Review: Bontle Lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve There’s something immensely satisfying about arriving at a lodge where the staff don’t treat you as a transient visitor, but as an old friend who’s finally made their way home. That’s how Bontle Lodge set the tone for our Welgevonden escape—with genuine warmth and hospitality. The sort of […]
Win a Luxury Safari Getaway at Katekile Escapes! Ready to swap the city for the call of the wild? Just under an hour from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, your dream getaway awaits in the heart of the Dinokeng Big 5 Private Game Reserve. One lucky winner will enjoy a 2-night stay for 6 guests […]
Tau Game Lodge Review We had barely begun our afternoon game drive with Tau Game Lodge when we stumbled upon a pride of lions feasting on a waterbuck just outside the lodge. The group consisted of two impressive males, two lionesses, and four playful cubs. After gorging themselves, the adults retreated to the shade for […]
Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa Review Over a decade ago, long before I started writing about my travels, I visited Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa with my family. We were so impressed by the resort that it carved a place in our minds as one of the best places we’ve stayed at in South Africa. […]
The Oyster Box Hotel Review Perched on the sun-kissed golden shores of Umhlanga, under the gaze of the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, The Oyster Box exudes timeless charm and laid-back luxury. A hotspot for the elite since the 1950s, this legendary hotel has evolved into a paragon of modern indulgence while preserving the magic of yesteryear. […]
Last Word Madikwe Review A lion cub flees from an older male intent on killing him, taking refuge high on a mountain, in a scene reminiscent of The Lion King. Hyenas and jackals walk in and out of a decaying elephant carcass as they devour it. A lioness hunts an ostrich while a cheetah stalks […]
An African Cruise on the Norwegian Dawn Cruising holidays in South Africa have become extremely popular in recent years. While other types of holidays are mainly about the destination, cruises are as much about the journey too. They offer a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life with your food, transport and […]
My 2024 Travel and Blogging Year In Review This post has become an annual tradition for me, and I love doing it as a personal record of my travels for the year. 2023 marked 10 years of blogging for me and I wrote about the highlights from my decade in blogging here. 2024 was a […]
Are you planning a visit to Azerbaijan and looking for the best things to do in Baku ? See my recommendations below. Azerbaijan was not at the top of our bucket list. However, due to last-minute planning on our side and complicated visas for other destinations, it ended up being a relatively easy, spontaneous trip, […]
Le Meridien Ile Maurice Review When we discovered that our African cruise would be leaving from Mauritius, we looked forward to visiting the island again. We planned to spend 2 nights at Le Meridien Ile Maurice before we embarked on the cruise. Then a cyclone hit Mauritius, and we made a reluctant decision to postpone […]
Looking for the best family-friendly things to do in Cape Town? Read on... Cape Town, also known as South Africa’s Mother City, is consistently listed amongst the best cities in the world. It is endowed with abundant natural beauty, umpteen opportunities for adventure, world-class shopping, delicious food, and captivating history. There are so many places […]
Looking for things to do in Johannesburg by a local ? Read on... Johannesburg – South Africa’s biggest city and commercial epicentre. Also known as Jozi, Joburg, or Egoli (City of Gold in Zulu), it began as a gold-mining settlement in the 19th century. There is more to this cosmopolitan city than shopping. If you […]
Looking for the best hikes in Johannesburg and Pretoria by a local? Read on... Hike: a long walk especially for pleasure or exercise. (Merriam-Webster) I never really bothered much with hiking in Johannesburg until we were locked down in our own province. Then I started looking for parks and nature reserves in Johannesburg and was […]
If you are planning a visit to the capital of Austria, check out this list of the best things to do in Vienna. Vienna is a city that effortlessly combines history, art, and a modern European flair. It seamlessly blends its illustrious past with a vibrant present, offering an enriching experience at every turn. In […]
There are many reasons why you should visit Seychelles. Read about them below. Regarded as one of the world’s ultimate tropical island paradises, Seychelles is a culturally diverse destination set against the perfect backdrop for those looking for an idyllic escape from everyday life. It is no wonder that this archipelago in the Indian Ocean […]
Looking for the best things to do in Hartbeespoort? You've come to the right place. In this age of social media, the Instagrammability of a place is a key factor in deciding on a getaway destination for many people. The Hartbeespoort area boasts Instagram opportunities galore, and it’s proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria make it […]
I recently wrote a post about weekend getaways in Gauteng, which has been quite popular. This is the second post in the series and it covers weekend getaways near Gauteng. These are family-friendly places that I’ve personally stayed at and enjoyed with my family. However, they are also great places for romantic weekend getaways . […]
Cinnamon & Sage Country Cabins Review If you're the kind of person who’s drawn to misty mornings, crisp mountain air, and the slow rhythm of country life, then Dullstroom is the ideal escape. Perched high on the Mpumalanga escarpment, it’s the kind of place where time stands still—where trout-filled streams wind through valleys, pine forests […]
Discover Dullstroom: Mpumalanga’s Highland Gem At approximately 2,100 m above sea level, Dullstroom is South Africa’s highest town—a charming highland retreat brimming with quirky stores and scenic outdoor escapes. It is often referred to as "Scotland's only outpost in Africa" due to its misty climate, rolling hills, and trout fishing, all reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. […]
Are you looking for the best things to do in Eswatini? Read about our visit here. We did a quick border hop to Eswatini. It just didn’t feel right that I’d visited 50 other countries but not one that was right on my doorstep. My husband had been there a few times, but my children […]
The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Reserve and WonderCave Review Not many game reserves can boast a 2.2-billion-year-old cave beneath their soil. The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, ancient history, and incredible biodiversity. One of the region’s most popular attractions is the Bothongo Rhino […]
When people think of African wildlife, they usually picture the Big Five. But did you know that South Africa is also home to a thriving population of African penguins? Also known as jackass penguins due to their braying call, these adorable, tuxedoed seabirds can be found along the country’s southern coastline, and there are several […]
Kogelberg Nature Reserve Review Tucked away along the Cape Whale Coast of South Africa, within the rugged Hottentots Holland mountain range, lies a hidden treasure—the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Known as the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, this reserve is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on the planet. It is home to over 1,880 […]