Get your gear on and scuba near Cape Town

Published by in Cape Town, Travel on February 28th, 2012

I can’t think of a better way to explore the ocean and get in touch with your inner adventurer than scuba diving. It gives you the freedom to breathe underwater and see the magnificent sea creatures, plants, coral reefs and shipwrecks. Getting started is easy enough if you are in the Cape Town area as there are numerous diving centres that can help you with everything from equipment to scuba trips.

If you already have your scuba qualification, but are afraid you might be getting rusty, a scuba school can give you a refresher course. Teaming up with a diving centre is also good if you don’t know Cape Town or you don’t have a friend to dive with you. Diving alone is obviously not an option. Diving centres also rent equipment, which is very useful if you are travelling to Cape Town.

When you look for a centre, think of what you want them to do for you. They usually offer different “safaris” for those interested in swimming with seals, cow sharks, seeing shipwrecks or simply exploring. Diving from the shore is a bit cheaper than going out with a boat.

When you get off at Cape Town airport, rent a car and go to the nearest diving centre which is Learn to Dive Today. The National Scuba Diving Academy is also close to the airport.  They do not have a website at present, but you can find them at 17th Avenue, Bellvile. If you are heading in the direction of the City of Cape Town, Into the Blue will be the nearest diving centre.

Scuba-lovers who want to get away from the fast-paced city environment can explore the sea near Fish or Gordon’s Bay on the other side of False Bay.

There are of course many more scuba centres, but these will be easiest to find en route. The waters near Cape Town are teeming with wildlife and amazing things to see. This is definitely something you want to cross off your bucket list. I know I do.

(Image by Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

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Stellenbosch and its surroundings have much to offer

Published by in Cape Town, Travel on February 28th, 2012

Stellenbosch might be famous for its university and wine estates, but there is definitely a lot more to do in this small town that packs a lot of punch.

Animals and nature

Three hiking trails start at the Devon Valley Hotel, perfect for those who love the outdoors. The trail passes Middelvlei, a winery where you can stop to eat what one visitor calls “homey” cuisine and the kids can visit the numerous animals in the farmyard.

Butterfly World is a 1000m2 greenhouse with hundreds of tropical butterflies flying around. You walk on trails between the plants and go into the other enclosures leading out of the main greenhouse to see a variety of birds, iguanas, spiders, snakes, frogs and more. There is also a gift shop and café.

Spier Wine Estate is a must-see. You can have a picnic on the grass at the farm and buy a picnic basket or sandwiches with locally produced vegetables, eggs and meat. You can also eat at Mojo restaurant for a sophisticated African experience, visit the craft market with over 90 different stands, go on the heritage walk, see the cheetahs at the Cheetah Outreach or participate in the daily flying display at Eagle Encounters, which rescues these birds of prey. The hotel boasts its own restaurant and a spa.

Giraffe House has an interesting assortment of animals to see. They have the smallest antelope in the world, the blue duiker, as well as the largest antelope in the world, the eland. Furthermore, there is the tallest animal in the world – the giraffe – as well as the largest and meanest reptile in Africa, the Nile crocodile. This is a relatively new sanctuary and they are in the process of being registered as a non-profit organization.

For art and entertainment

The Franschoek Motor Museum makes collecting cars an art. Here you can view over 100 years of automobile history on the L’Ormarins farm. The cars are housed in dehumidified halls in chronological order and grouped as from Antique, built before end of 1904, to Post-60.

The Oude Libertas Amphitheatre is open during summer months and showcases stars performing under the stars. You can see the mountain range, vineyards, old trees and picturesque gardens that Stellenbosch is famous for from the theatre.

AmaZink LIVE has a true South African township feel to it. You can make use of the restaurant’s shuttle service that takes you to the restaurant and theatre. They claim to offer the very best South African flavours and the musical honours the best in local talent while entertaining guests with a show they’ll never forget.

A time machine. That’s what the Stellenbosch Village Museum feels like. Instead of looking at artefacts from the past behind glass windows, this museum consists of four very old houses. Each of them is decorated according to the timeframe in the history of Stellenbosch that it dates back to. Even the gardens are era-specific. Schreudeurhuis is the oldest documented and restored town house in South Africa, dating back to 1709.

