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| Settler Country |
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Bathurst Agricultural Museum
Bathurst lies between Grahamstown and Port Alfred, and in this museum you can see some fine old agricultural machinery and tools, with some items dating back to the British Settlers.
The museum was established in 1970 by local people who wanted to preserve valuable things which could have been lost forever. It started with just 30 items and the collection has since grown to over 1 400 exhibits, all donated and many both rare and unique. There are some 80 tractors, including more than a dozen crawlers. The historical importance of oxwagons and horsedrawn vehicles, as well as dairy and veterinary equipment and household utensils, plus other diverse farm items such as old ostrich incubators, is also highlighted.
Alex Cremer
Bathurst Agricultural Museum: Johan, tel 083 490 9624,
email hopewell@telkomsa.net
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| Bushveld |
Sagole Big Tree
Sagole lies in the far north of Limpopo. To get there you take the R525 off the N1 north and head east towards the Kruger Park’s Pafuri Gate. As for finding the Big Tree, every self-respecting Sagole local knows where it is and can point you in the right direction.
Some say this is the biggest and oldest baobab in the world – and when they say old, they mean it in a biblical sense. The tree is truly ancient. Stand under those pockmarked boughs and you can only wonder at the sights it must have seen.
For an experience of an unusual kind yourself, get there before 16h00 and arrange with the gatekeeper to let you stay on for the sight of the Mottled Spinetails coming in to roost in their legions at sunset. You won’t regret it.
Ashley Dowds
For more information: visit www.golimpopo.com
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| Boland |
Du Toitskloof Resort
Come and catch your own trout at Du Kloof Estate, situated in the beautiful Dutoitskloof Pass on the N1 between Paarl and Worcester. In this lovely setting among towering mountains are a couple of large dams that are well stocked with trout, but you can also try your luck in the nearby river. Bring your own fly-fishing gear or hire it at the venue. They charge R50 per adult entrance fee (half for minors and free for under eights), and if you want to take your catch home it will cost you an additional R50 per kilogram.
Although there are trees beside the dam and river, in summer good sun protection should be a priority, especially a wide-rimmed hat. Excellent accommodation is also available.
Alex Cremer
Du Toitskloof Resort: tel 023 349 1151/3/4, email manager@dukloofestate.co.za or visit www.dukloofestate.co.za
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| Overberg |
| Topiary Creations
 Andrea Semple’s elegant miniature topiary is rapidly seducing the housewife, hospitality industry and general public with its eclectic African chic. A talented young Grabouw artist, Andrea loves nature and pays great attention to every intricate detail of her artwork. Her topiary items are all handmade from Cape fynbos and evergreens which are treated scientifically to maintain their natural colour and sophistication.
Andrea’s show-stopping range includes romantic hearts for Valentine’s Day, religious crosses for Easter and stunning large and mini wreaths for Christmas. A caring member of the community, Andrea has trained a number of disadvantaged women to help her in her work.
Pat Kossuth
Topiary Creations: Andrea Semple, tel/fax 082 658 5744
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| Overberg |
| Strandveld Museum
This small, privately owned museum is on the beach at Franskraal near Gansbaai in a building that used to be the mainland home of the Dyer Island headman. Here you will find the largest collection of relics from the ill-fated Birkenhead, which was wrecked off Danger Point, as well as other historical artefacts and photos of the region. Entrance fee is a modest R5 pp with children under 12 free.
Owners Jan and “SD” Fourie are marvellous storytellers who will gladly take you on an interesting historical trip. Jan is a retired teacher with a vast knowledge of the Strandveld and its people, and also a great harmonica and concertina player, while SD is a qualified tour guide who really knows her area. Her popular Ghost Tour gives visitors the chance to get to know more about a few local restless spirits.
Alex Cremer
Strandveld Museum: tel 072 235 0694 or
email sdfourie@ananzi.co.za
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| KZN Midlands |
| Lord Grey Guesthouse
 The Lord Grey is a declared National Monument in Greytown that has been restored to its former Victorian beauty. It is named after Sir George Grey who was Governor of the Cape Colony between 1854 and 1861 and after whom Greytown was named.
