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ENJOY THE TRANQUILITY OF THE KAROO

Rooiheuwel Holiday Farm sits in the foothills of the Nuweveld Mountains in the Karoo somewhere between Beaufort West and Prince Albert. You can’t get more rugged than this. This farm is sometimes used as a training ground for participants in the annual Endurance Horse Ride taking place at Smithfield in the Free State. So obviously horse-riding is number one choice of sport.

However, if you aren’t born to the saddle, you can also don those hiking boots and look for the anteaters.  The owners are proud proponents of ecotourism and as such they want visitors to gain an insight into the wonders of the Karoo. You will get handed articles on the history and farming in the area.

Of interest is the most southerly recorded corbelled hut in SA which is located on the farm Vlieëfontein and built by the Kruger family in 1850. The Kruger’s were part of a group of 9 families who migrated from the Cape via Ceres and whose ambition it was to settle in the Karoo. The hut has been declared a national monument but was built then as an overnight stop for the families trekking their herds.

There are 3 accommodation options: Boplaas, Kliphuis and Middelplaas. Kliphuis – once a cottage for shepherds and built high in the hills is the most unusual of all of them and is definitely not for those seeking 5-star comforts. Entrance is through a low door into the sleeping quarters under an even lower lintel and a narrow passage. The furniture is simple – but the views are special.

At Middelplaas – a half hour drive to an adjoining farm – the accommodations are set deep into the mountains. This enormous comfortable farmhouse was once a family residence and the water is still heated in a “donkey”. The hiking trails are all clearly marked with ant bears painted on the rocks. Two of the trails go along riverbeds and three into the mountains.

Mountain bikers and birders are also catered for. It’s a beautiful time of the year to visit with black springbok abounding and the wild flowers in full bloom. So head off into the rugged but tranquil Karoo for a different kind of holiday experience.

At Blaauwbosch Lodge you are treated to the highest peak in the Eastern Cape – the Cockscomb – which does indeed resemble the comb of a mighty fine rooster. The chalets at this reserve in the Karoo are rustic on the outside and warm and cosy on the inside. What’s more there are comfortable bed-sized loungers on the verandahs designed for guests to take a siesta in the heat of the afternoon.

The grazing gemsbok gleam with good health thanks to the succulent vegetation and are so laid back they barely move out of the way of vehicles. On the game drive we climbed even higher into the rocky mountains above the lodge and the views were spectacular. At sunset we spotted a fine caracal, three rhinos foraging just a stone’s throw from our vehicle, spring hares bounding along, a spotted eagle owl sitting sleepily in the tree and
a genet. On our return to the main lodge we were welcomed back with a glass of hot chocolate laced with Nachtmusik – yum yum!

The dining room can be transformed according to the seasons. In summer it is left completely open to catch the tiniest of breezes that prevail and in the evening tables are even set on the lawns. In winter a heavy tarpaulin is lowed and the tables placed beside the fireplace.

Breakfast in the boma warmed by an open fire is a lazy affair. We started with oats cooked with honey and whisky, an omlette plumped out with summer vegetables and camembert and a basket of fresh bread.

The owners are planning a facelift for both the main lodge and Kaai’s Camp – deep in the mountains – is already closed for renovations. With all of this at your disposal, you will quickly chill out and we can only hope that the petroleum companies don’t go ahead with fracking for gas which would obviously ruin it all.

It is not difficult to fall head over heels in love with Graaff-Reinet and the Land of the Camdeboo. You will be excused for being totally bewitched and if it is fantastic accommodation you are in need of then you will be more than spoilt for choice.

Selecting on of the exquisite little guest houses that have been returned to their former beauty and restored to the same magnificence is one way to find the best accommodation in this historical and quaint little town.

A glimpse into times of old and steeped in history, this fascinating little town offers everything ranging from history to adventure.

This
interesting historical town offers you everything including beauty, tranquility
and a glimpse into the past. Friendly smiles and glowing hospitality will endear you to this well-kept secret of South Africa; you will want an encore every time!

South Africans are famous for their wholesome cooking and warm hospitality, so don’t be surprised if you go home with a car full of koeksisters and a boot ful of home-made jam.

Nearby Bedford is famous for its stunning gardens which exhibit annually, and if it is fishing or walking; there is a little something for everyone.