If you still have time to kill, stroll down Dorp Street, arguably, the most famous street in town, and the streets nearby. Oom Samie se Winkel and the seemingly countless array of shops and restaurants always deliver something interesting.  Stellenbosch really is a Mecca for art and beautiful scenery and just 45 minutes drive from Cape Town. Hire a car for a day, drive around and see one of South Africa’s most historic towns.

(Images:

Butterfly World, warrenski, CC by-SA 2.0, via Flickr)

Franschoek Motor Museum, Gary Bembridge, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

 

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Interact with African wildlife, just a stone’s throw away from Joburg

Published by in Johannesburg, Travel on February 28th, 2012

The Lion Park near Lanseria is the perfect urban jungle. Visitors will be delighted to know they can rent a car and drive just 21 kilometers out of Johannesburg to meet the animals at the park. Most of the four footed residents roam free, but you can meet the lion cubs in the enclosed area. This is called the “Cub Edu Safari”, as the park is geared towards teaching children the importance of conserving the precious wildlife we have left.

The park’s owner, Ian Melass, said “Without education, people wouldn’t have an appreciation for wildlife. So many young kids from places like Soweto come here to see lions for the first time. They have never touched an animal before. This kindles something inside of them, which will hopefully grow into a love for the environment as they get older.”

There are also young cheetah, hyena, black leopard and caracal that people. In the giraffe feeding area you can experience these long-legged beauties up close. Shitana is a full-grown cheetah that is the main attraction of the “Walk with a full grown cheetah” tour. Here you can learn lots of interesting facts about the world’s fastest mammal.

The park introduces new lions from time to time to keep the lions from inbreeding. Some of the lions come from circuses around the world. They received a rare white lion from the Johannesburg zoo and even after being told he is too old, he sired cubs within five months. Fourteen of the world’s 50 white lions live comfortable lives in the park. There aren’t any of these lions in the wild that we know of.

Melass says the lions are tamed, not trained, which means one should still be cautious of the adult lions. Staying in your car when opting for the self-drive in the main park and not opening your windows too wide are good ideas. If you want to go for a guided tour, there is a safari bus that shows guests zebra, giraffe, antelope, hyena and many more animals while sharing educational information about their world.

Visitors who can’t get enough of the park in just one day will be glad to know that there is accommodation available at the park. The Lion Park is open every day of the year. Opening hours on weekdays are 8:30 to 17:00; Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 1 September to 30 April 8:30 to 18:00; 1 May to 31 August 8:30 to 17:00.

(Image:

White Lion: MyAngelG, CC by 2.0, via Flickr

Giraffe’s tongue: jit bag, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

 

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The little gem that is Kleinmond

Published by in Cape Town, Travel on February 27th, 2012

The ethereal Harold Porter Botanical Gardens are situated between the sleepy towns of Betty’s Bay and Keinmond. Here you can park on a paved road and find the restaurant and information centre upon entry. There are paths winding through the lush vegetation and it is no surprise that this is the spot where you can find the widest range of plant species per area in South Africa. Among these is the famous fynbos, a plant that has over 8000 species that can be found around the Western Cape.

Once you’ve sniffed enough of the moss and leaf scented air, you can drive a bit further to Harbour Road, Kleinmond. Check out all the little shops. There are always wonderful surprises. The pottery shop, Sunshine Trading and Bee&Kie are must-sees. Don’t look past the small collection of shops on your right next to Sunshine Trading. There is a variety of junk shops and garages close to the harbor where you can rummage through interesting scrap.

If shops get you bored, go mountain biking through the Palmiet River Valley. South Africa’s only herd of wild horses can be found here, so if you’re lucky you might spot them. The cycling group meets up at the Kogelberg Nature Reserve for the 26 kilometers trail. There is also tubing and white-water rafting down the river in winter months to get the adrenaline pumping.

The accommodation in Kleinmond is mostly guest houses and quant B&Bs or if you want to make the most of the outdoors there is camping and caravan sites around every turn. So hire a car for the 90 minute drive from Cape Town and discover the fynbos wonderland that is Kleinmond.

