October 2014 – Outdoor South Africa

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Outdoor South Africa

Oct 30

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Hidden Gems, Photographic Opportunity, Things to do 0 comments tags: scenery, wildlife rehabilitation, Zululand

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre

As we embarked on our three hour car journey to the Hluhluwe area from Durban, we were filled with excitement and anticipation. We were headed for Emdoneni Lodge which has a Cat Rehabilitation Centre onsite. For the sum of R180.00 per adult, a tour guide will walk you into each cat enclosure, which gives you a close-up and personal experience with a variety of cats. Our first enclosure held wild cats which looked like ordinary ‘tabby’ cats with a more distinctive feature, being their red ears. The wild cats were as close as a metre away from us, which allowed us to identify with the guide’s description of the cats and with each of their individual personalities. The next enclosure held caracals, which are rather bulky looking cats with beautiful black tipped ears. One was relaxing in the tree above us and looked at us as though she knew we were talking about her. Being breeding season, the male caracal was in a separate enclosure, which we were guided into by our tour guide. As the guide was telling us more about caracals, Bar One (which was the male caracal’s name) was rubbing himself against our legs like a normal […]

Oct 30

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Fine Dining, Food 0 comments tags: 5 star, Cape Town, scenery

Cape Grace

My wife and I spent her celebration of a special birthday here. The views of Table Mountain in the background were lovely. The staff were excellent never forgetting our name and ensured they catered for our every whim. The food was impeccable as well as the service. Located on the V and A Waterfront a short stroll brings you to the vast array of shops and restaurants. Close to Cape Town central the hotel is highly recommended. Each room is different and varied all beautifully appointed. From the moment that you arrive through the doors you are transported into a bygone era on gracefulness and calm. If you are a visitor to a South Africa a stay at the Cape Grace is a must. For more information you can visit the Cape Grace website http://www.capegrace.com

Oct 26

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Coffee & Cake, Explore South Africa, Food, Hidden Gems 0 comments tags: fresh cream, scenery, scones & cream

A day in the KZN midlands

On a sunny yet overcast day we decided to venture out on a road trip to the Midlands. Our first stop was at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market which was bustling with people. The Farmer’s Market provides an experience for the whole family – it has food stalls, homemade and handmade goods, activities for children and it is pet friendly. It is best to get there as early as possible as the later it gets, the higher the chance of the goods being sold out which shows that this weekly event is much attended and that the goods are highly sought after. Our next stop was in Howick to see the waterfall. Our first priority, however, was to have some breakfast. A cute little place called “Ray’s cafe” caught our eye. Our breakfasts consisted of pork sausages, bacon, eggs, toast and chips and was reasonably priced – it hit the spot on a cold day. After we finished our breakfast in the quaint and homely cafe, we walked down the path passed all the little shops towards the waterfall. As we got closer the sound of the powerful gushing water captivated us and then we saw it – water plummeting down […]

Oct 23

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Food, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 5 star, big 5, private game researve

Thanda Private Game Reserve

We had the privilege of visiting this private game reserve twice. The first occasion was as a family with our boys and the second time was my wife and I. I must compliment our rangers who looked after us and the boys. They were excellent with the boys with a great mini rangers program. We had great drives with good viewing. The rooms are lovely and spacious with your own private Boma attached. Lovely areas to lounge on with beautiful views from the rooms. Long walk ways wrap around your room providing your own private deck and plunge pool. The have a lovely spa attached to the lodge which is well appointed. The food was good and good offering to cater for all tastes.

Oct 23

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Food 0 comments tags: 5 star, big 5, private game researve

Mkuze Falls

My family and I spent three nights at the lodge. We had a beautiful room overlooking the falls with a massive wrap around verandah. The views over the falls is lovey while you relax from the room watching the various animals come down to drink. Thanks go to Jabulani our ranger and Jabu our tracker. My family and I enjoy photography and they went out of their way to find us amazing sightings and assisted to ensure that we got the best shot. Lovely breakfasts on the deck are enjoyed after your early morning drive. Lunch again on the deck keeps you going until the high tea at three after which your afternoon evening drive begins. Dinner at seven is a four course top affair. The dinner is plated and offers great quality and range. Highly recommended is the bush walk with the ranger and tracker. Being on the ground and experiencing the game on foot really brings the bush alive. Faced with Elephants, chased by ‘pumba’s’ from their den and seeing a porcupine during the day was special. Thanks to all the staff for looking after us so well.

Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Food, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 5 star, big 5, private game researve

Phinda Homestead

Your home away from home, we say thanks to the entire Homestead team for an amazing time! We had an incredible two nights at the Homestead. The setting is idyllic with the waterhole right next to the lodge. The rooms, lounge, dining area and views are fantastic. We have great sightings of leopard, cheetah, lion and the farewell from the 20 elephants drinking from pool was out of this world. We will never forget. To Andries the food was fantastic we could have not asked for more. For a bush experience that you will never forget Phinda Homestead is the ultimate. It is luxurious in every aspect yet you are made to feel that this is your home. Nothing is too much trouble and every aspect of the visit is designed around you. Visiting wildlife to the watering hole on your veranda while you while away the time means that you hardly need to go on a drive. If you can tear yourself away from the lodge to experience up close and personal encounters with the ever attentive rangers and trackers you will see all your heart desires. From drinks and snacks in the bush, to wonderful breakfasts, lunches, teas […]

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Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Food, Great Driving Roads, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: Drakensberg, scenery

Montusi Mountain Lodge

My wife and I spent a weekend at the lodge. We stayed in a lovely garden suite with a beautiful view of the amphitheater from every window. All your needs are met in the room and there are various size suites depending upon your number of persons. The price includes breakfast and a plated dinner. The food was lovely and a step up from the normal buffet fare offered at most Drakensberg resorts. Lunches can be paid for separately and they have a wide offering to choose from. The location of the lodge is special with lovely views of the Northern Berg and you have many hiking and mountain bike options to choose from. Thanks Dean for the review on Montusi Mountain Lodge. For more info on Montusi you can visit their website http://www.montusi.co.za

Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Adventurous Road Trips, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Off the Beaten Track, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: Zululand

Malala Lodge

As we pulled up to the gate to the lodge, a long stretch of sandy dirt road lay in front of us. As we entered this private nature reserve, a herd of impala sprung across the road and we knew from that moment that we were in the bush. At reception we were greeted by our friendly host, Jane. She welcomed us and walked us to our chalet for two. As we had chosen the self-catering option, the kitchenette in the room was of particular importance to us and it did not disappoint. It was well-equipped. After we had settled in, we decided to embark on a self-guided nature walk, which was quite safe as the reserve does not have predators. We came across many different antelope species, exquisite birds and a troop of monkeys. It was awesome to see these creatures up close in their natural habitat. This reserve is also only about a twenty minute drive away from the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which offers the excitement of seeing the Big 5. It is also close to St Lucia and many other nature reserves, which makes Malala Lodge the ideal place to stay for a trip to Hluhluwe. As […]

Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Food, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 5 star, big 5, private game researve

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

We spent four glorious nights at Uplands Homestead. Looked after by the hands on team at Uplands we wanted for nothing. Your own cook, butler, ranger, host makes you feel like royalty. Staying in the Uplands Homestead (which by the way was opened by their HRH’s the Earl and Countess of Essex) we were spoilt rotten in terms of food drinks and all aspects of the accommodation. Each room is beautifully appointed with views onto your private garden. The terrain of Kwandwe is different and varied to the normal bushveld one would experience in the rest of South Africa which makes the viewing and entire experience really different. No high trees and dense bush. Special sighting of the rare bat eared fox is really special. Having our own ranger and tracker meant amazing photographic experiences and sightings. You never feel like there are other people on the reserve. Thanks to the entire team for all your kind efforts they will not be forgotten!

Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Explore South Africa, Hidden Gems, Photographic Opportunity, Things to do 0 comments tags: birds of prey, wildlife rehabilitation

Falcon Ridge

An awesome show to attend whilst in the Drakensberg area is the bird of prey show at Falcon Ridge. A team of dedicated and adventurous bird handlers put on an excellent show which offers an up close experience with the birds of prey. An educational talk is provided with each bird species and thereafter a jaw dropping presentation is exhibited by the birds themselves. The eagles were flying so high that they looked like a speck on my sunglasses and they were lost amongst the clouds catching the warm thermals as they rose higher and higher. In a few seconds they became visible again, like a rocket ship piercing through the blue skies to land back on a tree in front of us. Falcons are small birds of prey but possibly the fastest. The falcon on display was flying and making manoeuvres at ridiculously high speeds. There was also a beautiful owl on display who at first was a bit skittish but as his presentation continued got cheekier and cheekier and had the crowd laughing and loving him. This outdoor show is perfect for the whole family and will leave you feeling in awe of these amazing birds that we […]

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre

Cape Grace

A day in the KZN midlands

Thanda Private Game Reserve

Mkuze Falls

Phinda Homestead

Montusi Mountain Lodge

Malala Lodge

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Falcon Ridge

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