Pictures of South Africa
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The Easter season is a time for family. Spend time with your family, it will prove to be rewarding and you will remember how entertaining your family can be. There is so much to do on a daily basis; some time at home with everyone will do you some good.
When your family starts to annoy you, take everyone out to one of the following Easter themed activities:
Happening at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, the Rand show is one of largest trade fairs in South Africa. There are fun rides, music concerts, and exhibitions of all the latest toys, tools and appliances that you can buy for your home.
On the 7th of April 2012 the Pretoria Botanical Gardens will have a star gazing picnic as well as their Easter Night Market. The Kids treasure hunt starts at 7pm. The event is for one night only starting at 4-9pm.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival, happening at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth, is an exciting Easter week. From the 06th to the 9th of April visitors can enjoy water sports, live entertainment and an Easter egg hunt on the Sunday. Entrance is free.
Whatever you do, may you and your family have a happy Easter, South African-style!
Get ready to Rock! The 2012 Ramfest is here featuring local and international artists set to rock SA. With 5 cities, 5 days and 7 stages this is one spectacle you don’t want to miss. So if you’re looking for hard core rock, amazing sound and performances that will take you to the world of rock and roll then Ramfest is for you.
The annual music festival has grown over the years in the Western Cape. This mind blowing will be located in the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch only 20 minutes drive from Cape Town along the N7 towards the West Coast. The line up will include the Red Heart main stage in Flames( Sweden), Infected Mushrooms (Israel), The Narros, Fokofpolisiekar, Taxi violence, Newtown Knife Gang plus many more. On the Olmeca electronic stage presents Niskerone, Netsky (Belgium), plus many more.
For all those who want to live the experience by camping need not worry as facilities will be provided. Tickets are available at the Ticket Break box office. The Ramfest is set to be one of the biggest events SA has ever experienced. This event will deliver a spectacle of sound, light, dance and rock and roll. So if you want to rock and live the music then the Remfest is one event you need to go to.
South Africa is known as “the home of the big five”. We pride ourselves in our lions, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. We even the big five printed on our money.
For travels near and far, looking for the best place to go on a safari vacation in South Africa, the following places are worth visiting:
• Madikwe Safari’s
The Madikwe Game Reserve is located in the North West Province. What makes this game reserve different from other state owned reserves in Africa is the fact that their approach to conservation puts the needs of the people before that of the wildlife and conversation.
Their formula is based on the fact that if local communities benefit from wildlife and nature conservation, then they will take of their sources of income.
• Kruger National Park
The largest game reserve in Africa, the Kruger National Park is made up of a number of locations that offer accommodation in a range of lodges, camps and self-catering chalets. The most popular places within the park have to be the Lower Sabie, and The Crocodile Bridge rest camp.
• Tswalu Kalahari
South Africa’s largest private game reserve; the Tswalu Kalahari covers over 100 000ha of land. With diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes, the reserve accommodates a maximum of 30 guests at a time; this is done for guests to fully enjoy all that the reserve has to offer.
You can’t go wrong with the safari vacation destinations that South Africa offers.
1. Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
This magnificent hotel occupies a breath taking site on the lower part of the famous Table Mountain. The hotel is also surrounded by nine acres of lush and beautiful gardens, making it an exceptional getaway resort. This is Cape Town’s most famous hotel and it has 144 luxurious rooms and 57 suites. There is also a luxurious spa, steam room, a sauna, a conservatory and plunge pools.
2. Cape Grace
Cape Grace is a welcoming haven that is renowned for sophistication and contemporary comfort. It is nestled near Cape Town’s harbour. This is where luxury is presented in new light, comfort in new words and leisure is new standards. The interior is world-class with touches of rich tapestry of local history. Cape Grace has this amazing passion of championing sensational standards in service. Whether you are here on a business trip of pleasure, Cape Grace will not disappoint.
3. Franschhoek Country House
Franschhoek Country House is just an hour’s drive from Cape Town’s CBD, making it the perfect getaway resort. A welcoming atmosphere is created by the crackling log fires and the hands-on staff members. At the Franschhoek Country House guests are afforded with beautiful mountain vistas, French Huguenots and the boutique wine farms. The rooms (all of them) are those of a 5star hotel, providing guests with magnificent views on the private balconies.
4. The Grace in Rosebank, Johannesburg
This is one of the few resorts that still pay attention to detail. It is an ideal choice for the visitor who is seeking for sophistication and the highest level of luxury. The resort is set in the heart of Rosebank; providing guests with shopping centres, museums, banks as well as the O.R. Tambo International Airport. The Grace hotel is indeed a stylized boutique with the highest standards of personal package and luxury.
5. Karkloof, KwaZulu Natal
This is one of those unique, tranquil and uplifting havens in KZN. This resort affords visitors with the opportunity of absorbing the sights and the beautiful sounds of Africa. Karkloof also affords guests with the continent’s most exhilarating ecological experiences. The resort has 16 individually decorated villas that comprises of TVs, bathrooms and other modern conveniences.
