animals, many South African game reserves offer the once in a lifetime chance to do an Elephant Back Safari. Imagine yourself, perched 6ft in the air on the back of a 6 ton elephant, slowly making your way through open velds or dense forests. It’s a safari like no other. As such, Elephant Back Safari’s in South Africa are growing in popularity.

Game viewing on elephant back provides you with the unique opportunity of getting really close to wildlife that you could normally only view from far off. The smell of the elephants overpowers that of people so that other animals like rhino, giraffe and buck etc will not be scared off by the scent of people nearby. As such you’re able to get close up to extraordinary wildlife. An elephant back safari at most game reserves is usually a well catered for event including meals and of course, the elephant ride. The elephants are prepared with a comfortable saddle and you’ll be seated behind an experienced elephant handler. An elephant back safari will usually last around an hour and 30 minutes. Granted, your initial few minutes on the back of this monstrous animal will be endured with more than a little apprehension, but rest assured that as the safari begins and you become accustomed to the rhythmic and calm movements of the elephant, the experience that follows will be incredible.

Many game reserves in South Africa also provide the unique and enjoyable opportunity to walk along with the elephants as you move through the velds and forests. Being surrounded by these enormous animals and moving along with them during the safari is a sobering experience and one that is not easily forgotten. The elephant sanctuary near the Magaliesberg Mountains offers the opportunity of spending an entire day out with these animals and taking part in activities like elephant walks, elephant back safari rides, feeding and brushing the elephants and much more.

A South African elephant back safari is a truly wonderful experience. Being immersed so deeply in nature and interacting with such powerful creatures is deeply rewarding and satisfying and is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Related Links:
South Africa Outdoor Activities
Game Viewing in South Africa
South Africa Travel