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I saw this sign in a coffee shop in Clarens recently and thought it was quite funny, however it is quite a serious issue… How many times do we see whole families sitting quietly around a table in a restaurant or coffee shop all staring into the depths of their phones? This issue started an in depth conversation amongst the team after a recent overnight trip. I was traveling with my fiancé conducting a hotel review and due to the really bad weather, the satellite TV signal was lost for the whole duration of our short stay. At first this was a frightening prospect – what are we going to do? I thought. It was late afternoon and without the TV, how were we possibly going to occupy the rest of our evening? The end result was actually so refreshing – with no TV, weak cellphone signal and no data available, we ended up just talking to each other. I know it sounds so crazy, we just spent the whole evening talking but this is the crazy amazing part, we ended up having such fun – laughing and chatting and watching the roaring log fire all evening. So I pose […]
How the adventure began The idea of our expedition to spend the weekend camping at the beautiful Midmar Dam in the KZN midlands started as many great plans do… on a Sunday evening while the Monday blues were setting in. I had been longing to get away and just do something as we spend most weekends in shopping malls and coffee shops. But those really do not constitute actual activities. So the plan was hatched, we would go to Midmar Dam and try do some sailing and camp the following Saturday night. I spent many happy weekends in my varsity days camping, hiking and rock climbing in the Drakensberg and I longed to get outside again and re-connect with nature. I understand that what was a good plan back then would not cut the mustard anymore. In the days of my youthful camping we would head off on a Friday afternoon and sometimes not know where we would be sleeping that night. We had minimal supplies and even less money and to top it all off, the money we did have, we needed to use to buy enough petrol to get us home again. Anyway like I said I was […]
The Lodge is set in the broader private game reserve of Nambiti. Some two hours from Durban just past the town of Ladysmith it is an easy drive from Durban. The reserve was crafted out of a number of old cattle farms in the area and allowed to return to its natural state. It is now home to the big five with a number of various lodges on the reserve. is home to elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino, as well as over 30 other animal species. It is also rich in bird-life and indigenous flora. The lodge offers luxury accommodation from the romantic honeymoon suite to eight suites. Sumptuous breakfasts and lunches can be enjoyed on the expansive deck. Early morning rising to enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out on a game drive to explore the bush and take in the beautiful flora and fauna while tracking down elephant, lion or buffalo. Back at the lodge you can relax and unwind indulging your senses until the 4.00 pm departure on the night drive with a stop in the bush for a drink and then return to the lodge for an amazing meal.
For me the Belgian chocolate shop is a ‘must visit’ destination when in the Midlands. Their variety of chocolates is enough to make any sweet-lover weak at the knees. On this sunny Saturday, the sign that caught my eye was Florentine’s Belgian Waffles. This quaint little waffle restaurant is adjacent to the chocolate shop and is situated in a little wooden hut with an extended deck. Serving a variety of sweet and savory waffle dishes we were surprised at the creative toppings that one can order. If you are not a waffle fan, there is also a choice of toasted sandwiches. We chose to have the traditional waffles with syrup and cream or ice cream and we were not disappointed. They were so tasty and just the right size. It was so nice to relax and look out over the farmlands enjoying the surroundings and our delicious find.
Being horse-lovers, we are always excited to be in the Midlands as every field on every turn is bound to have a grazing horse. Living in the city makes seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat very rare. Our mission was to get up close and personal with some horses. Our first stop was Hartford House – what a lovely place. Tall trees and luscious green grass surrounds the accommodation. The paddocks were empty on our visit but we could see the horses grazing in the distant fields. Luckily, as we drove past the fence, two friendly horses came over to us and allowed us to give them a rub on the nose before they moved on. If you are an avid horse-lover, this stud farm is a definite vacation destination or even a visit on a day trip. Our next horse destination was the Saddle and Trout. Here the horses are more easily accessible. As they were feeding in their enclosures, the horses allowed us to pet them and watch them run about. It was fantastic to be so close to such beautiful and powerful creatures. Horse rides are also offered for those brave enough.
The hotel is perfectly situated right in the mountains. Stunning vista’s from every room allow the visitor to really feel and know that they are away in the mountains. Different room types beautifully appointed cater for all needs. From romantic getaways to a family get away the Hotel caters for all ages. From lovely breakfasts, great lunches and full buffet dinners the food caters for all tastes. Teas on the verandah after a hike in the mountains allow you to unwind and relax. Take a stroll to the close by dams or for the more strenuous and adventurous take a hike to Crystal Falls or the Sphinx For the kids their is an animal farm whilst the parents can be pampered in the Spa for all types of relaxing treatments.
The delightful setting of Hartford House on the stud farm is unique in every aspect of its offering. From the varied styled rooms close to the main house to those dotted around the nearby lake, they offer a varied and wide choice for the discerning traveller. The food is a delight from the decadent breakfasts, through lunch to the world class dinners. The kitchen is headed up by Jackie Cameron ( see www.Jackie.Cameron.co.za) who is world famous. All tastes are catered for with all the flavours of the world on a plate before you. The team at hartford House are attentive and nothing is too much trouble. Its well worth a visit. see http://www.hartford.co.za/
Phinda Zuka offers an amazing opportunity to get away from it all and to share an intimate bush experience with a group of friends or family if you are able to book the entire lodge. On arrival you are welcomed by the staff with “Welcome Home” and you are well and truly at home away from home. The main lodge offers a lounge, dining room, opening out onto a beautiful verandah with incredible views onto your own private waterhole. Opportunities abound in seeing a wide selection of game right on your doorstep. Sumptuous food prepared by your own chef either in dining room or on the verandah will remain a fond memory. Early game drives with your own private ranger and tracker provide you with an up close and personal viewing of the bush and game. Back to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a lazy morning catching up with sleep, having a bush massage or a read from a good book. Before you know it’s lunch again with more time to while away, before a high tea and 4.00 pm departure on the night game drive. Drinks and snacks out in the bush are enjoyed before the drive back […]
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 […]
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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
Aug
10
Just talk to each other
Mar
23
Get Outside and Explore South Africa
Jan
28
Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge
Nov
29
Midlands Waffles
Nov
29
Horse-Lovers Meander
Nov
26
Champagne Castle Hotel
Nov
10
Hartford House
Nov
06
Phinda Zuka
Oct
30
Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre
Oct
30
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