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The Art of Travel on the Blue Train

While you may very well take a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, you also have an alternative: travel with class and elegance and treat yourself to a unique experience. Today, our daily life very often resembles a race against the clock: Imagine finally being able to take the time and relive the golden age of luxury train travel. Find the very essence of travel where the art of journeying is as important as the final destination. Plunge into the old-world charm of the legendary Blue Train which is to Southern Africa what the Orient Express is to Europe.

So this is a surprise; your man still doesn’t know anything about this trip. A couple of days’ vacation for the two of you, as the last time was so long ago. It is true that lately, because of your respective workloads, you feel as though you have been living apart from one another.

That day at dawn, a taxi will come to the hotel to pick you up and take you to the station. You enter the beautiful waiting room and only there, he understands. You area about to board the famous Blue Train, to experience this historic train as many heads of state and celebrities have before you. Butlers with white gloves whisk your luggage away before offering you coffee and canapés and impatience is now at its height. Seeing the look of disbelief on his face, you cannot help but smile out of satisfaction: you hit home.

8:30 am – On board

The stationmaster whistles for the train to leave the station. You settle in your private quarters, a suite with all the modern comforts and even a private bathroom with a bathtub. Your butler comes to you and brings you your first drink. You begin to relax and look at the changing landscape behind the panoramic windows, while sinking in your cozy seat.

10:30 am – Breakfast time

It is time for breakfast. You are dazzled by the lifestyle aboard this palace on rails: fresh flowers, refined tableware made of delicate china, silverware and crystal glasses. Fine dining at its best, featuring South African cuisine and wines. Really, it is the perfect place to reconnect, to finally take the time to relax, without obligations… at last. You already consider the 27 hours it will take for the train to cover the 1,600 km journey as a legitimately stolen break from the plain daily life where you have been caught for too long.

The afternoon runs just as perfectly. After a well-deserved nap, high tea is served, and you settle in the lounge car to enjoy a Margarita.

7:30pm – Dinner time

This exclusive trip takes an extra romantic turn at dinner time when, according to tradition, the guests dress up: jacket and tie for men and evening gowns for women. You struggle to remember the last time you two had dinner in such an environment. Your conversation has regained its natural state. Time stands still. The soft music in the dining car mixes with the clear sound of champagne flutes clinking against each other.

When you retreat to your suite, the butler converted what had been a comfortable lounge during the day into an opulent bedroom. You close the door behind him and notice that his suit has kept a bit of the aroma of the Cuban cigar he smoked after dinner. The soft lighting let the intense starlight flood the room. Tomorrow you will cross the mountains and arrive in Cape Town, the mother-city. Tomorrow. Meanwhile you are the only two people in the world.

The Blue Train runs between Cape Town and Pretoria (one way in both directions) and will open a new route to the Kruger National Park this year via Hoedspruit.

 

By Angeline Jaquin

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Our Trip to Zeitz MOCAA

As XOnians, we took a trip to Zeitz MOCAA and had a blast. Zeitz MOCAA is located in Green Point, Cape Town and is a public not-for-profit contemporary art museum which collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits twenty-first century art from Africa and its Diaspora. We wandered through the halls of the museum, overwhelmed by the beauty and intricacies of all of the pieces on display. We ended the night off with a lovely dinner and dessert, and ate while a live band played upbeat World music.

When we got there, the line to the entrance was so long. A lot of people were ready to explore and experience the art inside. Great treasures lay beyond these glass doors. All of the featured artists who created the artworks inside the museum are from Africa and the Diaspora.

Athi-Patra Ruga

One of the first pieces in the exhibits that caught my eye was the work of Athi-Patra Ruga. The piece is entitled Umesiyakazi in Waiting. Athi-Patra Ruga was born in Umtata, South Africa. Ruga’s imagery draws from a range of cultural references that are not bound by a specific biology, ancestral origin or geographical location.

Umesiyakazi in Waiting (2015)

Roger Ballen

Roger Ballen was born in New York in 1950 and has been living in Johannesburg since the 1970s. His artwork gave me the chills and creeps in the most intriguing  way. During the late 60s and early 70s, he attended the University of California, Berkeley. This is where he was exposed to the anti-psychiatry movement led by R.D. Laing, the theatre of the absurd, and the work of colourfield artists like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman.

