Category: South Africa

Zulu culture

Staying with the Zulu in South Africa

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We are staying at Ecabazini, a cultural Zulu homestead in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Last year we’d been travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg and this time I wanted to delve deeper into the Zulu culture, even if that means cleaning the floor with cow dung… “It doesn’t smell that bad“, I hear myself saying while spreading cow dung across the rondavel floor. Trevor looks at me in disgust: “I know you like to immerse yourself on your travels, honey, Continue Reading

blyde river canyon panorama route south africa

The Panorama Route of South Africa in 10 breathtaking stops

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“There! That’s where I want to go!” I said, while trying to come up with an itinerary for our second trip to South Africa.  The picture of the Blyde River Canyon had been stuck in my head since last year, when we took our first trip to South Africa, a roadtrip from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Turned out it was a bit out of our way then, but this year, it was definitely on the agenda! After all, the Panorama Route, which included the Blyde River Canyon, has been nicknamed South Continue Reading

best things to do in maboneng

Maboneng: the trendiest neighbourhood of Johannesburg

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Let’s face it, Johannesburg doesn’t have a brilliant reputation when it comes to safety.  Stories of crime, poverty, theft and murder are the main reasons visitors travel straight from OR Tambo Airport to safer and more secure places.  And yes, you definitely have to keep your wits about you, but if you want a complete picture of South Africa, you simply can’t bypass Johannesburg! I stayed 5 days in Jozi, paid the obligatory visit to the Apartheid museum, went on a cycling tour of Continue Reading

one month in south africa itinerary

One month in South Africa: from Cape Town to Johannesburg

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An intriguing history, abundant wildlife, scenic beauty, mouth-watering food and, ok I admit, some of the best wines in the world! No wonder South Africa attracts visitors from all over the world! In January 2018 I hopped on a plane to Cape Town, ready to discover everything the country has to offer. I wanted to do the place justice and truly discover its diversity. From bustling cities to remote Xhosa villages, from game reserves to the Drakensberg mountains, this is the story of my one month Continue Reading

first time safari tips

10 tips for your first time safari!

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I never thought of myself of being the kind of person to go on a safari. I always imagined a safari as a bunch of elderly people, dressed in camouflage, all cramped into a jeep, racing after lions. I was so wrong! During my first trip to South Africa I travelled from Cape Town to Johannesburg and did a self-drive safari in three different national parks: Addo Elephant Park, the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi nature reserve.  It was a fantastic experience and very different Continue Reading

Stellenbosch wine tasting

Cycling amongst the South African vineyards

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“No helmet, no ride” says Rea. I’m on a 10 km cycling tour of Stellenbosch with Bikes ‘n Wines and glad to see that they are taking a healthy approach to safety! The steep tracks around Asara, the wine estate we are meeting at, look promising but it might be a rough enough encounter with the ground should you fall off! After a brief explanation about gears and brakes, the seven of us hop on our bikes to roll down and climb up the vineyard tracks. Nothing too strenuous, but you do need to Continue Reading