Situated in tree-lined Voortrekker Street, the Lord Grey is today a three-star guesthouse with seven en-suite bedrooms that echoes the style and elegance of times gone by. While the town’s interesting history tells of discord and dissension between Brits, Boers and Zulus, owner Lee Odendaal’s warm hospitality ensures that her guests enjoy a quiet and peaceful stay.
Anita de Villiers
The Lord Grey Guesthouse: tel/fax: 033 417 1516 or 082 579 3877, email lordgrey@gom.co.za
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| Overberg |
Basildon Guest House
 Blue Cranes nest on the hillside overlooking this charming four-star guest house in Caledon run by famed former radio presenter Marilyn Verster, who also plays a charming hostess to her guests
It’s been more than a decade since we tuned into Woman’s World and heard Marilyn’s captivating interviews with famous personalities of the day. Erudite and articulate after years spent travelling the globe, she was able to make a reliable contribution to research, social studies, health, and local interests.
Now she prepares stunning English breakfasts for her guests and imaginative candlelit dinners on request. We delighted in a chilled Borsch, a saddle of tender Karoo lamb with garden vegetables, and a memorable homemade strawberry ice cream.
Pat Kossuth
Basildon Guest House: tel 028 212 2315
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| Lowveld |
| Ku De Ta
Ku De Ta is an eden of serenity and service at White River in Mpumalanga.
As the gates to the property open you’ll marvel at the sub-tropical garden of swaying trees and fragrant flowers that embrace the property. The plant life was personally selected and nurtured by owner Johan Lubbe, who is chairman of the Lowveld Gardening Club and also has many years in the hospitality business behind him.
The main home offers seven en-suite bedrooms with shaded verandas and individual entrances from private courtyards. Tranquil Zen water features and koi ponds inspire a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
Michael Cohen
Ku De Ta: tel 013 751 1773, 082 880 2224, email live@kudeta.co.za,
or visit www.kudeta.co.za
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| KZN Midlands |
Butterflies for Africa
KwaZulu-Natal is now home to one of the world’s premier butterfly centres – Butterflies for Africa in Pietermaritzburg.
A spectacular walk-through butterfly house enables you to admire butterflies from all over the world, flying freely around you. The sounds of quails and finches, cascading waterfalls and gentle streams add to the magic. It’s something that can’t be described – it has to be experienced.
Apart from the butterfly house there’s a lovely garden and nursery, the Painted Lady coffee bar, the Butterfly shop and a monkey enclosure where visitors can interact with cotton-top tamarind monkeys – charming and friendly little chaps.
The Blue Caterpillar art gallery is a spacious showcase for local artists, offering a wide range of tastefully presented artwork, while the African Art Centre features quality ethnic crafts. An education centre and function rooms are also available.
Katrine Anker-Nilssen
Butterflies for Africa: tel 033 387 1356 |
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| Lowveld |
Makulu Manzi Restaurant
Makulu Manzi is located at the entrance to the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens in Nelspruit, on land once owned by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of Jock of the Bushveld. Carrying on this creative tradition, the restaurant serves up a feast for the senses.
From the wrap-around deck you can delight in restful birdsong and a panoramic view of the Crocodile River as it crashes through a forested gorge, cascading over ancient granite boulders. This scenic indulgence would be reason enough to visit Makulu Manzi, but then you’d be missing the opportunity to enjoy a mouthwatering meal served with a smile. I could wax poetic just thinking about the omelette that chef Margaret prepared for me.
Makulu Manzi is open all week from breakfast to dinner and offers a taste for every occasion.
Michael Cohen
Makulu Manzi: tel 013 757 0396, email manzimakulu@yahoo.com
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| KZN Midlands |
| Chillifields
This pretty little Bed & Breakfast situated midway between Pietermaritzburg and Durban is the perfect weekend getaway for those seeking tranquillity. It’s on a 10 acre farm on a hillside between beautiful trees and vibrant, multicoloured flowers.
The three well-appointed suites each comprise a bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a small lounge and a fully equipped kitchenette, which allows for self-catering. However, a Continental breakfast is available and, for those who don’t feel like cooking at all, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants close by.
Fanatic but patient bird lovers should bring their binoculars, as a multitude of species occur in the area, among others the Long-crested Eagle, Egyptian Goose and Purple Turaco.
