Now that I’m a qualified tourist guide and better understand the ins-and-outs of South Africa’s travel landscape, I wanted to share some of the insights I’ve learned theoretically and practically about what it takes to operate a legitimate travel business in South Africa. I interviewed…
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…
There’s plenty of opportunity to take a shot left to explore the beauty that is Mzansi. All while boosting our local tourism sector which has been hard hit, like so many other industries, by Miss Coco-V. South Africa truly is the world wrapped up into…
Today (18 July 2018) we celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth in the hamlet of Mvezo, near Mthatha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. Madiba, Rolihlahla, Tata, Khulu, Dalibhunga, no matter how you know or refer to him, he is the symbolic father of our democratic…
This is a monthly guide of what to do and see in South Africa in 2018, from music and beer festivals to whale watching, witnessing the majestic sardine run as well as the Western Cape flowers in full bloom. Whether you’re a local or a…
South Africa is epic in so many ways. To honour of Tourism Month and Heritage Day this month, I asked local and international travel bloggers what they love most about South Africa. Here’s what they said, along with a few interesting facts, you may not have…
10 friends. 16 days. 2 300 kilometres (or somewhere in that region) makes for an epic road trip along South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal coast. Last year, nine friends and I, packed ourselves into three cars to road trip across South Africa. We started in Johannesburg and made…
“Magical!” That’s the one word Vincenzia Diedericks uses to describe Kaapsehoop (or Kaapschehoop, according to the Dutch spelling). After a day trip to this small town in Mpumalanga’s highlands they bought a holiday home. “There’s something here, it earths you. When I put my feet…
Updated January 2023: The road to animal exploitation is often paved with good intentions coupled with innocent ignorance. If you’re considering volunteering in South Africa (or anywhere for that matter) at a legitimate wildlife conservation project that’ll mean getting your hands dirty and no interactions…
I’m sitting on the verandah of Just Country Cottage, with my legs propped up on a wooden chair, looking out onto Lake Chrissie, as I eat breakfast, when a quacking duck waddles past. Two more follow suit. I don’t think much of it as I…
This post was originally published in 2015 and has been fully updated in 2026 with new travel tips, directions and accommodation info. Until my recent visit to Val, I hadn’t even heard of it. My excuse? Its size: it is the smallest hamlet in South…
In South Africa, September is both Tourism and Heritage Month, so no there’s no excuse needed to justify a road trip through the country. And here’s a mathematical equation that proves it beyond doubt: Tourism Month = 9 days + 7 South African provinces + 3000-odd kilometres &…
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…
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…
I love travelling solo. (Here are some awesome destinations for solo female travellers.) Though there are certain destinations where I take comfort in travelling with a guide and fellow travellers, especially if it’s my first visit. I undertook my first group tour with other travellers,…