Home Made Lingo, SA Slang

Home-made Lingo

Home-made Lingo will help you build simple conversations using daily vocab in a choice of five local lingos (English, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Afrikaans - including pronunciation tips) so you’ll be able to communicate in all previously disadvantaged conversations.

Slup Slango, Traditional Township Slango and Stewed Rainbow Lingo will expand your slang repertoire so you’ll be able to understand your lighties, (youngsters) for the first time in years, choon (talk to) your fridge photos and bond with your chinas, mabojwas and all local S’African characters!
There’s also Kid’s Lunch-Box Lingo (a variety of curriculum-aligned themes with a parent/teacher instruction guide) so kids can start school with a multi-lingual advantage.
It guarantees lifetime membership of Team SA, and if nothing else, at least you’ll lose weight by keeping your fridge door closed!!

For all South Africans

translate sa™ is for all South Africans – big and small, locals and expats, CEOs and secretaries progressive parents and substitute teachers, your next door neighbour and the Minister of Finance, car-guards, tannies, black diamonds, larnies, kugels, mabojwas, cuzins, chinas, cherries, and your Ma!

Social conscience

translate sa™ is also teaming up with Ikamva Labantu (the Future of Our Nation) by creating work opportunities to help youth in South Africa become income generators and entrepreneurs. translate sa™ will be working with their unemployed post-matriculants and other talented craftspeople.

So check out the range on www.translatesa.co.za to order or to give your South African slang suggestions. You could win a pack in a monthly draw.

ecr Winter Warmth

www.ecr.co.za

The icy cold chill that has filled the air over the last few weeks may have been welcomed by some, but for many it means a fight for survival. Join East Coast Radio and The Hub as we help spread the warmth.

Winter Warmth is East Coast Radio’s annual CSI initiative to blanket the less fortunate in our province, during the season’s two coldest months. The station embarks on a collection drive over six weeks in an attempt to gather enough blankets for distribution throughout KZN. But we cannot do it alone…donate a blanket and help bring warmth and comfort to thousands of bitterly cold families this winter.

East Coast Radio is proud to announce that The Hub has come on board as the official sponsor of Winter Warmth 2009. To make donating easier and more convenient for you, The Hub stores throughout KZN are being used as drop off points for blankets. Making a difference is so simple, especially when The Hub is giving you 10% off your next purchase when you make a donation to the campaign at any of their stores!

“Durban has always been lucky enough to boast warm winters. Along the East Coast, however there are tens of thousands throughout KZN that are not so lucky. Each winter east coasters do their bit by donating blankets and cash to those that are literally, out in the cold. We look forward to that warmth and support again this year,” said East Coast Radio’s Marketing Manager, Naz Khan.

Winter Warmth 2008 was a huge success because of the incredible support and generosity of East Coasters last year. Thanks to individuals, companies and schools, East Coast Radio distributed 35 771 blankets, valued at R1 073 130, 00 to beneficiaries in KZN.

The campaign would not reach nearly as many people without our facilitators, Rotary and Durban Deliveries who work around the clock to ensure that the donations get to the right people.

East Coast Radio appeals to you to reach out and make a donation. Donate a blanket or cash to purchase new blankets and the Winter Warmth team will make sure that every single blanket reaches a deserving beneficiary during the six week campaign.

Shipwrecked at Jacobsbaai Saldanha

What a weird-looking ship!

Doctors that frustate patients

Doctors Who Never Consult Your Other Doctors

Doctors Who Fail to Call with Test Results

Doctors Who Think You Are Crazy

Doctors Who Do Not Listen to You

Doctors Who Think Their Time is Valuable, Not Yours

Durban's Cold Spell

At 10am Saturday 27th June 2009

Recent Snow Falls Kokstad

Mountains between East Griqualand and Transkei or Eastern Cape

Mount Currie

National Braai Day (Braaivleis)

24 September 2009 Heritage Day

On 24 September all South Africans will sit around the same fire. Join us in National Braai Day - a celebration of our great country and its unique national pastime.