Katrine Anker-Nilssen
Chillifields: tel 031 700 4525 or 083 625 0879
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| Overberg |
Greyton Hikes
Though well known as the start or end of the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail, Greyton has many other hiking trails and is a wonderful base from which to explore the surrounding Riviersonderend Mountains.
We stayed in basic accommodation at the hostel and set off on the Nooienskop Trail from the 2 220 ha Greyton Nature Reserve, which contains endemic plants not seen elsewhere since they were first identified by Burchell in 1812. We ascended slopes covered with Protea repens, entered Tiergat Gorge and had tea at a waterfall. On the final ascent the ground was covered with white helicrysum and erica.
The next day we did the Abdolskop Trail, climbing to 871 metres and enjoying fantastic views. The vegetation on this trail was completely different, comprising pincushion proteas and buchu.
Karen Watkins
Greyton Tourism: tel 028 254 9414 or visit www.greyton.co.za
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| KZN South Coast |
| The Gaze Gallery
 The Gaze Gallery houses an exclusive selection of fine art, pottery and crafts. Established half a century ago next to the famous Blue Lagoon at Ramsgate, it prides itself on stocking a unique range of items, such as pottery from David Walters and Barry Dibb, glass by Giudo van Besouw, bronze sculptures from Llewellyn Davies, and works by well-known South African artists Izidro Duarte, Peter Halls and Lucy Wills.
The “Dlaminis” sculptures by Tim Dlamini and the gallery’s selection of wooden figures from Mozambique would make distinctive gifts, even more so if presented with something from The Gaze’s selection of pretty handmade paper cards. Complete the shopping experience with a visit to the Basket Shop, on the same premises, which stocks a large range of woven products and unique handmade African crafts.
Tania Sandberg
The Gaze Gallery: tel 039 314 9424
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| Reading Matter |
| Namibia Space
 In this book, Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit invite you to join them on a graphic and informative tour of “the blond land” – Namibia. They cover the country from the Fish River Canyon in the south all the way through to the Caprivi Strip in the north. They took in the space and stark beauty of all Namibia’s facets in six weeks – you can take as long as you like.
The contents are excellently balanced between superb photographs and easy, interesting, informative reading. Individual chapters take you to all the major tourist haunts as well as some of the lesser known gems while being short enough to read over a cup of afternoon tea.
A wonderful book for holiday reading – informative yet not at all heavy going.
Rae Waters
Published by Struik and retailing for around R204.
ISBN 9781770073326
 Wild Flowers of the Table Mountain National Park
Last November the Botanical Society of South Africa launched this latest edition of Wild Flowers of the Table Mountain National Park, illustrated by Mary Maytham-Kidd and Fay Anderson, with descriptions by Terry Trinder-Smith of the Bolus Herbarium at UCT. It is the most comprehensive guidebook to the flora of the park and the Cape Peninsula, covering 822 of the 2 285 species.
What makes it special is that the plants are broken into species order as opposed to seasonally, as in previous editions.
The original edition of the book was published in 1950 and nothing like it had ever appeared in this country before. To date, 35 000 copies have been sold.
For now the new edition is available at the Kirstenbosch Bookshop for R250, but it will become available at other well-known bookshops later.
Karen Watkins
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| Lowveld |
| Pafuri River Lodge
 Karen and Dave Comins bring a sense of old safari nostalgia to their bush camp around the corner from the Kruger’s Pafuri Gate.
This is the “new” Wallers camp, established after the flood of 2000 along the Mutale River. Choose from one of the tented tree camps near the main boma, or the more secluded camps overlooking the water. But don’t miss Karen’s dinner, even if you opt to self-cater all the rest of your meals.
Ashley Dowds
Pafuri River Lodge: tel 015 963 1386 or 084 555 8460,
email rivercamp@pafuri.co.za or visit www.pafuri.co.za
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| KZN Midlands |
 Homes Tedd B&B
The spacious cottage on Clive and Jenni Tedder’s smallholding just four kilometres outside Greytown on the R74 to Muden, says welcome to all, including families with small children. Horses, picket fences and orchards where you can pick avocadoes and oranges complete the happy picture. An ideal stopover between Gauteng and the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal, it is a relaxed, informal home-from-home with breathtaking views that would make you want to stay for a holiday. It is also the ideal base from which to explore an area steeped in history. Greytown was the centre of the 1906 Bhambatha Rebellion and is the gateway to the KZN Midlands and Battlefields.
