South Africa Blog

Links to Fabulous South African Web Sites – Hand-picked links to good South African Sites (and some of the editor’s favourites!).

Arrive Alive – The Arrive Alive Website is managed and funded by individuals and companies in the interest of road safety in general and endorsed by the Department of Transport.

Accommodation in South Africa – SA-Venues.com brings you a fine selection of South Africa accommodation establishments to choose from, for your holiday and business travel accommodation.

Accommodation Cape Town – A useful directory of Cape Town accommodation option with a simple search option to search by town or an advanced search option to search by certain criteria. Also feature attractions and a Cape Town Activities section..

South Africa Golf Tours – South African Golf Tours and South African Golfing Safaris. Also offers a comprehensive list of South African Hotels.

Accommodation in Hout Bay – Troodos House & Cottages Hout Bay offer Self Catering Cottages or Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa.

South Africa – The Good News! About this site: In South Africa, we’re sitting on the edge of greatness, but many of us know little of the progress that’s been achieved since 1994. Fewer still have a sense of what the future holds. This website will provide you with daily, weekly and archived news items to inform whatever interests you may have. Hopefully, if you know where we’ve come from and get a sense of where we’re heading, your confidence in South Africa will improve and you’ll want to describe what’s happening here positively and with passion.

Camps Bay Guest House – Unique in Camps Bay, Cape Town, and nestled under the Twelve Apostles in a peaceful location, Cape Rose Cottage enjoys breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the most magnificent sunsets. Pam and Steve invite you to enjoy three beautiful luxurious suites created for the discerning guest who appreciates attention to detail and something extra special.

Camps Bay Accommodation – Search for and book quality accommodation in Camps Bay for holiday and business travel in Cape Town.

Cape Town Accommodation – Cape-Venues.co.za offers a fine selection of Cape Town accommodation options to choose from for your holiday and business travel in the Cape.

Cape Town Hotels – Comprehensive directory of Hotels in Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands and Cape Country Regions. Find the perfect hotel room or suite for your holiday in Cape Town.

SANParks – Official Website: SANParks – Africa’s Premier Wildlife Tourism Destinations. Experience the beauty and diversity of South African National Parks, Travel and explore South Africa!

TSOTSI! 2006 Academy Award Winner, Tsotsi! Best Foreign Language Film of the Year.

Durban Accommodation – Durban Venues helps you pick choice accommodation in Durban by putting you directly in touch with the Durban accommodation providers themselves, and guiding your selection with guest reviews, accommodation rates and special offers.

Google.com – Still our favourite Search Engine

Free State Accommodation and Tourism – A lovely little site with Free state destination info and featuring some of the best available Free State Accommodation options.

Garden Route Accommodation – Garden Route Venues helps you make your choice of Garden Route accommodation by putting you directly in touch with the accommodation providers themselves, whilst guiding your choice with guest reviews, transparent accommodation rates and special offers.

Garden Route Hotels – A selection of graded hotels in the Garden Route of South Africa.

Knysna Accommodation – Search for and book quality accommodation in Knysna for holiday and business travel in Knysna on the Garden Route.

Plettenberg Bay Accommodation – Plettenberg Bay accommodation options include hotels, lodges, guest houses, bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation including holiday homes, apartment rentals and suites.

South Africa Wedding Blog – A helping hand for the Blushing Bride!

South Africa Weddings – The South African Wedding Guide is designed to help make it easier and more enjoyable for you to plan the South African wedding of your dreams! On this wedding site you will find all the Wedding Venues, Wedding Planners and Co-ordinators, Accommodation, Honeymoon Destinations and wedding services to assist you with the planning of the perfect Wedding in South Africa.

South Africa Car Hire – Affordable Car Rental for your South African holiday. Great Cars available at great prices!.

Kruger National Park – You can’t visit South Africa without visiting the Kruger Park! A wildlife reserve of note!

Mpumalanga Hotels – Find a great hotel for your vist to the Kruger and Mpumalanga.

Sandton Hotels – The place to stay when in Johannesburg, find and hotel in Sandton for your trip.

Franschhoek Accommodation – Find a place to stay in the magical town of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands of South Africa.

Current Travel News from SA-Venues.com
South Africa Travel News
Travel News from South Africa by SA-Venues.com

10 Fabulous Things To Do When Next in Franschhoek
Fabulous Franschhoek The gorgeous French corner of the Cape, Franschhoek, lies in one of the most beautiful wine valleys not only in South Africa, but also the world. You may know of Franschhoek as the culinary capital of South Africa with so many award winning restaurants we are slightly spoiled for choice. However food and wine is not all that Franschhoek has to offer. You may already have visited this lovely town for on of the many festivals that take place. If you're here in March make a...

