Karoo Rain Clouds
Because the Karoo – in the Eastern Cape – is a semi-desert region, rain is a blessing.
Category: Africa
Nqweba Dam
Nqweba dam, just north of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, is a popular retreat for anglers, who can expect to catch Mullet, Common Carp, Round Herrin, African Catfish, Moggel, River Goby and Mosquito Fish. Water sports enthusiasts are seen baking along the waters’ edge when…
Bundu-bashing in the Eastern Cape
Bundu-bashing: (informal South African slang) meaning driving off-road in the wilderness. I’d like to think that it’s to admire the picturesque view, however many bundu-bashing enthusiasts would probably argue that rough terrain is the best way to test their 4×4 driving driving capabilities.
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…
Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandela Bay is known by many names. So many in fact that it’s hard to keep up with all of them: The Friendly City, The Windy City, Algoa Bay, The Bay. Until 2001 it was known as Port Elizabeth, although you’ll find that many…
South Africa’s Freeeeedom Day
South Africa has truly come a tremendous way in its coming of age. On 27 April 2012 – Freedom Day – South Africans lifted their glasses in celebration of 18 years of democracy. A coming of age. 27 April 1994. This remarkable day in our recent history…
Amsterdam: The one in South Africa
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…
Why To Take 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…
Tracking 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…
Rhinos: They depend on you and me
“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…
How to Hug a 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…
Birds of Prey
The heartland of Limpopo Province is the ideal location for Moholoholo: a game and nature reserve and its wildlife rehabilitations centre. It is cradled in the arms of the Drakensberg mountains. This animal sanctuary embraces wild animals that have been injured due to the unrestricted encroachment…
Cats of Prey
The Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre in Limpopo Province also rehabilitations cats of prey.
Zebras: How They Got Their Stripes
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…
Inhambane: Markets and Naval Buildings
Tantalising smells allure me from a distance; the vivid colours of the produce draw me deeper into the inner workings of its core; the hustle enchants me, until I realise that I have been standing in the same place for over five minutes – allowing strangers…
Dhow Fishermen
The patchwork dhow harnessed the movement of the wind. One, two, three, four and another penetrated the surface of the thigh-high water at evenly spaced intervals. Commands rode upon the back of the wind and filled their ears causing muscles to clench in synchronised movements. Each hauled…