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Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa - A Western Cape Gem

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. […]

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Seaside luxury and timeless charm at The Oyster Box Hotel

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. […]

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A Five-Star Family Safari At Last Word Madikwe

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 […]

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An African Cruise On The Norwegian Dawn

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 […]

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Arniston Spa Hotel : A Seaside Escape in the Cape Overberg

Arniston Spa Hotel Review Surrounded by exquisite beaches, white sand dunes and lush nature reserves, the charming seaside town of Arniston in the Cape Overberg has been a holiday destination since the early 20th century. In those days, holidaymakers would come by ox wagon, bringing all their supplies, including live chickens, with them. Fortunately, that […]

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2024 – My Travel Year In Review

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 […]

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25 Best Things to Do in Baku, Azerbaijan

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, […]

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Le Meridien Ile Maurice - A Tropical Escape

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 […]

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63 Best Things To Do In Cape Town

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 […]

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50 Best Things To Do In Johannesburg In 2025 - A Local's Guide

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 […]

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15 Best Hikes In Johannesburg (And Pretoria) - A Local's Guide

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 […]

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16 Best Things to do in Vienna , Austria

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 […]

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11+ Reasons Why You Should Visit Seychelles

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 […]

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13 Fun Things To Do In Hartbeespoort And Surrounds

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 […]

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9 Relaxing Weekend Getaways Near Gauteng

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 . […]

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9 Best Places to See Penguins in South Africa

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 […]

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Kogelberg Nature Reserve - The Heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom

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 […]

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17 Tips to Help You Sleep Better When Travelling

Would you like to sleep better when travelling ? See my tips below. "O bed! O bed! delicious bed! That heaven upon earth to the weary head." Thomas Hood. Travelling is exciting, but disrupted sleep can leave you feeling exhausted and affect your trip. Whether it’s jet lag, unfamiliar beds, or noisy environments, getting quality […]

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11 Family-friendly Places to Visit Along the Cape South Coast

Looking for the best family-friendly places to visit along the Cape South Coast? See my recommendations below. The Cape South Coast is one of South Africa’s most scenic and diverse regions, with rugged coastlines, charming seaside towns, and abundant marine life. Located at the southernmost tip of the country between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, […]

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How to Rent a Car in South Africa : A Complete Guide

How to Rent a Car in South Africa Road-tripping in South Africa is one of the best ways to see the country, from the scenic Garden Route to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park. With well-maintained roads, a variety of car rental options, and competitive pricing, hiring a vehicle offers convenience and flexibility. Here’s everything you […]

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A Marine Big 5 Tour in Gansbaai

A Marine Big 5 Tour with Marine Dynamics “There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more.” —Lord Byron (Spotted in the restroom at Marine Dynamics’ […]

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Inkunzi Cave and Zulu Hut Review

Inkunzi Cave and Zulu Hut Review If you’re getting bored of staying in conventional hotels, and are looking for something different, something truly South African, then this place is a must-visit. Situated on a private property in the foothills of the Central Drakensberg mountains, where many of the larger, better-known resorts can be found, are […]

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