(Images:

Fynbos by Derek Keats, CC By-SA 2.0, via Flickr

Sunshine Trading by Danie VDM, CC By-NC-SA 2.0, via Flickr)

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The Biggest National Park in Zimbabwe

Published by in Travel on February 25th, 2012

The Hwange National Park boasts a kingdom of animal species that tourists might only expect after basing their expectations of Africa on The Lion King. In the park you can find 105 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores like rhino, giraffe and elephant and eight species of large carnivores, of which the shy leopard is one.

 

The park is on your way to Victoria Falls from Bulawayo Airport. It might sound like a stone’s throw, tut don’t be fooled, the entire drive to Victoria Falls is 440 kilometers. If you’re coming from the Falls side, expect the trip to take just under three hours. Also, you might want to rent a car that is high enough to handle the National Park’s terrain.

 

And what a terrain it is! This is the largest national park in Zimbabwe at an impressive 14 000 km2. The animals can choose from a variety of habitats, such as teak forests, palm islands, Kalahari savannah and acacia woodlands.  Four hundred bird species call these lands home. There are man-made dams working with Lister Pumps for the animals, without which they would not survive in the dry months.

If you want to stay in luxury and style, Hwange is not the place to do so. Do not expect much more than a bed and a bathroom from the lodges, so make sure that you have everything you need to be comfortable. For many people, this only adds to the experience of the great outdoors. You can move between the different campsites, staying over at each for a night or two to see the most of the park. The Main Camp is clean and neat and situated closest to the road between Vic Falls and Bulawayo.

The park is a year-round tourist destination for those who want to experience Africa like it was 200 years ago. Expect very cold nights in the dry months between June and September and hot days year round.

(Images:

Giraffe by Lorraine R, CC By-SA 2.0, via Flickr

Lions by cardamom, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

 

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The Prisoner of Conscience on Constitution Hill

Published by in Johannesburg on February 24th, 2012

A young lawyer and his wife came to South Africa in 1893. He had studied law in London and got a job offer in the country that he must have heard a lot of. The man was Gandhi, and, in 1906, he organized his first protest against anti-Indian laws in South Africa. In 1908, he was imprisoned for leading the uprising against the Ordinance which, according to statements, had nothing in it except hatred for Indians.

He described prison as a palace as it gave him time to reflect and meditate. This statement is confirmation of his views of passive-resistance, or rather Satyagraha, the name of the movement that he led in South Africa, which was a “force which (was) born of Truth and Love or non-violence”.

In 2006, a hundred years after Gandhi’s imprisonment, an exhibition “Gandhi: a Prisoner of Conscience” was set up at Constitution Hill as a testament to the accomplishments of this great man and his contribution to the freedom movement. Constitution Hill is now home to the Constitutional Court, symbolizing South Africa’s ability to rise from the ashes.

Nelson Mandela, who also has an exhibition in his old cell, was greatly influenced by Gandhi, who was in turn greatly influenced by South Africa. Gandhi said: “Truly speaking, it was after I went to South Africa that I became what I am now. My love for South Africa and my concern for her problems are no less than for India.”

The actual fort on what is now Constitution Hill was only used to detain white prisoners, but the attached block, known universally as Number Four, housed many political prisoners. Gandhi stayed there for seven months in total, between 1908 and 1913. Relive the past by visiting one of the must-sees in Johannesburg. The Hill is only a car hire and 23 kilometres from OR Thambo International airport.

To read more about the magnificent mind of Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi, visit http://arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/gandhisouthafrica.pdf for his story about Satyagraha in South Africa.

(Image by ign11, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

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History, curry and spirituality at its best in Bo-Kaap

Published by in Cape Town, Travel on January 21st, 2012

The New Year has just come and gone and in Cape Town that means that Tweede Nuwejaar (Second New Year) has also just come and gone. Tweede Nuwejaar is when the people from Bo-Kaap don their shiny clothes, paint their faces, pick up their instruments and march around the streets of Cape Town to celebrate the new year. It’s a tradition dating back to the slave days of the early Cape settlement and is proudly upheld by Bo-Kaap residents every year.

As you might have guessed from the introduction, Bo-Kaap has its beginnings in slavery, when the Dutch imported slaves from all over Africa, Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia. The people became known as the Cape Malays and have since become famous for their marvellously unique culture and character, which are largely based on Muslim beliefs.