National Braai Day will allow us to get together, burn the past and cook up a succulent future. Braaing unites us all in a common purpose and transcends racial, social, cultural and language barriers. There’s really no excuse not to gather your family and friends and whip up feast - it’s the start of summer and a public holiday.

Show your support of National Braai Day by sending an SMS to 34761 on 24 September with the the number of people attending your braai. The guys at "National Braai Day" will release numbers to the press on a real time basis. If you're part of the official count, they will send you a return SMS with the number of South Africans around the fire with you.

Braai Day: 24 September Heritage Day

Braai Day on 24 September marks a very important custom in South African circles: the fitful turning of raw meat on a grid, underneath which perfectly temperate hot coals cause the sizzling of, and cooking of aforesaid meat. Originating from the Afrikaner people, braaing has since become a pastime for people of many different backgrounds in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.

If you’re abroad, chances are the weather isn’t conducive or even similar to braaiing during the long summer months in South Africa. Braaiing abroad however, can be pulled off with a decent amount of style. With full tummies and memories of the good times as an afterthought we’ve included a few ideas for you to make the best of the situation....

http://www.braai4heritage.co.za/
Info, recipes and lots of other info...

Toy Story East Coast Radio

Annual Toy Story Run
www.ecr.co.za

Dear White Friend

Dear White Friend

Cupla things you orta no:

Firstly, wen I aborn I'm black

Wen I gro up, I'm black

Wen I git sick, I'm black

Wen I go out ina sun, I'm black

Wen I'm cold, I'm black

Wen I get scared, gee, I'm still black

and wen I die, I'm still black!

But you white fella, you

Wen you born, you pink

Wen you grow up, you white

Wen you git sick, you green

Wen you go out ina sun, you go red

Wen you git cold, you go blue

Wen you scared, you yellow

and wen you die, you go purple!

and you got the cheek to call me a coloured!

anon

Afrikaans is beter Meneer

Afrikaans is better!!!

By iowa2007 on Saturday, 9 August 2008

Krisjan pulls into a service station in his battered bakkie, Clad in tattered khakis, velskoene, whiskers and ragged hat. He Hands the attendant the keys complete with a beautiful Vierkleur flag.
Krisjan: "Goeie more. Maak vol met Super, asseblief." (Good morning. Fill up with super please)
Attendant: "How much?"

Krisjan: "Vol asseblief." (Full please)

Attendant: "I only speak the English!"

Krisjan: "Noooo problem.... Good day to you, Sir. I currently feel a profound desire to replenish the propellant of my motorized vehicle. Therefore, i cordially request you to transfer, from your subterranean reservoir, a sufficient quantity of combustible fluid of the highest octane rating to fill the appropriate receptacle of the said means of perambulation to the brim."

Attendant: "Hau?"

Krisjan: "Do you have a problem, Sir? I thought you said you spoke English?"

Attendant: "English.....that, she is not English!"

Krisjan: "My dear Sir, are you veritably attempting to insinuate that you do not even recognize the language which you allege to be your singular means of communication?"

Attendant: "Hau?"

Krisjan: "Let me attempt to elucidate in the most elementary terms; your paltry grasp of the English vernacular is frittering away the time at my disposal or as I would put it, in a more civilized intelligible language......

Dit is fo**en duidelik dat jy FO**OL van Engels weet. So, kry jou slapgat in rat en maak hierdie bliksemse kar se tank vol voordat ek hier uitklim en jou sommer moer, want jy mors my donnerse tyd!!!! (It is clear that you know nothing about English. Get your lazy backside in gear and fill this car up before I get out and hit you because you're wasting my bloody time - expletives left out)

Verstaan jy nou?!! (Do you understand now)

Attendant: "Ja Meneer. Vol Meneer? Afrikaans is beter Meneer". (Yes sir, full sir? Afrikaans is better sir).

Krisjan: "Dankie!" (Thank you)

Outside of South Africa, there is a growing interest in the Afrikaans language, and it is currently taught at universities in Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia and Uzbekistan.

Death of Durban

Taxi Fare? Economy?

Looks like Durban?

Cop car punished

How cool is this? Good for u Cape Town!

