Cape Town doesn’t just have one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, it has so much more to offer. Join me in taking a walk through the exquisite scenery it offers, the amazing hikes and MTB cycle routes, gems to eat at and wonderful small wine farms to taste some local wine. Whether you’re a proud Capetonian or a visitor you know this is a special place and that there is something for everyone here.  

On Sunday morning we take the M3 up towards Ou Kaapse weg, over Black Hill and into Glen Cairn. Stopping at Dixies Restaurant is a usual must, but not today as we are on our way to one of the most iconic places in South Africa, the ever beautiful Cape Point. Driving along the route where thousands of cyclists usually take on the 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour, through history-rich Simon’s Town, I reminisce about my own experience of this internationally known cycle event, before COVID-19 hit. The scenery along the road is already quite beautiful as you drive along the coast to the turn-off.    

At the gate, your SA ID allows you to pay a mere R85 per person, for a full day adventure. Driving along the long road, through the most beautiful fauna and flora, with the sea peeking out on both sides of the road, are numerous short and long hikes along this route.  The little beaches should not be missed as the bright blue waters are one of the most exquisite sites that Cape Town has to offer.  

When you reach the end of the road you have a few options, enjoy the scenery with a pizza and beer at the restaurant, hike to the top or take the funicular. We opted for the latter and it was such fun. As you reach the top and peek around the corner, the view completely takes your breath away! The bluest of blue seas, the most beautiful rock formations and an area that is unbelievably rich in history. You can also visit some of the very first lighthouses in SA, that still stands today.   Take your family or a friend and go enjoy a memory-filled day of fun, sun, beauty, hiking and history at Cape Point.  

We have to have a little something for the wine lovers, I mean, this is Cape Town after all and let’s be honest, we do make the best wine in the world. Don’t worry beer drinkers, there’s something here for you too.  

If you’ve been to the, highly recommended, Stellenbosch wine route a hundred times and want something a little more unique, I have a special treat in store for you with two “boutique” experiences that come highly recommended. First on this list is the Cape Point Vineyard picnic and wine tasting. Book (tasting and picnic separately) ahead of time to avoid disappointment and prepare yourself for a feast of the taste buds and the eyes. Imagine a vineyard in the mountains overlooking Noordhoek, tasting wine in an old stone building and enjoying a prepared picnic basket after.   

The second is the incredible Klein Roosboom Boutique Wine! They have converted their old concrete wine tanks into private tasting rooms, each themed differently, and a truly unique experience. Bookings are most definitely essential.  

Beer and Gin tasting should be high on the priority list since we can brag with some of the best craft beer and gin around. Here are a few of what Cape Town has on offer:  

• Hope Distillery  
• Classic Cats Craft Gin Bar  
• The Gin Bar  
• Wilderer
• Banana Jam Cafe
• Beer House
• Jack Black Beer
• Woodstock Brewery  

CALLING ALL FOODIES

Along with Cape Town’s views, wines, beer and gin, we have some of the greatest food experiences. Starting off with one of my personal favourites Saveur restaurant in Simon’s Town. Beautiful food, beautiful views and beautiful people. All the food is made with an extra touch of love and they have the most delightful staff (good enough to make even a mother-in-law smile). If you’re looking for something a little fancier, The Hussar Grill has never disappointed any carnivore, that’s for sure! Every delightful bite is perfect! And for our plant-based eaters… Plant Cafe or The Kind Kitchen is the way to go.  

Save the best seafood joints for last. Go visit these guys for food with a view:

• Seaforth restaurant  
• Lucky Fish & Chips 
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Quay Four  

We all have a little adventurer within us and whether it be cycling, hiking, rowing, boarding or jumping. Cape Town has it all. Some of the most amazing MTB tracks can be found right here by visiting The Bike Park or driving out to Meerendal Wine Estate for a cycle in their back yard. Even if you’re not an adrenaline junky and just want to hire a bicycle for an hour or two, just pop over to the Sea Point Pavilion and hire a bike.  

Personally, I fall too often and have traded in my cleats for a pair of hiking shoes. Taking time to relax, take a deep breath and experience the wonders of Elephants Eye, Silvermine, Newlands Forest and the Kalk Bay Caves  

Here are a few additional activities I would recommend you look into:  

• Sandboarding  
• Kayaking in Houtbay  
• Skeleton Gorge for serious hikers  
• Paragliding  

Honourable Mentions:  

• Spice Route for a full day of tasting food, beer, wine, chocolate and more!  
• Scala Battery Red Hill Simon’s Town for the most beautiful view around  
• Ficks Restaurant in Hermanus is highly recommended if you want to drive out for the day and enjoy the most glorious view ever!  
• Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous George for an award-winning cocktail  

In summary, this friendly city wants you to make beautiful memories. If you’re a Capetonian that’s never been to Table Mountain or Cape Point, make a plan. If you’re from a neighbouring city, come visit us soon!  