Snagged (2013)

Kudzanai Chiurai

This piece by Kudzanai Chiurai in collaboration with fashion designer Marianne Fassier resonated with me deeply. It elegantly portrays the pain and violence that women as mothers and healers endure. The excerpt on the wall behind the piece states that “She is suspended between dying and presence. She is soaked in violence. In a pool of blood, she sits unafraid, absorbing the pain that touches us all.” It is a sight to behold.

Untitled (Dress from Moyo) (2013)

Mouna Harray

The images in this collection struck me as a breathtaking display of isolation and confinement. Mouna Harray was born in Sfax, Tunisia. The figure wrapped in a white sheet that occupies space in arid and volatile landscapes can be seen throughout the exhibition. The fact that we can see the pressure points of the limbs gives the impression of struggle. The figure represents the isolation, confinement and claustrophobic condition of the residents of southern Tunisia, a region once rich in minerals.

34°21’53.0”N 8°25’41.0”E (2012-2015)

Richard Mudariki

Richard Mudariki’s The Passover reminded me of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. I recognised the political and religious leaders at once and was immediately drawn to it. I found the piece to be delectably funny. This is satire at work. The fact that it reminded me of da Vinci’s famous mural was not a coincidence. Richard Mudariki was born in Seke, Zimbabwe, and currently lives and works in Cape Town, South Africa. His artwork provides commentary on the socio-political environment of Zimbabwe and beyond.

The Passover (2011)

Our trip to Zeitz MOCAA was a blast! We contemplated all of the messages we received from the various artists’ work. I learned that Africa and the Diaspora is teeming with talent and skill. I would definitely recommend the Zeitz MOCAA to any art enthusiast, and even for any curious soul.

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Asha’s Insider Guide Series to South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal

Asha Singh, founder of Life By Asha Singh, is a South African lifestyle blogger from South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, who writes about women empowerment, travel, product reviews and cool events. Her writing tends to often be feminist themed, although you’ll also find some more personal posts as well as write ups on everything that’s a part of her life.

5 things I love most about South Coast

  1. The Beach
  2. The tropical climate
  3. Instagram-worthiness
  4. Outdoor activities
  5. The small town vibe

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about

Mpenjati nature reserve is lesser known, and the Umtentweni and Ramsgate whale watching deck. For some lovely food with a view you can go to Fish On The River in Port Shepstone.

The least touristy thing to do in South Coast

The towns on the south coast are all very touristy since it’s a holiday destination, but I guess fishing.

Best place in South Coast to enjoy…

The water: There are tons of beach front places all along the south coast, you just have to pick the town… perhaps Southbroom or Port Edward.

The mountains/countryside: The Oribi Gorge.

The outdoors: Pretty much anywhere since it’s always green and lush, any of the beaches or for a more daring outdoor vibe then Oribi Gorge.

The food: You have to go to Waffle House in Ramsgate.

The general vibe or nightlife: Margate or The Wild Coast Sun.

Good coffee/tea/wine: We don’t have much of a coffee or wine culture here however I highly recommend Beaver Creek for coffee.

Meet locals: Jaxx Restaurant in Umtentweni is a local hangout spot with good food.

What makes a city/town special for me

The natural beauty. The south coast won the nature lottery – beautiful beaches, lush greenery and the perfect weather all year.

My favourite small town in South Africa and why

Clarens and Stellenbosch. I’m a very artsy and wine person and both these towns cater for that!

If I were to do a 10 day road trip through South Africa, these are the stops I’d make:

I did a Durban to Cape Town trip in 2015 with my family and that was absolutely amazing but since I already did it it doesn’t count. I would like to do a trip to the Kruger. This is what the itinerary looked like: Graaff Reinet – Beaufort West – Winelands – Cape Town (For a few days) – Garden Route – Port Elizabeth – East London. Midlands – Drakensberg – Clarens – Johannesburg – Hartbeespoort – Pretoria – Blyde River Canyon – Kruger.

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA

My ultimate was Addo in Port Elizabeth

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia)

I haven’t travelled Southern Africa extensively yet, but I would love to experience Namibia.

My best beach/island experience in Southern Africa

Port Elizabeth – the beaches are stunning, sand is white, and sea is not nearly as cold as Cape Town.

The most magical place in South Africa and why

Drakensberg.

