Estuary Country Hotel, Port Edward, Kwa-Zulu Natal

The Estuary Country Hotel provides luxury KwaZulu-Natal accommodation, whether for a holiday, conference or a romantic honeymoon.

The Estuary Country Hotel provides guests on their KwaZulu-Natal holiday with elegant South Coast accommodation. Originally built in 1941 as a Manor House in the Cape Dutch Style, the Estuary Country Hotel has been transformed into a private hotel, restaurant, spa and conference centre. This KwaZulu Natal hotel is situated just outside Port Edward and is only a few steps from the beautiful Silver Beach.

Guests at the Estuary Country Hotel will appreciate the effort that was taken to retain the Manor House’s grand atmosphere and home away from home ambience. This South Coast KwaZulu-Natal hotel is ideal for hosting dream weddings and conferences.

Guests staying at the Estuary Country Hotel will be able to relax in comfort and luxury. Participate in some of the many available activities, such as an indulgent South African spa treatment, scuba diving or horse riding.

Guests staying at the Estuary Country Hotel can enjoy fine dining at one of the top five restaurants on the South Coast. The Fish Eagle Restaurant provides guests with scrumptious cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, natural ingredients.

Woman to woman

Glorious Food For U

The Place of Great Noise – Upington

Upington, on the northern bank of the Gariep (Orange) River, is the gateway to the Kalahari and the linear oasis formed by the river. Guests on a South African holiday can visit this town, which developed around a mission station established by the Reverend Christiaan Schröder in 1871. Eight years later, the mission – named Olyvenhoutsdrift (fording place of the wild olive trees) – was visited by Sir Thomas Upington, the Attorney-General of the Cape, and was renamed in his honour. Today, Upington is an important commercial and agricultural centre serving the farms along the Gariep River.

The Oranjerivier Wine Cellars is the largest co-operative in the country and processes up to 110 000 tonnes of grapes each season, while the town is also the centre of the country’s dried fruit industry. The factory at Upington is the second largest of its kind in the world and is especially known for its sultanas, produced from the sultanina grape which has been grown along the Lower Gariep River since 1918. Other crops produced in the area include cotton, lucerne, groundnuts, peas and lentils.

On your South African holiday, visit the prominent local landmark, the Palm Tree Avenue, which is leading to Die Eiland resort. Planted in 1934–35, the 1 041-m-long avenue has over 220 palms 2 and is the longest such avenue in the southern hemisphere. Upington also has two unique statues, one symbolising the contribution of the donkey to the development of the area, and the other serving as a reminder of the role of the camel during the early days of policing.

The Kalahari Oranje Museum is housed in the historic church built between 1873 and 1875 by the Reverend Schröder. Its theme is the history of Upington and the Lower Gariep River. The Spitskop Nature Reserve, 13 km north of the town, has a network of game-viewing roads and picnic spots. Game to be seen includes eland, gemsbok, springbok and red hartebeest.

Glorious food For U

Oktober Bierfest In Cape Town

Exciting news for beer drinkers – the Oktober Bierfest will be launching in Cape Town this October. The festival promises to be authentically Bavarian, closely resembling the Oktoberfest in Munich. Enjoy German food, Oompah bands and limited edition beers brewed exclusively for the event.

For over 200 years the annual Oktoberfest in Munich has been a defining part of Bavarian culture. Now the world’s largest festival, it attracts more than five million people from around the globe to Germany each year. Attending the Oktoberfest is on the ‘bucket list’ for many, but this year South Africans will not have to travel abroad for the experience – the Oktober Bierfest is coming to Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Halls will be draped in traditional style and guests can enjoy an array of Bavarian cuisine supplied by the finest local purveyors of German food, be served by Fräulein while listening to an entertainment lineup that includes live Oompah bands. In order to bring the taste of Germany to Oktober Bierfest, founding partner The South African Breweries Ltd, will be brewing beers exclusively for the event.

“We are committed to supporting the growth of the beer category as a whole and are looking forward to brewing three special limited edition Bavarian-styled beers. For the first time ever, South Africans can enjoy Royal Bavaria Oktoberfest Bier, King Ludwig’s Munich Dunkel and Protea Edelweiss Krystal Weiss,” says Diarmaid De Burca, General Manager of Newlands Brewery, the SAB’s flagship brewery.

With the added involvement of the South African and German Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Oktober Bierfest promises to be an authentic Bavarian festival.

Venue: Village Green, Newlands Brewery.

Capstone Farm

Capstone is a beautiful and picturesque farm nestled within the Steenkamps Mountains, midway between Dullstroom and Lydenburg, offering a fully equipped two-sleeper self-catering cottage.

