South Africa’s West Coast: A road trip itinerary

South Africa's West Coast

Now that I’m a Cape Town local, it’s easy and convenient to explore South Africa’s West Coast with day trips from the city or long weekends away. Perhaps, it’s because I’m still somewhat of a Joburger, but I’m surprised that the West Coast, which outlines…

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The First South African National Instameet

If you love Instagram as much as I do, then you have to go to the first South African National Instameet. It’s happening in Graaff-Reinet from 24 – 27 September 2015 and everyone is invited! Here’s your chance to explore the little town in the…

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Along The Zambezi River

Zambezi River

Victoria Falls The Zambezi River, which straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is the lifeline of the Victoria Falls and all the tourism it attracts and opportunity it creates for both countries. Even along the main road into town from the Victoria Falls International…

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Is there a FRACKING way?

Fracking

Fracking: You’re either for it or against it! There seem to be no gray zones when it comes to hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. I was in the Karoo, a semi-desert region of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, at the end of…

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The Valley of Desolation

First South African National Instameet

While its name is quite ominous, the Valley of Desolation is one of the most picturesque parts of South Africa. It is found within Camdeboo National Park and although it is located in a remote part of the Karoo (the name says everything), it welcomes up…

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Mohair Country

Mohair Country

The Eastern Cape is mohair country. With around 900 mohair farmers, South Africa is the world’s largest mohair producer, it makes up 54% of world production. Here are a few angora goats, from which we get mohair, grazing on a Karoo farm. I interviewed their…

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Amsterdam: The one in South Africa

Amsterdam

I enjoy telling people that I’m going to Amsterdam, before adding “but not the one in the Netherlands”. Questioning and puzzled looks are often cast in my direction. And I don’t blame them as Amsterdam, in Mpumalanga – near the border with Swaziland, isn’t particularly well…

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Why To Take The Dirt Road

The Dirt Road

While we have been driving to my aunt and uncle in Mpumalanga for around two decades, this time we decided to take the picturesque route. It is probably more communally referred to as the dirt road – yes, it’s that road that everyone bypasses because…

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Tracking Rhinos

Rhinos

Don’t be surprised if as you drive into a game park or nature reserve there is a sign asking you to switch off geotagging, especially if you’re going to be posting photographs on social media platforms. This is just another way to cause a black…

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Rhinos: They depend on you and me

Rhino

“Their tough, wrinkled, grey skin resembled the furrows and dongas of the African landscape. These gentle herbivores would eat large amounts of grass and the leaves of small shrubs. Depending on the species they could weigh up to three tons. They were characteristically known for…

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How to Hug a Baobab!

Baobab

Firstly, take a deep breath Secondly, appreciate its highest branches by averting your eyes skywards Thirdly, lovingly extend your arms as far as they will go Fourthly, hold onto the outstretched hands of loved ones, friends, strangers, anyone Fifthly, embrace it as tightly as you…

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Zebras: How They Got Their Stripes

Zebra

Children paint colourful explanations in the minds of adults as to why and how the zebra got its stripes. These anecdotes often revert back to the age-old question of: ‘Are zebras white with black stripes, or black with white stripes?’ There have been many postulations…

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Road Trip To Mozambique

Road trip

Aaahhh, how I have missed a decent road trip! Here are three photographs that stand out for me from our road trip to Mozambique. I’ve never been and so I’m very excited to cross it off the bucket list, and hope to return again. On the first…

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Galle: Views from the Bastions

Galle

The Dutch colonial city of Galle and its fortifications are perched on a rocky outcrop on the south-western peninsular of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site remains the largest European-built fort in Asia. Greek, Roman, Chinese, Indian, Persian and Arab seamen wandered around the…

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Unawatuna: Reasons to Beach

Unawatuna

I think these pictures are reason enough to convince you why Unawatuna, in the Galle District of south western Sri Lanka, is an ideal place to be a beach bum. So why not slap on some sun lotion, grab a great book and recline on…

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Mirissa: The Seaside Beckons

Mirissa

The seven-hour bus ride from the highlands of Nuwara Eliya, in central Sri Lanka, to Mirrisa on the southern coast was worth every moment, even if only for the picturesque detour through Ella. We meandered between mountains and hills, which tightly held onto clouds by…

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