About Stefanie Barnard  

Stefanie is a fun-loving, loud, spontaneous, silly, adventurous, gin-drinking, wine tasting, and sometimes misunderstood, self-proclaimed weirdo! Born and raised in Cape Town, besides for a short 4-year stint in Jozie. Her motto in life is to try everything at least once and she believes deeply and sincerely that “respect is one of the greatest expressions of love”.   

 

 

For over twenty years, the Louw family of Johannesburg South have been planning and developing the idea for a mixed-use development that would add value to the community while protecting the natural environment. Their vision has now become a reality with the launch of Thaba Eco Village, developed by Balwin Properties. We spoke to Co-Founder and Visionary of the development, Reuben Louw, to find out more about how Thaba Eco Village is redefining urban green living and responsible development.  

A stone’s throw away from the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, the idea for Thaba Eco Village began with the realisation that “… to protect a large piece of the environment, we need to have one section that has to be a high-density development to fund the cost of protecting nature and enhancing it.” said Reuben.   

Developers, Balwin Properties have stayed true to this original idea by allowing the natural environment of the area to dictate the layout of Thaba Eco Village. The continued involvement of the community, particularly during the early stages, also had a significant impact on the development. “During the application process, we also welcomed public participation to give us some principles and guidelines in terms of height, visual impact, colouring, the type of cladding that you use, creating green lanes so that it’s not a concrete jungle… it’s broken up in sections with green parks and spaces in between…” added Reuben.  

Apart from Thaba Eco Village, there is a macro vision being investigated which will bring various green initiatives to the area. This vision is subject to all the required environmental and town planning applications and processes. 

 

“It is important to note that one should not confuse Thaba Eco Village with some of the macro vision ideas going around for the area. These macro vision ideas will have to go through many changes and all the compulsory Environmental Impact Assessments, as well as thorough public participation before a final product can be presented,” explained Reuben.  

As a mixed-use development, Thaba Eco Village benefits from an integrated society that adds value to its community through job creation, business development and recreational activities. “An integrated society is where people from different age groups and backgrounds can rub shoulders in a coffee shop. Where a student can live in a community where they live like a millionaire, even if they’re not one yet. The benefits of integrated mixed-use developments are that you don’t need to travel, there’s less public transport, it focuses on a better lifestyle. It’s the concept of live, work, eat, pray, exercise, recreation, all those aspects within walking distance. That’s basically what we’ve always wanted for this development.” stated Reuben.  

Thaba Eco Village also forms part of a much-loved area for mountain biking (Thaba Trails, built by South African Cyclist, Wendell Bole), hiking and eco-tourism. The greater community will now be able to access these facilities through the Eco-Centre and enjoy new additions such as a coffee shop, mountain bike shop, Montessori School and more. The use of the trails has always been a valuable way to encourage community responsibility as active users help maintain the trails and report any possible issues. The hope is that the development of Thaba Eco Village will further contribute towards protecting and promoting Johannesburg as a tourism destination where visitors can enjoy all the wildlife and biodiversity that the Highveld has to offer.  

You can find out more about Thaba Eco Village here.

Find more HOMEMAKERS inspiration.

As a family, we love to travel around South Africa. Not only to visit our beautiful natural wonders but also some pretty cool architectural masterpieces.  As an architect in South Africa, I appreciate our unique environment in the creation of the masterpieces that are well worth a visit. Here are a few of my favourite architectural hot spots in South Africa.

Bosjes Kapel

Situated in the Cape’s Breede Valley. The Bosjes Kapel unusual and elegant design complements the surrounding mountain range. Created by Steyn Studio in London, the chapel is open to the public.  

Arrival, via a narrow path over the water, also heightens the experience, imparting a level of tension and concentration to the procession. The floating roof is a biblical reference to Psalm 36:7: “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”  

From its interior, you can marvel at the sweeping hills and valleys. The reflective pool in the front courtyard gives the building the illusion of weightlessness.  

Bosjes Kapel is a prime example of how dazzling architectural additions to the landscape can create a destination, making a place through its mere presence, but also in the way that it mediates people’s experience of the spirit of place.  

The natural locale transforms cues from traditional Cape Dutch architecture to create a contemporary SA icon.  