Accommodation is plentiful and includes beautiful farms (many have their own fossil museums)  lodgings in the Camdeboo
Nature Reserve, accommodation in the town center; these are all typical offerings for the traveller.

Graaff-Reinet is  nestled
in the heart of the Great Karoo, flanked by the incredibly beautiful Camdeboo Nature Conservatory, and is situated on the banks of the sparkling waters of the Sundays River.

You will not be disappointed when visiting this part of the mesmerizing Great Karoo. Pay us a visit today so that you can also have a taste of a little bit of haven.

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Ostrich feathers and Oudtshoorn go hand in glove with the history of this warm and friendly town in the Klein Karoo. Warm hearts and many sunny days makes this a memorable town to visit. If you are looking for a place to stay over in Oudtshoorn then you will certainly be spoilt for choice.

Oudtshoorn in surrounded by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains and is a vertitable oasis in the fertile valley on the banks of the Grobblers River. Oudtshoorn provides fertile and rich soil, growing crops of grapes, tobacco and fruit.

Immigrants  were drawn by the boom in the feather industry but with the advent of the motor car the feather boom faded, leaving gehind many  “Ostrich Feather Palaces” during the feather hey dey period, and are decorated with “broekie lace”, bearing a memento of the extremely wealthy farming community of that era. 

Oudtshoorn is one of those a treasures waiting to be discovered, but once found you will want to make a repeat performance time and again.

An interesting and historical town that boasts some of the finest local cuisine with ostrich meat on most menus on offer. Or visit one of the numerous ostrich farms.

Once you have decided on the perfect accommodation in this fantastically different and historical town you will be amazed at the variety of activites you will be able to take part in. Visiting the world-famous Cango Caves is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you simply cannot miss.

You can choose from a wide selection of B & B’s, guest houses, hotels, game lodges and nature reserves, and for nature lovers, there are many clean and safe camping sites,sleeping under the stars.

For more about Oudtshoorn contact us to find out more, simply contact us.

Things To Do In Cape Town

Table Mountain is an icon of Cape Town. The cable way takes you to the summit in under 10 minutes. The cable car itself has a rotating floor, which means that all passengers get a 360-degree aerial view of the city.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a unique shopping and entertainment environment. It gets about 10 million visitors a year and makes it South Africa’s most visited tourist attraction.

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens holds the diversity of the Cape Flora and is set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch is beautiful and only grows indigenous plants.

Seven kilometers of the coast of Cape Town is Robben Island. This is where former South African President and Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela spent imprisoned during the Apartheid era.

The Cape Winelands is where you can visit winning wine farms and have a spot of wine tasting, cellar tours and are able to purchase some lovely wines.

These are just a few of the Cape Town attractions. Staying in Cape Town opens so many things to do whilst you are holidaying there.

Find a hotel and explore Cape Town!

Sun City

Sun City is a unique place to visit for the day or to stay over in one of their hotels. Sun City has four hotels offering unique and superior accommodation ranging from the opulence of the Palace of the Lost City to the luxury of the Cascades Hotel to the dynamic heart beat of the Sun City Hotel to the casual elegance of the Cabanas Hotel.

Sun City has many attractions that will keep you busy all day long. These include the Valley of the Waves, the Entertainment Centre, which has a range of fast foods and restaurants, children’s arcade, the Superbowl, slot machines and trendy shops.

There are also outdoor activities like horse riding, the crocodile sanctuary, butterfly world, game drives, golf and lots more.

You and your family will love the life of Sun City.

Sun City

Sun City is a unique place to visit for the day or to stay over in one of their hotels. Sun City has four hotels offering unique and superior accommodation ranging from the opulence of the Palace of the Lost City to the luxury of the Cascades Hotel to the dynamic heart beat of the Sun City Hotel to the casual elegance of the Cabanas Hotel.

Sun City has many attractions that will keep you busy all day long. These include the Valley of the Waves, the Entertainment Centre, which has a range of fast foods and restaurants, children’s arcade, the Superbowl, slot machines and trendy shops.

There are also outdoor activities like horse riding, the crocodile sanctuary, butterfly world, game drives, golf and lots more.

You and your family will love the life of Sun City.

