Outdoor South Africa

Nov 29

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Fine Dining, Food, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 5 star, hourses, KZN Midlands, scenery

Horse-Lovers Meander

Being horse-lovers, we are always excited to be in the Midlands as every field on every turn is bound to have a grazing horse. Living in the city makes seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat very rare. Our mission was to get up close and personal with some horses. Our first stop was Hartford House – what a lovely place. Tall trees and luscious green grass surrounds the accommodation. The paddocks were empty on our visit but we could see the horses grazing in the distant fields. Luckily, as we drove past the fence, two friendly horses came over to us and allowed us to give them a rub on the nose before they moved on. If you are an avid horse-lover, this stud farm is a definite vacation destination or even a visit on a day trip. Our next horse destination was the Saddle and Trout. Here the horses are more easily accessible. As they were feeding in their enclosures, the horses allowed us to pet them and watch them run about. It was fantastic to be so close to such beautiful and powerful creatures. Horse rides are also offered for those brave enough.

Nov 26

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Food, Hearty Meals, Hiking, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: 4 Star, beautiful setting, great food, scenery

Champagne Castle Hotel

The hotel is perfectly situated right in the mountains. Stunning vista’s from every room allow the visitor to really feel and know that they are away in the mountains. Different room types beautifully appointed cater for all needs. From romantic getaways to a family get away the Hotel caters for all ages. From lovely breakfasts, great lunches and full buffet dinners the food caters for all tastes. Teas on the verandah after a hike in the mountains allow you to unwind and relax. Take a stroll to the close by dams or for the more strenuous and adventurous take a hike to Crystal Falls or the Sphinx For the kids their is an animal farm whilst the parents can be pampered in the Spa for all types of relaxing treatments.

Oct 30

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Hidden Gems, Photographic Opportunity, Things to do 0 comments tags: scenery, wildlife rehabilitation, Zululand

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre

As we embarked on our three hour car journey to the Hluhluwe area from Durban, we were filled with excitement and anticipation. We were headed for Emdoneni Lodge which has a Cat Rehabilitation Centre onsite. For the sum of R180.00 per adult, a tour guide will walk you into each cat enclosure, which gives you a close-up and personal experience with a variety of cats. Our first enclosure held wild cats which looked like ordinary ‘tabby’ cats with a more distinctive feature, being their red ears. The wild cats were as close as a metre away from us, which allowed us to identify with the guide’s description of the cats and with each of their individual personalities. The next enclosure held caracals, which are rather bulky looking cats with beautiful black tipped ears. One was relaxing in the tree above us and looked at us as though she knew we were talking about her. Being breeding season, the male caracal was in a separate enclosure, which we were guided into by our tour guide. As the guide was telling us more about caracals, Bar One (which was the male caracal’s name) was rubbing himself against our legs like a normal […]

Oct 30

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Fine Dining, Food 0 comments tags: 5 star, Cape Town, scenery

Cape Grace

My wife and I spent her celebration of a special birthday here. The views of Table Mountain in the background were lovely. The staff were excellent never forgetting our name and ensured they catered for our every whim. The food was impeccable as well as the service. Located on the V and A Waterfront a short stroll brings you to the vast array of shops and restaurants. Close to Cape Town central the hotel is highly recommended. Each room is different and varied all beautifully appointed. From the moment that you arrive through the doors you are transported into a bygone era on gracefulness and calm. If you are a visitor to a South Africa a stay at the Cape Grace is a must. For more information you can visit the Cape Grace website http://www.capegrace.com

Oct 26

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Coffee & Cake, Explore South Africa, Food, Hidden Gems 0 comments tags: fresh cream, scenery, scones & cream

A day in the KZN midlands

On a sunny yet overcast day we decided to venture out on a road trip to the Midlands. Our first stop was at the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market which was bustling with people. The Farmer’s Market provides an experience for the whole family – it has food stalls, homemade and handmade goods, activities for children and it is pet friendly. It is best to get there as early as possible as the later it gets, the higher the chance of the goods being sold out which shows that this weekly event is much attended and that the goods are highly sought after. Our next stop was in Howick to see the waterfall. Our first priority, however, was to have some breakfast. A cute little place called “Ray’s cafe” caught our eye. Our breakfasts consisted of pork sausages, bacon, eggs, toast and chips and was reasonably priced – it hit the spot on a cold day. After we finished our breakfast in the quaint and homely cafe, we walked down the path passed all the little shops towards the waterfall. As we got closer the sound of the powerful gushing water captivated us and then we saw it – water plummeting down […]

Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Beautiful Walks, Explore South Africa, Food, Great Driving Roads, Photographic Opportunity 0 comments tags: Drakensberg, scenery

Montusi Mountain Lodge

My wife and I spent a weekend at the lodge. We stayed in a lovely garden suite with a beautiful view of the amphitheater from every window. All your needs are met in the room and there are various size suites depending upon your number of persons. The price includes breakfast and a plated dinner. The food was lovely and a step up from the normal buffet fare offered at most Drakensberg resorts. Lunches can be paid for separately and they have a wide offering to choose from. The location of the lodge is special with lovely views of the Northern Berg and you have many hiking and mountain bike options to choose from. Thanks Dean for the review on Montusi Mountain Lodge. For more info on Montusi you can visit their website http://www.montusi.co.za

Oct 13

by Outdoor South Africa in Accomodation, Explore South Africa, Food, Hearty Meals 0 comments tags: 4 Star, scenery

Champagne Castle Hotel

We recently stayed at the self catering units of the hotel. We have also previously stayed in the hotel on a number of occasions. Once again it did not disappoint. The unit we stayed in had lovely views of the mountain range with the small dam in front of the unit. It is also the only unit that is pet friendly. It sleeps a maximum of six, with two separate rooms and a further area upstairs with two single beds. The main room is en suite and there is also a bathroom downstairs. All the comforts of home are provided with good quality finishes and equipment in the kitchen. You can also eat in the hotel if you wish. A lovely spa is also available for pampering.

Horse-Lovers Meander

Champagne Castle Hotel

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre

Cape Grace

A day in the KZN midlands

Montusi Mountain Lodge

Champagne Castle Hotel

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