Month: May 2017

Living the Karoo Life

Often referred to as the outback of South Africa, The Karoo is a semi – arid region in the country. It is characterized by vast open spaces with desert flora and fauna thriving across the plains.  A bunch of small sheep farming and laidback towns, rocky layers, low rainfall, clear blue skies and either extreme heat or cold constitutes this charmingly arid land. Divided into the Klein Karoo and the Groot Karoo, this expanse spreads across 4 of the country’s 9 provinces and takes up to 40% of the country’s land. The Karoo is that large that you have to explore it slowly, town or area at a time. Otherwise you know what they say “Once you go Karoo, you ever go back.“
 The Karoo is a hiker's paradise

With a description so general and so vague, you are almost not enticed to want to visit the Karoo. It all sounds like it is such an uneventful area but that is the actual Karoo life you ought to see. It is the experience that counts, the real rustic country experience of a loving and friendly community  and the togetherness of the locals. The Karoo life is such that everyone knows each other, you know your butcher, your storekeeper, your nurse or handyman who fixes anything from you  toaster to your tractor. It makes a perfect alternative lifestyle. For those looking to detach from your ever busy life that is profoundly affected by just about anything, the Karoo is your ideal escape. Living  the Karoo life is actually liberating.

A Chance to Re-invent Yourself

Stockbrokers become rose growers. Company mavens become cheese-heads. Former coal miners now make forest fairies for a living. Old journos become wine-makers. OK, that’s not much reinvention but it’s something.                   http://bit.ly/2rFMqrv 

Another thing you will enjoy living in the Karoo is its timelessness. The old Cape Dutch and Edwardian buildings will just take your breath. Strolling along  the streets of  Graaff- Reinet or Nieu – Bethesda is the best thing you can do to relax and take you back in time. Riding ostriches in Oudtshoorn is also great if you need to shake it up a bit. Although change is taking place slowly, the old charm is resistant and is still very prominent in many Karoo towns. The annual gatherings such as the Vleisfees in Calvinia every August continue to hold the sense of community together.

Stay tuned for more exciting blog about the ins and outs of South Africa.

Why visit South Africa in winter?

We often find ourselves asking the question whether or not we need a getaway during winter. There are mixed feelings about this question! The we go on and ask “Why visit South Africa in winter?” Now, we have an answer to that question.

Whale WatchingPlettenberg Bay Accommodation_ Redbourne Country Lodge_ Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the most popular thing to do during the South African winter.  Between June and November a host of whales migrate to the Cape Coasts and the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and up to 37 whale and dolphin species can be found in the waters of South Africa. Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay and St Lucia are the best whale watching spots where you can even partake in an ocean and marine life safari and encounter these marine beasts up close and other marine creatures altogether.

Kruger National Park

Image credit- Dren Pozhegu
It is a fact that wild animals tend to roam freely in winter and this is when you get the best chances of spotting some of the rarest of them. In South Africa, Kruger National Park, Africa’s largest game reserve, is the ideal destination for a winter safari. Not only will you enjoy the sightings of the wild, but the beauty of  the atmosphere, biodiversity and natural and historical sites are overwhelming in winter. You won’ want to leave.

Wine tasting 

Franschhoek Accommodation

A real winter warmer that one! An excellent glass of red wine paired with fondue or a thick juicy steak in winter keep the cold away. With a host of  wine farms and cellars, some still emerging in the country, wine tasting makes a perfect winter activity, enjoyable either in the afternoon or in the evening. Wine cellar tours are also enjoyable. Make a trip to the Cape Winelands, where you can experience authentic winery excursions, and weather you are in Route62 or in the actual Cape winelands, the experience is the same and overwhelmingly incredible.

Matroosberg

matroosberg_ things to do_venues4africa_blog

Known to be the tallest mountain in the Boland region, the Matroosberg mountain is a popular winter attraction as it is one of the few places that experiences snow in winter in South Africa. Abounding activities for families as well as bigger groups include 4×4 drives, quad biking, fishing, ice climbing, abseiling, cherry picking and farm tours in the area. Treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable and eventful winter vacation.

The Clarens Route

maluti mountains_clarens route_ things to do_ venues4africa_blog

A 3 hour drive from Johannesburg and tucked in the Maluti Mountains sits the quaint “The Jewel of the Free State”,  Clarens. The little village overlooks fertile and stunning landscapes and Lesotho is visible in a distance from here. The famous Golden Gate Highlands National Park  is just outside the village and is renowned for its rare sandstone cliffs which turn golden in the rays of the setting sun. For those seeking an alternative lifestyle, Clarens quiet and serene, picturesque while offering various outdoor ventures, such as birding, hiking trails, horse riding, 4×4 trails, trout and bass fishing, golf, to name a few.  The Clarens Route makes a perfect escape for or the log cabin, crackling fire and woolly-blanket-lover.

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