This well-appointed, stone built cottage commands beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is equipped with a modern kitchen and a large patio with braai facilities.

If you are looking for a weekend away from it all, or just a quiet retreat, then this cottage is ideal for those mini-breaks we all need now and again. Situated just 15 minutes from Dullstroom, this privately owned farm offers ideal accommodation to those who love long walks and the beauty of being outdoors.

Walking trails, abundant bird life and lots of fresh air is what you will find at this farm.

Capstone is an ideal stopover point for travellers from the Highveld wishing to explore the eastern escarpment and/or the Kruger Park.

Beautiful women

Tulbagh Horse and Wild Flower Show 2011

Come to the Breede River Valley for a wild spring break!

The charming historical town of Tulbagh is in the winelands of the Boland in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Part of the Witzenberg municipal region, immediate neighbouring towns are Gouda, Wolseley, Ceres and Prince Alfred's Hamlet. Towns such as Wellington, Malmesbury, Paarl, Franschhoek, Riebeek Kasteel, Piketberg, Porterville, Rawsonville, Worcester and Stellenbosch are within three quarters of an hour's drive from the valley and Cape Town is only 120km distant.

The valley was first discovered by European settlers in 1658 and land grants were made to 14 farming families in 1700. The town itself was developed in 1743 when the museum church was built. Post the 1969 earthquake every historic home in Church Street was painstakingly restoredto its original glory. These 32 buildings now constitute the largest concentration of National Monuments in a single street in South Africa.

The town is situated at the northern end of the beautiful Tulbagh valley, which is almost completely surrounded by majestic mountain ranges - the Obiqua mountains to the west, the towering Winterhoek on the northern end and the Witzenberg on the eastern side. The Great Winterhoek mountains tower 2077m above sea level and are picturesquely snowcapped in winter.

Diverse flora is abundant throughout the valley and in the mountains. Proteas grow wild, as do herbs such as Buchu. Spring brings on a multitude of wild flowers which, coupled with the blossoms of the fruit trees, makes for a glorious show. This fertile valley produces some of the country's best red and white wines, olive oil, peaches, grain, pears - and 70% of the country's plums!

Tulbagh is a wonderful country holiday destination - tourists are actively welcomed by the warm and friendly local people. The valley is a wedding and conference location, with all the facilities available to make for a most memorable occasion.

Every year the town hosts an annual Wild Flower Exhibition showcasing their rich endemic flora as well as the National Horse Championships.

Mosey around various exhibitions, art and craft stalls, food stands groaning with local fare and slake your thirst at the wine and beer garden. There’s entertainment for the whole family so pack them in the car and jol together in Tulbagh this spring.

Woman to woman

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape

A SOUTH AFRICA WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Set right up against the northern border of South Africa, uniting Botswana and Zimbabwe, lies Mapungubwe National Park - an extensive savannah landscape situated at the meeting place of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. This is the land of sandstone formations, mopane woodlands, brooding baobabs, ancient floodplains and unique riverine forests that form a dramatic backcloth for the wealth of animal life - elephant, giraffe, buffalo, white rhino, gemsbok and other antelope, extensive bir life, and the more elusive mammal like hyenas, leopards and lions.

Mapungubwe is South Africa’s first kingdom, a highly complex society that marked the heart of a pre-Shona kingdom between 1050 AD and 1270 AD, only to be abandoned in the 14th century. The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape - the virtually untouched remains of the palace sites, the settlement area dependent upon them, and two capital sites that remain - was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 and forms part of the Mapungubwe National Park.

The Cultural Landscape provides visitors with a unique portrait of the social and political structures of a society that traded with China and India, was regarded as the most complex society in southern Africa and was the first society since the Bushmen to settle in South Africa. The kingdom was regarded as the forerunner of the Zimbabwe civilisation and at its height, Mapungubwe, which means place of the stone of wisdom, was the largest kingdom in the African sub-continent. Some 5000 people appeared to live around Mapungubwe Hill where their ‘sacred’ leader lived in seclusion from his people.

After the collapse of Mapungubwe’s society, it was forgotten until the wealth of artefacts on top of Mapungubwe Hill - a sandstone oval-shaped hill with sheer vertical cliffs and a plateau of about 300 metres known as the ‘place of jackals’, accessible only by means of two very steep and narrow paths - were discovered.

