The end of one day merely ushers in the beginning of another Some find hope in the end; some find hope in the beginning And so one never knows whether it’s the sunrise or the sunset that is more beautiful And perhaps there is no…
Now I can say that I’ve visited one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Country number 22 on my travel list was Namibia: the 34th largest country, which only boasts a population of 2.32 million. The former German colony was mandated to…
To celebrate the Lunar New Year and the start of the year of the dragon, I visited the Nan Hua Buddhist temple in Bronkhorstspruit, which is approximately 100km from Sandton. The stalls which attracted so many hungry customers really did give me the impression that I…
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…
The centre piece of Graaff-Reinet is its national monument: the Dutch Reformed church. It greets visitors at the end of the main street in this small Karoo town, which is aptly named Church Street. And why would it be called anything else? The church is…
The overcast sky didn’t discourage me as I drove towards Camdeboo National Park, which means ‘Green Valley’. Graaff-Reinet was peacefully cradled in the valley between the hills. It was still early and it hadn’t awoken yet. As the mist came over the hills’ shoulders, it playfully…
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…
Because the Karoo – in the Eastern Cape – is a semi-desert region, rain is a blessing.
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: (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.
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 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 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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…