I ♥ La Lucia Because ...
I ♥ La Lucia Hi, I’m Priscilla Rodrigues from Kites View Bed & Breakfast in La Lucia. La Lucia IS BEST KNOWN FOR its beautiful, tranquil, lush green surroundings.  It is the place to come to unwind, put your feet up and de-stress … It is quiet, peaceful and calming – the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday towns; and relax and reflect; and yet it is still really close to all the exciting attractions and activities both Umhlanga and Durban has to offer! You...
Bloemfontein's Botanical Garden – Perfect for Photo Moments and Lazy Afternoons
Bloem's Botanical Gardens Bloemfontein gets a rather raw deal. Mention that you're spending Christmas there and you're immediately the recipient of sympathetic looks. Some people will even groan out loud, assuming this will automatically make you feel better. Fortunately I have no attachment to the city one way or the other. I won't go as far as to say that I'm fond of it, but every city has its positive side. It is, however, where my in laws live, and last year we had to make a couple of...
I ♥ Harrismith Because ...
I ♥ Harrismith Hi, I’m Alet from Greensleeves Guesthouse in Harrismith. Harrismith IS BEST KNOWN FOR being a friendly town. It's also well known as the halfway stop between Durban and Johannesburg. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Platberg Mountain which is in the Platberg Game Reserve adjoining the Botanical Garden. THE BEST mountain PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Botanic Garden. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the town hall and the other beautiful, old buildings in town. The town hall is a National...
Weekly Events Round Up (20–26 Feb 2012)
Quenna Festival The beginning of the harvest festivals marks the height of the summer season! This week wine connoisseurs will be delighted to be heading to the wine districts of South Africa for the start of the harvest festivals. For those who prefer bubbles we can suggest the beer festival or champagne house at the polo masters. However there are a number of other exciting activities to attend from sporting events for energetic athletes, to a bridal fair for amorous couples, and for the...
I ♥ Ballito Because ...
I ♥ Ballito Hi, I’m Jaimé Ernst from Villa Jaimé in Ballito. Ballito IS BEST KNOWN FOR its endless summers, golden beaches, breathtaking sunrises and regular sightings of the bottlenose dolphins that use our coastline as their playground. Fabulous golf courses, mountain biking trails, quad biking adventures make sure that there is something to keep everyone busy. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Mr Price Pro Surfing Competition that takes place yearly on our beaches. THE BEST family PICTURES...
You'll Need More Than a Couple of Days to Explore Ladismith
Explore Ladismith Ladismith is in the Klein Karoo on Route 62 between Barrydale and Calitzdorp at the base of the Klein Swartberg mountain range. 'Oh, you should be here during February / March', the tourism information lady, whose name we never do get to know, remarks at my obvious hot and bothered state and nods emphatically whilst the electric fan, in front of which I've stationed myself, lazily continues on its cycle in the large church interior. We're standing in one of the oldest...
10 Splendid Things To Do When Next in Plett
Plettenberg Bay What comes to mind when you hear the words Plettenberg Bay, or Plett as it is fondly known? For me I think of gorgeous beaches, wonderful restaurants and opportunities for cocktails with friends. However, this is not all Plett has to offer. This popular seaside town, just after Knysna on the Garden Route, lies almost on the border of the Eastern and Western Cape. Its history is vast as many Portuguese explorers visited the area in both the 15th and 16th century. With three...
I ♥ Pongola Because ...
I ♥ Pongola Hi, I’m Lindy Blevin from Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge in Pongola in the Zululand Region of KwaZulu Natal. Pongola IS BEST KNOWN FOR tiger fishing, its oasis feel, awesome views of the Lebombo Mountains and Rooirand Ridge, game viewing and birding, delicious mangoes, citrus and litchis, pretty rolling hills covered in sugar cane, and friendly community who are caring and helpful, and of course the warm weather. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Pongola Game Reserve. THE...
Win a Weekend Away for 2 in Magical Magaliesberg
Budmarsh Private Lodge WIN a two night weekend stay at the 5-star graded Budmarsh Private Lodge.  Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the heart of the magical Magaliesberg, Budmarsh Private Lodge awaits to welcome you to its world of understated elegance, tranquility and personalised attention. Escape through beautiful gardens to ramble amongst abundant bird life. With its exquisitely landscaped gardens, enchanting trees and magnificent scenery, there is no better place than...
Butcher Boys restaurant in Pietermaritzburg – A superb culinary experience in the capital of KZN
Butcher Boys There are quite a number of upmarket eateries in Pietermaritzburg these days and as far as steakhouses go you aren’t likely to find anything more upmarket than Butcher Boys. Located in Armitage Road just opposite the Bird Sanctuary, Butcher Boys is situated in close proximity to Pietermaritzburg’s affluent northern suburbs, no doubt the intended target market of this fine restaurant. Curious as to what culinary experiences I could savour at this highly recommended eatery I...
