Posts

Why add small towns to your Southern Africa travels

With all the vibrant bigger cities of Southern Africa to choose from, such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Maputo, Harare, Durban, Lusaka and Windhoek, why would you choose to go slightly off the beaten track to take in a small town, the countryside or a more remote region? For so many reasons including: truly getting chance to unwind, unplugging for a moment and savouring farm-countryside living. Here are a few of our top reasons for adding small towns to your Southern Africa itinerary.

1. A chance to slow down

Bigger cities come with vibrance, multiple options of what to do each day and night and a plethora of choice when it comes to activities. They also tend to come with traffic, longer distances to reach each activity as well as more noise. While there are quieter places to escape to in each city, countryside towns with their gravel roads, bakeries and local-trade stores and no traffic offer visitors the chance to walk everywhere, ride a bike through vineyards at your own pace and really do less. Instead of full day tours and activities of the city, you can opt to stay on a farm, wake up at leisure and walk to do one activity. With nothing but cows and sheep to wake you up and tractors to cause traffic on the farms, you’ll be well on your way to relaxing.

Photo credit: thetravelmanuel.com

2. A chance for a digital detox

Depending on the town, there’s a large chance that you’ll still find wifi at some places of accommodation and at a cafe or two. But it really isn’t the worst thing in the world when wifi is missing. Everyday we are bombarded with work emails, calls, whatsapps and social media notifications, so when we finally unplug from all that ‘noise’,we truly get to relax our minds and bodies and restore our souls.

3. Connecting with locals

The beauty of small towns lies in the small space they occupy, the way you’ll see most locals at the corner bakery or cafe on any given day or have the chance to really connect with those living and working in the area. With the busy times you may experience in a big city and the busy lives of locals trying to earn a living, you may miss out on key opportunities to connect with locals. Small towns tend have a slower pace of life, locals have the time and often the willingness to sit down with you, talk about their much-loved place and trade and local to connect with visitors.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

Elizabeth and Warren Bradley on their farm in Swellendam. Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

4. Witnessing local trades and buying artisan products

Another aspect to appreciate about smaller towns is that people have to get creative when it comes to earning a living. Craftsmen, artists and tradesmen sell their works and continues trades that some of their families have run for generations. Not only can you get a chance to learn about their crafts and trade, but experience the making and purchase their artisan products which are often once-off and very unique to a region. This way you will get to choose truly unique products as well as those made sustainably involving the community and upliftment of its locals.

Artisan Warren Bradley crafting wooden toys and collectors items in Swellendam Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

A sculpture by Frans Boekooi. Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

5. From farm to table culinary experiences

There are bigger cities like Cape town where farm to table menus are becoming very popular, but there is nothing quite like getting the chance to either pick your own vegetables with a chef, harvest your own mussels from a rock pool or even watch the kitchen staff gather greens for the salad you’re about to eat. With less demand and more focus on organic produce, sustainable farming and slower meals, small town kitchens may give visitors the chance to have more experience with their food before eating it.

6. Countryside Charm

The allure of little ‘dorps’ (small towns in afrikaans), dusty roads, horses grazing behind the fence and friendly locals waving from their ‘stoeps’ (porches in afrikaans) is never really lost on anyone. Places where time seems to have slowed down, where life still revolves around the church square and the weekly farmer’s market is the social activity of the week are pure magic in their very own way.

Sunset in the Karoo

7. Immersing yourself in the natural landscape

Herein lies the beauty of travel; visiting a little nook or corner of the globe so completely different to our own homes. Visit rural towns where locals still live off the land and dwell in turquoise huts on the hill or see forgotten towns only inhabited by the memories of its past dwellers and mountains of sand. Stand on a crag overlooking semi-barren landscape, watch wild horses lay claim to the land or try your hand at catching fish with local children in a quiet river.

Rural splendour along the Wild Coast. Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

Forgotten town in Namibia. Photo Credit: Jean Wimmerlin.

Which small town would you like to add to your bucket list?

/by

Beaches not to miss in Southern Africa

The Southern African countries of Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique present beauty and diversity in their varying landscapes of mountains, islands, rivers, deserts and of course beaches. Come rain or shine, each coastline will present families, romance-seekers and adventurers with many opportunities to enjoy the water. While there are too many to mention, we’ve narrowed it to down a few beaches for every kind of traveller and ones you can’t miss when visiting these African countries:

1. Coffee Bay, South Africa’s Wild Coast

Wild, rural and beautiful without abandon this is a beach and stretch of coastline best enjoyed by walking along it. Coastal trails will take you past rural huts, river mouths and grazing cattle. Trail with a guide to the natural wonder of Hole in the wall which juts out to sea, try a surf lesson at Coffee Bay Beach or perch atop one of the green cliffs and take in the endless views of this blissful rural life that still exists in very few parts of South Africa.

2. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Don’t arrive expecting to relax, tan or frolic in this wild, chilly Atlantic Ocean, but come with anticipation of a rugged stretch of beach found between the Kunene and Swakop rivers. A haven for seals, marine birdlife and ship wreakages ( due to the tumultuous ocean), where the barren warm desert meets the cold ocean and forms a haunting mist. Come with your camera and desire to witness one of the most unique stretches of African coastline.

3. Bazaruto, Mozambique

It’s not called one of the world’s most picturesque islands for nothing. A tropical paradise bringing day trip visitors from the mainland, divers seeking great visibility and dugong sightings as well as snorkelers wanting to enjoy the turquoise ocean, turtles and rich marine life. Climb the dunes for island views and a feeling of being caught somewhere in the desert and savanah, enjoy a fish braai with local guides on the beach or hop on a dhow cruise to bid farewell to the sun.

4. Cape Columbine Reserve Beaches, South Africa’s West Coast

Most visitors get stuck in Paternoster and never look past the instagram-worthy fishing boats of Paternoster, but once in Paternoster, keep left until you enter the reserve where giant boulders enclose tiny bays with clear, cool water. Jump from boulder to boulder or join a kayaking tour in the bay or just savour the serenity of the reserve.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

5. Swakopmund, Namibia

Find little Germany in this town along with a beach bustling with ways for visitors to enjoy it such as  quad biking, sand boarding, kayaking and surfing and of course just lazing in the sand.

6. Tofo and Tofino Beaches, Mozambique

Four hours drive from the popular town of Vilankulo, lies 8km worth of sandy beach for swimming, wading, sunning and family fun. For those wishing to go deeper, diving, deep sea fishing excursions are on the cards. Surfers and those wanting to try their hand at fly fishing will do well to visit nearby Tofino beach.

7. North Beach, Durban South Africa

A hive of activity for those to keen to jump in the water and those wishing to enjoy it from a distance. With a skate park, bike rental, nearby coffee shops and restaurants, families can take their pick of how they’d like to spend an afternoon here. Popular amongst locals for surfing, catch a glimpse of these guys ( and girls) jumping off the pier to catch waves.

8. Smitswinkel Bay, Cape Town South Africa

A short walk down a pathway at the base of a cliff beside Cape Point Nature Reserve, you’ll find a beach much-loved by local residents and one providing a wonderful place to picnic and laze in the sand more than swim. Pack a picnic and all the food you need as there are no shops nearby and be mindful to take all refuse and goodies you brought with you.

9. Terence Bay, Namibia

Another beach known for its wildlife appeal and beach angling opportunities rather than swimming and ideal beach temperatures. The icy Benguela current will ensure that you may not want to dip into its waters, but join  a desert excursion and look out for desert-adapted wildlife roaming the coastline.

10. Cape Vidal Beach, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Found beside Lake St. Lucia in the fairly secluded region of Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, this beach can get windy but provides a long stretch of beach perfect for walks, family picnics, snorkeling right off the beach hugging the reef and solitude on most days.

11. Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town

The more laid-back cousin to Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard sexy beaches, Muizenberg is a beach packed with energy, life, restaurants, cafes and places to rent and get lessons in surfing, SUPPing ( stand-up paddle boarding). Dog walkers, toddlers, couples and families love this beach for its play park, coastal walk, relatively warm water ( warmer than the Atlantic seaboard) and local vibe.

12. Point and Main Beach, Jeffreys Bay- South Africa

Top International surfers hurry here from around the globe to catch one of the world’s best right-hand breaks at the beaches of Supertubes and Point. For non-surfers, these aloe-lined beaches with their wooden walkways are also enjoyable for the rock pools, long stretches of sand to walk on or a place to bring your coffee and take in the surf artistry below. Main Beach is wonderful for families who want to laze on the beach, bodyboard or even learn to surf. Coffee shops and restaurants offering incredible seafood can be found nearby as well as  water park the kids will love.

13. Chintsa Beach, South Africa’s Wild Coast

Another wild beach with hardly anyone on it, go on a coastal horse riding trail and ride on the sand, past dunes and over green hills. Find serenity and a place to relax away from the city crowds. Just in from the beach is a river where you can rent a kayak and float down the river watching the abundant bird life.

14. Kraalbaai, South Africa’s West Coast National Park

Once you set eyes on Kraalbaai’s aquamarine ocean, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere in the Maldives. With houseboats moored in the bay, learner kitesurfer and SUPPers ( stand-up paddle boarders) loving this calm, sheltered bay, this is a beach perfect for a hot day where the refreshing water is welcomed and all you need do is lay back beneath your umbrella.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

15. Llandudno Beach, Cape Town

There isn’t a better place for romantic sunset picnics, visits with the family and a chance to bring the dog for a walk. Nestled between plump boulders and something resembling an Italian coastline, this is a beach favorite amongst locals and foreigners alike. Don’t miss out on the viewpoints from above as well as the coastal drive all the way from Llanduno to Camps bay and Clifton.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

/by

Top 10 Romantic Seaside Escapes for Couples

South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique are coastal countries abounding in opportunities to enjoy the beach. From the wild, raw Atlantic ocean of South Africa and Namibia’s West coast to the warmer, Indian ocean on the Mozambiquan side and South Africa’s East Coast; there are small towns, bays, seaside villages and beachside breaks to enjoy as a couple. It’s no wonder couples visit Southern Africa from all across the globe to get hitched, go on honeymoon or just for a romantic seaside escape and soul revival.