Snow on van Reenens Pass

Rugby World Cup 1995 Film

Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela

Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar

The 1995 World Cup film is officially being named “INVICTUS,”

Invictus

Release Date: December 11, 2009
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Clint Eastwood
Screenwriter: Anthony Peckham
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Available
Official Website: Not Available
Review: Not Available
DVD Review: Not Available
DVD: Not Available
Movie Poster: Not Available
Production Stills: Not Available

Plot Summary: The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.

KZN Battlefields Blood River

Museum Visitors Centre

Laager

Monument 3,000 Zulus

After the Voortrekkers had failed to negotiate with the Zulus the secession of land for settling and grazing, and had endured a number of catastrophic assaults, they assembled at the Ncome River for a decisive battle. On December 16, 1838, 464 Boers under the command of Andries Pretorius defeated more than 10,000 Zulu warriors. The deeply religious Boers did not ascribe the military victory to their technically superior armaments, but interpreted it primarily as a sign of God. Before the battle, they had prayed and made a vow that if God would grant them victory over the Zulus, they would commemorate the event annually. With that battle behind them, they believed even more strongly that white predominance over blacks was Gods own will.
The monument at the Blood River, a fort of cast-bronze wagons, brings to life the terrible events of 1838, which meant the beginning of the end of the Zulu Kingdom. This monument stood alone for many years as a reminder exclusively of the heroism of the white settlers, who suffered no fatalities at Blood River on that day.
Finally, in December 1998, a memorial for the 3,000 Zulu soldiers who died in the battle, was inaugurated by Zulu Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi across the river from the Afrikaner monument. The historic anniversary of the Day of the Vow has been renamed Reconciliation Day in the New South Africa.

Cape Town Coffee Route

Cape Town Coffee Route

Posted in Cape Town, Entertainment, Restaurant Reviews by SA Blog Editor, 13 May 2009.

Compiled by an enthusiastic group of trendy Capetonians, we present the Cape Town Coffee Route. From well know and highly acclaimed Coffee Bars to off the beaten track discoveries, if you are looking for a great cuppa in Cape Town you’ll find the best of them in this list.

Cape Town’s Coffee Culture is a thriving one. Our list of favourite places to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat includes local favourites to coffee boutiques for the connoisseur. Included are perennial favourites such as Newport Deli in Mouille Point and Giovanni’s in Green Point and highly acclaimed Jardine on Bree - but the list also offers a few lesser known gems like The Daily Deli in Tamboerskloof and C’est la Vie in Kalk Bay. To view the full list see Cape Town Coffee Route.

Photos from Rural SA

Sergeant F de Bruin, Department of Prisons employee, Orange Free State, 1992

Have you seen these guys in Transvaal?

Photographer Roger Ballen took this photo of Dresie and Casie, a twin brother from West Transvaal, as featured in his book: Platteland: Images from Rural S. Africa.

(Thank goodness it is now called North-West!)

Outland' is both a retrospective of the earlier photographs Roger Ballen published in his photo-essays 'Dorps' (1986) and 'Platteland' (1995), as well as a survey of the new directions his work has taken since then. The AVA show thus surveys the entire body of Ballen's South African work, and traces his evolution from a documentary realist to a subjective fantasist.

Ballen's first images from 'Dorps' portray fragmented vistas of poor Platteland homes. These are seductively beautiful photographs - tender, lyrical and reverential - in which even the humblest object is invested with a homely poetry. With 'Platteland', Ballen first staked out his own particular aesthetic terrain. Although he continues to produce captivating images of children, and affectionate studies of baby domestic animals, he is most closely associated with portraits of a peculiarly disturbing and macabre

Plane crashes into Bakkie

The one-in-a-million accident occurred at about 2pm yesterday, near Krugersdorp Airport, west of Johannesburg. Read Mikes account of the plane crash here.

The pilot and his passenger, both in their fifties, suffered minor injuries. Two women in the bakkie were unharmed but were treated for shock. Another passenger, sitting on the back of the bakkie was thrown off the back but was not injured. Amazing, it's certainly is a miracle for me that no one was killed.

Vote for Table Mountain

Vote for Table Mountain as Natural Wonder of The World

Posted in Cape Town, Attractions by SA Blog Editor, 20 March 2009.

