Deep in the lush bushveld of Welgevonden Game Reserve, perched at the edge of a spectacular gorge, and overlooking a meandering river, lies an exquisite sanctuary called Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway . I recently got to experience this lavish five-star retreat with my family. I had heard much about the private Welgevonden (meaning “well-found”) Game Reserve […]
If you’ve ever dreamt about getting lost among thousands of books, then The Collectors Treasury would be a likely setting. Situated in Johannesburg’s Commissioner Street, near the trendy Maboneng area, this is the largest used and rare bookshop in Africa, and possibly in the Southern Hemisphere. I went there with my book-loving family. With over […]
The picturesque Kwazulu Natal countryside is a region steeped in history. The Zulus, the Boers and the British fought fierce battles for dominion of the territory here and Mahatma Gandhi served as a stretcher bearer for the British (before the advent of satyagraha), in one of these battles. Here, Winston Churchill was captured while reporting […]
Mpumalanga is one of my favourite provinces in South Africa. Meaning "the place where the sun rises", it is blessed with breath-taking natural beauty and abundant wildlife - which attracts tourists from around the world. Personally, I become more enamored of this province every time I go there. I am also surprised by how many […]
Everyone who visits South Africa should go on a safari at Kruger. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in the world, with a massive variety of animals and an ever-changing landscape indigenous to Southern Africa. Safaris here are the best way to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat, […]
Going on safari is an incredible experience, one that I personally cannot get enough of. The more I go, the more I want to go. It is also unlike any other holiday you may have been on and it is therefore helpful to know what to expect when going on your first safari. 1. Early […]
On 11 July 1963, a group of anti-apartheid activists were having a crucial meeting in a little cottage on a smallholding in Rivonia, north of Johannesburg. Little did they know that their lives were about to change forever. A “laundry van” pulled up and armed policemen jumped out with police dogs. Knowing that they had […]
There are few more exciting ways to start one’s day - a 5am outdoor shower followed by hot coffee and muffins then an early morning game drive. The radio cackles into life as the network of rangers across the reserve begin communicating with each other. We hear the word Makhanyane repeated frequently and we set […]
After a blistering hot spell, the cold front arrived as we checked in to Brahman Hills . However, apart from the fact that our panoramic views were obscured by rain and mist, we were happily ensconced in our comfortable cottage with a warm fireplace, electric blankets, heaters and a jacuzzi. We weren’t bored either, with […]
Situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, and home to great sporting and entertainment facilities, the family-friendly Drakensberg Sun Resort is one of the most popular resorts in the Central Drakensberg area. It is spread over eight hectares in the picturesque Cathkin Park area, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The resort celebrated […]
The welcome letter at The Nest Hotel hinted that we may return home with a few kilograms to shed. They weren't kidding. One of the few resort hotels in South Africa that still serve sumptuous cuisine a la table d'hote , the food is a big draw card here. Hearty breakfasts, three-course lunches and six- […]
A few years ago there was a Tsogo Sun advertisement on television, where a man arrives at his hotel and feels like he’s come home. I was reminded of that advertisement when I arrived at Garden Court Umhlanga . Although I had stayed at that particular hotel only once before, I had stayed at many […]