Here are a few top romantic seaside escapes for couples.

1. Paternoster, South Africa

Once a quiet seaside village, Paternoster has transformed into one of the most coveted places to visit along this coastline.  Upon arrival you’ll be greeted with white-washed houses, many modelled from original fishermen’s homes, with red, blue and white fishing boats scattered across the beach or decorating the gardens of locals.

You’ll find gourmet cuisine at the new established restaurants for romantic, candlelit dinners, guesthouses and B&B’s in abundance and self-catering cottages only a stone’s throw from the ocean. Despite being a favourite weekend destination for South Africans, you can still find moments when you’re walking all alone on the beach and watching sunset with not a soul in sight. Book a kayaking trip for two, enjoy fish and chips in true West Coast style and of course, indulge in lots of ‘you two’ time by the sea.

2. Vilankulos, Mozambique

This is a town in Mozambique that has just enough to keep you active, offers enough on the cards for adventurous couples but has ample space to just unwind. Indulge in delicious seafood dinners as many nights as you wish; prawns and fish are served everywhere you go so take advantage and try curried, braaied ( BBQ’ed) and grilled options.

Take a kite-surfing lesson at Kite Zone, take a day trip to islands such as Benguerra, Margaruque or Bazaruto, join a diving or snorkeling excursion or try your hand at deep sea fishing. Bigger hotels have spas where you can enjoy couple’s treatments. Tuk tuks run throughout the town so jump on one to get between your resort and the small town centre where you’ll find a grocery store, a few souvenir shops, bars and coffee shops.  Be sure to go on a sunset dhow cruise to the red dunes or just along the coastline.

3. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Think undulating dunes, wild desert animals, tented camps and a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth.  Join a hike, or a desert tour along this coastline to catch a glimpse of the variety of desert-adapted animals such as elephants, cheetahs and lions, crocodiles and turtles of the Kunene River.

There’s nothing more romantic that catching the last glimpse of light amidst sand dunes and waking up to see how the winds have once again altered the landscape. A harsh seaside and landscape, you’ll find a barren beauty here that can’t be matched.

4. Wild Coast, South Africa

One of the few truly wild and rural places left in South Africa, couples will lose themselves in the allure of warm ocean, hills and rural huts of this area. Stay in anything from a traditional hut to a hotel or bed & breakfast. Kayak along one of its many rivers, walk along the coastal trails and visit the natural wonder of Hole in the Wall, go horse-riding along a deserted beach or wake up to drum with children from nearby local villages.

Wander along hills where people still farm and live off the land, where young boys herd sheep and goats and where you may hop over a stream or two to get your house.

5. Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Surrounded by turquoise ocean, dotted with freshwater lakes, savannah, forest and dunes; you and your partner will be happy to stay deserted on this island for ages. With ample luxury accommodation, you can wine, dine and be treated to romantic dinners on the beach by night.  Some areas won’t have wifi which really only adds to the ‘lost’ appeal of many of Mozambique’s islands.

Aside from the dunes and relaxing on the beach, tips your toes or more in that warm ocean and find your own pleasure beneath or above the ocean. Go SUPPing ( stand-up paddle boarding) as a couple or just hop aboard a dhow boat to experience the magic from the sea.

6. Wilderness, South Africa

Tucked in between the favorite Garden Route towns of George and Knysna, Wilderness is but a tiny stretch with a long beach to enjoy. The town will provide all you’ll need in terms of restaurants and when you’re not waking up to ocean views, you can explore the Knysna forest on foot or even try some of the adventure activities abounding in this region. Take a day trip to the Tsitsikamma Region for canoeing, trails or tree-top canopy tours. The adrenalin junkies can bungee jump off the Bloukrans bridge.

7. Rocktail Bay, South Africa

Known for it’s rich marine life and coastal dune forests, this is an Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal area is where you can go without seeing many humans for awhile. You may get stuck in a cattle traffic jam or greet children from a local village on their way to school; but more than likely is that you’ll go on game drives to some of South Africa’s oldest lakes to see hippos, crocodiles and other freshwater-adapted species.

Snorkel in marine-protected beaches with hardly anyone in sight and tuck yourselves away in white pear forests clinging to the dunes.

Which seaside escape would you choose?

/by