South Africans have until July 7 to vote for Table Mountain in the global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature. South Africa’s most famous mountain needs an injection of votes to secure its spot as one of the world’s top wonders.

The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Other iconic African natural sites to come through the first round include the Kalahari Desert, the Great Rift Valley, the Avenue of Baobabs, Lake Tanganyika, the Kafue National Park and Victoria Falls.

The New 7 Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public and South Africans and fans from outside of our borders can show their support for the Cape Town’s majestic mountain by visiting www.votefortablemountain.com and casting their vote.

Do it day

Everyone’s doing it. Are you?

Posted in General Interest, Events by SA Blog Editor, 5 June 2009.

Friday 18th September is Do It Day – the one amazing day each year when South Africans take time out to share their energy and skills with good causes around the country. Note it in your diary – this year is going to be the biggest Do It Day yet! Do It Day is an annual call to action event organised and hosted by GreaterGood South Africa and brought to you by The Old Mutual Foundation and other associate sponsors. It’s a day of nation-building that connects South Africans with good causes, to give something back to our communities.

It’s easy to make a difference on Do It Day – all you need to do is sign up online for a project in your city that you’d like to volunteer at and arrive on the 18th September. GreaterGood SA aims to mobilise ‘Team South Africa’ and recruit a record 20 000 volunteers working on 2 000 projects this year, providing a huge range of options, so that everyone will be able to find something that appeals to them. The non-profit organisations registered with GreaterGood SA have loads of jobs that need doing, from painting homeless shelters, to making sandwiches for the hungry and clearing alien vegetation at animal welfare societies.

Do It Day projects are categorised into ‘heart’, ‘head’ and ‘sweat’ projects. An example of a heart project might be reading to the elderly at a care home in your community, whilst a head project might be using your computer skills to create a database or a website for a local organisation. Sweat projects simply require hard work and vary from fixing a roof to creating food gardens.

As we are gearing up for 2010, many of the Do It Day projects will have an urban greening focus this year, so that we can clean up our beautiful country in preparation for the soccer world cup. There will also be a focus on youth development, to get our children off the streets and onto the soccer pitch, and doing something constructive and empowering.

In these challenging economic times, the message of Do It Day rings loud and clear – everyone has something to give – and making a difference doesn’t have to cost you a cent. Do It Day is all about encouraging a culture of volunteering by leveraging the huge pool of human capital resources that are readily available, namely, our time, skills and energy, to uplift our communities.

GreaterGood South Africa sees Do It Day as a powerful, symbolic tool for change, with the potential to promote sustainable, long-term relationships between volunteers and causes and transform mindsets about giving. The event promotes teamwork, motivates staff, demonstrates the virtue of hard work and supports good causes in communities across South Africa.

You can sign up online from 1st July, at www.doitday.co.za, or simply SMS the word ‘Volunteer’ and your name to 33009.
*SMS’s are charged at R1,50. Free SMS’s don’t apply.

Signing up as a volunteer is quick and easy. And if you can’t make the actual day, you can still contribute – we have some ready-made alternatives for you. Just visit the website or contact us on (021) 762 7338 to find out. www.doitday.co.za

Evita se Perron

Get in your karretjie and head to Darling's Evita se Perron, a cabaret theatre started by Evita Bezuidenhout aka Pieter Dirk Uys, South Africa's famous satirist. Perron means 'station platform' in Afrikaans and here you will find Voortrekker Monument kitsch rivaling apartheid signs - it's a place where everyone has a chance to laugh and/or cry, then remember and celebrate that we are no longer there. Tannie believes that by acknowledging where we come from, we will understand where we are going.

From Durban to Drakensberg

Snow covered Drakensberg Mountains

Early winter snow falls near Underberg

Wildlife viewing in South Africa

Wildlife Viewing in South Africa

South Africa has a large number of national and provincial parks - ideal for game viewing at affordable rates - and some of the best private game reserves and wildlife farms in the world, offering visitors the excitement of wildlife viewing on safari or even hiking the wilderness. Wildlife Areas Limpopo Kruger National Park (northern section) and the private game reserves bordering Kruger Park - Klaserie, Balule, Kapama, Thornybush, Manyeleti and Timbavati - offers a variety of options. This is a malaria areas.