There are tourism campaigns that encourage young South Africans to tour their homeland before they start back-packing across Europe. Rightfully so, South Africa has many beautiful sites worth exploring, one such city is Port Elizabeth.
Start your tour at the Addo National Park and Game Reserve which is located about an hour’s drive away from Port Elizabeth’s inner city. The Addo is the third largest park in South Africa and it’s a sanctuary for elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino and antelope.
Port Elizabeth is the second oldest city in South Africa and as such you find a number of historical artifacts all around the city. The Fort Frederick Monument is once such historical landmark which was built in 1799 to defend against French troops in the harbour during the Napoleon wars. The Fort offers amazing views of Algoa Bay in today’s more peaceful times.
Catch a ride on the Port Elizabeth Apple Express which has contributed greatly to South African’s national heritage. This steam train has been operational since 1903 and it travels on the highest narrow gauge bridge in the world – the Van Stadens Bridge.
Lastly spend some time relaxing on the beautiful Port Elizabeth beaches. You can go surfing, diving, and snorkelling or even boogie boarding.
Port Elizabeth will have you coming back for more fun and adventure in the not too distant future.
One way to discover the Eastern Cape is to do the Wild Cost Ultra race this 6 day race takes runners through a gruelling yet extremely fun race. Each day presents runners with steep hills, coastal forest and sandy beaches not forgetting the streams and rivers that the runners have to negotiate.
If you can get off work from 13 February all the way until the 18th Feb. then you don’t have an excuse as why not to part-take in the Wild Coast Ultra 2012.
Following the success, memories and adventures of the 2011 race, the 2012 event is set to be even bigger and better. All runners have to worry about is getting some time off work plus taking care of themselves during the daily run. The rest will be handled by the race crew.
There will be a race doctor to ensure that no serious injuries occur to the runners. Remember there are no feeding stations along the routes so you need to bring your own supplements, energy drinks and pack lunches along the way.
The event will cost R5600 per person this includes transport from East London to Port St. Johns, dinners, breakfast, a packed lunch and/or lunch at each of the various hotels. Accommodation goes without saying and all accommodation offered is sharing.
Start off the New Year on an extremely positive note by participating in the Wild Coast Ultra 2012.
1. The Palace Of The Lost City (Sun City)
Sitting on pole position is The Palace Of The Lost City five star hotel. The Valley of the Waves is one of the most advanced water parks in the world, guess where is it; right here at The Palace Of The Lost City. It has become a cliché to say that words fail to describe such beauty, but truth be told – the only way you will know and see such elegance is when you go to The Palace Of The Lost City yourself. There are 338 stunning rooms and 4 presidential suits.
2. Arabella Western Cape Hotel and Spa (Hermanus)
Just 20 minutes from the whale watching hot spot in Hermanus, lies the five star hotel and spa. The spa is one of the best in Africa. The resort also incorporates an award-winning golf course. This hotel is renowned for snatching luxury hotel awards such as the World Luxury Hotel Award. This hotel has captivating comfort and grandeur design and decor. The wooden beam ceilings create a unique feel and leisure. This is a place that will grant you a true escape to unforgettable expectations.
3. InterContinental Johannesburg Airport Sun (Johannesburg)
The reason why this hotel is sitting at number 2 is because it is the only luxury hotel at an airport in the whole of South Africa. A typically visitor is always tired from a flight and the only thing they want is to sleep/relax and there is no better way than to find a hotel that is practically outside the airplane’s exit. It does not get better than that. This hotel draws its inspiration from the African continent and has managed to attract all sorts of visitors from all corners and curves of the world.
4. Beverly Hills Hotel (Durban)
If you are looking for a spectacular accommodation exuding grace mixed with elegance and leisure, then head off to Durban and get all of the above. The hotel is located in the upmarket of Umhlanga Rocks and is within easy walking and driving access to some of Durban’s attractions and shopping malls. This is a hotel that is mostly visited by the elite, providing a truly prestigious guest experience.
5. Walkersons Hotel and Spa (Dullstroom)
Topping the table at number five is the Walkersons Hotel and Spa situated just outside Mpumalanga. This hotel boasts of 15 dams and luxury rooms. If you are a fishing enthusiast, then the Walkersons Hotel and Spa should be your first stop. The landscapes are phenomenal creating a romantic and unwinding experience. There are 25 luxury rooms with all the suite facilities you can think of. There is also a honeymoon suite which has a king size four poster bed and a Jacuzzi.
1. The Winchester Mansions
This is a beautiful and iconic building that is situated on the Atlantic seafront in Cape. It is just 30 minutes away from Cape Town International Airport and has some of the best suites and rooms which are romantically. Couples get to enjoy the magnificent views of the sea and the mountain. When it comes to food, you can’t miss the Sunday Jazz Brunch. You will be given the best service and by experienced staff members.
