admin – Outdoor South Africa

May 22

by admin in Adventurous Road Trips, Off Road Destinations 0 comments tags: 4x4, Clarens, Himeville, Katse Dam, lesotho, offroad

Expedition Katse Dam

Go in peace. This blessing resounds throughout the kingdom of Lesotho, posted on road signs and reiterated by the citizens whose warmth of heart and caring community spirit shines through the smiles on their faces. This trip was designed by the Outdoor SA team shortly after our last visit to Lesotho when we ventured up Sani Pass, our interest was definitely sparked and it was decided more of this beautiful country had to be explored. Our journey began from a humid Durban and we were later greeted by rain on our arrival in Underberg. KarMichael Farm hosted us with outstanding hospitality, who can ask for more than a comfortable bed, feather pillow and a great breakfast the next morning. Day two greeted us with perfect weather conditions and after filling our petrol tanks in Himeville, we headed for the boarder. They say life begins where the tar ends and Sani Pass is true testament to that fact. Although all three vehicles headed up the pass with ease, there has been a definite decline in its overall condition, with certain sections boasting impressive rock fall and serious soil erosion. Cheesy tourist photos at the Highest Pub in Africa complete, the real […]

Aug 03

by admin in Uncategorized 0 comments

The Cavern

The Cavern situated in the Northern Drakensberg in the foothills of the Amphitheatre. Family orientated the resort has a number of different accommodation offerings, standard rooms, standard suites and superior suites. We stayed there for a weekend in one of the family rooms. The hotel has a variety of different room accommodation from standard rooms, to superior suites. The tariff includes all three meals including teas in the mid-morning and afternoon. The hotel is beautifully situated in the mountains and provides both easy and strenuous walks for the more adventurous. We walked through to the Grotto and Waterfall while we were there. There are more strenuous walks and hikes available. The walk to the Grotto and Waterfall was easy and pleasant and we spent a pleasant afternoon relaxing and soaking up the serene environment. We also spent some time at the Forest retreat Spa which overlooks the dense bush in the valley. The full body massage left us feeling relaxed in tune with nature. The Hotel has been owned by the same family, the Carte family for over 60 years, and remains a family focused offering.

Feb 21

by admin in Accomodation, Uncategorized 0 comments tags: Namibia, Windhoek

The Olive Exclusive All Suite Hotel

We wound our way through the streets of Windhoek navigating using our GPS until we found our Hotel in central Windhoek. The hotel is right in the middle of the suburbs of Windhoek perched on the side of a steep hill. The hotel offers seven different suites to choose from with the premier suites having the own plunge pool situated in the middle of the verandah that spans the length of each room. The suites are large and roomy and consist of a double volume. The décor is very modern and tastefully done with an Afro Namibian twist. The décor uses a theme of an organic rough-hewn feel in terms of the various pieces of furniture used. The walls feature pictures of abstract Namibian landscapes by well-known South African designer and photographer Micky Hoyle. The seven suites are individually decorated each reflecting a different region in Namibia, and each has its own lounge area with fireplace and dining room, for private dining should you wish . Each suite has an extra-length bed dressed in crisp, pure-cotton linen. The bathrooms are generous and offer a free standing tub with sweeping views. Rooms are air-conditioned, however, on both the first and last […]

Feb 19

by admin in Accomodation, Uncategorized 0 comments

Our Namibian adventure Part 1

And so our Namibian adventure began. Our flight on British Airways from OR Tambo International (Johannesburg) to Hosea Kutako International in Windhoek was initially uneventful until we started to descend into Windhoek. We since learnt why it is called Windhoek, windy it is with only 28 days of calm weather a year. The pilot concluded a skillful landing notwithstanding the challenges faced with the heat and wind of the area. Climbing out onto the tarmac you know you have arrived with the intense dry heat that welcomes your arrival. Fire engines stand on the ready to cool down the tarmac should the heat become too intense. Passing through customs was relatively pain free, baggage collected we went through to obtain our hired vehicle which we would need for out 400 km drive to Sossusvlei area. (More to follow on our epic road trip). Our first and last nights of the trip were planned to spend in Windhoek. Our drive from the airport started to unearth the delights of the country as we drove the 45 km to the city. GPS loaded we arrived in Windhoek and made our way to our hotel.