The best places to visit in South Africa for…

  1. Solo travellers: Suncity
  2. Couples: Winelands
  3. Families: Drakensberg
  4. Luxury travelers: Cape Town or Umhlanga
  5. Those seeking off-the-grid spots: Clarens

Asha, founder of Life By Asha Singh  is a 21 year old wine-a-holic. She’s passionate about women empowerment, politics, and social media. She enjoys travelling and sharing snippets of her life on social media. For more of her, check out her Facebook page.

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Stephanie’s Insider Guide to Cape Town

Meet our insider from Cape Town, Stephanie Marthinus-Hans, who is a local South African travel and lifestyle blogger from Cape Town passionate about showcasing small towns, accommodations, local eateries and wineries in the Western Cape and surrounding Provinces. Her blog, Stephanie Marthinus Blog, showcases small towns, accommodations, local activities and travel tips.

5 things I love most about Cape Town

  1. The four seasons in one weather
  2. How passionate people are on the daily
  3. Our unique local products
  4. The many scenic road trip routes
  5. Our world class wineries

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about Cape Town

Cool runnings; the tobogganing track in Bellville is such a cool activity for both the family and couples to enjoy. It’s different, fun and definitely an adrenaline rush.

Best place here to enjoy the…

The water – Kleinmond Beach or Struisbaai

The mountains/countryside – Stanford

The outdoors – Chapmans Peak Drive or a trip along Route 62

The food – There is so many to choose from but the Lourensford market in Paarl has such a wide variety on cuisines, you can’t go wrong.

The general vibe or nightlife – The vibe is surely in Bird and Victoria Streets in Stellenbosch.

Good coffee/tea/wine – Knead bakery and Truth knows how to make a great cup of coffee. When it comes to wines, there’s an array to pick from. I recommend Simonsig in Stellenbosch for their Kaapse Vonkel Rosé as well as Val du Charron in Wellington.

Meet locals – Festivals, food markets and park runs.

What makes a city/town special for you?

The willingness to also support one another’s causes or projects and our constant love to share knowledge and information without a fuss.

What is your favorite small town in South Africa and why?

Seeing that small towns is what I live for, I have many on my list. One in particular is Porterville. It’s relatively unknown and many people I spoke with had no idea where it was or even know what to do there. It’s such an underrated town with plenty of family and couple activities like the Porterville Farm Market, visiting the Mosaic House and taking an interest in the many creative artists that reside there.

If you could do a 10 day road trip through south africa, which stops would you make?

That’s a tricky question because there’s many trips on my list. I’d start off in the Great Karoo of Graaff-Reinet and Nieu-Bethesda, drive through Queenstown and into East London to make a trip in Coffee Bay. I would love to explore Morgans Bay and Port Alfred because the Sunshine coast is just impeccable.

What is the ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA?

South Africa is blessed with many exquisite game farms but start off with checking out South African National Parks for various accommodation options. I highly recommend exploring Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. There’s an unlimited amount of activities such as a self-drive, game drives, horse riding, hiking trails and even picnic sites for the whole family to enjoy.

Your best beach/island experience in Southern Africa

I would love to visit Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. It’s honestly blessed with picturesque beaches and anyone who is a beach lover will enjoy the beach experience.

The most magical place in South Africa and why

Prince Albert takes my breath away every time I visit the small, arid town. It’s in the middle of dry barrens yet runs like a big city with vineyards, olive farms and mountain views for days.

The best places to visit in South Africa for…

  1. Solo travellers: Definitely the CBD where there’s tons of fun-filled activities to do and cool places to visit.
  2. Couples: Depending what type of couple you are, stay at Ke Nako Lodges in Wilderness; tacked away on the mountain slopes or De Wilge in Nuy Valley.
  3. Families: Mossel Bay as many activities to keep the family entertained with charming beaches, quirky restaurants and putt-putt. Montagu is also another place to visit with Saturday markets, bike trails and river cruises.
  4. Luxury travellers: Stellenbosch and Paarl come to mind with luxurious accommodations nestled among the vineyards.
  5. Those seeking off-the-grid spots: Die Hel in the Swartberg Nature Reserve and Pampoenfein Farm in Cederberg is spots to truly be off-the-grid

You can find more of Stephanie’s musings about small towns at Stephanie Marthinus Blog. You will always find her with a strong cup of coffee in hand whilst she tackles her full-time job in the Marketing and Communications industry along with her part-time employment at a bespoke textile store. Aside from her blog get more insider tips on small towns in the Western Cape and beyond on Facebook.