Mapungubwe National Park: One of the country’s newest parks, Mapungubwe opened to the public in September 2004. Not only does it provide the public with an awesome window on the rich and varied animal life in this part of South Africa, but it is a chance to explore Mapungubwe Mountain and the culture that, despite being discovered in 1932, was kept largely hidden from the public until recently. This discovery included three findings of significance: a beautiful golden rhinoceros made from gold foil nailed around a wooden interior, and a gold sceptre and bowl, all uncovered from the excavation of twenty three graves on the hilltop site and which are on display at the Mapungubwe Museum at the University of Pretoria.

THE GOLDEN RHINO

The rhino is thought to symbolise power because of its ferocious temperament and is still a leadership symbol among the Shona of Zimbabwe today. The little golden rhino is not only evidence of these peoples’ metalworking skills and trade with the East - the rhino has a single horn like the Asian variety - but it also symbolises to the world that South Africa’s cultural heritage is far richer and goes back further than realised.

My Beautiful World

Magalies Manor

Magaliesburg, North West Province

In a valley nestled in the Magaliesberg mountain range lies an elegant and gracious country retreat, just 45 minutes from Johannesburg. Magalies Manor is a small but exclusive country establishment, offering the very best of cuisine, personalized service and privacy in a picturesque garden setting. Hidden amongst the abundant gardens, Magalies Manor features beautifully appointed, private luxury rooms graced with sweeping views of the Magaliesberg panorama.

Wine and dine in the private dining room or the terrace room, where you can sample the best of continental buffets, table d'hôte and fine desserts. Enjoy a variety of cocktails, wine and malts, a game of pool, and on a cold Magalies evening, sip port by the roaring fireplace in the bar. In this idyllic setting and crisp mountain air, spend the day by the pool, fish, bird watch, enjoy a walk or a ravine hike, or simply relax and read a book. Team-building activities can also be arranged to complement your event.

My Beautiful Body

Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng

The Cradle of Humankind Site comprises a strip of a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the fossillised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids. The dolomite in which the caves formed, started out as coral reefs growing in a worm shallow sea about 2.3 billion years ago.

The Cradle of Humankind site lies mainly in the Gauteng province with a small extension into the neighboring North West Province, and covers 47 000 hectares of land mostly privately owned. The Cradle of Humankind Site comprises a strip of a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the fossillised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most importantly, hominids. The dolomite in which the caves formed, started out as coral reefs growing in a worm shallow sea about 2.3 billion years ago.

As the reefs died off they were transformed into limestone which some time later was converted into dolomite. Millions of years later after the sea had receded, slightly acidic groundwater began to dissolve out calcium carbonate from the dolomite to form underground caverns. Over time the water table dropped and the underground caverns were exposed to the air. The percolation of acidic water through the dolomite also dissolved calcium carbonates out of the rock into the caverns, which formed stalactites, stalagmites and other crystalline structures. Continued erosion on the earth's surface and dissolution of the dolomite eventually resulted in shafts or avens forming between the surface of the earth and the caverns below. Bones, stones and plants washed down these shafts into the caves; and animals and hominids fell into the caves, became trapped and died.The bone and plant remains became fossilized and along with various stones and pebbles became cemented in a hard mixture called breccia.

At least seven of the twelve sites have yielded hominid remains. In fact, together these cave sites have produced over 850 hominid fossil remains, so that to date they represent one of the world's richest concentrations of fossil hominid bearing sites.The scientific value of this area lies in the fact that these sites provide us with a window into the past, to a time when our earliest ancestors were evolving and changing. Scientists have long accepted that all humans had their origins in Africa.

Through the use of biochemical evidence they have argued that the split of the human lineage (Hominidae) from that of the African apes took place around 5-6 million years ago. The study of hominid fossils from sites in Africa thus enables scientists to understand how these hominids have changed and diversified since then.

Beautiful women

Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site

A serial site in the Western Cape, made up of eight protected areas, covering 553,000-ha. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world. It represents less than 0.5% of the area of Africa but is home to nearly 20% of the continent’s flora.

The Cape Floral Protected site displays outstanding ecological and biological processes associated with the Fynbos vegetation, which is unique to the Cape Floral Region. The outstanding diversity, density and endemism of the flora are among the highest worldwide. Unique plant reproductive strategies, adaptive to fire, patterns of seed dispersal by insects, as well as patterns of endemism and adaptive radiation found in the flora are of outstanding value to science.

JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION: CRITERION (II)

The Cape Floral Region is considered of outstanding universal value for representing ongoing ecological and biological processes associated with the evolution of the unique Fynbos biome. These processes are represented generally within the Cape Floral Region and captured in the eight protected areas. Of particular scientific interest are the plant reproductive strategies including the adaptive responses to fire of the flora and the patterns of seed dispersal by insects. The pollination biology and nutrient cycling are other distinctive ecological processes found in the site. The Cape Floral Region forms a centre of active speciation where interesting patterns of endemism and adaptive radiation are found in the flora.