I ♥ Simondium Because ...
I ♥ Simondium Hi, I’m Janene from Paddabult Country House in Simondium, the upper point of a triangle with Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Simondium IS BEST KNOWN FOR its beautiful Wine Estates & Wedding Venues. WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO play golf at Pearl Valley. WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO visit the 'Screening Room' for a cinema experience with a difference. I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS Spring, BECAUSE in summer it gets extremely hot. MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST...
Weekly Events Round Up (13–19 Feb 2012)
Strawberries & Champagne Love is in the air this week with Valentine’s Day on Tuesday. Valentine's Day tends to put a bit of pressure on people to come up with an idea for the perfect date so we've decided to help you out with a couple of romantic, and fun things to do this week. We also have a variety of other events and activities in South Africa that you can take part in and attend to keep you entertained — from sporting events to bridal shows. Whatever you might be looking for we are...
I ♥ Hurlingham Because ...
I ♥ Hurlingham Hi, I’m Trish from Hurlingham House in Hurlingham. Hurlingham IS BEST KNOWN FOR being a peaceful and safe suburb, yet it's only 3km from the heart of Sandton. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the statue of Nelson Mandela in Mandela Square. THE BEST architectural PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Sandton CBD. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Zoo Lake. WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO sit at our swimming pool or in a sidewalk cafe. WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO go to Sandton City Mall. I...
You Don't Need To Be A Book Nut To Visit Richmond, But It Helps If You Are
Richmond The little town of Richmond lies in the middle of the Karoo of the Northern Cape, roughly four hours away from Bloemfontein, its slightly shaggy main street lined with period 19th century architecture, much of it restored, the upper reaches of which form a tunnel of book stores. Richmond is a book town. The only one on the African continent. And a book town of note. If you are an avid book fan, my advice to you is that you set aside at least two days for a visit. And if you really...
10 Great Things To Do When Next in Knysna
The Town of Knysna When was the last time you were in Knysna? This ever popular Garden Route town has plenty to offer. The middle of the year is when thousands of people descend on this town for the Knsyna Oyster Festival and those who've been training take part in either the Knysna Forest Marathon and Knysna Cycle Tour. But when the buzz of the Oyster Festival calms down and the tourists leave this town doesn't go to sleep ... it does the opposite of that. Reason being because there is so...
I ♥ Haenertsburg Because ...
I ♥ Haenertsburg Hi, I’m Jady Stanford from Standford Lake Lodge in Haenertsburg in the Capricorn region of Limpopo. Haenertsburg IS BEST KNOWN FOR being the “Land of the Silver Mists” ... land of forests, lakes, waterfalls and more. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the John Buchan War Memorial overlooking a beautiful view of Ebenezer Dam. THE BEST scenic PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Haenertsburg Cemetry, overlooking the village. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Cheerio Gardens, Debengeni Falls and so many more...
La Vita Restaurant in Pietermaritzburg – A Review
La Vita Restaurant La Vita restaurant has had a reputation as being one of the most upmarket and expensive eateries in Pietermaritzburg for a while now. Situated in the popular and well-known Invesco Centre just a few kilometres from the CBD, La Vita specialises in Italian cuisine and has an extensive selection of pizza, pasta, seafood and meat dishes to cater for almost any palate. Curious sounding offerings such as Drunk Duck and Raunchy Rabbit are guaranteed to arouse interest and even...
I ♥ Colesberg Because ...
I ♥ Colesberg Hi, I’m Jurie from Toverberg Guest Houses and Carl Gronum from Traveller’s Joy Guest House  in Colesberg. Colesberg IS BEST KNOWN FOR being a convenient stopover between the interior and the coast. Here the N1 and the N9 meet. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the wrought iron lamp at the corner of Paul Kruger and Ventershoek Streets – erected in commemoration of Queen Vistoria’s 60th Jubilee. THE BEST sunset PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN DOWN the road passing the golf course. OTHER HAPPY...
I ♥ Britannia Bay Because ...
I ♥ Britannia Bay Hi, I’m Lucille Byrnes from Dolphin B&B+S/C in Britannia Bay a suburb of the town St Helena Bay up South Africa’s Cape West Coast. Britannia Bay IS BEST KNOWN FOR long stretches of pristine beaches, “heaven” and “hell” surfer’s corners and the wreck after which the bay is named. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the deck of my house (where do you get sea and surf in the foreground and backdrop of the Winterberge in one photograph?). From Britannica Heights one can see north to...
Win a 2 Night Stay in the Heart of the Cape Overberg