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Nath’s Insider Guide to Riebeek West

Nath Diez’s blog, Foin & Escarpins, is a concentrate of what she likes: cooking, travelling, sport and healthy food, beauty products, books and series reviews and good or bad mood posts. She is a 43 year old Belgian mum who has been living in South Africa for 17 months. She is a 4 star guesthouse owner and loves to cook for her guests. She also likes to do sports with her family.

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about Riebeek West

Locals can have their olives pressed and made into olive oil. We have the most beautiful night sky which you have to stay here to have seen. There is a local cricket match between Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel which happens once a year on the 26th December and has been played annually since 20 years ago.

The least touristy thing to do in Riebeek West

Using the public toilets in Riebeek Kasteel.

Best place in Riebeek West to enjoy…

The water: this is quite difficult for now…

The mountains/countryside: climbing or biking around the Kastelberg mountains

The outdoors: walking or biking around

The food: Mama Cucina, the best Italian in town…and only one 😉

The general vibe or nightlife: Mama Cucina

Good coffee/tea/wine: The excellent bakery Panera or Beans about coffee at Riebeek Kasteel

Meet locals: Mama Cucina again….or under the stoep of the Royal Hotel with a gin tonic in your hand!

What makes a city/town special for me

The people and the general ambiance..We loved it so much that we decided to move there from Belgium 16 months ago…

My favourite small town in South Africa and why

I like Paternoster and specially the restaurant Gaaitje on the beach

If I were to do a 10 day road trip through South Africa, these are the stops I’d make:

Cape Town, Riebeek West/Riebeek Kasteel,  Franschoek, Graff Reinet, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Kruger…

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA

Kruger Park and specially the reserve OYO OYO where we get married with my husband.

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in Southern Africa ( Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia)

Botswana Okavango Delta

My best beach/island experience in Southern Africa

We love Clifton Beach next to Cape Town

The most magical place in South Africa and why

Merindol Manor in Riebeek West to enjoy a glass of wine around the pool or in front of the manicured garden 😉

The best places to visit in South Africa for…

  1. Solo travelers: Cape town
  2. Couples: Riebeek Valley
  3. Families: Game reserves/ Cape Town aquarium
  4. Luxury travellers: Game reserves and wine farm such as Babylonstoren next to Paarl

Nath Diez is the founder of Foin & Escarpins, a blog where she writes about the adventures of a Belgian girl in South Africa! The blog covers fashion, cooking, beauty, deco and travel. You can get more insider tips from her Facebook Page. Check out her Instagram as well!

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Dhanusha’s Insider Guide to Cape Town

Dhanusha Dhoorgalu is a full time Computer Science student who freelances and writes for other publications. She is a passionate, free-spirited, ambivert obsessed with make up, music, travel and wine! She writes about all of her obsessions and more on her blog, Miss Dhanusha.

5 things I love most about Cape Town

  1. Warm beach
  2. Good food
  3. Friendly people
  4. Scenic driving routes
  5. Nature

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about Cape Town

Cape Town has the most amazing wine estates which I often visit. We love hiking and being in nature and checking out the quirky coffee spots.

The least touristy thing to do in Cape Town

Getting a Gatsby at Cosy Corner in Wynberg.

Best place in Cape Town to enjoy…

The water – Gordon’s bay, Strand

The mountains/countryside – Franschoek/Stellenbosch

The outdoors – Constania Nek

The food – Route 44 market

The general vibe or nightlife – CBD

Good coffee/tea/wine – Seattle Coffee

Meet locals – CBD

What makes a city/town special for you?

The scenery, the vibes, the attractions and the people.

What is your favourite small town in South Africa and why?

Knysna

If you could do a 10 day road trip through south africa, which stops would you make?

Cape Town CBD, Langebaan, Piketburg, Lambert’s Bay, Noup, Komaggas, Springbok, Loeriesfontein, Sutherland, Laingsburg, Still Bay, Hermanus.

What is the ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA?

Kruger National Park

What is the ultimate bush experience anyone can have in Southern Africa ( Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia)?