The Limpopo also offers game viewing in a malaria free area in the Waterberg - near Bela-Bela, Lephalale (Ellisras), Modimolle (Nylstroom) Mookgopong (Naboomspruit), Vaalwater and within Welgevonden Game Reserve.
The Marekele National Park is situated outside Thabazimbi in the Waterberg.
KwaZulu Natal
The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park, the Ithala Game Reserve and Mkuze Game Park andprivate reserves (like Phinda) and lodges close to it are the main attractions - some in a low risk malaria area.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is your gateway to the Kruger National Park. The province's wilderness offerings range from the super-exclusive private lodges of the Sabi Sand and private wildlife reserves south of the Kruger Park to luxury lodges within the Kruger.
North West
The malaria free Pilanesberg and Madikwe Game Reserves host a number of private lodges.
Eastern Cape
The Addo Elephant Park and private game lodges in the Addo area such as Shamwari are the main attractions of the Eastern Cape, but there also a number of private reserves in Grahamstown, Graaff Reinet, East London, Kenton on Sea and Cradock - all malaria free.
Northern Cape
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park stretching across the border with Botswana is the main attraction with Augrabies Falls and Tswalu Private Desert Reserve popular destinations - malaria free
Western Cape
The Karoo and Bontebok are 2 of a number of National Parks in the province. A number of private game reserves are spread throughout the province - Ceres Karoo, Clanwilliam, Montagu on Route 62, Garden Route (Albertinia & Plettenberg Bay) and Oudtshoorn - all malaria free

Popular Destinations in South Africa

Popular Destinations in South Africa

South Africa - a world in one country - offers the visitor a multitude of destinations. Cape Town, considered as one of the top 10 destination in the world, the Kruger Park, the Garden Route and the pleasure resort of Sun City; are a few of the much sought after stops on any itinerary.

For the first-time visitor the following are some of the "must see" destinations.

Most Favourite Destinations
* Cape Town
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Table Mountain
Cape Point
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Robben Island
* Western Cape Winelands & Routes
* The Garden Route (Eastern & Western Cape)
* Cango Caves (Oudtshoorn, Western Cape)
* Ostrich Farms (Oudtshoorn, Western Cape)
* Pretoria (Gauteng)
* The Kruger National Park (Mpumalanga & Limpopo)
* Durban beachfront (KwaZulu-Natal)
* Drakensberg Resorts (KwaZulu-Natal)
* KwaZulu-Natal Game Parks (KwaZulu-Natal)
* Soweto (Johannesburg - Gauteng)
* Gold Reef City (Johannesburg)
* Sun City Resort (North West)
* Blyde River Canyon (Mpumalanga)
* Pilgrim's Rest (Mpumalanga)
* Shakaland / Zulu Villages (KwaZulu-Natal)
* Private Game Reserves in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

World Heritage Sites
Cradle of Humankind
A complex series of caves where Mrs Ples, the skull of a 2 million year old female, was found.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A very special slice of Africa, offering ecotourists some of the most diverse wildlife and outdoor experiences imaginable.
Robben Island
A mystical place where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life in exile
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
The 243 000ha Park is a world of gigantic peaks, butresses and large open spaces.
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape - South Africa's first kingdom lasting for 400 years before it was abandoned in the 14th century.
Cape Floral Region
The Cape Floral Region takes up only 0.04% of the world's land area, yet contains an astonishing 3% percent of its plant species.
Vredefort Dome
Some 2-billion years ago a meteorite 10 kilometres in diameter hit the earth about 100km southwest of Johannesburg, creating an enormous impact crater.
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
Covers 160 000 hectares of dramatic mountainous desert in the north-west part of South Africa.
Favourite Nature Reserves
Tsitsikamma National Park - region of startling beauty along South Africa's southern coastline, with the National Park encompassing its spectacular expanse.
Cederberg Wilderness Area - Wolfberg Arch, the Cracks, the Maltese Cross and the gnarled gargoyles and stacked blocks of sculpted sandstone
De Hoop Nature Reserve - with various beautiful mountain bike trails, fynbos and wildlife
Wilderness National Park - a charming world of lakes, rivers, fens, estuaries and beaches against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains.
Witsand Nature Reserve - in the Kalahari, a 2500 ha island of dazzling white sand encircled by the sea of conventional Kalahari red sand.
West Coast National Park - the focal point of this Park is the Langebaan Lagoon, with miles of pristine golden beaches stretching into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes.
Augrabies Falls National Park - situated about 120 km west of Upington on the Orange River

