Africa is the birth place of many things. It’s where life started as we know it, at the same time it offers some of the most spectacular sites and its people are just as amazing. The wildlife is beautiful from the smallest to the biggest of animals. But nothing is as incredible as its rivers. Read the rest of this entry »
Our local scenery is one that is overlooked at times even taken for granted. Our heritage is important as it lays the foundation of who we really are as people and as a nation. We have so much to offer as a country, so we’ve narrowed it down to the best three SA museums that one should consider checking out.
• Iziko Museum: is for those of you who love exploring the existence of man and who are fascinated with the “big bang theory”. Iziko museum was the first museum in the country, founded in 1825 and is located in Cape Town. The museum is organized on four levels and hosts a variety of exhibitions, from rock art to fossils, marine animals and meteorites.
• The Nelson Mandela Museum in Umthatha is a must see as it documents the early years of a true South African icon. Celebrating the story of a liberation veteran Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as it depicts his youth.
• Another place that holds great heritage is the Apartheid Museum. Situated opposite Gold Reef City, it graphically bears witness to the downfall of the Apartheid regime and the shocking stories that took place.
Heritage sites such as museums are only considered by tourist when they come to visit SA and this shouldn’t be the case. We owe it to ourselves to know more about our own country. Our past is deeply rooted and has great significance in our lives because it tells a story, our story.
Here are the top 3 shopping markets in South Africa:
1. Greenmarket Square
One of Cape Town’s oldest markets set on a paved square between Short and Long Market streets. Although today the market is predominated by African curios the market remains a buzz of colourful and eccentric characters. With time the Greenmarket Square has gained a selection of restaurants and cafés that allow people to enjoy their shopping experience a lot better.
2. East Rand Flea Market
Located in Boksburg, Johannesburg, the East Rand Flea Market is in close proximity to the East Rand Mall and this makes it one of those markets that are open all week except Mondays.
They sell an array of goods from African artwork to a number of handcrafted goods there is also a home industry and a gadget guy. In the art array you find street wire art, jewellery, clothing, and wooden carvings amongst other creative designs.
3. Umkhumbane Flea Market
Dubbed “where people connect” the idea behind this Durban Fleas Markets was for I to be a meeting place where Durbanites and tourists would enjoy a shopping experience on Sundays. Named after the Umkhumbane River which flows past the well-located site on the corner of Bellair and Booth Roads, what you can expect is the stall with traditional ethnic wear, clothing, textiles and African curious. Musicians and dancers also perform on occasion. The Umkhubane Flea Market is open every Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
What better way to spend the weekend?
Easter is the holiest and oldest Christian festival. It is the celebration (sacred) of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Even those who do not follow the Christian belief commemorate this holiday with great joy, thanksgiving and celebration.
There are many things that can be done during these three days. Children do enjoy this holiday as well because they get a chance to participate in the Easter Bunny hunt. There are great and fun activities that can be done without taking away the significance of the holidays. If you consider the current economy, you might want to try and organise activities that are free or inexpensive. Below are 3 things that you can do during the Easter holidays:
1. Decorate Eggs
This is a fun activity that can be collectively done as a family. There are always gifts to give to neighbours and friends during Christmas, why not during Easter? Get together as a family and decorate Easter eggs and go give them to your neighbours and friends. Sharing is good and your neighbours and friends will definitely appreciate it.
2. Organise and Easter Play
Most of the kids know the crucifixion story of Jesus. So gather the kids from the area and let them decide on the script. All you can do is to help with the editing. This will generate a lot fun and amusement. If you don’t want to do the Jesus story, try going for the bunny theme or the duck theme. The play can be performed at night and after that everyone can have dinner, together.
3. Easter Egg Hunt
This activity is probably the oldest, but it surely does play a significant role in many people’s lives. An Easter holiday without the infamous Easter Egg hunt is not a holiday at all. Kids love activities that include hide and seek. Parents should hide the eggs and make the kids look for them. This should also rotate where kids hide the eggs and parents having to search for them.
South African Casinos offer something for everyone. Whether it be world class entertainment, restaurants or shopping, one will be left with a gambling experience like no other. SA has more licenced casino resorts than most European countries. This makes it a fierce competitor in the world of casino and entertainment.
Here’s a few worth checking out:
Carvnical City Casino
Located in Brakpan on the outskirts of Johannesburg it offers the world-class entertainment and gaming facilities, two hotels and fun-filled entertainment that keeps crown coming back for more. It’s famous for hosting sporting events such as boxing and racing and is part of the Sun International Group.
Emperors Place
Formerly known as Ceasars Palace and dubbed “the palace of dreams” it’s truly is a dream worth seeing. Located near the International Airport it offers a range of entertainment, thrilling casino with 1 724 slot machines, 67 gaming tables offering blackjack and poker. It also offers a variety of accommodation options, exhibition centre and a thrilling casino.
Motecasino
It’s designed with the look inside and out of an Old Italian Tuscan Village. Montecasion is one of the most popular casinos in Gauteng. It offers a 5-star hotel (InterContinental Palazzo), nightclubs, 15 cinemas and a bird garden with a live wild life show.
South African Casino’s are world class offering some of the best entertainment and gaming experiences worth visiting.
