Explore South Africa – Page 3 – Outdoor South Africa

Nov 29

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Fine Dining, Food, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 5 star, hourses, KZN Midlands, scenery

Horse-Lovers Meander

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.

Nov 26

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Food, Hearty Meals, Hiking, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 4 Star, beautiful setting, great food, scenery

Champagne Castle Hotel

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.

Nov 10

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Fine Dining, Food 0 comments tags: beautiful setting, hourses, relax

Hartford House

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/

Nov 06

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

Phinda Zuka

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 […]

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 […]

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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 […]