Popular Self-drive Destinations
Klein Karoo
Travelling through the Klein (Little) Karoo the visitor passes through fruit growing, wine producing and ostrich farming towns
Rainbow Route
The Rainbow Route in Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga traces history and culture and is for those with a deep love and respect for nature.
Mpumalanga Escarpment And Lowveld
Land of the 'Big Five', with the Kruger National Park as the best known, but also hiking, eco-safaris, arts & crafts, ethnic villages and wonders of nature.
Valley of the Olifants
One of the last unspoilt corners of Africa - unhurried, contented and timeless, within the splendour of Africa's wildlife and conservation areas

South African Country Places

South Africa Country Places

Eastern Cape
In the Eastern Cape you can surf the world’s biggest waves, ski down the only snow slopes in Africa, go on a `big seven’ safari, visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and bungee the highest bridge in the southern hemisphere.

* Addo Elephant National Park - the most concentrated elephant reserve in Africa
* The Tsitsikamma National Park - offering up a spectacular combination of temperate forest, rocky ravines and breathtaking ocean views.
* Grahamstown - small student town is home to the annual National Arts Festival
* World’s Highest Bungee Jump - to be found at Bloukrans River Bridge on the Storms River.
* Jeffreys Bay – experience the perfect wave in J-Bay, the surfing capital of South Africa
* Snow Skiing - Tiffindell is the only ski resort in Africa.
* The Wild Coast - the largely untamed and extravagantly beautiful Wild Coast - the ultimate holiday destination.

Limpopo
Limpopo province is home to ancient lands and pre-historic secrets. Straddling the northern Kruger Park, Limpopo province boasts wildlife safaris, nature trails – untamed Africa at its finest.

* The Waterberg - The Waterberg Mountains stretch along more than 5 000 km2 of spectacular vistas and scenic valleys
* Mapungubwe - The great ruins at Mapungubwe show remains of the first and greatest ever South African kingdom to have flourished.
* Modjadji Cycad Nature Reserve -situated next to the home of the fabled rain queen, lies the Modjadji Cycad Reserve – boasting some of the oldest and largest cycad specimens on earth.
* Kruger National Park - spot the ‘big five’ from your luxury safari vehicle, or go tracking on foot in the most famous game park in the world.
* Bela-Bela - known as ‘Warmbaths’ for a few decades, because of the hot mineral spring at its centre.
* Lake Fundudzi and the nearby Vondo Forests are said to be the sacred burial ground of the royal Venda clan, (and place of birth and creation in Venda mythology). The area is also said to be protected by a python god.
* Haenertsburg - this gorgeous village in the misty Magoebaskloof mountains near the town of Tzaneen is famous for its cherries, azaleas and abundant flora and birdlife. The perfect spot for the ultimate weekend getaway.
* Nylsvlei (near Modimolle /Nylstroom) is a 160km nature reserve enclosing one of the most beautiful, wetlands in South Africa.

Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is home to exquisite panoramic views, mountains, rivers, trout fishing and birding opportunities, eco-tourism, adventure holidays and the rich offerings of the local Ndebele and Swazi cultures.

