South Africa

A romantic weekend away for Valentine’s Day – sounds like a great idea in principle, right? But as anyone who has tried to book even a simple night away with their partner already knows, the process of finding the perfect hotel for romance isn’t all hearts and flowers. You’re searching for seclusion and sophistication in […]

A safari really is the holiday of a lifetime, so that means staying in just the right spot; and having the perfect safari guide makes that trip into the bush even more memorable. I stayed at Thakadu River Camp, one of the area’s most exclusive lodges. “Here comes the McDonalds of the bush, showing us his […]

Today is Mandela Day – the 94th birthday of the man himself, and a symbolic day when everyone around the world should stop and remember what has been achieved in South Africa – as well as what is yet to be achieved. All over South Africa in honour of Mandela Day people are donating their […]

You’ve heard of the Big 5 now meet the unsung heroes of the bush – The Little 5…

Franschhoek is synonymous the world over with fine wines and high-class dining, but the area is not strictly the preserve of bon vivants…

Having gone undercover for years as one of the world’s top 10 movie locations, Cape Town’s alter ego as the film industry’s best-kept secret has now been uncloaked by none other than James Bond himself after recent rumours…

There’s more to the South African Winelands than the name suggests. But you can’t fit 55 different activities into a place name now can you? Are there really 55 Things to do in Franschhoek other than drink wine? Well actually there are 54 things to do on this list – and then you deserve to pop […]

Just back from three months in Cape Town where she filmed the current high-octane ITV thriller Kidnap and Ransom, Executive Producer Rachel Gesua picks her favourite places to take on the legendary Cape Town nightlife, and shows how to become a bona fide child of the Mother City. At one point during the on-location filming of […]

Want to feel the beating heart of southern Africa’s most-visited and most-loved city? You can’t get more urban cool than the The Adderley, a contemporary boutique hotel located in the centre of Cape Town’s City Bowl.  The Adderley’s small reception, squeezed between shop fronts on the wide thoroughfare of Adderley Street belies the scale, comfort, style and […]

We expected it to be breathtaking, but Route 62 still turned out to be the most under-rated journey we took during our three weeks in South Africa. A tight schedule meant that we drove virtually the entire length of this celebrated back-road through South Africa’s Klein Karoo in single unforgettable day, and our final stop-off […]

First I should point out that you don’t have to have soya milk – but each of these three places does great coffee and superior snacks and has a lovely ethos –  plus happily for me and other soya fans, they can all offer you a non-dairy latte without blinking an eye. Here are my […]

Despite South Africa being full of world class wildlife and impressive Big 5 game, there’s one little animal that really wins your heart against the odds: the dassie. They look like a guinea pig, their name means little badger, and improbably, they are the closest living relative of the elephant,  but these funny, furry little creatures pop […]

Gumboot dancing started in the dank and dark gold mine tunnels of South Africa more than a century ago as a codified tap used by oppressed black miners as a form of communication. But not everyone knows the hidden meaning and history of this dance tradition.

There seems to be some South African terminology that has taken on a life of its own, these phrases seem to have spread overseas to folks who’ve never even set foot in South Africa. For me personally, ever since my holiday to South Africa, there are 6 words which stayed with me, and will always […]

The Soweto tour was the highlight of my trip to Johannesburg – interesting, educational, vibrant, eye-opening, and most of all, fun. Here I’m going to let the photos speak for themselves…

Finding the right place to stay in any sprawling metropolis can make the difference between a great time and a terrible experience, but in Johannesburg choosing the right suburb, and the perfect bolthole is essential if you want to buck the trend and fall in love with the city that everyone loves to bash. When […]

Be careful. That’s all I heard when I told people I was heading to Johannesburg. Please be careful. Don’t carry any valuables. Don’t stop at red lights. Lock your doors. Don’t go into the CBD. Don’t go out at night. Don’t go into the townships. In fact don’t go into Joburg at all, just land […]