Circa Gallery

Located on the highly visible corner of Jellicoe and Jan Smuts in Rosebank, it marks a prominent public intervention within the existing urban fabric.  

Its undulating steel façade hugs the corner, creating a visually interesting and permeable urban edge while beckoning patrons to explore the spaces within.  

Open to the public, the gallery uses its prominence to create an interest in art. Art has evolved, and this gallery sets out to include various media, such as music, film, large scale sculpture and the architecture itself.  

The architecture is therefore a sculptural artwork, moulding itself around the art it contains.  

Photo credit: Everard Read and Peter Yuill from TooSocial @Toosocialsa 

Erasmus Castle

The Erasmus Castle, also known as ‘The Haunted House’ or “Die Spookhuis” is a Victorian Art Nouveau mansion now privately owned by Armscor.  

Public tours and cultural gatherings at the premises can be arranged by appointment only. Construction commenced in 1892 and was completed in 1903. It was built in the Stick style and is a combination of the Gothic Revival Pointed (the 1840s) and the Queen Anne (1880-1910) styles.   

It is well worth the effort to view the well-preserved interior, and perhaps encounter the resident ghost, known for leaving lights lit and moaning at night.  

The Chapel of Light  

A small, low-budget project by architects Morne Pienaar and Chris Wilkinson, built at the Vaal University of Technology in Vanderbijl Park, The Chapel appears to make something out of nothing through sheer will.  

The semi-circular tower and cross that reaches upwards creates the Chapel Beacon.   

The beacon instinctively signals the entrance with the tower and roof extensions. The materials and shapes used are modest, but people are intuitively drawn towards the Chapel.  

By creating a series of spatial changes, the visitor experiences different phases of arrival. The arrival path changes your mindset as you make your way to the inner sanctuary.   

Although there are no views to the outside, the inner sanctuary creates a powerful and peaceful contemplative shelter through inspired contrast with its context.  

 The Big Pineapple

The World’s largest pineapple building, 17 meters tall in Bathurst, South Africa. Although Bathurst is one of the smallest municipalities in South Africa it is possibly one of the most interesting. The area is populated by smallholder farmers.  

The smallholder farmers account for 70% of South Africa’s pineapple production. The Big Pineapple is proof of Bathurst’s sustainable production process.  

On the ground floor of The Big Pineapple is a museum, highlighting its history along with a gift shop selling a variety of pineapple products. The Big Pineapple is open to the public from 9 to 5 daily.  

Even without The Big Pineapple, Bathurst boasts many tourist attractions including but not limited to the Oldest Licensed Pub in South Africa, The Bradshaw’s Mill built by the British Settler, Samuel Bradshaw in 1821, and the Bathurst Toposcope from where you can see the Great Fish River, The Gamtoos Valley floodplain and other spectacular sights.  

Travel has made me realise that no matter how much I think I know, there’s always more to learn. I made the mistake of thinking that being born in South Africa I need to go abroad to learn about the world and see more beautiful places. My partner and I are keen travellers and love to travel abroad as often as we can. We have been fortunate to travel internationally on average twice a year. Our motto has always been “let’s aim to run out of pages in our passports”.    

Every destination you visit leaves its unique memory. When this dreaded pandemic emerged a year ago, we were wondering how we were going to add it to our travel memory bank. Initially, South Africa as a destination was not on our list. South Africa was always one of those destinations we would get to later in life.  

The real truth is we are so fortunate to be blessed with a country that is so diverse in its landscape, its people and its fauna and flora. Our recent travels around South Africa have taught us that our problems are small and our blessings abundant.    

Petro from African Tapestry helped us put together an exciting trip. Without her knowledge and expertise, our trip would not have been as memorable. And memorable it was. We travelled just over 3500kms and witnessed and experienced South Africa at its best.  

Gariep Dam – De Stijl Gariep Hotel  

Did you know, the Gariep Dam is the largest storage reservoir in South Africa? It has a total storage capacity of approximately 5,340,000 mega-litres (5,340 hm3) and a surface area of more than 370 square kilometres when full. The hotel is comfortable and sports the most spectacular views, especially at sunset. The hotel also has lovely distant views of the dam from the swimming pool.   

The next morning after breakfast we headed off to the beautiful town of Prince Albert. En route, we stopped off at one of the most delightful “padstal” gems for some much-needed coffee and homemade treats. Travelling through the Karoo is a magical experience. Its landscape is vast and unique. The Karoo is such a special place – did you know it’s home to the largest variety of succulents on earth? Here you can find the richest desert floras in the world, and 40 per cent of these species are not found anywhere else on earth.   