Bo-Kaap is in the centre of Cape Town, right at the foot of Signal Hill. You’ll know it when you see it because the houses are brightly coloured and tightly packed together. The streets are also cobbled instead of tarred. The people are extraordinarily friendly and always keen to welcome tourists to their neighbourhood.

One of the best ways to experience the culture and mingle with the people is to go to the monthly food and craft market. It takes place on the first Saturday of every month (as a rule) and is held at the Schotschekloof Civic Centre, Upper Wale Street. The highlight of the market is the food. Cape Malay food is world renowned for its spicy flavour, particularly its curries and samoosas (spicy savoury pastries).

Another not-to-be-missed stop is the Bo-Kaap Museum, which you’ll find at 71 Wale Street. It’s a small house that is nearly 250 years old. It currently represents a typically 19th century house of the area and features several permanent exhibitions, such as Pattern of Beauty, which contains artifacts and various art forms that depict the spiritual and religious history of Bo-Kaap; and New Year Carnival and the Alibama, which looks at the history of the Tweede Nuwejaar carnival.

Finally, you might want to visit some of the famous mosques in Bo-Kaap, such as Auwal Mosque, the first mosque ever built in South Africa. It’s at 34 Dorp Street. The Palm Tree Mosque is the second oldest mosque in Bo-Kaap and Jamia Mosque on Lower Chiappini Street is the first mosque in Bo-Kaap that was granted land specifically for a mosque site. It is the biggest mosque in the area.

Hire a car in Cape Town and drive to the Bo-Kaap by all means, but keep your walking shoes on because the best way to experience the neighbourhood is by foot.

(Image by neiljs, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

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Experience living history at Kliptown, Soweto

Published by in Johannesburg, Travel on January 19th, 2012

If you know your South African history you’ll know that Kliptown, Soweto, is a particularly significant landmark in the fight against apartheid. It was in Kliptown, in 1955, that the Congress of the People gathered to write the Freedom Charter; a document of the hopes for a free and democratic South Africa where no one is oppressed and discrimination is unheard of. Forty-one years later, the Freedom Charter was used a basis for South Africa’s new constitution.

Kliptown is now a National Heritage Site and one of the most popular stops on just about all tours of Soweto.

In an effort to assign Kliptown the importance it deserves, in the early 2000s it was given a R375 million revamp, which included a four-star hotel, an open air museum and the dedication of the Walter Sisulu Square.

Walter Sisulu was an ANC stalwart and one of the most prominent figures of the struggle. He was denied that public adoration that continues to follow Nelson Mandela, but his role in securing freedom for the majority of the country’s population is by no means unrecognised.

On the edge of the square is the Kliptown Open Air Museum, which is also dedicated to Walter Sisulu. The museum consists of a multi-media blend that uses song, photos, newspaper clippings, narrations from some of the 3000 people who were at the meeting and songs to relate events leading up to and including the drafting of the Freedom Charter. The journey has been described as visual, but it’s also visceral in its depiction.

The museum is open seven days a week and entrance is free.

Around the square you’ll also find a mini-mall with shops and business premises, but the spirit of Soweto is felt most in the surrounding stalls for independent traders, which include some of the best local cuisine in the country.

In addition to all the touristy attractions, Kliptown has also been rejuvenated thanks to the Kliptown Youth Programme (KYP), which was started in 2007. The local founding group identified some basic needs to be addressed, primarily related to education, and went about righting these wrongs without waiting for someone else to fix the problems for them. Programmes run by the group include school fee support; tutoring for primary, secondary and high school students, as well as a tertiary education programme; assistance entering the job market; growing a library; food programme; and performing arts and athletics programmes.

Only 40 minutes from the CBD, you can take your rental car from Johannesburg and drive to Kliptown for one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. Or, you can sign up for a guided tour of Soweto and experience the whole thing from a local perspective.

(Image by ign11, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)

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Mana Pools: Zimbabwe’s tourist gem

Published by in Travel on January 17th, 2012

If you want to experience all the majesty of the African bush, which includes rivers and lakes, you need to visit Mana Pools in northern Zimbabwe. Mana Pools National Park is on the Lower Zambezi Valley and contains magical pools, a floodplain and bush with all the wildlife that you would expect from such a rugged yet gently beautiful landscape. If you needed further motivation to visit the park, consider that its natural splendour has made it a celebrated World Heritage Site.