Anita de Villiers
Homes Tedd B&B: tel/fax 033 413 1474, 082 875 9791,
email cjtedder@latic.net |
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| KZN South Coast |
 The Waffle House
Once you’ve tasted The Waffle House’s Belgian-style waffles individually cooked to order, your life will most likely change forever. I resolved to make more frequent trips down to Ramsgate’s main beach where it is situated. Its waffles are simply delicious – incredibly light and crispy, made from stone ground flour and topped with quality fresh ingredients.
Their avocado, cream cheese and mild chili sauce topping comes highly recommended or, if sweet is your taste, you can have fresh strawberries and cream or the traditional ice-cream and syrup. There is a large selection of savoury and sweet. To top this the service is excellent and their prices are reasonable.
Choose from hot or cold beverages, or wine and malt. Relax in the beautiful, calm surroundings next to the Blue Lagoon while your children explore the playground. The setting, along with an exclusive art gallery and African curio shop on the premises, makes for a delightful experience all round.
Tania Sandberg
The Waffle House: tel 039 314 9424 |
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| KZN Midlands |
St Cathryn’s Resort
At St Cathryn’s near Kranskop, life is about having fun. Whether you’re riding the foefie slide, playing a round of golf, fishing for trout and bass, scouting for the breeding pair of Crowned Cranes, or just relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, the vibe is laid-back and homely.
Piet and Cathy Nel have developed some 53 ha of their farm into a resort with a difference. Accommodation is in three rustic chalets, and the hall where weddings and other functions are held sometimes doubles up to house school groups that come for leadership and team-building courses.
Chef Andrew Newby oversees the Pied Piper Restaurant where the eclectic menu reflects both German and Indian influences.
Anita de Villiers
St Cathryn’s Resort: tel 033 444 1945 or 083 269 1661,
email par4@futuregtn.co.za
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| Magaliesberg |
Veldflora Farm
Veldflora Farm offers a good balance between hospitality and privacy in this fully equipped, cosy timber cabin, which has breathtaking views of the Magaliesberg Mountains.
Stargaze from the deck on languid summer evenings or enjoy the cosy ambience of an open log fire on a cool winter’s night. The well-appointed kitchen and exclusive braai facilities ensure all your self-catering needs are met, or you could dine out at any of the fine restaurants in the area.
Spend your days walking, taking in the flora and fauna, watching the abundant birdlife or just relaxing by the pool. Gardening enthusiasts can enjoy a private tour of the indigenous and exotic nursery on the farm with the hostess, Hilde, who speaks English, Afrikaans, German and French.
Veldflora Farm: tel/fax 014 577 1564, cell 082 902 1979,
or visit www.magaliesburghideaways.co.za |
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| Lesotho |
 Afriski Lodge
If your mission is to spend most of your Lesotho break on the Mahlasela ski slope, this has to be the most obvious choice for accommodation.
Head for the Maluti Mountains and follow the signs to Afriski – the new slope on the northern side of the mountains.
Winter season accommodation in the rooms of the main lodge – or in the separate chalets shipped in from Estonia – will give you the chance to ski till sunset.
Ashley Dowds
Afriski: tel 011 888 1263 or 086 111 7111, email info@afriski.co.za |
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| KZN South Coast |
Tinkers Den
 Take a step back into history and visit the Tinkers Den. This antique dealer, established 25 years ago in Ramsgate, carries an enormous amount of stock. Their oldest items are a washbasin table from the late 1850s and a 200-year-old “travelling, folding lavetree” – a tall cupboard with a mirror at the top and a washbasin inside that was used by ships’ captains for washing up and shaving. This unique piece has mahogany covers with holes for carrying it, so a captain could take it along to where he stayed ashore. Apparently in those days the captain was the only crew member allowed to disembark. I was further intrigued by a wooden statue, which looked very much like the late Princess Diana, and of course their selection of Royal Doulton crockery. Well worth a visit.
Tania Sandberg
Tinkers Den: tel 039 312 0180 |
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