* The perfect getaway for fly-fishing enthusiasts, Dullstroom and surrounds offer spectacular beauty and its many lakes makes Dullstroom the perfect weekend getaway spot.
* The little town of Pilgrim’s Rest offers a step backwards into South Africa’s history, complete with themed-museums, restored buildings… and the Victorian-inspired Royal Hotel.
* Graskop - a short drive from Pilgrim’s Rest famous for it’s scenic waterfall and as stop-off en route to the Blyde River Canyon.
* Sabie - the centre of South Africa’s forestry region and although the pace in Sabie is rather laid back, there are a number of activities and day trips.
* One of the most scenic views in South Africa is undoubtedly offered up at the famous Blyde River Canyon – this colossal canyon is famous for its dramatic window on the world.
* Along the Panorama Route visitors love to visit the God’s Window ledge, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels – all of which offer breathtaking panoramas. The Mac-Mac Falls and Lisbon Falls are also a keen favourite for visitors to Mpumalanga.
* Explore the local Shangaan culture at the famous Shangana Cultural Village, a short hop away from the town of Hazyview.

KwaZulu Natal
KwaZulu-Natal with its subtropical coastline, sweeping savannah in the east and magnificent Drakensberg mountain range in the west, caters for just about every taste imaginable.

* The city of Pietermaritzburg has a strong colonial heritage, but also has a great mix of Indian, Zulu and English-speaking people. The city is often referred to as the best-preserved Victorian City in the country.
* Some of South Africa’s best beaches can be found along the Natal coastline, Umhlanga Rocks, Ballito, Shaka’s Rock, Shelley Beach (on the Dolphin Coast), Uvongo and Margate (on the South coast) – to mention just a few.
* The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park -a mountain wilderness, bordering Lesotho, is a vast national park boasting the highest mountain range in South Africa.
* Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is the largest of KZN’s reserves and boasts a fantastic cross section of wildlife. Mkuze and Ithala game reserves are also popular.
* The iSimangaliso (previously Great St Lucia) Wetland Park - an eco-tourism wonderland of beautiful lakes, swamps, forests and marshlands surrounding the estuary of Lake St Lucia.
* Sodwana – a veritable mecca for those who love underwater adventure. The area is also famous for big-game fishing.
* Battlefield route takes you to where some of South Africa’s most turbulent wars took place.
* The Midlands Meander is a picture-postcard country. The area is known for its delightful restaurants and a marvellous arts-and-crafts route.

Gauteng
Gauteng is a cosmopolitan, multicultural mix of people from all walks of life, from all corners of the world.

* Take a tour to the Cradle of Humankind, at Sterkfontein, Gauteng’s famous World Heritage Site – where caves have produced nearly half of the world’s hominid fossil discoveries. Close to the Cradle is the Kromdraai Wonder Cave, as well as the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.
* The Magaliesberg area offers a wonderful arts-and-crafts route including fabulous foodie options, country getaways and wildlife. The Crocodile Ramble and the Magalies Meander are two well-known tourists routes in the area.
* Situated 40 km to the northwest of Pretoria, the Tswaing Meteorite Crater is one of the best-preserved meteorite craters in the world, this crater is home to a few stone artefacts of the Late Stone Age as well as an impressive wetland.

North West Province
Home to the fantastic Pilanesberg and Madikwe game reserves, North West province offers up the big five, fantastic bird-life and wide-open African skies.

* Visit the Taung Heritage Site where the Taung skull was discovered.
* A short, scenic drive outside of Johannesburg, Lesedi Cultural Village offers a window onto the traditions of a number of our indigenous cultures.
* The extravagant Sun City hotel & entertainment complex remains an icon of family fun and entertainment.
* Next door to the famous Sun City resort is the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where visitors can experience the ‘big five’, just two hours from Johannesburg.
* Groot Marico is a small town made famous by author Herman Charles Bosman. The spirit of one of his main characters, the feisty Oom Schalk Lourens, still lingers along the quiet streets of this enticing little town. Groot Marico is home to a vibrant artistic community.
* Madikwe Game Reserve -the area is home to the big five and is famous for its wild dog, spotted hyena, cheetah and elephant population.
* Mafikeng - Victorian buildings stand next to a modern-day museum that boasts ancient San works of art and Tswana traditional exhibits in a powerful juxtaposition of cultures.
* North West is jam-packed with small towns and artistic communities. Potchefstroom, Christiana, Wolmaranstad, Vryburg and Bloemhof are certainly worthy of a self-drive voyage of discovery.
* The De Wildt Cheetah Farm is renowned for the breeding of cheetah (including the rare king cheetah), as well as the brown hyena and African wild dog.
* Vredefort Dome - a World Heritage Site where an ancient meteorite is said to have hit the earth aeons ago.
* Hartbeespoort Dam is just a half-hour drive from Johannesburg, and is something of a weekend mecca for water sports lovers. The area boasts wonderful picnic spots and an opportunity to windsurf, sail, canoe, body-board and catch some sun.