CRITERION (IV)

The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the richest areas for plants than for any similar sized area in the world. The number of species per genus within the region (9:1) and per family (52) are among the highest given for various species-rich regions in the world. The species density in the Cape Floral Region is also amongst the highest in the world. It displays the highest levels of endemism at 31.9 % and it has been identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot spots. (Source: UNESCO).

THE CAPE FLORAL KINGDOM / TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

At the south-western tip of Africa, the Table Mountain National Park encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south, a distance of approximately 60 km. The narrow portion of land with its many beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is circled by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay in the east. The Table Mountain National Park has two world-renowned landmarks within its boundaries; the majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope. See additional information about Table Mountain National Park.

Ouma se kombuis

Robben Island World Heritage Site

Robben Island was used at various times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups and a military base. Its buildings, particularly those of the late 20th century such as the maximum security prison for political prisoners, witness the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression and racism.

ROBBEN ISLAND

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation.

JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION: CRITERION (III)

The buildings of Robben Island bear eloquent testimony to its sombre history. Criterion (vi): Robben Island and its prison buildings symbolize the triumph of the human spirit, of freedom, and of democracy over oppression. (Source: UNESCO).

Robben Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. People lived on Robben Island many thousands of years ago, when the sea channel between the Island and the Cape mainland was not covered with water. Since the Dutch settled at the Cape in the mid-1600s, Robben Island has been used primarily as a prison.

Indigenous African leaders, Muslim leaders from the East Indies, Dutch and British settler soldiers and civilians, women, and anti-apartheid activists, including South Africa's first democratic President, Nelson Mandela and the founding leader of the Pan Africanist Congress, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, were all imprisoned on the Island.

Ouma se kombuis

Two Oceans Aquarium - Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The Two Oceans Aquarium is a window into the spectacular oceans surrounding the southern African coast. Situated in the V&A Waterfront, the Aquarium offers its visitors the amazing opportunity to explore below the waterline.

Through displays ranging from the small and almost fantastical Knysna seahorses, to large ragged-tooth sharks, the Aquarium holds wondrous discoveries around every corner. Meet the brave fish that call the cold Atlantic Ocean their home – and the brightly coloured ones that live in the warm Indian Ocean.

Be mesmerised by the swaying of the giant kelp in the aptly named Kelp Forest Exhibit- one of only three living kelp forest displays in the world. Or come face-to-face with giant spider grabs and have an adventurous tactile experience at the Touch Pool.

Take the little ones to the Afrisam Activity Centre where they can do arts-and-crafts, play on the modular climbing unit, watch a puppet show or just colour-in. All of this while they learn about our oceans and the wonderful animals that live in them.

For those qualified, there is the opportunity to dive in the I&J Predator Exhibit with ragged-tooth sharks, a turtle named Joshi and shoals of other predatory fishes. If you have an advanced qualification, diving in the Kelp Forest is one of the things that you must be able to tick off on your “must-do-someday-list”. Booking is essential for the dives and can be done by emailing bookings@aquarium.co.za.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Shop has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs. From t-shirts to soft toys, there’s a gift for everyone.

Shoreline Café provides scrumptious meals for young and old.

The restaurant includes a dedicated children’s play centre (with climbing play unit and arts-and-crafts) which will keep the little ones entertained while mom and dad catch their breath over a cup of coffee. Shoreline Café serves scrumptious breakfasts and lunch and is open from 09:00 until 18:00 daily.

Information:

Call the Two Oceans Aquarium on +27 21 418 3823

Ouma se kombuis

BakenOord

BakenOord offers four newly renovated self-catering cottages. Relax on a wine farm in the rustic ambience of the labourers' cottages and have a bird's eye view from the nearby Bakenskop/Beacon Hill over the Breede River Valley.

One house is situated between the vineyards and a horse camp, with unspoiled views of the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountains. It is within walking distance from the Breede River and just a stone's throw away from the farm dam. The other three cottages are situated on the banks of the Breede River.

Take a walk along the banks of the Breede River, 13 km of riverbed and vineyards and 6 km through typical 'bossie-veld' vegetation.

For the bird lovers, enjoy birdwatching along the river. There are cycling routes suitable for the whole family. Play tennis, golf or bowls and at night lie under the sky and watch the stars.

The farm is 9 km from Bonnievale, in the picturesque Breede River Valley and only 22 km from the N2 at Stormsvlei, and 28 km from Robertson. Cape Town is 2 hours’ drive away and the Garden Route 2,5 hours’ drive.