Prince Albert – Mont D’Or Swartberg Hotel  

What a gem of a place, so nostalgic and truly beautiful. This town positioned snugly at the foot of the beautiful Swartberg Mountain Pass. We took a leisurely drive into the pass and were amazed by the spectacular rock formations and absolute pristine beauty of the surroundings. The Swartberg is regarded as one of the finest exposed folded mountain chains in the world and the northern end of the pass especially shows this off best. Plant life along the pass is particularly interesting as many hundreds of species are found on the Swartberg.  

Prince Albert has many authentic Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings, thirteen of which are National Monuments. There are several olive farms and other very large export fruit farms in the area, as well as wine producers, sheep farms and an export mohair trade.    

Mont DÓr Swartberg Hotel is a national monument with over 150 years of history and is situated in the heart of Prince Albert. The rooms are beautiful and spacious. The restaurant serves delicious dinner every night. The facilities at the Swartberg Hotel are top-class. The staff are all helpful and friendly.  

Grootbrak / Great Brak River:  Ilita Lodge  

We left early the next morning and along the way to Groot Brakrivier we visited the Meiringspoort Waterfall in Meiringspoort Gorge. One of the great sites in Meiringspoort is that of the waterfall. About 12 km from De Rust, the waterfall is well hidden in a deep ravine. This spectacular fall with water that streams down a 60 meters’ smooth rock face ends in a 9 meters’ deep rock pool. In 1925, when the then Prince of Wales visited South Africa, a pathway with shallow steps was hewn from the rock face for the Royal visitor.   

Petro advised that we should make a coffee stop in De Rust village – there are a few beautiful quaint coffee shops and galleries. A popular lunch venue in the countryside near Oudtshoorn is the Karusa Winery and Craft Brewery (Situated in the Cango Valley en route to the renowned Cango Caves) – it’s popular so be sure to book a table well in advance. Conveniently situated and close to Karusa is another popular stop called Cango Ostrich Show Farm. Ilita Lodge is a boutique hotel situated on the hills above Grootbrak/Great Brak River, with magnificent ocean views.    

Knysna – Kanonkop House  

From Groot Brakrivier we travelled to Knysna – we took the slow scenic road and spent the day meandering along the Seven Passes Road between George and Knysna, including a stop at the Woodville Big Tree – an 800-year-old enormous Yellowwood Tree and an easy 45-minute circular walk through lush indigenous forest. Our accommodation at the luxurious and world-class Kanonkop House was simply incredible. It’s an award-winning boutique hotel with beautiful distant views of the Knysna Lagoon. Only 7 suites. A swimming pool, sundeck, outdoor lounge, terrace and bar. Massages and beauty treatments are available.   

There is so much to do in this area, for example, you could explore the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park (Conservation Fees apply); scenic back roads (dirt roads but in good condition) through the park along the vlei’s – between Wilderness and Sedgefield; Hike in the forests around Ebb & Flow rest camp – do not miss the hike to the waterfall via the Half-collared and Giant Kingfisher trails including the fun crossing of the river on a hand-pulled pontoon, and wear your costume underneath so that you can take a dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Hire a canoe from Eden Adventures and paddle the waterways around Ebb & Flow rest camp. Guided kloofing and abseiling with Eden Adventures. Walk on the beautiful beaches at Wilderness, Myoli beach in Sedgefield and at Brenton-On-Sea. Swimming beaches at Buffels Bay & Swartvlei. Explore the villages at Wilderness & Sedgefield, and the boutique shops at the Knysna Waterfront and in Knysna town.   

Be sure to drive up to the look-out point on the Heads above Knysna, the views are spectacular! Various operators offer short boat trips on the Knysna lagoon – boats depart from the Knysna Waterfront. Kayaks to explore the Knysna Lagoon yourself can be hired from the SANParks Thesen Island office.   

Goukamma Nature Reserve near Buffels Bay (entrance fee applies) offers a pristine endless beach and more nature trails. If you decide to make a day trip to Plettenberg Bay: hiking/walking in Robberg Nature Reserve is highly recommended; it has the most pristine and beautiful coastline and a small beach – recommended to visit there at low tide so that you can walk over to the tiny island.  

Montagu – Montagu Country Hotel

We drove onto our next destination Montagu via Heidelberg, the Tradouw Pass and scenic Barrydale. Montagu is known as the ‘mountain mecca’ of the Cape, and is surrounded by the Langeberg mountain range nestled between the Keisie and Kingna Rivers in the western corner of Kannaland, and is famous for her orchards, vineyards, local herbs, rock formations and healing hot mineral springs. Our stay at the Montagu Country Hotel took us down memory lane – it’s a restored original Art Deco hotel, located in the heart of the quaint village of Montagu.   