Rock the River SA Easter Beast is set to be entertaining again this year. 2012 will also have a packed line up with over 60 live performances from bands, DJs, comedians and entertainers. And yes, there will be cheap alcohol, but drink responsibly. This weekend is going to be awesome. Therefore, invite your friends, lovers, parents, cousins or even strangers, just in the name of having fun. This is an Easter festival that is second to none.
Most people believe that the best plans are made at the last minute. Perhaps the statement is true, but not with the Rock the River SA Easter Beast. Make sure that you plan ahead and get everything sorted out because the festival is always packed. Perhaps the venue might be the smallest, but you are guaranteed to have the best time ever. The campsites are so close to the stage, giving you the opportunity to interact with the performers and also get a good view of everything. Since the concert is called the Rock the River, then expect to see a river.
The music is beautiful; it is food for the soul. You really don’t want to miss this epic event. Because the music is live, the sound of the drums and the beautiful echoes of the electric guitars will cause Goosebumps for music lovers.
Whether it’s a weekend gate-away for two or a family vacation the Warmbaths in Bela Bela are worth visiting. Named by the local Tswana people in the 1800’s Bela Bela means “the water that boils on its own”. The therapeutic waters at Bela Bela bubble up from the earth at a temperature of 53 degrees and some 22 000 litres of water are produced every hour.
Bela Bela is easy to reach from Johannesburg on the N1 and is set against the backdrop of the scenic Waterberg. It Offers 45 luxury hotel rooms, 124 self-catering chalets and Caribbean style log cabins. One can look forward to a number of water activities such as river rides, wave pools, super slide and the one thing we all love Jacuzzi. There are also a number of game and nature reserves including the Thabo Kwena Crocodile Farm that offers game drives as you take pleasure in the beauty of nature.
The hydro at Forever Resorts Warmbaths offers a variety of treatments and products You are guaranteed to be left feeling revitalized and rejuvenated whether you had a full body massage or simply longed around in the hot mineral spring. The Warmbaths offer the best of both worlds and is therefore the ideal holiday destination.
Saturday, 7 April 2012 will see the start of the world’s renowned Two Oceans Marathon. The marathon will take place in Cape Town. This race is sponsored by Old Mutual and presented by Nike. This is a marathon that has drawn almost everyone’s appeal. This marathon is expected to attract 25 000 participants from all corners of the world. The distance is 56km with a lot of running been done on open road.
There will be, however, slopes and mountain climbs. The reason why the marathon is called the Two Oceans is because the route passes both the Indian and the Atlantic Ocean shorelines. That is one of the reason it can be seen as a stunning and challenging experience at the same time.
All participants will start the race in Newlands and end at Noordhoek. Previously the race did not include the Chapman’s Peak, and that is what most runners dread. However, the most challenging part of the Two Oceans Marathon is the Suikerbossie Pass. The daunting part about this is that it always comes after you have passed the beautiful sceneries of Chapman’s Peak and the flats of Hout Bay.
The Chapman’s Peak Drive re-opened in 2003. It was closed due to dangerous rock falls. This resulted in the construction costs of R157m.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and unforgettable holiday destination well look no further as the Afriski resort which is the place to be. It’s situated in a remote area offering a breathtaking view of green hills.
We all need a place to escape, unwind and really enjoy nature and this resort delivers just that.
The resort accommodates 100 guests offering private and family chalets, with camping offered as an option. There one gets snows at any time of year meaning one shouldn’t have to wait for winter in order to learn how to ski. Also the resort offers beginners course on skiing and snowboarding. One can learn how to skii and snowboard with skilled instructors who will take you step by step making sure that by the time you leave you’re a professional at the art of skiing.
The ski hire will supply you with all the equipment you need for snow activities. Ski clothing for hire or sale is available at reasonable prices, while a range of accessories, including sweaters, beanies, goggles, cameras and pharmaceutical goods is also available. Rooms are centrally heated with 100m of the slope and main lodge. This resort offers the best holiday experience, and if its beautiful memories one wants to have then Afriski Resort is a place worth visiting.
A sport like Golf is in a league of its own as it’s dubbed a gentlemen’s game due to the likes of Champion Ship winners Tiger Woods and our very own Ernie Els. South Africa boats a number of world-class golf courses. Our courses have hosted the European PGA Tours and the South African Sunshine Tour. We list a number of courses that are worth visiting as they cater for both amateurs and professionals.
• Royal Cape Golf Club: It was founded in 1885 and was attributed “Royal” in 1910. The 18-hole course has hosted the South African Open several times. Though windy it’s a flat course surrounded with many tress and beautiful scenery.
• Rondebosch Golf Club: The main features of Rondebosch are the sideams of the Black River, which have to be played a couple of times and separate the fairways 10, 11, 12 and 16 from the rest.
• Bellville Golf Club: From the clubhouse one can look forward to a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains. It’s not a flat course as it constantly goes up and down, across water and around bends. It’s beauty is definitely worth visiting.
These golf courses are a perfect holiday destination as they offer peace and quiet which at times we all need. The scenery is impeccable if not breathtaking and each course is different yet unique in its own way. These courses are a golfer’s paradise especially if you want to perfect that swing.