De Kloof Luxury Estate WIN a 2 night stay in Swellendam, the heart of the Cape Overberg, at the 5-star graded De Kloof Luxury Estate. This boutique hotel is a stylish, historical masterpiece of Cape Dutch architecture and is a national monument (dated 1801) with spacious, designer garden rooms and suites, courtyards surrounded by indigenous trees, zen & herb rose gardens, birdlife and koi ponds. This intimate boutique estate is situated in a green secluded valley with breathtaking views,...
The Best of Local Fayre on Saturdays at the Jozi Food Market
Jozi Food Market If you live in the Greenside area of Johannesburg and are looking for somewhere a bit more novel than the local supermarket for your weekly groceries why not give the Jozi Food Market a try?  Open every Saturday from 08h30 to 13h30 and conveniently located at the Pirates Sports Club you can expect to be greeted by artisans and stall holders happy to share their love and knowledge of food. The market offers a wide selection of food; take your pick from the 50 delicious recipes...
Where to Lunch in De Rust, and Why it's Worth a Visit
Lunch in De Rust We don't mean to stop in De Rust. We're on the N12 that heads off the N1 close to the Karoo National Park en route to Ladismith, our intended destination, and have just come through the incredible Meiringspoort, when De Rust appears out of nowhere. The main road through town is littered with colourful restaurants, coffee shops and the odd boutique. The place is hot and humming. And a big board informs us that De Rust has won 'dorp van die jaar' and claims to be the best town...
I ♥ Kleinemonde Because ...
I ♥ Kleinemonde Hi, I’m Marlene from House Purfikt in Kleinemonde. Kleinemonde IS BEST KNOWN FOR its fantastic white beach which stretches on forever. We also have two lagoons right next to one another … fantastic for swimming, canoe rides, fishing etc. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN ON the beach on a bright sunny day, the dunes & blue sea looks incredible! THE BEST PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Three Sisters rocks. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the biggest Pineapple in the world in Bathurst. WHEN THE...
Essence Café in Pietermaritzburg — A Review
Essence Cafe Location plays a critical role in the success of any restaurant and Essence Café is most certainly well situated at Wetherlys Centre, probably the most upmarket location in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. On the day of my visit there were a number of luxury cars, including BMW’s, Mercedes Benz’s, Audi’s and even a Porsche gracing the centre’s parking bays – unmistakable proof that this venue is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best meeting places for local business...
I ♥ Menlo Park Because ...
I ♥ Menlo Park Hi, I’m Anna Marie Pienaar from Cottage Guest House in Menlo Park, Pretoria. Menlo Park IS BEST KNOWN FOR being very centrally located to Shopping Centres and the University of Pretoria and the Pretoria Country Golf Club. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Pretoria Country club, because of the beautiful gardens. THE BEST PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT during October when the Jakarandas are blooming. WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO go swimming, play tennis or play golf. WHEN THE...
I ♥ Beaufort West Because ...
I ♥ Beaufort West Hi, I’m Elsolique from Old House Guesthouse in Beaufort West. Beaufort West IS BEST KNOWN FOR its unique Karoo hospitality. GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Chris Barnard Museum; Chris Barnard was the famous heart surgeon who performed the worlds first heart transplant. THE BEST Karoo PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Karoo National Park. OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT our beautiful pear trees on the Main Road. WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO be outside in the fresh Karoo air. WHEN...
Weekly Events Round Up (30 Jan to 5 Feb 2012)
Up The Creek If you haven’t thought about what you’re going to do next week, we’ve come up with a list of some of the most exciting events that will be taking place. We will now be giving you a weekly round up of the upcoming events and festivals throughout South Africa. We will keep you up to date with the hip and happening events that you can attend. Think sports, entertainment, culture and more. Break out your diaries and start phoning your friends to make sure you don't miss out. There...
Graaff Reinet's Obesa Nursery – Walk the Cacti Labyrinth
Obesa Cacti Nursery You either get it, or you don't. With the Obesa Cactus Nursery. Although describing it as a 'nursery' hardly does the experience justice. For a visit here, if you allow it, is far more of an experience than it is a simple trip to the nursery to pick up a cactus or two for your window sill. First of all the 'nursery' takes up the better part of a block. For those of you who want to find it, hunt down the street dominated by a myriad psychedelically painted houses. They're a...
I ♥ Chartwell Because ...
I ♥ Chartwell Hi, I’m Alan from Hoopoe Haven Guest House in Chartwell, in Sandton. Chartwell IS BEST KNOWN FOR its country atmosphere and living. All plots are from 2.5 to 10 acres in size, so it is very peaceful. The Lion Park is on the border of Chartwell West 1 km away as the crow flies and just 5 km south is the busy metropolis of fourways with lots of malls and shops, MonteCasino and plenty of activity like live theatre, ice rink, extravaganzas, bird park etc. Chartwell is a place where...