Free State
This tranquil land is the geographic and agricultural centre of South Africa. Famous for its warm South African hospitality and decidedly slower-paced lifestyle, this province has become a draw-card for holiday-makers intent on exploring small-town South Africa.

* Bloemfontein - the city of Roses, and the capital of the Free State Province. Enjoy warm hospitality, friendly but diverse peoples, many attractions and cultural sites.
* The Maluti Route follows the scenic Highlands of the Free State and over the border into the magnificent Maluti Mountains of Lesotho.
* A man-made diamond hole at Jagersfontein of 760m beats the better-known Big Hole of Kimberley for size. Also visit the wine cellars of Landzicht and Wilreza in the scenic Jacobsdal area.
* Ficksburg - located in an important agricultural region of the Free State also known as the Cherry Town of South Africa
* The Golden Gate Highlands National Park - famous for its ‘Mountains of Gold’ – is an area of highveld and montane grassland and well-stocked with eland, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok and zebra.
* The beautiful town of Clarens is the perfect country retreat. Known as the `jewel of the Free State’, Clarens is very popular with the artistic community.
* The Free State has three major watersports venues: the Vaal River (northern Free State); Gariep Dam (the largest dam in the country) and Sterkfontein Dam (near Harrismith).

Western Cape
The Western Cape is one of South Africa’s premier tourist attractions, and home to the famous Table Mountain, vast winelands, magnificent beaches, world-class restaurants and cosmopolitan entertainment haunts.

* The West Coast offers some of the greatest of small town experiences in South Africa.
* Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and you’re in the mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands – all gracious gabled Cape Dutch homesteads, cask-lined cellars, oak-treed towns and ultra fine restaurants.
* The Garden Route - this land of lakes, bays, mountains and forests languishes on the southern coast.
The Klein Karoo - one of the most geologically interesting parts of South Africa with its towering mountains and sheer gorges. A notable geological feature is the Cango Caves, outside of Oudtshoorn.
The Central Karoo - a huge area stretching from Prince Albert at the Swartberg Pass to the Karoo National Park, as the largest ecosystem in South Africa.
The Breede River Valley - forms part of Route 62 that meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn.
The Overberg - an hour east of Cape Town marked by a coastline of holiday-friendly beaches, picturesque seaside towns, and a whale route.

Northern Cape Province
This province boasts a colourful history and a variety of cultural tourist attractions and is particularly well known for its incredible annual floral display that takes place in Namaqualand .

* Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is Africa's first transfrontier game park and one of the largest nature conservation areas in southern Africa, and one of the largest remaining protected natural ecosystems in the world.
* Augrabies Falls National Park - here Africa’s second largest waterfall thunders down into a granite gorge in a spectacular display.
* During August and September, the area of Namaqualand is transformed into a brilliant carpet of wild flowers.
* The province is rich in San rock art paintings that date back to time immemorial.
* Kimberley boasts an excellent museum called the Kimberley Mine Museum. Part of the museum includes the viewing decks into the Big Hole, as well as a number of historic buildings.
* Moffat Mission Station - missionaries tried to convert the local people to Christianity, and Moffat was the first person to attempt translating the Holy Bible into Tswana.
* The Kalahari is home to endless spaces and huge African skies.
* The Northern Cape is littered with small towns that are fast growing in popularity with the arty set in search of peace and quiet. Places such as Nieuwoudtville, Calvinia, Poffadder, Carnarvon and Springbok are worth a visit.
* For adventure-junkies, canoeing down the Orange River is one way to get an adrenalin rush in this part of the world.

Leopard vs Croc

The Leopard won the battle!

Snow in Kokstad

20-09-2008

Speed-cops with their own snowman

Broken branches block our entrance

Hawthorne Street

September 2008

April 2008