Ouma se kombuis

Hermanus Flower and Eco Fair 2011

Head to the stunning Fernkloof Nature Reserve for a show worth seeing this spring

The Hermanus Botanical Society and Whale Coast Conservation host the annual Hermanus Flower and Eco Fair at the spectacular Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Here the pick of the Whale Coast floral beauty is displayed against the mountain backdrop.

Since 2011 is the International Year of Forests, the main theme of the display will be a mini-Afromontane forest, complete with waterfall. Whale Coast Conservation (formerly Overstrand Conservation Foundation) will be on hand to show how we can all help to conserve the fynbos habitat along the Whale Coast to ensure that the wonders of this hotspot of floral biodiversity continue to thrive.

Fernkloof is perfect for picnics and informal fun for little ones, while the 60 km of easy walking trails offer ample opportunities for hikers to explore the fynbos-clad mountains overlooking Hermanus.

Indigenous plants will be on sale along with tasty teatime treats and lunches. A new innovation this year is that the trees and other bagged plants on display may be purchased at a special reduced price for collection when the show closes on Sunday afternoon. There is ample parking outside the reserve with a free shuttle service to the gate.

Venue: Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus

Admission: adults R30, children free, Thursday seniors R20

More info: www.fernkloof.com or www.whalecoastconservation.org.za

Simbavati River Lodge - South Africa

Simbavati River Lodge is an intimate and friendly camp built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the heart of the world famous Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Shaded by age old Jackalberry and Leadwood trees, Simbavati is warm and welcoming, with a generous contemporary design and accommodation for guests in luxury tented rooms or thatched chalets.

Simbavati takes its name from the local Shangaan language, translated as “the place where the lions come down from the stars”. The focus of the lodge is on the excellent big-5 game viewing, breath-taking views, friendly and knowledgeable staff in an environment where guests are made to feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive.

Simbavati River Lodge offers game drives in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when the animals are most active. Game drives are conducted by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers in open 4X4 vehicles, with excellent photographic opportunities.

You traverse over 12,000 hectares of the big-5 game country, with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo as well as other species such as kudu, zebra, warthog, giraffe, monkey to name a few.

Nocturnal animals, including the big cats, are regularly sighted on night drives. Bird viewing is spectacular, with over 360 recorded species including various eagles, vultures, kingfishers, woodpeckers, buzzards, herons, egrets, owls, weavers.

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve was initiated in 1956 by a group of land owners concerned about the degradation of this once pristine wilderness area. Timbavati is dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species and is also involved in different research projects.

Simbavati River Lodge is an uncomplicated and down to earth safari experience, guests are encouraged to relax and feel at home. The lounge area is the perfect place to relax on a comfortable couch with a book from the inhouse library or doze off on an afternoon siesta.

During the mid-day heat, recline in a sun lounger or take a dip in our swimming pool.

Children are catered for with an activity plan or increase their wildlife knowledge with a large selection of books at their disposal.

The lodge has a curio shop in which to buy any necessities forgotten at home,  or an African memento to remind you of your visit to Simbavati River Lodge.

Beautiful Women

Darling Wildflower Show 2011

Darling will be buzzing again this spring

While a myriad of pollinators such as wasps, flies, mice and sunbirds are at work in the fields, the fairy godparents of biodiversity wave their magic wands at the Darling Sports Club for the 94th year.

The Darling Sports Club hall will be transfigured into a landscape filled with Darling wildflowers, from the most fragile and rare to those that are easily found.

Stalls with all sorts of tempting and interesting goodies await, while an exhibition tent will showcase all gardening, conservation and landscaping related goods. Wine tastings, talks and art exhibitions will also take place.

Love for the flowers

The Darling Wildflower Show has been presented by the Darling Wildflower Society since 1917, and the work is largely done by volunteers. The work of the society focuses on two significant aspects of Renosterveld, namely its unique character and the urgent need for its conservation. This has led to the recent founding of the Darling Wildflower Trust, and while continuing to support local charities, the income from the show now mainly goes towards conservation initiatives like the Darling Flora Project.

Venue: The Sports Club in Darling

This and that about Darling

Darling is the heartbeat of the West Coast region. The little village lies tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields. Here you can still expect to see a horseman cantering through the streets on a Saturday afternoon. A gaggle of geese might waddle into a neighbour's garden to forage. You may witness a funeral procession accompanied by the consolatory gospel sounds of a traditional brass band. Lovingly restored Victorian homes and ancient trees make an idyllic setting for a getaway that promises serenity, nature, culture and much more!

Darling is approximately 72 kilometres or an hour’s drive out of Cape Town.

Acknowledgemt: Safari Now