2. Franschhoek
Also in Cape Town, Franschhoek is one of the most amazing romantic getaways in the country. The place is luxurious with beautiful bedrooms, complimented by an amorous ambience. Guests will be accommodated in luxury suites which comprise a lounge and a fireplace. The furnisher is French finished with magnificent wall painting. The veranda overlooks the beautiful gardens and fountains.
3. Leeuwenhof Country Lodge & Garden Spa
Renowned for its tranquillity, the Leeuwenhof Country Lodge & Garden Spa sets Limpopo alive. This romantic getaway has attracted couples from all over the world. Leeuwenhof Country has a bit of African elements and touches of luxury. The Garden Spa has timeless tranquillity that emanates from the enthusiasm of birdsongs – surrounding the place with still and calmness.
4. Legend Golf & Safari Resort
Sitting at number 4 is Africa’s most talked about leisure venue, the Legend Golf & Safari Resort. This resort is also in Limpopo and it is very quiet – creating that peaceful moment whilst you hanging out with your spouse. The resort does not only attract romantics, it also invites golf and safari enthusiasts to participate in the experience of a lifetime. The resort won the 2010 World Travel Award and by the looks of things; there seem to be more awards to be claimed.
5. Makatana Bay Lodge
The Lodge was named after the Zulu King who lived here many years ago. This obviously locates Makatana in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This is a haven that is loved and cherished by couples who want to know more about cultures, but in a more romantic way. The lodge is set on a dune forest that overlooks a beautiful lake. There are hippos and other wildlife often wandering around, creating a mini safari experience. This will be an unforgettable romantic getaway of your life.
1. Lower Sabie Rest Camp
The Lower Sabie Rest Camp has higher class accommodation facilities. It caters for various guests and is also a wheelchair friendly rest camp. This is one of the few romantic rest camps. Recent decorations and refurbishments have set a semi-romantic atmosphere, ensuring privacy, relaxation and escape.
2. Berg en Dal Rest Caamp
The first fascinating aspects about the Berg en Dal Rest Camp are its buildings. The buildings are located with the natural bush, shrubs and the aloes. This creates a spectacular unedited natural habitat. Berg en Dal is well designed and beautiful, you can easily tell that it is one of the newest resting camps in the Kruger National Park. If offers guests with sensational lodging facilities and other forms of accommodation.
3. Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp
This is one of the rest camps that is dedicated in making sure that its visitors and well taken care of and that enjoyment is first priority. Due to that, this camp has been named the best run camp in 3 consecutive years now. For accommodation, guests can sleep in bungalows, camping sites and caravans. It all depends on your taste and obviously – first come first serve. Moreover, the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp offers disabled-friendly accommodation.
4. Letaba Rest Camp
Peaceful, calm, idyllic and tranquil are the first few words that come into mind when I think about the Letaba Rest Camp. It can be located by the sweeping bend of the Letaba River. For accommodation, visitors can choose from bungalows, guest house, cottage, hut, safari tent or caravan. All of these accommodations are safe and comfortable.
1. St James’ Beach in Cape Town.
It’s a very narrow beach, but it can get a bit out of hand during summer. However, if you get earlier, you can enjoy seeing the rising sun on the horizon. There is also a tidal pool which is easy to access. It is mostly flooded by the youngsters and those who dread the sea. The St James’ Beach is very pretty too. It is lined with beautiful coloured wooden changing huts and beautiful sands.
2. Miller’s Point
This beach has never been a tourists’ play ground, but it is a type of beach is just perfect for the children. It’s one of those places where you need to bring your picnic basket, blanket and board games. Kids love it here because the water is always calm. There are a lot of people during peak season, but it does not get that hectic. If it does though, there is a tidal pool which is ideal for children. If you want to make your kids happy, head of to this beach, it is just minutes away from Simon’s Town.
3. Boulders Beach
This beach is usually sheltered from the wind. Beach goers get a chance of being amongst penguins and giant boulders. It is absolutely amazing. However, this is a very popular beach so it is better to go there during the week, unless of course you want to be surrounded by multitudes. The water is usually gentle and creates a great swimming experience.
4. Fish Hoek
Renowned for being packed during weekends, the Fish Hoek beach definitely creates an “I’m coming back again” moment. However, Fish Hoek does not have a tidal pool, but that does not mean that the fun will be absent. Kids love it here; the water is shallow and warm enough to be enjoyed by everyone. Sadly, this beach has a reputation of shark attacks, so you might want to keep away from swimming afar, and be on the lookout for the shark flag.
5. Camps Bay
Camps Bay beach qualifies as a fashionable beach. It is trendy and is sometimes referred to as the Cape Riviera. It is one of the cleanest beaches in South Africa and has also attracted visitors from all corners of the world. This beach is relatively wind-free and has calm waters.