Paternoster – Abalone House  

We drove via Ashton, Robertson, Worcester, the Huguenot Tunnel, Paarl, Malmesbury, Hopefield, Vredenburg, on to our next destination which was Paternoster. Our accommodation at Abalone House was simply spectacular. It’s a small boutique hotel with lavish bohemian decor situated in a quaint seaside village, within walking distance to the sea. Paternoster is a sought-after tourist destination and is known for lobster and white-washed fishermen’s cottages. The remarkable coastline of jagged cliffs and white boulders makes this one of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast of South Africa. The area is a pillar in the South African commercial fishing industry. The town itself has a lobster factory and a newly erected Kabeljou farm, whilst the local people catch and sell herring, or draw mussels from the rocks. In the greater area are several more commercial activities, including deep-sea fishing, snoek catching, Kabeljou farming, oyster farming, canning of pilchards and mussel farming. The oyster farm in the lagoon of the neighbouring town of Langebaan is currently the largest in South Africa.     

Cederberg – Kagga Kamma  

 

There is a quote that goes something like this “Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn”. The route we travelled to Kagga Kamma is a testament to that. Our route took us via Velddrif where we got to see the flamingos on the salt pans and once in Velddrif, we made a small detour to drive down the historic Bokkom Laan next to the Berg River – an experience not to be missed. From there we continued on the R399 to Piketberg, then Porterville and Gouda. You do need to make another small detour to visit the historic Church Street in the village of Tulbagh. Then we continued via Ceres, Prins Alfred Hamlet and then on to the Ceres Karoo.  

For a truly unique and utterly different experience, you do need to visit Kagga Kamma – it’s a place that cannot be described in words. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is located in an untouched wilderness area near Ceres, in the Western Cape, renowned for its scenic beauty and dramatic rock formations typical of the Cederberg. The room we stayed in is integrated with the natural rock formations that frame the horizon. It’s rugged yet beautiful, in short, an experience not to be missed.   

Beaufort-West – Lemoenfontein Country House  

After two wonderful weeks away from home, we started our trek back. The last leg of our journey was by no means an anti-climax. We went on to Beaufort West via Touwriver and the N1 and got to stop at the majestic little town of Matjiesfontein. The entire village of Matjiesfontein was preserved as a National Heritage Site in 1975 under the direction of revered hotelier David Rawdon. Now here is an interesting insight: David Rawdon established Rawdon’s Hotel in Nottingham Road in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the well-known Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch, the Marine Hotel in Hermanus, and the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet in the Camdeboo.   

Matjiesfontein was once the centre of the British Empire in South Africa and headquarters for the Cape Command during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), which was originally built as a railway connection to the diamond mines, and the small village truly boomed when Scotsman James Douglas Logan opened a refreshment station for passing trains. The clean, healthy air made the spot perfect for a Victorian spa and health resort, and the town is also said to be one of the birthplaces of South African cricket.  

Our stay at Lemoenfontein Country house was truly relaxing and luxurious – this beautiful homestead dates back to 1850. Lemoenfontein is an escape from the world at large, with the beauty that defies description and a peace that invites visitors to return time and again. Built slowly and soundly to the exacting standards and architectural style of the time, the building remains unchanged with characteristic high ceilings, original wooden floors and wide verandas which offer guests a sweeping panoramic view of the Karoo landscape.  

Bloemfontein Rural – De Oudekraal Country Estate  

Set on a working sheep farm surrounded by savannahs, this genteel hotel is 7 km from the N1 freeway and 35 km from museums in Bloemfontein. It’s a 6th generation sheep farm.    

This trip has given us renewed energy and love for this beautiful country. There is still so much opportunity and beauty to explore. It’s time to stop all our negative views and ideas about South Africa and perhaps if we rather looked at this beautiful part of the world with new fresh eyes our language will be filled with more admiration and love.  

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell.”

Article by Anisa Fielding

Visiting the Kruger National Park is always special. I felt such a sense of hope for a strange world being in the vast open spaces, viewing the great variety of wildlife, bird watching and just the magnificence of the bushveld.  

