South Africa

There’s a lot happening in South Africa these days, and I’m not talking Julius Malema or President Zuma’s spouse collection.

No, I’m talking tourism, and two weeks ago, at Indaba in Durban, South Africa’s showcase of tourism and travel, everyone was buzzing.

Every tourist operator was there, from five-star resorts to township stays, from larney game reserves to our national parks. As were operators of shark diving, dolphin spotting, ballooning, cycling, mountaineering, sailing, scuba diving, and stalking wildlife tours. Adventure travel was big news and folk were queueing to find out what is available.

t’s no secret that we’re described as the most beautiful, interesting and varied country in the world, and although I tend to be cynical about such descriptions, I reckon for once the pundits have got it right.

Take the first point. Beauty.

Our coastline zaps across two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, and our beaches really do go on for ever.

We have lakes, mountains and valleys, we have vineyards and deserts and we have wildlife like virtually no other country. What is more, unlike most other countries north of the Limpopo, our wildlife management is superb and you won’t find scenarios where there are 35 cars jostling around a lion kill. Even in our open national parks, we tread carefully and our game management is regarded as excellent.

So where should a visitor go? To miss Joburg is a shame. I know it’s not top of the pops tourism-wise, but Jozi is a vibrant city. Yes, it’s not safe to go out and about by yourself, and it’s definitely not safe to go roaming around alone after dark. That said, take reasonable care and you can have the time of your life.

Cape Town

Hermanus Tours took clients on a magnificent Cape Town City Bowl tour today. Unfortunately the weather did not play the part so it was mostly an indoors affair. Cape of Good Hope Castle , the oldest building in South Africa. To think that the Atlantic used to lap the walls of this building. Then it was of to the stadium and Waterfront.

Actually my story is not about the tour itself but the restaurant we visited for Lunch. What can I say absolutely Beluga!!!!! What a fantastic venue tucked away like a hidden gem. As a matter of fact it does not look like a restaurant at all until you walked through the doors.

The neatness of perfect folded white serviets, the immaculate service and the divine Sushi probably the best I’ve seen in my entire life, yes saw because I am not keen on Sushi myself, but my guests enjoyed it thoroughly. Then off course the  company made it all the worth while…………….I had a salad. Beef Salad in fact…

Prince Albert Culinary Tour

African Relish is a recreational cooking school situated in the historic village of Prince Albert in the Great Karoo of South Africa. The village is nestled at the foot of the mighty Swartberg Mountain range and at the entrance to the Swartberg Pass.

African Relish offers cooking vacations and culinary getaways where guests are introduced to the South African culinary culture and its heritage developed over centuries from indigenous, colonial and migratory influences. African Relish is establishing itself as a pioneer in culinary tourism in South Africa and provides exceptional cooking experiences and cultural getaways in a magical and mysterious corner of South Africa.

Unfortunately the Spice girl  tour is already fully booked so don’t mis the next one 27 -29 August 2010 “Secrets of the local area” for men and woman. All heritage cooking.  Book now to avoid disappointment.

Sutherland

Winter is upon us and what better way so see the unbelievable galactic system in cold clear skies. Hermanus Tours just returned from the little sleepy town of Sutherland, the coldest town in the country where the temperature plummets to below freezing on a perfect summers day. The only town where you will see the skies above in a total different way.

Due to popular demand Hermanus Tours are offering another magnificent tour to view the skies above with comprehensive lectures and telescopic views of the stars and planets. Hermanus Tours will take you SALT (South Africa Large Telescope), historical town tour by donkey cart and much more to make it a unforgetable experience.