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

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

Tsitsikamma Forest

One of the most magical places of the Eastern Cape is the Tsitsikamma Forest at the eastern end of the Garden Route. This lush forest seems to be almost out of place on a continent that most people associate with semi-arid savannah and bone-dry deserts. The area receives regular and ample rainfall keeping it verdant and lush throughout the year and deserving of its Khoi name that means ‘place of abundant waters’.

The Tsitsikamma Forest lies between the Indian Ocean and the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the north and stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to Clarkson in the east. The area is rich in fauna and flora. Ancient trees rise majestically over fynbos shrubs fed by countless streams that have cut gorges in the plateau as water makes its way to the sea. Such a verdant forest attracts scores of animals and birds. Amongst the creatures that call the forest their home are small antelope, bush pigs, honey badgers and even the odd leopard.

This ‘garden of Eden’ was declared a national park in 1964 to conserve the indigenous trees and animals. The reserve includes nearly 80 kilometres of coastline as part of a marine reserve where dolphins play in the waves and whales can mate in relative peace and safety.

For visitors, Tsitsikamma Forest offers an experience unlike any other in Africa. The mild climate is perfect for a number of outdoor activities no matter what the time of year. The park offers a variety of exciting and interesting activities for visitors who want to get up close and personal with the forest and its inhabitants. They are treated to the magnificent, unspoiled scenery, long nature walks and small remote beaches away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.

One of the most interesting attractions of the Tsitsikamma Forest is canopy tours. Why walk along the ground when you can glide through the canopy on suspended cables? Safe in a harness, 30 metres or more above the ground, this tour offers a unique approach to get up close to the many bird species that call the forest their home.

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, however, Tsitsikamma Forest offers incredible hiking and cycling trails that are sure to challenge the most experienced adventure seekers, but also give the casual visitor a relaxing journey through one of the most beautiful spots on the earth. THe horse riding tours are also rather popular.

With accommodation provided in nearby Storms River, the Tsitsikamma Forest is just a few minutes away. Come and see why so many have called the forest Africa’s Garden of Eden.

Beautiful Women

My Beautiful World

Giants Castle Nature Reserve, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal

This KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve in uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, South Africa, offers breath-taking views of deep valleys, grassy plateaus and craggy mountains.

Giant's Castle Nature Reserve is known for its magnificent San rock art, fabulous hiking and invigorating climate. This KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve is an historic place, and home to majestic Eland and noble Bearded Vulture. This beautiful reserve was named in honour of the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, whose silhouette resembles that of a sleeping giant.

The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a World Heritage Site. Giants Castle Nature Reserve occupies the central section which is approximately 4 hours drive from Johannesburg and 3 hours from Durban. Favourite activities here include hiking, mountain climbing and trout fishing. Guests can see fascinating ancient rock art created by the historic San people that once inhabited this spectacular area.

This KwaZulu-Natal nature reserve not only provides guests with a great opportunity to view wildlife at close quarters, but also a unique cultural and historical experience. A visit to the Main Caves Museum is a must for insight into the world of the amazing San people (Bushmen), their culture and way of life. Another highlight is the 'Vulture hide', where visitors can view Bearded Vultures and other endangered species feeding in winter.

The Rock Lodge Conference Centre is one of the most unique in the country. Built into a hillside overlooking the Bushman’s River with Giants Castle as a backdrop, the centre incorporates the surrounding freestanding natural rock into its conference lounge wall. This fully equipped venue has a boardroom and can seat up to 70 delegates, or around 80 guests for wonderful weddings and other intimate gatherings. The surrounding wildflower garden provides a tranquil setting.

Giants Castle facilities include:

• The Main Caves Bushmen Museum
• Shop with a wide range of supplies and curios
• Izimbali Restaurant and pub
• Conference and function venue

Beautiful Women

My Beautiful World

My Beautiful Body

ATKV Drakensville Holiday Resort

Situated in the foothills of the majestic Northern Drakensberg range, Drakensville is considered to be one of South Africa's premier Drakensberg holiday resorts. Set in the tranquillity and peace of Mother Nature, surrounded by some of her most precious gifts, this Drakensberg holiday resort is a haven of beauty and serenity.

It is ideally located just 350 kilometres (217.5 miles) from Johannesburg, 350 kilometres from Bloemfontein and 250 kilometres (155.3 miles) from Durban.

Become one with nature as you are transported to a new world, a world where hospitality, warmth and relaxation reign supreme and the only sounds you hear are the calls of the wild in the distance. Let the magical sights, sounds and smells of Africa inspire your senses and lull you into a state of complete bliss, a place where time stands still and beauty is infinite.

Drakensville offers various accommodation options to suit all needs, from bed and breakfast accommodation and self-catering flats, to family friendly house and caravan and camping sites.

OUMA SE KOMBUIS

Hartbeespoort Dam

Hartbeespoort dam, with its spectacular scenery and the village surrounding it, are in close proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria and is the principal water recreation area of Northern Gauteng.

The Hartbeespoort Dam, surrounded by the majesty of the Magaliesberg mountain range, is a popular destination for weekend getaways or day trips. All water sports may be enjoyed including para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.

For the more adventurous the Dam offers paragliding, hang-gliding or hot air ballooning.

There is an aquarium, private zoo, a snake park and a cable way. Or, explore and discover the scenic beauty, entertaining attractions, fun activities & places of interest of this wonderful land.

The village of Hartbeespoort is situated along the shores of the dam, among undulating hills and panoramic views on the dam and the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains.

Enjoy the tranquillity of the hills and valleys, the scenic drives, challenging hikes and gentle rambles on offer.

Also of interest is the Crocodile Ramble, an arts and crafts route with day visitor and overnight facilities.

The Heritage Route starts at the dam, going north to the Pilanesberg National Park and on to the Madikwe Game Reserve in the north.

Activities

· African Water Safari

Enjoy lunch while cruising across the dam in this floating restaurant.

·  Cheese Factory

Sample some local concoctions at this factory located in Skeerpoort.

·  Hans Kretschmer

Exclusive woodwork and handcrafted sword sticks.

· Hartbeespoort Cableway

A magnificent view awaits those who take this cable car to the top of the Magaliesberg.

· Hartbeespoort Snake & Animal Park

A rewarding close up encounter with nature.

· South East Harbour Development

Consisting of two restaurants - Dockers and the open-air Fisherman's Arms.

·  Tan' Malie se Winkel

A local institution, near the dam wall, offering everything dainty and artistic.

·  Magalies Park

An all-encompassing venue for outdoor activities, offering a restaurant, golf course, tennis courts, sauna and canoeing.

·  Chameleon Village

Curio Village and entertainment centre with various restaurants and shops. Venue for Live Entertainment.

· Chameleon Village Reptile Park

Live reptile shows daily. Snake breeding.

·  Hartbeespoort Bird Gardens

Bird breeding and retail shop