We look forward to our 5 days in the Kruger National Park aka BPOE (Best Place on Earth) every year and December 2020 was one that we anxiously awaited to see if we would be able to visit.  We were elated to find out that our trip was still possible and couldn’t wait to head out of the Jozi rat race into the tranquillity of the park for some seriously needed bush therapy.  We booked to stay in 4 camps over the 5 nights, Crocodile Bridge, Lower Sabie, Skukuza and Tamboti Tented Camp, mostly the southern and central part of the park.  

Crocodile Bridge 

Crocodile Bridge Main Rest Camp is a small and delightful camp situated in the Southeastern corner of the Kruger National Park, on the northern bank of the Crocodile River, from which it derives its name. We travelled on the N4 to Nelspruit, through Malelane and on to Komatipoort.  Then turned left onto the R571 just after Komatipoort towards the Crocodile Bridge Gate.  Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the trip to the gate from Johannesburg.   

 

With much excitement arriving late afternoon, we decided to check-in and go for a 2-hour drive before heading back to camp for the evening.  Within minutes we saw Impala, Warthog and two Black Backed Jackals crossing the road.  A short drive on the S25 to Hippo Pools we came across our first “Kruger Roadblock”, three Giraffes in the road.  Immediately we knew we were in our happy place! Our souls connecting with the bush at this beautiful display.  Giraffes have an unmistakable, awkward charm about them.  The two males were showing signs of some low intensity “necking”.   These are not serious brawls and typically involve the animals leaning their full weight into each other, pressing their necks together until one becomes too tired to continue. They usually part as friends, and the stronger of the two gets to nibble on the best acacia tree or try his luck with the girl.  Low intensity necking is sometimes engaged in as a pastime just to say “see, I told you I was stronger”.      

We spent a good 15 minutes enjoying their behaviour and saw some Hippos snorting and grunting in the pools of the Crocodile River flowing to the side of the road.  Needing to head back to camp before camp gates close at 18h30, we were spoilt with a few more sightings such as the Brown Snake Eagle, Wildebeest, Kudu, Waterbuck, Booted Eagle, the beautiful Woodlands Kingfisher and Lilac Breasted Roller.  A count of 21 combined species of birds and animals in the 2 hours before gates closed.   

We opted for Safari Tent Accommodation, a mere R 750.00 for a spacious 2 bed safari tent, with fan and fridge.  Communal bathroom and kitchen facilities.  (Amenities include a laundromat, grocery shop and liquor store at most camps).  We enjoyed a few sundowners and the sounds of the bush before a good night’s rest. Falling asleep to a chorus of insects, frogs, birds and mammals.  A lion or hyena solo will often be heard above the sounds of the night.  This, is what’s known as the Kruger lullaby.  

We woke up to a cloudy day and had our standard coffee and rusks for breakfast.  Checked the sightings board and saw there had been a sighting of Cheetah at Dukes Waterhole.  We enjoyed some light rain and the cooler weather on our way up to Lower Sabie.  We travelled the S28 gravel road towards Lower Sabie and headed to Dukes.  Along the way we saw over 30 species and yes, we’re avid birders.  Burchell’s Coucal, Crested Barbet, Jacobin Cuckoo, Magpie Shrike, Barratts Warbler, Striped Kingfisher, Black Crowned Tchagra, European Roller, Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill and so much more!  A honey badger (which was rare to see during the day), Elephant, Hippo’s, Buffalo, Hyena and Giraffe to name a few.  We didn’t get to find the elusive Cheetah and her cubs but did see a pride of lions sleeping under some trees. Three out of the big 5, what a great drive!  

Sunset Dam 

Located just a few minutes from the Lower Sabie Rest Camp is Sunset Dam, which always has something on show.  It’s one of the best places in Kruger to watch the sunset.  An excellent spot to see Hippos, Crocodiles, and a variety of water birds as it separates a portion of the Sabie River into a watering hole.  We parked right at the water’s edge, enjoyed a bottle of wine with some cheese and biscuits while getting ready for the sun to set.    

FUN FACT 

Kruger lovers will remember the legendary battle that took place at Sunset Dam in March 2007?  Battle at Kruger is an eight-minute amateur wildlife video that depicts a confrontation between a herd of Cape buffalo, a small group of young lions, and two crocodiles.” 

Lower Sabie 

On arrival at Lower Sabie Rest Camp, we checked into a 2-bed air-conditioned hut with fridge also at the cost of R 750.00 for the night.  We decided to have dinner at the Mugg & Bean camp restaurant which overlooks the Sabie River.  Another beautiful night in Africa listening to the sounds of the bush from the deck.  Uhm, which was kind of spoilt by the biggest bug we’ve ever seen that frightened the living daylights out of us!  It was about the size of my hand, had huge black and orange wings and was lying on its back scuffling on the deck.  After a shriek and girly-giggles, we decided to head to our hut for a nightcap and call it a night.  

