Land of the Camdeboo

Posted on December 5, 2011 by terry| Comments Off

Land of the Camdeboo Leaves You Spoilt for Choice
The Karoo and the unique lush valley of the Camdeboo have extended its power annexing mountains and plains. Camdeboo must be Africa’s most treasured secret; simply wallow in the loveliness of this immense land and open spaces and enjoy filling your soul with the exquisiteness of the surroundings.
Stable cottages, guest houses, lodges, resorts, country houses are all the different types of accommodation you will be able to choose from when you visit Graaff Reinet or any of the quaint little towns dotted across the plains of the Great Karoo.
There is something for everyone; the extreme adventurer will be able to enjoy trails and hikes, absailing from the cliffs, horse trails and so much more.

Great Karoo towns that will leave you with a smile on your lips:

•    Established in 1855, Aberdeen is one of those unique Karoo towns that was a mission station on the farm of Brakkerfontein, and was named after the town of Aberdeen in Scotland. This was the birthplace of the minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Graaff-Reinet. Aberdeen is home to many artists and writers, where an ambience of Victoriana and colour presides.
•    Bedford is a charming Settler village which is cuddled at the foot of the Bedford Mountains, steeped in history and which offers the adventurer diverse and comfortable accommodation with much to see and do.
•     Dolomite formations, natural springs and wild olives  is what makes Cambell special; steeped in the history of the San and Griquas will leave you saturated.
•    Colesburg is a town situated on the N1; stop over on your way to Cape Town and make this a memorable experience by staying over at one of the lovely little cottages or guest houses.

No stay in the Karoo is complete unless you have savoured the fine Karoo lamb and SA cuisine; the people are warm-hearted, friendly and hospitable. You will have to travel far and wide to equal your traditional Karoo experience.

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Land of the Midnight Sun

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Theresa Anne| Comments Off

Welcome to The Land of the Midnight Sun, When The Night Turns Into Day



At the beginning of winter a team of snow builders, architects, artists and also designers from all over the world get together in the town of Jukkarsjärvi, north of the Arctic Circle.
Under the guidance of the Ice Hotel Art and Design Group, the Ice Hotel is created anew each year.
This building is started up early in November each year. The most important tools used to build The Ice Hotel are snow guns, which is sprayed onto enormous steel forms, then left to freeze. After a couple of days, the forms are removed leaving free-standing corridors of snow. Dividing walls are then built in order to create the rooms. Ice blocks which are harvested from the Torne River in spring are then transported into the hotel where the various artists create the hotel.
Many of the artists that build the hotel are experienced ice artists, but many of the artists on the team have never before experienced temperatures below sub-zero temperatures.



Every year a unique Ice Hotel is re-created from scratch.
When spring arrives and the sun starts to thaw the walls of ice and snow, the hotel is finally closed and is returned to the Torne River.

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Train Trip For A Taste Of Nostalgia

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Theresa Anne| Comments Off


Rovos Rail’s train journeys span the length and the breadth of southern Africa; it sometimes incorporates trips as far a field as Dar es Salaam, but the first prize incorporates and encapsulates old world colonial charm with a trip both to and from Victoria Falls.


The grand old Victoria Falls Hotel is 107 years old. Sip cocktails on the Stanley Terrace; enjoy a nibble of nostalgia and take pleasure in the mango trees and the lily ponds in the central courtyard of this impressive old lady.


The safari-clad and plinth-helmeted concierge takes you back to the era of British Colonialism. You are forgiven for falling under the sweetest spell when you take a trip to The Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe. The young Princess Elizabeth stayed at this wonderful old hotel with her young family on her fabled African visit in 1947.


The hotel affords spectacular views and vistas of the countryside that ripples and crisscrosses for miles with the breath of the falls that float into the sky like blooms of steam in the distance.


Fine fare is prepared, of which a large portion is organically grown and served from the fine kitchens of The Victoria Falls Hotel.


The best part of all about this fine old hotel is that it leads directly onto the railway line and has its own entrance to the station. On arrival at the station, the local Ndebele put on a show that is quite enchanting with their synchronized voices and the beat of African drums.


For a holiday experience with a difference, book a deluxe suite on Rovos Rail that offers a room with a view and double bed. The train trip promises to be unforgettable, nostalgic and enchanting, equipped with butlers in attendance. It is a great pity that the golden age of elegant train travel is something of the past. Rovos Rail will offer you a wistful and remarkable trip.