Okavango Delta in Botswana

The most magical place in South Africa and why

De Hoop Nature Reserve

The best places to visit in South Africa for…

  1. Solo travellers – Cape town, backpackers lodge, Yours Truly
  2. Couples – Robertson, Stellenbosch, Franschoek
  3. Families – Hermanus, Port Elizabeth
  4. Luxury travelers – Knysna
  5. Those seeking off-the-grid spots – Breede River

Dhanusha loves trance music and music festivals. She is also a self-proclaimed foodie. Her favourite foods are tacos, noodles, pizzas, and pasta. These all fall under her curries of course! To learn more about her obsessions with with make up, music, travel and wine, visit her blog,  Miss Dhanusha, as well as her Facebook page. 

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10 Reasons to visit Southern Africa this Summer

When is the last time you had a white Christmas? A white sand one that is?! Even better, summer in the southern hemisphere continues until March. Think waves lapping on a Cape Town beach, sailing to a tropical island in Mozambique coupled with game viewing in one of the world’s richest ecosystems of Botswana, sunrise atop a Namibian dune or an evening in the vibrant city of Johannesburg. Now that autumn has come to Europe and spring has sprung in the southern hemisphere, isn’t it time you started planning your summer holidays here? Here’s 10 very good reasons to get planning now…

1. Cape Town, South Africa

From the sweeping city and coastal views from atop Table Mountain to the romantic wine country of Stellenbosch and jaw-dropping peninsula views stopping to see African penguins and endless beaches, Cape Town is a city that can’t be missed when visiting the top of Africa. From artisan markets, gourmet restaurants and sunsets atop Signal Hill to outdoor family adventures and kid-friendly activities at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town’s allure has a way of making you fall for her city instantly.

2. Sossusvlei, Namibia

When’s the last time you watched the sunrise over cascading burnt-orange in a desert? Pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there’s a reason Sossuvlei is one of the most popular places to visit in Namibia. White salt plans, deadvlei and red dunes in the middle of the Namib-Nakluft National Park. Find your way to the top of a dune, sand-board down or make you way around in a thrilling 4×4 trail.

3. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

Also known as the ‘Smoke that Thunders’, one of the world’s most majestic waterfalls can be experienced from the air on a helicopter flip, with a daring dip in Devil’s pool, or even a luxury cruise along the Zambezi. Bordering both Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls beckons visitors from across the globe.

4. Bazaruto, Mozambique

Think powder-white islands on the edge of underwater reef bubbling over with marine life of every kind. Go snorkelling or out for a dive. Enjoy a seafood BBQ on a dune, feel the wind in your hair on a dhow boat cruise at sunset or don’t leave your luxury lodge at all. This is one tropical escape you’d like to make and it’s only a short flight away from the big city of Johannesburg.

5. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Get lost (with the guidance of incredible rangers) in one of the world’s richest ecosystems of Botswana’s Okavango Delta where annual flooding leaves lots of the delta only accessible to guest via small planes and the wildlife has learnt to adapt to both dry and wet seasons. Sundowners beside a watering hole, makoro rides through the swamps, game drives just before the sun dips in the savannah and some of the most spectacular game viewing in the wilderness all await.

6. Johannesburg, South Africa.

Otherwise known as the city of Gold, Jozi can only be described as vibrant and bursting with life, colour and people. Explore the trendy hub of Maboneng on foot, savoury local cuisine at one of the many markets day or night and enjoy street art in many corners of the city. Take to the township of Soweto on a bike tour and assist in some of the local initiatives to make a difference.

7. Sani Pass, Lesotho

Whether you’re visiting for the snow and ice scattered on the mountain tops of Lesotho or the green hills to be enjoyed when it’s warm, the Sani Pass is a mountain pass located in the West of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on the road between Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Mokhotlong, Lesotho. Undulating mountain tops are a sight to behold and bring visitors from across the globe.

Photo Credit: Michael Denne-Flickr

Photo Credit: Timo-Flickr

8. Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana

What an experience to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve lies within the largest sand basin in the world and has only recently been opened to the public and is best for those seeking to savour a wild, remote wilderness.  While it’s a desert, you will be surprised by the high density of game and various habitats of grasslands, riverbeds, bush veld and acacia tree forests.

9. Etosha National Park, Namibia

For the most part, you don’t even need to leave your camp to view game within Etosha. Go on game drives during the day and wait for game to come in search of water.  Often the waterholes in or close to camps are lit for guests to sit down and enjoy nature unfold and go about its business. And what a magical business it is.

10. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Whether you’re taking to bush on a foot with a ranger or in a game vehicle, witnessing but a corner of nearly 2 million hectares of diverse bushveld that makes up the Kruger National Park will leave you forever changed. Spot the Big Five, little Five ( hopefully) and everything else in between. Set out in the early morning cool to see who is already awake or try a night drive to watch as the nocturnal animals start to awaken.

Call us now to book your luxury tailor-made trip to Southern Africa: +27 (0)21 486 2700

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South Africa beyond a Safari

If when someone speaks about South Africa, you immediately think about wild animals in the middle of the African savannah or if every time someone says to you, “I’m going to South Africa for the holidays” you answer back, “Oh nice, you’re going to go on a safari!” Take a few minutes to read this article and you will understand that it’s a shame to reduce such a beautiful country to only one activity, no matter how incredible it is!

In this country, there is something to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Adults, young and old, couples, families, retirees, athletes, nature lovers, musicians, foodies, everyone—yes I do mean everyone—can find something in South Africa to their taste! It would be tedious to list every place, landscape or activity in the country. However, let’s try to highlight the peculiarities of South Africa to introduce you to something other than a safari!

First of all, you should know that South Africa is a really BIG country, which deserves to be captured differently depending on where you are. Indeed, if you travel in Western Cape, Kruger Park or KwaZulu-Natal, you will see very different landscapes, animals, climates and cultures! It’s certainly relevant to speak of bush but we shouldn’t forget that South Africa also has amazing beaches, mountains, lagoons, dry deserts, and vineyards as far as your eyes can see.

Yes really, you’ll never get tired of this country! If there are landscapes to suit every taste, imagine how many activities there would be for you to do! Let’s start with what seems more obvious: the beaches in South Africa. South Africa is home to two oceans and thousands of beaches. Below the mountains, hidden between cliffs, spreading as far as your eyes can see, it’s up to you to find your small corner of paradise! For those who can’t stand lying on the beach, you have the chance to do many water activities such as surfing or windsurfing, swimming with seals, watching the whales and even shark-cage diving… the list goes on.

For those who love nature, the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal is the place where you belong. Choose a path and explore this huge nature reserve for several days. You will enjoy a very unique experience in harmony with nature. Or maybe you’re more attracted to Table Mountain? You will definitely enjoy a breathtaking view of Cape Town from the top!

Don’t worry! If you prefer the excitement of the city and cultural visits, the major cities of South Africa—Cape Town and Johannesburg—are perfect for you. Through visiting many museums (the Slave Lodge in Cape Town and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, amongst others), or wandering in the different districts (townships, sea side, CBD, etc.), you will feel the strong influence of history that is still very present in this country.

There is nothing better than interacting with locals, discovering their habits, their ways of life and state of mind to have a truly accurate overview of these cities. Eventually, it’s crucial for you to know that South Africa takes food very seriously! Once again, there is something for everybody: whether you’re at a South African specialties or indulging in some international food (Asian, European and more) in a themed restaurant (jazz, hipster, pub) or in a casual market, you will be completely overwhelmed! This culinary diversity can be coupled with a huge range of excellent wine produced in the Winelands of Cape Town. If you have the chance to visit these vineyards, you will discover wonderful properties that have absolutely nothing to envy from all these castles in Bordeaux (in France)!

There you are. You now have a modest preview of what is waiting for you in South Africa. Go ahead; come discover a country that will blow your mind!

And never forget, going on safari is an excellent reason to visit South Africa – but hardly the only one!

By Capucine Motte

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Samuel’s Garden Route Adventure

Our General Manager, Samuel Regnier, traveled along the Garden Route with his family and discovered incredible places for families, couples, incentive trips, bush escapes and beach breaks.

Where did your garden route road trip take you?

We started driving on the unique scenic road R44 overlooking at False Bay. We then followed the coast all the way to then come back on the N2… using my own car. Stopped for a cool coffee at Swellendam at Tredici for one of the best breakfasts ever… then Mossel Bay, Wilderness with a stop for a surf session at Victoria Bay (which was unique..!!!! and there are lots of tiny guest houses there for FIT)… then of course Knysna all the way to Tsitsikama, out of this world! On our way back to Cape Town, the unique Road 62 offering amazing views…

What were some of the highlights for you?

Gondwana Game Reserve was just THE perfect product… for families and FITs of course because it offers a wide range of activities including Big 5 and also a great level of accommodation with lodges and villas in the bush.