The Lower Sabie Road (H4-1) to Skukuza is a particularly scenic drive that closely follows the Sabie River through riverine forest and thornveld. On route the sightings didn’t disappoint even with some scattered showers here and there.  Giraffe, Steenbok, Zebra, Kudu, Buffalo, Hippo, Elephant, a beautiful Hamerkop and a rare sighting of a small family of Southern Ground Hornbills also known as Thunder Birds.   

FUN FACT 

The Sabie River’s name is derived from the Swazi word ”Sabisa“ which means “to be careful” – apparently in reference to crossing the river because of the slippery rocks and resident population of crocodiles.    

Skukuza Rest Camp 

Skukuza Rest Camp is situated in the heart of Big Five territory and is easily accessed by road and by air.  Skukuza features a variety of accommodation options such as camp sites, furnished safari tents, semi luxury bungalows, cottages and 4 guesthouses.   

After making it to the gate by 6h30pm, we checked into another 2-bedroom Safari Tent, R775.00 for the night.  The safari tents were within close proximity of the camp and caravan site which we found to be a little too noisy for being in the bush and decided to have a quiet dinner at the popular Cattle Baron Restaurant on the Sabie River bank.  After a good meal and a bottle of wine, we decided on an early night with a long trip ahead of us the next day to Tamboti Tented Camp for our last two nights.  The real rustic bush experience awaits!  

Tamboti Camp  

We were eager to hit the long road to Tamboti Tented Camp and normally prefer to stay off the tar roads which are a little busier with tourists and safari vehicles for day visitors.  We much prefer travelling the gravel roads and enjoy the much slower drive at 30 Km/h speed limit with only a few cars sightings along the way.    

Beautiful birds and majestic landscapes, the familiar call of the African Fish Eagle, the magnificent Bateleur Eagle perched on a branch and a personal favourite, the prettiest little Malachite Kingfisher catching fish.  We watched this from the side of the bridge; how he drops suddenly with a splash and returns at once with a struggling captive.  Moments like these in the Kruger are indescribable.  

There was definitely something magical about this road, we didn’t find the elusive Cheetah but were spoilt to see a very handsome Nyala male, a Grey Duiker and a leopard kill in a tree.  

The trip from Skukuza to Tamboti is 137 Km’s which should take about 4 hours at the general speed limit of 50 Km’s.  We took a casual 7 hours to drive with a few lookout points and picnic stops to stretch and freshen up along the way. 

On arrival at our safari tent, we unpacked and sat down to enjoy the evening with a sundowner, we had a Hyena pacing up and down the fence.  The sheer magnificence of them being a few meters away is one of the greatest feelings.  A visit from a Civet close to the steps of our deck took us by surprise as it casually walked around the braai area.  Another first-time sighting for us!  

Not long after, a lone Elephant walked past, stopping to eat from a bush 5 meters away.  It’s really amazing how quiet they are. We heard him before we saw him!  The adrenalin rushes through your veins and you tend to hold your breath in awe of these gentle giants so close.  What a treat!  

Enjoying a nightcap and reminiscing about the day’s drive and sightings, we stop talking when we hear the roar of a Lion in the distance.  We smile and know that the bush therapy is working.  A short while later, we hear the surreal “whoop whoop”, the Hyena’s are calling in the darkness.  There’s just a little something special about a Hyena’s call that gives you a sense of excitement and goosebumps.  

Just as we were ready for bed, we were delighted to have two very small visitors to our Safari Tent. They went back and forth and we saw them numerous times, jumping from the tree onto the fence and onto our tent and back again.  The cute Lesser Bushbaby was the culprit!   Tamboti is small and remote and unlike the bigger rest camps, we didn’t see our neighbours and felt utterly hidden in the bush.   

We spent the next morning driving to Bobbejaankraan’s lookout point before leaving the park.  Another great sighting!  A huge male lion peacefully grooming and resting under a shady tree across the river bed.    The Kruger National Park is a great getaway! A budget holiday, self-drive for two adults in the Kruger National Park for R 3 575.00.  You can’t get better than that!   

TIPS FOR VISITING KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

What type of car do I need?  Higher profile cars can offer an advantage of sightline should you come across a bunch of cars at a good sighting.  Having said that, a 2-wheel drive sedan is fine in KNP where the roads are either tarred or well-maintained dirt roads.  

