Matjiesfontein The quaint Victorian village of Matjiesfontein whispers of a rich history filled with money, murders and ghosts. It was established in 1883/1884 by a Scotsman, James Douglas Logan, as a health resort where those with lung complaints could recuperate. Logan believed that the Karoo air had cured his own weak chest. Lampposts from London […]
Kimberley - City of Diamonds Did you know that Kimberley in South Africa was the very first city in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the first cities in the world to have electric street lights? It actually had electric street lights before London. This “Strange but true” fact was imparted to us by our tour […]
Days of the Dinosaur Exhibition in South Africa When I first heard about dinosaurs coming to South Africa, I asked my son if he wanted to go and see them. Having just watched the Jurassic Park series, his first question was “Real ones?”. No, my son, (un)fortunately not. But this is as close as you’re […]
Review: Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park Hotel It is not often that one gets to spend the night at a national monument and historic treasure. I had the privilege of doing just that recently. Right on my doorstep, in the historic suburb of Parktown in Johannesburg, is a national monument and heritage site constructed as […]
Rovos Rail - The Pride of Africa “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson I sat at the window of my ultra-luxurious suite and watched Africa go by. As the landscape transformed from congested city […]
Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate Review If you are a golfer, or married to one as I am, then you may know that Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate is a golfer’s paradise. With three championship Gary Player golf courses consistently rated in the Top 20 Golf Courses in South Africa, it is easy […]
Review: Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa Magaliesberg Canopy Tour The beauty was spectacular. I was surrounded by 2400 million year old mountains. Thirty metres below me, a pebbled stream ran through the gorge, flanked by mini-waterfalls. The air was fresh and the sun was shining through the trees. Forest birds and animals peered at us […]
This post is based on my visit in 2014. African Hills Safari Lodge and Spa Review I was kissed by an 18 year old elephant. It was a big, wet, slobbery kiss, but it was delightful. I had to feed him oranges first, though - he took one from my hand, I threw the second […]
Nelson Mandela memorial service The atmosphere was electric – reminiscent of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a time when it was so beautiful to be South African. Despite it being a normal working day - and a gloomy, rainy day befitting the sad event- people came in their tens of thousands to the FNB stadium, the […]