Where to choose a Family holiday in S.A

South Africa, situated at the bottom of the African continent, is a land of great diversity. On holiday in South Africa you can enjoy and experience beach holidays along the coast, safari’s in the Kruger National Park and gourmet fare in Cape Town.
Some of South Africa’s Highlights are:
• Game reserves (housing the big 5)
• Table Mountain and Cape Town
• Beaches along the coastline
• Scenic drives
• Sun city
Of course these are to mention but a few. In Cape Town you can taste award winning wines and food in the Cape Winelands. All coastal towns, towns and cities, boast restaurants from the cosy sidewalk cafe to the glamorous internationally renowned eateries. Sea food can be found everywhere but is more fresh and abundant at the coast.
If you choose to visit the Kruger National Park, you have the choice to stay in one of the many lodges within the parks private concessions or reserves. All these concessions have an international appeal for luxury accommodation. You will see many varieties of wildlife, and you can arrange guided tours on foot, by vehicle and by night.
There is also a more basic and affordable choice of accommodation in the Kruger Park and its surrounds. You will find these in the form of rest camps, complexes of chalets and hotels. The rest camps offer picnic spots, swimming pools, restaurants, petrol stations and other facilities.
Sun City is South Africa’s little Las Vegas. Besides the entertainment of live shows and cabaret, roulette and slots, you can visit the neighbouring Pilanesburg Nature Reserve.
Whatever kind of family holiday you are looking for, South Africa will have something to suit your tastes and budget.

South Africa is divided into 9 provinces. Each having sights, beauty and places of interest unique to its region. Here I would like to explore the Garden Route with you.

The Garden Route is situated between the mountain ranges at the end of the Karoo and along the southern shores of the Western Cape. Its name ‘garden’ derives from the beautiful, natural vegetation, forests and flowers that could be likened to The Garden of Eden. The climate is mild and the area enjoys a gentle all year round rainfall, the countryside is always green. Wild flowers are always seen on the hillsides and on the verge of the road. The Garden Route is a paradise for birds and bird watchers because of the forests, flowers, rivers and lakes. The coastline is sheer, with various rock types, interrupted by small bays and the occasional long stretches of beach.
Whale sightings are common and are mostly spotted in the summer months. Plettenburg Bay’s calm waters are the chosen place for whales to calve. Humpbacked and Bottle nosed dolphins can be seen frolicking and playing along the coastline all year round. The Garden Route offers trails with overnight huts in the forests for the more adventurous tourist to enjoy.
Towns of interest and beauty along The Garden Route include; Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Plettenburg Bay. Mossel Bay is South Africa’s seventh largest port and it boasts a number of historic firsts. The main industries of the beautiful little town George are sawmilling, furniture manufacture and tourism. Mixed farming is also practised in this district. Knysna is home to the Knysna hardwood forests. There are also beautiful beaches and lagoons which play host to boating and water sport fanatics. The town is considered to be among the country’s most fashionable resort, residential and retirement centres. Its lagoon to its shores fall within the 15 000 ha of the Knysna National Lake Area.
The Garden Route is an absolute beautiful, well equipped, cosy and luxurious holiday destination that every tourist in, or visiting South Africa, should experience.

South Africa, like many other Tourist destinations around the world is not excluded from crime. In fact,South Africa has some of the highest violent crime rates internationally. By being vigilant, using common sense and asking what precautions you should take, you should be able to enjoy a safe stay.
Here are some guidelines to followto ensure you have an incident free visit.

• Don’t walk around in deserted areas at night, not even on a well lit beach.
• Don’t accept any offers from strangers.
• Do not carry large sums of money; rather make use of credit cards or travellers cheques.
• Do not advertise that you are a tourist by openly carrying a camera, binoculars and other items associated with travel.
• Don’t wear expensive jewellery, or carry all your valuables and passports in your handbag.
• Do not drive around with any valuables in plain view in your vehicle. Smash and grab instances are very high and happen even in the busiest of places.
• Drive with all doors locked and windows closed.
• Ensure that you carry a road map, and plan your route of travel. This will prevent you from getting lost and ending up in dangerous areas.
• Do not pick up hitch hikers or even stop to assist in what appears to be a breakdown scene. If you are really concerned that the situation is sincere, rather report what you have seen to a police station.
• Do take extra care when driving at night. Many South African roads are badly lit, especially in the rural areas. Some places aren’t lit up at all. Fencing in some places is nonexistent so look out for stray animals and pedestrians.

By adhering to these guidelines and asking for additional information from trustworthy sources, you should have a pleasant and memorable stay in South Africa.

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