Given that it is on the famous Zambezi River and that it consists of four large pools, it’s not surprising that canoeing safaris are very popular. Safaris can be anything from 4 – 10 days long and are generally self-contained, which means that all your equipment is loaded on the canoes and there are no support vehicles and porters to do all the heavy lifting and carrying.

If you don’t fancy being on the river for that length of time, you can base yourself at one of the five comfortable, self-catering lodges. If you prefer something more rustic you can pitch a tent at any of the many camping sites (with facilities) or one of the two wild camping sites with no facilities and which are only accessible via 4×4 vehicles.

In addition to the river safaris, the park is ideally suited to walking. There is plenty of shade provided by the tree canopies for strolls around the pools, as well as guided walking safaris, which are highly recommended. In fact, much of the park is only accessible via foot, so pack your most comfortable walking shoes.

All of this walking doesn’t mean that the park is without big game. There are plenty of elephants, which you are likely to see as the animals come to the pools and river terraces to drink and eat Albida fruit. Hippos, of course, abound in the river, as do crocodiles. But don’t worry your guide will keep you safe. There are buffalo, lions, leopards, cheetah and black rhino; buck such as sable, kudu and eland; baboons and monkeys; zebra; warthog; hyena; over 450 bird species; and no end of fish.

Time your holiday carefully to suit your tastes. For example, canoeing is available year-round, but you’ll have more luck spotting game during September and October, when it can get very hot. If you like to live dangerously with crocodiles, you should visit in winter: June – August. If you don’t like very hot temperatures then you should visit in autumn and winter: March – August.

Bear in mind that in the past cars have only been allowed to drive in the park during the dry season, so find out what the rules are from your travel agent before you go. You don’t want to hire a car to Zimbabwe only to be turned back when you reach your destination.

(Image by Craigchipperfield, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

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Tranquility, serenity and musicality in Joburg’s Botanic Garden

Published by in Johannesburg, Travel on January 15th, 2012

Who’d have thought you could find peace and tranquility in Johannesburg? Well, you can; all you have to do is head on down to Emmarentia Dam in north Joburg and prepare yourself for some prime relaxation. Adding even more pleasure to the mix is the fact that Joburg’s Botanic Garden is right next door. The combined area, which is only 6km from the CBD, was voted the best passive recreation space in 2004 and continues to be frequented by thousands of city dwellers every weekend. In the evenings, dog walkers and lovers take advantage of the coolth and peace to commune with nature.

Water sports are, of course, a popular pastime on the dam, with a very active canoe club; yachting, windsurfing, fishing and swimming – although you’ll have to share the water with some very excited dogs – and even diving are available. Out of the water, you can jog, walk or cycle the many paths around the dam, while the garden is perfect for a lazy stroll. Picnics are very popular, especially during the summer. If you don’t feel like packing your own lunch you can always try the tea room, whose scones are rumoured to be out of this world.

The dams and the gardens are said to have been established by two farmers, Frans and Louw Geldenhuys, who contracted boers left homeless and jobless after the Anglo-Boer War to build the dams, which Louw named after his wife, Emmarentia.

In terms of plant life, the garden has an impressive rose garden, herbs (medicinal and culinary), over 2500 species of succulents and over 20 000 indigenous trees (or over 30 000, depending on your source).

The garden, which is often compared to Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, courts the comparison with its Summer Sunset Concerts. Kirstenbosch is well known for its Summer Sunset Concerts, which typically run from the end of November to the beginning of April and feature popular, as well as up-and-coming, South African and international artists. The Joburg Botanic Garden offers much the same, just significantly more inland.

If you don’t fancy swimming, canoeing, cycling, walking, listening to music, eating scones or even picnicking, then you can just sit on a bench and watch the ducks and geese and the world at large go by.

The best way to get to the Emmarentia Dam and Botanic Garden is to drive, which can be difficult if you’ve flown in for a holiday. The solution is simple, rent a car in Johannesburg and set your GPS for north.

(Image by NJR ZA (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons)

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