South Africa Blog

The Barberton Daisy was discovered in 1884 in Barberton (Mpumalanga) by Robert Jameson, after whom it is named: Gerbera Jamesonii. Since then it has been propogated by mainly Dutch breeders – they created many varieties: colors, number of petals and size were mixed and matched into the wonderful flowers you can buy today at florists worldwide.

The Gerbera Association was established in 2002 with the following goals:
1) Conservation of Gerbera species (several local ‘varieties’ are endangered)
2) Education
3) Protection (breeders from all over the world need the genes of the original plants, which they try to smuggle out of the country)
4) Awareness: South Africa doesn’t benefit at all from the global popularity of the Gerbera – local growers have to import seeds… (more…)

Nestled in the Makwonja mountains lies the historic town of Barberton, famous for its gold mines, its Gerbera daisy and Jock of the Bushveld. Only 45 km from Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga province, 65 km from the Kruger Park and Kruger International Airport, bordering the kingdom of Swaziland, it not only is a good stop-over between the Kruger Park and Natal, it is an exciting tourism destination for people that dare to go off the beaten track, as well.

Barberton Manor Guest House (4 Star grading and AA Travel Superior Accommodation) offers you a modern day stay in a classical setting: the house was built in 1927 in order of a goldmine owner, according a Sir Herbert Baker design. Still fitted with the original Birma teak floors, Oregon pine doors and pressed ceilings, the european owners (since 2001) added contemporary comfort: all three guest-rooms have a luxurious bathroom ensuite, ceiling fans, comfortable beds and DSTV\M-Net.

Not only offers the area scenic splendor that even South African tourists entices (realizing what natural beauty their own country has to offer), but also some unique attractions. In town, several old Victorian houses (corrugated iron) can be visited on the Heritage Walk. A guide can be provided. One of the working gold mines offers underground tours with gold-panning afterwards. You’ll find gold yourself. Guaranteed! 4 x 4 tours into the mountains can be arranged: you’ll visit Eureka City and the Golden Quarry: one of the richest goldfinds in history. For the more adventurous there are quadbike tours into the mountainland – definitely an experience you will cherish!

We look forward to see you in Barberton – just like many others, starting in the 1880′s, you will discover gold!

Contact Barberton Manor at:
Website: http://www.barbertonmanor.com
Telephone: +27 (0)13 – 712 48 26
Skype: barbertonmanorguesthouse

Related Links:
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga Hotels
Mpumalanga Accommodation

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

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

IMBALI SAFARI LODGE – Kruger National Park, South Africa: Imbali Safari Lodge is an exclusive lodge set within the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Special Luxury Kruger Park Safari – Valid from 9 December 2005 to 29 January 2006 : This Special Offer includes luxury accommodation, three meals and two game activities per person per day.
» Double: R1 925.00 per person per day (standard rate is R3,850.00 pp)
» Single: R2 900.00 per person per day (standard rate is R5,780.00 pp)
Children are welcome!

Imbali Safari Lodge is the central point within the Imbali Safari concession, offering accommodation in spacious, private chalets each furnished in understated luxury and overlooking the Nwatsitswonto riverbed. The Lodge consists of 12 immaculate suites, each beautifully appointed with only the finest furniture and imported linen. King-size beds, flickering hurricane lamps, and romantic antique-styled en-suite baths ensure you never forget your first taste of the African Safari experience. For additional information and photos visit: Imbali Safari Lodge or Send an Enquiry.

Related Pages: The Kruger National Park
Kruger Park Accommodation
South Africa Safaris

Dullstroom Arts Festival: 16 – 18 December 2006: Within three hours of Jo’burg, tucked in among the Steenkampsberg, is a little village best known for its pristine pools well stocked with large trout.

It is little known that Dullstroom is also the home of some of South Africa’s greatest cultural talent. Whether it be artisans who produce magnificent works of art in metal or wood, or talented musicians who seek inspiration from the surrounding rolling grasslands, Dullstroom is a plethora of creativity. The local residents have joined forces to provide a platform to showcase this talent. From December 16 to 18, Dullstroom will come alive as locals show visitors that there is more to Dullstroom than meets the fly.

The Dullstroom Festival of Art, Culture and Environment will showcase visual arts, sculpture, pottery, music, the culinary arts and will play host to some knowledgeable environmentalists. “It is quite amazing the scope of the talent and skills of the residents of Dullstroom. Not only are there young artisans working in metal and wood, but there are also highly talented artists who sketch, paint or sculpt, capturing the beauty of our area. “The variety of the so-called crafts created in the village is also astounding and the quality of these crafts is quite something and perhaps they should be reclassified as art,”.

The Dullstroom Festival also has a varied programme of performing artists. Not only will these artists perform on designated stages throughout the village, in the evenings they will provide entertainment to patrons at the different restaurants scattered around town. During the festival each of the many restaurants will have something extraordinary on, which will be complimented by wine tastings from various estates. The variety of cuisine on offer will be extensive and it is advisable to try as many restaurants as possible. The choice on offer ranges from traditional Austrian cuisine and beer, boerekos with wines from Simonsig, and English “grub” complimented with wines from the Swartland Estate.

Dullstroom lies on the Steenkampsberg Plateau, 2076m above sea level. The grasslands and wetlands provide the habitat for a remarkable variety of interesting fauna and flora consequently host to a number of interesting environmental projects. The Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre will be the hub of the environmental programme during the festival. The centre has been in existence since 1996 and in a year up to 200 birds come into the centre. These birds are injured, sick or confiscated and they are rehabilitated at the centre and returned to the wild if possible. There will be daily flying displays at 10:30 and again at 2:30, in which experienced staff handle some of the resident birds of prey, and educate the audience about the particular birds in the display.

The centre has also established various captive breeding projects, which is a resource for gaining knowledge and understanding of raptors. Visitors to the centre are encouraged to walk round before or after the displays and find out about the individual birds in the centre. In addition to their normal displays the centre experts from Highlands Crane Group will be giving talks at the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre.

Related Sites: Dullstroom Accommodation
Dullstroom Hotels
Mpumalanga, South Africa
South Africa Birdlife