Get a Map:  Kruger is huge, you’re going to need to buy a good old-fashioned map when you arrive.  There is no cell service inside the park, and you won’t be able to rely on Google Maps.  I recommend getting the “Kruger Park Map & Guide”.  It comes with maps, suggested routes, info on all the camps and a checklist of all the mammals and reptiles!  

Fuel: There are petrol stations at all the main camps.    

Speed Limits: There is a 50 km/h speed limit on tar roads and 30 km/h on dirt roads.  Make sure you stick to these rules as there are speed cameras and the park loves to set up traps near closing time to catch people racing back to the gates.  

Sightings:  The best time for sightings is early mornings and evenings.  The Big Cats and Wild Dogs are active, and you’ll have beautiful, soft light for photographs.  

Shops: There are shops at each main camp that have a range of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and bread.  You can buy firewood, biodegradable plates, cutlery, general groceries and beautiful souvenirs.  The shops do accept credit cards and there are ATMs on site.  If you don’t feel like cooking, the main camps have restaurants.  

Wi-Fi:  There is a Wi-Fi signal at all camps and restaurants at the camps will have free Wi-Fi for guests. 

Malaria:  The national park is in a malaria area, although the risk is low. Always consult your doctor before your trip.  

Southern Kruger:  For first-time visitors to Kruger, you should base yourself in the south to increase your chances of seeing the Big 5.  It’s easily accessible from Johannesburg and it’s where you will find some of the most popular rest camps like Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge.  

Central Kruger:  Central Kruger is known as Big Cat country.  Book a couple of nights at Satara or Olifants rest camp if you want to try your luck at spotting Lions sleeping in the grasslands or Leopards walking across the road.  You’ll also see plenty of herbivores like Zebra, Buffalo and Impala.  

Northern Kruger:  If you want to explore northern Kruger, you’ll need a 4×4.  As it’s the least popular portion of the Kruger, you won’t find many tourists here and the game density is far less than the south.  If you don’t mind getting off the beaten track, you’ll find rare bird, huge Elephants and might even spot a pack of Wild Dog or Eland (rarely seen as there is only about 300 in the Kruger National Park)  

Easy Info 

SANPARKS Official Website:  https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/all.php  

You can enjoy a day visit in the Kruger Park: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/day_visitors.php  

 All about Kruger:  http://www.krugerpark.co.za/  

 Live Webcams Water Holes:  https://www.sanparks.org/webcams/  

 Article and photos by Cindy Cousins

Travel Life started four years ago. It is purely for people who love to experience the world and new adventures. They cater for any kind of budget and can help you plan everything from family holidays to destination weddings and honeymoons. They believe there is no budget that is too big or too small when it comes to creating memories while seeing and experiencing the world. 

Why is taking a break important?

Taking a break is vital as it helps restore the mind, body and soul.  In today’s day and age, we all lead extremely stressful lifestyles and therefore it is imperative to give yourself a well-deserved break.  

We often forget to take time out and make new memories with our loved ones, so taking a break helps us realise that it is not only important for our mental wellbeing but also spending quality time with those most important to us. There is one thing in life that can’t be taken away from you and that is the memories of a great holiday. 

What are your top five holiday/breakaway destinations for South Africans?

Mauritius – a must-see destination. It is cost-effective and close enough to do a five- or seven-night holiday. They offer an all-inclusive option that is loved by South Africans. 

Thailand – Cost-effective and you can easily travel between areas. Perfect for a ten-day experience that won’t cost an arm and a leg. 

Victoria Falls – Is a destination that I would recommend all South Africans visit. A three-night stay is perfect for a small breakaway. 

Afriski – Only a few hours’ drive away from almost anywhere in South Africa. Afriski, in Lesotho, is a fun, family resort for all ages and is close enough for a four-night stay. 

Kruger National Park – Only a few hours’ drive into one of the most incredible bush experiences, great for families, with lots of options to suits anyone’s holiday needs. 

What are your tips for holidaying on a budget?

• SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! 
• Research your destination and what activities you may want to do. 
• Have a budget and plan ahead. 

• Don’t overspend on gifts, rather have the experience and memories. 
• Try going on all-inclusive packages to avoid overspending on food and drinks whilst still having fun and not having to count your pennies. 

Which holiday destination (local or international) should be on everyone’s bucket list?

We would definitely recommend the Maldives; it is referred to as a bucket list destination in the travel industry. Available on all-inclusive packages or even just the Full Board option, as it does get pricey if you venture away from the meal and drinks options. However, this gorgeous destination holds so much beauty and is perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. 

For more travel advice, contact the Travel Life team at travellifeinfo@gmail.com.