 

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Baviaanskloof – Unusual Holidays

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Theresa Anne| Comments Off

If you are looking for a holiday with a difference, then look no further than the Makkedaat Caves, which is in the Baviaanskloof, 50 kms from the town of Willowmore in the Karoo.
There is a natural rock overhang that has been enclosed in order to form a double storey cave house that is able to sleep up to 10 people. A wooden verandah offers panoramic views of the rippling valleys below.
This perfectly unique natural cave that has been transformed and fitted with facilities that includes running hot water, a loo with a view (quite eccentric), and a little kitchen that has been fitted with an stove and sink.
South Africans are famous for braaing, and this accommodation will certainly not disappoint. The braai area is conveniently situated right outside the cave and to complete this delightful setting, there is a boma where you will be able to sit back, relax, and watch the remaining jewels of the sun tucking its shy head behind the clouds that float like blooms of steam across the evening sky. Paraffin lamps and candles will blunt the edges of the cave transforming it as the pure pitch blackness envelops the campsite, and a myriad stars offer a spectacular, electrical show.
The accommodation is self-catering, but meals and firewood are also available should you prefer. Delectable fresh bread from the farm will get your gastric juices flowing; remember to book all these little extras in advance.
Because the cave is of natural rock, the area is warm in winter and cool in summer, making this perfect all year round.
And what does one do at the Makkedaat Caves? The farm offers numerous hiking routes that are clearly marked where you can view rock formations and dip your feet in sapphire blue mountain waters.
Many of the trails offer a fresh, yet vigorous walk or climb because they form part of the mountain.
If you are keen to escape from city-life and crave a little bit of escapism, then Bavaainskloof should be your perfect holiday choice, with a little bit of the unusual thrown in.

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Kindle Zip Sleeve

Posted on December 1, 2011 by admin| Leave a comment

Everything about this Kindle Zip Sleeve cover  looks the part and will give your eBook reader that edge to appeal to your  stylish tastes, yet at the same time safeguarding your highly prized machine.

Not only just a pretty face, this kindle zip sleeve cover will definitely going to improve the lifespan of your kindle as it will rise to the occasion in making that mission worthwhile. This Kindle sleeve cover is specifically designed for all Kindle Touch is made by Amazon and their stylish nylon sleeve provides optimal protection for your Kindle while you’re on the go. The lightweight material, slim design, and zipper closure make it easy to quickly and securely stow your device in any bag or purse. Furthermore, this portable zip sleeve that is made in a wide variety of colors and designs to suit your stylish needs and it is so lightweight at its means which you will not find the weight of it to be a mission.

Thanks to their sleek, form-fitted leather cover is perfect for protecting your Kindle Touch wherever you go.

The premium, all-natural leather exterior looks and feels great, while the soft microfiber interior protects the screen from scratches. The cover is designed to fold back, so you can read comfortably with just one hand. Thanks to their innovative design these sleeve covers has as it uses the innovative cover that is designed specifically for Kindle and secures your device without any hinges or straps. Simply place your Kindle on the form-fitted interior of the cover and then gently press the device into place.

With that thought in mind, for the ultimate hard-wearing adventure accessory get your Kindle Zip Sleeve today.

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See the best of the city from Cape Town hotels

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Adventure Holiday| Comments Off

Art galleries, museums, monuments, botanical gardens, biodiversity gardens, urban parks, seascapes, mountains, winelands, upmarket shopping centres, flea markets, organic markets and live music… South Africa’s Mother City has all that and more.

Cape Town hotels are well situated to allow you to choose some or all of these things to do during your holiday, depending on your time and budget. There is a wide selection of contemporary, photographic and commercial art galleries to browse through and you could even choose some wonderful investment pieces to suit your office or home.

At one end of the Company’s Garden, Cape Town hotel guests can wander into the South African Museum to see collections of fossils that are almost 700-million years old and stone tools made by people 120 000 years ago. But not everything is ancient. Modern displays include ‘T-shirts printed yesterday’ and ‘insects and fish’ caught last week.

The Museum was founded in 1825 and is one of the city’s many treasures. Within the landscaped Garden, Cape Town hotel guests can indulge in more of its attractions – the cute little squirrels that live there provide hours of entertainment if you have time to dawdle and even feed them.

The nearest beach is a 10-minute drive to Sea Point where people love to walk along the promenade, taking in the invigorating air of the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Town hotels vie for prime positions along the V&A Waterfront, built next to the working harbour, and boast magnificent views out to sea to Robben Island and inland towards the world-famous Table Mountain. You can go on short cruises in the harbour, or investigate longer options along the coast towards Camps Bay. There are not many Cape Town hotels in this area, but its one of the trendiest spots in the city.