Oct 08

by admin in Uncategorized 0 comments

Dragon Rock Reptile Centre

Sssssssimply exciting! What an awesome experience. If you are looking to get your adrenaline pumping then a visit to Dragon Rock Reptile Centre is definitely for you. The reptile centres we have encountered in the past have the usual slithering snakes in glass tanks and maybe a snake demonstration if you are lucky. Dragon Rock Reptile Centre, on the other hand, takes the reptile interaction to the next level – a snake enthusiast’s dream come true. When we arrived we did not know what to expect and then Cornell appeared and ushered us into the first room which had a variety of snakes. Half the room shrieked with joy whilst the other half shrieked in fear. As the first snakes were brought out for the visitors to hold, most people were eager to learn more about them. Cornell told us interesting facts about the snakes: what they eat, where they are found and whether they pose any danger to humans. The sad reality is that snakes are often killed for no reason other than fear. Due to the human population growth and increase in habitat size, it is likely that humans will come across these majestic creatures at some point. […]

Aug 29

by admin in Coffee & Cake, Explore South Africa, Hearty Meals, Hidden Gems, Off the Beaten Track, Things to do, Uncategorized 0 comments tags: bakery, coffee, relax, scones & cream, waffles

Drakensberg Valley Bakery

The Valley Bakery in the hilly slopes of the Drakensburg has become more than just a bakery in the Berg, it has become a Berg Institution. Travelers should not dream about vacationing in the Berg without stopping at this prized gem tucked away beyond an airstrip and behind rows of tall shady trees. This past weekend we made two stops at the Valley Bakery and we were not disappointed. On the first occasion, it was a glorious sunny day and we decided to have a cold beverage and treat in the shade of the verandah. Delicious looking biscuits, donuts and breads are the first treats that you notice when entering the bakery. There is also display cabinets showing off cute kitchen wares, baby clothes and various arts and crafts. Multiple cakes line the counters and sit in the cool fridges for customers to choose from, definitely making your mouth water at every sight. Creamy milkshakes, lemon meringue pies, cooked shoestring chips and quiche were our choice of the day and we could not falter the Bakery on any of these. On the second occasion, it was a chilly day and we were soothed by warm cappuccinos, a pepper steak pie […]

Aug 27

by admin in Beautiful Walks, Hiking, Things to do, Uncategorized 0 comments tags: Drakensberg, hiking, walking

Sterkspruit Falls

While on holiday in the central Drakensberg we decided on a beautiful August morning to walk to the Sterkspruit Falls from the Monks Cowl Ezemvelo office. We decided on the short walk to Sterkspriut as it is relatively flat and we were feeling a little fragile after the weekend’s activities. We paid the park entrance fee of R 35 per adult and signed the mountain register. We were all quite happy to pay fee as Evemvelo KZN wildlife do such an amazing job of conservation around the province. We walked the circular route first stopping at Sterkspriut Falls its self, the river has dramatically eroded the river valley. The path arrives at a viewing platform at the top of the falls and from the perspective offered it is difficult to comprehend the power of the water and the time taken for the river to have made such a dramatic mark on the landscape. The path continues onto Crystal Pools where one could actually swim in the pools formed by the river, by this point we were all quite hot and were all very tempted to just jump into the icy cool water. Although no one jumped in we all took […]

Apr 17

by admin in Explore South Africa, Fine Dining, Food 0 comments tags: 5 star, breakfast, champagne, oysters, waffles

Breakfast at the Oyster Box

We arrived at the Oyster Box for breakfast on a beautiful autumn Durban morning, although still a bit warm outside there was a crispness to the air and it was a perfectly clear day. We had booked to sit inside as we had been warned that sitting outside could get a bit hot and or windy, however on this particular morning we would have been safe either way. The four of us were seated at a booth style table that was very comfortable and form where much laughter would resonate over the next few hours. Having arrived early and hungry we took full advantage of the vast spread the Oyster Box had laid out. We started with fruit, yogurt and muesli, then onto cold meat, cheese and pastry’s. At this point the more adventures members of the group indulged in a few fresh oysters. After a pot of filter coffee we tacked the full compliment of eggs, bacon, sausages and poached haddock in cream. At this point it might have been wise to call it a day but with our eyes ever bigger than our stomachs we wrapped breakfast up with a syrupy waffle and cream topped off […]

Expedition Katse Dam

The Cavern

The Olive Exclusive All Suite Hotel

Our Namibian adventure Part 1

Dragon Rock Reptile Centre

Drakensberg Valley Bakery

Sterkspruit Falls

Breakfast at the Oyster Box

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