South Africa Archives - Page 4 of 24

UITSPAN TYD BY UITSPAN

Dit is een van baie lekker kampplekke in die Baviaanskloof en hier doen ‘n mens net wat die naam sê – uitspan! Omdat ons by die see woon vermy ons gewoonlik die malligheid van ‘n Desember vakansie by die see en kies eerder koers binneland toe. Karoo toe. En waar meer kry jy Karoo as in die Baviaanskloof? Hier is dit boeklees-tyd, koffie-tyd, gesels-tyd en vriende maak-tyd weg van tegnologie en die gewoel van die stad. Die staanplekke is met groot sorg uitgelê sodat elkeen ‘n koelte kolletjie het, wat belangrik is in die somer, maar tog nie so ingedruk dat jy oor mekaar kamp nie. Dit is nogal iets wat vir ons baie punte tel. Hier is oorgenoeg om te doen, as jy iets wil doen! Jy word begroet met ‘n blouste blou plaasdam swembad met ‘n groen grassie wat sorgvuldig elke dag nat gemaak word en waar die… Read more >

THE BIG TREES OF THE GARDEN ROUTE

One of the attractions of the Garden Route is its forests and fern and with that automatically goes big trees that is hidden in the forest. All of them fall within park areas and is thus taken care by SANPARKS. I will start from the western side and travel in an easterly direction to reveal them to you. WOODVILLE This is an 800 year old tree that stands 31 m tall. Follow the Seven Passes road from Hoekwil leading towards the mountains and the signage will indicate where to turn left. The tree is just 80 m down the trail. There is a picnic spot with braai facilities and toilets at the start of the trail. Type: Outeniqua Yellowwood Entry fee: yes Permit: self-issue type Walking trail: +- 2 km (easy) with water crossing Coordinates: S33°56.8232 E022°38’42.1944 DALENE MATTHEE This one stands proudly next to the memorial of the famous… Read more >

A DRIVE THROUGH SEWEWEEKSPOORT

A magical place if you love to be impressed by mountains. This is also the place to go if you love geology and geography – both are interesting to me and I get lost when visiting this poort – as these mountain range is part of the Cape Fold Belt and you will observe some contorted rock strata along the route. This is also an area rich in flora. Not only aloes are noticeable on the slopes and along the road, but you will also find some rare indigenous plant species like the Aristata protea. Go prepared with binocular and camera and something warm in winter as you might encounter snow covered mountain tops which creates a bit of a chill factor. The original construction of the road started in 1859 with convict labour and lasted for three years. On final completion in 1862 it was also accessible for wagon… Read more >

VYF DINGE WAT JY MOET DOEN VOORDAT JY DIE PAD VAT

Die vakansie seisoen is vergete al agter die rug en ons is in week ses van die inperkingstyd (lockdown sê net soveel lekkerder) en met leepoë bekyk ek die kalender om te sien wanneer kan ons tog ‘n wegbreek plan maak. Kom ons kyk wat ons kan doen om die onttrekkingsimptome op hok te hou. Gaan jou voertuig na Gaan die ruitveërs na, want daar kan onverwags ‘n bui reën val. Vul die water vir die ruitveërs aan en gooi maar ‘n ou sepie in, want daardie een gogga het mos die vermoë om reg in jou gesigveld te kom blerts. Loer ‘n bietjie of jou spaarwiel se druk nog reg is. Stoor dokumente Stuur al jou belangrike dokumente wat jy op jou reis gaan nodig hê na jou e-pos adres sodat jy toegang daartoe het. ‘n Mens weet nooit wanneer jy dit gaan nodig kry nie. Gaan al die… Read more >

UNDER LOCKDOWN DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS NOW WHAT?

At the moment the world is holdings its breath in anticipation of the corona virus outcome. So what can you do while under lockdown? You can be lazy and lie on the couch, watch series and get lazy. My motto is to tackle only one task that I never get around to do or just always find an excuse for and get it done and dusted, but then thoughts wonder to travelling and I somehow still do not get around to completing my task. If you are hungry for a camping trip, but all the campsites are locked for safety reasons the next best thing to do is to unpack and check your camping equipment. Get the kids involved and pitch the tent, check the zips and window gauze and give it a good waterproof washdown. Put things aside that needs attention for another day when under lockdown. Remember the… Read more >

KEEP CALM AND STAY HEALTHY

The corona virus arrived in South Africa. Within one week we have seven confirmed cases (all of them in the same group coming from Italy) and at the moment a bit of a virus hype is going around the country in social gatherings and the news bulletins. Personally it is not bad for me as there is generally a more positive consciousness about hygiene than ever before. However, as the virus spreads quickly transmission is of particular concern when using transport, where droplets containing the corona virus, could pass between passengers or via surfaces like plane seats and armrests and doors. Now how can you protect yourself? Experts agree that the most important task is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly (about 20 seconds) with soap or use a sanitizer that contains alcohol to kill germs and cover your face with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or… Read more >

ROMANTIC SPOTS ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE

by Inge Triegaardt When referring to a romantic getaway, one often thinks of candle light dinners in lodges with white linen, sparkling wine flowing in abundance, soft music, rose petals and some beautiful words spoken over a four course meal while looking deep into someone’s eyes and whispering sweet nothings into the depth of night. We focus on destinations where natural romantic settings is available all year round. Although we would love to have romantic getaways as the ones described above, being in our favourite places along the Garden Route on a regular basis, we keep in touch with our romantic side as often as we can. Our first stop is usually a place called Kaaimansgat. It is one of the most photogenic places along this beautiful route stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The Kaaimansgat Restaurant, set amongst some big trees at the water’s edge, is a perfect… Read more >