Kavadi celebrations are Hindu practices that take place all over the world with what can only be described as dramatic dedication and unquestionable devotion. In Durban, there is a massive population of Hindu followers. So, it is no surprise that this annual event is something to which local residents and visitors from around the planet […]
Author: A Saffer
Clarens, Jewel of the Free State
Nestled deep in the Free State, in the heart of the Maluti Mountains, is the small and pretty town of Clarens. The tranquillity of this region has created the perfect haven for artists and writers to disappear in a fantasy world of their own, uninterrupted by the hustle and bustle of city life. As a […]
Franschhoek
Although Franschhoek now falls under the Stellies district, it was originally established as a fully-functioning little town, independent of outside rule. It is one of South Africa’s oldest towns and, as such, still boasts much of the old-fashioned architecture of the late 17th century. This gives the entire area an intriguing quality of old-world class […]
The Fauna of the Baviaanskloof
The Baviaanskloof is an area of natural abundance, which only contributes further to its somewhat-mysterious beauty and appeal. Situated deep within the province of the Eastern Cape, the Baviaanskloof boasts a floral diversity all its own. Naturally, this provides the ideal habitat for an impressive array of animal species, which range from reptiles and insects […]
De Waterkant
There is a certain allure about the vibrant suburb of De Waterkant that is irresistible amongst Capetonians and tourists alike. It is colourful and quaint; and boasts a pulsating heartbeat that lends the entire area a uniquely urban, modern characteristic. The narrow cobbled streets are flanked by colourful homes that date back to the mid-18th […]
The Wildlife of the Drakensberg
The Drakensberg Mountain Range is one of the most spectacular jewels of the country. It provides breath-taking vistas and is home to a stunning array of plant and animal life. Escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city life and retreating to the quiet splendour of the mountains to one of the many Drakensburg […]
Adventure Sports in Umhlanga
Umhlanga is one of the most popular summer holiday hubs of the country, famous for its magnificent, unspoilt beaches and summery conditions that last almost all year around. It is situated just north of Stay Durban, which is the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal. The Zulu name, Umhlanga, means “place of reeds”. Being situated right on […]
Cape Town Markets
Cape Town has a tangible buzz about it, a sparkle of life that permeates every neighbourhood, wine farm and tourist attraction. A major part of this is its market culture. Vibrant markets are scattered throughout the Mother City, and each offer something unique and special. Markets, in general, tend to be more casual affairs; inviting […]
Durban Beaches
The city of Durban lies on the east coast of South Africa, and is part of the KwaZulu-Natal Province. It has some of the country’s most beautiful and popular beaches, especially loved for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The province, as a whole, has about 600 kilometres of coastline, but the popular beaches […]
Pretoria East
Every city has its dividing line. Normally it’s south and north of a river or railway line that becomes the distinction between the eligibility of any given suburb. In Pretoria, it’s more a case of a line of division between east and west. East of Pretoria lie a collection of suburbs that include some of […]
Bloemfontein, the City of Roses
Bloemfontein, (which means Spring of flowers), is known as the city of roses due to the vast number of rose bushes lining the streets of the city and flooding the gardens and parks with a flourish of colour. When visiting Bloem, you will notice a warm welcoming atmosphere and a city filled with friendly people […]
Seweweekspoort
The Great Karoo. Just after the turnoff to Amalienstein. You will find a gravel road that takes you into the Klein Swartberg and Seweweekspoort (seven weeks pass). This is undoubtedly one of the most unspoilt and naturally beautiful areas in the country with incredible scenery, rock formations that hold one spellbound, bright blue skies and […]
Thornybush Game Lodge in the Kruger
“Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours!” goes the opening jingle of a famous Australian soap-opera that inflicted Kylie Minogue and Jason Donavan on the world. And as far as neighbours go, you can’t really go wrong with one of the world’s most famous game parks. The Thornybush Game reserve may not be as famous as its […]
Sandton CBD
Say Sandton CBD and your immediate picture is one of the financial hub of South Africa. The midst of Sandton is overwhelmingly dominated by stock brokers, advocates, corporate consulting companies and the JSE – if the company has a high image portfolio, then they are based in Sandton. The council has invested millions of Rand […]
Santos Express Train Lodge
Spending time on train in Mossel Bay doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? I regularly take public transport and spending time being jostled by loud and overzealous commuters is possibly the exact antithesis of relaxation. So when it was suggested that I check out the Santos Express Train Lodge for accommodations in Garden Route, […]
The Cradle of Humankind
To the west of Johannesburg, in a valley scattered with unremarkable koppies, shrubs and the odd tree – dry in winter and green in summer – lies the 47 000 hectare World Heritage Site known as the Cradle of Humankind. About 40 different palaeo-anthropological sites, including Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, Coopers B and Wonder cave, have […]
The V&A Waterfront
While for most visitors to Cape Town the V&A Waterfront describes the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront shopping centre and its immediate surrounds – a one-stop shopping, food and entertainment attraction right on the water, set against the backdrop most often featured when depicting the mother city, the V&A Waterfront is in fact virtually a suburb […]
Durbanville
Named after the original Governor, Sir Benjamin D’Urban, Durbanville is an ever-growing suburb on the outskirts of Cape Town that was once a small town in its own rights. It was established in the early 1800’s when it became an important watering station for travellers, thanks to its freshwater spring. The actual village began when […]
Simons Town
Simon’s Town was named after Dutch explorer, Simon van der Stel, and has a fascinating history that remains one of its chief attractions. In fact, even if you do not come to Simon’s Town to enjoy the old-world architecture or the many museums, the historical charm just permeates every part of this naval seaside resort. […]
Randlords – Party Central
Randlords is one of Johannesburg’s hottest, most popular venues, and welcomes the who’s who and über cool to its chic venue. This party and event venue is all about class. Situated in Braamfontein, Randlords is perched on the 22nd floor of the beautiful South Point Towers, showcasing 360-degree views that are nothing less than magnificent. […]
KwaZulu Natal South Coast
The tropical KwaZulu-Natal South Coast stretches for 120km of the Indian Ocean from Umkomaas to Port Edward. With year around good weather, great beaches, excellent golf courses and varied accommodation, the South Coast deserves its reputation as the premier domestic holiday destination for South Africans. The South Coast offers easy access to the magnificent Southern […]