For groups/MICE, it’s also a very good alternative to consider because they offer a Big 5 experience but also totally different landscapes than up North in Kruger or Pilanesberg. The possibility to privatise the whole property and also do unique experiences using the villas, is a must…

George airport is not that far so ideal also to fly in direct.

Tsitsikamma and the series of unbelievable bridges are not to be missed when visiting that Garden Route! If you’re lucky you could spot whales and dolphins all along the coast drive…

What is the best place and region for:

Safari: Gondawana

Couples: Swellendam

Families: Victoria Bay (if you surf of course!)

Events: Gondwana

Incentive travel: Gondwana again

 

Were there any interesting stops, farm stalls and/or restaurants not to miss along the way? 

First at Cape Aghulas there’s this nice beach restaurant named Sea Shack.

Then in Knysna, the best pizzas are at Café Mario at the Waterfront…

At Tsitsikamma, bring your OWN picnic to enjoy virgin spots overlooking at the ocean…

In Swellendam, it’s Field and Fork.

What was the most unforgettable experience of the entire trip?

Walking bare foot with my whole family at Wilderness beach when the sun was rising early morning… it was out of this world!

All Photos Credit: Samuel Regnier

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7 Top Jazz Venues in Cape Town

We are pleased to share our past experiences enjoying jazz music in Cape Town. We’ve had the chance to clean our ears in unusual places, each having their own way of giving us jazz fever. Here are seven places that we recommend in order to entertain your senses all year round in Cape Town…

Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Winchester Mansions

For a Sunday brunch with a difference, head out to the seaside hotel: Winchester Mansions. Enjoy the live jazz band while you browse the complimentary Sunday newspaper and sip on a glass of bubbly. Choose from a selection of dishes from the buffet at will. Cost is R225 per person, and the music starts at 11am and ends at 2pm.

Details: 221 Beach Road | Sea Point | Cape Town

Hanover Street Jazz Club

With its double-storey, Hanover Street Jazz Club is a classy jazz venue housed in Cape Town’s Grand West Casino. It makes you think of New Orleans circa 1920—the golden days of jazz. The well-stocked bar will keep you happy while tapping your feet to the beats from the Voodoo-capital. Doors open at 9pm.

Details: Grand West Casino | Goodwood |

Thuthuka Jazz Café

The owner Laura Ndukwana offers visitors a night overflowing with local flavour at this popular Gugulethu-based café. You will enjoy world-class jazz mixed with traditional musical elements. Popular amongst Capetonians and tourists, we can expect a truly South African experience. A potjie of culture combining musical expression and culinary splendours.

Details: Gugulethu |

Studio 7

If you’re looking for private concerts, you will love this new Sea Point establishment. Face brick walls, wooden floors and soft sofas provide the ultimate relaxing environment for some serious musical reflection. The acoustic stage has showcased some talented local musicians including Zolani Mahola, Vusi Mahlasela, Arno Carstens and Albert Frost. You can see some of these talented musicians on the first and last Sunday of the month.

Details: 213 High Level Rd | Sea Point | Cape Town |

West End Jazz Club

Regarded as a prime venue for live performances, you can expect to rub shoulders with serious jazz fundis. Dark velvet drapery and opulent contemporary furnishings set the scene for top local and international artists to do what they do the best. Open every Friday and Saturday from 5pm till late. No under 21s allowed.

Details: Cine 400 Building | College Road | Rylands |

Kaleidoscope Café

Every Friday you can bob your head and tap your feet to the spellbinding jazz beats at this Claremont café. For a mere R100 per person, you can attend to the show as well as enjoy a delicious meal of lamb curry or chicken soup. If you just prefer to watch the show, you only have to pay R60. Show starts at 7:30 pm sharp.

Details: 85 Main Road | Claremont | Cape Town |

Tuesday Jazz at Alexander Upstairs

Alexander Bar features live jazz every Tuesday night at 8pm. Hosting both emerging artists and long-time maestros, the 40-seater theatre space is ideal for those looking for high quality, up-close-and-personal improvisation early in the week. There’s no other city centre jazz venues that feature live music on Tuesdays, so this is a real treat! The sessions are curated by Benguela bassist Brydon Bolton.

Details: 76 Strand Street | City Centre | Cape Town |

By Sébastien Charrieras

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