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Posted in Activities South Africa, Adventure Holiday, Adventure Tour, Travel Adventure, Travel Plan

Red Wines

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Theresa Anne| Comments Off

For any and all wine lovers the, Cape Wine Route is something that simply cannot be overlooked. From the awe-inspiring mountains towering over the quaint little town of Franschoek to the breath-taking Tulbach Valley, the wine route will leave the visitor with everlasting memories.
You will be able to savour and taste all those fine memories in every sip of wine on your return from the wine route.
Darling
Visit Darling where wild flowers grow and red wines flow! Darling was founded by Charles Henry Darling in the year 1853, and is situated 27, 593 kms from Cape Town. This little town is popular for a variety of notable things, not least of all the floral and fruity wines that are grown in the area.
All blends of wine are unique and vary in taste; the taste result is due to the varietals used. Red wine varietals usually consist of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Pinotage.
Did you know that when Pinotage is included in a red blend, it is called a Cape Blend?
When visiting Darling don’t forget to go on a game drive through the Buffelsfontein Nature Reserve, or have a bite and enjoy a show at the Evita se Perron theatre cum restaurant. The Darling wine route was only considered an authentic wine route in 2004.



BWI for the eco-friendly wine connoisseur
BWI is the acronym for Biodiversity and Wine Initiative; so when you see this logo on wines it means that the farm where the wine was grown has set a portion of their land aside for the conservation of the Cape Ecosystem. Some wine producers have donated as much as 10% of their land to this cause.
Go green in Darling when partaking in the enjoyment of the Rocking the Daisies Music and Lifestyle Festival every October.


If you would like to find out more about red wines, then contact us today for more information.

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Posted in Activities South Africa

Wine

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Adventure Holiday| Comments Off


Remember there is no hard and fast rule to the kind of wine you should be drinking. Forget about fashions and fads and simply go for the one that you like best, and remember that when you do find the one that is perfect for your palate, buy a whole case or even a couple of cases, because there is nothing sadder than getting to the last bottle and you find you are unable to find the wine that you have fallen in love with.
Wine is there for your enjoyment. There is no point in having wines in your wine collection that you will never drink and that you simply do not enjoy. This is what wine experts recommend when you buy wine, or if you are building up a wine collection.
Choosing the correct wine is quite easy; simply taste as much wine as possible and decide which ones fit your lifestyle and individual tastes. And once you find a wine that is perfectly suited to your tastes, say for example a Merlot or a Chardonnay, do a little research on the internet and find out more about the wineries where the wines come from and which ones have a good reputation regarding these wines. Or ask your bottle store for further information.
If you do plan on keeping a wine for a long time, say for a couple of years, then ask the winemaker how long it is recommended that the wine should be stored.
There is a plethora of choices and a good starting point would be to keep a variety of wines in your collection, of which some should include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage, and Chenin Blanc, ranging in price. Sparkling wine, port and a noble late harvest will complete your collection as well.
Remember that selecting fine wine should be paired to complement certain foods, too. When pairing wine, look to contrasting or complementing elements; this is especially pertinent to the new style of cooking which we enjoy in today’s world.
For more on fine wine and building up your wine collection, contact us to find out more about types of wine and wineries. 

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Wines

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Adventure Holiday| Comments Off

The South African wine industry has grown in leaps and bounds and has evolved enormously and is respected in the international wine market. South African wines are well-loved where excellence can be bought at a good price.


In terms white blends, large volumes of crisp, fresh wines are being produced. Understanding the different types of wines, varietals and wine blends will improve an appreciation for your favorite wine and also favourite vineyard.
Blended wines do not meet the same high standards as those of the varietals. This does not mean that white wine blends are substandard. The blending of wines is considered of an ancient noble tradition. As a matter of facts, the French have been blending grapes into Bordeaux for hundreds of years, and another fine example is Italy’s famous red Chianti, which is a blend of sangiovese and canaiolo grapes.
Blends often make use of two or three of the varietals which consist of sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Sauvignon Vert. Wineries try to be flexible when making wine. Experts agree that white blends can often be more balanced than varietals, which often results in a better flavour and better taste.
Wine consumption is a personal experience and will differ from one individual to the next.
For more information on wines, varietals, and blends, contact us to find a wine that you will fall in love with today!

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Posted in Activities South Africa

Brandy

Posted on September 14, 2011 by emma| Comments Off

Brandy


Brandy is a spirit that is produced by distilling wine and generally contains around 35% to 60% alcohol volume and is typically taken as an after dinner drink.


So after you have had a nice dinner sit back and relax with some brandy.


Some brandies are aged in wooden casks and others are simply coloured with a caramel colouring which will imitate the effect of an aging. Some brandy use a combination of colouring and aging.


You can serve brandy either neat or on the rocks. Brandy is also added to other beverages that can make several yummy and popular cocktails. Brandy can also be used to cook with and can aid in making some scrumptious desserts or for soups.


There are three main types of brandy which are grape brandy, which is produced b the distillation of fermented grapes. Fruit brandy is distilled from other fruits other then grapes. Pomace brandy is produced by the fermentation and distillation of the rape skins, seeds and stems that remain after the grapes have been pressed.


Brandy is a great drink for you to take pleasure in.



 

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