Europe or Africa? Well if you’re not fussy (at all) about authenticity, you can – almost, kind of – have both at the same time. The complex of Montecasino in the Fourways district of northern Johannesburg is, as the name suggests, dominated by gambling. As that name further suggests, there is an Italian theme running through the whole operation.
March 26, 2012
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest and best-known game reserve, but there are numerous alternatives, including one right next door.
Of course, “next door” is a relative term in the wide expanses of the savannah, but Sabi Sand Reserve does indeed share an unfenced border with Kruger, in South Africa’s north-east. It’s the oldest private game reserve in the country, prized for its huge range of wildlife, emphasis on sustainability and luxury accommodation.
The reserve covers 153,000 acres, irrigated with numerous waterholes as well as the Sabie and Sand Rivers–from which it derive its name. A protected area since 1934, Sabi Sand has attracted truly impressive stocks of wildlife. You’ll see not just the Big Five–lions, elephants, cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros–but also endangered species like honey badgers and wild dogs, crocodiles, giraffes, monkeys and a huge range of birdlife. Open safari vehicles and experienced guides ensure you can get right up close to these majestic creatures, with numerous opportunities for stunning wildlife and landscape photography.
February 27, 2012
Lesotho: Top 3 Things to do in The Mountain Kingdom
Look at a map of South Africa and you may notice a gap in its eastern half. That gap is the fascinating independent kingdom of Lesotho, whose capital Maseru is over 400 km south of Johannesburg. Although Durban is closer as the crow flies, winding mountain roads mean it takes longer to get to.
Lesotho is both landlocked and mountainous, in fact it’s the only country in which no point is less than 1000 meters above sea level. Its peaks hide some impressive surprises for the intrepid traveler – here are three which represent history, nature and leisure.
December 5, 2011
Cape Tastings
South Africa is one of the oldest of the New World wine producers, with a century’s head start on California. And that means they’ve had a long time working out what foods go best with their vintages. Along with numerous outstanding restaurants in Cape Town and the surrounding vineyard country, there are numerous specialty events offering pairings of wine with artisanal foods both sweet and savory. You can enjoy them in beautiful Western Cape surroundings, often in historic homesteads. Here’s a selection:
November 7, 2011
Blombos Cave Painting
As eventful as South Africa’s recent history has been, it seems its prehistory was no walk in the veldt either.
In a series of caves and other sites north-west of Johannesburg, some of the oldest remains of our pre-human ancestors have been found. The “Cradle of Humankind”, as this area is now known, has yielded extensive hominid fossils which have greatly enlarged our understanding of the origins of human life. The Maropeng Visitor Center does its best to dissolve the mists of time which separate us from this almost unimaginably distant past.
October 10, 2011
A drive around the Cape
Motoring around Cape Town can be a delight, with awe-inspiring scenery, excellent roads and generally considerate drivers (taxi drivers being a notable exception). Grab a hire car, get used to right-hand driving if necessary, and hit the road!
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April 23, 2012
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