Posted November 9, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Fly out to Port Elizabeth for a fun-filled beach break, or just to escape the dreary weather. Located on the South African cost, Port Elizabeth is graced by an enviable series of beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, and other watersports. If getting wet isn’t your thing, head to the huge Maitland Dune to try out sandboarding instead. The Donkin Reserve, with its pyramid-shaped memorial, is a very popular attraction here. The Reserve also houses the Opera House and a lighthouse which is open to the public.
See
Kragga Kamma Game Park – Get up close to South Africa’s impressive wildlife at the Kragga Kamma Game Park. The forest and grasslands within the park houses buffaloes, white rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes and many other creatures. You can explore the park in your own car, or join a two-hour guided tour and get really close to the animals.
Eat
Ginger Restaurant – The elegant yet relaxed dining room at Ginger Restaurant is a reflection of what’s on the menu – traditional dishes, updated for the modern diner. Start with a refreshing chilled cucumber and avocado soup, snails in phyllo pastry, or some chilli battered prawn tails. More substantial dishes here include scampi linguine, served in a creamy tomato sauce, ostrich fillet topped with a black cherry reduction, and vodka prawns with a peri peri and white wine sauce.
Stay
Dolphin Dance Lodge – Enjoy a comfortable, home-away-from-home experience, with the added bonus of great views, when you stay at the Dolphin Dance Lodge. The bright, spacious suites here over the sea, and is only a short walk from the beach. The Lodge also has a number of self-catering suites, equipped with fully-fitted kitchens so you can enjoy homecooked meals. Guests are also welcome out rent a barbeque unit for an informal, relaxing meal. Room rates start from about £60.
Check here for Port Elizabeth travel information.
(Photo: southafricain1.co.za)
Posted September 15, 2010 by BookingBuddy
If you feel like escaping to somewhere sunny this winter, why not hop on a flight to Cape Town? Situated on the tip of South Africa, Cape Town enjoys fairly temperate weather all year round. There are miles of shoreline surrounding the city, so you’re sure to find a beach that’s not too crowded. The city is surrounded by a ring of majestic mountains, including the famous flat-topped Table Mountain. It’s is a cosmopolitan, modern city, with several distinctive neighbourhoods. Bo-Kaap, on Signal Hill, stands out with its colourfully painted houses. Boulder’s Beach, near Simon’s Town, plays host to a colony of penguin, and June to November is prime whale-watching season.
See
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Cape Town is surrounded by a unique and diverse variety of flora, so head over to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens if you want to find out more about them. Nestled in the foot of Table Mountain, the Gardens showcase thousands of species of indigenous South African plants. Enjoy a picnic on its rolling green lawns, or explore the hiking trails that wander through different terrains. The greenhouse has a huge display of proteas, as well as a collection of baobab and quiver trees.
Eat
Bo-Kaap Kombuis – Try some Cape Malay cuisine in this casual dining room in colourful Bo-Kaap, while enjoying views out to Table Mountain. Most of the dishes here have a strong Malay influence, with lots of curries featuring on the menu. Order some flaky roti to go with the curries – this traditional flatbread soaks up the sauces very well. Denningvleis is a ‘very traditional Malay meal’ with tender chunk of lamb, served with potatoes, rice and steamed vegetables on the side.
Stay
Cape Heritage Hotel – Make your trip to Cape Town unforgettable with a stay at the Cape Heritage Hotel. The building is situated on historic Heritage Square, close to restaurants and shops. All 17 rooms in the hotel have been individually decorated, for a truly one-of-a-kind look. Most of the hotel’s furniture and artworks come from local artisans, providing the place with a distinctly Capetonian character.
Check here for cheap flights to Cape Town.
(Photo: smh.com.au)
Posted January 26, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Can’t wait for the arrival of warmer weather? Then how about escaping to the sub-tropical climes of Rustenburg to soak up some sun? This tranquil town in South Africa is a gateway to a few stunning game and nature reserves, where adventurous types can come face to face with large animals.
Stay
Kedar Country Hotel – This hotel and spa provides a relaxing hideaway for those of you needing a break from city life. The rustic-looking huts are built with stone and thatch, and decorated with cheerful, vibrant prints that reflect the area’s cultural heritage. The rooms may be simply furnished, but who would want to spend much time moping indoors when the scenery outside is so stunning? The Armoury restaurant is decorated with relics from the Boer War - including a replica cannon- and serves traditional South African fare. Room rates start at about £75.
Play
Sun City Resort - This sprawling luxury resort is a little bit of Las Vegas that somehow landed in South Africa. Even if you’re not staying in one of the four hotels, it’s worth taking a day trip to this lavish resort just for a look at its various attractions. The complex boasts several casinos, a spa, and two lush 18-hole golf courses - the Lost City course has 38 live crocodiles in its water feature!
Eat
Cape Town Fish Market – Its name is a bit of a misnomer, as the Cape Town Fish Market is actually located in Rustenburg, and offers more than just fish. The menu draws on the country’s bountiful produce, and offers up astoundingly fresh fish, as well as prime examples of beef and lamb. Customers who want a taste of South African fare can opt for a bowl of potjie – a large, hearty stew with either chicken, prawn or seafood.
Check here for
Rustenburg travel information.
(Photo: conti-online.com)